The Market Street church in Oakland, Calif., welcomed Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California’s ninth district, where the church is located, to a recent Sabbath worship service. The congregation that has developed relations with a number of public officials over the years.

Lee has a strong connection with the Seventh-day Adventist Church through a close family friend, a "staunch" Seventh-day Adventist who took her to church frequently, according to Lee.

During her remarks, Lee expressed appreciation to the Market Street church for its involvement in the community via its annual health fair, tutorial and community feeding programs, all sponsored by the church.

The worship service included a welcome by Dr. Washington Johnson II, senior pastor, followed by a presentation of a set of the Conflict of the Ages series by Dr. Joyce Johnson, the pastor’s wife.

Sharing the gospel in this manner has been a long standing practice for Pastor Johnson, with past recipients including sitting governors, senators, mayors and congressional members. The visit culminated with an open request for support of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, followed by a prayer of dedication by the pastor.

Lee is a senior Democratic whip, serving on multiple committees, including the House International Relationship and House Financial Services Committees.

According to Pastor Johnson, "More interaction should occur between the church and public officials, as we are in the last days, when religious freedom is being slowly withdrawn as we await the Lord’s soon return."