Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elder Gerald Penick, Sr., who passed away on Friday morning, March 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children in Alvarado, Texas.
Elder Penick was born on October 1, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, where his father pastored. Beginning at age 4, Gerald displayed his musical talent, playing the piano and adding the organ soon after. He led choirs by age 13. He graduated from Oakwood College in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Linda Penick.
Elder Penick’s ministry journey included being the organist for C.D. Brooks and E.E. Cleveland. He began his pastoral ministry in the South Central Conference, Central States Conference, and Allegheny West Conference before he joined the Southeastern California Conference. In Allegheny West, he finished building the Southeast SDA Church in Cleveland, OH. At Kansas Avenue, he held several evangelistic series to plant the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, leading baptisms at the Union for several years.
After pastoring the Kansas Avenue and 31st Street churches, he transitioned into the conference office. There, he served as Vice President of Black Ministries, where he created the Black Adventist Ministerial Fellowship (BAMF) and established the Black Ministries camp meeting, which was open to all churches. Over the course of 25 years, he held key positions including Vice President, Executive Secretary, and served as President for Southeastern California Conference from 2005-2012.
As president, Elder Penick’s leadership created an indelibly tangible impact within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jonathan Park, current president of SECC shares, “under Elder Penick's leadership, Elder Sandra Roberts became the first female Executive Secretary and later the first female president of a conference in the North American Division. I have always appreciated his extraordinary way he welcomed me into the conference office and his willingness to listen and impart his wisdom.”
Though Elder Penick’s leadership in administration was invaluable, his dream was always to return to pastoral ministry after leaving the office. He worked another six years in local congregational leadership. He served as Executive Pastor at Garden Grove (now OC Grace), served as Interim Pastor at several congregations, and concluding his years of ministry at Arden Hills in 2018 and OC Grace in 2019.
We are deeply grateful for Elder Penick’s many years of faithful service to the Southeastern California Conference and his unwavering commitment to ministry. He was well-loved for his gifted piano and organ playing, and his smile and laughter brightened the lives of many. His love for Jesus and his passionate energy for service left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Elder Penick is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, his adult children Gerald Penick, Jr. (Terri), Eric (Tanisha), Anthony (Johanna), and seven grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.
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Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Bernard Taylor. He passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, and is now at rest in Jesus. A memorial service for Dr. Taylor will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church. All are welcome to attend his memorial service.
Dr. Taylor taught biblical languages at La Sierra University beginning in the early 1990s until 2021. Upon accepting appointment as Associate Pastor of the Loma Linda University Church in 1990, Dr. Taylor also joined La Sierra University’s School of Religion as Collaborating Professor of Biblical Languages and Old Testament Theology—a position he held until 2021. During these years he regularly led La Sierra's pastoral ministry students into a thorough knowledge of the biblical languages of classical Hebrew and Koiné Greek, as well as into Ecclesiastical Latin, and the theological thought of the Hebrew scriptures. The publication of his Analytical Lexicon to the Septuagint (Zondervan 1994; rev. 2009) marked his thoroughgoing scholarship and lasting contribution to the field of scriptural linguistics. Accordingly, graduates of La Sierra who applied for admission into graduate programs in pastoral ministry at the SDA Theological Seminary and other advanced institutions found ready acceptance; their knowledge of the biblical languages was consistently strong.
Another significant part of Dr. Taylor's public ministry during these years was his regular participation over a couple of decades and more, as a panelist on "Searching for Answers," the popular weekly telecast on Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, with world-wide viewership. His spiritual insights into biblical teachings, arising from his thorough linguistic knowledge that were delivered in terms that spoke to the Christian lives of ordinary laypeople (often with a touch of his gentle trademark humor), contributed definitively to the program's success.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
Memorial Service for Dr. Bernard Taylor
March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Loma Linda University Church
11125 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
On Nov. 17, 2024, the Blythe Central and Blythe SDA churches, hosted their second annual Thanksgiving Community Lunch. The event originated by Joshua Lopez, former district pastor in 2023, was a way for the churches to love and serve their community.
Service is part of the rhythm at Blythe Central; every other Sunday they open for community showers, clothes, and food distribution. Rather than inviting the community to their campus, this occasion was focused on bringing the event to them in Todd Park. Tables and chairs were donated by a local city resident who heard about the event and wanted to support the work of the church. Decorations were hung, a speaker system was set up, and for six hours, people poured through the park to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship.
Why the park? Gabriel Riojas, district pastor, explained, “we want to be in the community. We’re here to serve you, you don’t have to come to us to be served.” Riojas led out in a short devotional service and members of the community and church stepped up to lead an impromptu music set for the next hour.
The gathering was more than just a social event. Esmeralda Velasco, the Thanksgiving Community Lunch event coordinator, opened the doors of service inviting members to cook either at the church or home. Her husband, David Velasco, elder of Blythe Central, drove around town that day and provided rides for the unsheltered members of the community so they could participate in the festivities. Councilwoman Summer Spraggins also attended the event and helped serve food as church members took the initiative to sit down at tables and create bonds to plant seeds through conversation, food, and tract distribution. Meals were packaged and distributed around town to those unable to attend.
Renay Sandoval, a young adult at the Blythe church and then mom of a two-month old, just knew she had to be involved. Baptized in 2023, Sandoval signed up to help as soon as she heard about the call. “I feel like God is already moving in this town. The Holy Spirit is here. I love how God is bringing everyone together, members and the community. God is good!”
On January 7, 2025, a series of destructive wildfires began to sweep through the Los Angeles metropolitan area and surrounding regions, leaving behind devastation. Entire blocks were reduced to ashes, and countless individuals lost their homes.
In times of crisis, communities often come together in remarkable ways. Friends, families, and churches mobilize to support those in need. The young adult ministry at Loma Linda University, Praxis, was no exception. Within days, they organized a plan to assist victims of the fires. Jamie Nelson, the Outreach Coordinator for Praxis, took the lead. Reflecting on the situation, she shared, “What helped so many people in our church see the need was understanding that someone in a nearby community was experiencing something life-changing—losing everything they worked for, grew up with, and cherished in an instant. The loss is unspeakable.”
Nelson began by contacting Seventh-day Adventist churches near the affected areas to assess how the Praxis community could help. Valley Crossroads SDA confirmed the immense need, and after receiving approval from Praxis leadership, Nelson quickly made calls to finalize their plans. "Praxis is filled with people who want to help," she said. "I knew what I felt in my heart, every person would feel that way too."
The call for help was shared on the Praxis Instagram by 9 a.m. Friday morning. Within 24 hours, there were 65 volunteers eager to assist their neighbors in need. When the team arrived at Valley Crossroads SDA, they organized stations for hygiene items, sleeping gear, canned foods, diapers, and clothing for all ages. Families could grab bags and fill them with essentials, with volunteers assisting them in carrying the items to their cars. In total, they helped approximately 150 families that day.
The following week, the team extended their efforts to another church in the area, White Memorial SDA, where they saw even more volunteers than the previous week, united in their mission to provide relief in the face of devastation.
While these efforts cannot erase the destruction or the years of rebuilding many families will face, they are a testament to the power of community and compassion. In times of need, individuals and groups mobilize to help in any way they can. The Praxis young adults continue to pray for and support fire victims as best they can. They take great comfort in the belief that, even amidst devastation, God stands with those who are suffering.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor David Perez Torpoco. He passed away January 27, 2025, and is now resting in Jesus. Originally from Huancayo, Peru, he received his education at Colegio Unión and pastored for 25 years before beginning his ministry in the United States.
Pastor Perez was a servant of God, the church, a beloved husband and father that left a legacy of inspiration. He is best remembered as being present and intentional with those he loved and served.
Before his retirement, Perez served in Orange County, assisting with a colporteur ministry, leading bible studies, and pastoring the Brawley, Indio Spanish, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and La Sierra Spanish churches.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for the many years of service to our Church and his commitment to ministry. He brought a spirit full of love for Jesus and passionate energy of service to others.
He leaves behind his wife Elizabeth and his children, Sam, Areli, Aurora, his 4 grandchildren Bernard, Amanda, Ariana, and Elias. A service will be held on February 9, 2025, at the La Sierra Spanish church.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
After over 30 years of dedicated ministry, Doug Mace has retired from his role at Loma Linda University Church (LLUC), leaving a legacy of passion and transformative leadership that has profoundly shaped the church community. Beginning as a volunteer youth leader in 1985, Doug’s willingness to serve—despite personal challenges—set the foundation for a thriving career in ministry.
Invited by Shirley and Marvin Ponder, Doug first served in children’s Sabbath school and as a Camp Meeting storyteller. He soon joined the youth ministry at the invitation of Dr. Fred Kasische, learning that ministry didn’t require perfection, only a willing heart. Guided by Dr. William Loveless, who encouraged him to embrace a pragmatic approach to serving God, Mace formally answered the call to ministry in 1994. This pivotal moment began a lifelong journey as a youth pastor for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC).
Doug’s leadership philosophy centered on empowering young people. Through programs like Teen Ministry (TMs) and Junior High Leadership, he provided spaces for youth to grow as disciples of Christ. “I don’t make leaders—God does,” Mace shared. “But I can create opportunities for them to flourish.” By engaging young people in the life of the church and fostering their sense of purpose, Doug inspired countless youth to deepen their connection to God.
Throughout his career, Doug worked alongside exceptional colleagues, including his close friend and mentor, Randy Roberts, senior pastor of LLUC. Together, they spearheaded impactful initiatives such as annual Camp Meetings, Easter Sabbath celebrations, and summer family fun nights—memories Doug treasures deeply. Pastors' retreats in San Clemente remain among his favorite moments, reflecting the camaraderie and vision-building that characterized his ministry.
As Doug steps into retirement, he looks forward to slowing down, spending time with his family, and enjoying Sabbath worship at LLUC. His plans include woodworking, honing his skills as an “Instagram chef,” and developing activities to engage youth beyond their phones.
Doug’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his legacy will continue to inspire the LLUC community for years to come. His faith, dedication, and heart for service leave a lasting imprint, reminding all of us that God truly works through willing hearts.
January 30, 2025 | Columbia, MD
From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency
There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin—the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.
As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No.14).
“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity, and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).
The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female—all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.
Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.
Sincerely,
G. Alexander Bryant, DMin
President
Kyoshin Ahn, PhD
Executive Secretary
Judy Glass
Treasurer/CFO
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Julio Tabuenca. He passed away Friday, January 17, 2025.
Pastor Julio Tabuenca was born in Juliaca, Peru, where his parents served as missionaries from Argentina. In 1967, he and his wife, Alicia, traveled from Argentina to the United States to pursue master's degrees at Andrews University. Pastor Julio would go on to complete his PhD from CA Graduate School of Theology and his EdD from Loma Linda University.
Over his lifetime, Pastor Julio held several leadership roles ranging from Adventist education to Public Health. His last thirty years of ministry were spent in the Southeastern California Conference where he pastored nearly a dozen churches with his trademark passion and dedication, eventually retiring as senior pastor of the Campus Hill church in 2018.
He leaves behind his wife Alicia, children Monica Huff, Arturo Tabuenca, and five granddaughters.
Southeastern California Conference expresses their gratitude for his years of service and active membership in spreading the gospel.
Please join us in keeping his family and loved ones in prayer.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Daniel Skoretz. He passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 15, 2025, with his wife and children by his side in Grand Terrace, California. After 97 years, he is now at rest in Jesus.
Pastor Skoretz served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years through faithful service. He started his career in Canada, serving as pastor in the Prince Albert district and Edmonton churches. He then served as a departmental director in the Alberta Conference and the Ontario/Quebec Conference. After earning his MA in Education, he taught at Canadian Union College in the theology department. After earning an MPH at Loma Linda University, he taught at the School of Public Health and then worked in the Ministerial department and Health department of the General Conference. Returning to pastoral work in the Southeastern California Conference he pastored the Hemet church during the construction of their present church complex. In retirement he served part time at the Crestline, Homeland and Mentone churches. He served the Adventist Church as an employee for 73 years with 40 years of pastoral ministry. Most recently, he pastored at the Mentone and Homeland churches as associate pastor before his retirement in 2024.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for the many years of service to our Church and his commitment to ministry. He brought a spirit full of love for Jesus and passionate energy of service to others.
He leaves behind his wife Elaine and his adult children, DonnaLee (Lehmann), Sherlynne (Will), Randall, Robert, and 10grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
We continue to keep our sisters and brothers in Los Angeles in prayer in light of the fires and evacuations in Los Angeles county. Southern California Conference is working to mobilize churches within their conference to be used as shelters in the coming days. The needs and availability are still being assessed in the area. Each site will have varying levels of resources available, which include shelter, food, and showers
Adventist Community Services from both the Pacific Union and North American Division are working with them to support their efforts.
You can contribute your support for those affected by fires within Southeastern California Conference and Southern California Conference by visiting AdventistGiving and selecting the “California Fires” fund (offering code 78102). This fund is also available online or through in-person giving by checking the "California Fires" fund on your tithe envelope. More information is listed below. To donate funds directly through PayPal to Southeastern California Conference, visit our Treasury page.
During times of hardship, the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to be a resource and place of healing. Adventist Community Services is available with resources for disaster response.
Southern California Conference List of Shelter Locations:
Evacuation Sites Available for Southern California Fires
SECC Information:
Southeastern California Conference Community Services
PayPal Donation > SECC Treasury
AdventistGiving:
How to give online to the "California Fires" fund:
