Beautifully situated at the base of the Sierra Foothills and on the north shore of Folsom Lake, Granite Bay is one of the fastest-growing communities in Northern California. Until recently, however, the population of about 28,000 residents had no Adventist church. But that changed in September when Sacramento Central church planted a new congregation in the area, meeting at the Sierra Elementary School multipurpose room.

Sponsors set up 130 chairs in neat rows the first Sabbath, but soon added more to accommodate the number of people filing in for services. Of the 187 people who attended the first Sabbath, most came from Sacramento Central, but there were also a surprising number of visitors from the surrounding community. Taskforce Bible worker John Quedzuweit is already busy giving Bible studies to the many interests that have developed. Following the initial service in September, weekly attendance has averaged approximately 100 each Sabbath.

The enthusiastic new Granite Bay group is planning for sustained growth through community outreach events. Granite Bay organizers plan to survey the community in the next few months to make sure the programs they conduct will fit the specific needs of the people in the community. Once these programs start, leaders will follow up with an evangelistic series beginning in April 2008.

In cooperation with the staff from Sacramento Central, Pastor Jean Ross, director of Amazing Facts church ministries, is helping to shepherd the fledgling group. “We are excited about what the Lord has, is, and will do through this church plant,” said Ross.