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Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees
Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees 658 563 Ken Miller

Congratulations to all our nominees! Your commitment to serving with excellence and purpose inspires our entire team.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s NCC Advantage Awards nominees—exceptional educators and pastors who embody Contagious Kindness, Servant’s Heart, Passionate Hard Work, Engaged and Enthusiastic Leadership, Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Dedication, and Organizational Health.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process. Your support helps us recognize and celebrate the incredible work happening across our churches and schools. The final award recipients for each category will be announced April 7.

Contagious Kindness

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Michael Rosich, kindergarten teacher at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Robert Mason at Yreka and Scott Valley Church
  • Steve Brownell at Oroville Church
  • Zachary Reiber at Paradise Church

Servant’s Heart

Educators

  • Byron Hegewald, principal and teacher at ACES Red Bluff
  • Linda Lamb, principal at Yreka Adventist Christian School
  • Nancy Matthews, principal and teacher at Vacaville Adventist Christian School

Pastors

  • Tim McMillen at Grace Point Church
  • Tracy Baerg at Lodi-Fairmont Church
  • Janeen Little at Lodi-Fairmont Church

Passionate Hard Work

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Matthew Jakobsons, principal at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Mekey Lepulu, principal at Rio Lindo Academy

Pastors

  • Brad Gienger at Santa Rosa Church
  • Daniel Garza at Yuba City Church
  • Luccas Rodor at Granite Bay Hilltop Church

Engaged and Enthusiastic

Educators

  • Chase Weideman, teacher at the Napa Christian Campus of Education
  • David Vixie, principal and teacher at Paradise Adventist Elementary School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal and teacher at Lodi Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Jaime Calvo, at Sacramento, Woodland, and North Highlands Spanish Churches
  • Josie Asencio, at Antioch Church

Community Relevance

Educators

  • Beatrice Ahn, principal at Tracy Christian Elementary School
  • Chloe Mapa, principal at El Dorado Adventist School
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Douglas Barahona, at Chico Church
  • Rob Benardo, at Sacramento Central Church
  • Stennett Nash, at Hayward Spanish Church

Mission-Driven

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Gina Wilmot, Early Childhood Education Center Director at Kingdom Kids Christian Preschool
  • Melany Quintero, principal at Adventist Christian School of Yuba City

Pastors

  • Edwin Brown, at Oakland-Market Street Church
  • Matt Mattzela, at Lakeport Church
  • Sasa Andelkovic, at Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Organizational Health

Educators

  • Leslie Bartsch, principal at Chico Oaks Adventist School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal at Lodi Adventist Elementary School
  • Richard Nelson, principal at Ukiah Junior Academy

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Ron Yabut, at Anderson Church
  • Walt Groff, at Grace Point Church
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A Chorus of Faith: 25 Years of Song and Sisterhood
A Chorus of Faith: 25 Years of Song and Sisterhood 3898 2718 Ken Miller

On the evening of January 3rd, 45 young women from across the country made their way to Orangevale Adventist School with the same purpose—to sing together again.

They came from different places and spanned generations, from the first Girls Chorus group to the newest members. The oldest was 35, and the youngest was just 10. For many, it had been years since they’d last seen each other. But the years melted away as soon as they stepped into the familiar hallways decorated with children’s artwork.

Brad Davis, Orangevale Principal and choir director, gathered everyone around his well-loved piano. The room buzzed with energy as old songs were dusted off, harmonies fine-tuned, and new friendships formed. Despite the age differences, their shared love for singing erased any gaps, creating an instant bond. In communities like theirs, there’s often a natural divide between generations, but in this space, voices and faith brought everyone together, side by side.

Over the years, nearly 100 young women have found their voices in the choir. On January 4th, nearly 400 people came to celebrate 25 years of Girls Chorus. And through it all, a legacy was celebrated of not only teaching young women to sing—but how to lift their eyes to Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 27, 2025
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Back From the Ashes; Foothills Elementary Dedicates New Building
Back From the Ashes; Foothills Elementary Dedicates New Building 4000 2250 Ken Miller

For over a century, Foothills Elementary was not just a school but a home. A place where friendships were formed, lessons were learned, and generations grew up together. Nestled in the quiet beauty of Deer Park, California, it had stood the test of time.

Then came the Glass fire.

The flames didn’t just take buildings—they threatened to erase history. The loss wasn’t just physical for families, teachers, and alumni. It was personal. But this community wasn’t one to give up.

Standing in the newly rebuilt auditorium during the grand reopening, Ron Bunch, a third-generation alumnus, took in the moment. The room around him wasn’t just walls and floors; it resulted from countless hours of planning, designing, and hard work. He stated, “I was honored to envision this space and see it come to life,” he said, emotion thick in his voice. “God has truly been involved here.”

Tony Aston speaking for the Napa County Fire Department – CAL FIRE has seen his fair share of devastation, but today was different. Today was about resilience. He stated, “Foothills Elementary is more than a school; it is a landmark, and we are proud that it will continue to inspire students for generations to come.”

Beside him, Curtis Church, the school board chair, nodded in agreement. He knew firsthand the dedication it had taken to get to this day. He remarked, “God sent Principal Wendy Henry here for such a time as this, acknowledging the leadership that had carried the school forward.

As the ceremony concluded, Marc Woodson, NCC President, shared words from Ellen G White’s book, Education, “The student has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” He added, “‘The strength of character developed here at this school will shape lives beyond the classroom.”‘

Featured in Northern Lights, February 27, 2025

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Young Leaders Shine at NCC Bible Conference
Young Leaders Shine at NCC Bible Conference 3844 2018 Ken Miller

Hundreds of NCC school Freshmen and Sophomores, and fifty Junior and Senior leaders gathered at Leoni Meadows the weekend of February 9 for an unforgettable experience of faith, friendship, and mentorship. This annual Bible Conference isn’t just another retreat—it’s a chance for young people to grow closer to God while forming meaningful connections with their peers.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the weekend was the leadership of the older students. These leaders didn’t just participate—they stepped up as mentors, guiding small groups through team-building activities, deep discussions, and Bible studies. For many, this was their first time leading in such a way, and the impact was profound.

“This was the best weekend of my life!” one student leader shared, reflecting on the joy of connecting with younger students and watching their faith grow. Several others joined that sentiment by claiming, “We have never felt so close to God, and the Holy Spirit certainly was guiding the meetings.”

Garrison Chaffee, youth pastor of the Pacific Union College Church, expressed his excitement about the event: “I’m thrilled to see our students stepping into leadership and mentoring their younger peers. It’s amazing to watch them share their faith and create a space where everyone feels valued and supported.”

He continued, “The weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the NCC Youth Department, along with many youth pastors, teachers, and parents who poured their time and energy into making it a success. These adult and student leaders embody the hope and future of our church. It’s a reminder that our future is secured by God’s grace, power, and love.”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 20, 2025
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Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork
Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork 3841 2009 Ken Miller

From January 22 to 25, high school basketball players from sixteen schools across four states gathered at Pacific Union College for the annual PUC Pioneers Invitational Tournament.

The participants hailed from Maine, Nebraska, Hawaii, and California, including six NCC schools: PUC Prep, Pine Hills, Rio Lindo, Pleasant Hill, Lodi, and Paradise Academies.

This annual event has become a staple on each team’s schedule, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, teamwork, and friendship. This collaborative interaction between competitors is not lost on parents.

Kathleen, a PUC Prep mother, remarked, “For my daughter, the sports programs and tournaments have challenged her to be a better player and a more confident person. The events have fostered many lifelong friendships over the years.”

During his Sabbath vespers talk, PUC Church Pastor Nate Furness spoke about the spirit of Adventist sports. “Play hard and be competitive, but aim to elevate your sportsmanship and teamwork as Christians. It’s ok to get frustrated when things don’t go right and celebrate when they do. But when the final buzzer sounds, remember we all play for the same team—the team of Jesus Christ.”

Paradise parent Brian Ching shared, “The teachers and coaches of our sports programs have, most importantly, taught my son an enduring level of Christ-centered sportsmanship and teamwork. They have also taught how to lose gracefully.”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 13, 2025
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Finding Faith in the Rearview Mirror
Finding Faith in the Rearview Mirror 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Ken Miller

Many times in life, I’ve experienced “Moses Moments.” Like the Old Testament hero, I’ve argued with God about my abilities, ignored signs of His guidance, and even tried hiding in the desert. In weaker moments, I may have struck a rock or two.

This struggle often leaves me identifying more as an ordinary Israelite, trudging through deep sand with an ox and a bundle of possessions, unsure of my location, or direction.

During moments of doubt and lapses in confidence, my mother’s words flood back: “When you don’t see where God is leading, find faith in the path you’ve traveled. Remember what He has brought you through.” This advice jolts me, and I draw strength and joy from its simplicity.

My mom’s wisdom also helps when I wonder where the church is, and where it’s headed. Writing weekly stories from our schools and churches fills me with confidence in our journey together. It reminds me of the massive effect our loving, dedicated members have in their communities, helping me locate where we are, our direction, and who our leader is.

Our collective efforts are woven together through dental outreach, bowling with refugees, school mission trips, evangelism, and serving the hungry—being the hands and feet of Christ. We are members of a caravan led by the author of Love.

If you ever wonder where we are going, be encouraged to adjust your rearview mirror and find faith and location from the path we’ve traveled. Below are ministry highlights from 2024, showing the diversity of how and where we serve. Full stories are linked.

Four Lodi Academy Students Embrace Their Faith
In a touching moment at Lodi English Oaks Church, four students from Lodi Academy publicly declared their faith through baptism. Pastor Manny Gonzales reflected on the importance of collaboration between the school and church in nurturing these young believers. One parent, moved by the paraphrase of Matthew 3:17, shed tears, reminded of God’s unwavering love for His children.

Auburn Church Shares Hope Through Showers
The Auburn Church dedicated a new shower trailer to serve those in need, replacing their 16-year-old unit. Each week, 52 individuals find not only cleanliness but also care. A generous donation ensured that guests also have access to fresh clothing, extending the church’s compassion even further.

Delta Convocation Unites Hundreds
Nearly 900 worshippers gathered for the Delta Area Convocation, an event Pastor Tracy Baerg described as a “spiritual camp meeting.” The sanctuary overflowed with unity as attendees worshipped, prompting one attendee to call it a glimpse of heaven.

Empowering Young Adults for Religious Liberty
At the Religious Liberty Summit, Dwight Nelson challenged young adults to advocate for freedom with love. To be courageous and compassionate. The summit inspired attendees to carry these principles back into their communities.

Healing Hearts Through Mental Health Support
The NCC Education Department provides free professional counseling to students, fostering both emotional and spiritual growth and affirming the church’s commitment to holistic education.

Mission Trip to Panama
Granite Bay Hilltop Church’s mission trip to Panama brought healing and hope to the region. Through clinics, construction, and prayer, they united hearts, positively impacting 1,750 lives with Christ’s love.

A New Center of Hope in Hayward
The Hayward Spanish Church opened its Center of Hope to serve as a beacon for the community. Pastor Stennett Nash expressed, “This is God’s gift to our city—a place for everyone to find help and hope.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 16, 2025
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Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM!
Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM! 5069 3572 Ken Miller

We invite you to be part of an uplifting and spiritually enriching experience—10 Days of Prayer, happening every evening at 7:00 PM via Zoom.

This is a sacred time to come together as a community, draw closer to God, and lift our hearts in prayer for renewal, hope, and guidance. Each evening is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience the power of prayer in transforming lives and deepening our connection with Christ.
Whether you’ve already been joining or are just hearing about it, it’s not too late to be part of this meaningful journey. Let’s come together to seek His blessings, encouragement, and peace.

 

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Dedication to God Through Sport
Dedication to God Through Sport 3968 2110 Ken Miller

Keilana Rivas, a Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) sophomore, made school history by qualifying for and competing in the California State Championship cross-country race. This 5-kilometer race features challenging terrain, including hills, dirt, and gravel.

Keilana dedicated her athletic talent to glorifying God. A talented runner, she had the ability to advance to higher competitiions. But two key qualifying races as well as the state championship would fall on Sabbath. Fortunately, officials for each race granted exemptions for Leilana to compete on the Friday preceding each race. Having to run alone, without knowing how she would compare to others, she placed high enough in each to finally advance to the championship.

The week preceding the championship, Keilana battled a cold and woke up on her Friday race day feeling tired but showing determination. Despite the challenge, she ran with strength and finished with lots of support from family and friends who had traveled to see her run. Even race officials who were prepping for the Saturday championship paused their work to watch her run.

At the finish line, the race officials presented Keilana with a citizenship medal, recognizing her dedication, resilience, and ability to compete alone while still honoring her faith.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 9, 2025
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Building Faith Stories Leads to Baptisms
Building Faith Stories Leads to Baptisms 1837 964 Ken Miller

Four Lodi Academy students were recently baptized at the Lodi English Oaks Church.

Manny Gonzales, youth pastor of Lodi English Oaks, explained, “It is a team effort between the church pastors and school chaplain, Jerry Mahn, to introduce students to Jesus and disciple them toward their own faith experiences. The ability to identify how God answers their prayers, expands a faith started from parents, teachers, pastors, and Bible stories. We believe understanding and cataloging their faith stories strengthens and keeps them completely connected to God and the church. We study this connection heavily during our baptismal classes.”

As a result, during Christmas break, four students chose to be baptized. One proud parent exclaimed, “As a parent, nothing brings more happiness than seeing tears of joy on my daughter’s face before her baptism. I was especially moved during the ceremony when the pastor paraphrased Matthew 3:17, saying, ‘This is my beloved daughter, whom I love; with her, I am well pleased.’ As she came out of the water, she had a glowing smile representing all the joy that heaven was experiencing at that moment.'”

Gonzales concluded, “We are blessed to witness our youth committing to Jesus. We often say in our baptismal classes, ‘This is just the beginning; now, what is your ministry?’ How are you going to begin your journey?”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 1, 2024
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School and Church Unite to Transform Lives
School and Church Unite to Transform Lives 150 150 Ken Miller

Siena was a seventh grader seeking a more loving and caring environment. Her experience in public school had left her feeling depressed and anxious. Concerned about their daughter’s struggles, her parents began exploring healthier schooling options for their family.

At the first meeting, parents Cassie and Ryan were impressed by the PHAA program. Although they were not actively pursuing any religion, Siena’s father, Ryan, expressed his growing contemplation of a higher power. Cassie, her mother, was motivated by a desire for safety and wholeness for Siena, but was also open to the idea of God’s Providence, and Siena enrolled for her eighth-grade year.

What unfolded next was surprising for everyone involved. By the end of the first semester, Siena demonstrated remarkable academic growth. Her anxiety levels diminished, and she developed a hunger for God and His Word. She began attending weekly Bible studies at school and going to the campus church on Sabbath without her parents.

A typically outgoing individual, Siena’s joy radiated even more as she connected with her peers. She began volunteering in the children’s department and became an active member of the Praise Team, eagerly attending Friday night youth group meetings.

Ryan and Cassie noticed the positive changes in Siena and started attending church themselves, amazed at their daughter’s transformation. When Siena expressed her desire to be baptized, neither her biological nor her new church family was surprised.

During her baptism ceremony, Siena confidently shared her love for God in front of the large audience. Since then, she has become a featured speaker at chapel services, delivering her compelling testimony with earnestness and clarity.

As a result of the school and church community, Ryan, Cassie, and their son are now involved members of the Pleasant Hill church and school family. This family’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that Christian Education transcends beyond individual students; it also has the capacity to transform entire families.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 5, 2024
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