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Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale Ministered Through Music at Carnegie Hall
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale Ministered Through Music at Carnegie Hall 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s Chorale recently returned from a remarkable musical and ministry opportunity at Carnegie Hall, where students participated in the world premiere performance of a newly commissioned Christian choral work, Psalmos, by renowned composer and arranger Mark Hayes and lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri.

The performance took place in one of the world’s most celebrated concert venues and gave Rio Lindo students the rare privilege of ministering through sacred music on an international stage. Joined by soloists and orchestra, the choir helped present the premiere of a new setting of seven psalms, contributing to the living future of Christian choral repertoire.

For Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, the event was more than a musical milestone. It was an opportunity for students to witness through excellence, faith, and artistry — offering sacred text in song in a space known around the world for cultural significance and musical achievement.

“This was a deeply meaningful experience for our students,” said Whitney Weems. “To sing a brand-new sacred work in Carnegie Hall, under the direction of the composer himself, was both an artistic honor and an incredible ministry opportunity. These songs will continue to be sung by future generations of worshippers, and our students were able to represent their school, their faith, and the beauty of Christian music with great seriousness and joy.”

The new work, Psalmos, helped perpetuate sacred choral music into the future by placing fresh biblical text settings into the hands of choirs and audiences. Copies of the composition are expected to become available through MorningStar Music Publishers in 2028.

Following the Carnegie Hall residency, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s choir also presented selections from Psalmos during its Spring Concert in the academy chapel, giving the Northern California community an opportunity to hear some of the sacred music students helped bring into the world for the very first time.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 23, 2026
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Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad
Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad 3791 1962 Ken Miller

By Mark Janke

In March, Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) hosted its first-ever disc golf fundraiser at the Little Oaks course in Carmichael. By the end of the morning, 64 players had shown up—and together they raised $2,200 to help provide athletic equipment and musical instruments for children in Peru and Zambia.

The tournament was the idea of fourth-grade teacher Chris Duckett, who also built and cares for the 18-hole course on SAA’s campus. Watching other teachers find creative ways to raise money for Maranatha mission trips, he wanted to do his part—and realized disc golf might be the perfect fit.

With encouragement from Principal Matthew Jakobsons (who even jumped in to cook breakfast), the event quickly took on the feel of a true community gathering. Players came from all backgrounds—families, beginners, and experienced competitors—and many others supported the cause even if they couldn’t attend. One highlight was a raffle featuring a custom electric guitar built by SAA woodshop teacher Duane Calkins, which drew plenty of excitement.

The money raised will go toward simple but meaningful supplies—balls, recorders, guitars, and keyboards. For Duckett, it’s personal. His family will be traveling to Peru this summer, where he hopes to help deliver the items in person.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City
Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City 3887 2016 Ken Miller

In March, members of the Hayward Spanish Church stepped into Union City with one goal: to lay the groundwork for a future church. Every visit, conversation, and act of service was part of building relationships that could grow into a thriving congregation.

Volunteers knocked on doors, listened to neighbors’ stories, shared meals, handed out literature, and prayed with residents—meeting real needs while planting seeds for the church. Youth and young adults led activities, guided conversations, and modeled kindness and a servant’s heart, showing the community that the church is present, caring, and ready to serve.

In advance the teams set up posters with messages of hope, invited residents to gatherings, and filled the streets with Christian music, creating spaces where neighbors felt welcome and engaged. The result? Residents opened up—some asking for prayer for family health, others eager to join a Bible study, and a few expressing interests in community meals or youth programs. Several shared contact information, giving the team a path for follow-up and ongoing relationship-building.

“Seeing neighbors open up and share their needs reminded us why we serve together,” said Stennett Nash, pastor of the Hayward Spanish Church. “Every visit, every conversation, every act of service is a step toward planting a church here.“The day ended with new friendships formed, prayer requests collected, and a sense of hope for what’s to come—a first step in a journey that will continue as the church grows alongside the community it serves.

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026</em>

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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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Student Leaders Training Student Leaders
Student Leaders Training Student Leaders 3875 2008 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference Youth Department recently hosted its annual Freshman-Sophomore Retreat at Leoni Meadows, bringing together 375 students from our schools. The weekend offered more than just activities—it was designed to help students deepen their understanding of the truth found in biblical stories and develop new tools to apply that truth in their daily lives.

Guiding the retreat was a dedicated team of 58 juniors and seniors who had completed a two-day training with the youth ministry team. Eddie Heinrich, youth and young adult director, explained, “We guide these leaders on how to engage with the younger students from the very first day, creating a steady progression of intimacy and reflection. By Sunday, the goal is to have fostered real, meaningful connections.”

By the end of the weekend, students left equipped with not only a more in-depth understanding of the Bible but also strengthened skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Heinrich concluded, “Our hope is that they return to their schools ready to demonstrate what they’ve learned and model Christlike behavior with their classmates.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026

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Saddle Up for VBS Season!
Saddle Up for VBS Season! 3875 2012 Ken Miller

By Barry van Iderstein

Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children’s evangelism, NCC Children and Family Ministries Director Barry van Iderstein hosted nearly 80 guests at the annual VBS Workshop, introducing the newly reimagined SDA VBS program, Cactusville.

Seasoned VBS leaders may recall Cactusville from over six years ago. The North American Division, which produces SDA VBS programs, retooled this classic as part of early preparations for the 2027 VBS program—with music videos already recorded! Sharing the program in advance gives VBS leaders a head start in planning, helping them formulate implementation strategies, create scripts, and determine how many actors will be needed for this classic summer ministry.

Cactusville transports kids to a Wild West desert town where they discover gold nuggets of faith in every Bible story. Each day features interactive games, crafts, skits, and theme songs that bring the Bible to life, helping children understand how God is calling them to follow Him. From opening “round-up” sessions to fun station rotations, this program gives kids a week of faith-filled adventure they won’t forget.

VBS continues to be one of the most popular and impactful summer programs for churches, offering a highly engaging way to teach children the Bible, develop leadership skills in volunteers, and make a lasting impression on families. Investing in VBS is investing in the next generation of faithful disciples—an opportunity your church won’t want to miss.

For more information on VBS programming or training to host a VBS week, contact Barry at barry@nccsda.com today. Yee-haw!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued—about fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows
Finding Community in the Mountains: Young Adults Gather at Leoni Meadows 4004 2250 Ken Miller

In a season of life when many young adults are searching for connection, purpose, and a place to belong, a simple weekend at Leoni Meadows became something more—a reminder that authentic community is still possible, and that the NCC and its churches are committed to supporting this age group.

One hundred twenty-five young adults gathered for the retreat, and from the start, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Presenters encouraged participants to engage fully in the weekend. They emphasized the importance of creating spaces where young adults can ask honest questions, explore doubts, and discover their personal faith, while also building meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.

Question and answer sessions highlighted the honesty and curiosity of the group. Questions submitted anonymously on phones sparked open conversations, and the panel’s transparency modeled the kind of spiritual authenticity this generation values. Young adults are seeking authentic relationships, safe spaces to share struggles, mentorship, and opportunities to actively live out their faith—all of which were reflected in the weekend’s activities. The prayer room quickly became a favorite place, offering a quiet space to reflect, while the growing prayer wall invited participants to share hopes, concerns, and prayer requests.

This weekend also marked a new chapter. Plans are underway for a mission trip to Alaska in August 2026, during which young adults will help run a summer camp. The annual Leoni retreat will now move permanently to January, with the next gathering scheduled for January 8–10, 2027.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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Young Adults Finding Faith—and Each Other
Young Adults Finding Faith—and Each Other 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Across Northern California, young adults are discovering that faith grows best in shared life—around campfires, on trails, and beneath the stars.

One ministry has seen significant growth since a few pastors and church leaders started engaging young adults in meaningful ways within their churches and social circles. What began with Sabbath School, vespers, and a ten-person camping trip started by Joseph Cartwright from the Auburn church—has grown into a community led by young adults with a heart for creating spaces of worship, conversation, and friendship.

Camping retreats have become a highlight of the ministry. A trip to Big Sur and Tahoe last year saw baptisms as part of the weekends. This year, the Lake Tahoe retreat drew more than 100 campers, marking the largest gathering yet. RJ Gamboa, GC Director of Sidewalk Evangelism, and his wife, Charinette, joined the group to speak on living fully surrendered to Jesus under the theme “Above the Noise.”

Connection is what fuels this ministry. Friends invite friends. Coworkers bring coworkers. People come from different churches—and even beyond the Adventist community—to hike, paddleboard, share meals, and talk late into the night. Faith becomes something lived, not just discussed.

Looking ahead, the Young Adult Retreat at Leoni Meadows, December 5–7, is the official event sponsored by the NCC Young Adult Ministries Department. “We are very excited about this event because last year was such an amazing experience,” said Eddie Heinrich, director. “This year’s focus is on building relationships and getting closer to Jesus. With speakers Taj Pacleb, K’Dee Crews, Marlene Rodriguez, and Marc Woodson, it promises to be a meaningful weekend for everyone attending.”

Sometimes, finding faith begins with simply finding each other—and this growing community keeps taking that step.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director.
Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director. 3583 1833 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference (NCC) is delighted to welcome Elias Esquivel as Leoni Meadows Camp Director. He will start in October.

For Esquivel, camp ministry has been more than a career—it has been a lifelong passion and calling. His journey began in 1999, when, as a 14-year-old, he worked in the dish room at Pine Lake Retreat in the Florida Conference. “Camp ministry is my passion,” Elias reflects, “because it changes lives, and it changed mine.” He would go on to spend ten years at Camp Kulaqua in Florida, serving as the Operations Manager before moving back to Pine Lake as the Camp Manager. Eventually, his path led him north to the Ohio Conference, where he spent five summers at Camp Mohaven, four of those years as Camp Manager.

Elias combines a passion for ministry with practical skills. Growing up on a farm, he learned responsibility early, driving tractors at age five and fixing what needed repair. He later studied structural engineering and earned a business degree, giving him what he calls “a well-rounded grasp of plant operations and systems.”

Camp has shaped Elias’ life in many ways—including personally. During a Bible workers’ program at camp, he met his wife, Lizandra. For twenty years, they have built their life around faith, ministry, and service, and today they’re raising two children, Elijah (14) and Lilah Ruth (11).

At the heart of Elias’ vision for Leoni Meadows is a promise from Scripture that has guided him throughout his life:” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

“Throughout my life I’ve tried to seek God’s will, and it doesn’t always line up with my own,” Elias reflects. “But I know God’s plan is better than mine, and He declares that He will prosper us and not harm us. I always defer to Him, knowing His plan is the best.”

Stepping into leadership at Leoni Meadows, Elias’ priority is people and mission. “My goal is to listen and learn the operation well, then chart a plan forward,” he says. “We’ll keep strengthening programs, investing in safety and excellence, and serving kids and families. None of this happens without our dedicated staff—I want them to know how essential they are to the camp’s success.”

With broad experience, practical skill, and deep spiritual conviction, Elias is ready to lead Leoni Meadows into its next chapter—in this place, children, families, and staff encounter Jesus in transformative ways. Please join us in welcoming Elias Esquivel and his family. We’re excited for what God will do next at Leoni Meadows—where unforgettable experiences, Christ-centered community, and life-changing moments continue to flourish.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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