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Ministries Move With Generous Planned Giving Gift
Ministries Move With Generous Planned Giving Gift 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The Open Door story from Sacramento Korean (see Stewardship Leads to Service Leads to Disciples) is just one of the many testimonies from a commitment to serving our neighbors with contagious kindness and passionate, hard work. During the 2023 year, the following projects have been approved, and the corresponding amounts allocated.

Rio Lindo Academy Men and Women’s Dormitory Remodel Project: $350,000. Albert Miller, superintendent, reported, “We have scheduled a meeting with the contracted architect and engineer in July. We aim to have one or two demo rooms completed by the end of October, followed by remodeling the dorms rooms staggered the following year based on available funding.”

Multi-Campus Hybrid School with Missional Group: $185,000 According to Kevin Robert, evangelism director, “The project is progressing well and has received approval from WASC. We are pleased to announce that academy classes for El Dorado will begin with four confirmed students and possibly a fifth for the upcoming school year.”

Free Dental/Vision Clinics for Communities: $50,000. James Lim, Asian Pacific coordinator, and community service director, reported, “I am happy that our free clinic projects are progressing smoothly. We have many churches participating, and we expect to use the full budget of $50,000 by the end of the year. Our partnership with Life Health Network has resulted in noticeable cost savings. Also, The NCC Women’s Ministry has been a valuable partner, providing event volunteers.”

Hispanic Ministries Center of Hope: $190,000. Paul Guevara, Hispanic ministries coordinator, stated, “Exciting news! Plans are underway to establish a Center of Hope in Hayward. A dedicated committee is working closely with an architect and engineer to ensure the building is used to its fullest potential while remaining within budget. Additionally, there are plans to develop the community service building adjacent to the Center of Hope.”

Cascading Organizational Health: $75,000. Marc Woodson, NCC president, remarked, “Organizational Health will help the conference thrive and accomplish its mission. A healthy organization starts with a cohesive leadership team at all levels. The funds have supported leadership training for pastors, educators, and directors. It also supported developing a team of 20 mentors to support 30 churches’ journey toward organizational health.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 13, 2023
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Stewardship Leads to Service, Leads to Disciples
Stewardship Leads to Service, Leads to Disciples 1926 1012 Ken Miller

By Susie Kim

A planned giving donation(see Ministries Move With Planned Giving Gift) has made it possible to fund various projects in our territory. Each project proposal was submitted by ministry directors and reviewed for merit and adherence to the overall mission and objectives of the Northern California Conference.

Utilizing funds from this program, the Open Door church, the English-speaking group of Sacramento Korean, recently organized a dental clinic
in concert with Life and Health Network, an ASI health ministry based in the NCC.

One church member reported, “We bathed this event with prayer
for two weeks. Then with only six days of targeted advertising via Facebook and knocking on doors in the nearby neighborhood, God sent us the patients needed for the dental clinic.”

Seventy-six patients were given teeth cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions by ten volunteer dentists from Open Door and other churches, who gave up their Sunday to be the hands of Jesus.

Danny Kwon, Director of Life and Health, stated, “We helped many people today and made some wonderful contacts for our upcoming Bible study series titled, “Sidewalk Evangelism.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 13, 2023
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Remembering Richard Roderick
Remembering Richard Roderick 1956 1072 Ken Miller

We celebrate the life of Richard Roderick, who passed away on June 19, 2023.

Roderick served as the Northern California Conference Treasurer from 1976 to 1993. He then accepted a call as a full-time auditor for four more years and retired in 1997. Not to be held back by retirement, he returned three years later and worked as a part-time auditor for nine more years until 2009.

Described as a passionate, hard worker, mentor, and visionary, John Rasmussen, treasurer, stated, “Richard will be remembered for being one of the visionaries that made Leoni Meadows a reality.”

Craig Heinrich, Leoni Meadows director, stated, “Roderick was known for his passion and leadership in the building of Leoni Meadows. His financial leadership and project management skills helped make it a program that serves thousands of youth and families eaach year.”

Dick and his wife, Althea, married 68 years, have attended the Pleasant Hill and Napa SDA Church for the last 47 years. They were faithful supporters of mission work and were always inspired by the stories of God working through missionaries.

According to family members, “Dick’s life was an inspiration of love and service to his family, friends, and those he worked with. He loved and served God his whole life and is resting until Jesus returns. He lived to spread the news that Christ loves us, died for us, and is coming soon to take us home with Him.”

A memorial is set for 4 pm, Sabbath, July 8, at the Pleasant Hill Church.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023

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NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award
NCCSDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Part of the NCC’s path to organizational health is to effectively inform, educate, and tell the stories of our churches, schools, and ministries. To do this, a new website was launched in 2020.

The COVID pandemic was a catalyst that accelerated the need for online methods for staying current with news and events. The NCC website was no exception, and its professional look, functionality, and information were revamped with a new look.

Subsequently, the site was entered into the 2022 American Advertising Awards competition, winning an impressive Silver Award. Terrill Thomas, web designer and president of T13 Media, said of the project and award, “It was gratifying to see Christian content, graphics, and web design be recognized for excellence by a secular professional organization.”

The website is constantly updated with important conference information, including employment opportunities, education scholarships, events, and news.

Most recently, the communication and development department has posted an incredible help guide for creating a culture of stewardship in your church. You can visit the website here.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023
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Summer On The Run Serves Church Youth and Their Neighbors
Summer On The Run Serves Church Youth and Their Neighbors 653 605 Ken Miller

Summer on the Run is the annual summer pop-up day camp program for kids ages 7-13 that travels between churches in Northern California.

It is staffed by a committed group of adults and college/high school-age camp ministry professionals dedicated to providing each camper with a fun, faith-based, and nurturing experience.

The program includes worship, small group activities, big group games, lunch, basketball, and a giant 32′ water slide!

According to Eddie Heinrich, youth director, “Summer on the Run continues to provide safe, friendly, God-centered activities for our youth each summer. It gives youth pastors and churches a unique outreach to their young members and community, regularly drawing in new friends from their communities.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023
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Andreia Vivak Joins Administration Offices
Andreia Vivak Joins Administration Offices 336 336 Ken Miller

Andreia Vavrik joins the NCC offices as executive administrative assistant to John Rasmussen, NCC treasurer.

Vavrik was born in Brazil and has lived in the USA for 21 years. For the past eight years, she has been the registrar for Orangevale school, reflecting, “I was honored to be part of the Adventist education ministry.”

On the weekends, she is a dedicated lay pastor at Gracepoint Church with Marcelo, her husband of nineteen years. Vavrik continued, “There are two things I protect dearly in this world: God and Family. I praise God for his mercy and power to conquer any difficult situations I might face.”

When reflecting on her favorite Bible verse, Vavrik quickly noted Psalms 30:5.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning. (ESV)

She continued, “It is the most amazing statement of how god takes care of us daily. No matter what has happened in the past, God always presents a new beginning for each of us.”

Andreia and Marcelo have three beautiful children, Kevin, 20; Isabella, 16 and Stephanie, 13.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 22, 2023
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Roseville Youth Motivate To Finish The Work
Roseville Youth Motivate To Finish The Work 1954 1025 Ken Miller

“And so, in these days, the young men and young women of the Advent movement have been given an important part to act in the closing drama of earth’s history.” (E.G., White, MYP 7.1)

With the unwavering support and encouragement of their parents and leaders, the Roseville church’s youth group came together to organize a remarkable event called Mission Agape. The purpose of this event was to foster connections and build bridges with individuals of their generation. By taking this initiative, the youth group demonstrated their commitment and dedication to creating a positive, inclusive community that values genuine human connections.

One of the young leaders, Nicole Mann, explained, “I wanted to start Mission Agape because I saw how desperately young Christians needed to feel God’s love. Sometimes it seems the world is against Christians, and it’s easy to be swayed by the world’s current trends. I wanted youth and young adults to come to Mission Agape and feel comfortable worshiping God with other Christians just like them, who are just as passionate about their relationship with Christ.”

The parents helped find musicians and food preparers, while the youth leaders spread the word to reach beyond the usual churchgoers. Mann continued, “I was expecting 40 to 50 of my friends and maybe a few kids from our schools. But over 100 showed up!”

Kalini Fifita, an attendee, stated, “I loved Mission Agape because of its purpose: to spread God’s unconditional love to the youth of our generation. When I heard about what Mission Agape was and what its goal was, I was excited. I said yes immediately with two reasons in mind. The first reason was to bring the people of our generation closer to God through us, and the second was to bring me closer to Him, both of which were accomplished.”

The words and purpose of the Mission Agape event serve as a testament to the sincere dedication of young individuals toward seeking Jesus Christ. They are prepared to take the necessary leap of faith toward a life of positivity and fulfillment. Mann concluded, “The Roseville church is committed to keeping youth engaged and is working with us young people to reach our age group seeking community centered around Christ. Our first Mission was so successful we now have them scheduled for every third Sabbath evening.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 22, 2023
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Bernadette Johnson Retires
Bernadette Johnson Retires 384 504 Ken Miller

June 30- Bernadette Johnson retired from the NCC administration office after 19 years of service.

Johnson joined the NCC in 2004 as a clerk for Golden Gate Academy, where she was a substitute teacher and, eventually, treasurer. In 2007 she moved to the NCC administration offices in Pleasant Hill, where she became the administrative assistant for the ministerial department.

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Bernadette knew how churches work, making her an outstanding advocate for pastors. She supported many pastors and churches in their day-to-day operations, and her insightful knowledge, dedication, and humor will be greatly missed.”

Johnson was known to be one step ahead of events throughout the territory, from pastor installations and group convocations to dedications and evangelistic series. Jennifer Kendrick, executive administrative assistant, stated, “I will miss her presence and associated laughter in the office. She was so fun to plan events with and would regularly know all the event’s particulars and have them half-planned in advance!”

Also respected as a spiritual mentor, Yolanda Frazier, administrative assistant to the African American ministries coordinator, said about Johnson, “When I started at the NCC, she took me under her wing and guided me to significant spiritual growth. I will truly miss her and am happy for her next mission with her family.”

Marc Woodson, NCC president, said, “Bernadette truly epitomizes our core values. She has a servant’s heart and is a passionate, hard worker. She always looks to help others, lending a helping hand wherever needed. She will be sorely missed.”

Bernadette and her husband, Willy, call Crowley, Texas, their home. They will enjoy their retirement close to their children and grandchildren.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors
Honoring Public Servants Opens Ministry Doors 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Our churches are committed to demonstrating kindness, serving their communities diligently, and remaining relevant. A popular outreach method regularly honors the sacrifices made by public servants, both men and women, who serve our nation or communities.

Bob Mason, district pastor of Yreka and Scott Valley churches, recently offered the invocation at a ceremony to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty. Yreka townspeople and law enforcement personnel attended this event, and retired NCC pastor, Jim Crabtree, sang the national anthem.

In another instance, the Novato church planned an appreciation brunch for the Novato Police Department. One church member stated that while serving and eating with their uniformed guests, they connected by listening to their stories and noting their heartfelt needs. Most importantly, “they were able to pray with the officers.”

One Lieutenant emailed her appreciation to the Novato church afterward and wrote, “Thank you again for the wonderful brunch today. We enjoyed getting to know you all, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into making this special for us.”

The leadership of both churches believes that creating or attending these events can open up doors for service. Mason concluded, “I believe that participating in civic events and reaching out to communities in this way shows that our churches care about their community and are ready to serve those in need.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 15, 2023
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Breaking Bread at Breakfast
Breaking Bread at Breakfast 1895 981 Ken Miller

Oakland’s Market Street Church recently added a delectable incentive to its list of community-relevant ministries: Breakfast.

Following the “Each One, Reach One” mission statement, they began distributing flyers and word-of-mouth invitations throughout their neighborhood for a complimentary breakfast every first Sabbath of the month.

Stephanie Jolliff, ministry leader, stated, “Through canvassing the neighborhood and passing invitations for this outreach and our church services, our members get a chance to actively engage people and share the Word and bounty of God.”

The first Sabbath of May was a trial run with a small turnout, but the breakfast staff got good practice on all the work involved. Jolliff concluded, “Our efforts were not in vain as one breakfaster came to Sabbath school and stayed for church! We have high hopes for this ministry and the spirit of service by everybody involved.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 8, 2023
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