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

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Student Leaders Training Student Leaders
Student Leaders Training Student Leaders 3875 2008 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference Youth Department recently hosted its annual Freshman-Sophomore Retreat at Leoni Meadows, bringing together 375 students from our schools. The weekend offered more than just activities—it was designed to help students deepen their understanding of the truth found in biblical stories and develop new tools to apply that truth in their daily lives.

Guiding the retreat was a dedicated team of 58 juniors and seniors who had completed a two-day training with the youth ministry team. Eddie Heinrich, youth and young adult director, explained, “We guide these leaders on how to engage with the younger students from the very first day, creating a steady progression of intimacy and reflection. By Sunday, the goal is to have fostered real, meaningful connections.”

By the end of the weekend, students left equipped with not only a more in-depth understanding of the Bible but also strengthened skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Heinrich concluded, “Our hope is that they return to their schools ready to demonstrate what they’ve learned and model Christlike behavior with their classmates.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026

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Echoes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow
Echoes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow 3875 2008 Ken Miller

By Rudy Peters

In February, Pacific Union College hosted a powerful and uplifting Black History Day Celebration centered on the theme, “Echoes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow.”

Planned and presented by the African American Ministries Department of the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the convocation-style event was designed to affirm African American students and educate and inspire the broader campus community. From the opening moments, the atmosphere was one of reverence, pride, and unity as students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to reflect on the enduring legacy and vibrant future of African Americans in America.

The highlight of the day was the worship convocation featuring guest speaker Dr. Myron Edmonds, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, whose message called the audience to remember the resilience of those who came before and to embrace their responsibility to shape tomorrow with courage and faith. His sermon wove together biblical truth, historical reflection, and contemporary challenge, reminding attendees that hope is not passive—it is lived, embodied, and passed forward. The celebration was further elevated by a stirring musical presentation from Dynamic Praise of Oakwood University. Their harmonies filled the sanctuary with spiritual depth and cultural richness, drawing the congregation into heartfelt praise and reflection.

The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of community and shared commitment to honor the past, empower the present, and inspire the future. The event showed how intentional spaces that celebrate heritage, foster understanding, and strengthen faith across the campus community are important.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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Saddle Up for VBS Season!
Saddle Up for VBS Season! 3875 2012 Ken Miller

By Barry van Iderstein

Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children’s evangelism, NCC Children and Family Ministries Director Barry van Iderstein hosted nearly 80 guests at the annual VBS Workshop, introducing the newly reimagined SDA VBS program, Cactusville.

Seasoned VBS leaders may recall Cactusville from over six years ago. The North American Division, which produces SDA VBS programs, retooled this classic as part of early preparations for the 2027 VBS program—with music videos already recorded! Sharing the program in advance gives VBS leaders a head start in planning, helping them formulate implementation strategies, create scripts, and determine how many actors will be needed for this classic summer ministry.

Cactusville transports kids to a Wild West desert town where they discover gold nuggets of faith in every Bible story. Each day features interactive games, crafts, skits, and theme songs that bring the Bible to life, helping children understand how God is calling them to follow Him. From opening “round-up” sessions to fun station rotations, this program gives kids a week of faith-filled adventure they won’t forget.

VBS continues to be one of the most popular and impactful summer programs for churches, offering a highly engaging way to teach children the Bible, develop leadership skills in volunteers, and make a lasting impression on families. Investing in VBS is investing in the next generation of faithful disciples—an opportunity your church won’t want to miss.

For more information on VBS programming or training to host a VBS week, contact Barry at barry@nccsda.com today. Yee-haw!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting—a time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine—but important—details like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.”

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision
Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, 32 pastors, educators, and administrators gathered at the Northern California Conference (NCC) office in Roseville for a full day of organizational health training.

The purpose was to equip trainees as organizational health consultants, prepared to guide leadership teams across the conference toward greater clarity, alignment, and effectiveness. Focus areas included clarifying priorities, building trust, aligning efforts, and establishing consistent meeting rhythms. Trainees were also introduced to concepts from The Working Genius framework, learning how to help leaders contribute to areas that energize them and complement team strengths—enabling teams to operate with greater energy, creativity, and results.

This training directly supports the NCC’s 2027 mission goal of embedding organizational health in at least 51% of churches, schools, and ministries, ensuring that healthy leadership practices become standard across the conference. Healthy leadership teams strengthen community initiatives, enhance employee and member engagement, and support church and school growth, ensuring ministries operate with clarity and purpose. By developing consultants from within, these practices are embedded into everyday leadership life, creating a shared language and consistent approach across the conference.

For the last five years, the conference has been on an intentional path to clarity in our ministries. Through prayer and disciplined effort, the NCC has laid the groundwork for a future marked by alignment, trust, and shared commitment to mission. This intentional approach is referred to as the NCC Advantage.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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NCC Announces New Media Resource Center
NCC Announces New Media Resource Center 3691 1887 Ken Miller

Recently, NCC Executive Secretary José Marin unveiled the new NCC Media Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walk-through.

The center was constructed on the lower floor of the Roseville administration building, where the former mail and copy room was located. This space was ideal, insulated from the building’s outer walls. Marin explained, “This resource center will be a production tool to serve our churches, schools, and ministries, where the next level of equipment and production is available for use and instruction.” He noted that the facility has already been used, providing a set for the annual Ten Days of Prayer and videos for conference directors and constituency meeting productions.

Studio usage is managed by the Communication and Development department. Laurie Trujillo, director, shared, “We have established a usage policy that requires training with the NCC’s contracted video professional to ensure users are familiar with the studio and that its equipment is properly maintained.” The studio is equipped with three cameras, a teleprompter, adjustable professional lighting, and an Apple computer with a large cinema display running professional software.

The space also contains three different backdrops to accommodate a variety of recording needs: a podcast/interview setting, a more formal look for program-style productions, and a youthful corner for informal presentations.

Trujillo concluded, “We encourage pastors, teachers, and presenters to utilize this modern and helpful tool for sharing the abundant life found in Jesus Christ and preparing people for His soon return.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church
Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church 3450 1887 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

In November, the Sacramento Indonesian Church gathered to bid a warm farewell to Pastor Bobby Sepang after more than 13 years of dedicated ministry.

James Lim, Asian/Pacific Ministries Coordinator, shared, “Although he had already completed a successful ministry and retired in Indonesia, Pastor Sepang answered the NCC’s call to serve the Sacramento Indonesian congregation. He stepped in during one of the church’s most challenging seasons, faithfully uniting the members and helping to establish strong lay leadership.”

The service included beautiful vocal and instrumental music, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, and a slide presentation highlighting memorable moments—from church retreats to baptisms and evangelistic efforts that led many to an abundant life in Jesus.

Following the service, a fellowship luncheon provided an opportunity for members to express their appreciation. While many tears were shed, the prevailing sentiment was gratitude for Pastor and Mrs. Sepang’s grace, humility, and steadfast commitment to God, along with confidence that they will continue serving faithfully upon returning to Indonesia.

Michael Pongoh, NCC Accountant and church member, said, “His leadership was steady, caring, and deeply personal. My family—like many others—was blessed by his prayerful guidance and wisdom.”
Lim concluded, “His ministry was truly outstanding guiding the church toward official organization while serving with a gentle spirit, steady leadership, and unwavering passion that will be remembered for a long time.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light
Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light 3583 1883 Ken Miller

On January 3, Eric Holness was installed as pastor of the Richmond Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Holness comes to Richmond after being the associate pastor of Oakland Market Street church since 2024. The service marked the beginning of a new covenant relationship between pastor and congregation, grounded in prayer, Scripture, and a shared commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on the occasion, Rudy Peters, African American Ministries Director for the Northern California Conference, noted that “the air was filled with expectancy and promises of an amazing covenant relationship.”

Pastor Holness expressed gratitude for the call, stating, “I am humbled and amazed by the opportunity to serve.”

The Richmond Beacon Light family looks forward to a new season of Spirit-led ministry and community impact under Pastor Holness’s leadership.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department
Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Brandon Dorn has joined the NCC accounting team as assistant treasurer. He brings experience in conference treasury work, higher-education administration, and a strong commitment to church service.

Brandon most recently worked in the accounting office at Southern Adventist University, where he also served for nearly six years as a men’s dean. Earlier in his career, he worked for just over two years in the treasury department at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. After prayer and discernment, he applied for the NCC position and is grateful for how clearly the opportunity unfolded.

Raised in Adventist education, Brandon attended Collegedale Academy and later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Adventist University in May 2017. Both of his parents were Adventist grade schoolteachers, shaping his appreciation for faith-based education and service.

Brandon chose church work out of a desire to use the skills God has given him in service to Jesus Christ and His mission. At NCC, he hopes to build strong relationships with coworkers, serve as a dependable resource to the conference and its constituents, and continue growing professionally. He is currently working toward CPA licensure.

Brandon shares his life with Kaylee, his wife of six years, who works as a nurse, and together they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and staying active through hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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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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