Another productive convention of the PCSBA's churches is now over. The convention was dedicated to the theme of «Blessing of Unity». During the business part of the convention, there were reports of the Association's President, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Audit Commission, with an approval of their ministry. Concerning the convention's attendance, it is good to note that not all of the head pastors of churches were able to be there. Perhaps part of the reason for some pastors' absence is the far distance from Sacramento, especially those representatives of churches from Washington state, and Minnesota. It was good to see representatives from the church in Honolulu headed by Pavel Marchenko. This indicates that for some pastors who have the desire to be in fellowship of brothers and sisters, distance is not an obstacle.
One hundred and eighty five delegates from various churches were deciding the nomination and affirmation of two Vice-Presidents of the Association, as well as members of the new Committee. Aleksandr Gol was affirmed as the treasurer of PCSBA, as well as Sergey Yanovskiy as the secretary. Previous first Vice-President Mikhail Yuryevich Avramenko announced his retirement. The convention's delegates expressed their gratitude for his many years of service. While giving his report, the President expressed his gratitude to a long-term minister of the Association Nicolay Alekseyevich Bugriyev, who currently continues his ministry at Sierra Pines Camp. The two Vice Presidents who were chosen are: Gennadiy Gavelovskiy and Vasiliy Stupin. The following brothers were chosen as members of the Committee: Igor Verstak, Valeriy Konopelkin, Iosif Sheremet, Vladimir Troshin, Viktor Zinchenko, and V. Kravchenko.
The convention's delegates entrusted the leadership of the Association to develop a new Bylaws for the PCSBA by the time of the next convention. Slavic Baptist Church in North Highlands with Pastor David Hadzhiyev was also admitted to the Association.
With great joy and gratitude, the leaders of the departments of the Association were recognized for their ministry. They received flowers and books followed by prayer of thanksgiving to God for each one's sacrificial service. All of the leaders deserve much gratitude, including the many participants of the departments of ministry whose names were not mentioned during the convention. Alina Pronina also received thanks for her ministry in the Association's office. Her ministry allows me to resolve all the current issues regardless of my physical location.
Choirs and worship groups from eight churches led the worship portion of the convention. The level of singing and music ministry has pleasantly surprised the guests from the Gateway Seminary. Good news and impression are shared very quickly. Just today, I already received a ministry offer by the head of the Music Department of the California Baptist University who would like to participate with their choir at the next PCSBA's Convention. Truly, sometimes we do not notice how the Lord has gifted our singers and musicians so that they can worship Him.
The theme of «Blessing of Unity» was very practical and was received with great interest. The spiritual part of the convention was a special blessing for all in attendance. The seminars were open not only to the delegates, but to everyone. There is a stereotype that the convention is only for the delegates, and this stereotype should be overcome, because even during the business part of the convention, the majority of the time should be dedicated to spiritual growth. It is not surprising that even during this convention, the business part took only two-and-a-half hours.
Pastor Vadim Getman was invited as the main speaker of the convention. He did a great job of explaining Ephesians chapter four. The sessions and seminars' speakers were guests from Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. Throughout the convention, there were three main sessions and eight seminars, and the rooms where the seminars were taking place were full of people. Many attendees emphasized the high quality of the seminars, and the usefulness of the content.
Unfortunately, the attempt to attract the youth for the Saturday's service was unsuccessful because of the scheduled camp reunion, which took place in the park instead of at the church. There were about 125 young people from various churches of the Association not only from Sacramento, but from other places as well. Unfortunately, the majority of the youth did not make it to the convention's service. However, the time that they spent in fellowship at the park was also edifying.
Special thanks to Grace Family Church who hosted the Association's convention for the first time, and especially to the church’s head pastor I. Oselsky, director of the church’s Tech Support Ministry I. Istratiy and his team, church administrator E. Nedorezov, designer K. Koryaka, head of registration I. Bondar, photographerV. Grigorash, church secretary I. Sulima, team of cooks in charge of P. Proshak, head of the video department of the Association A. Vivsik, as well as many other brothers and sisters who served, and who will not be unnoticed before the Lord. Thanks to the common efforts, the delegates and guests of the convention felt a welcoming and warm atmosphere, which made this event even more memorable for all. It is good to know that we have such an amazing family in Christ, in which everyone feels like they are a part of one family!
For more about the convention, visit the convention's website and view the pictures of day one | day two | day three, check the Almanac, view the Convention's videos, and check out the convention's statistics – click on the named links. All resources in Russian only.
Ivan Mileyev
