The Carmichael Church began the year of evangelism with a focus on Jesus as the center of Adventism. "The Jesus Series," an eight-week series of meetings, featured weekend programming, a different speaker each weekend, and a variety of musical groups and activities for all ages.

Meetings took place on Friday evening, Sabbath morning, and Sabbath afternoon with featured speakers including: Dick Duerksen, director of Mission Development for Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla.; Hyveth Williams, pastor of the Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda, Calif.; Smuts van Rooyen, pastor of the Vallejo Drive Church in Glendale, Calif.; Jose Rojas, director of the Adventist Volunteer Ministries Network for the North American Division; John McVay, dean and professor of New Testament at the Andrews University Theological Seminary; Ivan Blazen, professor of biblical interpretation and theology at Loma Linda University; Des Cummings, executive vice president for Florida Hospital; and Dave Osborne, pastor of the Carmichael Church.

Carmichael member Esther Stebner recalled a similar type of evangelistic series at the Carmichael Church more than a decade ago. “'The Jesus Series' provided such a strong spiritual boost for me that I’m eager for others to receive the same benefit now,” she said. “And I could use it, too. Couldn’t we all?”

In addition to music from the Carmichael Church choir, Sacramento Adventist Academy musical groups and Carmichael youth pastor Rick and Wendy Silvestri, other musicians included Pacific Union College talent with soloist Darren Hagen, the PUC brass ensemble, the acapella group Rescue, Rollyn and Angie Betts, and Faith First. Each group presented a 30-minute mini-concert on Friday night and many also gave a 60-minute concert on Sabbath afternoon.

Choir member Sharon Mason was excited about the meetings. “This is the type of thing I’m eager to invite others to,” she said.

Instead of merely babysitting for children, "The Jesus Series" included a comprehensive youth and children’s ministry component. Earliteens were involved in the plans for junior high programming. Linda Carr, leader of "Carmichael Cares for Kids," worked with Pastor Marit Case for a full-scale, Vacation Bible School-type of program each weekend. “We expect that in addition to the ministry directed for children, adults will come to 'The Jesus Series' because of their children,” said Pastor Steve Salsberry.

Church members John Verzosa and Wil Kramer joined with Pastor Judy Osborne to revive the parish program and to renew the church’s ministry to inactive Adventists. “'The Jesus Series' has sparked our interest and given us a goal on the calendar for us to do what we should be doing,” said Verzosa.

"The Jesus Series" began the weekend of Jan. 9, which coincided with the annual Carmichael Church youth rally. “Youth have always been important at our church, so it’s appropriate that we begin this series with a youth emphasis,” said Ed Dower, one of the church elders.

Dave Osborne, Carmichael senior pastor, was happy with the outcome. “What’s so exciting for me is that so many of the Carmichael Church family are involved in this outreach,” he said. “This is the way to do evangelism!”