Press Releases

Southern California Conference Responds to the January 2025 Wildfires

Fund set up in response to fires; churches serve as shelters

January 9, 2025 | Columbia, Md. | Southern California Conference

UPDATED JAN. 11, 2025, 1:45 P.M. EST

A series of fires erupted in southern California on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, amid extremely dry and windy weather conditions. As of January 9 the death toll is seven; thousands of homes have been destroyed. The largest blaze, the Pacific Palisades Fire, is now considered the most destructive in Los Angeles City history, and there are fires burning in neighborhoods all across southern California. Below is information about what the Southern California Conference is doing to respond immediately to the crisis caused by the fires.

Fund to Help the Community

"We are deeply saddened to hear how the current fires throughout Southern California have affected many of our churches, members, schools, and communities," the Southern California Conference shared in a statement on social media, via email, and on their website on January 8. "We have not been able to assess the needs we will have in our territory, but we know they will be significant throughout the conference."

If you would like to help locally, the Southern California Conference recommends doing so by giving your offering to the “California Fires” fund (click here). This fund is available on Adventistgiving.org, so you may give online, or you may also give in person by noting the “California Fires” fund on your tithe envelope.*

Evacuation Sites Available for Southern California Fires

A conference statement also shared that "multiple fires have developed due to the high winds throughout our territory in recent days, and thousands of residents have had to evacuate." The conference published the following list, stating, "If you or anyone you know is in an evacuation zone and in need of shelter or you are experiencing power interruption due to the winds, the following locations have been established for shelter and power at this time:"

White Memorial Seventh-day Church: 401 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Canoga Park Seventh-day Church: 20550 Roscoe Blvd, Winnetka, CA 91306
Glendale Filipino Seventh-day Church: 310 E Chestnut St, Glendale, CA 91205
Normandie Seventh-day Church: 12420 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
Valley Crossroads Seventh-day Church: 11350 Glenoaks Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
Hollywood Seventh-day Church: 1711 N Van Ness Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Hollywood church is offering showers in addition to shelter.)

As updates are made, the latest list of these evacuation sites, and information on volunteer opportunities and needed items, can be found online at: https://scc.adventist.org/evacuation-centers.

Photo from the Palisades Fire that started in the City of Los Angeles, January 2025, photo taken on Jan. 7, 2025 by CAL FIRE_Official, downloaded from Flickr. Some rights reserved; photo has not been altered - *CAL FIRE_Official*

From the North American Division Adventist Community Services Director

"We are working with our Pacific Union ACS director Leon Brown to ensure that shelter efforts are supported. Additionally, we’ve been in touch with our friends at ADRA International and they will partner with NAD ACS financially in support of this needful work. The need is great, and it will grow."

— W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS director, on Jan. 8, 2025

*Members across the division can give to Adventist Community Services Disaster Response through AdventistGiving (under "World Offerings" category options); they can also go to the Adventist Community Services portal.

Southern California Conference Responds to the January 2025 Wildfires

A series of fires erupted in southern California on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, amid extremely dry and windy weather conditions. As of January 9 the death toll is seven; thousands of homes have been destroyed. The largest blaze, the Pacific Palisades Fire, is now considered the most destructive in Los Angeles City history. This release contains information about what the Southern California Conference is doing to respond immediately to the crisis caused by the fires.

Walla Walla University Theology Students Intern Across North Pacific Union Conference

The North Pacific Union summer ministerial internship is a wonderful opportunity for Walla Walla University (WWU) theology and religious studies majors interested in pastoral ministry. Through this 10-week program, students earn full-time practical experience under the mentorship of skilled North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) pastors, strengthening their understanding of what pastoral careers look like.

Andrews University Receives Major Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Andrews University has received a grant of $6,326,735 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the pastors and lay leaders who guide them.

More Than One

Many people turn to social media to cope with feelings of loneliness, but there is ongoing debate on the health impacts. Some find that the digital space helps to connect with family and friends, while others experience greater feelings of loneliness the more time they spend in the digital world. How can both be true?

“Seeking God’s Spirit” Pentecost 2025 Prayer Meeting Kicks Off 10 Days of Prayer

On January 8, 2025, the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will kick off the world church's 10 Days of Prayer with a special prayer meeting. The event, which will live stream from the NAD headquarters, begins at 9 p.m. ET. The NAD is encouraging those interested in joining the North American Division for the special hour-long prayer meeting to register via the special Pentecost 2025 prayer page.