Northern Lights

Damon Washington was ordained on October 8 at the Grand Advent church in Oakland.

Washington says his journey to being a minister was “born out of bible studies offered at his place of work and curiosity of the Sabbath.”

Earning a Master of Divinity in 2018, Washington spent three years as an associate pastor with the Nevada-Utah Conference and has served our territory as a district pastor since January at the Pittsburg and Oakland Emmanuel Temple churches.

Kevin Robert, church growth and evangelism director, said, “Damon has a deep love for his community and is the first to lead out in any effort; a true shepherd connecting people to Jesus Christ.”

Celebrating his eighteenth year of marriage to Jeanice Warden-Washington, he said about his ordination, “I’m still trying to process the Lord’s blessing and faithfulness in my life leading to this event.”

Featured in Northern Lights • October 20, 2022

On September 11, the Richmond Beacon Light church served over 170 people in their community by hosting a free dental, medical and vision clinic. Moreover, participants enjoyed free haircuts, a healthy diet presentation, and free vegan soul food as the day of ministry progressed.

Pastor David Woolcock said, “One of the best outcomes of our event was that guests had time to receive several treatments if needed. Not just dental, not just medical, it provided an opportunity for our team to make new friends for a longer period.”

Woolcock continued, “This event could not have happened without the support of James Lim, the director of health ministry for which we are incredibly grateful. The conference contribution and commitment to preaching the gospel and our community’s healing ministry is a blessing.”

Featured in Northern Lights • October 20, 2022

What started as an idea to feed young adults and engage the local community with a healthy eating message, blossomed into an event that connected people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ.

According to Dan Garza, district pastor of the Woodland and Vacaville churches, “The original plan was to invite several veggie and vegan food trucks to the NCC headquarters in Roseville and feed about 300 young Adventist adults as well as some additional community members.”

However, God had bigger plans. According to Garza, “When we placed a $20 ad on Facebook, we received over 2,000 positive responses, and from that surprising result, it was on!”

Picked up by Sacramento Channel 31’s Good Day program, interest swelled, and by Sunday at 11 AM, ten food vendors and over 1,000 people flooded the Douglas Avenue headquarters parking lot.

Creative dishes ranged from vegetarian Mexican cuisine to vegan shrimp, curry delights, coconut candy, and fruit drinks. According to attendee Linda Neal, “My doctor advised me to start eating a more plant-based diet, so now I’m a vegan wanna-be. This event was right on time. I had a vegan hot dog and loved it.”

According to one young adult ministry team member, “Many people and groups eagerly chatted at length with SDA young adults asking questions about the Adventist faith, why we hold the health message as necessary, Sabbath rest, and our connection to Blue Zones.”

Garza concluded saying, “We have already received many requests to hold another event, and prayer requests from our QR-coded prayer signs located around the venue.”

Featured in Northern Lights • October 20, 2022

Recently, 140 fifth to eighth graders from seven territory schools tumbled out of vans, cars, and a hired bus at Rio Lindo Academy.

Part athletic field trip and part reunion, Rio’s annual sports camp is a longstanding tradition inviting every NCC school, including homeschoolers, to attend.

Basic skills are taught for football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball. The workshop is staffed by volunteers ranging from retired athletic coaches, pastors, teachers, and current Rio students.

One parent identified the importance of her 7th grader connecting with the Rio high-schoolers by saying, “They are so patient with our kids, it’s really neat to see them coach just like the adults. My son talks about sports camp the whole year!”

A visiting teacher said, “Our kids don’t get the kind of specialized sports skills training and practice at our school like they have here. I watch and learn the drills too, so we can use them for weeks after sports camp.”

Featured in Northern Lights • October 13, 2022

The 2022 African American Ministries 45th Annual Convocation was recently held at the Grand Advent SDA Church in Oakland.

Friday’s evening service was met with a slight hurdle as worshippers were met with a power outage. Neither dismayed nor discouraged, the program went on as scheduled as pastors and elders sprang into action to purchase generators and lighting to illuminate the sanctuary.

Guest speaker, Dr. Myron Edmonds used the outage to highlight the power of the Holy Spirit. Local church member Kim Merriweather said, “I left the service feeling deeply moved and despite the lack of electricity, the sermon, coupled with the outage set the tone for the weekend because it forced recognition of the power of God”.

Sabbath morning more than 500 worshippers of all ages filled the sanctuary. Maikapo Mehn, said, “Overall, the convocation reminded me about how great of a reunion it will be when our Heavenly Father comes to take us home.”

Featured in Northern Lights • October 13, 2022