Julie Lorenz – Page 3

Julie Lorenz
November 1, 2021
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Junior/Senior Retreat 2021

Junior/Senior Retreat 2021 https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Surge-Junior-Senior-Retreat-2021.jpg 720 540 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 1, 2021 November 3, 2021

In October, nearly 200 people attended the NCC youth department’s annual Junior/Senior Retreat, designed for academy, high school, and home school juniors and seniors. Because Leoni Meadows is still closed after the Caldor Fire, the retreat was held at Mt. Gilead Bible Camp and Conference Center in Sebastopol. This year’s theme was “Surge,” based on Matt. 11:12, and the speaker was Pacific Union College Chaplain Kent Rufo.

“My favorite part of the retreat was getting into the small groups and talking to new people,” said Omar Martinez, Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy junior.

“The best part of the weekend had to be the worship programs,” said Catrina LeSure, Palo Cedro church associate pastor for youth and families. “Listening to the youth praise and worship together was a little bit of heaven on earth.”

Julie Lorenz
November 1, 2021
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NCC Organizes First Official Fijian Church in North America

NCC Organizes First Official Fijian Church in North America https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sacramento-Fijian-Church-Organization-2021.jpg 1113 870 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 1, 2021 November 5, 2021

On Sabbath, Oct. 23, the NCC formally organized the Sacramento Fijian church—the only official Fijian church in the North American Division. The service took place at the Sacramento Woodside church, where the congregation meets each Sabbath afternoon.

Currently about 11,000 Fijians live in Sacramento County—more than in any other place in the United States! For many years, the Fijian Adventists in the area dreamed of having a church of their own. In 2009, a church plant began at the Sacramento Central church. In 2013, the group moved to the campus of Sacramento Adventist Academy. The congregation was formally organized as a church company in January 2015.

Through the years, members have worked to build relationships with the local Fijian community by conducting evangelism and outreach programs for people of all ages. During the pandemic, the congregation has been using social media to connect with Fijians throughout the world. Each of their live-streamed presentations has garnered between 20,000 and 30,000 views.

“As I think about our congregation’s history, one word that stands out to me is ‘Providence,’” said Pastor Joseph O’Connor. “We have seen God moving and blessing.”

Julie Lorenz
October 28, 2021
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NCC Prison Ministry Day at Sacramento Central Church

NCC Prison Ministry Day at Sacramento Central Church https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Prison-Ministry-Day-2021.jpg 720 540 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g October 28, 2021 November 3, 2021

On Sabbath, Oct. 23, the Sacramento Central church hosted NCC Prison Ministry Day, an in-person and online event providing inspiration and training. In addition to the morning sermon by Associate Pastor Mike Thompson, some highlights of the day included:

Weimar Campus company member Darren Greenfield gave a presentation about the ongoing efforts of Blade of Hope ministry to build a transitional home for released inmates in the Sacramento area.

Prison Ministries Director Willie Johnson presented Carmen and Victor Beale, West Sacramento church members, with the NCC Prison Ministry Volunteer Award for their many years of outstanding service in ministry and training (pictured).

The afternoon’s training focused on three areas: how to recognize your call and establish your ministry; the importance of respecting prison chaplains and officials; and the do’s and don’ts of prison and jail ministries.

At the end of the day, a number of people expressed their desire to become prison ministry volunteers, and plans are being made to train them in the near future. “I was impressed that prison ministry—a mandated work by our Savior—will grow in our conference,” said Johnson. “And Jesus can continue to say, ‘You visited Me!’”

Julie Lorenz
March 31, 2021
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Capitol City Church Hosts Baby Shower for 100 Families

Capitol City Church Hosts Baby Shower for 100 Families https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Sac-Capitol-City-Baby-Shower.jpg 1080 810 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 31, 2021 November 3, 2021

Last month, the Sacramento Capitol City church partnered with the Meadowview Birth & Beyond Family Resource Center to host a drive-through baby shower for 100 community families. Some church members purchased baby clothes, shoes, books, and learning toys, while others donated money to buy presents. The center’s staff brought diapers, baby wipes, and other gifts.

The congregation was excited to support new mothers in the community. “The church is supposed to be the light in the city,” said Carol Herbert, the church’s mission council leader. “We should find all the ways we can to reach people.”

Julie Lorenz
March 31, 2021
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New Beginners Campaign Successfully Raises $77,000 Thanks to the Generosity of NCC Compassionate Givers

New Beginners Campaign Successfully Raises $77,000 Thanks to the Generosity of NCC Compassionate Givers https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kindergarten-Celebration.jpg 1200 801 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 31, 2021 November 5, 2021

At the beginning of March, we set a goal of $47,000 to cover a portion of tuition for 172 new students in NCC kindergartens for the 21-22 school year. We also set a miracle goal of $30,000 to support an additional 108 new kindergarteners.

Thanks to the generosity of NCC compassionate givers, we have raised the full $77,000 for the New Beginners Educational Fund! With matching funds from the Pacific Union Conference, we have the ability to cover one month of tuition for up to 280 new beginners in our schools.

“This is a great way to introduce new families to our school system,” said Wayne Gungl, associate superintendent of education. “It’s one more reason for parents who have been thinking about Adventist education to say, ‘I’ll give it a try.’”

Parents appreciate the help as they make plans for next school year. “This support is truly a gift from God, and to know that one month is free is a serious blessing,” said one father. “I really would like to thank those who made this happen. You made a difference in the life of my family. Thank you!”

“I am humbled by the act of kindness and am privileged to interact with our compassionate givers,” said Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development. “They are an incredible group of people who go above and beyond to help others.”

Students in Adventist kindergartens learn more than just the foundations of reading and math. They are learning to follow Jesus and care about others.

An education journal recently surveyed executives at top companies, asking what skills K-12 students need to be successful. “They said they wished kids would learn how to work in teams, how to problem solve, how to adapt when things go wrong – all kinds of things about learning to work effectively with other people,” reported Gungl.

Adventist education has been focusing on these skills since its beginning. “Our whole school system is based around the model of Jesus, who was the most effective collaborator – a great model for how to work with people,” said Gungl. “Our schools are teaching all the academic skills, but they are also teaching the relationship skills that are found in Jesus. When you build on that from kindergarten up, I think it makes a real difference.”

Julie Lorenz
March 26, 2021
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Bible Donors Engage Their Calling to Ministry

Bible Donors Engage Their Calling to Ministry https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Foothills-Bible-Recipients-1.jpg 480 360 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 26, 2021 November 5, 2021

When last fall’s Glass Fire burned the main building at Foothills Adventist Elementary School, the students in grades 5-8 (pictured) lost their personal Bibles, which they used each day in class.

When told of their need, a compassionate donor made it possible for each of the 22 students to receive a new Bible of their choice. The children excitedly chose their Bibles online from the Adventist Book Center. Another donor gave funds for each Bible to be personalized with its owner’s name engraved on the cover.

The students were extremely grateful for the donors. “I can’t wait for my new Bible to come,” said Savanna.

“Thank you to the people who are paying for this!” Kolten agreed. “I cannot wait to read my new Bible. Thank you!” he said.

“Do you know Bible plus Heart equals Life?” wrote Fatimah. “Thank you for this gift.”

Julie Lorenz
September 14, 2020
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Market Street Church Hosts Drive-in Communion Service

Market Street Church Hosts Drive-in Communion Service https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Market-Street-Communion-2021-1.jpg 864 366 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f5339df40307cc881ded7c1cd55ab8b4f516e9468a3b7c7ae4a2339a693e1696?s=96&d=mm&r=g September 14, 2020 November 3, 2021

On a Sabbath afternoon in February, about 75 cars – filled with people from around the East Bay – lined up in the Golden Gate Academy parking lot for the outdoor communion service hosted by the Oakland Market Street church.

Since the pandemic began, the church has held four outdoor communion services, which include music, prayers, and a short sermon. The pastors encouraged people to wash their family members’ feet at home before coming to receive the bread and grape juice in prepackaged containers.

Participants appreciated the opportunity to see each other, even at a distance. “People are so excited about coming that they start arriving an hour ahead of time,” said Senior Pastor Edwin Brown. “They bring their kids and wave at each other.”