On June 20, 2026, Grand Advent Church in Oakland welcomed Pastor Damon Washington as its new lead pastor during a special installation Sabbath surrounded by family, friends, and members from both his former congregations and his new church family.
The celebration brought together members from Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Seventh-day Adventist Churches, where Washington and his wife, Jeanice Warden-Washington, served for four and a half years. While leaving those congregations was difficult, the Washingtons trusted that God was leading them to a new chapter of ministry. Reflecting on the transition, Washington shared, “They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but the Lord called us to a different part of His vineyard.”
As Washington begins this new assignment, he looks forward to partnering with the Holy Spirit and church members as they live out Grand Advent’s mission to love, worship, and serve. “I am in awe of the workings of God,” Washington said. “I was ordained at Grand Advent, and now I will serve as its lead pastor. I am honored and blessed to be chosen to lead this great congregation.”
As Grand Advent enters this new season of ministry, the congregation and its new pastor look ahead with faith, united in their commitment to share Christ’s love and see lives transformed through Jesus.
Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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