First Baptist Church Family Life Center was filled to overflowing with family and friends of the 2012 California High School graduating class at the Baccalaureate Service sponsored by the California Ministerial Alliance on Wednesday, May 16.
The graduating class marched into the auditorium in a procession to the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" played by Gerri Ogle and Ginger Moore.
Several congregational hymns directed by the Rev. Tim Burgher, First Baptist Church were followed by a senior choir performance of "There is a Time," and a message to the graduates.
The Invocation was given by the Rev Linda Pagel of California United Methodist Church.
All were welcomed by the Rev. Burgher followed by Scriptures from Matthew 6:25-34 read by the Rev. Roy Barnard, pastor of Salem Baptist Church.
The message to the graduates, "Right Voices, Right Choices," was presented by Dr. Peter Kurowski, pastor of California St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He based his message on Joshua 1:1-9, about leaders keeping the Bible in mind, being strong, courageous, unafraid and undiscouraged.
"The Bible says by grace we are saved through faith," Kurowski said. "God's greatest gift to mankind - Jesus Christ."
For more of this story check out the May 23 issue of the California Democrat.