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Statement from the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Statement from the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 150 150 Ken Miller

The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more apparent after yesterday’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Key facts confirmed yesterday include:

–      Both seriously wounded kindergarten students are being treated and remain in critical condition. Sheriff Kory Honea explained that these two boys have a long road to recovery. Let us continue to keep these boys and their families in prayer.

–      The perpetrator was Glenn Litton, who was later confirmed to be a lapsed Chico Seventh-day Adventist church member and former student at Paradise Adventist Elementary and Chico Adventist Schools. Sheriff Honea reported that he suffered from mental illness and had a lengthy criminal background. As a convicted felon, Litton did not legally own the firearm used in the crime.

–      Law enforcement continues to seek information that will help illuminate Litton’s motive. Still, writings attributed to him suggest that he imagined himself to be a “lieutenant” in what appears to be a fictitious organization called the “International Alliance.”

–      Sheriff Honea confirmed that the attack was an isolated incident and that Litton died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators later discovered that he had scheduled to visit another nearby Adventist school on December 5.

–      Sheriff Honea paid tribute to the efforts of Feather River principal and teachers who acted swiftly and decisively to protect students as soon as the threat was detected.

With the information provided by Sheriff Honea, the CHP Commissioner, the Butte County District Attorney, and the FBI in coordination with other federal entities, it does not appear there is any active threat to our schools, churches, or other Adventist institutions and that Litton was acting alone. As a result, many Adventist schools will resume classes today, and special efforts are being made to ensure counseling support is available to all families and students.

Chico, Yuba City and Feather River Adventist Schools will remain closed as we prioritize care and support for staff, families, and students. Please continue to pray for all our students, especially those hospitalized, and our faculty, staff, and families.

All questions related to this incident should be directed to Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, at (916) 886-5642 or laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com

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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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Pacific Press Celebrates 150 Years
Pacific Press Celebrates 150 Years 3777 2023 Ken Miller

Northern California has played a significant role in the history of the Pacific Press Publishing Association.

At the 1874 Camp Meeting in Yountville, along the Napa River, Elder G. I. Butler, the president of the General Conference, encouraged the gathered community to continue their outreach and evangelism efforts on the West Coast.

This was just six years after Elders J. N. Loughborough and D. T. Bourdeau arrived in California and began evangelistic meetings in the Sonoma Valley. Moreover, it was only four months after James White started publishing “Signs of the Times,” a magazine aimed at the West Coast audience.

During the Yountville camp meeting, an offering was collected to fund publishing efforts that would support the growth of the Adventist Church, particularly on the West Coast. Consequently, the Pacific Press Publishing Association began its work in Oakland from 1874 until 1904 before moving to Mountain View in 1984. It has been located in Nampa, Idaho, for 40 years.

This year marks 150 years of sharing God’s love through the printed page. Dale Galusha, President of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, shared the special celebration event on August 17. Watch that event online!

Featured in Northern Lights, November 14, 2024
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The Joy of a Church That Gives Wildly
The Joy of a Church That Gives Wildly 509 339 Ken Miller

Are you ready to unleash a spirit of generosity and make a lasting impact on your church or school community? With our free 90-minute online course, Creating a Culture of Generosity, you’ll discover “The Formula,” an approach proven to ignite hearts, elevate financial giving, and advance your mission like never before!

Imagine transforming your worship services, events, and school programs into moments that inspire deeper connections with the mission and move people to give joyfully and generously. This course equips you with the tools to make that vision a reality.

In this dynamic and interactive course, you’ll learn how to:

  • Cultivate a culture of generosity, as seen in the early church, where giving is a natural, heartfelt response.
  • Apply “The Formula” to increase local church and school contributions in ways that last and multiply.
  • Inspire ongoing, joyful support by connecting givers more personally to the mission, transforming each donation into a shared victory.

This course is for pastors, administrators, and individuals passionate about furthering God’s work through sustainable giving.

Why?

When you create a thriving culture of generosity, you’re not just funding programs—you’re empowering disciples, growing communities, and helping prepare people for an abundant life with Jesus Christ. The impact is eternal.

To sign up for the course or learn more, visit our development page for more details!

Featured in Northern Lights, September , 2024
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Social Media is a Ministry Tool
Social Media is a Ministry Tool 1292 722 Ken Miller

Utilizing social media is one of the least expensive and broad-reaching methods to increase awareness for your church, school, or ministry. By practicing these three helpful hints, you can increase awareness and a buzz for your event.

Quality: First and foremost, create good content. Social media is just that: social. Create an interesting story with engaging visual imagery to draw your audience in. This encourages interaction from the viewer and interest in your event.

Member participation: Actively encourage every church member to leave comments, post pictures, and forward event links to friends and relatives.

Facebook advertising: This inexpensive service is an easy way to grow interest in your event in the surrounding community. You can choose the area where it will be seen, and the number of people you want it to reach.

Helpful hints: The NCC Communication Department is always available for help. We can help you determine the best strategy for your church, school.

You can contact us directly by email or join our Facebook community.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Pastor Sam Alexander Passes to His Rest
Pastor Sam Alexander Passes to His Rest 3024 4032 Ken Miller

We regret to announce the passing of Pastor Sam Alexander on May 20 in Gridley, California.

Alexander’s ministry spanned 40 years, mainly in the Northern California Conference. He faithfully worked in the Alameda/East Oakland district, Paradise, Fort Bragg, Healdsburg churches, and Rio Lindo Academy. After serving in Virginia, he returned to the territory as a district pastor for Yreka and Scott Valley churches, retiring in 2010 while pastoring the Signs Memorial church in Yountville.

According to his family, Sam loved God and wanted others to know how much God loved them.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “The only thing Sam loved more than his family and the outdoors was Jesus. Sam served as a pastor for four decades, lifting up Jesus, most of it in the NCC. He will be missed.”

Alexander passed away with Sue, his wife of 56 years, and family by his side.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 6, 2024
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Hope Is Renewed
Hope Is Renewed 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The energy is palpable as you drive into Leoni Meadows. Work trucks are scattered across the grounds, with construction well underway. In the office, forms are being filled, phones are ringing, and staff is diligently preparing for the upcoming summer camp season.

Final touches are being made at the gleaming new swimming pool, signaling excitement for the upcoming summer visitors. The new pool building, one-third larger than its predecessor, now features expanded shower areas, external-access bathrooms, and improved storage. Craig Heinrich, camp director, said, “The pool and its outbuilding have been a labor of love, and the quality is better than we’ve ever had before. The pool was designed with a purpose that goes beyond just a place to play. We expanded the ramp and purposely made the shallow end a place where many kids will give their lives to the Lord through baptism.”

The new multipurpose room is a sight to behold. It includes a fireside room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a craft room, expanded storage areas, and cedar trees milled into lumber from the fire have been used in construction throughout the building.

Once devastated by the Caldor Fire, the surrounding hills have been revitalized with over 150,000 pine, cedar, and Douglas fir plantings, offering a glimpse of green on the landscape—a symbol of hope and renewal.

Heinrich explained, “I can’t thank the employees, conference, constituency, donors, and volunteers enough for their support. The camp has been blessed by many who keep this precious facility open and serve others for Christ.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 6, 2024
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Fostering Mental Health and Wellness
Fostering Mental Health and Wellness 540 360 Ken Miller

Through community-led endeavors, the St. Helena Church strives for transformative change for a brighter, healthier tomorrow. Recently, the church successfully concluded an eight-week depression and anxiety recovery program, championing holistic wellness practices.

The effort resonated with 37 individuals from across the broader St. Helena community. Upon its culmination, marked improvements in depression and anxiety scores were observed among the participants.

In the spirit of compassion and empowerment, the St. Helena Church remains steadfast in its mission to ignite positive change and uplift lives, one healthy choice at a time.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 4, 2024
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Ed Fargusson Retires After 42 Years
Ed Fargusson Retires After 42 Years 777 874 Ken Miller

Ed Fargusson, Assistant to the President, announced his retirement on April 1 after 42 years in ministry, 40 of those with the Northern California Conference.

Fargusson joined the NCC in 1981 and pastored at Hayward, Alturas, Alameda, Tracy, and Roseville churches. He served shortly as the NCC Human Resources Director and became Assistant to three conference presidents.

He reflected, “The most exciting thing I have seen in pastoring churches and working in the administrative structure is how God changes people’s lives. I often say that serving God is like riding a roller coaster in the front seat. It’s a fun ride, but you are not in control.”

Jim Lorenz, Ministerial Director, stated, “Ed brought a varied background to his role as Assistant to the president. Besides pastoring for many years, he served at the Church State Council and was the NCC HR director. Since he spent most of his career in the NCC, his institutional knowledge is without parallel. Because of this—and his outgoing personality—he knows nearly everyone, his retirement will leave big shoes to fill.”

Marc Woodson, President, added, “We will miss Ed’s values, his contagious kindness, always with a smile on his face. Ed has a servants heart, answering all the calls to service without complaint. He is a passionate hard worker that exemplifies the values of God, the church and the Northern California Conference.”

With Anne, his wife of 42 years, Fargusson intends to travel and spend time with family. He hints that he will do some contract coaching with churches and continue to teach and preach the Good News of salvation.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 4, 2024
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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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