Is it possible for a church to be both deeply rooted in tradition and vibrantly modern? At Sonlight Church in San Diego, this paradox comes to life. Sonlight Church, formerly known as First Baptist Church of Bay Park, began in 1978 with a vision: to blend the enduring Christian faith with fresh expressions of worship. For over 40 years, Sonlight Church has pursued this vision. It strives to be a community that honors historic Christian beliefs. It embraces lively and engaging worship. It continually seeks deeper understanding of how to follow Jesus. This dedication extends to serving the local community, the nation, and the world. The church’s foundation rests on the essentials of the historic Christian faith. Members find comfort in the belief that they belong to Jesus Christ. This comfort empowers them to cultivate a rich relationship with God. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Sonlight Church emphasizes God’s sovereignty. They believe in God’s active presence in the world and His promise of renewal. With a spirit of humility and a commitment to learning and growing, they seek to live out Biblical principles in their daily lives. They face the future with hope, knowing that it ultimately belongs to God. Sonlight Church celebrated a dual anniversary with Seeworld Baptist Church in March 2024. The event was a poignant reminder of Sonlight’s rich history, marked by the touching remembrance of the late Pastor Henry Lee Peterson, who served the church for over 27 years. Amidst the celebration, the spirit of fellowship and the shared commitment to spreading God’s love resonated throughout the beautifully decorated sanctuary.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a