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Northern Lights

Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian Response 1035 447 nccsadmin

News From Our Territory

Ukrainian Response
Although the Ukraine is on the other side of the world, the crisis impacts our members locally.

With the only Ukrainian Church in the Pacific Union and one of the few Slavic Churches, both our congregations are “feeling the impact of this war.” states Jim Lorenz, ministerial director.

Lorenz continues “Many, if not most (of our members), have family caught in this horrible situation. Both of our Ukrainian pastors, Roman Tsyganiuk and Andriy Mykhalovskyy, have close family still in the country.”

There are local churches and schools, agencies, and individuals responding to the crisis. “We have chosen to support ADRA because of their response in the region,” explains Marc Woodson, president.

As Lorenz suggests,” Consider reaching out to our two churches- Sacramento Slavic and Sacramento Ukrainian.” He continues, “Last Sabbath, several of our Sacramento-area churches provided lunch to these two churches so the members would know they are not alone.”

Although not as a dramatic as the images on the news, this just under 2 minute video shows the type of response and the people involved. Watch here.

Developing Christ-like Character in Every Student

The Northern California Conference connects people to an abundant life with Jesus and prepares them for the Second Coming. Our Office of Education transforms knowledge to wisdom, relationships to character, and skills to service for God. Our schools provide a strong academic program, and our dedicated educators not only transmit knowledge but also focus on developing Christ-like character in every student that include the following behavioral values:

passionate hard work
contagious kindness
a servant’s heart

Written by pastors, educators, parents, board members, or the children themselves, the below observations highlight only a few of our students (more stories to come in future issues of Northern Lights).

To protect the identity of the child only first names and grade levels are shared.

Story submitted by Christian, an eighth-grader:

“Camille is a seventh-grade student who is my best friend and is a servant of our school and Jesus. She loves to help out wherever she is needed and goes above and beyond to help others. She has demonstrated true commitment to serving Jesus and is also one of the kindest students in the entire school.”

Imagine Christian and Camille when they are adults?

Jessica is an eighth-grader at a small country school. Even though the school is small, it is mighty with students like her. She exudes happiness and kindness toward all and is focused on getting the best grades.

When asked what she wants to become, Jessica responds, “I want to be a doctor, so I can be of service to others.”

How do we support Jessica to fulfill her dreams?

Joshua is a senior. He has a servant’s heart, and it is demonstrated in the time he devotes to conserving California’s big trees. He communicates this important message through photography, school projects, and worship presentations to his peers.

As Joshua shares, “We all need to do our part to save our forests so that birds can continue to have sustainable habitats.”

How can we ensure Joshua’s efforts have the greatest impact?

Joey and Preston are seventh-graders who demonstrate passionate hard work and a servant’s heart as they prepare for the school’s first skate night.

These two boys, on their own volition, worked to clean, lace, and organize the skates as well as the storage room so the school would be ready for a successful event.

Imagine Joey and Preston as adults and how they will transmit God’s love to others?

Jude is a seventh-grader and deacon at church who has a true passion to serve. He volunteered his Sunday mornings to delivering wood to the many community residents who lost electricity during a snowstorm.

Jude said, “It was hard work, but I enjoyed seeing the wood pile grow and knowing it’s helping people.”

How can we be more like Jude when it comes to serving others?

Juan is an eighth-grader at this school. As a new student this year, Juan shows kindness to everyone, regardless of their age. He welcomes students to join a game and is dedicated to completing his work before moving on to the next task.

Juan shared, “I like helping because I like to see people happy.”

Imagine how different our world would be if we all where motivated to make others happy?

#ENGAGE

Editors Note: The below image was shared with me by my spiritual mentor, Audrey Graham via a text message.

Audrey is an incredible, accomplished, God-fearing, and dedicated woman who I had the privilege to meet.

As a full time mom to a driven and happy 5-year-old and a full time professional, receiving this message on March 8 revived my spirit and reminded me how much God loves me.

I encourage you, the reader, to do the same to other women in your life, especially this month.

Announcements

Visit our many current job openings , especially if you are interested or someone you know might be interested in teaching or working at our headquarters.

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Twelve People Baptized After Hybrid-style Evangelistic Meetings
Twelve People Baptized After Hybrid-style Evangelistic Meetings 4032 3024 Julie Lorenz
In December, 12 people were baptized during a week-long series of reaping meetings held at the Fairfield Suisun Spanish church and live-streamed to the Vallejo Spanish company. The evangelist was Alberto Ingleton, assistant to the president for Hispanic ministries at the Pacific Union Conference.
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“Even in the midst of a pandemic, the Church moves forward, and the Holy Spirit keeps adding people into the Kingdom,” said Paul Guevara, pastor of both congregations.
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At each site, members interacted with attendees, presenting gifts and providing refreshments.
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Before the series, interested people participated in Bible studies via Zoom. “The members worked together, preparing the field for the meetings,” said Guevara. “As a result, we had excellent attendance at both churches.”
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The meetings were also broadcast on Facebook. You can watch them. Click here and scroll down: https://www.facebook.com/Vallejo-Spanish-SDA-Church-106153977694144
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Buena Tierra: Missional Church Plant
Buena Tierra: Missional Church Plant 720 540 Julie Lorenz
On Christmas afternoon, Buena Tierra—the latest NCC missional church plant—was officially inaugurated in Oakland. The new group of 39 members is the fourth congregation in a district led by Pastors Luis F. Manrique and Pedro Rosillo. Buena Tierra is a “daughter” group of the Oakland Spanish church.
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Nearly 200 members from the district attended the combined inauguration and Christmas program, held at the congregation’s rented church facility on 81st Avenue. Hispanic Ministries Coordinator Roman Leal challenged the new group to bring the gospel to the local area, which has the largest Hispanic population in the city.
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The service included an inspiring concert by singer Dani Ferras. Cesar Perdomo, an evangelist from Colombia, offered the prayer of dedication. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner, and children received gifts. A local family attended the service and expressed an interest in starting to study the Bible.
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Missional church plants are designed to multiply! “I look to the future and see Buena Tierra producing new fruits and planting new churches in and around Oakland until Christ comes,” said Manrique.
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Women’s Ministries Coordinator Angela Fusilier
Women’s Ministries Coordinator Angela Fusilier 504 384 Julie Lorenz

Angela Fusilier is the new women’s ministries coordinator for the Northern California Conference.  A Sacramento Capitol City church member, she has been active in ministry for decades.
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“We are very happy Angela has joined our NCC team,” said President Marc Woodson. “She has a real calling for ministry to women, and I know her leadership will be much appreciated.”
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A native of Ohio, Fusilier served as  lifestyle facilitator in the medical missionary work at the New Life Health Institute of Ashtabula, Ohio, before moving to California to serve as lifestyle facilitator at Weimar Health Institute. She earned her Master of Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, and currently serves as a social worker for Sacramento County.
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Fusilier was one of the founders of the Rites of Passage Youth Program, Young Ladies’ and Men’s Ministry, at the Capitol City church. She was recently the enditnow (abuse prevention) representative for NCC women’s ministries. “I want to create and provide safe spaces for women within the church culture,” she said.
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As she begins her new role, one of her goals is to foster ministry to women at the local level. “I want to focus on mining the resources in our various churches and communities,” she said. “There is a component for women’s ministries in every church—even if it’s not formally developed.”
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Fusilier has a passion for communicating the gospel. “I delight to share with others the abundant grace God has generously poured into my life,” she said. “I have overcome multiple challenges of addiction, abuse, despair, and depression, but I have personally witnessed the deliverance by an almighty God, who has redirected my life to a greater path.”
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She is eager to get started in her new position. “I look forward to working with the NCC Women’s Ministries Advisory Council, including my assistant coordinator Janice Nelson,” she said.
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Health and fitness are important to Fusilier, an avid downhill skier who also loves water sports.  She has been married for 22 years to Erick Fusilier, an elder at the Capitol City church.
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Her life verse is Hebrews 2:11: “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (NIV).“This is such a life-giving statement,” Fusilier said. “The God of the universe is not ashamed to call me His family—His sister. It has become my desire to motivate and empower others to walk in the fullness of life provided by the Savior of all, Christ the Lord!”

Carmichael Pathfinders Reach Out to Unhoused People in Sacramento
Carmichael Pathfinders Reach Out to Unhoused People in Sacramento 960 720 nccsadmin
by Edwin Garcia
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The Carmichael Cougars Pathfinder Club ministered to people experiencing homelessness during an outreach activity that proved eye-opening.
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The club, which has 38 members, prepared 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, snacks, and water bottles and delivered them to people staying in tents near downtown Sacramento on a Sabbath afternoon last month.
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Pathfinders also handed out dozens of blankets and bags with toiletries that Carmichael church members had been collecting.
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“I feel sad that they stay here and that they lost their homes,” said Pathfinder Maria Melo as she walked along an encampment taking food to a tent. “I wish they could have a better Christmas with their families.”
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The activity was organized by club leaders, including Youth Pastor Benji Ferguson. He wanted Pathfinders to get a closer look at one of the community’s most complex issues. “One of the really important parts of Pathfinders is helping our students see that paths to ministry often lead us outside the walls of the church building,” he said. “Serving our neighbors, especially those in such obvious need, is what being the church is really all about.”
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More than 5,500 people are experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County, according to local advocates.
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Watch a video of the outreach activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz7IyUgdcNk
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Willie Johnson Retires
Willie Johnson Retires 1382 1036 Julie Lorenz

After sharing the gospel for three decades, Willie Johnson Jr. officially retired at the end of December. He had served in the NCC office since 2016, leading four departments—African American ministries, urban ministries, men’s ministries, and prison ministries.
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“We have truly been blessed by Elder Johnson’s ministry—first as a pastor and then as a director and coordinator,” said President Marc Woodson. “He has engaged his calling with wisdom, truth, and a sincere love for people.”
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Johnson grew up in Louisiana and served in the Air Force. He was married with three children and working as a combustion safety technician in New Orleans when his life changed. “One Sunday morning, I fell on my knees and asked God for someone to guide me to Him,” he said.
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Two weeks later, the head elder of a nearby Adventist church knocked on his door and asked if he wanted Bible studies. Eight months later, Johnson and his wife, Bernadette, were baptized together.
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Johnson became involved in his local church—serving as a colporteur and head elder—but he felt God’s call to full-time ministry. Three years after his baptism, he enrolled at Southwestern Adventist College (now University). During his time there, he was a student pastor at several churches.
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After graduation, the Southwest Region Conference gave him 100 sets of Bible studies and challenged him to start a church. After much prayer and hard work, he planted two churches in Oklahoma. He was later called to pastor two churches in the Oklahoma Conference, where he was ordained in 1999.
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In 2004, he was called to the NCC, where he served as pastor of the Oakland Elmhurst church and the Fairfield Community church before taking on his many roles in the NCC office. “Willie is the consummate pastor, possessing superb skills to be an excellent pastoral leader,” said Jim Lorenz, ministerial director.
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Although officially retired, Johnson does not intend to abandon his calling. “I plan to spend the rest of my life doing what brought me into the Church–giving Bible studies, helping churches do evangelism, and preaching,” he said.

He will be missed by his colleagues!
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“Pastor Willie Johnson is a Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and his wife and family,” said Edwin Brown, senior pastor of the Oakland Market Street church. “He goes out of his way to help and serve the Church and community in any way possible to lead people to Christ. He is an amazing friend and colleague. My wife, Paula, and I pray that God will richly bless him and Bernadette.”
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“Elder Johnson shares wisdom and peace through his kind words,” said Daniel Yim, pastor of the SDA Abundant Life/Sebastopol district. “His service is consistent and faithful. We are all blessed to know such a wonderful Christian who loves the Lord so much!”
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“In the nearly five years I’ve worked as Elder Willie Johnson’s administrative assistant, I’ve appreciated his great passion for the ministries he had charge over,” said Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant in multiple departments. “He loves serving the people of God, connecting people to Jesus, and encouraging people for His Kingdom. Elder Johnson is fueled by these! He always says, ‘People don’t care what you know, ‘til they know that you care.’ Also, he often quotes Micah 6:8: ‘He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ This is how he has been a great and effective leader at the NCC. I’m sad to see him retire and will truly miss working with him.”

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Lodi Academy Schools in Parade of Lights
Lodi Academy Schools in Parade of Lights 720 480 Julie Lorenz
On Dec. 2, Lodi Academy Schools again participated in the annual Lodi “Parade of Lights,” joining nearly 80 floats moving through Lodi’s quaint Christmas-decked downtown. Spectators started lining up in the morning for the evening parade, during which more than 15,000 people waved at the participants and enjoyed the holiday event.
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Lodi Academy’s float was pulled by a bright-red 1947 truck decked out with a Christmas tree in the back! Covered in lights and shimmering tinsel, the younger students piled onto hay bales down the center of the float and waved bells while the onboard sound system played variations of “Joy to the World.”
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More than 150 Lodi SDA Elementary and Lodi Academy students, family members, and friends joined the contingent, waving and wishing spectators a “Merry Christmas” from Lodi Academy Schools.
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“Seeing that people enjoy seeing the truck and all the energy from the crowd makes this a really special event and worth the work,” said Kevin Haesche, Lodi Academy’s facilities manager. “Lodi Academy really gets to show people what we are all about in a very public way.”
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Local churches and schools share the float fun of spreading Christmas cheer through other events as the joy of Christmas month continues! Galt SDA Elementary used the academy’s float as part of a parade they joined in Galt, and Lodi’s English Oaks and Fairmont churches will use it for caroling in the surrounding neighborhoods during the holidays. Members can join caroling groups on Sunday, Dec. 19 with English Oaks, and Wednesday Dec. 22 with Fairmont.
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(Credit for first photo: Dave Marson Photography; Other photos: school supplied)

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Orangevale Church Drive-thru Christmas
Orangevale Church Drive-thru Christmas 720 540 Julie Lorenz
For the second year in a row, the Orangevale church hosted a Drive-thru Christmas event for its community. During two hours on Dec. 11, the church welcomed more than 350 people, who came to view a manger scene with real animals, hear voice and bell choirs, enjoy refreshments, and receive gifts. They also had the opportunity to participate in a canned food drive for the church’s food closet.
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Pastor Jon Cicle approached every car to welcome the visitors. “I was happy to meet new people from the community who felt this was a safe holiday event to come and enjoy,” he said.
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About 100 adults and kids volunteered, including students from Orangevale SDA School, who welcomed guests, sang, played handbells, and created gifts. “I love seeing our church family serve our community—sharing with our children the true meaning of the season and the joy of serving others,” said the event’s organizer Lian Funada.
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Church members offered to pray with the visitors. With tears streaming down her face, one woman told a volunteer, “No one has asked to pray with me before.”
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Gracepoint Church Community Christmas Party
Gracepoint Church Community Christmas Party 720 540 Julie Lorenz
As part of their ongoing efforts to build relationships with their neighbors in a nearby apartment complex, the Gracepoint church in Rocklin hosted a Christmas party on Dec. 11, attended by more than 100 people. The festive event included a photo booth, gingerbread house construction, food, treats, and more!
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Church members “adopted” 17 neighborhood families, providing presents for 31 children. The church worked with the local apartment manager to advertise the party and connect with the families.
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The congregation’s efforts to forge relationships are making a difference. “People were very appreciative,” said Associate Pastor Marlene Rodriguez. “One lady texted: ‘Thank you for all you guys do. I really want to know more about your church.’”

Supporting Our Brothers and Sisters Displaced by a Volcano Eruption
Supporting Our Brothers and Sisters Displaced by a Volcano Eruption 720 402 Laurie Trujillo

On April 9, 2021, La Soufrière volcano erupted, displacing thousands of people, including our Adventist brothers and sisters in the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission quickly mobilized and began serving 700 meals each day. The food was prepared at the Richland Park and Mesopotamia churches as well as at the mission headquarters. Over the next five months, they prepared and delivered 140,800 meals valued at $656,479.

A number of Adventist organizations provided financial help. “We became aware of the need, thanks to one of our pastors,” explained Laurie Trujillo, director of the NCC communication and development department. “Because one of our strategic initiatives is to engage our community with compassion, even if our community is in another part of the world, the NCC leadership voted to support the St. Vincent and Grenadines Mission.”

Please watch this 3:37-minute video addressed to the Northern California Conference—meaning you, the members.

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