We love our Grants Pass Church Family, We love this beautiful area, and most of all we love our God!
We get together every Saturday morning to study the Word of God, seeking renewal. We work together as one Body of Christ, striving for a church community that is non-exclusive, safe, and reflective of God’s love.
In beautiful northern Grants Pass, you can find us on Ninth St with plenty of seating and parking. You’ll find people from a diversity of backgrounds, from casual to formal in dress. Come as you are!
Right across the parking lot you’ll see our Dorcas Community Services and thrift store, as well as the Better Living Center, with most activities and programming open to the public. You’ll also see the Better Life Broadcasting Network, a Christian TV station serving Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and more.
Sabbath School (Bible Study) begins at 9:30 a.m., with a variety of classes for all ages, stages and focuses. Church worship service begins at 10:50 a.m., followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch.
Pastoral Staff:
Edward Nelson, Senior Pastor
Pastor Edward Nelson grew up in a loving Christian home and loved learning about God and His Word. In his teenage years, he thought about how he could have been born Buddhist, Muslim, Animist or atheist. There was a need to discover objective truth—not just embrace a subjective cultural or family religion.
Pastor Nelson graduated from Armona Union Academy. He went on to complete his BS in engineering at Walla Walla University and his MDiv from Andrews University.
He met Heidi Coupland while an Associate Pastor of the Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist Church. They were married in 2012 and their daughter, Darci, was born in 2018. The Nelsons enjoy traveling, gardening, and trying new foods.
Pastor Nelson was lead pastor at the Whipple Creek Adventist Church in Ridgefield, Washington, for ten years. The Lord called the Nelson family back to Grants Pass late in 2021, and we are excited for their ministry.
Pastor Nelson has a deep desire to understand and experience the power of the resurrected Christ in His life through faith. He wants others to have a deep and abiding trust experience in Jesus Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit and daily surrender. He desires God’s people to learn to seek His face daily and receive the outpouring of the latter rain which will enable them to be witnesses of God’s love and mercy to those around them.
Daniel Trethewey, Assistant Pastor
Pastor Daniel Trethewey, his lovely wife Liva, and their daughter Lynn are delighted to be a part of the Grants Pass and Cave Junction Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Pastor Daniel takes great pleasure in sharing the Good News found by digging deep in God’s Word through much prayer. He enjoys conversations on a wide variety of topics, especially when they lead to the simple yet infinitely complex reality of God’s character, and His law of love working in our lives. Pastor Daniel would like to get more acquainted with you and the manifold gleams of the character of God shining through your life.
Pastor Daniel enjoyed being active in church life from a young age, and was pleasantly surprised to find what a blessing it is to share the Word of God, despite many obstacles such as social awkwardness and anxiety. Pastor Daniel spent much of his 20’s serving God as a baker and a farmer before answering the call to share the bread of life, and sow seeds for the kingdom in a different way. Pastor Daniel graduated from Walla Walla University in June of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Theology with a deeper appreciation of the gospel message. He enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and making a joyful noise with his voice and fretted harp.
One of Pastor Daniel’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Pastor Daniel loves how the story of Joseph illustrates this truth so beautifully. Pastor Daniel yearns to help his fellow pilgrims allow God to work everything out together for good in their lives, perpetuating ripples of blessings that resound to the ends of the earth and back.
Kii Morse, Church Secretary
Likely the first face you’ll see after walking in the door, Kii has served this church since May 2017. She is known for her warmth and smile, ministering to everyone she meets while managing day-to-day responsibilities of the church office.
Kii comes to us with 29 years of administrative experience. She managed the family bed and breakfast in Hawaii and spent several years as a receptionist. “But after working for many years in the secular world, it is nice to work with such nice people here.”
Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5, an important reminder to always trust in the Lord. She tries to live by these words daily.
Chuck Austin, Bible Worker
Chuck Austin has been our longtime Bible Worker, and we feel blessed to have him and his wife Alta in our church family. In his years of service, Chuck makes an impact wherever he goes. He is continually reaching out to people at home, in the hospital, and in the community. He particularly loves to facilitate Bible studies, helping lead souls to Jesus.
After moving to Grants Pass in the early 1990s, Chuck still worked in the printing industry and Alta served as our former church secretary. Chuck eventually felt called into the ministry. Chuck and Alta raised two sons. In December, 2017, they became grandparents for the first time. The Austins make the most of every moment they can with family and friends. “Semiretirement” keeps them busy but joyful.
Chuck is available for Bible studies, or to answer your questions. He would love to hear your story and make time to pray with you. You can call the church office to contact him.
Victor De La Vega, Bible Worker
Victor has a passion for true friendships and enjoys that being a Bible Worker allows him to build new relationships. He also loves that God gets to be the center of these relationships.
When you first see Victor, he might be preparing to teach a Sabbath School class or even preaching that morning. He might be watching for those he’s invited to church. Be assured that Victor notices you and wants to hear your story! No matter how busy he gets, he makes time to meet with you.
“I love watching people’s faces light up when reading a Bible verse during Bible study,” says Victor. “Sometimes spiritual truths just hit you, even if you’ve read something many times before.”
Victor favors Psalm 91, “because the chapter contains several of His promises,” like in verse 15: “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him…” Victor takes this to heart, as a Bible worker’s mission is to help others know God’s love and plan of salvation for us.
