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Northern Lights

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Baptisms and Mysterious Guests
Baptisms and Mysterious Guests 2000 1125 Ken Miller

God is doing some fantastic things in the West Sacramento SDA Church.

Sasa Andelkovic, district pastor, explains, “During the pandemic, our church attendance significantly dropped. Around the same time, many of our youth graduated from high school and went to college. Our church looked desolate. Only about twenty-five people were attending on Sabbath, one-third of normal.”

The congregation began earnestly praying that God would fill their church, especially with young people. Andelkovic continues, “From our prayers, strange things started to happen! We had a student from UC Davis join us with her boyfriend. She had learned about the Sabbath over the internet, and two more young adults arrived at our church having seen our web page.”

The new guests attended Bible studies, eager to know more about Jesus. Church members worked diligently to include their new friends in activities, drawing them into the church. Andelkovic states, “We were happy to see things happening and the spirit moving, but that was just the beginning!”

In time, the church had its first baptism, a rebaptism. This decision by a gentleman seemed to encourage others. Andelkovic exclaimed, “As a district pastor, I am there every two weeks, and when I baptize, I always appeal to the congregation, asking if others wish to make that commitment. After this baptism, every time I was there, a new hand would go up in the church!”

“After the third Sabbath with a baptism,” Andelkovic continues, “I jokingly told the congregation that we needed to continue the tradition asking, ‘Who will be baptized next?’ I couldn’t dream up what happened next! The whole back row of the church stood up joyfully, waving their hands. I was stunned! It was a group of people I hadn’t even met yet! Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to meet them and hear their stories.”

Andelkovic states, “The original couple from UC Davis just made a commitment too, requesting baptism as well, our cup runneth over.”

Andelkovic reflects, “You just never know how God will answer your prayers! We often ask for blessings and then try to predict how He will work. But I must tell you, this experience left me in awe of how His way is not our way, but the experience is always wonderful!”

[Stay tuned for a story of the mysterious back row!]

Featured in Northern Lights, October 26, 2023
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Pastor Emán Collins Passes to His Rest
Pastor Emán Collins Passes to His Rest 1284 1561 Ken Miller

We regretfully announce that Emán Collins passed away on October 1 in Argentina with Ruth, his wife, and loved ones by his side.

Collins joined the NCC in 1986 as the pastor of the Antioch Church. The following year, he became an evangelist in our territory, also serving as the Hispanic Ministries coordinator. In 2003, Collins moved from the Hispanic coordinator position and joined the Hayward Spanish SDA Church as lead pastor until his retirement in 2009.

Paul Guevara, the current NCC Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, stated, “I had the privilege to know pastor Collins and will always remember him as a great human being who treated everyone with love and respect. He was passionate about Jesus and His work.”

Sal Alvarado, ABC director, reflected, “Pastor Collins was my mentor and my friend. He was a great evangelist, and I credit the baptisms of my wife and son to the power of his presentation of the Gospel.”

A family member revealed that a memorial was held in Argentina, and there are no plans for a service in the United States.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 19, 2023
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Pathfinders Find Leoni Fantastic!
Pathfinders Find Leoni Fantastic! 2000 1125 Ken Miller

October 6 – Pathfinders from our territory met at Leoni Meadows for their annual Camporee.

Over 600 campers from 35 clubs arrived for a weekend of spiritual renewal, fun activities, and work. Services were full of singing and praying, and the theme of the weekend, Live Love Now, was masterfully presented by Rudy Alvir, youth and young adult director of the Nevada-Utah Conference.

The Pathfinders marched in a parade with colorful banners and flags from around the world. In breakout sessions, many worked on new honors that included CPR, geology, and first aid. Other groups worked on camp renewal projects, including moving limbs into burn piles, spreading bark in the church bowl, and preparing old fence posts for future use. One of the highlights was when Pathfinders explored new camping areas that will be used annually for this and other events.

Eddie Heinrich, NCC youth and young adult director, stated, “We owe a big thank you to all the Pathfinders and their leaders that came and received a spiritual blessing and helped prepare Leoni Meadow as the future home of this event.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 19, 2023
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Pets and Products Pull Eager Locals to Lodi Campus
Pets and Products Pull Eager Locals to Lodi Campus 2000 1125 Ken Miller

For 78 years, the Lodi Elementary Pet and Hobby Fair has drawn community members to a Sunday of furry fun and shopping.

Students and visitors flooded the campus, checking out the farm craft store, playing games, and enjoying delicious food. A petting zoo provided giggling children with a lot of fuzzy fun. First responders and other community service organizations shared information from each of their pavilions.

Lisa Nuss, Lodi Elementary principal, explained, “This event offers the school many fundraising opportunities that directly benefit the kids. It also provides fellowship and fun between our school and our community.”

Karen Kanas, parent, and board member, stated, “This yearly event is a highlight for current students, families, and those who return year after year to relive the fun!”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 19, 2023
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Nathan Shires Installed
Nathan Shires Installed 2236 2742 Ken Miller

Recently, Nathan Shires was installed as the new district pastor of the Healdsburg and Cloverdale churches.

Formerly a district pastor from Oklahoma, Shires shared, “My wife and I weren’t necessarily looking to move, but the Lord had other plans. He fulfilled all five of the criteria we had laid before Him. We took that as our answer to come to California.”

Shires brings community-focused energy to his district, as he explains, “Revitalizing ourselves and our churches in a missional style is key to connecting our communities. I am excited to be in the Healdsburg, Cloverdale area and blessed with willing and eager churches to do God’s work.”

Nathan shares his life with Gurpreet, his wife of five years. She is a nurse practitioner for Adventist Health who grew up in San Jose.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 12, 2023
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Stockton’s Soapy Service
Stockton’s Soapy Service 1893 981 Ken Miller

September 24- The Stockton Central Church sponsored a community car wash put on by the church youth leaders.

David Peckham, lead pastor, explained, “This event was designed to engage with our neighborhood and as a fundraiser for the youth department. We did not charge a fee for each washed car but accepted donations, and many cars queued up for a scrub.”

The enthusiastic washers scurried around each car, quickly soaping, rinsing, and drying cars. While waiting, drivers could peruse a rummage sale in the gymnasium, hosted by the primary sabbath school parents and children.

Peckham continued, “One visitor who had his truck washed exclaimed that he was impressed by such a positive experience and how impressive it was to see youth working so hard. After his truck was dried, he left the site and returned later with a flat of bottled water as a gift for all the workers!”

One parent stated, “This was a unique opportunity to engage the community, for families to work together for a good cause, and mentor our youth to work with passion and a purpose.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 12, 2023
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The Adventure of Cycling
The Adventure of Cycling 1923 1008 Ken Miller

October 1-Over 200 riders and 300 more family members and support staff turned out for the annual Adventurers Bike Derby.

Sacramento Adventist Academy’s (SAA) campus was alight with young cyclists waiting for the start signal while homemade food and drinks prepared by different Adventurer clubs excited the hungry visitors. And ride they did! Barry van Iderstein, NCC children and family ministry director, estimated the total miles ridden added up to over 1,000!

The SAA campus was complete with cook tents, rest areas, games, and weekend mechanics. With the enthusiasm of a Tour de France crowd, parents cheered riders as young as four and as old as ten.

The helmeted packs of riders took turns on the track, with younger riders out first and more experienced riders moving much faster. A third track was reserved for the riders on tricycles and training wheels. There was something for each bicyclist and tricyclist to enjoy.

Van Iderstein stated, “This event wouldn’t be possible without the extremely hard work and dedication of the Adventurer area coordinators, their families, and the help of several volunteers and SAA representatives. We are already looking forward to October 6, 2024, when the next derby takes place.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 12, 2023
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Catrina LeSure Ordained
Catrina LeSure Ordained 1983 1197 Ken Miller

September 23, Catrina LeSure was ordained at the Palo Cedro Church.

Her father gushed in his introduction, “Catrina has loved the Lord from a very young age. With that came a desire to serve others. As a result, she graduated from Andrews University with a degree in Education.”

Her first job out of college was a junior-high teaching position, and while she loved the kids and being their teacher, it fueled a desire to go deeper. She returned to Andrews, studied for the ministry, and pursued service as a pastor.

After entering ministry in Idaho, she answered the call to the Palo Cedro church, where she is currently the youth pastor.

Marc Woodson, NCC president, praised, “We are very proud of Catrina today; she has served the Lord well and served with courage, and we are glad she is a part of the NCC.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 5, 2023
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Willits Church Commits To Serving Unhoused
Willits Church Commits To Serving Unhoused 834 574 Ken Miller

Members of the Willits Church continuously show their servant’s hearts and passionate hard work, positively impacting their community.

Jeb Berbasal, district pastor, stated, “From a deep sense of duty and love for their neighbors, they have created ‘Serving with Compassion,’ an initiative to feed and serve unhoused persons in the area.”

The ministry team serves many people weekly, feeding, praying, and clothing with love and encouragement. Bersabal continued, “This outreach is also about manifesting faith through action. Serving others with compassion is a sacred duty that strengthens both the giver AND the receiver.”

Bersabal concluded, “The core of its mission is not just about the food; it’s about letting people know they are seen and valued as part of caring for them.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 5, 2023
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  • Ken Miller
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A Perfect Fall Picnic
A Perfect Fall Picnic 2002 1125 Ken Miller

NCC teachers, pastors, employees, and their children came out on Sunday, September 24, to the annual employee appreciation picnic held at Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA).

Planned and organized by the NCC administration and staff, the shady schoolyard was festooned with culinary delights and activities for all ages. Carmichael Cougar Pathfinder Club provided enough corndogs and their secret recipe tartar sauce to please a baseball crowd. Sacramento Spanish Pathfinders offered an eclectic buffet of Mexican foods and salsas. Sacramento Slavic brought their food trailer serving варе́ники and налисники (pierogis and blintzes) complimented with gourmet ice cream and drinks.

NCC Youth Director Eddie Heinrich, son, Kyler, and SAA students enthusiastically monitored a sea of children as they frolicked in the bouncy house, the massive inflatable obstacle course, and the famous climbing wall. A fierce game of nine-square-in-the-air seemed to have no end as children jumped and hit the ball.

Pastors, teachers, and staff from as far away as Redding conversed and laughed, relaxed at picnic tables, enjoying the complimentary fare. Friendly conversations and kids’ laughter were intermixed with more competitive gamers bouncing from table to table, stirring interest in the softball game or pickleball court.

Marc Woodson, NCC president stated, “I want to thank our directors and staff that planned this event and worked tirelessly to make it happen. I also wish to acknowledge our NCC employees who connect people daily to an abundant life in Jesus.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 5, 2023
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