• Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

Planned Giving Trust Services Property Management

Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest

Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest 696 928 Ken Miller

We regret to announce that Dudley Galusha, a member of The Haven church, passed away peacefully on June 6.

Galusha will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, country, and church. His legacy is inspiring, having contracted the building of numerous institutions in Northern California and beyond. He built schools such as Clearlake School, Foothills Elementary School, Humboldt Bay School, and Rio Lindo Academy. He also constructed churches in our territory, including Cloverdale, Fort Bragg, Meadow Vista, Napa, Pacific Union College, Pleasant Hill, and The Haven. Moreover, he constructed Leoni Meadows, Newton Hall (PUC), and Redwood Creek Camp. His influence even reached international shores with constructing the Frogmouth Chapel in Cooroy, Queensland, Australia.

Vince Saunders, pastor at The Haven, expressed, “Throughout his life, Dudley had a tremendously positive influence within our church and community. Even now, his legacy of support for education and church ministry continues through his family as they rebuild our school. He will be greatly missed, and the reunion in Heaven will be exhilarating!”

His daughter Cynthia wrote, “His long life was very full, and he leaves a lengthy & outstanding legacy in the field of construction in Northern California. His mental sharpness and dry wit remained intact to the very end of his 98 years on earth.”

A celebration of life will be held on July 27, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at The Haven SDA Church,15 Woodland Rd., Saint Helena, CA. In place of flowers, the family has requested any gifts be sent to the following:

Cookson Ranch Foundation (Redwood Creek)

P.O. Box 973, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Friends of Foothills School

711 Sunnyside Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574

Cheryl Peckham Joins NCC

Cheryl Peckham Joins NCC 3543 4157 Ken Miller

Cheryl Peckham recently joined the NCC Gift Planning and Trust Services department as Associate Treasurer.

Peckham was recently an Audit Specialist with the General Conference, a job she held for twelve years. She noted, “I am excited to have joined the Property and Trust Department at Northern California Conference. I look forward to working with a winning team. God is good!

Richard Magnusson, Director of Gift Planning and Trust Services, stated, “We are very pleased to have Cheryl join our Planned Giving/Trust Services team. Her depth of accounting knowledge and experience will benefit not only our ministry but also the many members who have partnered with us to plan gifts that will support the ministry for generations to come.”

Peckham spends her life with David, her husband of 49 years. They have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 9, 2024
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April Church Joins NCC Offices

April Church Joins NCC Offices 1474 1967 Ken Miller

April Church recently joined the NCC as the new Administrative Assistant to the planned giving and trust management department.

Originally from Rancho Cucamonga and, more recently, in Nevada City, she attended La Sierra University, studying global health, but realized she was more interested in international property management.

Church explains, “I recently moved to Roseville to be closer to my family and take this position. I’m excited for God’s unique assignment in this new chapter of my life, serving our community and the wellbeing of our people.”

Featured in Northern Lights, November 2, 2023
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Mulching Mission Movement

Mulching Mission Movement 2000 1125 Ken Miller

October 10- It was all hands on deck as the NCC administration offices locked the doors and workers descended on Maidu Park in Roseville for the annual community service day.

In 2022, workers spread sixty yards of forest mulch at another Roseville park. This year, 300 yards were piled around the new location. The contrast in job size raised a few eyebrows. Albert Miller, NCC superintendent of schools and project coordinator, looked across the park at the piles and drily stated, “Well, it ain’t gonna get done by itself.”

While the mulch group shoveled and raked the piles methodically, smaller teams painted perimeter gates bright yellow and refreshed red curb paint along driveways. Four baseball equipment shacks were painted grey and blue. By the end of the workday, finished painters joined in the mulch movement, and the team completed all the jobs.

Brian Casteluccio, Roseville Parks, Recreation and Libraries Superintendent, wrote, “I want to send a huge kudos to your team. They did a great job! It was a very successful volunteer event. Your work is greatly appreciated by the City of Roseville and the community.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 26, 2023
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Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church

Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church 1400 916 Ken Miller

Join us for the Giving Is Good seminar sponsored by the Communication and Development department. This seminar explains how to create a culture of generosity in your church, school, or ministry. Click here for the Creating a Healthy Giving Culture resource guide.

This seminar will be held in the NCC Conference Office Board Room on Tuesdays: Aug 22, 29, and Sept 5, 12, from Noon-1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. If interested, email Laurie Trujillo.

Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church, reported, “The elders are using the tools explained in the resource guide to raise funds for our church budget. We are learning to tell impact stories to build trust and engage our members. We are thrilled at how God is blessing our efforts.”

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, explains, “Our department created this resource guide to help churches and schools raise funds for their programs and activities. The class is designed for elders, deacons, educators, or anybody interested in helping their organization in this way.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 17, 2023
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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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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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Efficient Teamwork Speeds Echo Ridge Gym Rebuild

Efficient Teamwork Speeds Echo Ridge Gym Rebuild 2000 1125 Ken Miller

In the aftermath of Echo Ridge’s gym collapse from snow, progress is being made towards rebuilding.

According to Patty Osborne, principal, “Our treasurer Russell Malott has shown passionate, hard work to secure three bids for the demolition and asbestos removal. Those bids have been forwarded to the conference property management team for approval.”

Richard Magnussen, director of property management, praised Echo Ridge’s team for a professional-level job. “They provided quotes from qualified and vetted contractors, one of whom we have approved for the work.”

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, stated, “After seeing five disasters in our territory, I’m seeing everybody involved in the Echo Ridge project come together and working efficiently and effectively. It has been wonderful working with Russell. He is knowledgeable and professional and passionate about his school.”

Echo Ridge School relied heavily on its gymnasium for sports, housed several classroom-related areas, and for funding from the rented space.
Osborne continued, “The gymnasium was significant in teaching our students. It was also a community builder for our school. I appreciate our volunteers and the property management department’s dedication to rebuilding quickly.”

Donate here to become a player on the Echo Ridge Gymnasium rebuilding team.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 27, 2023

Journeys Of Pain, Joy, Service, and Excellence- Our Ten Women Pastors

Journeys Of Pain, Joy, Service, and Excellence- Our Ten Women Pastors 2062 1125 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo

These ten women are making history and playing a vital role in connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus and preparing them for the Second Coming. We wish to recognize and celebrate their critical role in the Northern California Conference serving as pastors or ordained ministers. Sonia Cartwright is in the process of earning her Master of Divinity from Andrews University.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

They come from all walks of life but share a common and inspirational journey that centers on God. They shared some of their journey with us, opening my eyes to what it takes to be a female pastor. Here are some excerpts:

“What I strive for in life and ministry is stated in 1 John 4:12-13, ‘No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.'”

“I love Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ God has often used this to quiet my heart when things are tense. It reminds me that God hears and cares for me and that His peace transcends understanding.'”

“Proverbs 3:5-6, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ This is the formula to success in life, and it provides the answer when you don’t know what to do.”

What was your journey like? What challenges did you overcome?

One pastor stated, “All the pastors I knew were male, and I did not initially think women could be pastors. I did not question the system. I simply accepted it.” Although this pastor felt a call to serve and was given the talent to minister, it took a person she respected and admired to nudge her into her calling.

Another recalled, “I remember God extending the invitation to serve my sophomore year in college, but it took me years to answer the call.” She had to escape her “selfish perspective of thinking that I had to be perfect to be a pastor.”

Not only did these pastors have to overcome personal challenges, but they also had to face public pressure not to answer the call. They were bullied, called names, and laughed at when people found out they wanted to be a pastor.

One of our pastors explains the experience well, “It was hard getting past some of the comments people made discouraging me as a woman going into ministry. Ultimately, I had to look to Jesus and stay focused on him. Jesus is the One that has kept me standing in ministry.”

What is different about being a female pastor/leader vs. a male pastor/leader? Advantages? Disadvantages?

One pastor clearly explains, “There are, unfortunately, many issues that come up. In addition to the struggles of maintaining a successful mentor relationship with male colleagues, I have been stalked and told that specific dress colors make it difficult to look at me while preaching.”

Another pastor wrote, “I think being a female pastor is difficult because many leadership skills needed are considered ‘not feminine.’ For example, some members are uncomfortable with my decisions because they feel they are not lady-like.”

However, our women pastors feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. One pastor wrote, “In my experience, I can meet with women my male colleagues feel uncomfortable with.” Another describes, “There are church members who feel more comfortable opening up to a woman than a man, and so I hear stories that would have never been told otherwise.”

All our pastors agree that they get an overwhelming sense of joy when a person connects to Jesus and begins living an abundant life. They enjoy walking alongside individuals and families, learning their stories, and ministering to their needs.

If a young girl wants to be a pastor and leader in ministry, what advice would you give her?

“The same advice I received, ‘If there is anything else you want to do…do that.’ You won’t make it if you don’t believe you are called to minister. If you answer the call, practice self-care and connect with a mentor. Learn to lovingly say no, invest in your friends and family, and keep up with your hobbies, exercise, and take vacations!”

“Fully surrender your heart to God first. Let God hold and protect it. Your heart will break if God isn’t your priority in the tough moments that will surely come. Likewise, your heart will get prideful in the good moments if you aren’t focused on God.”

“As a woman going into ministry, I would double down on your identity in Christ. We, as women, struggle with our identity. As a blossoming leader, many people will try to shape you into what they think a woman leader should be. But when you are fully aware of who you are, in Christ, you can embrace your calling and not be swayed by other people’s thoughts and opinions.”

“Learn to recognize God’s voice. Remember, God is with you always and has a purpose for you. You are a daughter of God first and foremost, and never lose that dignity.”

Wrap Up

Women pastors have made history and continue to shape our story in the Northern California Conference. They have been called into ministry, and God has gone out before them. God has broken down obstacles so that they can be more effective in spreading the gospel. Their gender is an asset to connect with those who perhaps would have gone untouched. And their journey is inspiring.

Let’s celebrate all our pastors, especially recognizing and appreciating those women God calls to serve and lead!

Featured in Northern Lights, April 13, 2023

THANK YOU

THANK YOU 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most critical task anyone could ever do on this earth, and we are all called to do it equally.

We could not be more grateful to all our members who returned $47.6 million in tithe in 2022. These gifts have funded the ministry in Northern and have helped connect people to an abundant life in Jesus and prepare them for His soon return.

In 2022, there were 682 precious souls who gave their lives to the Lord through baptism, and 119 joined through Professions of Faith:

·       11% of these were children 13 and under

·       17% were teens from 14-17

·       10% were young adults 18 to 29

·       25% were Adults 30-59

·       12% were seniors aged 60+

·       25% were unknown

Additionally, in 2017 only 19% of our churches were growing. In 2022, the number of growing churches increased to 39 percent.

Thank you so much for your faithful and compassionate giving!

Featured in Northern Lights, March 16, 2023