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David Osborne, Retired NCC Pastor Passes to His Rest
David Osborne, Retired NCC Pastor Passes to His Rest 534 399 Ken Miller

David Osborne, retired NCC Pastor and Divisional Ministry Director passed to his rest on November 29.

Osborne joined the NCC as pastor of the Carmichael Church in 1993, already bringing 30 years of experience as a pastor, teacher, and chaplain across various conferences and schools. In 1999, he was appointed NAD Division Ministry Director, serving in that capacity alongside his regular pastoral duties until 2005. In 2006, Osborne became head pastor at the Chico Church and continued there until his retirement in 2020.

Reflecting on Osborne’s impact, Jim Lorenz, NCC Vice President for Ministry, shared, “One of Dave’s impressive skills was his ability to speak tough truths and have you laughing about it—a very rare skill. This was especially evident after his retirement, when he served as an interim pastor and transformed struggling churches. One church initially resisted him, but by the time Dave and his wife Judy moved on, they were beloved by the congregation. We have lost a giant of a pastor.”

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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The 20% Growth Sabbath!
The 20% Growth Sabbath! 3791 1962 Ken Miller

By Susan Fleming

Photos by Mark Anthony Carter

On November 1, 2025, the Dobbins Church experienced a remarkable 20% growth! Lay Pastor John Fleming baptized six new members, adding to the one baptized earlier on August 16. For a small congregation, this increase was especially meaningful—but the truth is, many of these newcomers had already felt like part of the Dobbins Church family, just as countless non-members who regularly attend do.

That welcoming spirit is what first drew Maggie Jackson to the church one Sabbath in the fall of 2023. Raised in the Seventh Day Church of God, Maggie had drifted away for a time, and years later she was searching for a church home. “From the moment I walked through the doors, I was welcomed with genuine love,” she recalled. Ronda and Jerry Charlton had a similar experience, sharing. “We are both very blessed to be members of the Dobbins Church. My husband and I were both baptized, renewing our relationship with God,”

For some, the journey into the Dobbins family began with Wednesday Bible study rather than Sabbath worship. Pastor John leads this weekly study, serving a meal beforehand to nourish both body and spirit. Two of the newest members have been preparing these delicious meals, while Pastor John guides thoughtful, engaging Bible discussions. Ronda reflected, “Pastor John’s teaching helped me to understand the Bible and how to study it.”

The Dobbins Church continues to be a place of welcome for all. Whether you’re traveling through the Yuba County foothills on a Wednesday evening or a Sabbath morning, everybody is invited to join in study, fellowship, and food.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Bringing Christ to Christmas
Bringing Christ to Christmas 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The Christmas season is known for its fast pace, last-minute scurrying, good food, and time with family—and the same is true for our schools, churches, and ministries.

Faithful efforts continue to reach communities, offering opportunities to connect with neighbors. And it’s not all outreach—there’s plenty of in-reach too. Offices trade gifts, share potlucks, and school rooms buzz with anticipation and seasonal crafting.

The Santa Rosa Church once again hosted its walk-through nativity, delighting visitors with live scenes performed by members, young and old. Pastor Brad Geinger shared, “The Live Nativity is a special part of many community members’ holiday traditions. Over 25 years, it has become something we are known for in Santa Rosa. Perhaps most essential are the nearly 100 volunteers of all ages who participate. This same Live Nativity was my first church volunteer experience, and today it remains the starting point for many engaging in the Lord’s work.”

The Carmichael Church recently hosted A Night in Bethlehem, an interactive walk-through nativity with live animals. Children guided their families from scene to scene, petting animals and joining in songs. Associate Pastor Melissa Howell shared, “This gave Carmichael Church a chance to open our doors to the surrounding community and share the story of Jesus’ birth in a fresh way. Many attendees were visiting the church for the first time and some expressed interest in joining the congregation, while others said they wanted their children to be part of a faith community and asked to participate in future events.”

In Placerville, over six nights, a diverse mix of people—from the East Coast to just down the street—came to connect, celebrate God, and experience a living picture of hope. Church members united, engaging their circles of influence and offering hundreds of volunteer hours, from construction to conversations and prayer. In the barn, at the feet of baby Jesus, tears were shed, and hearts were moved. Long after the lights faded, lives continued to be touched. For three hours each of the six nights, the church family came together to present Jesus to the community. As Andrew Uyeyama, Pastor, shared, “The camaraderie was incredible—we truly became a church family, and God interrupted many lives with light and hope.”

All over our territory, this same theme runs through program after program: Bringing Christ to Christmas. Our Churches, schools, ministries, and members, young and old, share the gift of our spiritual community with neighbors, inviting them to connect with the story of Christmas in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows
Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows 4004 2250 Ken Miller

In a season of life when many young adults are searching for connection, purpose, and a place to belong, a simple weekend at Leoni Meadows became something more—a reminder that authentic community is still possible, and that the NCC and its churches are committed to supporting this age group.

One hundred twenty-five young adults gathered for the retreat, and from the start, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Presenters encouraged participants to engage fully in the weekend. They emphasized the importance of creating spaces where young adults can ask honest questions, explore doubts, and discover their personal faith, while also building meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.

Question and answer sessions highlighted the honesty and curiosity of the group. Questions submitted anonymously on phones sparked open conversations, and the panel’s transparency modeled the kind of spiritual authenticity this generation values. Young adults are seeking authentic relationships, safe spaces to share struggles, mentorship, and opportunities to actively live out their faith—all of which were reflected in the weekend’s activities. The prayer room quickly became a favorite place, offering a quiet space to reflect, while the growing prayer wall invited participants to share hopes, concerns, and prayer requests.

This weekend also marked a new chapter. Plans are underway for a mission trip to Alaska in August 2026, during which young adults will help run a summer camp. The annual Leoni retreat will now move permanently to January, with the next gathering scheduled for January 8–10, 2027.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy
STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Nicholas Sigler

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy transformed its campus into a world of secret missions and scientific discovery during its “Spy” Academy STEM Camp, the first since 2018.

Middle school “agents-in-training” from six NCC schools spent two days diving into hands-on activities that blended creativity, curiosity, and real-world science. As Emma, an eighth grader from Feather River, shared, “It was a great opportunity to meet other schools and make new friends. The teachers were friendly and helpful. I learned that lasers show up better in the dark and fog, and the light bounces off mirrors.”

Students began their mission by constructing their own laser mazes. Using geometry and spatial reasoning, they positioned mirrors to guide a laser beam through a complex path, learning how light reflects and how real security systems operate. Agents then moved into the cryptography lab, where they created ciphers and used mathematical patterns to crack secret messages. By applying logic and number sequences, they decoded clues that revealed new “intel” throughout the camp.

Next, participants experimented with invisible ink, testing everyday substances—from lemon juice to baking soda to cabbage-based indicators—to discover which solutions could hide or reveal messages using heat or chemical reactions. Campers finished their training by engineering LED magnetic trackers, wiring small circuits with lights and magnets to create devices that could flash or stick to metal surfaces, mimicking tools used in real investigations.

Through experiences like “Spy” STEM Camp, Rio Lindo isn’t just making science fun for students in the NCC—it’s helping them imagine their futures. By blending teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering with a mission to make science exciting, accessible, and unforgettable, the camp equips young people for advanced coursework, technical careers, and real-world challenges.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon
Redwood Camp Meeting is on the Horizon 3856 2053 Ken Miller

Looking ahead to warmer days and summer events, Redwood Camp Meeting leaders are already preparing the grounds for July.

Nestled beneath towering redwoods on California’s North Coast, the camp is a place many families return to year after year—often describing it as a reunion in the trees.

Each winter brings new challenges. A flood year can leave logs, silt, and debris scattered across the property. Coupled with fallen trees, branches and foliage throughout the canopied campsite, spring cleanup becomes essential to restore the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere campers’ treasure.

To address this, the camp organizes its annual Memorial Day Weekend volunteer cleanup, scheduled for May 23–25, 2026. The cleanup also prepares the site for Camp Pitch, which takes place the week before Camp Meeting.

This year, the camp launched a new website: redwoodcampmeeting.com. Camp officers report the site will grow as a resource for online reservations, essential documents, and details about speakers, children’s programming, and upcoming events.

The 2026 Redwood Camp Meeting runs from July 26 to August 1. With these dates set, everyone is invited to enjoy God’s magnificent redwoods, the North Coast, and the joy of gathering in the trees to learn and serve together.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit
Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2nd Annual Summit of the Ending Homelessness Initiative brought together church leaders, community advocates, and volunteers for a day filled with inspiration and action.

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the NCC community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four NCC churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, NCC Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Feather River: One Year Later
Feather River: One Year Later 3449 2211 Ken Miller

December 4 marks one year since the tragic shooting at our Feather River Adventist School. This heartbreaking event impacted not only our local school and church, but our entire Northern California Conference family. It was an unimaginable tragedy—something our Adventist community had never faced before and something no one could have anticipated. It was a random act of violence directed toward the most vulnerable among us.

Over the past year, we have seen the resilience of our teachers, students, and families as they have continued their educational mission amid grief and uncertainty. They have chosen hope and faith over fear and despair. Their trust in God’s sustaining presence and steady commitment to the purpose of Adventist education has helped our community move forward.

Our focus has remained, and will always remain, on the safety, healing, and well-being of our students, staff, and their families. The journey toward recovery has been long and challenging for those most directly affected by the shooting, and we ask for your ongoing prayers and faithful support for their healing.

Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep gratitude—gratitude to God for His mercy, for the strength He has poured into our community, and for the enduring compassion that has held us together. We thank every person, community organization, school, and church that has stood beside Feather River throughout this challenging year. Your prayers, encouragement, and support remind us that we are one body, united in one mission, and anchored in the hope of Christ’s soon return.

We hold close the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May we continue to find comfort in His promises and strength in His presence as we move forward — together, in faith, hope, and love.

Our prayers and support remain with our Feather River School community as we continue to heal and move forward with faith and hope.

Dr. Marc Woodson

President, Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

— For media inquiries, please get in touch with Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, by emailing laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com or calling (916) 886-5642

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Serving Amid Growing Need
Serving Amid Growing Need 2000 1000 Ken Miller

As economic pressures continue to tighten household budgets, food insecurity is affecting more families across Northern California than ever before. In response, churches across the Northern California Conference are stepping into the gap, providing not just groceries, but hope, dignity, and community through vibrant food ministries.

Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs—they restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference’s largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests—demonstrating discipleship in action.

Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.

Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.

A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California

From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:

Carmichael Church
Concord Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Palo Cedro
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement—through time, resources, or inviting others to participate—strengthens these ministries and spreads Christ’s love throughout our communities.

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Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest
Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest 3879 2051 Ken Miller

Davis attended Mt. View Academy and Pacific Union College. She joined the NCC in 1993 and served as the school secretary at Orangevale Elementary for 4 years.

She returned to Orangevale as a teacher in 2021 and remained through November 2025. Coreen Hicks, Associate Superintendent, shared that Davis taught with Kingdom Kids, Orangevale’s pre-first class, first grade, and third grade during her tenure. Health issues eventually led her to leave full-time teaching, but she continued to volunteer up to two weeks before her passing.

Hicks continued, “In Nadine’s final days, I was deeply moved by her unwavering faith in God and the quiet peace she showed as she surrendered everything to His care and trusted His will.”

Former Orangevale pastor and friend Jon Cicle shared, “I will always remember Nadine as a woman of rare tenderness—deeply caring, quietly compassionate, and guided by her steadfast love for Jesus. Her gentle spirit and the light of her faith touched everyone who knew her.”

On December 6, the Orangevale Student Christmas program will be at Orangevale SDA Church during the church service, followed by a potluck lunch. At 2 PM, there will be a Celebration of Life service at the church.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Every Thursday morning, Northern Lights, the official news source of the Northern California Conference, shares how churches, schools, and members are connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return.

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