• Features
  • News
  • Print
  • Home
  • Features
  • Perspectives
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Family
    • Weddings
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Share a story
  • Contact us
  • Sign in

Latest News

  • A young woman in a green jumper smiles while surrounded by books at home. The cozy indoor environment suggests a calming and enjoyable study session, perfect for exam preparation.

    Endless Education: A Life of Learning

    December 15, 2025, by Nicole Dominguez
  • Open Bible on a wooden board near the river.

    Bible Reading Plan 2026

    December 09, 2025
  • Healthy Heart Habits Lead to Super Bowl Surprise for KSDA Student

    December 09, 2025, by Laurie Yoshihara

Print magazine

Image Credit: John Gatchet

New Member Challenges Congregation to Share Faith

By John F. Gatchet, December 20, 2015

Two recent baptisms have brought additional joy to the Sequim Church in Sequim, Wash.

Joelle Nicholson professed her faith in Jesus and Adventist beliefs by being baptized in the cold waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Sixty church members stood by at Port Williams to provide warm hugs and encouraging words to Nicholson after her baptism by Mark Pekar, Sequim Church pastor. Nicholson chose the date of her baptism because it was her birthday and the location because she likes to pray there.

Several months ago, she was invited by an Adventist from Canada to worship in the Sequim Church. She attended and has not missed a service after that life-changing day.

“She is God’s gift to our congregation on many counts,” says Collette Pekar, Sequim Church associate pastor and Nicholson’s mentor. “She is passionate about prayer, worship, outreach and small-group community. We have been praying for young families, children and teenagers.”

When Nicholson was voted into church membership the following Sabbath, she challenged the congregation to share their faith in Jesus and their Adventist beliefs.

Nicholson’s two sons, Jacob and Christian, joined their mother on the platform and were enthusiastically welcomed by profession of faith and voted into membership.

One member commented, “Her testimony brings us hope of many good things God has planned for our church.”

On Oct. 31, John Barcellos was also baptized in the Sequim Church after attending meetings conducted by Dan Bentzinger in Port Angeles. His brother Joe is currently a member of the church and is praising God for this decision.

Image

Joelle Nicholson often comes to Port Williams on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to pray. She chose the same place for her baptism.

Credit
John Gatchet
Print Friendly and PDF

Featured in: December 2015

Author

John F. Gatchet

Sequim Church communication director
Section
Washington Conference

You may also like

  • Healthy Heart Habits Lead to Super Bowl Surprise for KSDA Student

    December 09, 2025, by Laurie Yoshihara
  • WISE Turns Classrooms Into Mission Fields

    December 05, 2025, by Enoc Garcia
  • Journey to Wholeness Training Equips Leaders to Bring Healing and Hope

    December 03, 2025, by Enoc Garcia
  • Elma Church Health Fair Builds Bridges of Wellness and Faith

    December 01, 2025, by Rob Norton et al.
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit
  • Reprint/Repost Request
  • Style Guide
  • Change of Address
  • Subscriptions
  • Sunset
  • RSS
  • Contributor Login
  • Contact

The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

Copyright 2025, North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All rights reserved. Legal disclaimer & privacy policy.