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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 John 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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Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest
Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest 961 1240 Ken Miller

We share with deep regret the news of Pastor Jack Pefley’s passing on Friday, October 11.

“Pastor Jack” was an evangelist for Amazing Facts from 1995 to 2009, then joined the NCC as the conference evangelist from 2010 to his retirement in 2017. A former co-worker reflected, “Jack’s style was right out of the Wild West, irrepressible, simple, and down to earth.” Until his passing, he regularly took the pulpit at Citrus Heights, his long-time church family.

Marc Woodson, NCC President, reflected, “Jack Pefley had a passion for winning people to Jesus. His optimistic spirit and joy while doing God’s work were inspiring and encouraging. Only heaven knows Jack’s ministry’s impact on the Kingdom. He will be missed, but we look forward to seeing him again when our Lord returns!”

The family warmly invites you to a memorial service at 11 AM on Sunday, November 3, at the Citrus Heights SDA Church.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City
Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City 3929 2075 Ken Miller

Recently, Jason Bulgin was ordained at the Sacramento Capitol City Church during the annual African American Convocation.

Born in Canada, Bulgin grew up in an environment deeply rooted in faith, cultivating a desire to serve others. To that end, he attended Oakwood University and experienced a profound spiritual transformation. This defining moment set him on an educational path, and he earned a Master of Christian Ministry and a PhD in Philosophy. He joined the NCC in 2021 as the associate pastor of Capitol City Church, where he is now the senior pastor.

Rudy Peters, African American ministries coordinator, stated, “Jason has his roots in a rich legacy of service. Inspired by his father and father-in-law, who were faithful pastors and nurtured by his mother, his ordination was a culmination of a long journey of service and prayer.”

Bulgin has been blessed with a loving family. He is married to Jessica Delana Ellis, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Jordyn Naomi, Sabrena Janae, Joseph Delano, and Jason Jr.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
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David Woolcock Ordained at Capitol City Church
David Woolcock Ordained at Capitol City Church 914 1017 Ken Miller

On October 12, 2024, David Woolcock was ordained at the Sacramento Capital City church, an event made more significant because it coincided with the annual African American Convocation.

Woolcock’s spiritual path was nurtured from a young age, as he decided to follow Christ and be baptized at 13. His original plan was to become a nurse and attend medical school, but that shifted after receiving a call to ministry. This ultimately led him to enroll at Andrews University, where he completed his Master of Divinity.

Over the years, Pastor Woolcock has served in various roles, including urban youth evangelism, youth pastor, associate pastor, and pastor for NCC since 2019. His philosophy is rooted in sharing the gospel and inviting people to follow Jesus, and he believes in the transformative power of faith. John the Baptist’s declaration inspires his overall approach to ministry: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

He shares his life with Dr. Marlin Duran, and together they have two children, David Jr., 13, and Joy, 7.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
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Danny Kwon Joins Administrative Team as HR Director
Danny Kwon Joins Administrative Team as HR Director 1399 1028 Ken Miller

Danny Kwon recently joined the NCC administrative offices as the Director of Human Resources, bringing a wealth of expertise that strengthens both the HR department and the broader mission of the NCC.

With experience in human resources, payroll, and employee relations, Kwon’s leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing our organization’s efficiency, employee engagement, and overall workplace culture. His previous accomplishments, including spearheading health ministry initiatives and organizing national dental and medical clinics, reflect his deep commitment to service and ability to manage complex, large-scale projects.

Kwon has a background in legal and humanitarian efforts. Growing up in Manitoba, where he earned his law degree from the University of Manitoba, he has actively advocated for underserved communities. His involvement with medical and dental outreach programs continues to support many within our territory. Additionally, Kwon’s pro bono work assisting refugees and preparing asylum applications through immigration services showcases his passion for justice and compassion.

His appointment strengthens the HR department by integrating his legal expertise and a unique understanding of community needs. This dual perspective enables him to address employee relations with a balance of empathy, legal compliance, and practical solutions. Under his direction, the HR function will better serve the diverse needs of the NCC’s employees, furthering our ability to attract, retain, and nurture talent within a mission-driven framework.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the challenges ahead, Kwon shared a favorite passage, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He trusts that God will guide his service to the NCC, aligning his efforts with divine purpose and strength.

Jose Marin, executive secretary, praised Kwon’s diverse skill set, stating, “Danny brings a wealth of experience to his role as HR Director. His knowledge of California law and his entrepreneurial spirit in founding community service ministries will be a blessing to our employees and entities in Northern California.”

President Marc Woodson echoed these sentiments, remarking, “We are thrilled to welcome Danny Kwon to our office family. His extensive HR experience and legal background make him an invaluable asset to our conference, and we look forward to the positive impact he will bring.”

Kwon shares his life with Lisa, his wife of 18 years, and together, they lovingly raise their three children. Ava and Aaron attend Pine Hills Academy, while Jonah is in the 6th grade at Orangevale Elementary.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 26, 2024

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Every Thursday morning, Northern Lights, the official news source of the Northern California Conference, shares how churches, schools, and members are connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return.

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