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Ken Miller

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Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise
Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise 549 444 Ken Miller

September 7- Zach Reiber was installed as pastor of the Paradise Church.

Rudy Peters, NCC African American Ministries Coordinator, stated, “There is a fantastic sense of excitement and anticipation from Pastor Reiber and the church congregation about what they will accomplish together through their ministry.”

Reiber started his ministry in our territory in 2011 as the Assistant Pastor of the Pleasant Hill church until he attended seminary training. He earned his Master of Divinity in 2017 from Andrews University and returned to the NCC in 2018 as the pastor of the Yuba City church.

Reiber commented about his new position, “My family and I are so blessed to be welcomed in by such a warm and loving community. The ministry leaders here desire to earnestly seek God’s will and head passionately in that direction. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for our time together as we serve the community of Paradise.”

Reiber shares his life with Yvette, his wife of 14 years. They find great joy in raising their daughter Caroline, age 3.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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A Passion for Past and Present
A Passion for Past and Present 4000 2254 Ken Miller

The Pleasant Hill Academy library is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

Lorry Muth Gospovocheck, a former student and teacher, has spearheaded a rebuilding project as a tribute to her mother, one of the school’s first librarians. Gospovocheck is an ardent educator who deeply believes in the life-changing power of books.

Once the music room, then the library, and even the 7th and 8th-grade classroom during COVID, the space is now reimagined. A new student center will occupy the back, while the front will soon house a renewed library.

Many volunteers have jumped in and are working tirelessly to bring this project to life. Their commitment reflects the shared belief in the value of education and community spirit. This library renovation is not just about books—it’s a powerful reminder that when passion and purpose unite, amazing things happen, ensuring the library will inspire students for future generations.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve
A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Over Labor Day weekend, the Gracepoint Church hosted an area-wide youth rally with over 100 high school students attending.

The weekend’s theme was “Real Life, Real God,” presented by Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church. Youth musicians and vocalists led all worship services during the three church programs. On Sabbath afternoon, attendees participated in six service activities near downtown Sacramento.

The projects included a homeless outreach, where 150 individuals received lunch, prayer, and GLOW tracts. Another activity involved singing at three area nursing homes and creating 32 blankets for homeless shelters. A community prayer walk contacted over 50 homes near the church, and a drive-through prayer line drew a dozen drivers requesting special prayer. As a fun and creative addition, some made over 80 dog toys delivered to local animal shelters.

Caleb Serna, a participant, stated, “I enjoyed the outreach the most. I fed people experiencing homelessness, and it was nice to see how happy they were even when they had so little. It made me smile, knowing I could help others.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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Social Media is a Ministry Tool
Social Media is a Ministry Tool 1292 722 Ken Miller

Utilizing social media is one of the least expensive and broad-reaching methods to increase awareness for your church, school, or ministry. By practicing these three helpful hints, you can increase awareness and a buzz for your event.

Quality: First and foremost, create good content. Social media is just that: social. Create an interesting story with engaging visual imagery to draw your audience in. This encourages interaction from the viewer and interest in your event.

Member participation: Actively encourage every church member to leave comments, post pictures, and forward event links to friends and relatives.

Facebook advertising: This inexpensive service is an easy way to grow interest in your event in the surrounding community. You can choose the area where it will be seen, and the number of people you want it to reach.

Helpful hints: The NCC Communication Department is always available for help. We can help you determine the best strategy for your church, school.

You can contact us directly by email or join our Facebook community.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting
Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting 4320 2880 Ken Miller

Korean Camp Meeting this year at Pacific Union College was a profound and transformative experience, with over 1,200 attendees filling the campus. James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries Coordinator, remarked, “After a slowdown due to the pandemic, the yearly event has a renewed energy and purpose.”

A significant sign of this revival was the notably higher participation by young adults. Lim continued, “Our younger generation is getting more involved with their home churches. In a time dominated by digital interactions, seeing them seek face-to-face fellowship at camp meeting was encouraging. By Sabbath, it was evident the Holy Spirit was sowing unity and spiritual renewal with the audience.”

Getting together each year brings together families and members from Northern and abroad. Lim continued, “Seeing so many generations of members and children was heartwarming. This event continues to be a valuable resource in winning souls for heaven, nurturing spiritual growth, and strengthening family and community bonds.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Back to School Joy and Excitement!
Back to School Joy and Excitement! 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The wheels of NCC education are spinning again, accelerating into a new year filled with hope.

As classes kick off, the excitement is tangible. Principals and teachers have met, aligning on the latest policies and embracing the mission ahead. Students are joyfully reacquainting with friends, getting used to new classrooms, and diving into their subjects.

Our Adventist schools uniquely blend academics with spiritual growth, fostering strong moral character and a deep personal relationship with God. Albert Miller, Superintendent, explained, “With high academic standards and small class sizes, our schools create a supportive environment that prepares students for life and eternity.”

As a result, many of our schools are reporting increases in enrollment. Rio Lindo Academy is welcoming about 40 new students, Pine Hills is increasing by 14, and El Dorado is reporting over 12 new beaming faces.

The contagious enthusiasm among educators and students is setting the stage for a year of growth, learning, and lasting memories. Let’s keep all our schools, students, and educators in our prayers.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time
Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time 3897 2051 Ken Miller

Leoni Meadows Camp is more than just a retreat center and camp—it’s an NCC ministry that creates abundant joy for children and adults of Northern and many other conferences, states, and an occasional country. In 2023, 20% of the guests who visited Leoni were not from Northern.

Kristen Lo from Sonora, California, is one of them, as she explains her Family Camp experience, “This was our second year at family camp. Every activity resonated with our family; there was something for everyone. What truly stood out was the exceptional staff. Their kindness and patience, reflecting the traits of Jesus, will keep us coming back.”

Craig Heinrich, camp director, reflected, “Our daily mission is to connect our visitors to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and prepare them for His soon return. Since COVID and the Caldor fire, returning the camp to normal has been challenging. This summer was the first in many where I could truly state everything was normal.”

The staff’s impact on campers is profound, showing a motivation to love, serve, and teach. Wrangler camp staff member Elia Privat witnessed, “We celebrated nine baptisms at teen camp and six more at junior camp this summer. For each, the staff gathered around the kids as they were baptized, praying, singing, and cheering as they emerged from the water. Watching the Holy Spirit work was incredibly inspiring. It united us as a team and motivated us to serve each other and each camper at a deeper level.”

Leoni Meadows is a beacon of hope and service and a place for spiritual growth, which impacts those who spend time there. Its success as a ministry is a testament to a team of cheerful givers, tireless volunteers, and employees who find immense joy and satisfaction in providing a camp and retreat center that honors God.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 22, 2024
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Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance
Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance 4000 2250 Ken Miller

At Concord International Church, abundance is joyfully measured by the number of families they are privileged to serve each week.

Every Thursday, about 70 enthusiastic volunteers from the church and local community come together to create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, providing groceries to over 700 individuals. This weekly gathering has become a beacon of hope and connection, where the spirit of giving thrives.

Since its humble beginnings in 2020, the food pantry has blossomed into a beloved weekly event that brings the community together. What started as a small act of faith has grown into a dependable ministry that the community trusts and cherishes. Scott Groschel, co-director, shared, “We’re helping people make a difference in their lives. Many face tough choices between paying for food, electricity, or gas to get to work. Here, they don’t have to choose—they can find nutritious food and a sense of relief. It’s amazing to be part of something that positively impacts our community.”

The pantry’s success is built on a foundation of generosity and partnerships with local food banks, Costco, and Safeway. As Scott Groschel observed, “This is more than just a place to get food—it’s a community. People come here and make friendships while they wait in line or shop. It’s wonderful to see how faith and kindness bring people together.” The pantry’s dedication to service has even garnered recognition, earning them an award from the Foodbank of Contra Costa and Solano and support from local city council members.

Gigi Groschel, the director, is grateful for the blessings that have poured into this ministry. “God has blessed this ministry far beyond what we ever imagined, allowing us to reach so many more people in need,” she said, her voice full of joy. “We have countless opportunities to share with each person about the God we serve, and we can see the Holy Spirit working in their lives. It’s truly incredible to witness God’s amazing work!”

Concord International Church’s food pantry is a shining example of how faith, service, and community spirit can create an abundance of blessings for everyone involved.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 22, 2024
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A Storm of Joy
A Storm of Joy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Approximately 55,000 Pathfinders worldwide, including over 900 from Northern, gathered in Gillette, Wyoming, from August 6 to 11. With residents and pathfinders combined, it became the largest city in Wyoming by population for a week!

Opening day started with a bang—and rain, hail, and wind. Campers rushed into meeting halls for shelter and safety while lakes as deep as ten inches formed and flooded many tents, drenching sleeping bags and luggage. In contrast to the weather outside, thousands of joyful campers praising God could be heard singing from the impromptu indoor havens, defying the storm’s ferocity.

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Director, stated, “What is a camporee without some weather and challenges? I’m sure the enemy loves to provoke commotion when our worldwide clubs gather to praise God for a week! The hand of God was very evident leading up to and during the Camporee.”

As the days passed, eager youth continued to earn honors, march, and exchange pins. One Northern camper mentioned that his favorite activity was Dutch Oven cooking over an open fire. Another popular activity was gold panning, led by NCC area coordinators with help from Roseville Church member Joe Lee, who developed the honor.

Amidst the excitement of new friendships, activities, and challenges, many dedicated their lives to God through baptism, including 14 from Northern. There was an extra celebration for Grant Gulke from the Napa Valley club, who asked for baptism after being a Pathfinder for 30 years.

Janeen Little, the associate pastor of the Lodi Fairmont church, stated, “It was incredible to see kids meet Jesus and commit to Him. In the midst of challenges, they were resilient and insistent on having fun! God is still on the move, and this generation is following Him to the promised land!

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern
Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Every summer, NCC churches prepare for a special event that brings their communities together in a whirlwind of excitement, faith, and discovery.

With the adventurous Thunder Island and SCUBA themes this year, Vacation Bible School (VBS) became a journey into the tropical islands, the ocean’s depths, and, more importantly, into the hearts of the children and families who attended.

Over 1,600 children attended VBS across our territory. Nearly 60% from non-Adventist backgrounds dove into this week-long adventure, with 36% returning from previous years. This percentage indicates sustained engagement with the local church.

Kimberly Riddle of the Tracy church stated, “VBS gives us an opportunity to work as a church team and also connect with families and volunteers we may only see during VBS.”

Behind the scenes, more than 360 volunteers of all ages guided the children through the activities. As reported, Jaymes Cheney from Carmichael Church stated, “Seeing my son excited to be at church and about his group leader, Dylan, a high school student, is incredible. It’s so great to see students helping inspire the younger kids.”

As reported by Yvette Reiber, a highlight of the week for the Yuba City Church, was the story of Jonah told inside a makeshift whale’s belly, complete with bubbles, mist, and seaweed. The 17 preschoolers were captivated, their eyes wide with wonder. At this moment, they revealed the true power of VBS—teaching biblical stories in ways that resonate deeply with young hearts and minds.

Barry van Iderstein, Director of Children’s Ministries, shared decorations and support materials with thirteen churches this summer to help them maximize resources and stretch small budgets. “It is inspiring to see how our smaller churches can host big-church VBS programs that truly impact and engage the children of their communities. I’m already looking forward to next year, with the recent release of the 2025 SDA VBS program, Mountain of Miracles.”

If you have ever attended, you know VBS is a whirlpool of high energy, fun, and joy. Like the ocean waves and warm tropical breeze, the Holy Spirit flows through VBS, connecting children and their families closer to an abundant life with Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Northern Lights, the official monthly news source of the Northern California Conference, shares how churches, schools, and members are connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return.

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