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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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Young Leaders Shine at NCC Bible Conference
Young Leaders Shine at NCC Bible Conference 3844 2018 Ken Miller

Hundreds of NCC school Freshmen and Sophomores, and fifty Junior and Senior leaders gathered at Leoni Meadows the weekend of February 9 for an unforgettable experience of faith, friendship, and mentorship. This annual Bible Conference isn’t just another retreat—it’s a chance for young people to grow closer to God while forming meaningful connections with their peers.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the weekend was the leadership of the older students. These leaders didn’t just participate—they stepped up as mentors, guiding small groups through team-building activities, deep discussions, and Bible studies. For many, this was their first time leading in such a way, and the impact was profound.

“This was the best weekend of my life!” one student leader shared, reflecting on the joy of connecting with younger students and watching their faith grow. Several others joined that sentiment by claiming, “We have never felt so close to God, and the Holy Spirit certainly was guiding the meetings.”

Garrison Chaffee, youth pastor of the Pacific Union College Church, expressed his excitement about the event: “I’m thrilled to see our students stepping into leadership and mentoring their younger peers. It’s amazing to watch them share their faith and create a space where everyone feels valued and supported.”

He continued, “The weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the NCC Youth Department, along with many youth pastors, teachers, and parents who poured their time and energy into making it a success. These adult and student leaders embody the hope and future of our church. It’s a reminder that our future is secured by God’s grace, power, and love.”

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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Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork
Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork 3841 2009 Ken Miller

From January 22 to 25, high school basketball players from sixteen schools across four states gathered at Pacific Union College for the annual PUC Pioneers Invitational Tournament.

The participants hailed from Maine, Nebraska, Hawaii, and California, including six NCC schools: PUC Prep, Pine Hills, Rio Lindo, Pleasant Hill, Lodi, and Paradise Academies.

This annual event has become a staple on each team’s schedule, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, teamwork, and friendship. This collaborative interaction between competitors is not lost on parents.

Kathleen, a PUC Prep mother, remarked, “For my daughter, the sports programs and tournaments have challenged her to be a better player and a more confident person. The events have fostered many lifelong friendships over the years.”

During his Sabbath vespers talk, PUC Church Pastor Nate Furness spoke about the spirit of Adventist sports. “Play hard and be competitive, but aim to elevate your sportsmanship and teamwork as Christians. It’s ok to get frustrated when things don’t go right and celebrate when they do. But when the final buzzer sounds, remember we all play for the same team—the team of Jesus Christ.”

Paradise parent Brian Ching shared, “The teachers and coaches of our sports programs have, most importantly, taught my son an enduring level of Christ-centered sportsmanship and teamwork. They have also taught how to lose gracefully.”

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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Redwood Camp Meeting Introduces New Faces and Programs
Redwood Camp Meeting Introduces New Faces and Programs 3739 1980 Ken Miller

The race to have Redwood Camp Meeting ready by July has begun, and there are some exciting updates to announce:

In October 2024, Stephen Babb was voted the new Camp Director. Babb, a retired Captain from the Healdsburg Fire Department, is a veteran firefighter and former Healdsburg Councilman.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, stated, “Babb has an excellent eye for detail, organization, and safety. His enthusiasm for the camp meeting experience will be an excellent addition to the pastors and volunteers that make Redwood special.”

Jeff Joiner, Associate Professor of Nursing and Emergency Services at Pacific Union College, is developing a comprehensive fire, medical, and emergency plan to enhance safety and increase medical staffing during the week of camp activities.

Shaw continued, “Jeff has brought his expertise and volunteer spirit to upgrade how we meet medical challenges at Camp.”

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, January 30, 2025</em>

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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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Know Your Rights: Immigration Seminar-ZOOM
Know Your Rights: Immigration Seminar-ZOOM 740 846 Ken Miller

News of mass immigration arrests has swept across the US over the past couple of weeks.  This has led to concern and fear on the part of both documented and undocumented immigrants and minority groups, including many who are a part of our own faith community.

Pastors, church leaders and members have contacted us with questions about how to respond to immigration enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), or other government agencies.

On February 17 we will be doing a Know Your Rights: Immigration Seminar, via zoom, for all our Pastors, church leaders and members.  Our presenters will include attorneys and immigration advocates who will be able to answer questions.  I have attached flyers for the seminar in both English and Spanish.

Attached also please find a memo that we released earlier this week giving guidance to our churches, schools regarding Immigration Enforcement.

At this time, we have three in-person Immigration Workshops scheduled at local churches.  We will not be advertising these on social media due to our concerns for our members safety.  If any of your churches would like to host one, please contact either Steve Allred sallred@churchstate.org or myself.

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Prayer Retreat at Leoni Meadows
Prayer Retreat at Leoni Meadows 3300 5100 Ken Miller

Sign up here by March 10 to join our annual prayer retreat at Leoni Meadows.

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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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