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Advancing Mission Through Recognition: 2026 NCC Advantage Awards
Advancing Mission Through Recognition: 2026 NCC Advantage Awards 3875 2008 Ken Miller

The 2026 NCC Advantage Awards once again proved that when clarity, mission, and people align, impact grows. Each year, this event builds a clear and shared understanding of what success looks like in ministry—not just by activity but by alignment with mission and values. In doing so, it strengthens culture, creates momentum, and empowers leaders across churches and schools to replicate what works.

Rooted in Northern California Conference’s (NCC) commitment to enhance clarity across the conference, the awards honor pastors and educators who exemplify the values that drive our mission forward: contagious kindness, a servant’s heart, passionate hard work, community relevance, organizational health, and a mission-driven focus.

Marc Woodson, NCC president, stated in his address: “The individuals we recognize tonight represent decades of dedication to God’s work. Some of them have served for three years, others for more than 50 years. Yet every one of them shares a common commitment: to serve Jesus and help others experience His love.”

This year’s event is strengthened by partnerships with Adventist Health, which continues to extend Christ’s healing ministry not only through clinical excellence but also through strategic collaboration in promoting community well-being and spiritual impact; Maranatha International; Pacific Union Conference; and The Table Group, whose investments reflect a shared commitment to advancing mission through strong, aligned leadership.

By elevating real examples of mission in action, NCC creates a shared understanding of what effective ministry looks like across churches and schools. Each nomination is submitted by their peers—leaders who have witnessed firsthand their character, commitment, and impact—making this recognition even more meaningful.

2026 Nominees by Award Category

Contagious Kindness
Pastors: Adam Weeks (Auburn), Filipe Ferreira (Red Bluff), Jeff Richards (Grass Valley)
Educators: Chloe Mapa (El Dorado Adventist School), Lorelie Krussow (Pine Hills Adventist Academy), Nancy Matthews (Vacaville Adventist Christian School)

Servant’s Heart
Pastors: Benji Ferguson (Carmichael), Josie Asencio (Antioch), Young Jin Kim (Sacramento Korean)
Educators: Amanda Gurr (Feather River Adventist School), Beatrice Ahn (Tracy Adventist Christian Elementary School), Kathyrine Schroer (Sacramento Adventist Academy)

Passionate Hard Work
Pastors: Eleazar Famorcan (All Nations Church of Elk Grove & American Canyon Fil-Am), Jaime Calvo (North Highlands, Sacramento, & Woodland Spanish), Sasa Andelkovic (Sacramento Yugoslavian & West Sacramento)
Educators: Brad Davis (Orangevale Adventist School), Chloe Mapa (El Dorado Adventist School), Nancy Matthews (Vacaville Adventist Christian School)

Mission-Driven
Pastors: Bob Parrish (Mount Shasta), Jeffrey Walper (Granite Bay Hilltop), Manny Gonzales (Lodi English Oaks)
Educators: Brad Davis (Orangevale Adventist School), Ryan Thomas (Pine Hills Adventist Academy), Sarah Danielle Sinz (Lodi Adventist Academy)

Community Relevance
Pastors: Rob Benardo (Sacramento Central), Stennett Nash (Hayward Spanish), Vicky Nelson (Lodi English Oaks)
Educators: Alexis Hasse (Echo Ridge Christian School), Lisa Bissell Paulson (Redwood Adventist Academy), Matthew Jakobsons (Sacramento Adventist Academy)

Engaged & Enthusiastic
Pastors: David Woolcock (Upper Lake and Lakeport), Jose Diaz (Fairfield & Vallejo Spanish), Nate Furness (Pacific Union College)
Educators: Duncan Paniagua (Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy), Matthew Jakobsons (Sacramento Adventist Academy), Nicholas Sigler (Rio Lindo Adventist Academy)

Organizational Health
Pastors: Damon Washington (Pittsburg & Oakland Emmanuel Temple), Mel Baga (Auburn), Zachary Reiber (Paradise)
Educators: Carrie Copithorne (Redding Adventist Academy), Leslie Bartsch (Chico Oaks Adventist School), Rick Nelson (Ukiah Junior Academy)

In a region as diverse and complex as Northern California, advancing the gospel requires clarity, encouragement, and alignment. The NCC Advantage Awards help create that environment by recognizing leaders who are not only active but also effective in connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026
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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting—a time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine—but important—details like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.”

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department
Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Brandon Dorn has joined the NCC accounting team as assistant treasurer. He brings experience in conference treasury work, higher-education administration, and a strong commitment to church service.

Brandon most recently worked in the accounting office at Southern Adventist University, where he also served for nearly six years as a men’s dean. Earlier in his career, he worked for just over two years in the treasury department at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. After prayer and discernment, he applied for the NCC position and is grateful for how clearly the opportunity unfolded.

Raised in Adventist education, Brandon attended Collegedale Academy and later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Adventist University in May 2017. Both of his parents were Adventist grade schoolteachers, shaping his appreciation for faith-based education and service.

Brandon chose church work out of a desire to use the skills God has given him in service to Jesus Christ and His mission. At NCC, he hopes to build strong relationships with coworkers, serve as a dependable resource to the conference and its constituents, and continue growing professionally. He is currently working toward CPA licensure.

Brandon shares his life with Kaylee, his wife of six years, who works as a nurse, and together they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and staying active through hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit
Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2nd Annual Summit of the Ending Homelessness Initiative brought together church leaders, community advocates, and volunteers for a day filled with inspiration and action.

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the NCC community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four NCC churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, NCC Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Feather River: One Year Later
Feather River: One Year Later 3449 2211 Ken Miller

December 4 marks one year since the tragic shooting at our Feather River Adventist School. This heartbreaking event impacted not only our local school and church, but our entire Northern California Conference family. It was an unimaginable tragedy—something our Adventist community had never faced before and something no one could have anticipated. It was a random act of violence directed toward the most vulnerable among us.

Over the past year, we have seen the resilience of our teachers, students, and families as they have continued their educational mission amid grief and uncertainty. They have chosen hope and faith over fear and despair. Their trust in God’s sustaining presence and steady commitment to the purpose of Adventist education has helped our community move forward.

Our focus has remained, and will always remain, on the safety, healing, and well-being of our students, staff, and their families. The journey toward recovery has been long and challenging for those most directly affected by the shooting, and we ask for your ongoing prayers and faithful support for their healing.

Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep gratitude—gratitude to God for His mercy, for the strength He has poured into our community, and for the enduring compassion that has held us together. We thank every person, community organization, school, and church that has stood beside Feather River throughout this challenging year. Your prayers, encouragement, and support remind us that we are one body, united in one mission, and anchored in the hope of Christ’s soon return.

We hold close the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May we continue to find comfort in His promises and strength in His presence as we move forward — together, in faith, hope, and love.

Our prayers and support remain with our Feather River School community as we continue to heal and move forward with faith and hope.

Dr. Marc Woodson

President, Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

— For media inquiries, please get in touch with Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, by emailing laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com or calling (916) 886-5642

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Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters
Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

This Thanksgiving, we pause with full hearts to say two simple words that carry eternal weight: thank you. Because of your generosity, prayers, and steady encouragement, the mission of the Northern California Conference continues to move—quietly in living rooms and boldly in sanctuaries, in classrooms and dorms, at food pantries and baptisteries, along hospital corridors and at summer camps where young people say “yes” to Jesus.

Your gifts do more than fund programs; they open doors. In our churches, seekers find welcome and members find hope. Bible studies flourish, new believers step into the waters of baptism, and congregations discover fresh ways to serve their neighborhoods. In our schools, students learn in Christ-centered classrooms where teachers pray, mentor, and inspire—where worship, service, and scholarship are woven together. Across our ministries, compassion becomes tangible: meals shared, burdens lifted, stories told, and faith renewed.

Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). We see that enduring love reflected in you. Some of you give quietly each month. Others offer time, expertise, or special gifts that launch new efforts. Many of you intercede for pastors, educators, students, and volunteers by name. However you give, you are part of a living testimony that gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s a way of life.

We also know this year has asked for perseverance. Families have navigated uncertainty, churches have carried heavy needs, and leaders have made hard decisions. Yet in every challenge, your faith has shone like a steady light. You have reminded us that mission advances best when God’s people move together—each one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for you—for your trust, your partnership, and your sacrificial love. Because of you, children hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy. Because of you, students discover purpose. Because of you, neighbors are served and congregations are strengthened. Most of all, because of you, the gospel continues to go forth with hope.

May your table be filled with peace, your home with gratitude, and your heart with the nearness of Christ. From our Conference family to yours—Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

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Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir
Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir 1900 1267 Ken Miller

Reprinted from nadadventist.org

Three years ago, Josiah Hughes, a member of Capitol City Seventh-day Adventist Church — Fiji Campus, in Sacramento, California, had a bold vision: to gather Fijian Adventists from around the world to sing at the GC Session.

“Most applied for the visa but were rejected,” said Epeli Saukuru, general secretary of the Fiji Mission, who joined the choir; notably, he wrote more than 400 visa letters. Others cancelled for financial reasons, leaving the U.S.-based churches bracing to sing alone.

Amazingly, 85 voices came together from the U.S., Australia, England, New Zealand, American Samoa, and the Philippines. “When we all met here, Joe was overjoyed,” said Saukuru. “It wasn’t easy to put everything together. We can only praise God.”

The group included six pastors, as well as Marc Woodson, the Northern California Conference president, who learned the lyrics phonetically. Although they learned the songs via Messenger and rehearsed just twice, their rich harmonies and smiles gave no hint of obstacles. “Singing is natural for us,” said Saukuru. “We love singing.”

“We felt like we were singing with the angels. Even Joe said he felt the angels were singing with us while conducting,” he reflected. Their message shone through, even in a different language: “Despite the many challenges we go through, God’s great love can still protect us. And we can still proclaim hope for the second coming.”

Saukuru added that in the South Pacific, they can feel isolated, but at the session, they realized “We’re not small. We’re part of a bigger global church family. And that has been a blessing.”

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Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director.
Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director. 3583 1833 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference (NCC) is delighted to welcome Elias Esquivel as Leoni Meadows Camp Director. He will start in October.

For Esquivel, camp ministry has been more than a career—it has been a lifelong passion and calling. His journey began in 1999, when, as a 14-year-old, he worked in the dish room at Pine Lake Retreat in the Florida Conference. “Camp ministry is my passion,” Elias reflects, “because it changes lives, and it changed mine.” He would go on to spend ten years at Camp Kulaqua in Florida, serving as the Operations Manager before moving back to Pine Lake as the Camp Manager. Eventually, his path led him north to the Ohio Conference, where he spent five summers at Camp Mohaven, four of those years as Camp Manager.

Elias combines a passion for ministry with practical skills. Growing up on a farm, he learned responsibility early, driving tractors at age five and fixing what needed repair. He later studied structural engineering and earned a business degree, giving him what he calls “a well-rounded grasp of plant operations and systems.”

Camp has shaped Elias’ life in many ways—including personally. During a Bible workers’ program at camp, he met his wife, Lizandra. For twenty years, they have built their life around faith, ministry, and service, and today they’re raising two children, Elijah (14) and Lilah Ruth (11).

At the heart of Elias’ vision for Leoni Meadows is a promise from Scripture that has guided him throughout his life:” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

“Throughout my life I’ve tried to seek God’s will, and it doesn’t always line up with my own,” Elias reflects. “But I know God’s plan is better than mine, and He declares that He will prosper us and not harm us. I always defer to Him, knowing His plan is the best.”

Stepping into leadership at Leoni Meadows, Elias’ priority is people and mission. “My goal is to listen and learn the operation well, then chart a plan forward,” he says. “We’ll keep strengthening programs, investing in safety and excellence, and serving kids and families. None of this happens without our dedicated staff—I want them to know how essential they are to the camp’s success.”

With broad experience, practical skill, and deep spiritual conviction, Elias is ready to lead Leoni Meadows into its next chapter—in this place, children, families, and staff encounter Jesus in transformative ways. Please join us in welcoming Elias Esquivel and his family. We’re excited for what God will do next at Leoni Meadows—where unforgettable experiences, Christ-centered community, and life-changing moments continue to flourish.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Jeffrey Maxwell Promoted to NCC Undertreasurer
Jeffrey Maxwell Promoted to NCC Undertreasurer 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Jeffrey Maxwell has been promoted to Undertreasurer of the Northern California Conference (NCC).

Maxwell has served the NCC for over a decade, bringing extensive experience in finance and risk management. From March 2017, he served as Associate Treasurer and Risk Management Director, overseeing financial operations and implementing risk mitigation strategies for the conference. Prior to that, from June 2014 to March 2017, he worked as an Accountant for Trust and Property Management/Treasury, managing financial records and conference assets.

Jaymes Cheney, Treasurer, stated, “I have appreciated Jeffrey, who has been a tremendous help to me, enabling me to get my feet under me more quickly than I would have otherwise in my new role. I look forward to continuing to work closely together and watching him grow in this new role.”

Maxwell’s dedication, expertise, and kind, supportive spirit have made a lasting impact on the Treasury team, the broader conference, and the community. We celebrate his promotion and look forward to the continued contributions he will bring in his new role.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025

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Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s Care and Recovery
Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s Care and Recovery 1639 2048 Ken Miller

On Thursday, August 28, a student tragically passed away during an all-school activity. As a close-knit boarding community, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy canceled classes and activities through the weekend. After consulting with counselors, school administrators decided to resume classes and activities today, Tuesday, September 2, to restore routine and provide structured support.

Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through the weekend, mental health professionals provided support to students and staff. Adventist Health Ukiah and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office sent chaplains. Area pastors came to campus and joined students and staff in prayer and worship. A chaplain noted this was especially effective because a strong support network already existed on campus.

On Sabbath, four Paws As Loving Support (PALS) “Comfort Teams” (therapy dogs and handlers) offered what they called “soft paws and gentle support.”
On Monday, September 1, the Sonoma County School Crisis Response System of Support team collaborated with Rio educators and staff to deliver Trauma-Informed Teaching sessions, providing talking points for classroom conversations, and connecting staff with county resources—support that will benefit the school for years to come.

Lauren Heinrich, Northern California Conference (NCC) School Mental Health Clinician, and Albert Miller, Vice President for Education, are coordinating ongoing counseling for those who request it. “Our purpose right now is to support our students and staff the best way we can,” Miller said. “On behalf of the Rio community, thank you for your prayers and the many offers of help.”

As one parent observed, Rio is the best place for their child right now because of the campus’s community of care. Experts agree that healing from trauma occurs in the community, not in isolation. Rio is focused on restoring relationships, strengthening community, and walking together toward recovery. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Media inquiries: NCC Communications Office — laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com | (916) 886-5642.

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