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

Ministerial

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Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees
Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees 658 563 Ken Miller

Congratulations to all our nominees! Your commitment to serving with excellence and purpose inspires our entire team.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s NCC Advantage Awards nominees—exceptional educators and pastors who embody Contagious Kindness, Servant’s Heart, Passionate Hard Work, Engaged and Enthusiastic Leadership, Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Dedication, and Organizational Health.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process. Your support helps us recognize and celebrate the incredible work happening across our churches and schools. The final award recipients for each category will be announced April 7.

Contagious Kindness

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Michael Rosich, kindergarten teacher at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Robert Mason at Yreka and Scott Valley Church
  • Steve Brownell at Oroville Church
  • Zachary Reiber at Paradise Church

Servant’s Heart

Educators

  • Byron Hegewald, principal and teacher at ACES Red Bluff
  • Linda Lamb, principal at Yreka Adventist Christian School
  • Nancy Matthews, principal and teacher at Vacaville Adventist Christian School

Pastors

  • Tim McMillen at Grace Point Church
  • Tracy Baerg at Lodi-Fairmont Church
  • Janeen Little at Lodi-Fairmont Church

Passionate Hard Work

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Matthew Jakobsons, principal at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Mekey Lepulu, principal at Rio Lindo Academy

Pastors

  • Brad Gienger at Santa Rosa Church
  • Daniel Garza at Yuba City Church
  • Luccas Rodor at Granite Bay Hilltop Church

Engaged and Enthusiastic

Educators

  • Chase Weideman, teacher at the Napa Christian Campus of Education
  • David Vixie, principal and teacher at Paradise Adventist Elementary School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal and teacher at Lodi Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Jaime Calvo, at Sacramento, Woodland, and North Highlands Spanish Churches
  • Josie Asencio, at Antioch Church

Community Relevance

Educators

  • Beatrice Ahn, principal at Tracy Christian Elementary School
  • Chloe Mapa, principal at El Dorado Adventist School
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Douglas Barahona, at Chico Church
  • Rob Benardo, at Sacramento Central Church
  • Stennett Nash, at Hayward Spanish Church

Mission-Driven

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Gina Wilmot, Early Childhood Education Center Director at Kingdom Kids Christian Preschool
  • Melany Quintero, principal at Adventist Christian School of Yuba City

Pastors

  • Edwin Brown, at Oakland-Market Street Church
  • Matt Mattzela, at Lakeport Church
  • Sasa Andelkovic, at Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Organizational Health

Educators

  • Leslie Bartsch, principal at Chico Oaks Adventist School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal at Lodi Adventist Elementary School
  • Richard Nelson, principal at Ukiah Junior Academy

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Ron Yabut, at Anderson Church
  • Walt Groff, at Grace Point Church
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3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit
3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit 3641 1894 Ken Miller

On March 1, the Northern California Conference and the Church-State Council hosted the 3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit at the Pleasant Hill Church. The event attracted 330 attendees for a day filled with insightful discussions, expert panels, and interactive conversations about the importance of religious freedom.

Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, was the keynote speaker. Her topic was the trend among many Christians, who believed that increasing secularism in society justifies the church uniting with the government to improve society’s morals.

In the afternoon, an interactive panel discussion titled “Faith and Justice in the Public Square” featured Krause, Jeanice Warden-Washington, Chief Consultant at California State Assembly, Alan Reinach, President of the Church State Council, Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, and Marc K. Woodson, NCC President.

The conversation, moderated by Steven Allred, NCC volunteer religious liberty coordinator, encouraged attendees to explore the intersection of faith and public policy. Allred noted, “The panelists discussed current church-state issues and took questions from the audience.

Building on the success of this year’s event, the NCC and Church-State Council look forward to expanding next year’s summit and continuing the conversation about faith’s rights and responsibilities in an evolving society.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 13, 2025
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Church Community Extends Love and Hope
Church Community Extends Love and Hope 2346 1336 Ken Miller

Several members of the Arcata McKinleyville Church suffered a tragic fire on February 3, leaving the church and community mourning the loss. In response, the community has shown an outpouring of love and support.

Matthew Baker, pastor, stated, “The church quickly rallied around the twin sister and children affected by the tragedy, establishing an emergency fund and aiding wherever they could.” The family now consists of a twin sister of the deceased, now responsible for her children as well as the children left behind.

As the church, community, and family grapple with their sorrow, they turn to their faith for strength. One church representative remarked, “What truly matters is that we are reminded that evil and suffering were never intended to exist, and that one day all our questions will be answered. We must remember that through all the evil and suffering, God experiences it infinitely more than we do. When we hurt, He hurts. When we cry, He cries. Our pain comes before Him.”

The bereaved twin reflected, “My church has helped us with money, clothes, calls to Red Cross, prayers, food deliveries, and shopping trips with the kids. So much love has been poured out on us by our Heavenly Father through His faithful children. Through this tragedy, our church and community’s faith is growing. We feel blessed! Before we even realize a need, God has already fulfilled it. We are learning to trust God and take Him at His Word. We are living out Bible verses moment by moment as we draw close to Jesus for comfort, safety, forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, redemption, and love.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 13, 2025
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NCC Expands Effort to End Homelessness
NCC Expands Effort to End Homelessness 5760 3840 Ken Miller

The NCC is making strides to address homelessness, aiming to establish 15 Ending Homelessness Task Forces by 2027. These task forces are regional teams of church members, pastors, and those dedicated to addressing homelessness.

Recently, two new task forces were launched in Contra Costa and Mendocino counties. Joelle Chinnock, Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “We are pleased to announce these new groups and are close to launching a fourth in the Marin-Sonoma area. This progress reflects a growing commitment to addressing homelessness in at least one population group—chronic homeless individuals, veterans, adults with children, or youth—in every county where the Adventist Church is present, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

Task force members will join their respective county’s Continuum of Care, agencies which collaborate to address homelessness issues. Josie Asencio, pastor of the Antioch church and leader of the Contra Costa County task force, stated, “I have been attending area Continuum of Care meetings to prepare for our task force’s first official planning session. I am so impressed that many in our area are motivated for this mission.”

Chinnock concluded, “I am encouraged by these new task force volunteers. Each new team moves the NCC Ending Homelessness Initiative closer to its goal.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 6, 2025
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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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