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

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Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3
Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3 3844 2031 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development
It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

This is the third edition (read part 1 here) (read part 2 here) of three Northern Lights stories highlighting three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women’s Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

The Power of Faith: Summer on the Run Brings Hope and Transformation

June 24-28: Summer on the Run stories are filled with the Holy Spirit’s touch, creating a space for service and building trust in a community. This year was no exception. The unique outreach program, in partnership with Stockton Central Church, welcomed 105 community youth, offering them an unforgettable experience.

The impact of the program was evident when a neighborhood youth chose to attend church instead of going on a planned boat trip, sharing, “I had such a great time with the kids and staff that I wanted to be around them more.”

David Peckham, the church pastor, joyfully shared, “Our church team, comprised of passionate adults and spirited youth, eagerly prepared for this traveling summer program. Our volunteers went door to door, inviting children to join us for an extraordinary week of activities. The team also spread the word through flyers in our neighborhood, bulletin inserts in other churches, and even reached out to a non-denominational school next door.”

With the dedication of over 30 volunteers, nearly 500 lunches were served during the week as children participated in games, challenges, and worship activities. Peckham added, “The Holy Spirit was undeniably present and moving hearts. Two volunteers, who had only planned to help for one day, were so moved that they committed to baptism.”

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Director, explained the challenges faced, “The park city officials where we host the event told us that we could not host the event at all. After much prayer and a second request, we received great news—the city officials reconsidered and allowed us to host the event. The Holy Spirit moved their hearts, and it was a true miracle that inspired further action.”

Peckham continued, “Many of our guests eagerly asked about other church events, and we will continue to maintain our connection with this young community.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Mission in Action Part 2 of 3
Mission in Action Part 2 of 3 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

This is the second edition (read part 1 here) of three Northern Lights stories highlighting three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women’s Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

A Celebration in Heaven

Sabbath began like any other at Capital City Church, but it would turn into a day etched in the memories of many. Before Pastor Damian Chandler took to the pulpit, the congregation witnessed the joyful baptism of four individuals. As the special moment concluded, while still in the baptistry, Chandler asked, “Are there people in the audience wondering if the pool is still warm? There is still time; there is still time!”

Little did anyone know what God had in store. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully over a man who had decided to attend the worship service that day. Witnessing the baptisms, Jeremiah Douglas stood up and proclaimed, “Today is my day, and this is my time.” With tears of joy, he accepted his Lord and Savior and was baptized. As Jeremiah shared his testimony, people could be seen walking up the aisle, ready to make their commitments.

The pastoral team, Damian Chandler and Jason Bulgin, overwhelmed with emotion, watched as person after person stood up and walked to the front to be baptized. Chandler exclaimed, “I’m a witness today that it’s never too late. Three more baptisms to go. The Holy Spirit is stirring the water.”

But the Holy Spirit was far from finished. Salem, a soccer player, shared his heartfelt journey, explaining how he had to “tiptoe through Adventism” to minister to his family and team members. After his friends were baptized, he joyfully declared, “Give your gift to the Lord, and He will use it to His glory. I was afraid until I saw my children get up and not be afraid. I felt the Lord convict me to be baptized today.”

Chandler, moved by the Spirit, said, ” Get out of your seat and re-commit your life to Jesus. You know who you are. I’m going to keep this robe on.” A young girl responded, walking up and saying, “I want to get baptized now. God has called me to an amazing life.”

More people followed her into the baptismal pool, giving their lives to God. One man, tears streaming down his face and mingling with the water from the pool, proclaimed, “I am finally saved, thank you, Lord! I had no faith, but You found me! I was dead, and You found me! You don’t know, but there are nasty places, and I have walked them. And Lord, You brought me back!”

Three siblings committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized. A married couple celebrating their anniversary that day also chose to be baptized. Associate Pastor Jason Bulgin tearfully baptized his adult daughter. A woman named Kimberly, who had been watching the service online, felt the Spirit move her so strongly that she got dressed and then drove to the church to be baptized.

Ricardo Graham, retired Union President, attended with Audrey, his wife, “We were sitting there preparing to hear Pastor Chandler’s final sermon. After the call, so many people lined up for baptism, many teens and young adults. We had never seen anything like that in our 47 years of ministry!”

By the end of this extraordinary day, after spending two hours in the baptismal pool, 30 people had given their lives to the Lord through baptism and the profession of faith.

Raven, a church attendee, summarized the day perfectly: “It was a spirit-filled day. I didn’t realize at the time that my friend had gone up for baptism to re-commit herself – it was a joyful surprise to me and others as she hadn’t planned it. Watching my friend open up about her journey and boldly speak about the life with Christ she desires is inspiring and encouraging to continue uplifting those around us in prayer.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 25, 2024

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Larry Unterseher Memorial
Larry Unterseher Memorial 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Elder Larry Unterseher, whose work left an indelible mark on the NCC community, passed to his rest suddenly on July 22 at the Redwood Camp Meeting near Eureka, California.

During his career, he worked as a pastor and elementary teacher with the Upper Columbia Conference, a Dakota Conference principal, a Montana Conference Director, and the Nevada-Utah Conference President. He joined NCC in 2014 as the Pastor of Small Schools.

Albert Miller, NCC Superintendent of Schools, expressed, “Larry was a man who loved Jesus and kids, and it showed in everything he did. He took his ministry to the students and staff of our small schools seriously and invested an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure they knew about his friend Jesus! Larry is already greatly missed.”

Marc Woodson, NCC President, stated, “Our NCC family is devastated by the loss of Larry Unterseher. Pastor Larry was passionate about connecting young people to Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return. He was so gifted in ministry and had a wonderful and creative way of sharing the gospel with those he met, especially the children he served. Many times, Larry would drop by my office to encourage me as a spiritual leader. I know that he did the same with many other leaders as well. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and the entire Unterseher family. We long for the day Christ shall return and we will be reunited with those loved ones we lost along the way. May Jesus soon come!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church Auditorium. The service will be in-person and live-streamed. Please visit the family’s special dedication page for more details on how to join the online stream.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest
Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest 696 928 Ken Miller

We regret to announce that Dudley Galusha, a member of The Haven church, passed away peacefully on June 6.

Galusha will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, country, and church. His legacy is inspiring, having contracted the building of numerous institutions in Northern California and beyond. He built schools such as Clearlake School, Foothills Elementary School, Humboldt Bay School, and Rio Lindo Academy. He also constructed churches in our territory, including Cloverdale, Fort Bragg, Meadow Vista, Napa, Pacific Union College, Pleasant Hill, and The Haven. Moreover, he constructed Leoni Meadows, Newton Hall (PUC), and Redwood Creek Camp. His influence even reached international shores with constructing the Frogmouth Chapel in Cooroy, Queensland, Australia.

Vince Saunders, pastor at The Haven, expressed, “Throughout his life, Dudley had a tremendously positive influence within our church and community. Even now, his legacy of support for education and church ministry continues through his family as they rebuild our school. He will be greatly missed, and the reunion in Heaven will be exhilarating!”

His daughter Cynthia wrote, “His long life was very full, and he leaves a lengthy & outstanding legacy in the field of construction in Northern California. His mental sharpness and dry wit remained intact to the very end of his 98 years on earth.”

A celebration of life will be held on July 27, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at The Haven SDA Church,15 Woodland Rd., Saint Helena, CA. In place of flowers, the family has requested any gifts be sent to the following:

Cookson Ranch Foundation (Redwood Creek)

P.O. Box 973, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Friends of Foothills School

711 Sunnyside Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574

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Ending Homelessness by 2032
Ending Homelessness by 2032 986 738 Ken Miller

Over the past year, our Council on Homelessness has worked tirelessly towards a high-level goal: achieving functional zero for a homeless population group in each county where we are present by 2032. This is an urgent mission, as functional zero means making homelessness rare and brief when it occurs, a milestone we are determined to reach.

Key initiatives include:

  • Developing the 1st Annual Summit on Ending Homelessness, to be held in November 2024.
  • Creating an Ending Homelessness Initiative Taskforce (EHIT) for each county where we are present, starting with Placer County.
  • Collaborating with Placer County to end homelessness for veterans.

Your civic engagement, advocacy, and healthcare expertise are crucial to our mission. We need three new members with these skills. Your knowledge and skills will be instrumental in expanding our efforts and guiding our work to end homelessness in our territory by 2032.

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the relevant expertise, we encourage you to join our Council on Homelessness. Click here for The Terms of Reference and a formal application.

With your help, we can make a significant impact and improve lives. We are committed to this cause and look forward to your contribution.

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Mission in Action, Part 1
Mission in Action, Part 1 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

Over the following issues of Northern Lights, we will highlight three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women’s Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

A Glimpse of the Kingdom of God by Matthew Baker, District Pastor

June 13 was a Sabbath to remember, echoing the sentiment of everyone involved in its organization. It was designated as Women’s Ministry Emphasis Sabbath.

The day began with Juanita Baker, the Women’s Ministry Regional Facilitator, unveiling a spectacular program featuring three speakers. Juanita herself preached about the “Woman at the Well,” followed by a captivating first-person narrative performance by Janice Nelson, which was both historical and Biblical.

Simultaneously, at the Eureka Church, Kate Edwards presented a message entitled “Higher Ground,” garnering positive feedback from members and visitors alike.

After the Arcata-McKinleyville service and a fellowship meal, Niki Eby shared a powerful testimony of healing in Jesus after her sister’s tragic death. This testimony inspired attendee Holly Klopfenstein to share, “It was amazing to hear Nicole Eby’s testimony because only God can give the spirit of forgiveness that she exhibits. She showed what the Spirit can do in our lives if we let Him.” Brad Nelson, a volunteer stated, “The Women’s Ministry weekend was very inspiring. Listening to the testimony on the loss of a sister by murder had a large impact on me. It showed me what God’s tremendous love can do for us by turning ashes into beauty.” A grief recovery session followed, offering practical advice on how to recover from tragic events.

As the day seemed to wind down, conversations and expressions of appreciation continued, fostering unity and a sense of shared experience. The final concert by the Adoration Choir, led by Dr. Jim Tayag from Sacramento in the sanctuary, felt like a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, leaving everyone uplifted and united. Indeed, it was a busy day, but undeniably, it was a Sabbath to remember!

Featured in Northern Lights, July 18, 2024

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Carmichael VBS a Bustling Circus of Activity
Carmichael VBS a Bustling Circus of Activity 3989 2531 Ken Miller

Each summer, many churches in our territory offer Vacation Bible School. The annual community outreaches are a testament to faithful tithe givers and generous donations.

The Carmichael Church Vacation Bible School (VBS) has a rich tradition of serving community children while enriching the lives of youth and adult volunteers. Recently, junior high and high school students gathered daily to teach, share joy in singing, and worship with over 100 younger children.

Youth pastor Benji Ferguson highlighted their program’s dual benefits: “Our VBS allows both youth and adult church members to invite neighborhood families to our church for a fun and edifying experience. It’s also a great opportunity for our volunteers to tap into their spiritual gifts by decorating rooms, learning storylines, acting, and disciplining every child entering their station.”

Associate pastor and VBS coordinator Melissa Howell expressed her pride in the Carmichael team: “Every day, VBS is a joy, a blessing, and a bustling circus of activity. I couldn’t be more proud of the event we put on.” This sentiment was echoed by many youth volunteers. Sophomore Kian exclaimed, “I love working with the kids and being part of why they are having fun.” Freshman Melody added, “I love how excited everyone is to learn about God.”

The summer tradition’s positive and welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse audience, including a single father who had just moved to the area with his two young children. After seeing the outdoor sign on the church lawn, he brought his children every night.

Ferguson concluded, “It is a privilege to teach and learn from our volunteers. They understand the church’s mission to serve the community, and each uses their creativity and talents to show God’s love. I can’t wait for VBS next summer!”

Did your church have a VBS program this year? Take our short survey and tell us about it!

Featured in Northern Lights, July 11, 2024
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Joseph O’Connor Ordained
Joseph O’Connor Ordained 912 1049 Ken Miller

On June 22, Joseph O’Connor was ordained at the Sacramento Fijian Church.

Born in the island country of Fiji, O’Connor credits his mother’s gentle guidance with leading him to serve God. His subsequent service in Fiji eventually led him to the United States, where he earned a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and, more recently, a Master of Clinical Pastoral Education.

O’Connor spearheaded the formation of the Sacramento Fijian church and has pastored there since 2009. Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Joseph’s ordination is unique and very special as he is the first Fijian pastor to be ordained in a Fijian church, the only one in North America!”

He shares his life with Sotia, his wife of 28 years. They have three children: Job, Ruben, Wise, and a granddaughter, Kama’ya.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 11, 2024
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Granite Bay Serves Panama
Granite Bay Serves Panama 1600 1200 Ken Miller

In April 2024, over 250 members and friends of Granite Bay Hilltop church, set out for the beautiful country of Panama for a weeklong mission trip.

The Panama mission project focused on three lines of ministry, including medical and dental Clinic, 2) Church Building Projects, and 3) Pastoral Training and Capacity building. The busy week would conclude on Sabbath with a gathering of SDA church members from around the country.

The medical and dental clinic, a collaboration between the Panama Union, Ministry of Health, Granite Bay leaders, and the Holy Spirit, served 1,750 patients over four days. Each day, healthcare professionals and auxiliary staff arrived to find hundreds of patients waiting to be seen. The healthcare team expressed their joy to serve and cited Christ’s words in Acts 20:35, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

During the team’s time in Panama, two major church-building projects were carried out on the outskirts of Panama City. The projects would provide infrastructure and invaluable support to local communities. Volunteers remodeled a church in time for the first Sabbath service and laid the foundation for another church.

For two consecutive days, volunteers and the NCC pastoral staff at Granite Bay Hilltop church provided training to 150 pastors and church leaders from various parts of Panama City. In addition, they were provided with the course material to continue studying it in depth and share it in future training with their church members and lay gospel workers.

The Granite Bay Hilltop Church remains committed to fulfilling the gospel commission of Matthew 28:19-20, with a unified purpose under the Holy Spirit, looking forward to Christ’s soon return.
Featured in Northern Lights, June 27, 2024
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Sonja Cartwright Installed at Santa Rosa
Sonja Cartwright Installed at Santa Rosa 2542 3381 Ken Miller

Sonja Cartwright was recently installed as the associate pastor of the Santa Rosa church.

Cartwright graduated from Sacramento Academy and worked at Leoni Meadows during her college years. She stated, “My love for ministry was gradually defined by working with the campers at Leoni and my conversations with God. I love to share Jesus with people and travel with them on their path, giving youth and young adults the tools to become disciples and disciple-makers.”

Brad Gienger, pastor, remarked, “We’re excited to have Sonja on our team for not only her community-building skills but personality and incredible ability to make God’s word come to life.”

Cartwright recently graduated from Andrews University with a Master of Divinity degree. She says her favorite Bible text is Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 27, 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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