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

Secretariat

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Marlene Rodriguez Installed at Crosswalk Sacramento
Marlene Rodriguez Installed at Crosswalk Sacramento 1179 726 Ken Miller

On April 5, Marlene Rodriguez was joyfully installed as the pastor of Crosswalk Sacramento, surrounded by church members, family, and friends.

Rodriguez began her ministry with the Northern California Conference in 2014 as a Bible Worker, then as the Assistant Pastor of Pleasant Hill Church. In 2019, she became the Associate Pastor of Gracepoint, where her compassionate leadership left a lasting impact.

Crosswalk Sacramento, a vibrant and quickly growing company that blossomed from home groups and pop-up gatherings, now welcomes Rodriguez’s spirit-led leadership. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and deep love for people, Rodriguez is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

Jose Marin, NCC executive secretary, affirmed, “Marlene is a very relational and community-minded pastor and has the skills to lead vibrant Crosswalk members to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 1, 2025
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Teachers and Pastors Engage in Engagement
Teachers and Pastors Engage in Engagement 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On April 7, over 200 educators and 130 pastors gathered at Gracepoint Church for the annual Mark Blue Lecture Series.

This year’s theme advanced the NCC’s commitment to organizational health by concentrating on active engagement between employees, church members, and students. Keynote speaker Berit Von Pohle, Pacific Union Vice-President of Education, highlighted the value of positive leadership and offered many practical tools to help education and ministry professionals strengthen engagement.

Another spotlight during the event was an employee satisfaction survey by the Gallup organization. This online survey was emailed to all employees and completed on phones and laptops during a short break. This professionally designed and interpreted questionnaire will serve to measure NCC employee satisfaction, engagement, and other key categories.

Also highlighted was the need for collaboration between schools and churches to inspire future leaders. Presenters and audience discussed ways to engage young people in learning and service, creating a seamless connection between educational and spiritual development. With these strategies, schools and churches can build stronger, more unified teams, ultimately leading students and members to a more significant impact in their communities.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 10, 2025
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Janeen Little Installed at Tracy Church
Janeen Little Installed at Tracy Church 3767 2009 Ken Miller

April 5, Janeen Little was warmly welcomed and officially installed as the new pastor of the Tracy Church.

Born and raised in South Africa, Janeen moved to the United States with her family as a child, and from an early age, she felt a deep calling to pastoral ministry—one that would shape her life and career.

Equipped with a Master of Divinity and a teaching credential, Janeen began her NCC ministry as a chaplain and Bible teacher at Lodi Academy, where she spent nine years mentoring and guiding students. Her passion for relational ministry led her to serve as associate pastor at the Lodi Fairmont Church, a role she held for the past three years.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Janeen brings a wealth of experience to her new assignment, and while this will be her first time stepping into the lead pastor role, she embraces the challenge with enthusiasm. We are excited about this new phase in her ministry.”

“I’m excited to join the Tracy Church, which has demonstrated that they show up for each other,” Little shared, “I value doing life with people who value relationships.”

Janeen shares her life with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Emma, Daniel, and Amy.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 10, 2025
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A Night to Remember: The First Annual NCC Advantage Awards
A Night to Remember: The First Annual NCC Advantage Awards 3812 2785 Ken Miller

The evening of April 7 was a truly memorable occasion—the launch of the first annual NCC Advantage Awards program. This special event was created to further the concepts of organizational health by honoring outstanding educators and pastors across the Northern California Conference who live out the values that define our mission.

These values—Contagious Kindness, a Servant’s Heart, Passionate Hard Work, Engaged and Enthusiastic Leadership, Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Dedication, and Organizational Health—aren’t just ideals; they’re the everyday actions of those who serve with purpose and heart.

This evening was especially meaningful because each nominee was chosen by their peers through an anonymous ballot process—a testament to the respect and admiration they inspire within their communities.

Award winners were chosen from the nominees for each category and recognized with a beautifully crafted crystal award, symbolizing their achievement and unwavering commitment to service. Many shared moving words of gratitude, offering glimpses into the passion behind their work and the deep appreciation they hold for their students, church members, colleagues, and calling.

The Advantage Awards remind us that excellence is a powerful force when paired with humility and mission. Celebrating these faithful educators and pastors inspires us to continue building organizational health rooted in grace, leadership, and wholehearted dedication to God’s work.

Award Winners, Left to Right: Sasa Andelkovic, Walt Groff, Tim McMillen, Rick Nelson, Brad Geinger, Gina Wilmott, Steve Brownell, Lisa Bohman, Cyndi Westenrider, Bob Mason, Linda Lamb, Wendy Henry, Douglas Barahona, Jaime Calvo

Featured in Northern Lights, April 17, 2025
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John Rasmussen, NCC Treasurer Retires
John Rasmussen, NCC Treasurer Retires 1474 1967 Ken Miller

John Rasmussen retired on March 13, 2025, after 50 years of denominational service, including 31 years of dedicated leadership as the Northern California Conference Treasurer.

Before joining the NCC, Rasmussen served seventeen years between the Montana, New Jersey, Potomac, and Washington conferences, joining the NCC in 1994. During Rasmussen’s tenure as Treasurer, he has worked with five conference presidents, starting with Don Schneider, 1989-1994 (Deceased).

His former presidents said the following about their time with Rasmussen:

Darold Retzer-President of NCC 1994-2001

“When I arrived as president, NCC was experiencing some challenging financial times due to the economy. John was already the treasurer, and we struggled to get a balanced budget. He worked with our team to accomplish this within a couple of years. He quietly and efficiently did his work. I enjoyed working with him. Toward the end of my time there, I especially enjoyed the time we took off to go skiing with him and Ricardo Graham. We were a good team.”

Ricardo Graham-President 2002-2006

“I had the privilege of serving beside Elder John Rasmussen for 11 years in the Northern California Conference administration. Elder Rasmussen was dedicated to assisting the schools, churches, and their personnel by caring for their financial needs. John always respected others” opinions and focused on protecting the financial strength of NCC. His godly influence helped shape the work of God in NCC, the Pacific Union, and the North American Division. I pray for God’s continued blessing on him and Raylene as he enters this new phase of life.”

Jim Pederson-President 2006-2018

“What a joy it was to serve with John. There were very few dull moments and many interesting discussions through the years. He is a man of integrity with a great sense of humor. The treasurer’s job is to sometimes say no, with an eye on the bottom line. John did say no many times in our years but also found many ways to say yes. This wisdom and commitment to the mission of God and the NCC made it a pleasure to work with him.”

Marc K. Woodson-President 2018-Present

“John and I have worked together for seventeen years, and it has been a great time. John is a man of wit and wisdom and a great steward of God’s resources. I consider myself blessed for the time we have worked together. I often asked whether we could afford a ministry, and he would almost always find funding to make it happen. Our finances are in good order, a legacy of his core values and missional approach. His dedication and wisdom will be missed.”

John and Raylene, his wife of 54 years, plan to spend more quality time with their children and grandchildren. They reside in Paradise, California.

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Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees
Celebrating the 2025 NCC Advantage Awards Nominees 658 563 Ken Miller

Congratulations to all our nominees! Your commitment to serving with excellence and purpose inspires our entire team.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s NCC Advantage Awards nominees—exceptional educators and pastors who embody Contagious Kindness, Servant’s Heart, Passionate Hard Work, Engaged and Enthusiastic Leadership, Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Dedication, and Organizational Health.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process. Your support helps us recognize and celebrate the incredible work happening across our churches and schools. The final award recipients for each category will be announced April 7.

Contagious Kindness

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Michael Rosich, kindergarten teacher at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Robert Mason at Yreka and Scott Valley Church
  • Steve Brownell at Oroville Church
  • Zachary Reiber at Paradise Church

Servant’s Heart

Educators

  • Byron Hegewald, principal and teacher at ACES Red Bluff
  • Linda Lamb, principal at Yreka Adventist Christian School
  • Nancy Matthews, principal and teacher at Vacaville Adventist Christian School

Pastors

  • Tim McMillen at Grace Point Church
  • Tracy Baerg at Lodi-Fairmont Church
  • Janeen Little at Lodi-Fairmont Church

Passionate Hard Work

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Matthew Jakobsons, principal at Sacramento Adventist Academy
  • Mekey Lepulu, principal at Rio Lindo Academy

Pastors

  • Brad Gienger at Santa Rosa Church
  • Daniel Garza at Yuba City Church
  • Luccas Rodor at Granite Bay Hilltop Church

Engaged and Enthusiastic

Educators

  • Chase Weideman, teacher at the Napa Christian Campus of Education
  • David Vixie, principal and teacher at Paradise Adventist Elementary School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal and teacher at Lodi Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Jaime Calvo, at Sacramento, Woodland, and North Highlands Spanish Churches
  • Josie Asencio, at Antioch Church

Community Relevance

Educators

  • Beatrice Ahn, principal at Tracy Christian Elementary School
  • Chloe Mapa, principal at El Dorado Adventist School
  • Wendy Henry, principal at Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Pastors

  • Douglas Barahona, at Chico Church
  • Rob Benardo, at Sacramento Central Church
  • Stennett Nash, at Hayward Spanish Church

Mission-Driven

Educators

  • Cyndee Westenrider, principal at Middletown Adventist School
  • Gina Wilmot, Early Childhood Education Center Director at Kingdom Kids Christian Preschool
  • Melany Quintero, principal at Adventist Christian School of Yuba City

Pastors

  • Edwin Brown, at Oakland-Market Street Church
  • Matt Mattzela, at Lakeport Church
  • Sasa Andelkovic, at Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Organizational Health

Educators

  • Leslie Bartsch, principal at Chico Oaks Adventist School
  • Lisa Nuss, principal at Lodi Adventist Elementary School
  • Richard Nelson, principal at Ukiah Junior Academy

Pastors

  • Damon Washington, at Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Churches
  • Ron Yabut, at Anderson Church
  • Walt Groff, at Grace Point Church
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3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit
3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit 3641 1894 Ken Miller

On March 1, the Northern California Conference and the Church-State Council hosted the 3rd Annual Religious Liberty Summit at the Pleasant Hill Church. The event attracted 330 attendees for a day filled with insightful discussions, expert panels, and interactive conversations about the importance of religious freedom.

Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, was the keynote speaker. Her topic was the trend among many Christians, who believed that increasing secularism in society justifies the church uniting with the government to improve society’s morals.

In the afternoon, an interactive panel discussion titled “Faith and Justice in the Public Square” featured Krause, Jeanice Warden-Washington, Chief Consultant at California State Assembly, Alan Reinach, President of the Church State Council, Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, and Marc K. Woodson, NCC President.

The conversation, moderated by Steven Allred, NCC volunteer religious liberty coordinator, encouraged attendees to explore the intersection of faith and public policy. Allred noted, “The panelists discussed current church-state issues and took questions from the audience.

Building on the success of this year’s event, the NCC and Church-State Council look forward to expanding next year’s summit and continuing the conversation about faith’s rights and responsibilities in an evolving society.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 13, 2025
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Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM!
Ten Days of Prayer Tonight at 7 PM! 5069 3572 Ken Miller

We invite you to be part of an uplifting and spiritually enriching experience—10 Days of Prayer, happening every evening at 7:00 PM via Zoom.

This is a sacred time to come together as a community, draw closer to God, and lift our hearts in prayer for renewal, hope, and guidance. Each evening is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience the power of prayer in transforming lives and deepening our connection with Christ.
Whether you’ve already been joining or are just hearing about it, it’s not too late to be part of this meaningful journey. Let’s come together to seek His blessings, encouragement, and peace.

 

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Church Status for Weimar University Company
Church Status for Weimar University Company 4004 2250 Ken Miller

On November 10th, Weimar University Company officially became a church of the Northern California Conference during a special dedication ceremony. This event celebrated the church’s growth within the conference and memorialized its ongoing commitment to service and mission.

During the ceremony, the Weimar Choir and Orchestra filled the sanctuary with uplifting music that glorified God and inspired everyone present. Marc Woodson, NCC President, delivered a powerful message, and Jose Marin, NCC Executive Secretary, and John Rasmussen, NCC Treasurer, presented the church with a membership plaque and gift.

This dedication marks a new chapter for Weimar University Church. It reaffirms the church’s mission to serve the Lord and the community, continuing to move forward in faith and service, united in Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 12, 2024
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Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund
Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund 4800 2700 Ken Miller
The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NCC) has established the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund to provide a trusted avenue for support. This fund is dedicated to directly supporting the students, families, and staff of Feather River Adventist School, all of whom have been deeply impacted by this senseless and violent act.
In alignment with our values and ethical stewardship, we want to clarify that this fund supports the entire Feather River Adventist School community, not just two specific families. If you wish to restrict your support to Elias Wolford or Roman Mendez and their families, you may indicate this in the check memo line or the notes section of the online giving form. Because NCC is a conduit for support, ensuring that 100% of the contribution benefits those affected, gifts are not tax-deductible.
Please visit the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund Giving Link to contribute.  Or send your contributions to Northern California Conference, C/O Feather River School Support, 2100 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661. If you have questions, you can email our Director of Communication and Development, laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com. Your support will play a vital role in helping our community heal and rebuild.

Click here to support.

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