Daniel Sarmiento - Lead Pastor

 Daniel, his wife Neomi, daughter Emma and son Elam moved from the Washington D.C. area, where he was a pastor at Fairfax Community Church.  Daniel and Neomi felt called to come back to the West Coast and help advance God's Kingdom here in Atwater and the surrounding communities.  

Daniel is a well-rounded leader having spent time in the corporate and non-profit sectors as well as having helped plant two churches. Daniel is passionate about the church being the relational presence of Jesus in the community and making Christ, the hope of glory known in our city.

Daniel holds a bachelors degree from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. He loves reading anything by Dallas Willard and Henri Nouwen, is a Denver Broncos fan, a Star Wars fan and enjoys iPhone photography (follow him on Instagram @ jdanielsarmiento). 

You can reach Daniel at daniel@thehope.live.

Scott and his wife of 38 years, Jane, have been living in Atwater for the same number of years....38!  They have been regularly attending this church for approximately the last 12 years. Scott  just recently stepped away from his employed position as manager of a dialysis facility and is now officially retired.  He serves in the capacity of spiritual services at Mercy Medical Center visiting patients who are in the hospital.  His desire is to continue hospital visitation with the chaplain's program at the hospital as well as visiting with those in our congregation.   Scott's desire is to see the church grow, not just numerically, but spiritually.  He longs to bring the hope of the gospel in Christ Jesus to those who are looking for what only God can provide;  forgiveness of sin and life everlasting.  

Payia is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two kids (an 18 years old son and a 16 years old daughter). Payia has lived in Atwater most of her life. She loves to cook; something about cooking and grilling that relaxes her. Payia also loves the beach and lakes and likes to camp, swim/ float, go on small hikes and enjoys crocheting. 

Payia has attended the Atwater First Church of God for the last 13 years. As the Director at Fruitland Christian Preschool she loves working with children, teaching and helping them grow, developing their self-confidence to have positive social skills and successful relationships with the Lord and others in the community.

James was born and raised here in Atwater, attended Atwater High School and graduated in 2008. He loves sports and staying active. James has always felt a calling to ministry and is excited about leading our youth along with his lovely wife, Adi.  

Adi and James have two children, Aria and Conner Kendall.  God is writing a new and awesome chapter in the life of this beautiful family and we're so glad they are leading our youth!

For more information, please contact James and Adi at youth@thehope.live.

Janet was born into a military family and has lived in numerous states as well as in Europe. Janet has 40+ years working in the corporate world of business and most recently retired from the education arena as the Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of a local school district. 

Janet has one daughter who is a graduate of Harvard University and is currently working for the San Francisco Ballet Company as their Diversity Officer.

Janet's desire is to share the gospel, God's faithfulness and is passionate to see the Holy Spirit move in everyone's life. Janet has a heart for single moms (Facebook - Single Mom's Ministry Daughters of the King); enjoys candle making and floral arrangements (Facebook - Creations by Janet Rose); photography, baking and her two fur babies, Sinatra and Isabella. You can reach Janet in the office Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. or email office@thehope.live.

Suzie was born in Atwater and raised in Livingston CA and has three children and five grandchildren! After 35 years at Foster Farms, Suzie joined the staff here at the church. Suzie also works at our Preschool part time, driving kids to school every morning. 

Suzie loves to read her bible, bake and cook meals, serve people, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves Jesus and this church and has been a part since the 1980’s. Suzie’s favorite verse is Psalm 23.