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

Womens Ministry

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When Am I Too Old to Work for God?
When Am I Too Old to Work for God? 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Rioboie Mabugay

There is a quiet question that often lingers in the hearts of many believers as the years go by: When is it time to step aside? After decades of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness, it can feel reasonable—even deserved—to say, “I have put in my time. Let someone else take over. I want to travel, rest, and enjoy what years I have left.”

And yet, the kingdom of God does not measure usefulness the way the world does.

In 2018, Ruthe Levy was nominated to serve as treasurer of the Anderson church. It was not a short-term assignment nor was it symbolic. It was real responsibility—numbers, accountability, consistency. Now, eight years later, she still serves in that same role. This April, she turned 99 years old.

Every Monday morning, she gets into her car and drives herself to church. The journey is not effortless; it includes navigating nearly a mile of steep, winding road. Many would consider that reason enough to step down. But not Ruthe.
For her, this is not about obligation. It is mission. Her question has never been, “When can I stop?” Instead, it is, “When will I have to stop because I am no longer able?” That quiet difference speaks volumes.

In a culture that often equates aging with stepping back, the life of faith calls us to a different perspective. Scripture never assigns an expiration date to purpose. As long as there is breath, there is calling. As long as there is life, there is ministry.

God does not retire His workers. Moses was called at 80. Caleb, at 85, still asked for a mountain to conquer. Anna, well advanced in years, worshiped and witnessed daily in the temple. Time, in God’s hands, does not diminish usefulness—it refines it.

What Ruthe demonstrates is something deeply powerful: service is not about age but about willingness. It is not about how much strength we have left but about how much heart we still give.

Yes, seasons change. Responsibilities may shift. The body may slow. But the mission remains. There are always prayers to be offered, encouragement to be given, wisdom to be shared, and faith to be lived out before others.

We are reminded that the work of God is not sustained by youthful energy alone but by enduring devotion. And now, we stand on the edge of eternity with a hope that burns brighter than ever—Jesus is coming soon. This is not the time to withdraw from the mission but to lean into it with renewed purpose.

The question is not, “Have I done enough?”
The question is, “What can I still do?”
Each of us has a role in preparing hearts for that day. Whether through quiet faithfulness like Ruthe or through visible leadership, every act of service matters. Every life surrendered to God becomes a testimony.

So when are we too old to work for God?
The answer is simple: when He calls us home.
Until then, the mission continues.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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Connecting With Local Moms
Connecting With Local Moms 3791 1962 Ken Miller

Hi there!

I run a Mom and Me playgroup at Paradise Adventist church that has been slowly growing the last few months, and it’s been amazing to connect with local moms. We have become more than half of the community moms who gather weekly for our kids to play in the Sabbath school room, eat snacks, do crafts, and moms chat and hang out. It’s been a nice way to naturally then invite them to come to church with us too.

We also recently partnered with the Adventist Health Foundation and started giving away diapers to anyone in need.
It’s been a beautiful ministry to care for local moms and babies, and I thought I’d share it with NCC.
Thank you!

Yvette Reiber

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A Journey of Faith, Walking Together in God’s Word
A Journey of Faith, Walking Together in God’s Word 3764 1963 Ken Miller

Bible study has a quiet, remarkable power. It opens hearts, brings clarity in confusing moments, and creates a place where people can connect, share struggles, and grow in faith. It’s not just about learning Scripture—it’s about walking alongside someone, offering encouragement, and seeing lives change in real, tangible ways.

Deena’s journey shows just how life-changing that process can be. Born to a prayerful mother and inspired by her grandmother, a lifelong member of the Anderson Church, she grew up surrounded by faith. Yet life’s challenges tested her deeply. The loss of a beloved daughter left her grieving and searching for hope. Feeling the pull back to God, she reached out to the church community, unsure where her journey would take her.

“She was one of six individuals who reached out to our church for Bible study,” says Rio Mabugay, a Bible Worker serving Anderson and Shasta Lake Churches. “From there, we started a study that took four months.” Over that time, Deena immersed herself in Scripture, asked questions, and shared her heart. The Bible study became more than lessons—it became a place of healing, support, and growing friendship. Slowly, hope returned, faith deepened, and her heart found peace and led to her baptism.

Deena’s story is a reminder that leading a Bible study isn’t just teaching—it’s walking with someone through life, helping them find God’s hope, and guiding them toward the abundant life Jesus promises. Every study is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith, nurture hearts, and participate in God’s work in a meaningful, lasting way.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Joyce Mulligan Chosen as NCC Prayer Ministry Coordinator
Joyce Mulligan Chosen as NCC Prayer Ministry Coordinator 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Joyce Mulligan has taken on the role of Prayer Ministry Coordinator for the NCC. She succeeds Esme Ross, who led the ministry for many years and was deeply appreciated for her dedicated service.

Joyce moved to Northern California after serving as the Director of Prayer and Women’s Ministries in the Central California Conference for 13 years. Although she is retired, she felt called to continue this work. After prayerful thought, Joyce accepted the conference leadership’s invitation to assume this position.

Although she initially had few connections in the Northern California Conference, Joyce is glad to have met many people at camp meeting. She wants every member—young or old—to know they are valued as prayer partners. She shared, “In this ministry, there is no age limit; everyone is invited to join in prayer.”

Joyce also extends a special invitation to join the online prayer session every Thursday at 7:00 AM. “I never want to miss an opportunity to invite you to prayer,” she says with a smile.

Join us in faith as we lift up our conference together. To participate, call 1 (916) 637-8111 and enter code 669648#.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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With Gratitude and Grace: Bethania Diaz Retires After a Remarkable Journey
With Gratitude and Grace: Bethania Diaz Retires After a Remarkable Journey 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On June 30, we celebrated the retirement of a remarkable female leader, Bethania Diaz, whose career has been defined by unwavering commitment to stewardship, integrity, and innovation.

For the past eight years, she faithfully served as Undertreasurer for the Northern California Conference, playing a pivotal role in overseeing treasury operations for churches, schools, and administrative departments. With wisdom, diligence, and a deep sense of purpose, she approached every responsibility with clarity, care, and conviction.

Before her tenure in Northern California, she served in key financial leadership roles in the Southern California Conference and at Orangewood Academy. As a model of faithful stewardship, she managed resources wisely while remaining firmly focused on mission. Her decades of leadership have positively impacted students, churches, and educators across California—leaving a legacy rooted in faith, excellence, and service.

We are deeply grateful for her years of dedicated service. At every step, she has trusted God to guide her—and through her, He has accomplished remarkable things in support of His work and the mission of the Church. We wish her joy, peace, and every blessing as she begins this well-earned new chapter of life.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 24, 2025
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A Week Beneath the Redwoods A Lifetime of Impact
A Week Beneath the Redwoods A Lifetime of Impact 3894 2072 Ken Miller

July 27 – August 2, 2025, Redwood Camp Meeting promises something special under Northern California’s towering redwoods: Inspiring speakers, exceptional children’s programs, and a God-filled community experience that draws people back year after year.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reported this year’s lineup of speakers, exclaiming, “We are excited to welcome Jesse Seibel from the Hawaiian Islands to open Camp Meeting Sunday evening through Wednesday morning. His fresh insights will set a powerful tone for the week. From July 29 to August 2, Dr. Jon Paulien will lead a thoughtful evening worship series, guiding us deeper into Scripture and hope. Gary Venden, returns with his warm, relational preaching, and Ángel Rodríguez Medina will bring a dynamic ministry to our Spanish-speaking community.”

Redwood Camp Meeting is a place for all generations. Daily worship and inspiring seminars offer something for everyone. Children especially thrive with themed programs featuring music, crafts, stories, prayer, and a redwood-laden playground.

Other features during the week also include:

Eddie Heinrich will return with Summer on the Run activities, including a waterslide, climbing wall, and fun games that keep kids active and joyful—a Christ-centered adventure they’ll remember all year.

PUC Professor Jeff Joiner will teach free nursing CEU-credit classes on medical mission work, emergency care, and overdose response.

Mark your calendar and register at nccsda.com/RAC, to reserve a shaded campsite. Find your place beneath the redwoods—where faith grows deep and hearts grow close.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in the Northern California Conference
Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in the Northern California Conference 5142 3428 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, CFRE
NCC Director of Communication and Development

Over the past few months, we have highlighted how our ministries work to fulfill the Northern California Conference’s purpose of connecting people to a more abundant life with Jesus and preparing for the Second Coming. This month, we asked: How does our school system achieve this mission? The answer was found in an unexpected place—the Pacific Union Conference Education Code.

What is the Education Code?

The Pacific Union Conference Education Code, adopted by the Northern California Conference, is more than a manual of operational policies—it’s a spirit-led, values-based framework designed to foster safe, nurturing, and spiritually grounded learning environments. Rooted in biblical principles, it governs every aspect of our school operations, including staffing, curriculum, financial stewardship, professional conduct, and student safety.

Ellen G. White once wrote, “True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study… It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man” (Education, p. 13). This holistic vision is reflected in the Education Code’s dual focus: protecting students and honoring educators.

Albert Miller, Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference (NCC), explains, “We’re not just filling classrooms. We’re calling people to a ministry. Our educators are spiritually grounded and professionally equipped—trained not only to teach, but to mentor students into thoughtful, Christ-centered lives.”

How Does the Education Code Protect the Children in Our Care?

It affirms student well-being through a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aligning with NCC policy that requires immediate reporting of any suspected child abuse or neglect. Comprehensive screening and training—including background checks and abuse prevention certifications—are mandated for all school personnel by NCC policy and supported by the Code.

To further safeguard students, schools must conduct regular safety audits, maintain effective emergency protocols, and create environments where students feel emotionally and physically secure. Grounded in Christian compassion, NCC holds all staff to the highest standards of integrity and respectful interaction. Confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for students and their families ensure that every voice is heard, and every concern is taken seriously.

“Safety goes beyond compliance,” Miller says. “While we meet all of California’s legal requirements for working with children, for us, it’s more than legal—it’s deeply moral. We want every child to feel safe, seen, and loved.”

How Does the Code Uphold the Dignity of Employees?

It safeguards the dignity of those called to teach. Investigations involving staff must be conducted in a confidential, fair, and impartial manner. Employees are guaranteed due process, including the right to respond, access support, and receive updates.

Its goal is to foster a professional culture of trust, transparency, and growth, emphasizing respectful communication and restorative practices. “We don’t rush to judgment or jump to conclusions,” Miller explains. “Clear expectations matter, but so does restoration.”

How Impactful Are These Policies and Practices?

In today’s complex world, NCC’s adoption of the Pacific Union Conference Education Code serves as both a shield and a compass, protecting the vulnerable and guiding educators in their sacred mission.

Recently, a student sent us a letter: “I didn’t grow up Adventist and struggled in public school, never seeing much purpose in learning. That changed when I enrolled in an Adventist school near our new home. Expecting the same thing, I was surprised to be met with compassion, patience, and a teacher who helped me discover both Jesus and a love for learning. For the first time, I cared about school, found subjects I enjoyed, and began dreaming about the future with Jesus in my life. Even with severe ADHD, I feel accepted and respected. I look forward to attending the academy near my home.”

With 31 schools, more than 2,000 students, and over 200 educators, NCC’s education system is the longest-running evangelistic effort in our territory. In 2024, school-age children and youth accounted for 18% of all NCC baptisms.

“Adventist education is more than academics,” Miller concludes. “It’s about shaping lives—one heart, one mind at a time—for this life and the life to come.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 5, 2025
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Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 20 Years of Ministry
Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 20 Years of Ministry 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On March 5, the Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special gathering.

Approximately 800 people attended the event, which included church members, friends, and guests. The program featured reflections on the church’s beginnings, stories of God’s guidance through challenges, and uplifting music, both solo and choral.

Organized in 2004 with 86 members, the church has grown into a vibrant congregation of 367 members, along with 110 children and 70 youth. Committed to evangelism and community service, the church has implemented ministries such as Pathfinders, Adventurers, youth Bible studies, choirs, and a growing media ministry. In 2017, the church also planted the Ukrainian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sacramento, which is now home to about 200 members.

Several longtime members shared personal memories, adding depth and meaning to the occasion. Church leaders expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years and acknowledged the dedication of the church family. The event served as a reminder of the incredible things that can be accomplished when a community remains committed to its mission and to one another.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 15, 2025
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Hispanic Women’s Retreat
Hispanic Women’s Retreat 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The NCC Hispanic Women’s Ministry Team recently hosted the annual Women’s Retreat at Leoni Meadows.

More than 400 women sang, prayed, listened, and shared. Some came seeking restoration, others friendship, and community. The peaceful mountain setting offered a space for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. One attendee shared, “It was excellent to see so many younger women this year. I think all left with a renewed sense of purpose—to God and one another.”

Florinda Guevara, Hispanic Women’s Ministry Coordinator, helped make the retreat a reality. She stated, “Being part of a group of 400 women meeting in one place, enjoying each other’s companionship, praising God, and being prepared for the return of Jesus has been a joyful experience and a great source of inspiration.”

She and her team have been working to empower women at the local church level, encouraging them to lead with compassion and courage. This annual retreat is part of their ongoing mission to nurture women’s spiritual lives and foster strong bonds within the Hispanic women’s faith community.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 1, 2025
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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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