Written by & photos by Dr. Alyssa Fisher, Cal-Pac Communications Director

On Saturday, May 31, over 150 people from the North District and across our conference gathered at Glendale First UMC to honor and celebrate the continued ministry of Altadena UMC after the Eaton Fire destroyed their church property in January 2025. The event was a fundraiser for a new play structure for the youth of Altadena UMC. 

The gathering started with a worship service, where Rev. Andre Wilson of Altadena UMC shared a testimony, Bishop Escobedo-Frank shared a sermon titled “A Moment in Time,” and Rev. Dr. Angela Galanis Price of Glendale First UMC and North District Superintendent Rev. Garth Gilliam celebrated confirmands from across the district. Youth from the district participated throughout the service, reading scripture and sharing music. 

After the service, lunch was served followed by fellowship times. North District co-lay leaders Patty Tokahuta-Kelsey and Norman Kelsey hosted a laity and Lay Servant Ministries information session, and Cathy Wilson, conference Associate Director of Lay and Clergy Credentialing and Development, shared about Lay Servant Ministry opportunities. Across the church campus, youth and adults played pickleball, corn hole, basketball, and enjoyed an inflatable obstacle course provided by Cal-Pac Camping ministries. Snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn were also served.

The fundraiser was created as a response to Rev. Wilson’s call to action at a service of healing and renewal in January, where he asked that the community check in with fire survivors again in four months. Rev. Wilson shared that as news and updates wane, the long journey to rebuilding begins, and that is when support is needed most. As DS Gilliam shared, the event was meant “to communicate to our friends, to our brothers and sisters, that we’re still here, we’re still strong.”