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Orangevale Students Excel in National Mathing Contest
Orangevale Students Excel in National Mathing Contest 150 150 Ken Miller

The third and fourth-grade classes from Orangevale Adventist School (OAS), taught by Shelley Kramer, recently celebrated an incredible achievement at the 2025 Tang Math President’s Day Tournament.

The Tang Math Tournament is for Kindergarten through fifth grade, and the math model uses a systematic and streamlined approach to instruction, using visual models, cleverly designed problems, games, and puzzles.

Competing against 6,000 students from 330 classrooms nationwide, OAS students excelled in the following categories:

  • First Place for the 3rd and 4th grade level
  • Second Place overall for first, third, and fourth grades
  • Individual Competition, Levi, a fourth grader, won for his grade level
  • Individual Competition, Oliver, a third grader, won for his grade level
  • Overall competition, First Places for Levi and Oliver in their grade levels

Additionally, 15 OAS students ranked in the top 100 for the number of puzzles completed, solving over 3,000 puzzles each and over 15,500 math fluency puzzles.

Kramer praised her students, “We are extremely proud of the class for their dedication, perseverance, and outstanding performance in this tournament. We are committed to helping each student at Orangevale reach their full academic and personal potential. This achievement reflects the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that we strive to instill in our students.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 27, 2025
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Missional Minded Ministry
Missional Minded Ministry 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Placerville SDA Church is actively implementing a community engagement plan to create discipleship opportunities.

Launched last year, the initiative has already led to transformative outreach efforts. During Christmas, the church converted its sanctuary into the Town of Bethlehem, offering an immersive experience for the community. Then, in March, they transformed the Life Center—where the congregation currently meets—into a fully operational health clinic.

The clinic served 213 people, with 100 health professionals generously donating their time. Services included health screenings, dental work, eye exams with eyeglass fittings, skin examinations, well-being therapy, and a dedicated prayer room. Volunteers welcomed attendees with warm smiles, guiding them to the appropriate services with care and compassion.

One attendee, a woman who came in for an eye exam, expressed her astonishment at the quality of care she received. She shared, “When I saw the flyer at the town clinic, I was skeptical that any healthcare service would actually be free. I thought it might just be a way to collect my information. But when I arrived, a real doctor examined me, and everything was so professional. After this, I’m scheduled to get my teeth cleaned and then a massage. I feel loved and cared for!”

The congregation wholeheartedly supports these outreach efforts, fostering a culture of generosity by giving their time and resources. The church’s food bank serves over 200 people weekly, and other ministries actively engage members and the broader community. Additionally, the church maintains a strong partnership with its school, viewing it as a vital part of its evangelism ministry.

Pastor Andrew Uyeyama emphasizes the church’s mission: “Having worked as an evangelist, I know how crucial it is for the church to embrace and become relevant to the community. Through interactions like today’s clinic, we can draw people in and minister to them where they are. Seeing our members and community participants so engaged and enthusiastic is exciting!”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 20, 2025
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Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork
Sports Creates Christ-Centered Confidence and Teamwork 3841 2009 Ken Miller

From January 22 to 25, high school basketball players from sixteen schools across four states gathered at Pacific Union College for the annual PUC Pioneers Invitational Tournament.

The participants hailed from Maine, Nebraska, Hawaii, and California, including six NCC schools: PUC Prep, Pine Hills, Rio Lindo, Pleasant Hill, Lodi, and Paradise Academies.

This annual event has become a staple on each team’s schedule, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, teamwork, and friendship. This collaborative interaction between competitors is not lost on parents.

Kathleen, a PUC Prep mother, remarked, “For my daughter, the sports programs and tournaments have challenged her to be a better player and a more confident person. The events have fostered many lifelong friendships over the years.”

During his Sabbath vespers talk, PUC Church Pastor Nate Furness spoke about the spirit of Adventist sports. “Play hard and be competitive, but aim to elevate your sportsmanship and teamwork as Christians. It’s ok to get frustrated when things don’t go right and celebrate when they do. But when the final buzzer sounds, remember we all play for the same team—the team of Jesus Christ.”

Paradise parent Brian Ching shared, “The teachers and coaches of our sports programs have, most importantly, taught my son an enduring level of Christ-centered sportsmanship and teamwork. They have also taught how to lose gracefully.”

Featured in Northern Lights, February 13, 2025
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Dedication to God Through Sport
Dedication to God Through Sport 3968 2110 Ken Miller

Keilana Rivas, a Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) sophomore, made school history by qualifying for and competing in the California State Championship cross-country race. This 5-kilometer race features challenging terrain, including hills, dirt, and gravel.

Keilana dedicated her athletic talent to glorifying God. A talented runner, she had the ability to advance to higher competitiions. But two key qualifying races as well as the state championship would fall on Sabbath. Fortunately, officials for each race granted exemptions for Leilana to compete on the Friday preceding each race. Having to run alone, without knowing how she would compare to others, she placed high enough in each to finally advance to the championship.

The week preceding the championship, Keilana battled a cold and woke up on her Friday race day feeling tired but showing determination. Despite the challenge, she ran with strength and finished with lots of support from family and friends who had traveled to see her run. Even race officials who were prepping for the Saturday championship paused their work to watch her run.

At the finish line, the race officials presented Keilana with a citizenship medal, recognizing her dedication, resilience, and ability to compete alone while still honoring her faith.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 9, 2025
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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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Academy Volleyball Teams Create Lasting Friendships
Academy Volleyball Teams Create Lasting Friendships 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Recently, the spirit of competition and friendship flourished at Pacific Union College, where twelve women’s high school volleyball teams came together for three days of intense play and community-building.

Teams from La Sierra, Glendale, and Newbury Park, MBA, Modesto, Mt. View, and Trinity joined NCC schools Lodi, Sacramento, Pine Hills, PUC Prep, and Pleasant Hill Academies for the event. These young athletes did not just show up to compete—they came to connect and support each other.

Michael Wong, Volleyball Coach at Glendale, highlighted the tournament’s significance. “It was a great experience for our team. Watching the girls create new relationships and reconnect with others from last year. Events like these strengthen the ties that unite us.”

Matthew Lee, Athletic Director at PUC Prep and the tournament director, also emphasized the power of connection. “What I love most about this tournament is how the teams interact off the court. You see them cheering for one another, sitting together between games, and sharing meals. These moments are about building lasting, meaningful bonds.”

This spirit of unity and faith showed itself strongly on Friday when a player fell hard on the court, prompting medical personnel to arrive. It was an emotional moment when players from many teams gathered in a circle and prayed for God’s protection over the injured player. Garrison Chaffee, youth pastor, praised, “I have great hope for the future with young people who display such faith, hope, and character!”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
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Lake Tahoe Connection
Lake Tahoe Connection 3991 1988 Ken Miller

Over 100 young adults gathered in Tahoe during the weekend of September 14, drawn together by a shared desire to connect with God, build lasting friendships, and immerse themselves in the beauty of creation.

Daniel Garza, district pastor of Woodland and Vacaville churches and Chair of NCC young adult ministries, expressed his joy over the event’s impact, noting the powerful potential of these gatherings. “This age group can often feel disconnected after leaving college and stepping into the workforce,” Garza shared. “But through events like this, we’re able to engage with them socially, mentor them spiritually, and help them remain rooted in their faith and connected to a church family.”

Remarkably, many attendees were non-Adventists from the Sacramento and Bay areas, drawn by friendships forged in previous gatherings and nurtured through social media. One single mother attending the event had been seeking a way to heal her strained relationship with her son. Through connections made in this young adult network, she began attending a Bible study, noticing a gradual transformation in their bond. Participating in the Tahoe retreat together, both mother and son were deeply touched by the weekend’s messages. Inspired by their experience, they chose to take the beautiful step of requesting baptism in the lake.

Garza emphasized how events like AdvenTed, Food Truck Mania, and trips like this one build a social momentum that opens doors for authentic connections with young adults. “Friendship evangelism is at the heart of what we do,” he explained. “Through these relationships, we are able to reach, nurture, and empower young people to live for Jesus.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
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A Passion for Past and Present
A Passion for Past and Present 4000 2254 Ken Miller

The Pleasant Hill Academy library is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

Lorry Muth Gospovocheck, a former student and teacher, has spearheaded a rebuilding project as a tribute to her mother, one of the school’s first librarians. Gospovocheck is an ardent educator who deeply believes in the life-changing power of books.

Once the music room, then the library, and even the 7th and 8th-grade classroom during COVID, the space is now reimagined. A new student center will occupy the back, while the front will soon house a renewed library.

Many volunteers have jumped in and are working tirelessly to bring this project to life. Their commitment reflects the shared belief in the value of education and community spirit. This library renovation is not just about books—it’s a powerful reminder that when passion and purpose unite, amazing things happen, ensuring the library will inspire students for future generations.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve
A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Over Labor Day weekend, the Gracepoint Church hosted an area-wide youth rally with over 100 high school students attending.

The weekend’s theme was “Real Life, Real God,” presented by Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church. Youth musicians and vocalists led all worship services during the three church programs. On Sabbath afternoon, attendees participated in six service activities near downtown Sacramento.

The projects included a homeless outreach, where 150 individuals received lunch, prayer, and GLOW tracts. Another activity involved singing at three area nursing homes and creating 32 blankets for homeless shelters. A community prayer walk contacted over 50 homes near the church, and a drive-through prayer line drew a dozen drivers requesting special prayer. As a fun and creative addition, some made over 80 dog toys delivered to local animal shelters.

Caleb Serna, a participant, stated, “I enjoyed the outreach the most. I fed people experiencing homelessness, and it was nice to see how happy they were even when they had so little. It made me smile, knowing I could help others.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 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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