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Volunteers bustled about, joyfully filling boxes with food, treats, and essentials to brighten the lives of families. For many, these boxes represented more than just food; they were reminders that someone cared and that they weren’t alone.
The church also held its annual Angel Tree Gift Program, which serves children. The fellowship hall was filled with laughter and excited chatter as more than 35 children beamed with joy unwrapping gifts and sharing a meal.
Two days later, the church’s impact extended even further. Members teamed up to visit a senior residential housing community. Food bags, scarves, hats, and socks were given out. Seniors, some of whom had not received visitors in months, were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt conversation.
By the time Christmas arrived, the church had touched many lives, their acts of service standing as a testament to what a dedicated, faith-filled community can achieve.
Featured in Northern Lights, January 9, 2025
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Led by Stennett Nash, pastor, and supported by Daniel Javes, Miriam Solman, Mary Len, Raquel Javes, and numerous dedicated volunteers, this vision was brought to life with generous funding from the Northern California Conference. The Center of Hope, a beacon of support, guidance, and connection, marks a significant expansion in how this faith community serves and uplifts Hayward and surrounding neighborhoods.
Nash expressed his commitment to the mission: “The Center of Hope is not just a program. It is part of our church. This will be a beacon of support, guidance, and connection until Jesus comes. Our purpose is to offer a place where people find real hope, practical resources, and the love of Christ in every interaction.”
The Center of Hope is dedicated to enhancing the community’s health, well-being, and prosperity. The well-established food bank is a vital resource, providing essential support to families in need. In addition, the Center will launch health outreach initiatives that leverage the area’s natural environment, including guided walks, cooking classes, and health fairs. Furthermore, the Center will offer Adult English Literacy and English as a Second Language classes, equipping participants with the skills necessary to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Youth education is also a priority, with after-school tutoring for school-age children and teens fostering academic growth and self-confidence. Additionally, the Center will build a digital library for educational and personal development resources. Legal assistance and referrals to partner nonprofits will round out the Center’s offerings, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals and families in need.
During the dedication, Marc Woodson, president, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “One of our strategic anchors at NCC is community relevance, and the Center of Hope will be a transformative blessing for the Hayward community. This center mirrors the compassionate work of Jesus and allows us to be His hands and feet in the world.”
The Center of Hope stands as a living testament to the power of unity, compassion, and faith. Through ongoing support and the unwavering dedication of its leaders and volunteers, the Hayward Spanish Church is shining a light on what it means to serve selflessly and transform lives, one neighbor at a time.
Featured in Northern Lights, November 7, 2024
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The new trailer replaces a unit that has been in service for sixteen years. Pam Haddad, director of Auburn Adventist Community Services, stated, “Our new ACS showers have already served up to 52 unhoused individuals per week. It is an important resource for our community.”
Each section of the four-bathroom unit has a shower, toilet, sink, and heated benches. Each user receives a kit with hygiene basics, including a toothbrush, soap, razor, and other amenities. A local crane company was employed to lift it over obstructions a few weeks before the dedication.
Cindy Gustafson, Placer County District Supervisor, is a key player in the Auburn ACS program, releasing $1,100 to fund clothing items that support this ministry. She praised the ACS addition by noting that faith-based contributions are vital to the Auburn community, serving those in need or impacted by local disasters.
James Lim, NCC Director of Community Services, praised, “The dedication of a new shower trailer in the heart of Auburn will increase and improve the health and well-being of the local community. This trailer will be in action multiple times a week, ensuring essential hygiene for all. The Auburn ACS is making a difference, one shower at a time!”
Featured in Northern Lights, February 22, 2024
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Nearly 800 adults and 100 young people attended the event, prompting Tracy Baerg, Lodi Fairmont pastor, and Delta Area Coordinator, to exclaim, “This event had a very camp meeting atmosphere! We even had 700 remote viewers watch the sermons and presentations on our YouTube channel.”
Attendee Audrey Weir-Graham stated, “The Delta Area Convocation was an amazing experience for all who were blessed to attend. I love how the worship service was intentionally designed to be both gender and culturally inclusive. We worshiped together as All God‘s Children.”
Baerg continued, “It was a privilege to collaborate with devoted church pastors, inspiring principals, dedicated teachers, and an incredible team of staff and volunteers. Together we shared our time, talents, and resources, turning this event into a true blessing for all.”
Featured in Northern Lights, February 29, 2024
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During the ceremony, the Weimar Choir and Orchestra filled the sanctuary with uplifting music that glorified God and inspired everyone present. Marc Woodson, NCC President, delivered a powerful message, and Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, and John Rasmussen, NCC Treasurer, presented the church with a membership plaque and gift.
This dedication marks a new chapter for Weimar University Church. It reaffirms the church’s mission to serve the Lord and the community, continuing to move forward in faith and service, united in Christ.
Featured in Northern Lights, December 12, 2024
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The Northern California Conference (NCC) aims to reach “Functional Zero” for at least one unhoused population group in a community where an NCC church or school is located by 2032. Functional Zero occurs when homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This summit equipped attendees to establish homelessness task forces within their churches and schools.
Presenters from the NCC Council on Homelessness outlined the Ending Homelessness Initiative, explained Functional Zero, and provided theological and practical frameworks for addressing homelessness. Joelle Chinnock, NCC’s Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, emphasized the importance of partnerships, highlighting a successful affordable housing project developed by Path of Life Ministries in Riverside.
This summit launched a united effort to end homelessness, showcasing the NCC’s commitment to being agents of hope and healing. As NCC President Marc Woodson said, “The call to end homelessness reflects Christ’s mission to serve the most vulnerable among us. Through faith, collaboration, and action, we can bring hope and lasting change to our communities, fulfilling our commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves.”
Featured in Northern Lights, December 12, 2024
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“Pastor Jack” was an evangelist for Amazing Facts from 1995 to 2009, then joined the NCC as the conference evangelist from 2010 to his retirement in 2017. A former co-worker reflected, “Jack’s style was right out of the Wild West, irrepressible, simple, and down to earth.” Until his passing, he regularly took the pulpit at Citrus Heights, his long-time church family.
Marc Woodson, NCC President, reflected, “Jack Pefley had a passion for winning people to Jesus. His optimistic spirit and joy while doing God’s work were inspiring and encouraging. Only heaven knows Jack’s ministry’s impact on the Kingdom. He will be missed, but we look forward to seeing him again when our Lord returns!”
The family warmly invites you to a memorial service at 11 AM on Sunday, November 3, at the Citrus Heights SDA Church.
Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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Born in Canada, Bulgin grew up in an environment deeply rooted in faith, cultivating a desire to serve others. To that end, he attended Oakwood University and experienced a profound spiritual transformation. This defining moment set him on an educational path, and he earned a Master of Christian Ministry and a PhD in Philosophy. He joined the NCC in 2021 as the associate pastor of Capitol City Church, where he is now the senior pastor.
Rudy Peters, African American ministries coordinator, stated, “Jason has his roots in a rich legacy of service. Inspired by his father and father-in-law, who were faithful pastors and nurtured by his mother, his ordination was a culmination of a long journey of service and prayer.”
Bulgin has been blessed with a loving family. He is married to Jessica Delana Ellis, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Jordyn Naomi, Sabrena Janae, Joseph Delano, and Jason Jr.
Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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