By Kathy Batchelor
The Northern California Conference Urban Ministries Department hosted its Urban Ministries Workshop on November 9, 2025, at the Fairfield Church. Pastors, ministry leaders, and members from across the conference gathered to explore practical ways to engage their communities through meaningful service, outreach, and discipleship.
Participants attended breakout sessions on evangelism, community partnerships, recovery ministry, discipleship, and youth engagement—each designed to help churches create sustainable, long-term impact. One attendee shared, “As my community project, I chose assembling hygiene kits for the homeless! I am now inspired to organize a family gathering to prepare hygiene kits for the homeless in my city!”
Speakers highlighted how deep connections can form when churches work hand-in-hand with their communities and partner organizations. In the afternoon, attendees put their learning into action through hands-on service projects. Teams assisted at the Fairfield Thrift Store, distributed blessing bags, and prayed with shoppers at Food 4 Less. They also cleaned trash in the surrounding neighborhood and assembled hygiene kits for those in need.
The day concluded with participants inspired, equipped, and committed to expanding their community engagement—demonstrating that meaningful ministry happens when the church shows up with compassion and purpose. Josie Asencio, Pastor of the Antioch Church, reflected, “I’m thankful to be part of the Urban Ministries Team, especially when we get to train people on how to partner with their communities through service. That is an important aspect of discipleship.”
Featured in Northern Lights, November 20, 2025
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