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

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Paradise Juniors And Seniors Grow Up In DC
Paradise Juniors And Seniors Grow Up In DC 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The staff and teachers at Paradise Academy are passionate about preparing their students for life and ministry.

Preceding spring break, the Juniors and Seniors traveled to Washington, DC, as part of their history requirement.

History teacher, Sean McMurphy, explained, “This trip gave students a hands-on experience with the American government.” But the lessons on the trip went deeper than notable and historical dates and people.

After visiting the Holocaust Museum and the African American Museum senior Jenner Stabel remarked, “The Holocaust Museum made me think deeply about how we treat each other and the pain we cause one another.”

Haiden Schoemaker, a junior, stated, “After a brief meeting with “Senator Padilla on his 50th birthday. He encouraged me to get involved with local political candidates and learn more about the election process and skills needed to be a public servant.”

After visiting the Museum of the Bible, senior Calvin Thompson claimed, “It was one of my favorite museums. I enjoyed the interactive programming, and it made me look at the Bible in a new way.”

After an eventful week, including seeing the Presidential motorcade, museums, and monuments, Jamison Ibara, a senior, said, “Meeting Barry Black, senate chaplain and Seventh-day Adventist, really impressed me. I’m going home and applying his keys to success in my
life.”

Principal Linda Becker stated, “This DC tour was filled with miles and miles of walking, deadlines that each student met faithfully, and quite frankly, a wonderful group of students and tour.”

As lessons will be used to serve their community, the trip contributed heavily to the maturity of Paradise students as citizens and followers of Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 20, 2023

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Burned Out?
Burned Out? 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Hope springs anew at Leoni Meadows!

Amid guests using the facilities for various retreats, the staff and contractors have been tirelessly working to move forward on recovery.

The barn has been completed, the new wilderness camp area is being prepared, the new pool footprint has been dug, and the land where the new multipurpose building (formally crafts building) has been cleared. Craftsmen will work throughout the spring to rebuild this essential structure. Most recently, after clear-cutting dead/dangerous trees, hundreds of thousands of baby trees have been planted all over the property.

Although Leoni was “burned out,” new springs are flowing where there was never water before, partly due to the overabundance of snow, but also just part of the natural recovery process. The recovery process at Leoni Meadows is a physical reminder of God’s promise in Isiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose water does not fail.” (NKJV)

When you feel “burned out” and need a break – visit Leoni and let the “…God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Featured in Northern Lights, April 20, 2023

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Member Demonstrates A Servant’s Heart And Passionate Hard Work For God
Member Demonstrates A Servant’s Heart And Passionate Hard Work For God 320 240 Ken Miller

March 16-18, the St. Helena Church hosted a revival weekend focusing on hope in a post-COVID world.

The event was organized by Josue Rosado, who has a passion for connecting people to Christ and the heart of a servant. Josue spent hours of his time and personal resources to make this event happen. He even contacted the NCC Communication and Development for support and guidance. He stated, “Connecting people to God and the church is important. I have seen my church decline and knew I had to do something. People need to know Jesus loves them because it makes a difference in their lives.”

As a result of this combined effort, driven by Rosado’s goal, over 180 people attended the two-day series by Jose Rojas. Melanie Ward, church secretary, stated, “It felt good to see the church so full again. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was here working.”

Topics such as battling a lack of hope, depression, and discouragement were met head-on by Rojas. One couple remarked, “This was a message we needed and is needed in our community.” Another attendee said, “Our hope in Jesus’ presence and power was renewed, and the message encouraged us to stay connected with Jesus.”

Ward reported, “Many attendees were deeply moved and stayed after the sermons asking questions and meeting in prayer. Many attendees said this was ‘just what the community needed’ and hoped that area churches would connect on these topics.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 13, 2023

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Caring For The Forgotten Behind Bars
Caring For The Forgotten Behind Bars 1997 955 Ken Miller

April 1- The Prison Ministries Department sponsored a training seminar for those that serve men and women behind bars. Thirty-four people attended and learned how to be more effective in their ministry from speaker Daniel McManus, an ex-convict and president of the Alliance of Prison Ministry Organizations and Affiliates.

Rudy Peters, prison ministries director, stated, “We are dedicated to the support of our members involved in this important ministry. We are creating a program named The Prison Ministry Federation that will provide a framework that assists volunteers, pastors, and churches in their prison work.”

Peters concluded, “Members that serve in prison ministry are contagiously kind and passionate about caring for the forgotten. Many have been inside those same walls. We want to ensure they have all the training and tools needed for this important work.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 13, 2023

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Journeys Of Pain, Joy, Service, and Excellence- Our Ten Women Pastors
Journeys Of Pain, Joy, Service, and Excellence- Our Ten Women Pastors 2062 1125 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo

These ten women are making history and playing a vital role in connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus and preparing them for the Second Coming. We wish to recognize and celebrate their critical role in the Northern California Conference serving as pastors or ordained ministers. Sonia Cartwright is in the process of earning her Master of Divinity from Andrews University.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

They come from all walks of life but share a common and inspirational journey that centers on God. They shared some of their journey with us, opening my eyes to what it takes to be a female pastor. Here are some excerpts:

“What I strive for in life and ministry is stated in 1 John 4:12-13, ‘No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.'”

“I love Philippians 4:6-7, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ God has often used this to quiet my heart when things are tense. It reminds me that God hears and cares for me and that His peace transcends understanding.'”

“Proverbs 3:5-6, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ This is the formula to success in life, and it provides the answer when you don’t know what to do.”

What was your journey like? What challenges did you overcome?

One pastor stated, “All the pastors I knew were male, and I did not initially think women could be pastors. I did not question the system. I simply accepted it.” Although this pastor felt a call to serve and was given the talent to minister, it took a person she respected and admired to nudge her into her calling.

Another recalled, “I remember God extending the invitation to serve my sophomore year in college, but it took me years to answer the call.” She had to escape her “selfish perspective of thinking that I had to be perfect to be a pastor.”

Not only did these pastors have to overcome personal challenges, but they also had to face public pressure not to answer the call. They were bullied, called names, and laughed at when people found out they wanted to be a pastor.

One of our pastors explains the experience well, “It was hard getting past some of the comments people made discouraging me as a woman going into ministry. Ultimately, I had to look to Jesus and stay focused on him. Jesus is the One that has kept me standing in ministry.”

What is different about being a female pastor/leader vs. a male pastor/leader? Advantages? Disadvantages?

One pastor clearly explains, “There are, unfortunately, many issues that come up. In addition to the struggles of maintaining a successful mentor relationship with male colleagues, I have been stalked and told that specific dress colors make it difficult to look at me while preaching.”

Another pastor wrote, “I think being a female pastor is difficult because many leadership skills needed are considered ‘not feminine.’ For example, some members are uncomfortable with my decisions because they feel they are not lady-like.”

However, our women pastors feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. One pastor wrote, “In my experience, I can meet with women my male colleagues feel uncomfortable with.” Another describes, “There are church members who feel more comfortable opening up to a woman than a man, and so I hear stories that would have never been told otherwise.”

All our pastors agree that they get an overwhelming sense of joy when a person connects to Jesus and begins living an abundant life. They enjoy walking alongside individuals and families, learning their stories, and ministering to their needs.

If a young girl wants to be a pastor and leader in ministry, what advice would you give her?

“The same advice I received, ‘If there is anything else you want to do…do that.’ You won’t make it if you don’t believe you are called to minister. If you answer the call, practice self-care and connect with a mentor. Learn to lovingly say no, invest in your friends and family, and keep up with your hobbies, exercise, and take vacations!”

“Fully surrender your heart to God first. Let God hold and protect it. Your heart will break if God isn’t your priority in the tough moments that will surely come. Likewise, your heart will get prideful in the good moments if you aren’t focused on God.”

“As a woman going into ministry, I would double down on your identity in Christ. We, as women, struggle with our identity. As a blossoming leader, many people will try to shape you into what they think a woman leader should be. But when you are fully aware of who you are, in Christ, you can embrace your calling and not be swayed by other people’s thoughts and opinions.”

“Learn to recognize God’s voice. Remember, God is with you always and has a purpose for you. You are a daughter of God first and foremost, and never lose that dignity.”

Wrap Up

Women pastors have made history and continue to shape our story in the Northern California Conference. They have been called into ministry, and God has gone out before them. God has broken down obstacles so that they can be more effective in spreading the gospel. Their gender is an asset to connect with those who perhaps would have gone untouched. And their journey is inspiring.

Let’s celebrate all our pastors, especially recognizing and appreciating those women God calls to serve and lead!

Featured in Northern Lights, April 13, 2023

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Mark Blue Series Promotes Clarity, Leadership, and Teamwork
Mark Blue Series Promotes Clarity, Leadership, and Teamwork 2000 664 Ken Miller

April 3- Principals, pastors, and members of the respective leadership teams met at Carmichael Church for the Mark Blue Lecture Series.

The annual in-service promotes teamwork and collaboration between churches and schools.

This year’s subject was creating effective leadership teams. Through presentations and breakout sessions, each team learned and practiced how to build trust, create conflict, and manage an effective meeting while staying focused on our purpose.

According to Michelle Piner, registrar at Sacramento Academy, “The seminar had great lessons and training to clarify an issue down to its core and then effectively tackle that issue as an administrative team.”

Diona Wheeler, a teacher at Yreka, stated, “Our Yreka team practices about ninety percent of the methods I saw today, but it was very eye-opening and helpful to see and learn a framework in which we can tackle each issue methodically.”

Steve Brownell, pastor of the Oroville Church, remarked, “The material and system was a great start to building more effective churches and schools. I hope we will continue to be trained, learn and become better stewards in our communities.”

Marc Woodson, president, wrapped up the day by stating, “Everything presented here today we have put into action over the last two years at the conference leadership level. The tools shared today will make your teams more effective. Sometimes there are bumps and bruises on our journey, but this method works. If implemented at your church or school, you will see positive results.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 6, 2023

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Pathfinders Cycle To Puerto Rico And Back*
Pathfinders Cycle To Puerto Rico And Back* 2000 1125 Ken Miller

April 2- Northern California Pathfinders gathered at the foot of the Sierra Buttes mountain range for a day of cycling.

Eddie Heinrich, pathfinder, and youth ministry director beamed, “It was amazing how after a brutal winter, the weather cooperated! The sun was out, the temperature perfect, and it was an outstanding day.”

190 riders donned helmets and mounted bicycles to raise money for their clubs. The course, a straight one-mile road up and back, was divided down the middle, and riders moseyed, cruised, or zoomed up and back all day. For one rider, fifty-three laps sealed a 106-mile record of the day.

Another 200 attendees, including parents, leaders, and club cooks, provided tasty treats, including the ever-popular corn dog, cotton candy, pupusas, and potato tacos. Benji Ferguson, associate pastor of the Carmichael Church, stated, “I’ve been to many bike-a-thons, but this one definitely had the best food court! Riding bikes was fun too.”

Heinrich concluded, “Our Pathfinders rode more than a combined 7,000 miles in support of their clubs, which serve the youth of their respective churches and community. I am very proud of each rider, parent, leader, and club participating.”

* Comparative total miles ridden

Featured in Northern Lights, April 6, 2023

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Ending Homelessness Initiative
Ending Homelessness Initiative 979 295 Ken Miller

Are you moved by the growing number of unhoused residents on the streets and parks throughout our cities and towns? Do you wish to be part of the solution?

At the 2022 Northern California Conference Constituency Session, we were challenged to be involved in significantly resolving homelessness in our territory.

We recognize that many churches and schools are addressing this humanitarian crisis. Nevertheless, there is more we can do to begin the work of ending homelessness.

To accomplish this overwhelming and seemingly impossible goal, we seek to hire a full-time person to coordinate the Ending Homelessness Initiative for our conference. The successful candidate will have a master’s degree, five years of experience related to homelessness, and demonstrated expertise and interest in this field. They will have established relationships with civic leaders, state and local governments, and community groups. They must show passion and expertise in bringing various groups together and galvanizing them to end homelessness in our church or school communities. Click here to read the full job description and apply.

We also seek an experienced team of volunteers to serve on our Council of Homelessness. The group’s purpose is to oversee the Initiative and support the coordinator. Click here for The Terms of Reference and a formal application.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 6, 2023

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Socorro Renteria Joins NCC Offices
Socorro Renteria Joins NCC Offices 1097 1644 Ken Miller

The NCC welcomes Socorro Renteria to its administrative offices.

Renteria is an assistant treasurer and describes her church work as an act of ministry. As a professional bookkeeper, she has worked for a Ford dealership, a money management firm, and several restaurants.

But her journey to Christ was a defining moment. “After 9/11, I was shocked and questioned many of my beliefs. I grew up Catholic and had experience as a Jehovah’s Witness. My assistant manager at the time invited me to his SDA church, to which I told him, ‘leave your religion at home.’ His response was to leave his religion at home and bring Jesus to work.”

Finally taking her boss’ invitation and reflecting on her first experience in an Adventist church, she stated, “My interest was piqued by married couples that had been together for ‘so long.’ Being from a broken home, this was very appealing, and I wanted what they had.”

Socorro and her husband Francisco, who became an Adventist shortly after her, moved to Wildwood Center for Health Evangelism in Georgia. While she trained for medical ministry, her husband, already a professional cook, worked at the local Country Life Restaurant. Through the years, a circuitous route of jobs and ministry eventually found them back in California and now at the NCC.

Her words to live by: “Christians are built for service. Service to our employers as well as our neighbors.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 30, 2023

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Baptism and Bible Studies Pivot Prayer Meetings
Baptism and Bible Studies Pivot Prayer Meetings 1791 941 Ken Miller

By Larry Siemens

Shasta Lake Bible Fellowship invited community members, local church congregations, and friends to a revival seminar from March 17-25.

The All About Jesus series by Gary and Marilynn Venden drew 50 people on the first night and grew to 100 on the final weekend. One attendee said, “We discovered that Jesus is enough to ensure our winning in the race of life.” The message encouraged all to be friends with Jesus and trust His love and care.

On the final Sabbath, Ronald Yabut, district pastor, baptized one precious soul. Several individuals also requested Bible studies. As a result, the Wednesday night prayer meetings will be turned into an All About Jesus small group with the goal of growth and splitting into separate small groups.

One member reflected, “We all learned practical skills to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. What a joy to be growing to be contagiously kind Christians!”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 30, 2023

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