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

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A Chorus of Faith: 25 Years of Song and Sisterhood
A Chorus of Faith: 25 Years of Song and Sisterhood 3898 2718 Ken Miller

On the evening of January 3rd, 45 young women from across the country made their way to Orangevale Adventist School with the same purpose—to sing together again.

They came from different places and spanned generations, from the first Girls Chorus group to the newest members. The oldest was 35, and the youngest was just 10. For many, it had been years since they’d last seen each other. But the years melted away as soon as they stepped into the familiar hallways decorated with children’s artwork.

Brad Davis, Orangevale Principal and choir director, gathered everyone around his well-loved piano. The room buzzed with energy as old songs were dusted off, harmonies fine-tuned, and new friendships formed. Despite the age differences, their shared love for singing erased any gaps, creating an instant bond. In communities like theirs, there’s often a natural divide between generations, but in this space, voices and faith brought everyone together, side by side.

Over the years, nearly 100 young women have found their voices in the choir. On January 4th, nearly 400 people came to celebrate 25 years of Girls Chorus. And through it all, a legacy was celebrated of not only teaching young women to sing—but how to lift their eyes to Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 27, 2025
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Back From the Ashes; Foothills Elementary Dedicates New Building
Back From the Ashes; Foothills Elementary Dedicates New Building 4000 2250 Ken Miller

For over a century, Foothills Elementary was not just a school but a home. A place where friendships were formed, lessons were learned, and generations grew up together. Nestled in the quiet beauty of Deer Park, California, it had stood the test of time.

Then came the Glass fire.

The flames didn’t just take buildings—they threatened to erase history. The loss wasn’t just physical for families, teachers, and alumni. It was personal. But this community wasn’t one to give up.

Standing in the newly rebuilt auditorium during the grand reopening, Ron Bunch, a third-generation alumnus, took in the moment. The room around him wasn’t just walls and floors; it resulted from countless hours of planning, designing, and hard work. He stated, “I was honored to envision this space and see it come to life,” he said, emotion thick in his voice. “God has truly been involved here.”

Tony Aston speaking for the Napa County Fire Department – CAL FIRE has seen his fair share of devastation, but today was different. Today was about resilience. He stated, “Foothills Elementary is more than a school; it is a landmark, and we are proud that it will continue to inspire students for generations to come.”

Beside him, Curtis Church, the school board chair, nodded in agreement. He knew firsthand the dedication it had taken to get to this day. He remarked, “God sent Principal Wendy Henry here for such a time as this, acknowledging the leadership that had carried the school forward.

As the ceremony concluded, Marc Woodson, NCC President, shared words from Ellen G White’s book, Education, “The student has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” He added, “‘The strength of character developed here at this school will shape lives beyond the classroom.”‘

Featured in Northern Lights, February 27, 2025

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Faith & Creativity: Equipping Kids with the Armor of God
Faith & Creativity: Equipping Kids with the Armor of God 3871 2075 Ken Miller

By Denna Scott

In November, Mayfair SDA Church hosted a special Paint and Craft Event for children ages 5-13, led by the Children’s Ministry and Mental Wellness Ministry.

The event’s theme was The Armor of God based on Ephesians 6:10-20. Through a fun and interactive lesson, the children learned about the spiritual protection God provides to help them stay strong in their faith and stand against life’s challenges with confidence and courage.

Children created their own paintings and crafted armor pieces—helmets, shields, and swords—which they took home as reminders of what they learned. Each child also received a folder with reference materials to reinforce the lesson and continue growing their understanding of God’s truth.

While the kids enjoyed their activities, parents gathered in a designated hangout space hosted by the Family Ministry Department, where they engaged in a meaningful parenting workshop. This time of fellowship allowed parents to gain wisdom, encouragement, and tools to support their children’s spiritual growth.

It was a joy to witness young minds growing in faith and creativity. Seeing their excitement as they discovered God’s love and protection was genuinely inspiring. As Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

We are grateful for the opportunity to pour into the next generation and look forward to more events like this, where faith, family, and fun come together beautifully!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 20, 2025
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Napa Spanish Hosts Community Health Day
Napa Spanish Hosts Community Health Day 4000 2250 Ken Miller

With the support of the NCC Health Ministries Department, the Napa Spanish Church recently held its annual free community health fair.

Local residents were invited to the event, with 49 receiving essential dental procedures and 159 undergoing health screenings. Adventist Health’s Mobile Health Clinic also provided flu and other seasonal shots to attendees. Healthy food and cooking advice were also an offered service.

Ruben Vargas, pastor, stated, “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Northern California Conference and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation to impact our community. Additional partners included, The Community Health Initiative, Puertas Abiertas, and the Napa County Health and Human Services Agency. This joint effort reminds us that collaboration can make a greater impact for God’s kingdom.”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 13, 2025
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Delta Convocation
Delta Convocation 4000 2258 Ken Miller

On Sabbath, February 1, over 800 people gathered for the 3rd Annual Delta Area Churches Convocation, a collaborative event uniting sixteen area churches in a day of worship and fellowship. As one attendee described it, “It’s like a one-day mini-camp meeting.”

The church service featured uplifting performances by the Lodi Academy Lodian Singers, the Delta Choir, and the Korean Chorale. The keynote address was delivered by Sam Leonor, Chief Mission Officer of Adventist Health. After a lunch supplied by Adventist Health, all were blessed with an afternoon of music by talented area soloists, groups and school music groups.

Lisa Nuss, principal of Lodi Elementary, reflected on the significance of the event: “It’s an opportunity to reconnect with friends from other area churches, students, speakers, and musicians from our local community. It’s a wonderful time to worship God.”

The convocation continues to be a cherished gathering, fostering spiritual renewal among Delta-area churches. As hearts were uplifted and faith strengthened, attendees left inspired to carry Christ’s love into their communities, sharing His message of hope and grace throughout the year.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 13, 2025
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Organizational Health Sabbath
Organizational Health Sabbath 3842 2079 Ken Miller

January 25 was the NCC’s Organizational Health Training Sabbath. Church leadership teams gathered at the Roseville headquarters and Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy.

The purpose of these gatherings was to help newly established church leadership teams identify and define their thematic goals.

Representatives from nine churches attended the event, including teams from Berkeley, Antioch, Pleasant Hill, and Fairfield Community churches. At the Roseville headquarters, teams from Paradise, Yuba City, Sacramento Indonesian, Sutter Hill, and Auburn churches.

NCC President Marc Woodson, who led the training event at Roseville, stated, “By 2027, we aim to have 51% of our NCC leaders deeply engaged in organizational health practices. This will result in over half of our church and school leadership teams understanding and embracing NCC’s clarity, setting thematic goals, and consistently executing the four essential meetings. This engagement will ensure that organizational health is not just a concept but a lived reality woven into the very fabric of our conference.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 30, 2025
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Finding Faith in the Rearview Mirror
Finding Faith in the Rearview Mirror 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Ken Miller

Many times in life, I’ve experienced “Moses Moments.” Like the Old Testament hero, I’ve argued with God about my abilities, ignored signs of His guidance, and even tried hiding in the desert. In weaker moments, I may have struck a rock or two.

This struggle often leaves me identifying more as an ordinary Israelite, trudging through deep sand with an ox and a bundle of possessions, unsure of my location, or direction.

During moments of doubt and lapses in confidence, my mother’s words flood back: “When you don’t see where God is leading, find faith in the path you’ve traveled. Remember what He has brought you through.” This advice jolts me, and I draw strength and joy from its simplicity.

My mom’s wisdom also helps when I wonder where the church is, and where it’s headed. Writing weekly stories from our schools and churches fills me with confidence in our journey together. It reminds me of the massive effect our loving, dedicated members have in their communities, helping me locate where we are, our direction, and who our leader is.

Our collective efforts are woven together through dental outreach, bowling with refugees, school mission trips, evangelism, and serving the hungry—being the hands and feet of Christ. We are members of a caravan led by the author of Love.

If you ever wonder where we are going, be encouraged to adjust your rearview mirror and find faith and location from the path we’ve traveled. Below are ministry highlights from 2024, showing the diversity of how and where we serve. Full stories are linked.

Four Lodi Academy Students Embrace Their Faith
In a touching moment at Lodi English Oaks Church, four students from Lodi Academy publicly declared their faith through baptism. Pastor Manny Gonzales reflected on the importance of collaboration between the school and church in nurturing these young believers. One parent, moved by the paraphrase of Matthew 3:17, shed tears, reminded of God’s unwavering love for His children.

Auburn Church Shares Hope Through Showers
The Auburn Church dedicated a new shower trailer to serve those in need, replacing their 16-year-old unit. Each week, 52 individuals find not only cleanliness but also care. A generous donation ensured that guests also have access to fresh clothing, extending the church’s compassion even further.

Delta Convocation Unites Hundreds
Nearly 900 worshippers gathered for the Delta Area Convocation, an event Pastor Tracy Baerg described as a “spiritual camp meeting.” The sanctuary overflowed with unity as attendees worshipped, prompting one attendee to call it a glimpse of heaven.

Empowering Young Adults for Religious Liberty
At the Religious Liberty Summit, Dwight Nelson challenged young adults to advocate for freedom with love. To be courageous and compassionate. The summit inspired attendees to carry these principles back into their communities.

Healing Hearts Through Mental Health Support
The NCC Education Department provides free professional counseling to students, fostering both emotional and spiritual growth and affirming the church’s commitment to holistic education.

Mission Trip to Panama
Granite Bay Hilltop Church’s mission trip to Panama brought healing and hope to the region. Through clinics, construction, and prayer, they united hearts, positively impacting 1,750 lives with Christ’s love.

A New Center of Hope in Hayward
The Hayward Spanish Church opened its Center of Hope to serve as a beacon for the community. Pastor Stennett Nash expressed, “This is God’s gift to our city—a place for everyone to find help and hope.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 16, 2025
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Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM!
Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM! 5069 3572 Ken Miller

We invite you to be part of an uplifting and spiritually enriching experience—10 Days of Prayer, happening every evening at 7:00 PM via Zoom.

This is a sacred time to come together as a community, draw closer to God, and lift our hearts in prayer for renewal, hope, and guidance. Each evening is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience the power of prayer in transforming lives and deepening our connection with Christ.
Whether you’ve already been joining or are just hearing about it, it’s not too late to be part of this meaningful journey. Let’s come together to seek His blessings, encouragement, and peace.

 

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A Season of Compassion and Service
A Season of Compassion and Service 3884 2069 Ken Miller

As the chill of winter settled over Oakland, the Market Street SDA Church came alive with a singular purpose: to bring warmth, joy, and stability to their community during the holiday season.

Volunteers bustled about, joyfully filling boxes with food, treats, and essentials to brighten the lives of families. For many, these boxes represented more than just food; they were reminders that someone cared and that they weren’t alone.

The church also held its annual Angel Tree Gift Program, which serves children. The fellowship hall was filled with laughter and excited chatter as more than 35 children beamed with joy unwrapping gifts and sharing a meal.

Two days later, the church’s impact extended even further. Members teamed up to visit a senior residential housing community. Food bags, scarves, hats, and socks were given out. Seniors, some of whom had not received visitors in months, were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt conversation.

By the time Christmas arrived, the church had touched many lives, their acts of service standing as a testament to what a dedicated, faith-filled community can achieve.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 9, 2025
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Center of Hope and Influence: A New Era for Community Service in Hayward
Center of Hope and Influence: A New Era for Community Service in Hayward 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On October 19, a five-year dream was realized as the Hayward Spanish Church unveiled its unique Center of Hope.

Led by Stennett Nash, pastor, and supported by Daniel Javes, Miriam Solman, Mary Len, Raquel Javes, and numerous dedicated volunteers, this vision was brought to life with generous funding from the Northern California Conference. The Center of Hope, a beacon of support, guidance, and connection, marks a significant expansion in how this faith community serves and uplifts Hayward and surrounding neighborhoods.

Nash expressed his commitment to the mission: “The Center of Hope is not just a program. It is part of our church. This will be a beacon of support, guidance, and connection until Jesus comes. Our purpose is to offer a place where people find real hope, practical resources, and the love of Christ in every interaction.”

The Center of Hope is dedicated to enhancing the community’s health, well-being, and prosperity. The well-established food bank is a vital resource, providing essential support to families in need. In addition, the Center will launch health outreach initiatives that leverage the area’s natural environment, including guided walks, cooking classes, and health fairs. Furthermore, the Center will offer Adult English Literacy and English as a Second Language classes, equipping participants with the skills necessary to secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Youth education is also a priority, with after-school tutoring for school-age children and teens fostering academic growth and self-confidence. Additionally, the Center will build a digital library for educational and personal development resources. Legal assistance and referrals to partner nonprofits will round out the Center’s offerings, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals and families in need.

During the dedication, Marc Woodson, president, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “One of our strategic anchors at NCC is community relevance, and the Center of Hope will be a transformative blessing for the Hayward community. This center mirrors the compassionate work of Jesus and allows us to be His hands and feet in the world.”

The Center of Hope stands as a living testament to the power of unity, compassion, and faith. Through ongoing support and the unwavering dedication of its leaders and volunteers, the Hayward Spanish Church is shining a light on what it means to serve selflessly and transform lives, one neighbor at a time.

Featured in Northern Lights, November 7, 2024
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