Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Memorial Day Weekend service was a profound time of honor, remembrance, and celebration, as the church paid tribute to fallen heroes, including Army Sgt. R.L. Taylor—whose remains were recently returned home after over 80 years—and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Bryce William Smith (1995–2015), the beloved grandson of longtime member Beverly Dickson. The service honored Gold Star mother Jamie Luchay, celebrated the return of the church’s mission team from the Philippines, and shared powerful testimonies of God’s miraculous provision and movement overseas. From hosting nearly 200 children and their parents at Vacation Bible School to offering overnight hospitality that led to late-night conversations and prayer, the mission team saw God work in extraordinary ways—reminding all that nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:27).

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Arbor Christian Fellowship hosted the final Awana Store Night of the year, celebrating the dedication of our clubbers who earned Awana Dollars through scripture memory, participation, and service. After a delicious dinner served by Miss Tina, the evening opened with pledges, the Awana theme song, and prayer. Children shopped a wide variety of donated items—from toys and crafts to Bibles and Bible journaling supplies—and also had the opportunity to give generously to North American missionaries through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contributing an impressive $1,058. Families are invited to return for Awana Parents and Awards Night on Wednesday, May 28 at 6 p.m., featuring a camping theme and a special Biblical Counseling book table by Pastor Steve and Rose, offering resources to support children, parents, and ministry leaders in their walk with Christ.

Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Kids Alive Choir joyfully presented their spring musical, Back to the Cross, on May 17 and 18, 2025, showcasing months of preparation in song, drama, and worship. Led by longtime co-leaders Hilda and Chelsey Veturis, the children brought the gospel to life with energy, heart, and creativity. From the tiniest participants to the seasoned older kids, each child shined as they used their God-given gifts to honor Him. The performances were a beautiful reminder that every child is a precious treasure—deeply loved by God and cherished by our church family.

Arbor Christian Fellowship’s 2025 Ladies’ Spring Fling, held on Mother’s Day weekend, was a joyful and Spirit-filled afternoon of worship, fellowship, and encouragement. Highlights included uplifting music from The Arbor Angels, a heartfelt and inspiring duet by Ruth and Rudy Dignadice, and a powerful video message from missionary Allyson Roestorf announcing her anticipated pregnancy—an answer to months of prayer. Prayer Warrior Carol Allen stirred hearts with insights from recent prayer summits and shared about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts at the Southern California wildfires. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful meal, meaningful crafts, intercessory prayer for missionaries, and a moving message from speaker Yukko Akuna about faith and hope in the face of tragedy. The event was a touching reminder of God’s faithfulness and the strength of women united in Christ.

Pastor Jonathan, Deacon Victor Veturis, Prayer Warrior Carol Allen, and Children’s Ministries Director Hilda Veturis represented Arbor Christian Fellowship at the 2025 Ascent Prayer Summit, held April 24–26 at Gateway Seminary. Carol and Hilda also served on behalf of the Women’s Mission Union during this powerful, Spirit-led gathering. The summit focused on building a culture of prayer in churches and emphasized the sacredness of entering God’s throne room through prayer. With teaching from Bill Elliff, Dennis Henderson, and Nathan Lino, the event equipped leaders to return to their churches renewed and inspired to help make every church a true House of Prayer.

Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Easter weekend was a deeply meaningful celebration of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and resurrection. Beginning with a powerful Good Friday service where each of Jesus’ seven final sayings was shared by a different church leader, the congregation worshiped, reflected, and took Communion together in reverence. Saturday brought joyful community celebration as families enjoyed games, Easter story time, and scripture memorization, while preparations were made for Sunday’s flower-adorned cross. Resurrection Sunday was filled with vibrant worship, a powerful message from Pastor Jonathan, and a heartfelt baptism of young Reagan, making the weekend a beautiful testimony of faith, fellowship, and the hope we have in the risen Savior.

During Holy Week at Arbor Christian Fellowship, children in the Awana program—from the youngest Cubbies to the T&T students—immersed themselves in the story of Jesus in meaningful, hands-on ways. The T&T class (3rd–6th grade) continued their annual tradition of foot washing, experiencing Christlike humility and love as leaders served them, and many joyfully chose to serve others in return. Sparks (Kindergarten–2nd grade) explored the significance of Easter through a special lesson and craft, helping them understand Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Meanwhile, the Cubbies (ages 3–5) joyfully participated in age-appropriate reenactments of Holy Week events—riding on a “donkey,” simulating the Last Supper, learning about the disciples, and acting out Palm Sunday. Each group was given the opportunity to see, feel, and experience the heart of the Gospel in a way designed just for them.

Carol Allen, representing Arbor Christian Fellowship as a member of the California Southern Baptist Convention’s Prayer Team, participated in the bi-annual meeting of the Directors of Missions (DOMs), in Fresno, California. The meeting featured a powerful time of prayer led by Bill Elliff, who also prayed specifically for Carol’s prayer team. The event was a lead-up to the Ascent Prayer Summit in April, where church leaders will gather to seek God’s presence through Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer. As part of the 2025 CSBC Prayer Initiative, these events are aimed at deepening the prayer life of every believer and transforming churches into Houses of Prayer. Carol’s involvement continues to play a vital role in strengthening prayer initiatives at Arbor and across the state.

Excitement is in the air as Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Kids Alive Choir kicks off drama rehearsals for their Spring Musical, Back to the Cross! This engaging time-travel adventure highlights the significance of our choices and the timeless impact of Jesus’ sacrifice. As these young performers work diligently to memorize lines and bring the story to life, we invite you to pray for them and mark your calendars for this powerful presentation. Join us on May 17 and 18 for an inspiring experience that reminds us all how everything points Back to the Cross.

Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Valentine’s Dinner was a heartwarming evening filled with delicious food, lively music, and joyful fellowship, all in celebration of God’s love and grace. Guests enjoyed Sinatra-like tunes by Greg Wideen, a delightful performance from the Cousins (the “Arbor Angels”), and a fun raffle and auction featuring custom art pieces and Deacon Liles Cobb’s famous strawberry pies. Proceeds from the event went toward the Sanctuary’s new carpet fund, and a lighthearted exercise led by Deacon Victor Veturis celebrated lasting love. Pastor Jonathan concluded the evening with a meaningful message about God’s boundless love for us, making it a memorable night of community, joy, and reflection.

Join us as missionary Allyson Roestorf shares her heartfelt update during Sunday morning service at Arbor Christian Fellowship. From the joy of marriage to the challenges of living on the mission field, Allyson reflects on her journey of faith, personal loss, and the incredible growth of their ministry in South Africa. Read about the milestones, struggles, and powerful ways God has been at work in her life and ministry, and learn how you can continue to support Allyson and Wikus as they impact lives in South Africa.

Peter Kim from South Korea shares a heartwarming update, from sending New Year’s wishes to checking in after the LA fires. Now in military training, Peter is preparing to join the KATUSA program, which strengthens the U.S.-South Korea military alliance. Despite being far from home, Peter’s thoughtful messages remind us all of the power of connection and support, no matter the distance.

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, our Awana T&T children are making a global impact through their generosity. By using their Awana Dollars, earned through Bible verse memorization, they’ve purchased life-changing items for children in poverty around the world through Compassion International. From Bibles and water wells to food and chickens, these young hearts are learning to store up treasures in heaven by sharing God's love with those in need.