• Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

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Dreaming Big Dreams
Dreaming Big Dreams 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Linnea Elias

As part of Galt Adventist School’s annual Artists and Authors event, students reflected on God’s unique design for each person and considered how their talents and strengths could be used to serve others. Through artwork and reflective essays centered on the theme of shining God’s light, they explored ways they could make a difference in the world around them.

To put these ideas into practice and expose students to real-world careers, the class embarked on a job-shadowing experience. Thanks to the support of parent volunteers and drivers, students visited either the Galt Police Department or Galt Precision Automotive. Along the way, they sought answers to questions such as:
• What are the daily responsibilities in this occupation?
• What skills are used in this job?
• What training or education is required for this position?

Students at the automotive shop enjoyed learning basic vehicle maintenance from the owner’s fiancée, practicing how to check oil levels and tire pressure. At the police station, students eagerly questioned officers about the responsibilities of detectives, community service officers, and the remarkable multitasking skills required of a 911 dispatcher.

It was a blessing to participate in this meaningful experience and to watch students begin connecting their God-given gifts with future opportunities to serve others and shine God’s light in their communities.

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Serving Generations
Serving Generations 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2026 Northern California Conference Advantage Awards, held in April, recognized employees whose service reflects the mission and core values of the conference. The awards celebrate individuals marked by contagious kindness, a servant’s heart, passionate hard work, and mission-focused leadership.

Among those honored were two Lifetime Achievement recipients, recognized for decades of faithful ministry and lasting influence: Teacher Susan Alexander and Pastor Dave Osborne.

Susan Alexander: Shaping generations through education

For more than five decades, Susan Alexander devoted her life to Adventist education, impacting students, families, and colleagues. Beginning her denominational service in 1968, she served as a teacher, school nurse, church secretary, and mentor.

Affectionately known as “Mrs. A,” she taught in Yreka and later at Napa Christian Campus of Education from 1998 until her retirement in 2012. Even after retiring, she returned for a year of teaching and continued volunteering at Feather River Adventist School and Napa Christian Campus of Education, tutoring students and supporting teachers.

After 53 years of service, her legacy is seen in the many lives shaped through her care, faithfulness, and commitment to Christian education.

Dave Osborne: A pastor who led with truth and joy

Pastor Dave Osborne served in ministry for more than six decades, joining the Northern California Conference in 1993 after 30 years of pastoral, teaching, and chaplaincy service. He later served as North American Division ministry director and concluded his career as pastor of the Chico church, retiring in 2020.

Known for his ability to speak truth with warmth and humor, Osborne was deeply respected for building trust while guiding congregations through both growth and challenge. His leadership helped strengthen and unify churches throughout his ministry.

A close friend reflected, “He was always positive and energetic, rooted in a deep faith in God and infectious in his love of life.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools
Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools 3875 2012 Ken Miller

Leslie Bartsch has accepted the position of Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference, bringing nearly three decades of experience in Adventist education.

Originally planning a career in law, Bartsch studied history and political science at La Sierra University. During her final year of college, a placement in a second-grade classroom shifted her trajectory. That experience clarified her calling to education, and after earning her teaching credential, she began teaching in Fontana in 1998.

Guided by a belief that every child can learn—and that students develop at different paces and in different ways—Bartsch has built her career around supporting student growth and helping schools create environments where learning can take root. She joined Chico Oaks Adventist School in 2008 and became principal in 2018. The school also holds deep personal significance, with three generations of her family attending, including her sons, Wyatt and Conner.

In her new role, Bartsch plans to draw on her classroom and administrative experience to support principals and teachers across the Northern California Conference. Her focus remains on strengthening schools and continuing to serve students through strong, mission-centered leadership.

Patty Osborne, NCC Vice President of Education, shared, “Leslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served—with her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her. I couldn’t be more excited for our schools to have her support.”

Leslie and her husband, Rob, whom she met while attending Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, have been married for 29 years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends

Featured in Northern Lights, June, 25 2026
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Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Whitney Weems

Recently, the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale joined participating choruses, soloists, and orchestra members in New York City for the world premiere of Psalmos, a newly commissioned Christian choral work by renowned composer and conductor Mark Hayes. The performance took place in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, where students helped give voice to a new setting of seven psalms.

For Sophomore Uila Satui, the experience began with gratitude and school pride. “Going to Carnegie Hall was an experience I will never forget,” she said. “What an honor and privilege to represent our school on one of the most famous stages in the world.”

For Junior Maddy Gibson, the meaning of the performance was tied closely to the music itself. “Performing at Carnegie Hall was such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said, “but getting to perform brand-new Christian music with the actual composer there conducting us made it even more special.”

Senior Carlyle Bernales remembered the artistic impact of the moment with clarity. Although he had performed with several choirs before, he said, “nothing compares to singing at Carnegie Hall.” Walking onto the stage and seeing the orchestra and Maestro Hayes nearby was “truly indescribable.”

For the Rio Lindo Chorale, the trip became a living picture of Adventist education at work: faith shaped through discipline, gifts strengthened through practice, and young people sent into the world with purpose. They discovered that ministry is not limited to a pulpit, classroom, chapel, or mission trip. It can be formed in the ordinary labor of rehearsal and carried into unexpected places through beauty, Scripture, and song.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon
Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon 3883 2145 Ken Miller

May 3, against the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Buttes, Northern California Pathfinders gathered for a full day of cycling, fellowship, and fundraising during this year’s conference bike-a-thon.

A total of 411 riders participated, collectively logging more than 6,000 miles in support of local Pathfinder clubs and youth ministries throughout the conference.

Riders of every skill level took part throughout the day, with some casually pedaling with friends while others challenged themselves to ride as many miles as possible. The day extended well beyond the riders themselves. More than 200 parents, leaders, volunteers, and club cooks filled the area with activity and support. A variety of food booths kept participants energized throughout the day, with favorites such as corn dogs, cotton candy, pupusas, and potato tacos.

Funds raised through the bike-a-thon help Pathfinder clubs continue programs that support spiritual growth, leadership development, outdoor education, and community service for young people across Northern California.

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Director, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “The weather cooperated and our Pathfinders, once again, showed they are unstoppable when they commit to a goal. I’m very proud of them.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad
Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad 3791 1962 Ken Miller

By Mark Janke

In March, Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) hosted its first-ever disc golf fundraiser at the Little Oaks course in Carmichael. By the end of the morning, 64 players had shown up—and together they raised $2,200 to help provide athletic equipment and musical instruments for children in Peru and Zambia.

The tournament was the idea of fourth-grade teacher Chris Duckett, who also built and cares for the 18-hole course on SAA’s campus. Watching other teachers find creative ways to raise money for Maranatha mission trips, he wanted to do his part—and realized disc golf might be the perfect fit.

With encouragement from Principal Matthew Jakobsons (who even jumped in to cook breakfast), the event quickly took on the feel of a true community gathering. Players came from all backgrounds—families, beginners, and experienced competitors—and many others supported the cause even if they couldn’t attend. One highlight was a raffle featuring a custom electric guitar built by SAA woodshop teacher Duane Calkins, which drew plenty of excitement.

The money raised will go toward simple but meaningful supplies—balls, recorders, guitars, and keyboards. For Duckett, it’s personal. His family will be traveling to Peru this summer, where he hopes to help deliver the items in person.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City
Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City 3887 2016 Ken Miller

In March, members of the Hayward Spanish Church stepped into Union City with one goal: to lay the groundwork for a future church. Every visit, conversation, and act of service was part of building relationships that could grow into a thriving congregation.

Volunteers knocked on doors, listened to neighbors’ stories, shared meals, handed out literature, and prayed with residents—meeting real needs while planting seeds for the church. Youth and young adults led activities, guided conversations, and modeled kindness and a servant’s heart, showing the community that the church is present, caring, and ready to serve.

In advance the teams set up posters with messages of hope, invited residents to gatherings, and filled the streets with Christian music, creating spaces where neighbors felt welcome and engaged. The result? Residents opened up—some asking for prayer for family health, others eager to join a Bible study, and a few expressing interests in community meals or youth programs. Several shared contact information, giving the team a path for follow-up and ongoing relationship-building.

“Seeing neighbors open up and share their needs reminded us why we serve together,” said Stennett Nash, pastor of the Hayward Spanish Church. “Every visit, every conversation, every act of service is a step toward planting a church here.“The day ended with new friendships formed, prayer requests collected, and a sense of hope for what’s to come—a first step in a journey that will continue as the church grows alongside the community it serves.

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026</em>

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Connecting With Local Moms
Connecting With Local Moms 3791 1962 Ken Miller

Hi there!

I run a Mom and Me playgroup at Paradise Adventist church that has been slowly growing the last few months, and it’s been amazing to connect with local moms. We have become more than half of the community moms who gather weekly for our kids to play in the Sabbath school room, eat snacks, do crafts, and moms chat and hang out. It’s been a nice way to naturally then invite them to come to church with us too.

We also recently partnered with the Adventist Health Foundation and started giving away diapers to anyone in need.
It’s been a beautiful ministry to care for local moms and babies, and I thought I’d share it with NCC.
Thank you!

Yvette Reiber

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Saddle Up for VBS Season!
Saddle Up for VBS Season! 3875 2012 Ken Miller

By Barry van Iderstein

Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children’s evangelism, NCC Children and Family Ministries Director Barry van Iderstein hosted nearly 80 guests at the annual VBS Workshop, introducing the newly reimagined SDA VBS program, Cactusville.

Seasoned VBS leaders may recall Cactusville from over six years ago. The North American Division, which produces SDA VBS programs, retooled this classic as part of early preparations for the 2027 VBS program—with music videos already recorded! Sharing the program in advance gives VBS leaders a head start in planning, helping them formulate implementation strategies, create scripts, and determine how many actors will be needed for this classic summer ministry.

Cactusville transports kids to a Wild West desert town where they discover gold nuggets of faith in every Bible story. Each day features interactive games, crafts, skits, and theme songs that bring the Bible to life, helping children understand how God is calling them to follow Him. From opening “round-up” sessions to fun station rotations, this program gives kids a week of faith-filled adventure they won’t forget.

VBS continues to be one of the most popular and impactful summer programs for churches, offering a highly engaging way to teach children the Bible, develop leadership skills in volunteers, and make a lasting impression on families. Investing in VBS is investing in the next generation of faithful disciples—an opportunity your church won’t want to miss.

For more information on VBS programming or training to host a VBS week, contact Barry at barry@nccsda.com today. Yee-haw!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued—about fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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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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