The long tradition of summer “camp meeting” services in August resumes at Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church after a pandemic-induced interruption in 2020. The 2021 schedule includes a free afternoon concert for church members and others from the area on August 14.At 4 p.m. that Saturday the Christian Edition men’s chorus returns to the church at 391 Myrtlewood Drive in Calimesa. The chorus has long been a favorite among musical groups engaged for the summer concerts, according to Church Pastor Darrin Thurber.
Thurber himself will be experiencing the popular concert for the first time as an adult since moving from Ohio to assume leadership of the Calimesa church last year. However, he holds fond memories of the informal summer musical experiences when he – as a schoolboy -- and his family were members of the congregation here.
“Christian Edition will be inspiring for family members of all ages,” he promises.
The men’s chorus has been performing since 1981 and is credited with 14 recordings that are played on Christian radio and television worldwide. The group was founded by Calvin Knipschild, a longtime southern Californian who now lives in Washington state.
“Greater Things” is the theme of this year’s August camp-meeting series, featuring spoken messages by the pastor at 11:15 each Saturday. Guest musicians for the services include new and returning artists, among them vocalists Kellie and Shannon Barnes; singer-guitarist and recording artist Tad Worku; Travis Daggett and Friends; violinist Mai Li Putrasahan; and the Scoubart Family vocal quartet. The church will not be open for its early worship service, normally starting at 8:30 a.m., during the August camp-meeting series.
Visitors and church members are also invited to join for festive meals served at Mesa Grande Academy following the worship service on August 14 and August 28. The school is at 975 Fremont Street, Calimesa. Evening vespers and the annual church social will close the August activities at day’s end on the 28th at the church.
Pastor Thurber’s sermon topics for the camp meeting series are “Meant for More, Settling for Less” on August 7; “Think Inside the Box” on August 14; “Prevented by Pride” on August 21; and “Losing our Edge” on August 28.
The church is at 391 Myrtlewood Drive, Calimesa, with free parking onsite for members and visitors.
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