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

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Building Faith Stories Leads to Baptisms
Building Faith Stories Leads to Baptisms 1837 964 Ken Miller

Four Lodi Academy students were recently baptized at the Lodi English Oaks Church.

Manny Gonzales, youth pastor of Lodi English Oaks, explained, “It is a team effort between the church pastors and school chaplain, Jerry Mahn, to introduce students to Jesus and disciple them toward their own faith experiences. The ability to identify how God answers their prayers, expands a faith started from parents, teachers, pastors, and Bible stories. We believe understanding and cataloging their faith stories strengthens and keeps them completely connected to God and the church. We study this connection heavily during our baptismal classes.”

As a result, during Christmas break, four students chose to be baptized. One proud parent exclaimed, “As a parent, nothing brings more happiness than seeing tears of joy on my daughter’s face before her baptism. I was especially moved during the ceremony when the pastor paraphrased Matthew 3:17, saying, ‘This is my beloved daughter, whom I love; with her, I am well pleased.’ As she came out of the water, she had a glowing smile representing all the joy that heaven was experiencing at that moment.'”

Gonzales concluded, “We are blessed to witness our youth committing to Jesus. We often say in our baptismal classes, ‘This is just the beginning; now, what is your ministry?’ How are you going to begin your journey?”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 1, 2024
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Auburn Dedicates New Shower Truck
Auburn Dedicates New Shower Truck 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Feb 3- The Auburn Church dedicated the addition of a new shower trailer to their Adventist Community Services program.

The new trailer replaces a unit that has been in service for sixteen years. Pam Haddad, director of Auburn Adventist Community Services, stated, “Our new ACS showers have already served up to 52 unhoused individuals per week. It is an important resource for our community.”

Each section of the four-bathroom unit has a shower, toilet, sink, and heated benches. Each user receives a kit with hygiene basics, including a toothbrush, soap, razor, and other amenities. A local crane company was employed to lift it over obstructions a few weeks before the dedication.

Cindy Gustafson, Placer County District Supervisor, is a key player in the Auburn ACS program, releasing $1,100 to fund clothing items that support this ministry. She praised the ACS addition by noting that faith-based contributions are vital to the Auburn community, serving those in need or impacted by local disasters.

James Lim, NCC Director of Community Services, praised, “The dedication of a new shower trailer in the heart of Auburn will increase and improve the health and well-being of the local community. This trailer will be in action multiple times a week, ensuring essential hygiene for all. The Auburn ACS is making a difference, one shower at a time!”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 22, 2024
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The Great Delta Convocation
The Great Delta Convocation 1979 1051 Ken Miller

To create a more collaborative environment and better engage members, the Delta area churches and schools convened for a weekend convocation. The Delta area incorporates the NCC southern region with Sutter Hill, Angels Camp and San Andreas in the East, Manteca, and Tracy to the South, Lodi, Stockton, and Galt in the central region, and Antioch to the West.

Nearly 800 adults and 100 young people attended the event, prompting Tracy Baerg, Lodi Fairmont pastor, and Delta Area Coordinator, to exclaim, “This event had a very camp meeting atmosphere! We even had 700 remote viewers watch the sermons and presentations on our YouTube channel.”

Attendee Audrey Weir-Graham stated, “The Delta Area Convocation was an amazing experience for all who were blessed to attend. I love how the worship service was intentionally designed to be both gender and culturally inclusive. We worshiped together as All God‘s Children.”

Baerg continued, “It was a privilege to collaborate with devoted church pastors, inspiring principals, dedicated teachers, and an incredible team of staff and volunteers. Together we shared our time, talents, and resources, turning this event into a true blessing for all.”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 29, 2024
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Church Status for Weimar University Company
Church Status for Weimar University Company 4004 2250 Ken Miller

On November 10th, Weimar University Company officially became a church of the Northern California Conference during a special dedication ceremony. This event celebrated the church’s growth within the conference and memorialized its ongoing commitment to service and mission.

During the ceremony, the Weimar Choir and Orchestra filled the sanctuary with uplifting music that glorified God and inspired everyone present. Marc Woodson, NCC President, delivered a powerful message, and Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, and John Rasmussen, NCC Treasurer, presented the church with a membership plaque and gift.

This dedication marks a new chapter for Weimar University Church. It reaffirms the church’s mission to serve the Lord and the community, continuing to move forward in faith and service, united in Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 12, 2024
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Establishing Homelessness Taskforces
Establishing Homelessness Taskforces 3791 1962 Ken Miller

On November 16, sixty members from local churches gathered at the Roseville Church for the inaugural Ending Homelessness Summit.

The Northern California Conference (NCC) aims to reach “Functional Zero” for at least one unhoused population group in a community where an NCC church or school is located by 2032. Functional Zero occurs when homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This summit equipped attendees to establish homelessness task forces within their churches and schools.

Presenters from the NCC Council on Homelessness outlined the Ending Homelessness Initiative, explained Functional Zero, and provided theological and practical frameworks for addressing homelessness. Joelle Chinnock, NCC’s Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, emphasized the importance of partnerships, highlighting a successful affordable housing project developed by Path of Life Ministries in Riverside.

This summit launched a united effort to end homelessness, showcasing the NCC’s commitment to being agents of hope and healing. As NCC President Marc Woodson said, “The call to end homelessness reflects Christ’s mission to serve the most vulnerable among us. Through faith, collaboration, and action, we can bring hope and lasting change to our communities, fulfilling our commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 12, 2024
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Commitment to Community Service Leads to Baptisms
Commitment to Community Service Leads to Baptisms 2048 1525 Ken Miller

On August 17, 2024, the Sutter Creek Church celebrated a significant milestone as seven individuals committed their lives to Christ through baptism. Each person’s journey to this moment took a unique path, yet all were united by the love and support they found within their church community.

Several were drawn to God through personal Bible studies and others by service ministries to which the Sutter Creek members are dedicated. One person, Danielle, chose to be baptized before her husband deployed to his military station, while another forewent baptism at the Pathfinder Camporee to be with her church family.

Daniel Cramton, head elder, shared, “We saw families grow in faith as parents and children made individual commitments together. For all those baptized, the church members’ constant influence played a vital role.”

Cramton continued, “Our church is rejoicing in this moment of growth and celebrating these life-changing decisions. Praise the Lord for His work in each life. There is nothing greater than being a part of building up God’s Kingdom and getting one more for Jesus!”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 5, 2024
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Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund
Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund 4800 2700 Ken Miller
The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NCC) has established the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund to provide a trusted avenue for support. This fund is dedicated to directly supporting the students, families, and staff of Feather River Adventist School, all of whom have been deeply impacted by this senseless and violent act.
In alignment with our values and ethical stewardship, we want to clarify that this fund supports the entire Feather River Adventist School community, not just two specific families. If you wish to restrict your support to Elias Wolford or Roman Mendez and their families, you may indicate this in the check memo line or the notes section of the online giving form. Because NCC is a conduit for support, ensuring that 100% of the contribution benefits those affected, gifts are not tax-deductible.
Please visit the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund Giving Link to contribute.  Or send your contributions to Northern California Conference, C/O Feather River School Support, 2100 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661. If you have questions, you can email our Director of Communication and Development, laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com. Your support will play a vital role in helping our community heal and rebuild.

Click here to support.

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Pacific Press Celebrates 150 Years
Pacific Press Celebrates 150 Years 3777 2023 Ken Miller

Northern California has played a significant role in the history of the Pacific Press Publishing Association.

At the 1874 Camp Meeting in Yountville, along the Napa River, Elder G. I. Butler, the president of the General Conference, encouraged the gathered community to continue their outreach and evangelism efforts on the West Coast.

This was just six years after Elders J. N. Loughborough and D. T. Bourdeau arrived in California and began evangelistic meetings in the Sonoma Valley. Moreover, it was only four months after James White started publishing “Signs of the Times,” a magazine aimed at the West Coast audience.

During the Yountville camp meeting, an offering was collected to fund publishing efforts that would support the growth of the Adventist Church, particularly on the West Coast. Consequently, the Pacific Press Publishing Association began its work in Oakland from 1874 until 1904 before moving to Mountain View in 1984. It has been located in Nampa, Idaho, for 40 years.

This year marks 150 years of sharing God’s love through the printed page. Dale Galusha, President of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, shared the special celebration event on August 17. Watch that event online!

Featured in Northern Lights, November 14, 2024
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Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest
Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest 961 1240 Ken Miller

We share with deep regret the news of Pastor Jack Pefley’s passing on Friday, October 11.

“Pastor Jack” was an evangelist for Amazing Facts from 1995 to 2009, then joined the NCC as the conference evangelist from 2010 to his retirement in 2017. A former co-worker reflected, “Jack’s style was right out of the Wild West, irrepressible, simple, and down to earth.” Until his passing, he regularly took the pulpit at Citrus Heights, his long-time church family.

Marc Woodson, NCC President, reflected, “Jack Pefley had a passion for winning people to Jesus. His optimistic spirit and joy while doing God’s work were inspiring and encouraging. Only heaven knows Jack’s ministry’s impact on the Kingdom. He will be missed, but we look forward to seeing him again when our Lord returns!”

The family warmly invites you to a memorial service at 11 AM on Sunday, November 3, at the Citrus Heights SDA Church.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City
Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City 3929 2075 Ken Miller

Recently, Jason Bulgin was ordained at the Sacramento Capitol City Church during the annual African American Convocation.

Born in Canada, Bulgin grew up in an environment deeply rooted in faith, cultivating a desire to serve others. To that end, he attended Oakwood University and experienced a profound spiritual transformation. This defining moment set him on an educational path, and he earned a Master of Christian Ministry and a PhD in Philosophy. He joined the NCC in 2021 as the associate pastor of Capitol City Church, where he is now the senior pastor.

Rudy Peters, African American ministries coordinator, stated, “Jason has his roots in a rich legacy of service. Inspired by his father and father-in-law, who were faithful pastors and nurtured by his mother, his ordination was a culmination of a long journey of service and prayer.”

Bulgin has been blessed with a loving family. He is married to Jessica Delana Ellis, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Jordyn Naomi, Sabrena Janae, Joseph Delano, and Jason Jr.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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