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

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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting—a time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine—but important—details like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.”

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light
Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light 3583 1883 Ken Miller

On January 3, Eric Holness was installed as pastor of the Richmond Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Holness comes to Richmond after being the associate pastor of Oakland Market Street church since 2024. The service marked the beginning of a new covenant relationship between pastor and congregation, grounded in prayer, Scripture, and a shared commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on the occasion, Rudy Peters, African American Ministries Director for the Northern California Conference, noted that “the air was filled with expectancy and promises of an amazing covenant relationship.”

Pastor Holness expressed gratitude for the call, stating, “I am humbled and amazed by the opportunity to serve.”

The Richmond Beacon Light family looks forward to a new season of Spirit-led ministry and community impact under Pastor Holness’s leadership.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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NCC Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities
NCC Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities 3869 2052 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

The Northern California Conference Urban Ministries Department hosted its Urban Ministries Workshop on November 9, 2025, at the Fairfield Church. Pastors, ministry leaders, and members from across the conference gathered to explore practical ways to engage their communities through meaningful service, outreach, and discipleship.

Participants attended breakout sessions on evangelism, community partnerships, recovery ministry, discipleship, and youth engagement—each designed to help churches create sustainable, long-term impact. Virge Newman, a volunteer from the Pittsburg Church, shared, “As my community project, I chose assembling hygiene kits for the homeless! I am now inspired to organize a family gathering to prepare hygiene kits for the homeless in my city!”

Speakers highlighted how deep connections can form when churches work hand-in-hand with their communities and partner organizations. In the afternoon, attendees put their learning into action through hands-on service projects. Teams assisted at the Fairfield Thrift Store, distributed blessing bags, and prayed with shoppers at Food 4 Less. They also cleaned trash in the surrounding neighborhood and assembled hygiene kits for those in need.

The day concluded with participants inspired, equipped, and committed to expanding their community engagement—demonstrating that meaningful ministry happens when the church shows up with compassion and purpose. Josie Asencio, Pastor of the Antioch Church, reflected, “I’m thankful to be part of the Urban Ministries Team, especially when we get to train people on how to partner with their communities through service. That is an important aspect of discipleship.”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir
Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir 1900 1267 Ken Miller

Reprinted from nadadventist.org

Three years ago, Josiah Hughes, a member of Capitol City Seventh-day Adventist Church — Fiji Campus, in Sacramento, California, had a bold vision: to gather Fijian Adventists from around the world to sing at the GC Session.

“Most applied for the visa but were rejected,” said Epeli Saukuru, general secretary of the Fiji Mission, who joined the choir; notably, he wrote more than 400 visa letters. Others cancelled for financial reasons, leaving the U.S.-based churches bracing to sing alone.

Amazingly, 85 voices came together from the U.S., Australia, England, New Zealand, American Samoa, and the Philippines. “When we all met here, Joe was overjoyed,” said Saukuru. “It wasn’t easy to put everything together. We can only praise God.”

The group included six pastors, as well as Marc Woodson, the Northern California Conference president, who learned the lyrics phonetically. Although they learned the songs via Messenger and rehearsed just twice, their rich harmonies and smiles gave no hint of obstacles. “Singing is natural for us,” said Saukuru. “We love singing.”

“We felt like we were singing with the angels. Even Joe said he felt the angels were singing with us while conducting,” he reflected. Their message shone through, even in a different language: “Despite the many challenges we go through, God’s great love can still protect us. And we can still proclaim hope for the second coming.”

Saukuru added that in the South Pacific, they can feel isolated, but at the session, they realized “We’re not small. We’re part of a bigger global church family. And that has been a blessing.”

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Aron Crews Ordained
Aron Crews Ordained 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On September 20, Aron Crews was ordained at Granite Bay Church, where he has served as a youth pastor since 2022.

From his high school years, when a Bible teacher first inspired and mentored him, to his college experience that deepened his love for Scripture, Crews has been steadily drawn to a life of ministry. The influence of dedicated mentors and his personal study of the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White shaped a passion for God’s Word that he eagerly shares with others. His formal training was completed with a Master of Divinity degree, equipping him for a lifetime of service to the church.

Reflecting on his journey, Crews says with confidence that God has indeed been “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Crews shares his life with wife, Dr. K’dee Crews, a licensed clinical psychologist whose work and speaking ministry also touch lives for Christ.

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025</em>

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Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director.
Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director. 3583 1833 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference (NCC) is delighted to welcome Elias Esquivel as Leoni Meadows Camp Director. He will start in October.

For Esquivel, camp ministry has been more than a career—it has been a lifelong passion and calling. His journey began in 1999, when, as a 14-year-old, he worked in the dish room at Pine Lake Retreat in the Florida Conference. “Camp ministry is my passion,” Elias reflects, “because it changes lives, and it changed mine.” He would go on to spend ten years at Camp Kulaqua in Florida, serving as the Operations Manager before moving back to Pine Lake as the Camp Manager. Eventually, his path led him north to the Ohio Conference, where he spent five summers at Camp Mohaven, four of those years as Camp Manager.

Elias combines a passion for ministry with practical skills. Growing up on a farm, he learned responsibility early, driving tractors at age five and fixing what needed repair. He later studied structural engineering and earned a business degree, giving him what he calls “a well-rounded grasp of plant operations and systems.”

Camp has shaped Elias’ life in many ways—including personally. During a Bible workers’ program at camp, he met his wife, Lizandra. For twenty years, they have built their life around faith, ministry, and service, and today they’re raising two children, Elijah (14) and Lilah Ruth (11).

At the heart of Elias’ vision for Leoni Meadows is a promise from Scripture that has guided him throughout his life:” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

“Throughout my life I’ve tried to seek God’s will, and it doesn’t always line up with my own,” Elias reflects. “But I know God’s plan is better than mine, and He declares that He will prosper us and not harm us. I always defer to Him, knowing His plan is the best.”

Stepping into leadership at Leoni Meadows, Elias’ priority is people and mission. “My goal is to listen and learn the operation well, then chart a plan forward,” he says. “We’ll keep strengthening programs, investing in safety and excellence, and serving kids and families. None of this happens without our dedicated staff—I want them to know how essential they are to the camp’s success.”

With broad experience, practical skill, and deep spiritual conviction, Elias is ready to lead Leoni Meadows into its next chapter—in this place, children, families, and staff encounter Jesus in transformative ways. Please join us in welcoming Elias Esquivel and his family. We’re excited for what God will do next at Leoni Meadows—where unforgettable experiences, Christ-centered community, and life-changing moments continue to flourish.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Your Life Story Matters
Your Life Story Matters 824 506 Ken Miller

The Willits Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a special evangelistic series, “Your Life Story Matters.” Each night was filled with prayer, inspiring messages, and opportunities to share God’s love with the community.

Chaplain Erwin Pajares delivered powerful sermons that touched hearts, while Jeb J. Bersabal led Bible studies, helping attendees grow in God’s Word and take steps toward a personal relationship with Christ.

The series was a true team effort. Members welcomed guests, assisted with seating, and lifted their voices in worship, creating an atmosphere of care and unity. By God’s grace, five precious souls chose to follow Christ through baptism. The week was a joyful reminder that every life story matters to God—and when His people come together in love, lives are transformed.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Joyce Mulligan Chosen as NCC Prayer Ministry Coordinator
Joyce Mulligan Chosen as NCC Prayer Ministry Coordinator 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Joyce Mulligan has taken on the role of Prayer Ministry Coordinator for the NCC. She succeeds Esme Ross, who led the ministry for many years and was deeply appreciated for her dedicated service.

Joyce moved to Northern California after serving as the Director of Prayer and Women’s Ministries in the Central California Conference for 13 years. Although she is retired, she felt called to continue this work. After prayerful thought, Joyce accepted the conference leadership’s invitation to assume this position.

Although she initially had few connections in the Northern California Conference, Joyce is glad to have met many people at camp meeting. She wants every member—young or old—to know they are valued as prayer partners. She shared, “In this ministry, there is no age limit; everyone is invited to join in prayer.”

Joyce also extends a special invitation to join the online prayer session every Thursday at 7:00 AM. “I never want to miss an opportunity to invite you to prayer,” she says with a smile.

Join us in faith as we lift up our conference together. To participate, call 1 (916) 637-8111 and enter code 669648#.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission
From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission 3990 2117 Ken Miller

On August 14, at a change of command ceremony, the Sierra Chaplaincy program welcomed Lloyd Ogan as interim executive director and senior chaplain. A longtime member of the Camino church and board chair at El Dorado Adventist School, Ogan now steps into a role that blends his extensive operational leadership with a pastoral heart shaped by decades of service.

Ogan stands among a rare few Adventists to hold such high-level positions in public service—a distinction shared with leaders like Rear Admiral (ret.) Barry C. Black, former U.S. Navy chief of chaplains and current U.S. Senate chaplain (since 2003), and Desmond T. Doss, the WWII medic and Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives without carrying a weapon.

Sierra Chaplaincy, a faith-based nonprofit with a secular mission, supports El Dorado County’s first responders and community members during their most difficult moments—providing presence, prayer, crisis intervention, and emotional support. Whether responding alongside law enforcement, comforting grieving families, or uplifting firefighters after a tough call, chaplains serve as a crucial link between those who protect the community and the community itself.

A 36-year veteran of the fire service, Ogan dedicated 33 years to the Sacramento Fire Department, rising through every rank to become deputy fire chief of operations and later acting fire chief. He has also led as interim fire chief for the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and interim division chief of operations for the Turlock Fire Department. Alongside his leadership in emergency services, he has served for more than 20 years as a hospital and fire chaplain and holds a ministerial license with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Through every act of service, Sierra Chaplaincy is living the gospel in real time,” said Jim Lorenz, vice president for ministry at the Northern California Conference. “It’s about more than responding to emergencies—it’s about building trust, meeting unique needs, and connecting people to the abundant life Jesus offers.”

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1,400 Strong: A Festival of Faith, Fellowship, and Gospel Mission
1,400 Strong: A Festival of Faith, Fellowship, and Gospel Mission 3623 1875 Ken Miller

On June 28, nearly 1,400 members from the Hispanic churches of the Northern California Conference gathered at Pacific Union College for a vibrant festival of faith, joy, and gratitude.

Pastors, members, lay workers, and families from across the region gathered to recognize the inspiring work and workers in their local churches. The day was alive with music, heartfelt worship, and testimonials of service. Groups paraded joyfully, bearing banners that noted their particular ministry, publicly declaring their passion for spreading the Gospel and advancing God’s kingdom.

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of more than 50 lay leaders who have faithfully served their congregations and communities. Nominated by pastors and leaders of their respective churches, they were celebrated as shining examples of active discipleship and commitment to God’s mission. One visitor, who is receiving Bible studies, came and received an award on behalf of his mentor, who was unable to make the trip.

Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, stated, “This was an important celebration, and thank you to the many passionate pastors and dedicated volunteers who serve our communities.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 24, 2025
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