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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. Situated below flood level, the nearby Eel River often overflows, leaving 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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Serving Amid Growing Need
Serving Amid Growing Need 2000 1000 Ken Miller

As economic pressures continue to tighten household budgets, food insecurity is affecting more families across Northern California than ever before. In response, churches across the Northern California Conference are stepping into the gap, providing not just groceries, but hope, dignity, and community through vibrant food ministries.

Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs—they restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference’s largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests—demonstrating discipleship in action.

Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.

Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.

A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California

From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:

Carmichael Church
Concord Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Palo Cedro
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement—through time, resources, or inviting others to participate—strengthens these ministries and spreads Christ’s love throughout our communities.

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Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church
Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church 3791 1883 Ken Miller

On September 13, Marc Pasion was installed as Associate Pastor of Sacramento Central Church.

Marc began his ministry in Hawaii as a Bible Worker and most recently served as Program Head for Ke Ola Youth Rush, mentoring students in evangelism and discipleship. He also served four years in the Hawaii Army National Guard, where he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience—qualities that now shape his pastoral calling. He completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews University in May before joining the Northern California Conference.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Marc carries the island values of family, humility, and service. Influenced by mentors such as Taj Pacleb, he embraces a ministry guided by 2 Timothy 4:11, which reminds him that God redeems the past and calls each person useful for His work.

Marc shares his life with Cindy, his wife of four years. They are grateful to serve together in this season of ministry.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025

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Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters
Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

This Thanksgiving, we pause with full hearts to say two simple words that carry eternal weight: thank you. Because of your generosity, prayers, and steady encouragement, the mission of the Northern California Conference continues to move—quietly in living rooms and boldly in sanctuaries, in classrooms and dorms, at food pantries and baptisteries, along hospital corridors and at summer camps where young people say “yes” to Jesus.

Your gifts do more than fund programs; they open doors. In our churches, seekers find welcome and members find hope. Bible studies flourish, new believers step into the waters of baptism, and congregations discover fresh ways to serve their neighborhoods. In our schools, students learn in Christ-centered classrooms where teachers pray, mentor, and inspire—where worship, service, and scholarship are woven together. Across our ministries, compassion becomes tangible: meals shared, burdens lifted, stories told, and faith renewed.

Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). We see that enduring love reflected in you. Some of you give quietly each month. Others offer time, expertise, or special gifts that launch new efforts. Many of you intercede for pastors, educators, students, and volunteers by name. However you give, you are part of a living testimony that gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s a way of life.

We also know this year has asked for perseverance. Families have navigated uncertainty, churches have carried heavy needs, and leaders have made hard decisions. Yet in every challenge, your faith has shone like a steady light. You have reminded us that mission advances best when God’s people move together—each one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for you—for your trust, your partnership, and your sacrificial love. Because of you, children hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy. Because of you, students discover purpose. Because of you, neighbors are served and congregations are strengthened. Most of all, because of you, the gospel continues to go forth with hope.

May your table be filled with peace, your home with gratitude, and your heart with the nearness of Christ. From our Conference family to yours—Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 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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Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield
Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield 4014 2477 Ken Miller

Dexter Thomas was ordained on October 4, at Fairfield Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he serves as senior pastor.

Before coming to Fairfield, Thomas served as auxiliary evangelist for the NCC with Grand Advent Church (2006–2010). Though legally blind, he has combined leadership with creativity, founding PhoneFaith, a spiritual care ministry for the blind that continues to serve hundreds nationwide. He also led seminars on personal evangelism, disability ministry, and leadership development, equipping congregations and communities for practical outreach.

At Fairfield, Thomas ministers to a congregation representing over 30 nationalities, nurturing community and fostering growth. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on social justice in preaching and teaching, and has contributed to church leadership through evangelism, disability ministry, and community programs.

“Dr. Thomas’ story reminds me that God knew us before we knew ourselves, that God formed us through our trials, and that God now sends us on His mission,” said Rudy Peters, African American Ministry coordinator.

Thomas shares his life with Elizabeth and their daughter Tahliza.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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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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