From June 17 through 20, 2026, The California-Pacific Conference gathered for their 42nd Annual Session in La Quinta, California. Officiated by Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the Los Angeles Episcopal Area, the session’s theme was Astonish. Bishop Dotte Escobedo-Frank set the theme during opening worship on Wednesday afternoon with her sermon from John 14:11-12. Bishop Escobedo-Frank shared about the wonders of God’s creation, of Jesus’ miracles, and how we are to now take up that call to “even greater things.” She highlighted ministries throughout our conference, comparing them to lights in the world. Throughout the conference session, music was a highlight during worship. The Astonish Ensemble, led by Braden Pontoli, featured strings, piano, vocals, sound bowls, and even a dancer during opening worship. On Friday morning, the conference honored Juneteenth with a special worship worship, led by the Juneteenth Jazz Quintet, made up of several young people in our conference including: Victor Cyrus-Franklin, III, Manuela Rodriguez, David Nnamdi, Angel Czazchkoff, Julian Chiu, and soloist Haqumai Sharpe. The Quintet continued to play during breaks and before plenary sessions. On Friday evening, the day closed with a worship service led by the young people of the conference. The Be Still Ministry band from