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Meet our Principals- Kimberly Baumbach, Paradise Elementary
Meet our Principals- Kimberly Baumbach, Paradise Elementary 3870 2012 Ken Miller

Sometimes the Best Lessons Don’t Go According to Plan

Kimberly Baumbach had everything ready.

A bottle with vinegar. A balloon filled with baking soda. A classroom of students eager to see a simple science experiment demonstrate how carbon dioxide can inflate a balloon.

She carefully stretched the balloon over the bottle and waited for the reaction.

Instead of slowly filling with air, the balloon suddenly ripped wide open.
In an instant, baking soda and vinegar sprayed across the classroom.

For one silent moment, everyone simply stared.

Then the room erupted in laughter.

“It was definitely not the science experiment I had planned,” Kimberly recalled. “But it became one of those moments none of us ever forgot.”
After cleaning up the mess, the class tried the experiment again. This time, everything worked exactly as the textbook promised. Ironically, it was the successful demonstration that students barely remembered. The unexpected one became the lesson they talked about long afterward.
For Kimberly, that’s one of the beautiful realities of education. Some of the most meaningful learning happens in the moments you could never have planned.

Now, as Teaching Principal at Paradise Adventist Elementary, Kimberly brings that same perspective into every school day.
With 26 years in education, she still lights up when students discover something new for themselves. She believes learning should spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children see the gifts God has placed within them. “One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students experience the joy of learning,” she said. “Just as important is helping them discover ways to serve others, show kindness, and reflect Jesus in their everyday lives.”

That philosophy extends well beyond academics. At Paradise Adventist Elementary, Kimberly hopes every student experiences a school where faith, kindness, respect, curiosity, and a love of learning grow together. She believes each child has been uniquely created by God with purpose and incredible potential, and every day offers a new opportunity to help students discover both.

Outside the classroom, Kimberly enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris, recently celebrated 26 years of marriage. Their two sons continue to make them proud—Jackson is entering his senior year of high school, while Nicolaus is beginning his senior year of college.

As a new school year begins, Kimberly is looking forward to partnering with students, families, faculty, and staff as they build a Christ-centered community where learning is joyful, relationships are meaningful, and every child is encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

And if another science experiment decides to erupt unexpectedly? She’ll probably laugh right along with the students. After all, some of the best lessons have a way of surprising everyone.

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Meet our New Principals: Jennifer Cooper from Lodi Academy
Meet our New Principals: Jennifer Cooper from Lodi Academy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Coming Home: A Familiar Face with a Heart for Students

Some places never really leave your heart.

For Lodi Academy’s new principal, Jennifer Cooper, this isn’t just a new job—it’s a homecoming. A Lodi Academy graduate from kindergarten through twelfth grade, she now returns to lead the school that first nurtured her love of learning and her faith.

Her journey has taken her from teaching in multi-grade elementary classrooms to special education, college courses, and eventually high school math. After nine years teaching at Lodi Academy and a season focused on family, she has come back in a new role—one she sees as part of God’s plan.

What excites her most isn’t a building or a title. It’s the students. “We have the best students,” she says. “They’re smart, talented, full of potential, and they inspire me every day.” She believes school should spark curiosity, build confidence, and help every child discover the gifts God has placed within them. Academic excellence matters, but so do character, leadership, friendships, and a growing relationship with Jesus.

As the mother of five, she understands what parents hope for when they send their children to school. She wants every family to know that Lodi Academy is a place where students are known, encouraged, challenged, and loved.
One of her greatest joys is hearing from former students years later seeing them thriving in their careers, families, and faith.

That’s the kind of impact she hopes every Lodi Academy student experiences.
For her, Lodi Academy has always been more than a school. It’s home. And she’s excited to welcome a new generation of families into a community where students can grow, belong, and discover the purpose God has for their lives.

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A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators
A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators 6675 4450 Ken Miller

By Abigail Francisco

Students, parents, alumni, church members, coworkers, and friends gathered at Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist School to honor two educators who have shaped generations of students: Principal and 7th/8th-grade teacher Brad Davis, after 33 years of service, and 3rd/4th-grade teacher Shelley Kramer, after 21 years.

For two teachers who faithfully invested in the lives of students for decades, a simple farewell was never going to be enough. Home and School Coordinator Amapola Francisco organized a retirement celebration on Sabbath afternoon, May 16, creating an opportunity for the school community to express its gratitude and celebrate their lasting impact.

Francisco said, “While I didn’t know exactly how every detail of the program would come together, I approached the planning with a lot of prayer, faith, and a shared desire to celebrate them well. In the end, the evening reflected the lasting impact they have had on our school community and gave us the opportunity to show them just how deeply they are appreciated and loved.”

The sanctuary was filled with families, former students, coworkers, and friends as tributes, memories, speeches, and photo presentations celebrated the influence Davis and Kramer have had on countless lives through Adventist education.

Kramer reflected on the afternoon, saying, “The retirement program was a beautiful celebration. The heartfelt tributes from students, parents, and coworkers meant more than words can express. It has been an incredible blessing and privilege to spend my career teaching in such a caring and supportive community. While retirement is bittersweet, I will always be grateful for the relationships, memories, and experiences that have made this journey so meaningful.”

One of the afternoon’s most moving tributes was a surprise reunion of the 5th-8th-grade Girls Chorus. During his many years at Orangevale, Davis directed the choir, and as the current chorus performed, alumni quietly rose from the audience and joined them on stage. A few former Boys Chorus members also participated, creating a musical thank-you that united former and current students in honor of his years of ministry through music.

Davis said, “I was overwhelmed by the kindness and tributes shared by others, especially former students. The songs the Girls Chorus sang, including so many former Girls Chorus members, really touched my heart.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Amy Miller: Partnering with Families, Preparing Disciples at Pine Hills Academy
Amy Miller: Partnering with Families, Preparing Disciples at Pine Hills Academy 3691 1887 Ken Miller

“We provide a high-quality education with a continual ability to introduce students to Jesus and deepen that relationship,” says Amy Miller.

For Amy, education has always been about more than academics. It is about creating an environment where students are challenged to grow, encouraged along the way, and reminded that learning can be filled with joy, curiosity, and purpose. After more than 25 years in Adventist education, Amy has seen that some of the most meaningful lessons happen when students feel known, supported, and excited to be part of the journey.

If you spend much time around Amy, you will quickly discover a leader who brings both encouragement and a sense of humor into everything she does. During her years teaching physical education, Amy would give students a choice: run a mile or run for ten minutes. Most students immediately chose ten minutes because it sounded easier—not realizing that a mile only takes 7-8 minutes. The lesson became a favorite story among teachers over the years, a reminder of

Amy’s ability to challenge students while making the journey enjoyable.
That same balance has shaped Amy’s approach throughout her career in Adventist education. She brings high expectations, a steady commitment to excellence, and a genuine joy for helping students grow. Her passion for teaching was influenced by her father, whose example as an educator inspired her to invest not only in the minds of students but also in their hearts.

Amy’s own Adventist education journey began at El Dorado Adventist School in Placerville before graduating from Monterey Bay Academy and continuing her studies at Pacific Union College. She began her teaching ministry at Hilltop Adventist School in Antioch before serving for ten years at Newbury Park Adventist Academy, where she taught math and biology and coached girls’ athletics. Most recently, Amy spent 13 years at Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy in Sonora, including two years as principal.

At Pine Hills Adventist Academy, Amy brings the same commitment to students while investing in the teachers who make Adventist education possible every day. She understands that teachers are at the heart of the school experience—building relationships, mentoring young people, and helping students discover their God-given purpose. By encouraging and supporting her faculty, Amy is helping create an environment where educators and students can thrive.

The strongest schools are built when teachers, families, and churches work together with a shared purpose.
“Adventist education is about preparing students for a lifetime of purpose,” Amy says. “From kindergarten through college and beyond, we want students to discover their gifts and understand how God can use them. Whether they become physicians, educators, pastors, entrepreneurs, scientists, or leaders in their communities, our hope is that they will use their lives to serve God and bless others.”

At Pine Hills Adventist Academy, Amy looks forward to partnering with students, families, teachers, and the church community to continue building a place where young people are known, encouraged, and prepared to follow God’s calling for their lives.

Please join us in welcoming Amy Miller to Pine Hills Adventist Academy!

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Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent
Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent 640 428 Ken Miller

On June 20, 2026, Grand Advent Church in Oakland welcomed Pastor Damon Washington as its new lead pastor during a special installation Sabbath surrounded by family, friends, and members from both his former congregations and his new church family.

The celebration brought together members from Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Seventh-day Adventist Churches, where Washington and his wife, Jeanice Warden-Washington, served for four and a half years. While leaving those congregations was difficult, the Washingtons trusted that God was leading them to a new chapter of ministry. Reflecting on the transition, Washington shared, “They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but the Lord called us to a different part of His vineyard.”

As Washington begins this new assignment, he looks forward to partnering with the Holy Spirit and church members as they live out Grand Advent’s mission to love, worship, and serve. “I am in awe of the workings of God,” Washington said. “I was ordained at Grand Advent, and now I will serve as its lead pastor. I am honored and blessed to be chosen to lead this great congregation.”

As Grand Advent enters this new season of ministry, the congregation and its new pastor look ahead with faith, united in their commitment to share Christ’s love and see lives transformed through Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Growing Through Hands-On Learning
Growing Through Hands-On Learning 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Lisa Thompson

At Crescent City Adventist School, hands-on learning is an important part of the classroom experience. From science lessons to caring for God’s creation, students are encouraged to learn by doing. As principal, I have the privilege of watching students discover, explore, and grow through experiences like our annual duckling project.

A few years ago, I bought a small incubator for the classroom, thinking it would be a fun project for the students. It has become something we all look forward to every year.

We begin by placing the eggs inside and then we wait. Around day 5 and again on day 11, we “candle” them—holding a bright light up to the shell so we can see what is happening inside. The students gather around to look. At first, we see tiny veins forming, and later, small movements. It never gets old watching their excitement as they realize something is growing inside.

With duck eggs, we count down 28 days to hatch day. Along the way, we talk about how the incubator provides the warmth and conditions a mother duck would naturally provide. When the first cracks appear and the ducklings begin to hatch, the classroom fills with excitement.

For about two weeks, the ducklings become part of our classroom family. Each morning, while we clean their kiddie pool, students take turns holding them. They watch how quickly the ducklings grow, how their soft down changes, and how they respond to sound—especially at feeding time. They learn that caring for something small requires patience, attention, and responsibility.

When weather allows, we take the ducklings outside. Students love finding bugs, grass, and weeds for them to eat while observing how they explore—pecking, splashing, and staying close together.

When the ducklings leave school, they usually come home with me, though one year we shared them with families in the community. Even cleanup becomes part of learning as we use the wood shavings from their pool as mulch around the fruit trees we planted last year.

By the end of the project, students have learned far more than the science of hatching a duckling. They have experienced the joy of discovery, the responsibility of caring for another living thing, and the reminder that some of the most meaningful lessons happen when we slow down and pay attention to the world around us.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Finding Disciples Where We Least Expect Them
Finding Disciples Where We Least Expect Them 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Rio Mabugay

When Jesus told His followers to “go,” He never intended for the church to wait inside its walls for people to come. The mission field is wherever people are—and sometimes, that mission field is Walmart.

My wife and I first met Marie while shopping at a Walmart in Anderson. We were looking for a dress that would make breastfeeding our baby a little easier, and Marie kindly helped us find what we needed. What seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a divine appointment.

As we talked, the conversation naturally turned to the Lord. Marie shared that becoming a missionary had always been her dream. Neither of us realized God was already answering that prayer.

Before we left, she invited me to a monthly Bible study she attended. More than 20 people from a variety of Christian backgrounds gathered with one shared desire—to know God through His Word.

As relationships grew, several members asked if I would lead Bible studies. Marie eagerly invited her friends, and before long several Filipino Seventh-day Adventists from the area joined us. Together we studied Scripture, asked questions, and grew in faith.

When Marie discovered the beauty of the biblical Sabbath, she requested Saturdays off from her job at Walmart so she could worship with God’s people. It was a simple but powerful testimony that following Jesus sometimes requires courageous decisions.

Marie quickly became my ministry partner. Together we started several Bible study groups, including one in her neighborhood. She continually invited family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

She reminded me of Andrew in the Gospel of John. Andrew wasn’t known for preaching to crowds—he was known for bringing people to Jesus. Marie had that same gift. She believed that if people encountered God’s Word, the Holy Spirit would do the rest.

On June 20, 2026, after attending the Revelation of Love evangelistic meetings, Marie publicly gave her life to Christ through baptism. Even more meaningful, three friends she had personally invited through the Bible studies were baptized alongside her.

One of the most touching moments came when her husband, watching from the audience, simply said, “I’m proud of her.”

That day, Marie was one of 15 people baptized.

What amazes me most is that God was using Marie long before she entered the baptismal waters. Before she became a church member, she was already inviting people to study the Bible. She was already opening doors for the gospel. She was already making disciples.

That’s intentional discipleship.

Too often, we think evangelism begins with a public meeting or a church program. But intentional discipleship begins with noticing people, building relationships, listening to their stories, studying the Bible together, and inviting them to take one step closer to Jesus.

How many “Maries” are working at Walmart, serving coffee, stocking shelves, cutting hair, delivering packages, teaching school, caring for patients, or living next door? How many people are quietly praying that God would use them, waiting for someone to invest in them?

Jesus told us to go into all the world. For many of us, “all the world” is the grocery store, the workplace, the neighborhood, or the checkout line. Divine appointments are often disguised as ordinary moments.

The church doesn’t exist only on Sabbath morning. We are the church every day of the week, wherever God places us. Instead of asking, “How can we get people to come to church?” perhaps we should first ask, “How can we bring the love of Christ to where people already are?”

The mission field isn’t waiting for us to unlock the church doors. It’s already stocking shelves, ringing up groceries, serving coffee, teaching classrooms, working construction sites, and living next door.

The question isn’t whether God has prepared people. He already has.

The question is whether we’re intentionally looking for them.

Perhaps the next disciple-maker is already at Walmart.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Church in the Park: Faith in Action, Hope for the Community
Church in the Park: Faith in Action, Hope for the Community 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Keith A. Henry

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

On June 27, approximately 200 people gathered at DeFremery Park in Oakland for the second annual Church in the Park, hosted by Market Street Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For six hours, the park was filled with worship, fellowship, community resources, and opportunities to serve. Church members welcomed their neighbors with a free fish fry, diapers, laundry detergent, children’s activities, and community resource booths. Music and preaching encouraged those in attendance while creating a joyful atmosphere where faith was shared beyond the walls of the church.

Community Services Leader Stephanie Joliff reflected, “This Sabbath was a good day! We all came together to fellowship, enjoy one another, and praise the Lord!”

Associate Community Services Leader Eric V. Williams added, “It’s an awesome time when believers can come together outside our church four walls. We’re loving the faces of the community, and hopefully we can do it all again soon, especially with other churches in our Oakland community.”

Senior Pastor Edwin F. Brown summed up the day this way: “With Church in the Park, we are having a great time serving the community. It’s been a powerful day, with the singing, preaching, working together, and blessing the people.”

Church in the Park served as a reminder that ministry happens wherever people are willing to meet needs and share Christ’s love. As the outreach continues to grow, the Market Street church family looks forward to building even stronger connections with their Oakland community in the years ahead.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Dreaming Big Dreams
Dreaming Big Dreams 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Linnea Elias

As part of Galt Adventist School’s annual Artists and Authors event, students reflected on God’s unique design for each person and considered how their talents and strengths could be used to serve others. Through artwork and reflective essays centered on the theme of shining God’s light, they explored ways they could make a difference in the world around them.

To put these ideas into practice and expose students to real-world careers, the class embarked on a job-shadowing experience. Thanks to the support of parent volunteers and drivers, students visited either the Galt Police Department or Galt Precision Automotive. Along the way, they sought answers to questions such as:
• What are the daily responsibilities in this occupation?
• What skills are used in this job?
• What training or education is required for this position?

Students at the automotive shop enjoyed learning basic vehicle maintenance from the owner’s fiancée, practicing how to check oil levels and tire pressure. At the police station, students eagerly questioned officers about the responsibilities of detectives, community service officers, and the remarkable multitasking skills required of a 911 dispatcher.

It was a blessing to participate in this meaningful experience and to watch students begin connecting their God-given gifts with future opportunities to serve others and shine God’s light in their communities.

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NCC Men’s Retreat Goes All In
NCC Men’s Retreat Goes All In 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Men from across the Northern California Conference gathered recently for the NCC Christian Men’s Retreat, centered on the theme “All In, Men.” Speaker Marty Miller invited participants to reflect on what full commitment to God looks like in everyday life—at home, in the church, and in the wider community.

Throughout the weekend, men worshiped together, participated in seminars, and engaged in conversations focused on practical, Bible-based discipleship and Christian character. The message of wholehearted commitment was echoed by Rudy Peters, NCC African American Ministries Coordinator, who shared, “‘All-in men’ are ordinary men who have made an extraordinary decision—to give God their whole heart, their full devotion, and their unwavering commitment.”

Time was also set aside for fellowship and connection, as attendees shared meals, built new relationships, and encouraged one another in their spiritual journeys. The retreat provided a steady rhythm of worship, learning, and conversation designed to support reflection and renewal.

Through gatherings like this annual retreat, the NCC Men’s Ministries Department continues to support men in growing as disciples and serving faithfully in their homes, churches, and communities.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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