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Community Services

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Hope is Alive in Maui
Hope is Alive in Maui 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The tragedy on Maui has filled the news. Pictures and video of the 1800’s era town of Lahaina left us speechless and filled with a familiar sense of grief and dismay. However, God is always present, and this is reflected in the actions of the conference administrators, employees, and members.

As one of the NCC Disaster Response Team members and having worked through many disasters, Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, explains, “Disaster recovery falls into four phases. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most critical and the most difficult for disaster response teams because the information is limited. However, Hawaii Conference President, Erik VanDenburgh, was able to get cash and support to the shell-shocked victims immediately.”

The Hawaii Conference post reported that the Kahului church provides emergency shelter for over 40 displaced church members and community residents. In addition to shelter, they ensure people have essential supplies and nutritious meals in collaboration with other nonprofits. Mark Tamaleaa, ACS response team leader, reports, “The compassion and selflessness of the Kahului church members is extraordinary.”

VanDenburgh wrote, “We are dedicated to providing care and avenues for spiritual rejuvenation and moments of joy. As we navigate this challenging and uncertain time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive support.”

NCC has contributed $25,000 to the Hawaii Conference to assist with the immediate, emergent, and long-term needs of members and those connected to churches and schools. Marc Woodson, NCC president, states, “We understand the pain, trauma, and challenges our sister conference in Hawaii is facing and the difficult road to recovery.”

The best way to help is by contributing to the Maui Fire Relief Fund. In the future, there may be opportunities to volunteer and donate items. Keep checking the Hawaii Conference Website and social media accounts for more information.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 17, 2023
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The Public Face of Our Ministries
The Public Face of Our Ministries 2002 1125 Ken Miller

Northern churches are busy this summer! This can be seen and read on their Facebook pages, websites, and other social media. As part of the NCC’s path to organizational health, a premium is being placed on our churches, schools, and ministries to use their social media tools.

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, states, “Online tools such as websites, Facebook, and Instagram are essential communication tools for our churches. When it comes to reaching the community, our members are only the tip of the iceberg of who we can reach. With social media, we can tell the stories of our ministries, post sermons, and invite communities into our churches. It is the public face of our territory.”

A quick look around the social media accounts of several churches reveals a telling of those stories pictured above, such an essential part of modern ministry and community relevance.

The Auburn church reported holding its first VBS in fifteen years, stating it was a blessing to their volunteers and the 35 children that attended. Across the valley, Pleasant Hill church just finished a week of hosting “Messiah’s Mansion,” a life-size replica of the Mosaic tabernacle that features hosts in period costumes that explain the tabernacle service and its relevance. At LIFE church in Berkeley, they reported” inviting neighbors to help plan activities for “National Night Out,” a nationwide event that encourages and promotes police-community relationships, neighborly activities, and safety. Redwood Campmeeting is chronicling the steps that volunteers go through disassembling and packing away each summer.

All of these stories are testaments to a mission-minded territory. In some cases, these churches and ministries have 1,500 to 3,500 followers who can interact with each story. What a fantastic opportunity and tool to spread the gospel, tell your stories, and reach your online viewers, connecting them to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return!

Featured in Northern Lights, August 10, 2023
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Ft. Bragg-Willits-Covelo Members Create Unity With Area Churches To Serve Communities
Ft. Bragg-Willits-Covelo Members Create Unity With Area Churches To Serve Communities 2002 1127 Ken Miller

Bordered by the Yuki Wilderness to the east, the Round Valley Off-Reservation Trust Land to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, you’ll find the Covelo-Willits-Fort Bragg- district churches. Connected by a meandering highway that crosses Highway 101 in the middle, it’s a different California and a different pace of life.

In quieter towns, you might expect more traditional methods of outreach. But recently, members of the district invited non-Adventist churches to a social event that resulted in many friendships, personal and denominational. Through these new connections, church members could discuss beliefs and, more importantly, create unity to accomplish mission goals in their communities.

One outcome was the Covelo Church Vacation Bible School. This year, it took on a unique dimension, led by members, church leaders, and volunteers from several denominations. Regardless of affiliation, mission-minded adults acted, taught, and sang side by side, sharing their unique talents to present the promises of Jesus to children.

According to Edwin Berbasal, district pastor, “This inclusive approach furthered those friendships, not only creating more extensive participation but unity, and it was a powerful display of shared faith among the children and the broader community.

Through conversation, friendship, and shared goals, these connections have laid a foundation for future collaborations and continued work that will serve the district communities and prepare people for the soon coming of Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 27, 2023
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Grassroots Evangelism Garners Baptisms
Grassroots Evangelism Garners Baptisms 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The Richmond Beacon Light church recently engaged its community by holding an evangelistic series titled The Better Bible Conference over four Sabbaths.

David Woolcock, pastor, stated, “We wanted to have a new kind of evangelism program. The days started with a continental breakfast, followed by back-to-back bible studies in the morning. The schedule was created to ensure flexibility in attendance, so everyone could participate without any difficulty. Then a delicious lunch was served to keep the congregation fueled for the afternoon.”

In the afternoon session, practical ministry topics beneficial to everyone were planned. These included talks on plant-based diets and healthy eating habits, coping with trauma, and godly child-rearing.

On the last day of the series, two semi-truck loads of household items provided by the Stockton Mayfair Church were distributed to attendees and the community. Woolcock exclaimed, “There was so much good stuff I didn’t think we would give it all away! The items will go far in making families of the area a bit more equipped.”

Woolcock concluded with an inspirational outlook, “The number one lesson we learned is, don’t underestimate the local church and their abilities. Dip your foot in the water, and God will care for the rest.”

So far, six baptisms have resulted from this series, and Woolcock expects four more to come as a result.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 20, 2023
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Stewardship Leads to Service, Leads to Disciples
Stewardship Leads to Service, Leads to Disciples 1926 1012 Ken Miller

By Susie Kim

A planned giving donation(see Ministries Move With Planned Giving Gift) has made it possible to fund various projects in our territory. Each project proposal was submitted by ministry directors and reviewed for merit and adherence to the overall mission and objectives of the Northern California Conference.

Utilizing funds from this program, the Open Door church, the English-speaking group of Sacramento Korean, recently organized a dental clinic
in concert with Life and Health Network, an ASI health ministry based in the NCC.

One church member reported, “We bathed this event with prayer
for two weeks. Then with only six days of targeted advertising via Facebook and knocking on doors in the nearby neighborhood, God sent us the patients needed for the dental clinic.”

Seventy-six patients were given teeth cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions by ten volunteer dentists from Open Door and other churches, who gave up their Sunday to be the hands of Jesus.

Danny Kwon, Director of Life and Health, stated, “We helped many people today and made some wonderful contacts for our upcoming Bible study series titled, “Sidewalk Evangelism.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 13, 2023
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NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award
NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Part of the NCC’s path to organizational health is to effectively inform, educate, and tell the stories of our churches, schools, and ministries. To do this, a new website was launched in 2020.

The COVID pandemic was a catalyst that accelerated the need for online methods for staying current with news and events. The NCC website was no exception, and its professional look, functionality, and information were revamped with a new look.

Subsequently, the site was entered into the 2022 American Advertising Awards competition, winning an impressive Silver Award. Terrill Thomas, web designer and president of T13 Media, said of the project and award, “It was gratifying to see Christian content, graphics, and web design be recognized for excellence by a secular professional organization.”

The website is constantly updated with important conference information, including employment opportunities, education scholarships, events, and news.

Most recently, the communication and development department has posted an incredible help guide for creating a culture of stewardship in your church. You can visit the website here.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023
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Bernadette Johnson Retires
Bernadette Johnson Retires 384 504 Ken Miller

June 30- Bernadette Johnson retired from the NCC administration office after 19 years of service.

Johnson joined the NCC in 2004 as a clerk for Golden Gate Academy, where she was a substitute teacher and, eventually, treasurer. In 2007 she moved to the NCC administration offices in Pleasant Hill, where she became the administrative assistant for the ministerial department.

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Bernadette knew how churches work, making her an outstanding advocate for pastors. She supported many pastors and churches in their day-to-day operations, and her insightful knowledge, dedication, and humor will be greatly missed.”

Johnson was known to be one step ahead of events throughout the territory, from pastor installations and group convocations to dedications and evangelistic series. Jennifer Kendrick, executive administrative assistant, stated, “I will miss her presence and associated laughter in the office. She was so fun to plan events with and would regularly know all the event’s particulars and have them half-planned in advance!”

Also respected as a spiritual mentor, Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant to the African American ministries coordinator, said about Johnson, “When I started at the NCC, she took me under her wing and guided me to significant spiritual growth. I will truly miss her and am happy for her next mission with her family.”

Marc Woodson, NCC president, said, “Bernadette truly epitomizes our core values. She has a servant’s heart and is a passionate, hard worker. She always looks to help others, lending a helping hand wherever needed. She will be sorely missed.”

Bernadette and her husband, Willy, call Crowley, Texas, their home. They will enjoy their retirement close to their children and grandchildren.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors
Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Our churches are committed to demonstrating kindness, serving their communities diligently, and remaining relevant. A popular outreach method regularly honors the sacrifices made by public servants, both men and women, who serve our nation or communities.

Bob Mason, district pastor of Yreka and Scott Valley churches, recently offered the invocation at a ceremony to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty. Yreka townspeople and law enforcement personnel attended this event, and retired NCC pastor, Jim Crabtree, sang the national anthem.

In another instance, the Novato church planned an appreciation brunch for the Novato Police Department. One church member stated that while serving and eating with their uniformed guests, they connected by listening to their stories and noting their heartfelt needs. Most importantly, “they were able to pray with the officers.”

One Lieutenant emailed her appreciation to the Novato church afterward and wrote, “Thank you again for the wonderful brunch today. We enjoyed getting to know you all, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into making this special for us.”

The leadership of both churches believes that creating or attending these events can open up doors for service. Mason concluded, “I believe that participating in civic events and reaching out to communities in this way shows that our churches care about their community and are ready to serve those in need.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Breaking Bread at Breakfast
Breaking Bread at Breakfast 1895 981 Ken Miller

Oakland’s Market Street Church recently added a delectable incentive to its list of community-relevant ministries: Breakfast.

Following the “Each One, Reach One” mission statement, they began distributing flyers and word-of-mouth invitations throughout their neighborhood for a complimentary breakfast every first Sabbath of the month.

Stephanie Jolliff, ministry leader, stated, “Through canvassing the neighborhood and passing invitations for this outreach and our church services, our members get a chance to actively engage people and share the Word and bounty of God.”

The first Sabbath of May was a trial run with a small turnout, but the breakfast staff got good practice on all the work involved. Jolliff concluded, “Our efforts were not in vain as one breakfaster came to Sabbath school and stayed for church! We have high hopes for this ministry and the spirit of service by everybody involved.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 8, 2023
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Here a Pear, There a Plum, Everywhere a Yum Yum
Here a Pear, There a Plum, Everywhere a Yum Yum 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Auburn church members have a unique way of being community relevant, which takes much passionate, hard work.

The church has been maintaining a small farm for several years now. The farm boasts an orchard with fruit trees like pear, cherry, apple, peach, and plum. In addition to the fruit trees, the farm has a garden that grows different vegetables, including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and this year’s new test crop – potatoes.

The Adventist Community Services program involves church gardeners and members of the community planting, growing, and harvesting large quantities of fresh produce. This food is primarily distributed to families in the community who struggle with food insecurity. Pam Haddad, community service director, stated, “Often during peak harvest, there is so much produce that we can offer it to other resource centers in the area, of which they are always appreciative.”

Haddad continued, “Each Monday, member Heidi Magorian provides a wonderful hot and well-rounded lunch for our unhoused brothers and sisters. As part of the ministry, guests are provided clean clothes, hot showers, and weekly supplies.”

Adam Weeks, associate pastor, stated, “The church highly supports this program with many volunteers, and many recipients of the food have come back and told of the blessings they received while unhoused. Several even come back and work in the garden today; it’s a ministry that yields results.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 18, 2023

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