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

Education

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Back to School Joy and Excitement!
Back to School Joy and Excitement! 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The wheels of NCC education are spinning again, accelerating into a new year filled with hope.

As classes kick off, the excitement is tangible. Principals and teachers have met, aligning on the latest policies and embracing the mission ahead. Students are joyfully reacquainting with friends, getting used to new classrooms, and diving into their subjects.

Our Adventist schools uniquely blend academics with spiritual growth, fostering strong moral character and a deep personal relationship with God. Albert Miller, Superintendent, explained, “With high academic standards and small class sizes, our schools create a supportive environment that prepares students for life and eternity.”

As a result, many of our schools are reporting increases in enrollment. Rio Lindo Academy is welcoming about 40 new students, Pine Hills is increasing by 14, and El Dorado is reporting over 12 new beaming faces.

The contagious enthusiasm among educators and students is setting the stage for a year of growth, learning, and lasting memories. Let’s keep all our schools, students, and educators in our prayers.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern
Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Every summer, NCC churches prepare for a special event that brings their communities together in a whirlwind of excitement, faith, and discovery.

With the adventurous Thunder Island and SCUBA themes this year, Vacation Bible School (VBS) became a journey into the tropical islands, the ocean’s depths, and, more importantly, into the hearts of the children and families who attended.

Over 1,600 children attended VBS across our territory. Nearly 60% from non-Adventist backgrounds dove into this week-long adventure, with 36% returning from previous years. This percentage indicates sustained engagement with the local church.

Kimberly Riddle of the Tracy church stated, “VBS gives us an opportunity to work as a church team and also connect with families and volunteers we may only see during VBS.”

Behind the scenes, more than 360 volunteers of all ages guided the children through the activities. As reported, Jaymes Cheney from Carmichael Church stated, “Seeing my son excited to be at church and about his group leader, Dylan, a high school student, is incredible. It’s so great to see students helping inspire the younger kids.”

As reported by Yvette Reiber, a highlight of the week for the Yuba City Church, was the story of Jonah told inside a makeshift whale’s belly, complete with bubbles, mist, and seaweed. The 17 preschoolers were captivated, their eyes wide with wonder. At this moment, they revealed the true power of VBS—teaching biblical stories in ways that resonate deeply with young hearts and minds.

Barry van Iderstein, Director of Children’s Ministries, shared decorations and support materials with thirteen churches this summer to help them maximize resources and stretch small budgets. “It is inspiring to see how our smaller churches can host big-church VBS programs that truly impact and engage the children of their communities. I’m already looking forward to next year, with the recent release of the 2025 SDA VBS program, Mountain of Miracles.”

If you have ever attended, you know VBS is a whirlpool of high energy, fun, and joy. Like the ocean waves and warm tropical breeze, the Holy Spirit flows through VBS, connecting children and their families closer to an abundant life with Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Larry Unterseher Memorial
Larry Unterseher Memorial 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Elder Larry Unterseher, whose work left an indelible mark on the NCC community, passed to his rest suddenly on July 22 at the Redwood Camp Meeting near Eureka, California.

During his career, he worked as a pastor and elementary teacher with the Upper Columbia Conference, a Dakota Conference principal, a Montana Conference Director, and the Nevada-Utah Conference President. He joined NCC in 2014 as the Pastor of Small Schools.

Albert Miller, NCC Superintendent of Schools, expressed, “Larry was a man who loved Jesus and kids, and it showed in everything he did. He took his ministry to the students and staff of our small schools seriously and invested an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure they knew about his friend Jesus! Larry is already greatly missed.”

Marc Woodson, NCC President, stated, “Our NCC family is devastated by the loss of Larry Unterseher. Pastor Larry was passionate about connecting young people to Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return. He was so gifted in ministry and had a wonderful and creative way of sharing the gospel with those he met, especially the children he served. Many times, Larry would drop by my office to encourage me as a spiritual leader. I know that he did the same with many other leaders as well. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and the entire Unterseher family. We long for the day Christ shall return and we will be reunited with those loved ones we lost along the way. May Jesus soon come!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church Auditorium. The service will be in-person and live-streamed. Please visit the family’s special dedication page for more details on how to join the online stream.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Orangevale Junior High’s Impactful Week of Prayer
Orangevale Junior High’s Impactful Week of Prayer 2000 1125 Ken Miller

By Lian Funada

In a remarkable display of faith and leadership, the Orangevale Adventist School Junior High students recently took on specific roles in their spiritual journey. They led a week of prayer that left a lasting impact on their school community. From managing AV equipment to delivering inspiring worship messages, these young individuals demonstrated remarkable maturity and dedication.

Their increased interest in Bible study resulted in 10 baptisms. Today, 60 out of 105 students actively participate in optional weekly Bible study and baptismal classes, led by students.

Reflecting on her experience, 8th-grade student Sammie Chaplin shared, “I liked talking to the kids and praying with them,” highlighting the meaningful connections made during the week of prayer. A 7th-grade student, Bela Stay, added, “It was fun!”

The week’s impact extended far beyond the event itself. It served as a testament to the power of young people to lead and inspire others. Through their actions, these students strengthened their faith and served as beacons of light for their peers.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 16, 2024
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Chicken or Egg? How About Both?
Chicken or Egg? How About Both? 2029 1125 Ken Miller

This year, Foothills Elementary Kindergarten through 2nd grade students had the opportunity to witness something unique: Chicks hatching! Thanks to a generous donation of chickens, the school decided to take full advantage of the situation and lead a deep dive into chicken development stages and the identification of the breeds that they received.

Tammy Priest, the teacher responsible for the project, was thrilled with the results. With their teachers’ guidance and supervision, the students could watch as seventeen new chicks hatched and grew right before their eyes. The students fed the chicks, ensured they received the proper nutrients and kept them safe and comfortable in their classrooms.

Through this unique and hands-on experience, the students gained a newfound appreciation for the wonder of nature and the miracle of life. They witnessed these tiny creatures’ growth stages firsthand and developed observation, record-keeping, and teamwork skills.

Priest concluded, “Overall, this project was a huge success and a wonderful learning opportunity for the students and the teachers involved. It shows that sometimes the best learning experiences are the most unexpected.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 9, 2024
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Lauren Heinrich Joins Education Department
Lauren Heinrich Joins Education Department 2146 2658 Ken Miller

Lauren Heinrich recently joined the NCC as the School Mental Health Clinician. She will spearhead this new counseling program to enhance mental health among NCC students.

A graduate of Loma Linda University earning a Master of Arts, Associate Marriage and Family Therapy degree, Heinrich is enthusiastic about her role, stating, “As a therapist, my goal is to be a person who can genuinely invest in others. Therapy provides a safe space to share your story, create goals, and receive direction for a positive outcome. I am very excited to participate in this student service.”

Growing up at Leoni Meadows and working with children helped guide her career path. Substitute teaching at Chico and Paradise schools after the Camp Fire and being around the Abba’s Children grief camp at Leoni further honed her desire for a career with youth.

Albert Miller, Education Superintendent, stated, “Lauren’s passion for young people and her services will be integral to providing positive mental health counseling for our students. We are excited about the program and her contribution to it.”

Heinrich’s duties will extend beyond the academic year. She will also serve as the Assistant Summer Camp Director at Leoni Meadows during school breaks, her childhood home.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 4, 2024
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Student Mental Health a Priority
Student Mental Health a Priority 4973 3385 Ken Miller

The NCC Education Department has recently launched a student mental health initiative that aims to provide access to professional counseling services within the NCC school community. Albert Miller, Education Superintendent, expressed, “We are very excited that we will be able to offer a mental health component to the students in our school system.

The focus of this initiative is to provide students with access to a certified counselor at no cost who can offer proactive support. This will positively impact the well-being of at-risk students, creating a healthier learning environment.

The initiative has several key features, including the identification of students who may benefit from counseling. Teachers and principals will play a vital role in this process, ensuring that students in need are recognized and supported. Parental involvement is also integral to the program. Once a student is identified, parents will be engaged to discuss and approve the commencement of counseling.

The counseling program involves a structured 10-week course of treatment, with each student participating in weekly counseling sessions lasting 30 to 45 minutes. These sessions will be a combination of in-person meetings and video conferencing, providing flexibility and accessibility. The program is designed to cater to 25-30 weekly clients, ensuring quality support for many students.

Miller concluded, “I believe that the Northern California Conference is the second conference in the NAD to offer this service. I am excited because this program will greatly benefit our students and parents and contribute to the overall mission of our schools.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 18, 2024
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A Service Journey
A Service Journey 3834 2197 Ken Miller

Sixty-nine NCC educators and pastors, each boasting 25 years or more in service, were honored during the recent Mark Blue Lecture Series.

Each recipient was presented with a distinguished service pin commemorating their unwavering commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on this remarkable milestone, Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, remarked, “We are privileged to celebrate the remarkable dedication of our pastors, teachers, and principals who have devoted their careers to serving Jesus within the Northern California Conference.”

25 Years of Service

Melbert Baga, Owen Bandy, Shawn Brummund, Jaime Calvo, David Carreon, Heather Denton, Jason Eyer, John Gilley, Robert Kurtz, Linda Lamb, Janice Leigh, Donald Mackintosh, JoAnn Moon, Lisa Nuss, Ira Parrish, Ricardo Rincon, Michael Rosich, Michael Thompson, Aubrey Scarbrough, Darren Smith, Susan Walters. James Wood Jr., Glen Wahlman

30 Years of Service

Tania Duncan, Tonya Greenwood, David Goymer, Vernon Jeske, Timothy Judson, Robert Kearbey, Hyun Kim, Esther Melgar, Guadalupe Negrete, Jerry Nelson, Lyly Nguyen, J Williams, Gerald Speyer, Tamara Turk, Cheryl Wood,

35 years of Service

Thomas Adams, Edwin Brown, Frederick Dana, Bradley Davis, Kris Dunlap, Walter Groff, George Hilton, Carole LeBarre, John Linhares, Richard Maloon, Robert Mason, Albert Miller, Richard Nelson, Robert Robinson

40 years of Service

Douglas Brown, Daniel Freedman, George Jackson, Nancy Matthews, Lisa Paulson, David Peckham, James Pedersen, Dorothy Phelps, Mason Philpot, Ronald Pickell, Larry Unterseher, David Vixie, Marvin Wray, Bruce Yingling

Data from the NCC Secretariat

Featured in Northern Lights, April 11, 2024
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Uniting Teachers, Pastors, and Principals for Mission-driven Collaboration
Uniting Teachers, Pastors, and Principals for Mission-driven Collaboration 2000 1125 Ken Miller

NCC is committed to supporting our entities in becoming relevant to their communities, mission-driven, and organizationally healthy. One of the key foundations to achieving this is cultivating trust, which is essential to our collaborative efforts. It empowers us to fulfill our mission with integrity and effectiveness.

The NCC wishes to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence through initiatives such as the Mark Blue Series. This annual event brings together teachers, pastors, and principals in a unique effort to coordinate ministry and promote collaboration. It serves as a rallying point for our team, uniting us with a singular purpose of connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His Second Coming.

This year’s Mark Blue Series was particularly impactful. It introduced a practical productivity tool, the Working Genius. Rooted in harnessing personal work styles to build trust and enhance teamwork, the Working Genius framework gave our attendees invaluable insights into effective planning processes and collaborative leadership development.

With over 200 individuals in attendance, the event served as a dynamic platform for learning and growth. Participants delved into strategies for creating and managing leadership teams, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, effective change management, and organizational alignment at the local level.

At its core, the NCC believes in the power of unity—a shared commitment to rowing in the same direction toward our collective mission. By equipping our members and employees with the tools and resources needed to be engaged and enthusiastic ambassadors for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, we are cultivating a culture of purpose-driven excellence within our organization.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 11, 2024
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33 Schools and a Million Success Stories
33 Schools and a Million Success Stories 1921 1007 Ken Miller

Northern California Conference (NCC) schools, totaling 33 institutions and catering each year to an average of 2,300 students over the past three years, exhibit diverse approaches to meet their communities’ multifaceted needs.

In cultural enrichment, schools like Paradise Academy, Pine Hills, and Orangevale shine in their pursuit of theater and visual arts, garnering recognition in local media outlets. Meanwhile, institutions such as Rio Lindo, Sacramento, and PUC Preparatory excel in athletics, showcasing the distinctiveness of Adventist athletes.

Paradise Elementary, Redwood Academy, and Napa champion innovative educational experiences, pioneering outdoor education initiatives that illustrate the value of holistic learning. The spirit of evangelism thrives across campuses like El Dorado, Pleasant Hill, and Lodi Academy and at elementary schools, where a collective effort has led to many student baptisms.

In schools like Ukiah, Yreka, Crescent City, Middletown, Red Bluff (ACES), Yuba City, Bayside, and Hilltop, there is a high percentage of non-SDA or unchurched children, which highlights a commitment to embracing diversity in the entire community.

The commitment to providing dynamic and creative learning environments remains unwavering in schools like Echo Ridge, Chico Oaks, Redding Academy, Tracy, Galt, Westlake, Clearlake, Vacaville, and PUC Elementary. This dedication is mirrored across small rural schools like Feather River, Foothills, and Fortuna, demonstrating a shared commitment to educational excellence.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 14, 2024
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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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