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

Ministerial

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Chris Estay Installed at Vallejo Central
Chris Estay Installed at Vallejo Central 2048 1536 Ken Miller

July 1-Chris Estay was installed as the new pastor of Vallejo Central Church.

Estay is excited about his new church family. When asked how he eases into a new church position, he stated, “I’ve learned over time that I have 100 ideas in my head, which makes me want to rush. But with maturity, I’ve learned to slow down and assess a church’s culture by first serving and becoming friends with the members.”

Making those deeper connections, Estay states, “Creates unity when time is spent making friends and sharing. It reveals the members’ personalities, talents, and motivations, and identifies the church’s true heart.” He concluded, “I am very pleased to be at Vallejo. This is a very motivated church, and we will serve God and our community well together.”

Estay shares life with Erdal, his wife of 18 years. They are the proud parents of son Gabriel, age 9, and daughter Liana, age 6.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 3, 2023
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Keith Jacobson Retires
Keith Jacobson Retires 765 634 Ken Miller

Keith Jacobson recently announced his retirement as pastor of the Carmichael church. He summed up his 45 years in ministry by saying, “It’s been a career of extraordinary experiences, people, and events that I could never have imagined.”

Jacobson has been a chaplain for Pacific Union College, pastored at Palo Cedro, and finished his career at Carmichael. Not raised in an Adventist home, he pondered, “How did one disconnected kid get to live so many diverse experiences? I was born to a military family and became a pastor; who would have guessed?”

Wherever he worked, Jacobsen remembers two constants: “I worked with incredible associates, youth pastors, lay workers, and members. But one person gets all my respect, my wife, Kari. She brings talents to the table that I don’t have. She’s done the bible studies, the programs, the ministry. And I benefitted from her work, spirituality, and magnetic personality. When I say I’m retiring, I mean that a team is retiring.

Jacobson does not hesitate when asked what retirement has in store. He stated, “There are some opportunities in the works,” but notes that it ‘won’t be far from ministry.’

Featured in Northern Lights, August 3, 2023
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Pleasant Hill Mission Trip to the Philippines Results In Baptisms
Pleasant Hill Mission Trip to the Philippines Results In Baptisms 2002 1127 Ken Miller

July 4- Twenty-two youth and adults from Pleasant Hill and Oakland Grand Advent churches returned from a life-changing mission trip to the Philippines.

Working primarily at an SDA-run orphanage, they also participated in a community clothing drive that served over 300 local families. Other projects included teaching basic dental skills to 800 local elementary students and leading VBS for 100 or more children. Other projects included finishing the construction of a wall around the orphanage campus and painting.

Mission trips are usually known for being gritty, different, and often uncomfortable. Trip co-leader Bonnie Gottke reported, “This energetic group was met with cold showers, sleeping under mosquito nets, and nearly 100% humidity. Regardless of the unfamiliar climes and other challenges, the young workers started each morning with worship and gave 110% effort all day.”

Norma Rilveria, sponsor and trip nurse, added, “My heart was full when our young people shared their daily reflections at our morning and evening devotionals.” The service, interaction, and sharing of God’s love certainly were felt by the group. By the trip’s end, eight kids that were on the mission trip and three children from the orphanage were baptized.

When asked how this trip impacted her life, Pleasant Hill Junior Betsy Carmona reflected, “It helped me grow my relationship with Christ, and I learned how to love a community within days. Although languages can be a barrier to communication, showing God’s love is the best way to communicate.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 27, 2023
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Ft. Bragg-Willits-Covelo Members Create Unity With Area Churches To Serve Communities
Ft. Bragg-Willits-Covelo Members Create Unity With Area Churches To Serve Communities 2002 1127 Ken Miller

Bordered by the Yuki Wilderness to the east, the Round Valley Off-Reservation Trust Land to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, you’ll find the Covelo-Willits-Fort Bragg- district churches. Connected by a meandering highway that crosses Highway 101 in the middle, it’s a different California and a different pace of life.

In quieter towns, you might expect more traditional methods of outreach. But recently, members of the district invited non-Adventist churches to a social event that resulted in many friendships, personal and denominational. Through these new connections, church members could discuss beliefs and, more importantly, create unity to accomplish mission goals in their communities.

One outcome was the Covelo Church Vacation Bible School. This year, it took on a unique dimension, led by members, church leaders, and volunteers from several denominations. Regardless of affiliation, mission-minded adults acted, taught, and sang side by side, sharing their unique talents to present the promises of Jesus to children.

According to Edwin Berbasal, district pastor, “This inclusive approach furthered those friendships, not only creating more extensive participation but unity, and it was a powerful display of shared faith among the children and the broader community.

Through conversation, friendship, and shared goals, these connections have laid a foundation for future collaborations and continued work that will serve the district communities and prepare people for the soon coming of Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 27, 2023
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Diplomas for Disciples
Diplomas for Disciples 1277 731 Ken Miller

The Fairfield Spanish church is dedicated to maintaining its connection with the community by offering a space for spiritual growth and education. Recently, 48 students who were studying at the church completed the Bible Instructor Program provided by the Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC). The ILAC program focuses on personal development, honing talents, skills, and leadership abilities to serve God.

According to Jose Diaz, district pastor for Fairfield and Vallejo, “The classes equip people with the skills to give more effective Bible studies. It builds confidence in Bible study givers and offers innovative teaching techniques.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 20, 2023
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Grassroots Evangelism Garners Baptisms
Grassroots Evangelism Garners Baptisms 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The Richmond Beacon Light church recently engaged its community by holding an evangelistic series titled The Better Bible Conference over four Sabbaths.

David Woolcock, pastor, stated, “We wanted to have a new kind of evangelism program. The days started with a continental breakfast, followed by back-to-back bible studies in the morning. The schedule was created to ensure flexibility in attendance, so everyone could participate without any difficulty. Then a delicious lunch was served to keep the congregation fueled for the afternoon.”

In the afternoon session, practical ministry topics beneficial to everyone were planned. These included talks on plant-based diets and healthy eating habits, coping with trauma, and godly child-rearing.

On the last day of the series, two semi-truck loads of household items provided by the Stockton Mayfair Church were distributed to attendees and the community. Woolcock exclaimed, “There was so much good stuff I didn’t think we would give it all away! The items will go far in making families of the area a bit more equipped.”

Woolcock concluded with an inspirational outlook, “The number one lesson we learned is, don’t underestimate the local church and their abilities. Dip your foot in the water, and God will care for the rest.”

So far, six baptisms have resulted from this series, and Woolcock expects four more to come as a result.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 20, 2023
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NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award
NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Part of the NCC’s path to organizational health is to effectively inform, educate, and tell the stories of our churches, schools, and ministries. To do this, a new website was launched in 2020.

The COVID pandemic was a catalyst that accelerated the need for online methods for staying current with news and events. The NCC website was no exception, and its professional look, functionality, and information were revamped with a new look.

Subsequently, the site was entered into the 2022 American Advertising Awards competition, winning an impressive Silver Award. Terrill Thomas, web designer and president of T13 Media, said of the project and award, “It was gratifying to see Christian content, graphics, and web design be recognized for excellence by a secular professional organization.”

The website is constantly updated with important conference information, including employment opportunities, education scholarships, events, and news.

Most recently, the communication and development department has posted an incredible help guide for creating a culture of stewardship in your church. You can visit the website here.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023
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Bernadette Johnson Retires
Bernadette Johnson Retires 384 504 Ken Miller

June 30- Bernadette Johnson retired from the NCC administration office after 19 years of service.

Johnson joined the NCC in 2004 as a clerk for Golden Gate Academy, where she was a substitute teacher and, eventually, treasurer. In 2007 she moved to the NCC administration offices in Pleasant Hill, where she became the administrative assistant for the ministerial department.

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Bernadette knew how churches work, making her an outstanding advocate for pastors. She supported many pastors and churches in their day-to-day operations, and her insightful knowledge, dedication, and humor will be greatly missed.”

Johnson was known to be one step ahead of events throughout the territory, from pastor installations and group convocations to dedications and evangelistic series. Jennifer Kendrick, executive administrative assistant, stated, “I will miss her presence and associated laughter in the office. She was so fun to plan events with and would regularly know all the event’s particulars and have them half-planned in advance!”

Also respected as a spiritual mentor, Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant to the African American ministries coordinator, said about Johnson, “When I started at the NCC, she took me under her wing and guided me to significant spiritual growth. I will truly miss her and am happy for her next mission with her family.”

Marc Woodson, NCC president, said, “Bernadette truly epitomizes our core values. She has a servant’s heart and is a passionate, hard worker. She always looks to help others, lending a helping hand wherever needed. She will be sorely missed.”

Bernadette and her husband, Willy, call Crowley, Texas, their home. They will enjoy their retirement close to their children and grandchildren.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors
Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Our churches are committed to demonstrating kindness, serving their communities diligently, and remaining relevant. A popular outreach method regularly honors the sacrifices made by public servants, both men and women, who serve our nation or communities.

Bob Mason, district pastor of Yreka and Scott Valley churches, recently offered the invocation at a ceremony to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty. Yreka townspeople and law enforcement personnel attended this event, and retired NCC pastor, Jim Crabtree, sang the national anthem.

In another instance, the Novato church planned an appreciation brunch for the Novato Police Department. One church member stated that while serving and eating with their uniformed guests, they connected by listening to their stories and noting their heartfelt needs. Most importantly, “they were able to pray with the officers.”

One Lieutenant emailed her appreciation to the Novato church afterward and wrote, “Thank you again for the wonderful brunch today. We enjoyed getting to know you all, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into making this special for us.”

The leadership of both churches believes that creating or attending these events can open up doors for service. Mason concluded, “I believe that participating in civic events and reaching out to communities in this way shows that our churches care about their community and are ready to serve those in need.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Breaking Bread at Breakfast
Breaking Bread at Breakfast 1895 981 Ken Miller

Oakland’s Market Street Church recently added a delectable incentive to its list of community-relevant ministries: Breakfast.

Following the “Each One, Reach One” mission statement, they began distributing flyers and word-of-mouth invitations throughout their neighborhood for a complimentary breakfast every first Sabbath of the month.

Stephanie Jolliff, ministry leader, stated, “Through canvassing the neighborhood and passing invitations for this outreach and our church services, our members get a chance to actively engage people and share the Word and bounty of God.”

The first Sabbath of May was a trial run with a small turnout, but the breakfast staff got good practice on all the work involved. Jolliff concluded, “Our efforts were not in vain as one breakfaster came to Sabbath school and stayed for church! We have high hopes for this ministry and the spirit of service by everybody involved.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 8, 2023
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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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