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

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Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 20 Years of Ministry
Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 20 Years of Ministry 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On March 5, the Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special gathering.

Approximately 800 people attended the event, which included church members, friends, and guests. The program featured reflections on the church’s beginnings, stories of God’s guidance through challenges, and uplifting music, both solo and choral.

Organized in 2004 with 86 members, the church has grown into a vibrant congregation of 367 members, along with 110 children and 70 youth. Committed to evangelism and community service, the church has implemented ministries such as Pathfinders, Adventurers, youth Bible studies, choirs, and a growing media ministry. In 2017, the church also planted the Ukrainian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sacramento, which is now home to about 200 members.

Several longtime members shared personal memories, adding depth and meaning to the occasion. Church leaders expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years and acknowledged the dedication of the church family. The event served as a reminder of the incredible things that can be accomplished when a community remains committed to its mission and to one another.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 15, 2025
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Jaymes Cheney New Treasurer of NCC
Jaymes Cheney New Treasurer of NCC 1024 683 Ken Miller

Called to Serve: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Financial Leadership
By Laurie Trujillo

Some careers are built on opportunity. Others are shaped by calling. For Jaymes Cheney, it has been both. On May 7, the Conference Executive Committee elected Cheney as the next Northern California Conference Treasurer.

Born in Portland, Oregon, at what is now Adventist Health Portland, Jaymes grew up in Ridgefield, Washington. His parents modeled lifelong service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church—his mother, Carla, was a middle school teacher for 34 years at Meadow Glade Elementary School in Battle Ground, and his father, Leon, worked his entire career in plant services at Adventist Health Portland.

Jaymes married Brittany (Collins) Cheney, an attorney. Her parents, John and Rosemary Collins, served in education at Modesto Adventist Academy, Rio Lindo Academy, and Pacific Union College. Today, their children, William and Hannah, continue the family legacy at Sacramento Adventist Academy.

Northern California holds a special place in Cheney’s heart. His grandparents, Dr. Erwin and Wilda Walla, lived in Napa, where his mother and aunts were raised. He has fond memories of family road trips to visit them, summer days, holidays, and even attending his first baseball game in Oakland with his grandfather. These connections influenced his decision to attend Pacific Union College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and met Brittany.

After graduating from PUC, Jaymes joined Adventist Health in Roseville. Over the past 19 years, he has served in various financial leadership roles across Northern California, including at Adventist Health Feather River and St. Helena. He earned his CPA license and completed an MBA at UC Davis in 2015. Most recently, he helped lead system-wide accounting from the corporate office in Roseville.

Jaymes began sensing God’s call toward church service. That call became clearer as he has served on the Sacramento Adventist Academy Board and as an elder and deacon at Carmichael Church. He prayerfully stepped forward when he learned of John Rasmussen’s retirement from the Northern California Conference.

“This role brings together my passion for leadership, finance, education, and mission,” he said. “Stewardship is not just accounting—it’s ministry in action. Churches, schools, and ministries are only as strong as the people who invest in them,” he said. “Leadership is about trust and stewarding what God has placed in our hands—resources, relationships, and responsibilities.”

As a CPA and financial professional, Jaymes understands that numbers tell a story. Beyond balance sheets are stories of students, families, and church members whose lives are touched by ministry. That excites him—building financial clarity so leaders can focus on their mission. His philosophy is simple: everything belongs to God. Tithes, offerings, and talents are sacred. “When resources are managed wisely, God multiplies. When we give freely, God blesses us with abundance. And when we lead with integrity, God is honored.”

One of his favorite Bible verses, which took on special meaning for his family, is Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When he starts on June 30, Cheney is eager to visit NCC churches and schools, listen to their stories, and build strong relationships. “Northern California is home,” he said. We’ve planted roots here, and I look forward to serving alongside our communities as we connect people to an abundant life in Jesus and prepare for His soon return.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 12, 2025
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Did You Know? Hispanic Ministries Department
Did You Know? Hispanic Ministries Department 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Paul Guevara has led Hispanic Ministries in the Northern California Conference for the past three years with heart and vision. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, he continues to inspire a culture of discipleship, community, and mission across Hispanic churches in the region.

In 2024, the ministry experienced significant growth. Over 260 people joined the church through baptism or profession of faith, bringing total membership beyond 4,000 for the first time. New congregations were planted in Antioch, Concord, Oakland, and Stockton, while new mission groups began forming in Manteca and Novato.

Hundreds of members participated in impactful events throughout the year. At the Rio Lindo Camp Meeting, 30 individuals were baptized in the river. Women gathered in powerful numbers to learn and grow. Young adults came together for spiritual renewal. Lay members committed to leading new small groups and planting churches, showing a deep desire to serve their communities purposefully.

Supporting Hispanic Ministries uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and grows God’s Kingdom. This department shares the gospel through vibrant outreach, leading to baptisms, new congregations, and renewed lives. With a clear focus on multiplying ministry and reaching more people, the impact is real, and the mission is just getting started.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 10, 2025
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A Rainy Sabbath, a Creek, and Five Brave Decisions
A Rainy Sabbath, a Creek, and Five Brave Decisions 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The sky over Redwood Adventist Academy on April 26 was gray, and the rain never let up. Still, the yearly sacred music program dubbed Redwoodstock carried on.

For the last 28 years, Redwoodstock has brought the community together to listen to children make music, share good food, and soak up the Spring weather. There is praise music from local church bands, and an opportunity for Redwood students to perform their Spring concert. Every grade participates, singing in choirs, playing bells, ukuleles, and even performing alongside guests. It is a grand tradition for the school.

This year, the most unforgettable event came during intermission as five students stepped forward to be baptized in the creek that runs through the school property. As the rain continued, the crowd drew close to the creek and huddled under umbrellas, hearts full.

These five students had studied for months, asking questions, studying their Bibles, in preparation to follow Jesus. They stepped into the cold water one by one, publicly declaring their faith by baptism. With tears, applause, and wet shoes, the audience witnessed something powerful and celebrated each as they came out of the water: five young lives going all in for Christ.

Sonja Cartwright, associate pastor of the Santa Rosa church, stated, “It was one of the best, rainiest Sabbaths with our church and school family. We’re still smiling and praising God for calling our students to baptism. It’s been such a joy studying with them and seeing them take this step.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 10, 2025
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A Weekend of Brotherhood and Renewal
A Weekend of Brotherhood and Renewal 2048 930 Ken Miller

Over the weekend of May 2–4, 100 men gathered at Leoni Meadows for the annual Christian Men’s Retreat, themed “Built for Freedom.”

The retreat focused on the powerful truth that true freedom is found in Christ. Through inspiring leadership, thoughtful coaching, and interactive group projects, participants were invited into honest discussions about faith, vulnerability, and what it means to live freely as men of God.

The atmosphere of openness and trust helped break down emotional and spiritual barriers that men often carry. During a time of heartfelt sharing—when fears, goals, and personal trials were laid bare—one attendee described the moment as “The most powerful service I’ve ever been a part of.”

Throughout the weekend, many friendships were formed, faith rekindled, and a renewed sense of calling emerged among the group. Several men shared that they left the retreat feeling reconnected to God, to one another, and their purpose.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 8, 2025
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Hispanic Women’s Retreat
Hispanic Women’s Retreat 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The NCC Hispanic Women’s Ministry Team recently hosted the annual Women’s Retreat at Leoni Meadows.

More than 400 women sang, prayed, listened, and shared. Some came seeking restoration, others friendship, and community. The peaceful mountain setting offered a space for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. One attendee shared, “It was excellent to see so many younger women this year. I think all left with a renewed sense of purpose—to God and one another.”

Florinda Guevara, Hispanic Women’s Ministry Coordinator, helped make the retreat a reality. She stated, “Being part of a group of 400 women meeting in one place, enjoying each other’s companionship, praising God, and being prepared for the return of Jesus has been a joyful experience and a great source of inspiration.”

She and her team have been working to empower women at the local church level, encouraging them to lead with compassion and courage. This annual retreat is part of their ongoing mission to nurture women’s spiritual lives and foster strong bonds within the Hispanic women’s faith community.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 1, 2025
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Marlene Rodriguez Installed at Crosswalk Sacramento
Marlene Rodriguez Installed at Crosswalk Sacramento 1179 726 Ken Miller

On April 5, Marlene Rodriguez was joyfully installed as the pastor of Crosswalk Sacramento, surrounded by church members, family, and friends.

Rodriguez began her ministry with the Northern California Conference in 2014 as a Bible Worker, then as the Assistant Pastor of Pleasant Hill Church. In 2019, she became the Associate Pastor of Gracepoint, where her compassionate leadership left a lasting impact.

Crosswalk Sacramento, a vibrant and quickly growing company that blossomed from home groups and pop-up gatherings, now welcomes Rodriguez’s spirit-led leadership. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and deep love for people, Rodriguez is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

Jose Marin, NCC executive secretary, affirmed, “Marlene is a very relational and community-minded pastor and has the skills to lead vibrant Crosswalk members to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 1, 2025
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Did You Know? Ending Homelessness Initiative
Did You Know? Ending Homelessness Initiative 507 338 Ken Miller

The NCC Hispanic Women’s Ministry Team recently hosted the annual Women’s Retreat at Leoni Meadows.

More than 400 women sang, prayed, listened, and shared. Some came seeking restoration, others friendship, and community. The peaceful mountain setting offered a space for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. One attendee shared, “It was excellent to see so many younger women this year. I think all left with a renewed sense of purpose—to God and one another.”

Florinda Guevara, Hispanic Women’s Ministry Coordinator, helped make the retreat a reality. She stated, “Being part of a group of 400 women meeting in one place, enjoying each other’s companionship, praising God, and being prepared for the return of Jesus has been a joyful experience and a great source of inspiration.”

She and her team have been working to empower women at the local church level, encouraging them to lead with compassion and courage. This annual retreat is part of their ongoing mission to nurture women’s spiritual lives and foster strong bonds within the Hispanic women’s faith community.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 1, 2025
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Teachers and Pastors Engage in Engagement
Teachers and Pastors Engage in Engagement 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On April 7, over 200 educators and 130 pastors gathered at Gracepoint Church for the annual Mark Blue Lecture Series.

This year’s theme advanced the NCC’s commitment to organizational health by concentrating on active engagement between employees, church members, and students. Keynote speaker Berit Von Pohle, Pacific Union Vice-President of Education, highlighted the value of positive leadership and offered many practical tools to help education and ministry professionals strengthen engagement.

Another spotlight during the event was an employee satisfaction survey by the Gallup organization. This online survey was emailed to all employees and completed on phones and laptops during a short break. This professionally designed and interpreted questionnaire will serve to measure NCC employee satisfaction, engagement, and other key categories.

Also highlighted was the need for collaboration between schools and churches to inspire future leaders. Presenters and audience discussed ways to engage young people in learning and service, creating a seamless connection between educational and spiritual development. With these strategies, schools and churches can build stronger, more unified teams, ultimately leading students and members to a more significant impact in their communities.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 10, 2025
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Janeen Little Installed at Tracy Church
Janeen Little Installed at Tracy Church 3767 2009 Ken Miller

April 5, Janeen Little was warmly welcomed and officially installed as the new pastor of the Tracy Church.

Born and raised in South Africa, Janeen moved to the United States with her family as a child, and from an early age, she felt a deep calling to pastoral ministry—one that would shape her life and career.

Equipped with a Master of Divinity and a teaching credential, Janeen began her NCC ministry as a chaplain and Bible teacher at Lodi Academy, where she spent nine years mentoring and guiding students. Her passion for relational ministry led her to serve as associate pastor at the Lodi Fairmont Church, a role she held for the past three years.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Janeen brings a wealth of experience to her new assignment, and while this will be her first time stepping into the lead pastor role, she embraces the challenge with enthusiasm. We are excited about this new phase in her ministry.”

“I’m excited to join the Tracy Church, which has demonstrated that they show up for each other,” Little shared, “I value doing life with people who value relationships.”

Janeen shares her life with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Emma, Daniel, and Amy.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 10, 2025
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