Northern Lights – Page 30

Julie Lorenz
November 5, 2021
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Sacramento Ukrainian Church Organization

Sacramento Ukrainian Church Organization https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Ukrainian-Slavic-Youth-Singing.jpg 720 360 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 5, 2021 December 21, 2021

On Sabbath afternoon, Sept. 18, the NCC formally organized the Sacramento Ukrainian church—the only official Ukrainian congregation in the Pacific Union. The service took place in the congregation’s rented church sanctuary in Fair Oaks.

The joyful program included music from children’s and young people’s choirs, as well as a sermon by President Marc Woodson. The congregation presented the conference with a beautiful illustrative carving of Psalm 23, created by Ivan Noshyn, church elder.

“The members are very happy! It’s a big step in their lives—a miracle for a lot of Ukrainian people here,” said Roman Tsyganiuk, senior pastor of the Sacramento Slavic/Sacramento Ukrainian district. He serves with Andriy Mykhaylovskyy, associate pastor of the Ukrainian church and youth pastor of the Slavic church.

The new church has its roots in the Sacramento Yugoslavian church, where a number of Russians and Ukrainians worshipped together several decades ago. The Yugoslavian church established the Sacramento Slavic company as a “daughter” congregation, which became its own church in 2004. Later, the Slavic church created a “daughter” congregation of its own. The new Ukrainian group, with 116 members, held its first service in October 2018. They were organized as a company a few months later in January 2019.

About 100,000 Ukrainians live in the Sacramento metro area, and church members are eager to reach out to them. The new church has active ministries for children, youth, families, and health, as well as a vibrant media ministry. The congregation is making plans to eventually purchase a church facility of their own.

“Please pray for this church and for the pastors,” said Tsyganiuk. “We believe that this church will grow and be a blessing.”

Julie Lorenz
November 5, 2021
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Helping Churches Unite in Their Mission

Helping Churches Unite in Their Mission https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Marc-Woodson-Roseville-Evangelism-1.jpg 432 324 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 5, 2021 November 5, 2021

In-person evangelism has been difficult during the pandemic, but outreach meetings are still going on, and church members are eager to get involved! “It’s important that the mission God gave us doesn’t stop because of COVID,” said Roseville church Pastor David Resendes. “People still need Jesus—especially now!”

In October, President Marc Woodson held an in-person and live-streamed Bible seminar titled “What on Earth Am I Doing Here?” at the Roseville church. “I enjoyed Dr. Woodson’s message, the fellowship with the members, and praying with people,” said Kathy Kordenbrock, worship coordinator.

Volunteers helped with registration, parking lot security, sound, and more. “It takes a team to put on an evangelistic series,” said David Gainer, a member of the audio/visual crew.

Executive Secretary Jose Marin has presented several seminars this year, including “Revelations of Hope,” a series of meetings held in the Pleasant Hill church courtyard in April.

Volunteers helped with everything from live-streaming to childcare. “The event was one of the first we had as we were breaking out of the pandemic lockdown,” said Senior Pastor Mitch Williams. “It gave our members the opportunity to do ministry and use their gifts.”

Julie Lorenz
November 5, 2021
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Light Up the Night!

Light Up the Night! https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Light-Up-the-Night-Pleasant-Hill-scaled.jpeg 2560 1920 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 5, 2021 December 21, 2021

On October 31, the Pleasant Hill church invited families to an event called “Light Up the Night,” an alternative to Halloween activities. “We wanted to make it a fun evening but maintain a spiritual emphasis throughout the event,” said Natalie Bechtold, children’s ministries director.

Fifty kids, from toddlers to high school students, attended from the church and community. “We were really happy to see our kids bring their friends,” said Bechtold.

Families enjoyed a pizza supper, and then youth group members shepherded the children through many light-themed activities, beginning with a short worship led by Youth Pastor Miguel Verazas. Kids hit piñatas, played on a huge blow-up obstacle course, went on a treasure hunt, and created paper lanterns and lightning bug crafts. They also received treats and prizes, including glow sticks and flashlights.

“Everything was light oriented to drive home the illustration that we can be light in our community,” said Bechtold. “On a dark night, we wanted to be the opposite, making light and joy and creating great memories for kids.”

Julie Lorenz
November 3, 2021
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NCC Office Team Serves Our Church and School Community

NCC Office Team Serves Our Church and School Community https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Office-Community-Service-Day-2021.jpg 1280 960 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 3, 2021 December 21, 2021

The NCC office team spent Monday, Oct. 18, working on service projects at nearby churches and schools, including the Carmichael church, the Lincoln Amazing Grace church, the Orangevale church and school, the Roseville church, and Sacramento Adventist Academy. The team completed a wide variety of projects, including yard work, office tasks, washing, painting, building, and helping at a food pantry.

Allan Willmott, associate treasurer, built grow boxes at Orangevale SDA school. “What impressed me the most was how much the school appreciated our help,” he said. “I was also impressed with the staff—their friendliness and how much they enjoyed ministering to the children.”

Jeffrey Maxwell, risk management director/associate treasurer, did yard work at the Carmichael church. “Most of the time, we are at the office and don’t get to see the faces and physically rub elbows with our people on the front lines, and I very much enjoyed doing this,” he said.

Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant in multiple NCC departments, helped with the Lincoln Amazing Grace church’s food giveaway program. “The Community Services team and volunteers were great to work alongside,” she said. “We were able to help load four vehicles with good food items for the community. We were all blessed by the experience and appreciated the opportunity.”

Julie Lorenz
November 1, 2021
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Hispanic Church Evangelism Exchange

Hispanic Church Evangelism Exchange https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NCC-NUC-Hispanic-Evangelism-Exchange-2021.jpg 854 697 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 1, 2021 November 2, 2021

Recently, Hispanic pastors in the NCC and the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) participated in an evangelism exchange, which continues to impact lives.

In September, NCC pastors held week-long evangelistic meetings in eight NUC churches, and earlier this month, NUC pastors held meetings at the Fairfield, Hayward, Oakland, Richmond, Stockton, Vallejo, and Woodland Spanish churches. (One NUC pastor was unable to come, so Executive Secretary Jose Marin preached the series at the Lodi Spanish church.)

“The evangelistic exchange has borne fruit in a number of ways: 17 baptisms, 60 people who decided to take Bible studies, eight churches in each conference involved, and 16 pastors who have preached the gospel with power,” said Benjamín Carballo, NUC Hispanic ministries coordinator. “In addition, friendships formed between the pastors, and they had the opportunity to meet churches in a sister conference.”

The exchange was the idea of Alberto Ingleton, vice president for Hispanic ministries at the Pacific Union, which provided resources. Other conferences in the union are doing their own exchanges. “I think the idea is wonderful,” said Roman Leal, NCC Hispanic ministries coordinator. “During these difficult times, an exchange encourages the pastors, invigorates the church members, and helps more people become interested in the Good News.”

“We pray that God will continue to bless the evangelistic efforts of both conferences,” said Carballo.

Photo Caption: (Top) NCC Pastor Luís Fernando Manrique preaches in the Nueva Esperanza church in West Jordan, Utah. (Bottom) NUC Pastor Elias Juarez preaches in the Stockton Spanish church.

Julie Lorenz
November 1, 2021
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Junior/Senior Retreat 2021

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In October, nearly 200 people attended the NCC youth department’s annual Junior/Senior Retreat, designed for academy, high school, and home school juniors and seniors. Because Leoni Meadows is still closed after the Caldor Fire, the retreat was held at Mt. Gilead Bible Camp and Conference Center in Sebastopol. This year’s theme was “Surge,” based on Matt. 11:12, and the speaker was Pacific Union College Chaplain Kent Rufo.

“My favorite part of the retreat was getting into the small groups and talking to new people,” said Omar Martinez, Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy junior.

“The best part of the weekend had to be the worship programs,” said Catrina LeSure, Palo Cedro church associate pastor for youth and families. “Listening to the youth praise and worship together was a little bit of heaven on earth.”

Julie Lorenz
November 1, 2021
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NCC Organizes First Official Fijian Church in North America

NCC Organizes First Official Fijian Church in North America https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sacramento-Fijian-Church-Organization-2021.jpg 1113 870 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 1, 2021 November 5, 2021

On Sabbath, Oct. 23, the NCC formally organized the Sacramento Fijian church—the only official Fijian church in the North American Division. The service took place at the Sacramento Woodside church, where the congregation meets each Sabbath afternoon.

Currently about 11,000 Fijians live in Sacramento County—more than in any other place in the United States! For many years, the Fijian Adventists in the area dreamed of having a church of their own. In 2009, a church plant began at the Sacramento Central church. In 2013, the group moved to the campus of Sacramento Adventist Academy. The congregation was formally organized as a church company in January 2015.

Through the years, members have worked to build relationships with the local Fijian community by conducting evangelism and outreach programs for people of all ages. During the pandemic, the congregation has been using social media to connect with Fijians throughout the world. Each of their live-streamed presentations has garnered between 20,000 and 30,000 views.

“As I think about our congregation’s history, one word that stands out to me is ‘Providence,’” said Pastor Joseph O’Connor. “We have seen God moving and blessing.”

Julie Lorenz
October 28, 2021
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NCC Prison Ministry Day at Sacramento Central Church

NCC Prison Ministry Day at Sacramento Central Church https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Prison-Ministry-Day-2021.jpg 720 540 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g October 28, 2021 November 3, 2021

On Sabbath, Oct. 23, the Sacramento Central church hosted NCC Prison Ministry Day, an in-person and online event providing inspiration and training. In addition to the morning sermon by Associate Pastor Mike Thompson, some highlights of the day included:

Weimar Campus company member Darren Greenfield gave a presentation about the ongoing efforts of Blade of Hope ministry to build a transitional home for released inmates in the Sacramento area.

Prison Ministries Director Willie Johnson presented Carmen and Victor Beale, West Sacramento church members, with the NCC Prison Ministry Volunteer Award for their many years of outstanding service in ministry and training (pictured).

The afternoon’s training focused on three areas: how to recognize your call and establish your ministry; the importance of respecting prison chaplains and officials; and the do’s and don’ts of prison and jail ministries.

At the end of the day, a number of people expressed their desire to become prison ministry volunteers, and plans are being made to train them in the near future. “I was impressed that prison ministry—a mandated work by our Savior—will grow in our conference,” said Johnson. “And Jesus can continue to say, ‘You visited Me!’”

Julie Lorenz
March 31, 2021
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Capitol City Church Hosts Baby Shower for 100 Families

Capitol City Church Hosts Baby Shower for 100 Families https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Sac-Capitol-City-Baby-Shower.jpg 1080 810 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 31, 2021 November 3, 2021

Last month, the Sacramento Capitol City church partnered with the Meadowview Birth & Beyond Family Resource Center to host a drive-through baby shower for 100 community families. Some church members purchased baby clothes, shoes, books, and learning toys, while others donated money to buy presents. The center’s staff brought diapers, baby wipes, and other gifts.

The congregation was excited to support new mothers in the community. “The church is supposed to be the light in the city,” said Carol Herbert, the church’s mission council leader. “We should find all the ways we can to reach people.”

Julie Lorenz
September 14, 2020
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Market Street Church Hosts Drive-in Communion Service

Market Street Church Hosts Drive-in Communion Service https://nccsda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Market-Street-Communion-2021-1.jpg 864 366 Julie Lorenz Julie Lorenz https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/002a07232e8f3faf045c0eac8820b7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g September 14, 2020 November 3, 2021

On a Sabbath afternoon in February, about 75 cars – filled with people from around the East Bay – lined up in the Golden Gate Academy parking lot for the outdoor communion service hosted by the Oakland Market Street church.

Since the pandemic began, the church has held four outdoor communion services, which include music, prayers, and a short sermon. The pastors encouraged people to wash their family members’ feet at home before coming to receive the bread and grape juice in prepackaged containers.

Participants appreciated the opportunity to see each other, even at a distance. “People are so excited about coming that they start arriving an hour ahead of time,” said Senior Pastor Edwin Brown. “They bring their kids and wave at each other.”