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

Ministerial

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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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Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision
Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, 32 pastors, educators, and administrators gathered at the Northern California Conference (NCC) office in Roseville for a full day of organizational health training.

The purpose was to equip trainees as organizational health consultants, prepared to guide leadership teams across the conference toward greater clarity, alignment, and effectiveness. Focus areas included clarifying priorities, building trust, aligning efforts, and establishing consistent meeting rhythms. Trainees were also introduced to concepts from The Working Genius framework, learning how to help leaders contribute to areas that energize them and complement team strengths—enabling teams to operate with greater energy, creativity, and results.

This training directly supports the NCC’s 2027 mission goal of embedding organizational health in at least 51% of churches, schools, and ministries, ensuring that healthy leadership practices become standard across the conference. Healthy leadership teams strengthen community initiatives, enhance employee and member engagement, and support church and school growth, ensuring ministries operate with clarity and purpose. By developing consultants from within, these practices are embedded into everyday leadership life, creating a shared language and consistent approach across the conference.

For the last five years, the conference has been on an intentional path to clarity in our ministries. Through prayer and disciplined effort, the NCC has laid the groundwork for a future marked by alignment, trust, and shared commitment to mission. This intentional approach is referred to as the NCC Advantage.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued—about fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church
Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church 3450 1887 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

In November, the Sacramento Indonesian Church gathered to bid a warm farewell to Pastor Bobby Sepang after more than 13 years of dedicated ministry.

James Lim, Asian/Pacific Ministries Coordinator, shared, “Although he had already completed a successful ministry and retired in Indonesia, Pastor Sepang answered the NCC’s call to serve the Sacramento Indonesian congregation. He stepped in during one of the church’s most challenging seasons, faithfully uniting the members and helping to establish strong lay leadership.”

The service included beautiful vocal and instrumental music, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, and a slide presentation highlighting memorable moments—from church retreats to baptisms and evangelistic efforts that led many to an abundant life in Jesus.

Following the service, a fellowship luncheon provided an opportunity for members to express their appreciation. While many tears were shed, the prevailing sentiment was gratitude for Pastor and Mrs. Sepang’s grace, humility, and steadfast commitment to God, along with confidence that they will continue serving faithfully upon returning to Indonesia.

Michael Pongoh, NCC Accountant and church member, said, “His leadership was steady, caring, and deeply personal. My family—like many others—was blessed by his prayerful guidance and wisdom.”
Lim concluded, “His ministry was truly outstanding guiding the church toward official organization while serving with a gentle spirit, steady leadership, and unwavering passion that will be remembered for a long time.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 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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David Osborne, Retired NCC Pastor Passes to His Rest
David Osborne, Retired NCC Pastor Passes to His Rest 534 399 Ken Miller

David Osborne, retired NCC Pastor and Divisional Ministry Director passed to his rest on November 29.

Osborne joined the NCC as pastor of the Carmichael Church in 1993, already bringing 30 years of experience as a pastor, teacher, and chaplain across various conferences and schools. In 1999, he was appointed NAD Division Ministry Director, serving in that capacity alongside his regular pastoral duties until 2005. In 2006, Osborne became head pastor at the Chico Church and continued there until his retirement in 2020.

Reflecting on Osborne’s impact, Jim Lorenz, NCC Vice President for Ministry, shared, “One of Dave’s impressive skills was his ability to speak tough truths and have you laughing about it—a very rare skill. This was especially evident after his retirement, when he served as an interim pastor and transformed struggling churches. One church initially resisted him, but by the time Dave and his wife Judy moved on, they were beloved by the congregation. We have lost a giant of a pastor.”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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Bringing Christ to Christmas
Bringing Christ to Christmas 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The Christmas season is known for its fast pace, last-minute scurrying, good food, and time with family—and the same is true for our schools, churches, and ministries.

Faithful efforts continue to reach communities, offering opportunities to connect with neighbors. And it’s not all outreach—there’s plenty of in-reach too. Offices trade gifts, share potlucks, and school rooms buzz with anticipation and seasonal crafting.

The Santa Rosa Church once again hosted its walk-through nativity, delighting visitors with live scenes performed by members, young and old. Pastor Brad Geinger shared, “The Live Nativity is a special part of many community members’ holiday traditions. Over 25 years, it has become something we are known for in Santa Rosa. Perhaps most essential are the nearly 100 volunteers of all ages who participate. This same Live Nativity was my first church volunteer experience, and today it remains the starting point for many engaging in the Lord’s work.”

The Carmichael Church recently hosted A Night in Bethlehem, an interactive walk-through nativity with live animals. Children guided their families from scene to scene, petting animals and joining in songs. Associate Pastor Melissa Howell shared, “This gave Carmichael Church a chance to open our doors to the surrounding community and share the story of Jesus’ birth in a fresh way. Many attendees were visiting the church for the first time and some expressed interest in joining the congregation, while others said they wanted their children to be part of a faith community and asked to participate in future events.”

In Placerville, over six nights, a diverse mix of people—from the East Coast to just down the street—came to connect, celebrate God, and experience a living picture of hope. Church members united, engaging their circles of influence and offering hundreds of volunteer hours, from construction to conversations and prayer. In the barn, at the feet of baby Jesus, tears were shed, and hearts were moved. Long after the lights faded, lives continued to be touched. For three hours each of the six nights, the church family came together to present Jesus to the community. As Andrew Uyeyama, Pastor, shared, “The camaraderie was incredible—we truly became a church family, and God interrupted many lives with light and hope.”

All over our territory, this same theme runs through program after program: Bringing Christ to Christmas. Our Churches, schools, ministries, and members, young and old, share the gift of our spiritual community with neighbors, inviting them to connect with the story of Christmas in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows
Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows 4004 2250 Ken Miller

In a season of life when many young adults are searching for connection, purpose, and a place to belong, a simple weekend at Leoni Meadows became something more—a reminder that authentic community is still possible, and that the NCC and its churches are committed to supporting this age group.

One hundred twenty-five young adults gathered for the retreat, and from the start, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Presenters encouraged participants to engage fully in the weekend. They emphasized the importance of creating spaces where young adults can ask honest questions, explore doubts, and discover their personal faith, while also building meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.

Question and answer sessions highlighted the honesty and curiosity of the group. Questions submitted anonymously on phones sparked open conversations, and the panel’s transparency modeled the kind of spiritual authenticity this generation values. Young adults are seeking authentic relationships, safe spaces to share struggles, mentorship, and opportunities to actively live out their faith—all of which were reflected in the weekend’s activities. The prayer room quickly became a favorite place, offering a quiet space to reflect, while the growing prayer wall invited participants to share hopes, concerns, and prayer requests.

This weekend also marked a new chapter. Plans are underway for a mission trip to Alaska in August 2026, during which young adults will help run a summer camp. The annual Leoni retreat will now move permanently to January, with the next gathering scheduled for January 8–10, 2027.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon
Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon 3856 2053 Ken Miller

Looking ahead to warmer days and summer events, Redwood Camp Meeting leaders are already preparing the grounds for July.

Nestled beneath towering redwoods on California’s North Coast, the camp is a place many families return to year after year—often describing it as a reunion in the trees.

Each winter brings new challenges. A flood year can leave logs, silt, and debris scattered across the property. Coupled with fallen trees, branches and foliage throughout the canopied campsite, spring cleanup becomes essential to restore the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere campers’ treasure.

To address this, the camp organizes its annual Memorial Day Weekend volunteer cleanup, scheduled for May 23–25, 2026. The cleanup also prepares the site for Camp Pitch, which takes place the week before Camp Meeting.

This year, the camp launched a new website: redwoodcampmeeting.com. Camp officers report the site will grow as a resource for online reservations, essential documents, and details about speakers, children’s programming, and upcoming events.

The 2026 Redwood Camp Meeting runs from July 26 to August 1. With these dates set, everyone is invited to enjoy God’s magnificent redwoods, the North Coast, and the joy of gathering in the trees to learn and serve together.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit
Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2nd Annual Summit of the Ending Homelessness Initiative brought together church leaders, community advocates, and volunteers for a day filled with inspiration and action.

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the NCC community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four NCC churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, NCC Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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