Mark 16:15 In Action

Engaging the call to ministry and community with compassion leads to church planting and growth. The Sonoma and Novato church district, led by Pastor Matt Mattzela, is in the process of planting a church in South Central Marin and is a great example of Mark 16:15; which commands believers to go into the world and preach the good news to everyone.

As Mattzela explains, “The churches in the Sonoma/Novato district along with the church plant in South Central Marin have established an IMPACT Community Cares group that completes projects both large and small on a weekly basis. These projects open the door for us to share Jesus through service. As our small groups go out, we are connecting to more community members.”

The church group started a blog to share experiences and seek new projects. Here are a few examples of their work as reported on the church blog:

We helped a friend cultivate her small garden in preparation for planting. We had previously picked acorns and helped her make tamales. It was good to reconnect with her again.

We returned to our new friend’s house to help with a variety of things like pruning a cactus and weeding around the house.

We took up the call of cleaning windows! Five of us gathered our tools and resources, carpooled, and arrived at their home on Sunday morning – ready for work. We were greeted by a delightful couple with bright smiles matching the beautiful sunny day.

Being Community-Relevant

The Capitol City church, led by Pastor Damian Chandler is engaging its community with compassion. One way is by sponsoring an English as Second Language (ESL) class for community members.

Carol Herbert, director of ministries explains, “Language barriers can often inhibit meaningful connection in the workplace, church, and community. Bringing ESL classes to our church provides students the opportunity to learn English in a safe, comfortable setting.”

Sandra, a registered nurse in her native Brazil, was unable to secure employment here in the United States. By attending the full ESL program, she learned enough English to secure a full-time job.

Herbert continues, “Serving our students through the church has established friendships and opened doorways to sharing an abundant life in Jesus Christ.” For more information on these ESL classes call (916) 585-6511.

Supply Container Leaves for Tonga

The Sacramento Tongan church is praising God as they send off a 40-foot care package to their island nation.

Ever since the massive volcanic explosion and subsequent tsunami in December, members have been working to support their families and engage the community in Tonga with compassion by providing food and supplies.

According to Pastor Tui Finau, “The aftermath of the disaster – regardless whether homes were destroyed – the subsequent ash, mixed with moisture ruined almost all clothing, food, furniture, and household items.” In response, church members collected items and loaded them into the large shipping container in their church parking lot last week.

“The filling and shipping of the container is a collaborative effort with the conference and we are grateful for this support,” said Finau.

Finau continues, “Every member at the church has family in Tonga that are suffering shortages. This shipment will reach many loved ones.”

The container is packed with crates, boxes, and barrels of food, clothing, bedding, or any item that could be stuffed in gaps. The container made its way by truck from the church grounds on Friday to the Port of Oakland. From there it will board a ship and take about two weeks to arrive in Tonga.

Church members request continued prayers to lift up the Kingdom of Tonga as they rebuild and return to normalcy. Pastor Finau exclaims, “We praise God Almighty for the support to make this project happen!”

“Planting Seeds of Kindness”-Tea

Experiencing trauma creates a multitude of emotions that can alter lives long into the future. Such has been the case for Paradise and Chico church members since the Camp Fire devastated nearly thirteen thousand Paradise homes in 2018.

As a result, the church members have supported each other in friendship, teamwork, and outreach to the community.

Recently, nearly 100 women gathered from both churches and the community in the Chico church courtyard for a tea party.

“After a week of clouds and rain, God seemed to offer a special gift of sunshine,” said Mary Jo Lauderdale, director of member care at the Chico church.

As reported by one attendee, “Laughter could be heard from the kitchen as volunteers prepared finger foods and desserts presented on five-tier serving trays.”

Lauderdale continued, “Dottie Chinnock and Milinda Hillock, a church-famous gardening duo, gave tips on yard upkeep and many door prizes went home with delighted guests.”

Joelle Chinnock, director of disaster recovery and development at the Paradise church said, “Since the Camp Fire, the two churches have had many gatherings focused on team-building, building bridges, and how to best connect the devastated community to Jesus Christ.”

Lauderdale said, “Truly seeds of kindness, joy, and love were planted between the church members and community friends which brought joy to all of our hearts.”

A Practical and Impactful Church Service

Rio Lindo Academy Spanish teacher Annie Jeong wanted to engage her students’ second language skills in a more practical way. She coordinated with the Santa Rosa Hispanic church and scheduled her class to lead the sabbath church service.

During the service, students reported that they saw faces in the congregation light up when speaking or singing in Spanish.

Landon, a senior, said. “The people there were very kind and uplifting, and they understood when we were struggling and even helped us. Even though I didn’t understand the sermon completely, I still enjoyed being there.”

Jeong explains, “I love learning a new language because it helps me build deeper relationships with people all around the world. My goal with this experience was for my students to embrace diversity in their community, and reach out to everyone with Christ-like hearts.”

Delta Area Community Regaled by Musical Good Friday Service

Boldly, the sword-wielding centurion, played by Fairmont senior pastor Tracy Baerg, welcomed the congregation and reminded all to” keep hands, heads, and feet out of the aisle as this was going to be an incredible, multi-sensory experience!”

Wishing to engage their community in a creative way, the Delta Area churches, Lodi Academy, and, other passionate Christians from the community acted out the Resurrection Weekend story in drama and music.

Crafted by Coreena and Elena Blum, the duo had three goals: “Making meaningful connections with people. Meeting new people and musicians and giving all an opportunity to connect with Jesus in worship together.”

When asked about the music, Jerry Nelson, English Oaks senior pastor said, “Panis Angelicus, sung by the 180 voice Lodi elementary choir was “heart-touching”.

Spontaneous congregational celebration erupted as the resurrected Jesus appeared. Martin Surridge, Lodi Academy English teacher who portrayed the part of Jesus, said the program “made me realize that the role of Jesus is a role that brings everyone together. That’s pretty powerful.”

Chris Wright, bassist from Quail Lakes Baptist Church said, “The highpoint of it was knowing through the program of what happened and recognizing what God did for me personally, He died for me personally and that means a lot to me. I was happy to be here to contribute and use the gifts He has loaned to me.”

The program ended with the whole church singing “from heaven to earth, from the earth to the grave, from the grave to the sky. . . “and hands lifted His name high!

Rio Lindo Academy Alumni Day

On April 2, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy held its 59th annual Alumni Homecoming.

The church service featured a concert by Rio’s performing arts department and seven scholarships were awarded to deserving students totaling over $7,000.

Attendance topped two-hundred with the class of 1972 having the largest turnout with forty. An additional thirty tuned in via Zoom according to Rika Meyer, vice-principal and director of marketing and development. Several former principals including Vic Anderson, Dennis Plubel, and Albert Miller connected with other former faculty and students.

A weekend highlight was the athletic field dedication in honor of former history teacher and coach, Lynny Chapman. He was moved to see the sign displaying his name “Chapman Field” and the tributes given by former students.

On Sunday, the athletic department capped off the weekend with the 4th annual Rio Lindo Trail Run 5k/10k race as a fundraiser for the department.

Alum Stephanie Fritz-Ta wrote on the Rio Lindo Facebook page, “I have so many great memories of growing up at Rio. Those buildings were like a second home.”

This sentiment was echoed by Mekey Lepulu, principal, “Alumni Homecoming truly gave us a glimpse of the ultimate reunion that we will all have one day in heaven.”

Ted Calkins Retires

Pastor Ted Calkins announced his retirement on April 1, 2022 after 53 years of denominational service.

Calkins said, “Today, Friday, April 1, is the day of preparation for a new chapter that will begin this evening with the Sabbath—our special time set aside by Jesus for rest, fulfillment, shalom (peace), music, inspiration, and joy. Thank you so much, Jesus! Thank you for our friends!”

As an NCC pastor since 1975, he was instrumental in purchasing property for the Citrus Heights church, a property he found while on a bicycle ride. He is also well known for his stewardship with Redwood Area Campmeeting and he reflects how hard work and even a flood led to upgrades and growth of the property.

Calkins served as an NCC planned giving consultant for many years and recently pastored at Middletown and Clearlake district during two of California’s most devastating wildfires.

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Elder Calkins is a leader in the get-it-done-fashion. He always has a smile and a soothing way about him.”

When asked what he considers his greatest memory in ministry Calkins doesn’t hesitate in saying, “Baptizing my two daughters.”

Guitars at Sacramento Academy

Students at Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) enjoy a unique experience in their education – shop class.

Teacher Duane Calkins engages his calling to ministry using a very specific and unique talent. Over many years, Calkins has made thousands of electric guitars. For the last four years, he has been transmitting this art and knowledge to his students at SAA.

Calkins leads student through design, safety and usage of tools making body, neck and fret boards. Custom paint schemes or varnishes are applied to finish out the models that hang in differing stages around the shop.

Sophomore Brodie Barr enjoys the class so much he has made three. When asked his thoughts, he enthusiastically said, “It’s a really cool class.”

Calkins states, “Students leave SAA having a sense of pride in accomplishment, a knowledge of tool use, and a fantastic guitar.”

Giving to Ukraine

A Day in the Life of a Principal

School principals gathered this week at NCC office headquarters in Roseville for one of their many workshops.

The day saw friends and colleagues enjoying each other’s company while discussing year-end academic procedures.

With the end of the school year in sight, there are graduation, financial, and hiring issues to address.

When asked her favorite part of these events, Lisa Bissell-Paulson, principal at Pleasant Hill Academy was quick to say, “It’s great to see all my friends!”

Albert Miller, superintendent of schools echoed this sentiment saying, “Our principals have a special bond tempered by unique workplace experiences.”

Miller continues “These gatherings are essential for operating our schools at the highest level.”

Kid Centered Church

Roseville Church recently catered a church service directly for their children. “We wanted to do something special with each aspect geared towards them.” said David Resendes, pastor.

The chosen theme was God’s Backyard, and a pastoral scene including live animals was created on stage where children could take live flowers home at the end of the service.

Decorations extended from the stage to the foyer with a service of short sermonettes, a puppet show and special music by the Beginners Class.

A parent said, “My kids both told me that they liked that I brought one of our roosters to church!”

After the service everyone enjoyed a boxed kid friendly lunch and fellowship. Moreover, there were several young people who had not attended church in a long time that stayed to talk with the leaders.

Welcome to Ken Miller!

New Assistant to the Director of Communication and Development

What do yacht racing and church communication have in common? “Well, nothing comes to mind”, states Ken Miller, our new Assistant to the director of communications and development.

Miller disarmingly continues, “However, I do have twenty-five years working with avid sailing customers like The America’s Cup as a private business owner and during that time, I have been honing my communication skills in this very secular sport.”

When asked why he is making the switch to church work Miller stated, “I was personally missing that key element that all good businesses have, a mission and a purpose. I started praying for a place that I could serve God more effectively with my talents. This opportunity at the NCC came out of nowhere, surprising me to the point of knowing this was His answer.”

Ken enjoys working for the church. He served on the board at his home church, Discover Life SDA in Sonora, California. He currently teaches youth Sabbath School, and every Friday, a wood shop class to 7th to 10th grade students at Mother Lode Adventist Jr. Academy (MLAJA).

As a graduate of Pacific Union College, he still maintains strong ties to what he terms, “His School”. During COVID he started a Facebook page catering to his era at the college. “It exploded to 850 members in a couple days!” Miller exclaims. “I think COVID opened a hunger to connect! It’s like a moving yearbook of pictures and memories.”

Picture below, his wife of 22 years, Amy Chinnock-Miller is the Vice-Principal and 9th and 10th grade teacher at MLAJA and they have two lovely daughters, Kaia and Darci. Kaia will be attending Rio Lindo Academy next year as a junior.

“I am very excited to have Ken in the department. He brings a unique perspective and voice that will enhance the work of telling the story of how our churches, schools, and other ministries connect people to Christ. He also is a passionate hard worker, contagiously kind and has a servant’s heart-our three character values that successful NCC employees share in common. ” explains Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development.

Mark Blue Lecture Series

On Monday, our pastors and teachers met together at Gracepoint Church for the annual Mark Blue Lecture Series.

This series was tackling conflict resolution issues that arise in the church-school space. According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Our pastors and teachers face real-world conflicts in their missions. We strive to provide modern training for successful mitigation.”

This year, presenters from the Center for Reconciliation met in general and breakout sessions targeting specific scenarios.

Lorenz summed up his thoughts of the series with a quote by presenter Dr. H. Jean Wright II; “We’re all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.”

2021 State of the Conference Address

Marc Woodson, President
interviewed by
Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development
Learn how the Holy Spirit moved through our conference in 2021.

See how our churches, schools and members have been connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus and preparing them for the Second Coming.

Watch the 29-minute interview here or watch it in segments:

Time – Topic
00:56 – Ministry during the pandemic
02:34 – Engage community with compassion
05:00 – Engage calling to ministry
07:00 – Engage in church planting
10:12 – Tithe and other Giving
13:52 – Disaster recovery
17:07 – Where are we going now? Our journey toward organizational health.
19:35 – Expansion of Leadership team from 4 to 8 members: Two are women
22:04 – Explanation of organizational clarity and focus
23:06 – Engaged and enthusiastic members and employees
24:00 – Community Relevance
25:00 – Mission Driven
26:18 – Organizational Health
26:42 – Final words

Kids Unite Us to Serve – Part 2

Janine Harrington, 3rd grade teacher at Sacramento Adventist Academy, has owned horses her entire life and currently rides competitively in both Hunter and Jumper competitions.

When Harrington found out that Leoni Meadow’s Cowboy Camp lost everything in the Caldor Fire, she knew something had to be done.

Harrington explains, “I want every child to have the experience of riding and the loss of Cowboy Camp is devastating especially for my students who are now old enough to attend Leoni.”

With the support of her husband Al, together with her students , they approached both the Sacramento Woodside and Carmichael churches to support the rebuild of Cowboy Camp.

Jenni Glass, Carmichael church member recalled, “The kids went to the front of the church to explain their idea and ask for support. It was so inspiring.”

As weekly customers at Douglas Feed in Granite Bay, Harrington approached the owners Craig and DeeDee Lyman for support. Little did they know that Craig had attended Leoni Meadows when he was kid.

The owners agreed to not only to replace the tack items at cost but also started a “Round Up” campaign with their customers.

Pictured here. On March 15, Janine brought her class to Douglas Feed and presented the collected funds to Craig Heinrich, Director of Leoni Meadows. Additionally, the students toured the store and chose items for Cowboy Camp. The students also held some baby chicks, and before leaving they each got a bag of kettle corn to take back to school. DeeDee Lyman said, “It was such a pleasure having the kids at our store. It made our day.”

The class presented Heinrich with a check for over $23,000! “I am so grateful for how the Lord has blessed the mission of Leoni. God answered our prayers. Thank you to Harringtons and Lymans, but I especially thank these amazing kids,” states Heinrich.

God works in wondrous ways! As an answer to prayer, using the passion of these young children, God bought together two churches and community members to ensure kids this summer can experience the joy of horses.

Our Kids Unite Us to Serve – Part 1

Last Sabbath Dr. Marty Sutton, principal at El Dorado Adventist School announced that the church and the school were working as one to connect our children to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

This unity is yielding results. Nancy Schoonover’s third and fourth grade class (pictured above) at El Dorado School demonstrated Christ-like compassion when they expressed their desire to help the Ukrainian refugees in Eastern Europe.

Being thousands of miles of way, the task was daunting; but the students used their God-given talents and last week organized a pancake breakfast with over 150 in attendance.

They also auctioned off a very special blue and yellow quilt that was put together almost two years before by the former 3rd/4th graders: Austin Gray, Evie Reeb, Eden Givson, Tyler Gatling, Andrew Jones, Cody Stewart, Daniel Durrett, William Hiroshima, Reagan Easterbrook, and John Lloyd Soguillon.

By engaging their international community with compassion, these kids brought together the Placerville and Camino church members, with the community, and raised over $8,100 to support ADRA’s humanitarian efforts with the Ukrainian refugees.

As the Bible says:
Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Matthew 19:14 “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ”

Kids have the God-given power to unite and transform a community to help others.

Success! SAA Girls Basketball Team

The girls varsity basketball team epitomizes passionate hard work.

This season they made school history as co-league champions of the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League, took second place in the Division XI Sac-Joaquin Sectional playoffs, and ranked fifth for Division XI in Northern California.

Throughout the season they expressed their God-given physical talents in such a way that they glorified God. With a recent win, the team is one step closer to being champions.

Photo taken by Cheri Welty

News From Our Territory

Ukrainian Response
Although the Ukraine is on the other side of the world, the crisis impacts our members locally.

With the only Ukrainian Church in the Pacific Union and one of the few Slavic Churches, both our congregations are “feeling the impact of this war.” states Jim Lorenz, ministerial director.

Lorenz continues “Many, if not most (of our members), have family caught in this horrible situation. Both of our Ukrainian pastors, Roman Tsyganiuk and Andriy Mykhalovskyy, have close family still in the country.”

There are local churches and schools, agencies, and individuals responding to the crisis. “We have chosen to support ADRA because of their response in the region,” explains Marc Woodson, president.

As Lorenz suggests,” Consider reaching out to our two churches- Sacramento Slavic and Sacramento Ukrainian.” He continues, “Last Sabbath, several of our Sacramento-area churches provided lunch to these two churches so the members would know they are not alone.”

Although not as a dramatic as the images on the news, this just under 2 minute video shows the type of response and the people involved. Watch here.

Developing Christ-like Character in Every Student

The Northern California Conference connects people to an abundant life with Jesus and prepares them for the Second Coming. Our Office of Education transforms knowledge to wisdom, relationships to character, and skills to service for God. Our schools provide a strong academic program, and our dedicated educators not only transmit knowledge but also focus on developing Christ-like character in every student that include the following behavioral values:

passionate hard work
contagious kindness
a servant’s heart

Written by pastors, educators, parents, board members, or the children themselves, the below observations highlight only a few of our students (more stories to come in future issues of Northern Lights).

To protect the identity of the child only first names and grade levels are shared.

Story submitted by Christian, an eighth-grader:

“Camille is a seventh-grade student who is my best friend and is a servant of our school and Jesus. She loves to help out wherever she is needed and goes above and beyond to help others. She has demonstrated true commitment to serving Jesus and is also one of the kindest students in the entire school.”

Imagine Christian and Camille when they are adults?

Jessica is an eighth-grader at a small country school. Even though the school is small, it is mighty with students like her. She exudes happiness and kindness toward all and is focused on getting the best grades.

When asked what she wants to become, Jessica responds, “I want to be a doctor, so I can be of service to others.”

How do we support Jessica to fulfill her dreams?

Joshua is a senior. He has a servant’s heart, and it is demonstrated in the time he devotes to conserving California’s big trees. He communicates this important message through photography, school projects, and worship presentations to his peers.

As Joshua shares, “We all need to do our part to save our forests so that birds can continue to have sustainable habitats.”

How can we ensure Joshua’s efforts have the greatest impact?

Joey and Preston are seventh-graders who demonstrate passionate hard work and a servant’s heart as they prepare for the school’s first skate night.

These two boys, on their own volition, worked to clean, lace, and organize the skates as well as the storage room so the school would be ready for a successful event.

Imagine Joey and Preston as adults and how they will transmit God’s love to others?

Jude is a seventh-grader and deacon at church who has a true passion to serve. He volunteered his Sunday mornings to delivering wood to the many community residents who lost electricity during a snowstorm.

Jude said, “It was hard work, but I enjoyed seeing the wood pile grow and knowing it’s helping people.”

How can we be more like Jude when it comes to serving others?

Juan is an eighth-grader at this school. As a new student this year, Juan shows kindness to everyone, regardless of their age. He welcomes students to join a game and is dedicated to completing his work before moving on to the next task.

Juan shared, “I like helping because I like to see people happy.”

Imagine how different our world would be if we all where motivated to make others happy?

#ENGAGE

Editors Note: The below image was shared with me by my spiritual mentor, Audrey Graham via a text message.

Audrey is an incredible, accomplished, God-fearing, and dedicated woman who I had the privilege to meet.

As a full time mom to a driven and happy 5-year-old and a full time professional, receiving this message on March 8 revived my spirit and reminded me how much God loves me.

I encourage you, the reader, to do the same to other women in your life, especially this month.

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