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STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy
STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Nicholas Sigler

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy transformed its campus into a world of secret missions and scientific discovery during its “Spy” Academy STEM Camp, the first since 2018.

Middle school “agents-in-training” from six NCC schools spent two days diving into hands-on activities that blended creativity, curiosity, and real-world science. As Emma, an eighth grader from Feather River, shared, “It was a great opportunity to meet other schools and make new friends. The teachers were friendly and helpful. I learned that lasers show up better in the dark and fog, and the light bounces off mirrors.”

Students began their mission by constructing their own laser mazes. Using geometry and spatial reasoning, they positioned mirrors to guide a laser beam through a complex path, learning how light reflects and how real security systems operate. Agents then moved into the cryptography lab, where they created ciphers and used mathematical patterns to crack secret messages. By applying logic and number sequences, they decoded clues that revealed new “intel” throughout the camp.

Next, participants experimented with invisible ink, testing everyday substances—from lemon juice to baking soda to cabbage-based indicators—to discover which solutions could hide or reveal messages using heat or chemical reactions. Campers finished their training by engineering LED magnetic trackers, wiring small circuits with lights and magnets to create devices that could flash or stick to metal surfaces, mimicking tools used in real investigations.

Through experiences like “Spy” STEM Camp, Rio Lindo isn’t just making science fun for students in the NCC—it’s helping them imagine their futures. By blending teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering with a mission to make science exciting, accessible, and unforgettable, the camp equips young people for advanced coursework, technical careers, and real-world challenges.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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#riolindoadventistacademy #STEMatRio #learnservelead #norcalboardingschool
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Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon
Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon 3856 2053 Ken Miller

Looking ahead to warmer days and summer events, Redwood Camp Meeting leaders are already preparing the grounds for July.

Nestled beneath towering redwoods on California’s North Coast, the camp is a place many families return to year after year—often describing it as a reunion in the trees.

Each winter brings new challenges. A flood year can leave logs, silt, and debris scattered across the property. Coupled with fallen trees, branches and foliage throughout the canopied campsite, spring cleanup becomes essential to restore the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere campers’ treasure.

To address this, the camp organizes its annual Memorial Day Weekend volunteer cleanup, scheduled for May 23–25, 2026. The cleanup also prepares the site for Camp Pitch, which takes place the week before Camp Meeting.

This year, the camp launched a new website: redwoodcampmeeting.com. Camp officers report the site will grow as a resource for online reservations, essential documents, and details about speakers, children’s programming, and upcoming events.

The 2026 Redwood Camp Meeting runs from July 26 to August 1. With these dates set, everyone is invited to enjoy God’s magnificent redwoods, the North Coast, and the joy of gathering in the trees to learn and serve together.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit
Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2nd Annual Summit of the Ending Homelessness Initiative brought together church leaders, community advocates, and volunteers for a day filled with inspiration and action.

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the NCC community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four NCC churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, NCC Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Feather River: One Year Later
Feather River: One Year Later 3449 2211 Ken Miller

December 4 marks one year since the tragic shooting at our Feather River Adventist School. This heartbreaking event impacted not only our local school and church, but our entire Northern California Conference family. It was an unimaginable tragedy—something our Adventist community had never faced before and something no one could have anticipated. It was a random act of violence directed toward the most vulnerable among us.

Over the past year, we have seen the resilience of our teachers, students, and families as they have continued their educational mission amid grief and uncertainty. They have chosen hope and faith over fear and despair. Their trust in God’s sustaining presence and steady commitment to the purpose of Adventist education has helped our community move forward.

Our focus has remained, and will always remain, on the safety, healing, and well-being of our students, staff, and their families. The journey toward recovery has been long and challenging for those most directly affected by the shooting, and we ask for your ongoing prayers and faithful support for their healing.

Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep gratitude—gratitude to God for His mercy, for the strength He has poured into our community, and for the enduring compassion that has held us together. We thank every person, community organization, school, and church that has stood beside Feather River throughout this challenging year. Your prayers, encouragement, and support remind us that we are one body, united in one mission, and anchored in the hope of Christ’s soon return.

We hold close the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May we continue to find comfort in His promises and strength in His presence as we move forward — together, in faith, hope, and love.

Our prayers and support remain with our Feather River School community as we continue to heal and move forward with faith and hope.

Dr. Marc Woodson

President, Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

— For media inquiries, please get in touch with Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, by emailing laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com or calling (916) 886-5642

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Serving Amid Growing Need
Serving Amid Growing Need 2000 1000 Ken Miller

As economic pressures continue to tighten household budgets, food insecurity is affecting more families across Northern California than ever before. In response, churches across the Northern California Conference are stepping into the gap, providing not just groceries, but hope, dignity, and community through vibrant food ministries.

Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs—they restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference’s largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests—demonstrating discipleship in action.

Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.

Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.

A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California

From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:

Carmichael Church
Concord Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Palo Cedro
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement—through time, resources, or inviting others to participate—strengthens these ministries and spreads Christ’s love throughout our communities.

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Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest
Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest 3879 2051 Ken Miller

Davis attended Mt. View Academy and Pacific Union College. She joined the NCC in 1993 and served as the school secretary at Orangevale Elementary for 4 years.

She returned to Orangevale as a teacher in 2021 and remained through November 2025. Coreen Hicks, Associate Superintendent, shared that Davis taught with Kingdom Kids, Orangevale’s pre-first class, first grade, and third grade during her tenure. Health issues eventually led her to leave full-time teaching, but she continued to volunteer up to two weeks before her passing.

Hicks continued, “In Nadine’s final days, I was deeply moved by her unwavering faith in God and the quiet peace she showed as she surrendered everything to His care and trusted His will.”

Former Orangevale pastor and friend Jon Cicle shared, “I will always remember Nadine as a woman of rare tenderness—deeply caring, quietly compassionate, and guided by her steadfast love for Jesus. Her gentle spirit and the light of her faith touched everyone who knew her.”

On December 6, the Orangevale Student Christmas program will be at Orangevale SDA Church during the church service, followed by a potluck lunch. At 2 PM, there will be a Celebration of Life service at the church.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Young Adventurers Bring Thanksgiving Joy to Oakmont Home
Young Adventurers Bring Thanksgiving Joy to Oakmont Home 3872 2044 Ken Miller

Children from the Pleasant Hill Spanish Adventurers Club spread holiday cheer at the Oakmont Home of Concord, sharing gifts and literature with residents, nurses, and staff. Their visit was a reminder of Christ’s grace and a gesture of companionship for the grandparents and caregivers at the facility.

Adventurers is the church’s club ministry for the youngest children, ages 4 to 10. Named the Capybaras, the club, formed just three months ago, has been cultivating a spirit of service among its members, encouraging them to live out their faith through practical acts of kindness. This outreach allowed the young participants to show care and attention, especially to those who may not often receive such loving support.

Leaders described the day as a meaningful expression of the church’s calling to serve others with humility and love.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church
Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church 3791 1883 Ken Miller

On September 13, Marc Pasion was installed as Associate Pastor of Sacramento Central Church.

Marc began his ministry in Hawaii as a Bible Worker and most recently served as Program Head for Ke Ola Youth Rush, mentoring students in evangelism and discipleship. He also served four years in the Hawaii Army National Guard, where he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience—qualities that now shape his pastoral calling. He completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews University in May before joining the Northern California Conference.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Marc carries the island values of family, humility, and service. Influenced by mentors such as Taj Pacleb, he embraces a ministry guided by 2 Timothy 4:11, which reminds him that God redeems the past and calls each person useful for His work.

Marc shares his life with Cindy, his wife of four years. They are grateful to serve together in this season of ministry.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025

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NCC Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities
NCC Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities 3869 2052 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

The Northern California Conference Urban Ministries Department hosted its Urban Ministries Workshop on November 9, 2025, at the Fairfield Church. Pastors, ministry leaders, and members from across the conference gathered to explore practical ways to engage their communities through meaningful service, outreach, and discipleship.

Participants attended breakout sessions on evangelism, community partnerships, recovery ministry, discipleship, and youth engagement—each designed to help churches create sustainable, long-term impact. Virge Newman, a volunteer from the Pittsburg Church, shared, “As my community project, I chose assembling hygiene kits for the homeless! I am now inspired to organize a family gathering to prepare hygiene kits for the homeless in my city!”

Speakers highlighted how deep connections can form when churches work hand-in-hand with their communities and partner organizations. In the afternoon, attendees put their learning into action through hands-on service projects. Teams assisted at the Fairfield Thrift Store, distributed blessing bags, and prayed with shoppers at Food 4 Less. They also cleaned trash in the surrounding neighborhood and assembled hygiene kits for those in need.

The day concluded with participants inspired, equipped, and committed to expanding their community engagement—demonstrating that meaningful ministry happens when the church shows up with compassion and purpose. Josie Asencio, Pastor of the Antioch Church, reflected, “I’m thankful to be part of the Urban Ministries Team, especially when we get to train people on how to partner with their communities through service. That is an important aspect of discipleship.”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Building Character, One Adventure at a Time
Building Character, One Adventure at a Time 3888 2078 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich and Barry van Iderstein

Northern California Conference (NCC) Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders continue to provide programs that encourage and teach enthusiastic youth. Over three weekends, youth gathered at Leoni Meadows to take part in spiritual programs, participate in hands-on learning, and earn honors.

In October, over 600 Pathfinders attended the NCC Pathfinder Camporee for a weekend of outdoor adventure and spiritual growth. Despite rainy weather on Thursday, spirits remained high, and by Sabbath morning the skies cleared for a day of activities. Weekend highlights included the blacksmithing honor (supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health), the Parade of Nations, a Leaders in Training social activity, and four baptisms. The theme “All In” encouraged Pathfinders to live out their faith through worship, service, and community involvement, while honor classes and service projects fostered friendships and character.

Following the Camporee, the NCC Adventurer program hosted two weekend events—one in Spanish and one in English—bringing young children and families together. The 2025 theme, “Down on the Farm,” offered hands-on experiences exploring food, farm life, and Jesus’ birth. The Spanish event welcomed more than 70 families; the English weekend hosted 30. Children earned awards while parents participated in family ministry activities and guest-led worship. Sunday included go-kart rides and a historic train ride.

Together, the Pathfinder and Adventurer programs showcase the NCC’s commitment to fun, faith-filled events that build character, foster spiritual growth, and inspire service.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Every Thursday morning, Northern Lights, the official 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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