Focus on Church: Antioch Seventh-day Adventists to open new church Oct. 10

By Roni Gehlke

Congregation: Antioch Seventh-day Adventist

Address: 2200 Country Hills Drive, Antioch

Phone: 925-757-7337

Pastor: O. Kris Widmer was installed as the new pastor of the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church in January of 2009. A native of Loma Linda, he had a Seventh-day education from kindergarten to his master's degree. He was elected as class pastor in both eighth and 12th grade. He received his bachelor of arts degree in pastoral studies at La Sierra University. He also received the Dean's Award upon graduation from La Sierra. He completed his master's of divinity degree from Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.
He is ordained to the gospel ministry of Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He was formally a pastor of the Redding Seventh-day Adventist Church. He has been married for 25 years to Debbie, a registered nurse. He has two children, Tim, a student at Pacific Union College, and Rebekah, a recent graduate of Redding Adventist Academy.

Future growth: The new church is opening for public services Oct. 10. The services will begin at 11 a.m. with a worship service by Pastor Widmer and a concert at 6 p.m. with the United in Christ, Resident Praise Band.

Established: December 1938

Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist

Services: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Bible study; 11 a.m. worship

Faith community: 420 members.

Motto: "Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, make up one God," Widmer said. "They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to Earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone."

Community outreach: Pastor Widmer said that Seventh-day Adventist has small group community outreach as well as community service food baskets. They also host singing at Antioch Convalescent Home on the Second Sabbath of the month. They also offer Guatemala missions.

Youth outreach: The Hilltop Christian School and Preschool is on site at the church. Hilltop Christian School's mission is to show children Jesus, nurture their love for Him and others, teach them to think, and empower them to serve. They teach from the preschool level until 10th grade. They also offer a vacation bible school in June.

Family support and ministries: Seventh-day Adventist offers several ministries, including the Coronary Health Improvement Program (CHIP), prayer meetings in both English and Spanish during the week, a men and woman's ministry, Sabbath school for all ages, church services in both English and Spanish, and potlucks on the first Sabbath of the month at the church.
Future Activities: Once the church opens in October they will offer services on Saturday at 11 a.m. and concerts at 6 p.m.

On Oct. 24 the church concert will feature Margie Rice, an internationally known singer and violinist. She has played for numerous churches and conferences throughout the world.

On Nov. 7, the concert will feature Kelly Mower. She is an internationally known pianist. She combines her musical gifts and the ministry of the scriptures in a worship experience. She is seen regularly on 3ABN, a worldwide satellite television ministry.