Joseph O’Connor Ordainedhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled.jpg9121049Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
On June 22, Joseph O’Connor was ordained at the Sacramento Fijian Church.
Born in the island country of Fiji, O’Connor credits his mother’s gentle guidance with leading him to serve God. His subsequent service in Fiji eventually led him to the United States, where he earned a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and, more recently, a Master of Clinical Pastoral Education.
O’Connor spearheaded the formation of the Sacramento Fijian church and has pastored there since 2009. Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Joseph’s ordination is unique and very special as he is the first Fijian pastor to be ordained in a Fijian church, the only one in North America!”
He shares his life with Sotia, his wife of 28 years. They have three children: Job, Ruben, Wise, and a granddaughter, Kama’ya.
Featured in Northern Lights, July 11, 2024
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Granite Bay Serves Panamahttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Batchelor5.jpg16001200Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
In April 2024, over 250 members and friends of Granite Bay Hilltop church, set out for the beautiful country of Panama for a weeklong mission trip.
The Panama mission project focused on three lines of ministry, including medical and dental Clinic, 2) Church Building Projects, and 3) Pastoral Training and Capacity building. The busy week would conclude on Sabbath with a gathering of SDA church members from around the country.
The medical and dental clinic, a collaboration between the Panama Union, Ministry of Health, Granite Bay leaders, and the Holy Spirit, served 1,750 patients over four days. Each day, healthcare professionals and auxiliary staff arrived to find hundreds of patients waiting to be seen. The healthcare team expressed their joy to serve and cited Christ’s words in Acts 20:35, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
During the team’s time in Panama, two major church-building projects were carried out on the outskirts of Panama City. The projects would provide infrastructure and invaluable support to local communities. Volunteers remodeled a church in time for the first Sabbath service and laid the foundation for another church.
For two consecutive days, volunteers and the NCC pastoral staff at Granite Bay Hilltop church provided training to 150 pastors and church leaders from various parts of Panama City. In addition, they were provided with the course material to continue studying it in depth and share it in future training with their church members and lay gospel workers.
The Granite Bay Hilltop Church remains committed to fulfilling the gospel commission of Matthew 28:19-20, with a unified purpose under the Holy Spirit, looking forward to Christ’s soon return. Featured in Northern Lights, June 27, 2024
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Sonja Cartwright Installed at Santa Rosahttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sonja-.jpg25423381Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Sonja Cartwright was recently installed as the associate pastor of the Santa Rosa church.
Cartwright graduated from Sacramento Academy and worked at Leoni Meadows during her college years. She stated, “My love for ministry was gradually defined by working with the campers at Leoni and my conversations with God. I love to share Jesus with people and travel with them on their path, giving youth and young adults the tools to become disciples and disciple-makers.”
Brad Gienger, pastor, remarked, “We’re excited to have Sonja on our team for not only her community-building skills but personality and incredible ability to make God’s word come to life.”
Cartwright recently graduated from Andrews University with a Master of Divinity degree. She says her favorite Bible text is Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Featured in Northern Lights, June 27, 2024
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Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenthhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/iStock-1399448467.jpg532325Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Union General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas. This day, known as Juneteenth, marked the effective end of slavery in the United States, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The delayed enforcement of emancipation in Texas was a bittersweet reminder of the persistent struggles faced by African Americans even after official decrees of freedom.
Juneteenth quickly became a symbol of liberation and a celebration of African American culture and resilience. In the following years, freedmen and women would gather to commemorate this day with music, food, prayer, and communal support. It was a time to reflect on their journey from bondage to freedom and to honor their ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships.
Juneteenth is important as a memorial in African American communities because it recognizes the end of one of the darkest chapters in American history. It serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for equality and justice. The celebrations are not just about the historical event itself but also about acknowledging the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans.
Juneteenth has gained wider recognition across the United States in recent years, culminating in its designation as a federal holiday in 2021. This formal acknowledgment has amplified its significance, encouraging more Americans to learn about this crucial part of the nation’s history.
The day stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the African American community and a call to continue the pursuit of true freedom and equality for all.
Passionate Hard Workers Ready Redwoodhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Redwood-Cleanup-Comp.jpg20001125Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Over Memorial Day weekend, over 60 dedicated volunteers gathered at Redwood Camp Meeting grounds for the annual spring cleanup. Harry Salvini, camp director, stated, “The wonderful redwood trees that make our campground so special also create challenging obstacles, namely fallen limbs, leaves, and toppled trees. We are grateful for the work this group accomplished over the weekend!”
With high grasses to be mowed, mountains of branches to be cleared, brush to be cut and downed trees to be removed, the volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the grounds for the upcoming July 21-27 camp meeting. Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, noted, “We’re attributing the overwhelming turnout this weekend to the camp’s increased interactions on social media, our dedicated church Ambassadors, and the camp’s new website nccsda.com/rac .”
The increase in volunteers follows the trend in current pre-registration totals, up 30% over last year. Salvini exclaimed, “We are thrilled that young and old families are choosing to come to Redwood this summer!”
One volunteer said, “This weekend was a fantastic family getaway. Everyone pitched in on important projects and enjoyed potlucks and free campsites with coworkers.” The consensus was that the work and camaraderie left everyone feeling satisfied, knowing that they had contributed to preserving the grounds. It was an enriching experience for all involved.
Shaw concluded, “We are excited to see growth in Redwood’s attendance this year. I believe that with Northern California Conference’s excellent programming, marketing support and the spirit of unity, hard work, and dedication displayed during the cleanup weekend. God can achieve great things when people come together for a common cause.”
Redwood Camp Meeting, scheduled for July 21-27, promises to be an enriching and uplifting experience for all who attend. For more information, visit nccsda.com/rac.
Featured in Northern Lights, June 13, 2024
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Community Connects Over Tea and Pastrieshttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled.jpg20001125Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
On May 5th, the Women’s Ministry Council at the Placerville Church hosted 170 women at its 5th Annual Women’s Ministry Tea. The annual event is dedicated to serving and connecting women of all generations. Each year, guests are encouraged to contribute to local community projects.
Stefi Affron, volunteer, reflected on the event, saying, “This year’s Women’s Tea was a true celebration of inclusivity, with women from 11 different Adventist churches, some traveling from as far as Yreka and Loma Linda.” The diversity was evident, with 30 returning attendees from the local foothill area. Ten women who came had never attended an event at Placerville Church.
Affron concluded with heartfelt words, “Our yearly tea is one of the many ways our church reaches out to serve and support the women in our community. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength and unity of sharing love and kindness.” She emphasized that it is more than just an event; it is a celebration of community, faith, and the transformative power of collective kindness.
Featured in Northern Lights, June 13, 2024
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A Town’s Passionate Hard Workhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Love-Paradise-Comp.jpg20001125Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
On April 19, the Paradise Church hosted its bi-annual event, Love Paradise. This event brought together volunteers from Paradise area schools, churches, non-profits, and residents for a day of community service.
Over 300 volunteers tackled seven area projects, including cleaning debris and yard waste from several parks. They targeted the main thoroughfare of Paradise by picking up trash, weeding, and other beautification tasks.
Paradise Adventist Academy students served at a local center that provides housing for mentally and physically disabled persons who have experienced homelessness. Students prepped and planted garden beds with new flowers and vegetables.
A church volunteer stated, “Enthusiasm and volunteerism continue to increase each time Love Paradise is held. It is an important community service opportunity to share the love of Jesus through service.”
Health Interests Open Doors to Ministryhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shasta-Health-Comp.jpg1882971Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Mount Shasta Church has a proactive health ministry that draws many community members from all walks of life. Patti Guthrie, health evangelism coordinator, says, “A broad spectrum of people come through our doors because health, diet, exercise, and life are a language without walls.
With the financial assistance of the Northern California Conference, the Mount Shasta Church recently hosted a free dental, medical, and eye care clinic. Attendance for the clinic topped 50 people. Some were already involved with the church’s robust health ministry, and others were personally invited by pastoral staff.
Medical volunteers staffed the clinic from as far away as Loma Linda and Sacramento. When asked, Coral Parrish, a local chef who made sack lunches for everybody, stated, “This type of outreach is just what the community needed.”
To maximize the effect of the church’s outreach, each participant was given a survey. The surveys assessed interest in further contact with the church, with the following areas ranking highest: plant-based cooking, weight loss, depression recovery, Bible study, and diabetes reversal. Guthrie explained, “Hosting healthy living classes opens many avenues of discussion, appreciation, and occasionally Bible study!”
Deidra Cazneaux, a community volunteer, concluded, “The level of care and compassion by the providers and the organizers was noticeable and a tremendous blessing to those who came for services. This clinic was a beautiful example of God’s people being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Orangevale Junior High’s Impactful Week of Prayerhttps://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Orangevale-Comp.jpg20001125Ken MillerKen Millerhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fcc3270ac3694ac3eec16dabccec29ad0612b63a2c9d4a78dddc87b7165a0ba4?s=96&d=mm&r=g
By Lian Funada
In a remarkable display of faith and leadership, the Orangevale Adventist School Junior High students recently took on specific roles in their spiritual journey. They led a week of prayer that left a lasting impact on their school community. From managing AV equipment to delivering inspiring worship messages, these young individuals demonstrated remarkable maturity and dedication.
Their increased interest in Bible study resulted in 10 baptisms. Today, 60 out of 105 students actively participate in optional weekly Bible study and baptismal classes, led by students.
Reflecting on her experience, 8th-grade student Sammie Chaplin shared, “I liked talking to the kids and praying with them,” highlighting the meaningful connections made during the week of prayer. A 7th-grade student, Bela Stay, added, “It was fun!”
The week’s impact extended far beyond the event itself. It served as a testament to the power of young people to lead and inspire others. Through their actions, these students strengthened their faith and served as beacons of light for their peers.
Cheryl Peckham recently joined the NCC Gift Planning and Trust Services department as Associate Treasurer.
Peckham was recently an Audit Specialist with the General Conference, a job she held for twelve years. She noted, “I am excited to have joined the Property and Trust Department at Northern California Conference. I look forward to working with a winning team. God is good!
Richard Magnusson, Director of Gift Planning and Trust Services, stated, “We are very pleased to have Cheryl join our Planned Giving/Trust Services team. Her depth of accounting knowledge and experience will benefit not only our ministry but also the many members who have partnered with us to plan gifts that will support the ministry for generations to come.”
Peckham spends her life with David, her husband of 49 years. They have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.
