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

Ministerial

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Spanish Company Reaches Church Status
Spanish Company Reaches Church Status 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On September 7, the Richmond Spanish Company celebrated becoming a Church of the Northern California Conference.

This dedicated congregation marks a new chapter in their faith journey. In 2002, a small group of believers set out to form a new congregation led by Thelma Gamboa and Carlos Deras. Inspired by Pastors Juan Acosta and Raúl González, they began their meetings in a member’s garage.

As a result of steady growth, they made several location changes over the years. One of those stops was meeting at the Richmond Beacon Light Church. David Woolcock, pastor, helped the group apply in 2019 to become a Company as they grew. Woolcock reflected, “This congregation is hardworking and passionate about their church and continuing outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. I’m proud of this milestone they’ve reached.”

Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, “I am inspired by the passion, hard work, and dedication that members of Richmond Spanish have shown. They genuinely connect people to an abundant life in Jesus and prepare them for His soon return.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 19, 2024
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Planting Seeds In A New Field
Planting Seeds In A New Field 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Grace and Nick Lossev have spent their lives answering God’s call to share the love of Jesus with the world. Their journey has taken them from the islands of Micronesia to the bustling streets of Japan, planting churches and spreading hope wherever they went. But in 2019, they found themselves asking God a new question: “What’s next? How do we make a difference now?”

With open hearts, they prayed for guidance—and God responded in an unexpected way. He opened their eyes to a unique mission field: the Jewish community. Inspired by the words found in Education, page 578, which declares that “many among the Jews will be converted” and that God’s truth will go forth like a “lamp that burneth,” Nick and Grace felt their hearts ignite with a fresh vision. They began leading Bible studies through the North American Division’s Jewish Adventist Ministries, starting on Zoom with groups on the East Coast.

The success of these studies spurred them to action closer to home. Based at the Novato Church, they started reaching out to the Jewish community in the Bay Area, where over 350,000 ethnic Jews live in Sonoma County, Marin, and beyond. With joyful determination, they began attending local restaurants and community events, striking up conversations and building friendships. To their delight, they found many Jewish individuals open to discussing biblical topics.

“The doors are opening!” Nick exclaimed, amazed by how God was working. “We’ve even had people of the Jewish faith come to our church.” Each encounter felt like a step forward in the mission God had set before them, and their hearts overflowed with gratitude for the opportunities.

Matt Matzela, the former pastor of Novato Church, watched with joy as the Lossevs’ ministry blossomed. “It’s incredible to see the Jewish work moving forward in the Bay Area,” he said. “There is such a great need, and we are so thankful for Nick and Grace’s passion and dedication to this ministry.”

For the Lossevs, this work is more than a mission; it’s a calling that fills their hearts with hope. They believe that God has been preparing them all along for this moment—to bring His light to those ready to receive it. Every Bible study, every conversation, every connection brings them closer to the abundant life Jesus promises. With faith, joy, and a sense of adventure, they continue to share His love, one heart at a time.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 19, 2024
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Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise
Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise 549 444 Ken Miller

September 7- Zach Reiber was installed as pastor of the Paradise Church.

Rudy Peters, NCC African American Ministries Coordinator, stated, “There is a fantastic sense of excitement and anticipation from Pastor Reiber and the church congregation about what they will accomplish together through their ministry.”

Reiber started his ministry in our territory in 2011 as the Assistant Pastor of the Pleasant Hill church until he attended seminary training. He earned his Master of Divinity in 2017 from Andrews University and returned to the NCC in 2018 as the pastor of the Yuba City church.

Reiber commented about his new position, “My family and I are so blessed to be welcomed in by such a warm and loving community. The ministry leaders here desire to earnestly seek God’s will and head passionately in that direction. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for our time together as we serve the community of Paradise.”

Reiber shares his life with Yvette, his wife of 14 years. They find great joy in raising their daughter Caroline, age 3.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve
A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Over Labor Day weekend, the Gracepoint Church hosted an area-wide youth rally with over 100 high school students attending.

The weekend’s theme was “Real Life, Real God,” presented by Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church. Youth musicians and vocalists led all worship services during the three church programs. On Sabbath afternoon, attendees participated in six service activities near downtown Sacramento.

The projects included a homeless outreach, where 150 individuals received lunch, prayer, and GLOW tracts. Another activity involved singing at three area nursing homes and creating 32 blankets for homeless shelters. A community prayer walk contacted over 50 homes near the church, and a drive-through prayer line drew a dozen drivers requesting special prayer. As a fun and creative addition, some made over 80 dog toys delivered to local animal shelters.

Caleb Serna, a participant, stated, “I enjoyed the outreach the most. I fed people experiencing homelessness, and it was nice to see how happy they were even when they had so little. It made me smile, knowing I could help others.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting
Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting 4320 2880 Ken Miller

Korean Camp Meeting this year at Pacific Union College was a profound and transformative experience, with over 1,200 attendees filling the campus. James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries Coordinator, remarked, “After a slowdown due to the pandemic, the yearly event has a renewed energy and purpose.”

A significant sign of this revival was the notably higher participation by young adults. Lim continued, “Our younger generation is getting more involved with their home churches. In a time dominated by digital interactions, seeing them seek face-to-face fellowship at camp meeting was encouraging. By Sabbath, it was evident the Holy Spirit was sowing unity and spiritual renewal with the audience.”

Getting together each year brings together families and members from Northern and abroad. Lim continued, “Seeing so many generations of members and children was heartwarming. This event continues to be a valuable resource in winning souls for heaven, nurturing spiritual growth, and strengthening family and community bonds.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time
Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time 3897 2051 Ken Miller

Leoni Meadows Camp is more than just a retreat center and camp—it’s an NCC ministry that creates abundant joy for children and adults of Northern and many other conferences, states, and an occasional country. In 2023, 20% of the guests who visited Leoni were not from Northern.

Kristen Lo from Sonora, California, is one of them, as she explains her Family Camp experience, “This was our second year at family camp. Every activity resonated with our family; there was something for everyone. What truly stood out was the exceptional staff. Their kindness and patience, reflecting the traits of Jesus, will keep us coming back.”

Craig Heinrich, camp director, reflected, “Our daily mission is to connect our visitors to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and prepare them for His soon return. Since COVID and the Caldor fire, returning the camp to normal has been challenging. This summer was the first in many where I could truly state everything was normal.”

The staff’s impact on campers is profound, showing a motivation to love, serve, and teach. Wrangler camp staff member Elia Privat witnessed, “We celebrated nine baptisms at teen camp and six more at junior camp this summer. For each, the staff gathered around the kids as they were baptized, praying, singing, and cheering as they emerged from the water. Watching the Holy Spirit work was incredibly inspiring. It united us as a team and motivated us to serve each other and each camper at a deeper level.”

Leoni Meadows is a beacon of hope and service and a place for spiritual growth, which impacts those who spend time there. Its success as a ministry is a testament to a team of cheerful givers, tireless volunteers, and employees who find immense joy and satisfaction in providing a camp and retreat center that honors God.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 22, 2024
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National Night Out Shares Christ’s Love
National Night Out Shares Christ’s Love 3337 1891 Ken Miller

Businesses, services, and community organizations, including the Union City Church, actively participated in the local National Night Out in August, aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting safety partnerships between neighborhoods and law enforcement.

Mickel Jenkins, pastor at the Union City Church, shared their approach, highlighting the impact of a simple setup: an easy-up canopy and a table filled with tracts. “Throughout the evening,” he explained, “we distributed over one hundred GLOW tracts in Spanish and English. Additionally, several community members filled out contact interest cards, expressing a desire to learn more about our church and its services.”

National Night Out emphasizes building a better, more connected community. It’s a day when neighbors come together to support one another, and organizations like Union City Church play a crucial role in making this possible. Their presence raises awareness and provides an opportunity for meaningful interactions, strengthening the bonds within the community.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Joy at Redwood Camp Meeting
Joy at Redwood Camp Meeting 3894 2072 Ken Miller

On July 27, another week of praise, worship and fellowship at Redwood Camp Meeting came to a close.

Harry Salvini, camp director, praised a dedicated team of volunteers, NCC pastors, staff, invited speakers, and campers who contributed to a blessed and successful week of worship under the Redwoods.

Becky Farfan, camp registrar, reported that 430 campsites were filled, and more than 1,300 individuals went through the registration process. These numbers did not include those staying in local hotels or visiting for the day. She noted, “By the end of the week, over fifty families showed their enthusiasm by pre-registering for camp in 2025!”

Paul Guevara, Hispanic ministries coordinator, highlighted a significant attendance increase in the Hispanic division. A volunteer passing by Sequoia Grove, the Spanish language amphitheater, exclaimed, “I heard the most glorious music flowing from that area like it was coming straight from heaven.”

Joyful pastors and division leaders indicated that parents and children greatly appreciated the fun and engaging spiritual programming. One family, initially planning to leave halfway through the week, was strongly encouraged by their children to stay for the entire time so they wouldn’t miss a meeting.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reflected, “As I was walking back from a friend’s site on the final night, I could hear the laughter of happy families echoing through the tall trees. I felt simultaneously exhausted and energized and thanked God for letting me be a part of this wonderful ministry.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August , 2024
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Transformative Mission Trip
Transformative Mission Trip 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In a remarkable demonstration of faith and service, over sixty pastors, workers, and family members from the Northern California Conference journeyed to Southern Mindanao in the Philippines from June 20 to July 1.

Responding to an invitation from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, the mission trip was a profoundly impactful outreach endeavor for both the residents of Southern Mindanao and the participating pastors, laymen, and their families. Ron Yabut, pastor of the Anderson church, explained, “The pastors, speaking in 24 different churches, encounteredan abundance of first-time listeners, and the Holy Spirit moved, sowing seeds, changing hearts, and leading 1,720 souls to baptism.”

Jeffrey Maxwell, risk management director, expressed, “The churches of Southern Mindanao proved very wealthy in the riches of faith and good works. I was very impressed that the church I spoke in, besides being amazingly hospitable, was a church where 80% of their membership gives 10% on top of their tithe!” This is a culture of generosity that is not unlike what was experienced during the early Christian church.

Sasa Andelkovic, pastor of the Sacramento Yugoslavian church, exclaimed, “The main language of communication between our group and the Filipino people was love expressed through deeds of kindness. I realized from this experience that I must reciprocate in kind, that I must preach about the goodness of God, and I must do so through service as well. People wonderfully responded to our ministry, but they also ministered back to us. It was a wonderful exchange of God’s love.”

Josie Asencio, pastor of the Antioch church, stated, “It is always a blessing to introduce a community to women pastors. It is a difficult responsibility to steward, and God gave me the opportunity to show how he is using women for His glory in a place that does not have women pastors. I am humbled by the opportunity that God gave me to show that the Holy Spirit can work through female pastors. For an entire week I got to create a new norm for children especially the young girls. I can’t wait to see how God is going to use these newly baptized children to further his work in Mindanao.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 8, 2024
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Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team
Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team 1600 1200 Ken Miller

Jon Cicle recently accepted the position of Assistant to the President.

Cicle returns to the Northern California Conference from the Eagle Rock Church in Southern California, where he was the senior pastor.

His career began in the Southeastern California Conference as a youth pastor of the Victorville Church. He was ordained while pastoring in the Valley Center and Poway Church district. Moving to Northern, he served for 21 years, which included youth pastor of Pacific Union College Church, pastor of the Vallejo Central church, and pastor of the Orangevale church.

He remarked about his career, “I’ve learned to try things that have never been tried before, grown to understand the complexities of diverse congregations, and learned to listen for understanding rather than for response. Through it all, my goal has been and continues to be lifting up Jesus with vision and a sense of mission.”

Cicle has enhanced his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University with professional development, including coaching certifications with StrengthsFinder, Natural Church Development, and Prepare-Enrich Marriage counseling. He stated, “The passage of scripture that keeps me grounded is Hebrews 12:2 ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.’”

Marc Woodson, president stated, “I’m so glad that Jon came back to Northern to serve as Assistant to the President after a short stint away. His many years of pastoral ministry experience and his giftedness will serve our conference well. I’m so glad to have him as a part of my team.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 8, 2024
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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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