“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Early Thursday mornings, Victor and Chon go to their local food bank warehouse and purchase hundreds of pounds of food. They then load them in their hardy trucks and drive to the food bank of the Sonoma SDA church.

There, a team of dedicated and hardworking volunteers receive the goods and organize them into groups – vegetables, fruits, bread and buns, beans, grains, canned goods, toiletries, etc. before the local community people arrive.

Every week people in the community happily walk home with full bags to feed and support their families.

Matt Mattzela district pastor said, “This initiative has definitely been a tremendous blessing to local families, especially now with the rising cost of goods.”

To many, the food bank of the Sonoma church is one of the most-awaited blessings of the week. The IMPACT Community Cares Group works alongside the Food Bank team to serve the community.

Featured in Northern Lights • May 19, 2022

Students from Paradise Adventist Academy (PAA) recently engaged their call to service, providing manpower to several community projects.

Freshman Jake Chinnock said, “It was nice to get out of school for a day and know we were helping someone”.

Julie Ching, marketing director at PAA said, “students built a pasture fence, planted flowers, and other general yard work.”

At Feather River Adventist school, another group from the academy helped paint a mural that shares a happy floral scene with passing motorists.

According to sophomore Zohie Lonsberry, “the best part of the painting project was getting to connect with friends and the new little friends who helped us paint”.

Ching continued, “The outreach projects are required community service hours and make our schools more visible to the community. With every outreach project our children do, a servant’s heart is nurtured, and Christ is held up.”

Featured in Northern Lights • May 19, 2022

Pastor Paul Guevara has faithfully served the church since starting his pastoral career in Nicaragua in 1989.

He then moved and became part of the New York conference for seven years before moving West to pastor the Oakland Spanish church in 2004. After six years in Oakland, he has been pastoring the Fairfield Suisun church.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director explained, “Pastor Guevara has shown himself to be an excellent worker for Christ and a champion of Adventist education.” Marc Woodson, conference president stated, “Elder Guevara joins our team after eighteen years of NCC service. As a passionate hard worker, he will excel in furthering Christ’s love and work in the Hispanic community.”

Featured in Northern Lights • May 12, 2022

After three years of not having an in-person Pathfinder Fair, 300 plus eager youth descended on the Napa Campus of Christian Education.

Pathfinders demonstrated drilling and marching skills, earned honors, participated in archery, and many other fun activities. For many younger participants, this fair was a new experience.

Terry Parsons of the Paradise Prayer Warriors club recounted how their club has been affected by not only the COVID delay but the Camp Fire as well. “Our kids were ready to do this!” she said.

The Paradise club was also in charge of a new honor at the event named, “Toy Boat Regatta”. The honor requires building a toy boat made of a french-fry tray, playdough, straw and a paper sail. Blowing through the straw propels the boat over the water to the finish line. Parsons related how their leaders “worked hard all day directing the popular event.”

According to Eddie Heinrich, director of youth and pathfinder ministries, “This event engaged our Pathfinder youth to excellence in earning their honors, sharing passionate hard work and making new friends.

Featured in Northern Lights • May 12, 2022

Redwood Camp Meeting-Observations

by Ken Miller

Before leaving for Redwood Camp Meeting, I asked a twenty-two-year-old former student what to expect. He said, “I’ve grown up going to other camp meetings and Redwood, and all things considered, I’d rather be at Redwood.”

And so, with that review, I entered the splendor of the redwoods. The first person I met was Harry Salvini, camp director. He had that look that all conference employees have when the pressure is on, a confident, deer-in-headlights face, knowing it will soon be hit by the car! But he was cheerful, exclaiming triumphantly, “Lost the refrigerator last night, but after transferring all the frozen food, we got it going again; praise the Lord!” I would notice a recurring temperament with all the volunteers: Lovingly indefatigable.

I would see Harry’s attitude in every person I met. Like Bob and Sue Calkins, Redwood campers for many years now make the trek from Ooltewah, Tennessee. A Redwood highlight this year was watching their grandson get baptized in the Eel River. The Sanchez family travels from Sonora, California, to enjoy a special connection with God in the massive forest.

1922 Camp Meeting PUC

Redwood Camp Meeting has been going since 1952 and has been at its current location since 1976. As I walked into the labyrinth of redwood trees at the camp, it was as if somebody had pulled the shades on a bright summer afternoon. This cooler, dimmer world was very relaxing, and I was met at every turn by smiling faces, family campsites, friendly salutations, and the distinct aroma of vege burgers and corn dogs. “Ahh, camp meeting.”

At a morning devotional held for pastors in the youth area, invited speaker Gary Venden gave an inspiring talk on how “if we abide in Jesus every day, He will affect the outcomes we often make our burdens.” I drop by the Division II children’s corral. It was decorated to the standard of any cradle roll or kindergarten class, of course, without walls and furry trees as a ceiling. John and Alison Cloke from Manteca have been part of a teaching team since 1984. Unfortunately, 2022 will be their last year in charge of Division I, and they trust the next generation will come and fill their shoes.

Redwood Camp meeting for many is akin to a family reunion, meeting up like clockwork each year. As I roamed the camp, I spoke to several people who had met their future spouses decades before, maybe climbing trees or swimming in the river. Watching the kids run to and fro, climb trees, and play hide and seek. “How many future nuptials might I be seeing on this day?” Scene after scene took me back to my happy childhood.

Redwood 2022 Baptism

Like everything else, Redwood has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 years. In 2021, adhering to county occupancy restrictions, campers could attend two limited population sessions. Those I talked to about last year (2021) were cheery at the remembrance. “It wasn’t as big as we’d hoped, but we were here!” Said one person.

Harry Salvini related that 1,065 came through the gates at this year’s camp meeting – more than double from previous years. He exclaimed. “So, we’re on the way back!”

If you can cherish a friend you’ve just met, Redwood Camp Meeting is that “friend” for me. In just three days, I developed a love for the camp usually reserved for my family and a few select friends. I still like other camp meetings but’d rather be at Redwood.

Being His Hands

Submitted by Kayla Chavez, Grass Valley Church Reporter and NCC Communication Intern

In 1 Peter 3:8 we are reminded, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (NIV).

Needs Meets Needs, a Grass Valley church ministry is engaging its community with compassion. Ellie Watson, the coordinator is engaging her call to ministry by matching people experiencing hardship to church members who can help.

Watson explains, “Understanding the urgency when someone is living in their car or needs a room for the night is ministry”. She goes on, “A year ago, I connected with a member who wasn’t coming to church anymore after her husband had died and I knew she was facing money issues. I found her in Auburn and paid for a few nights at a hotel so she could have a safe place to figure things out”.

This ministry meets the needs of community members, both large and small, as Ellie explains, “With things as small as taking care of someone’s garden, to cleaning someone’s car or help to pay and install a car transmission!”

Watson continues, “We have wonderful and willing people in our church. I haven’t been told ‘no’ to a cause yet!” The compassionate actions of volunteers in the Needs Meet Needs ministries have echoed throughout the community and in the hearts of those that they have touched.

Granite Bay Dedicates New Church Building

Granite Bay church celebrated the opening of their new church building on April 2. Doug Batchelor, pastor said, “Granite Bay was planted as a congregation that would boldly serve a fast-growing region of Sacramento, California, and I’m thrilled that God has enabled us to put down roots, for which we joyfully praise Him.” The church worship facility, which seats 1,500 guests, was also designed to broadcast Sabbath School Study Hour and Granite Bay Church services to those around the world who are unable to attend Sabbath services where they live.

Special Feature

One Baptism Marks a Church’s Revival

By Adeline Jackson

Anderson SDA Church engaged their call to ministry by celebrating the baptism of Mirian Rocha Thomas on April 3. It was the first baptism by Pastor Ron Yabut since becoming pastor in January and made more joyous considering the long pause in services due to COVID.

Mirian’s commitment mirrors a renewed spirit of hopefulness and commitment in the Anderson church. It has been many years since God’s direction was more evident than since Pastor Yabut and his wife Jennevi took a full-time role in the two-church district.

This baptism coupled with joy and enthusiasm that Mirian and her new family have for serving God has given a “face” to the ‘new life’ that church members are experiencing. This new invigoration has led to the first nominating committee in four years. The enthusiasm of new church officers has fostered a visioning process for the church and creative discussion about becoming relevant in the Anderson community.

We as a church are convinced that prayer changes things. After many months of continual prayer for the restoration and revival of our church, we are seeing those prayers answered! While there is more to be accomplished, there is hope. We wish to encourage other churches who are struggling to find their way forward with prayer and God’s leading.

God is faithful and He wants us all to be courageous and committed to sharing hope, truth and peace that is found only in Jesus with everyone who needs to hear it.

Employees Step Out Of Their Comfort Zone

Carol Herbert, ministry coordinator at Capital City Church was instrumental in putting together a volunteer weekend at Leoni Meadows. As she explained, “God told us to go in Matthew 28: 18-20, so when this opportunity came up, we were obedient to His call. After the fire it was heart breaking to see the condition of the camp, but it was a joy to be a part of the project to rebuild.”

From April 7 to 21, the Maranatha Volunteers International project included construction, renovation, general clean-up, and rebuilding several structures at Leoni Meadows.

Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant of african american ministries, and Raven Frazier, human resource specialist at the conference office, joined others over a weekend during the project.

“I am inspired by the dedication and compassion of the workers I met at Leoni Meadows!” Said Frazier, also a member of Capital City church. She continued, “Each of the six rooms my small group finished had to be scrubbed ceiling to floor before we painted, I felt muscles I didn’t know I had!”

Giving up her traditional birthday celebration to attend, Raven said, “I went, unsure of what to expect. But after the experience I came home wanting to spend every birthday serving God like this.”

PUC Inaugurates New President

Sabbath, April 16, Pacific Union College celebrated its 140th anniversary.

A highlight of the weekend was the inauguration of Ralph Trecartin, twenty-fifth president of the college.

NCC President, and PUC board member Marc Woodson said, “It was a privilege to participate in the dedication of Dr. Trecartin. I wish him success and my prayers as he continues to lead PUC.”

Mark 16:15 In Action

Engaging the call to ministry and community with compassion leads to church planting and growth. The Sonoma and Novato church district, led by Pastor Matt Mattzela, is in the process of planting a church in South Central Marin and is a great example of Mark 16:15; which commands believers to go into the world and preach the good news to everyone.

As Mattzela explains, “The churches in the Sonoma/Novato district along with the church plant in South Central Marin have established an IMPACT Community Cares group that completes projects both large and small on a weekly basis. These projects open the door for us to share Jesus through service. As our small groups go out, we are connecting to more community members.”

The church group started a blog to share experiences and seek new projects. Here are a few examples of their work as reported on the church blog:

We helped a friend cultivate her small garden in preparation for planting. We had previously picked acorns and helped her make tamales. It was good to reconnect with her again.

We returned to our new friend’s house to help with a variety of things like pruning a cactus and weeding around the house.

We took up the call of cleaning windows! Five of us gathered our tools and resources, carpooled, and arrived at their home on Sunday morning – ready for work. We were greeted by a delightful couple with bright smiles matching the beautiful sunny day.

Being Community-Relevant

The Capitol City church, led by Pastor Damian Chandler is engaging its community with compassion. One way is by sponsoring an English as Second Language (ESL) class for community members.

Carol Herbert, director of ministries explains, “Language barriers can often inhibit meaningful connection in the workplace, church, and community. Bringing ESL classes to our church provides students the opportunity to learn English in a safe, comfortable setting.”

Sandra, a registered nurse in her native Brazil, was unable to secure employment here in the United States. By attending the full ESL program, she learned enough English to secure a full-time job.

Herbert continues, “Serving our students through the church has established friendships and opened doorways to sharing an abundant life in Jesus Christ.” For more information on these ESL classes call (916) 585-6511.

Supply Container Leaves for Tonga

The Sacramento Tongan church is praising God as they send off a 40-foot care package to their island nation.

Ever since the massive volcanic explosion and subsequent tsunami in December, members have been working to support their families and engage the community in Tonga with compassion by providing food and supplies.

According to Pastor Tui Finau, “The aftermath of the disaster – regardless whether homes were destroyed – the subsequent ash, mixed with moisture ruined almost all clothing, food, furniture, and household items.” In response, church members collected items and loaded them into the large shipping container in their church parking lot last week.

“The filling and shipping of the container is a collaborative effort with the conference and we are grateful for this support,” said Finau.

Finau continues, “Every member at the church has family in Tonga that are suffering shortages. This shipment will reach many loved ones.”

The container is packed with crates, boxes, and barrels of food, clothing, bedding, or any item that could be stuffed in gaps. The container made its way by truck from the church grounds on Friday to the Port of Oakland. From there it will board a ship and take about two weeks to arrive in Tonga.

Church members request continued prayers to lift up the Kingdom of Tonga as they rebuild and return to normalcy. Pastor Finau exclaims, “We praise God Almighty for the support to make this project happen!”

“Planting Seeds of Kindness”-Tea

Experiencing trauma creates a multitude of emotions that can alter lives long into the future. Such has been the case for Paradise and Chico church members since the Camp Fire devastated nearly thirteen thousand Paradise homes in 2018.

As a result, the church members have supported each other in friendship, teamwork, and outreach to the community.

Recently, nearly 100 women gathered from both churches and the community in the Chico church courtyard for a tea party.

“After a week of clouds and rain, God seemed to offer a special gift of sunshine,” said Mary Jo Lauderdale, director of member care at the Chico church.

As reported by one attendee, “Laughter could be heard from the kitchen as volunteers prepared finger foods and desserts presented on five-tier serving trays.”

Lauderdale continued, “Dottie Chinnock and Milinda Hillock, a church-famous gardening duo, gave tips on yard upkeep and many door prizes went home with delighted guests.”

Joelle Chinnock, director of disaster recovery and development at the Paradise church said, “Since the Camp Fire, the two churches have had many gatherings focused on team-building, building bridges, and how to best connect the devastated community to Jesus Christ.”

Lauderdale said, “Truly seeds of kindness, joy, and love were planted between the church members and community friends which brought joy to all of our hearts.”

A Practical and Impactful Church Service

Rio Lindo Academy Spanish teacher Annie Jeong wanted to engage her students’ second language skills in a more practical way. She coordinated with the Santa Rosa Hispanic church and scheduled her class to lead the sabbath church service.

During the service, students reported that they saw faces in the congregation light up when speaking or singing in Spanish.

Landon, a senior, said. “The people there were very kind and uplifting, and they understood when we were struggling and even helped us. Even though I didn’t understand the sermon completely, I still enjoyed being there.”

Jeong explains, “I love learning a new language because it helps me build deeper relationships with people all around the world. My goal with this experience was for my students to embrace diversity in their community, and reach out to everyone with Christ-like hearts.”

Delta Area Community Regaled by Musical Good Friday Service

Boldly, the sword-wielding centurion, played by Fairmont senior pastor Tracy Baerg, welcomed the congregation and reminded all to” keep hands, heads, and feet out of the aisle as this was going to be an incredible, multi-sensory experience!”

Wishing to engage their community in a creative way, the Delta Area churches, Lodi Academy, and, other passionate Christians from the community acted out the Resurrection Weekend story in drama and music.

Crafted by Coreena and Elena Blum, the duo had three goals: “Making meaningful connections with people. Meeting new people and musicians and giving all an opportunity to connect with Jesus in worship together.”

When asked about the music, Jerry Nelson, English Oaks senior pastor said, “Panis Angelicus, sung by the 180 voice Lodi elementary choir was “heart-touching”.

Spontaneous congregational celebration erupted as the resurrected Jesus appeared. Martin Surridge, Lodi Academy English teacher who portrayed the part of Jesus, said the program “made me realize that the role of Jesus is a role that brings everyone together. That’s pretty powerful.”

Chris Wright, bassist from Quail Lakes Baptist Church said, “The highpoint of it was knowing through the program of what happened and recognizing what God did for me personally, He died for me personally and that means a lot to me. I was happy to be here to contribute and use the gifts He has loaned to me.”

The program ended with the whole church singing “from heaven to earth, from the earth to the grave, from the grave to the sky. . . “and hands lifted His name high!