Several Southern California Conference churches commemorated Christ’s death and resurrection with “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) services in Hispanic Region churches; “The Shadow of the Cross,” a cantata at Moorpark Community Fellowship; and other programs.

At the Vallejo Drive Church on Friday night, the ongoing Truth + Spirit contemporary ministries scheduled a Good Friday multimedia event; at the Eagle Rock Church, young adults and other members led out in a full weekend involving drama and utilized a variety of media as well.

The Truth + Spirit event at the Vallejo Drive Church attracted an eager multigenerational audience, serving a pizza and salad supper and fellowship preceding the community worship service. Each attendee received a copy of The Passion of the Ages, a book containing the final chapters of Desire of Ages.

According to Associate Pastor Elizabeth Talbot, “Nearly 40 volunteers gave of their time to make Truth + Spirit Ministries happen. Truth + Spirit is all about Jesus. He promised that if we lift Him up, He will attract all people to Himself (John 12:32). Many came from the community to our Good Friday service, and we plan to make this a yearly tradition.” A unique facet of the Friday-night meetings is an emotional-health corner with professional counselors.

An art exhibition preceded the service, with 47 entries evaluated by four judges. The wide range of art media produced a colorful and unusual array of entries. Children portrayed their understanding of the crucifixion scene with Lego blocks, Play-Doh and other media. Adults conveyed their artistic vision of Christ’s sacrifice with sculpture, an egg carving; with artwork in ink, crayon, charcoal, pastel, watercolor and other materials. Robert Torrey, a retired physician, won the first prize of $200. Eight children under age 12 were entrants and were inivited to the platform for recognition and to receive Toys "R" Us gift certificates.

In a service interspersing music, inspirational video clips, visual aids and a sermon by Talbot, the audience considered the juxtaposed themes, “To be continued” and “It is finished.” Talbot, exploring the theology and practical applications of Jesus’ sacrifice, concluded on a triumphant note, “When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, you know the end of your story! ‘Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1).”

An inspirational communion service at the Eagle Rock Church celebrated the Lord’s last supper with an agape feast. Participants followed a lighted "path to Calvary" into the sanctuary for a program featuring Brahms’ “Passion Chorale” performed on the flugelhorn by Kristian Leukert, minister of music, accompanied on the organ by Edward Murray. Hymns and readings considered Christ’s sacrificial love, including "Worth it All,” a solo by Larry Fletcher.

The congregation walked barefoot along a "dusty road" to a room prepared as the upper room, with tables and chairs. Pastors and leaders knelt with towels and basins to wash each person’s "dusty feet." They then ate the bread and drank the grape juice provided.

Glenn Gibson, associate pastor, led the group to a "Garden of Gethsemane" area for a time reflection on Christ's suffering for us. The service resumed in the sanctuary, concluding with an invitation to remain for silent prayer and contemplation. Many knelt to pray at the foot of a cross that had been set up for Sabbath-morning services featuring “Shout to the Lord,” a drama focusing on Christ’s Passion in a “48 Hours” news-magazine format.

Produced by Clark Cowan, the production’s primarily young-adult cast performed at both worship services. Laura Wood as “Diane Sailor” and Ryan Cowan as “Mike Wallace, Jr.” anchored the news desk. Kristian Leukert, as “Geraldo Riverside,” interviewed individuals portraying characters in the passion story. Scripted, pre-taped segments featured Eagle Rock performers portraying scenes from Christ’s last days on earth. Associate Pastor Danny Chan assisted with video production and scripting.

“It was a powerful weekend; very experiential,” said Pastor Donald Smith. “Many of our members brought friends and family to the events, which ended with a joyful Sunday-afternoon celebration of the resurrection.”

For next year, Smith said, “we probably won’t do exactly the same programs, but, whatever we plan, we want it to be life changing.”