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

Youth

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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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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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Back to School Joy and Excitement!
Back to School Joy and Excitement! 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The wheels of NCC education are spinning again, accelerating into a new year filled with hope.

As classes kick off, the excitement is tangible. Principals and teachers have met, aligning on the latest policies and embracing the mission ahead. Students are joyfully reacquainting with friends, getting used to new classrooms, and diving into their subjects.

Our Adventist schools uniquely blend academics with spiritual growth, fostering strong moral character and a deep personal relationship with God. Albert Miller, Superintendent, explained, “With high academic standards and small class sizes, our schools create a supportive environment that prepares students for life and eternity.”

As a result, many of our schools are reporting increases in enrollment. Rio Lindo Academy is welcoming about 40 new students, Pine Hills is increasing by 14, and El Dorado is reporting over 12 new beaming faces.

The contagious enthusiasm among educators and students is setting the stage for a year of growth, learning, and lasting memories. Let’s keep all our schools, students, and educators in our prayers.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time
Leoni Meadows: Transforming Lives One Camp at a Time 3897 2051 Ken Miller

Leoni Meadows Camp is more than just a retreat center and camp—it’s an NCC ministry that creates abundant joy for children and adults of Northern and many other conferences, states, and an occasional country. In 2023, 20% of the guests who visited Leoni were not from Northern.

Kristen Lo from Sonora, California, is one of them, as she explains her Family Camp experience, “This was our second year at family camp. Every activity resonated with our family; there was something for everyone. What truly stood out was the exceptional staff. Their kindness and patience, reflecting the traits of Jesus, will keep us coming back.”

Craig Heinrich, camp director, reflected, “Our daily mission is to connect our visitors to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and prepare them for His soon return. Since COVID and the Caldor fire, returning the camp to normal has been challenging. This summer was the first in many where I could truly state everything was normal.”

The staff’s impact on campers is profound, showing a motivation to love, serve, and teach. Wrangler camp staff member Elia Privat witnessed, “We celebrated nine baptisms at teen camp and six more at junior camp this summer. For each, the staff gathered around the kids as they were baptized, praying, singing, and cheering as they emerged from the water. Watching the Holy Spirit work was incredibly inspiring. It united us as a team and motivated us to serve each other and each camper at a deeper level.”

Leoni Meadows is a beacon of hope and service and a place for spiritual growth, which impacts those who spend time there. Its success as a ministry is a testament to a team of cheerful givers, tireless volunteers, and employees who find immense joy and satisfaction in providing a camp and retreat center that honors God.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 22, 2024
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A Storm of Joy
A Storm of Joy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Approximately 55,000 Pathfinders worldwide, including over 900 from Northern, gathered in Gillette, Wyoming, from August 6 to 11. With residents and pathfinders combined, it became the largest city in Wyoming by population for a week!

Opening day started with a bang—and rain, hail, and wind. Campers rushed into meeting halls for shelter and safety while lakes as deep as ten inches formed and flooded many tents, drenching sleeping bags and luggage. In contrast to the weather outside, thousands of joyful campers praising God could be heard singing from the impromptu indoor havens, defying the storm’s ferocity.

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Director, stated, “What is a camporee without some weather and challenges? I’m sure the enemy loves to provoke commotion when our worldwide clubs gather to praise God for a week! The hand of God was very evident leading up to and during the Camporee.”

As the days passed, eager youth continued to earn honors, march, and exchange pins. One Northern camper mentioned that his favorite activity was Dutch Oven cooking over an open fire. Another popular activity was gold panning, led by NCC area coordinators with help from Roseville Church member Joe Lee, who developed the honor.

Amidst the excitement of new friendships, activities, and challenges, many dedicated their lives to God through baptism, including 14 from Northern. There was an extra celebration for Grant Gulke from the Napa Valley club, who asked for baptism after being a Pathfinder for 30 years.

Janeen Little, the associate pastor of the Lodi Fairmont church, stated, “It was incredible to see kids meet Jesus and commit to Him. In the midst of challenges, they were resilient and insistent on having fun! God is still on the move, and this generation is following Him to the promised land!

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern
Waves and Thunder rolled Through Northern 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Every summer, NCC churches prepare for a special event that brings their communities together in a whirlwind of excitement, faith, and discovery.

With the adventurous Thunder Island and SCUBA themes this year, Vacation Bible School (VBS) became a journey into the tropical islands, the ocean’s depths, and, more importantly, into the hearts of the children and families who attended.

Over 1,600 children attended VBS across our territory. Nearly 60% from non-Adventist backgrounds dove into this week-long adventure, with 36% returning from previous years. This percentage indicates sustained engagement with the local church.

Kimberly Riddle of the Tracy church stated, “VBS gives us an opportunity to work as a church team and also connect with families and volunteers we may only see during VBS.”

Behind the scenes, more than 360 volunteers of all ages guided the children through the activities. As reported, Jaymes Cheney from Carmichael Church stated, “Seeing my son excited to be at church and about his group leader, Dylan, a high school student, is incredible. It’s so great to see students helping inspire the younger kids.”

As reported by Yvette Reiber, a highlight of the week for the Yuba City Church, was the story of Jonah told inside a makeshift whale’s belly, complete with bubbles, mist, and seaweed. The 17 preschoolers were captivated, their eyes wide with wonder. At this moment, they revealed the true power of VBS—teaching biblical stories in ways that resonate deeply with young hearts and minds.

Barry van Iderstein, Director of Children’s Ministries, shared decorations and support materials with thirteen churches this summer to help them maximize resources and stretch small budgets. “It is inspiring to see how our smaller churches can host big-church VBS programs that truly impact and engage the children of their communities. I’m already looking forward to next year, with the recent release of the 2025 SDA VBS program, Mountain of Miracles.”

If you have ever attended, you know VBS is a whirlpool of high energy, fun, and joy. Like the ocean waves and warm tropical breeze, the Holy Spirit flows through VBS, connecting children and their families closer to an abundant life with Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 15, 2024
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Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3
Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3 3844 2031 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development
It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

This is the third edition (read part 1 here) (read part 2 here) of three Northern Lights stories highlighting three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women’s Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

The Power of Faith: Summer on the Run Brings Hope and Transformation

June 24-28: Summer on the Run stories are filled with the Holy Spirit’s touch, creating a space for service and building trust in a community. This year was no exception. The unique outreach program, in partnership with Stockton Central Church, welcomed 105 community youth, offering them an unforgettable experience.

The impact of the program was evident when a neighborhood youth chose to attend church instead of going on a planned boat trip, sharing, “I had such a great time with the kids and staff that I wanted to be around them more.”

David Peckham, the church pastor, joyfully shared, “Our church team, comprised of passionate adults and spirited youth, eagerly prepared for this traveling summer program. Our volunteers went door to door, inviting children to join us for an extraordinary week of activities. The team also spread the word through flyers in our neighborhood, bulletin inserts in other churches, and even reached out to a non-denominational school next door.”

With the dedication of over 30 volunteers, nearly 500 lunches were served during the week as children participated in games, challenges, and worship activities. Peckham added, “The Holy Spirit was undeniably present and moving hearts. Two volunteers, who had only planned to help for one day, were so moved that they committed to baptism.”

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Director, explained the challenges faced, “The park city officials where we host the event told us that we could not host the event at all. After much prayer and a second request, we received great news—the city officials reconsidered and allowed us to host the event. The Holy Spirit moved their hearts, and it was a true miracle that inspired further action.”

Peckham continued, “Many of our guests eagerly asked about other church events, and we will continue to maintain our connection with this young community.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Larry Unterseher Memorial
Larry Unterseher Memorial 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Elder Larry Unterseher, whose work left an indelible mark on the NCC community, passed to his rest suddenly on July 22 at the Redwood Camp Meeting near Eureka, California.

During his career, he worked as a pastor and elementary teacher with the Upper Columbia Conference, a Dakota Conference principal, a Montana Conference Director, and the Nevada-Utah Conference President. He joined NCC in 2014 as the Pastor of Small Schools.

Albert Miller, NCC Superintendent of Schools, expressed, “Larry was a man who loved Jesus and kids, and it showed in everything he did. He took his ministry to the students and staff of our small schools seriously and invested an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure they knew about his friend Jesus! Larry is already greatly missed.”

Marc Woodson, NCC President, stated, “Our NCC family is devastated by the loss of Larry Unterseher. Pastor Larry was passionate about connecting young people to Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return. He was so gifted in ministry and had a wonderful and creative way of sharing the gospel with those he met, especially the children he served. Many times, Larry would drop by my office to encourage me as a spiritual leader. I know that he did the same with many other leaders as well. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and the entire Unterseher family. We long for the day Christ shall return and we will be reunited with those loved ones we lost along the way. May Jesus soon come!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church Auditorium. The service will be in-person and live-streamed. Please visit the family’s special dedication page for more details on how to join the online stream.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Carmichael VBS a Bustling Circus of Activity
Carmichael VBS a Bustling Circus of Activity 3989 2531 Ken Miller

Each summer, many churches in our territory offer Vacation Bible School. The annual community outreaches are a testament to faithful tithe givers and generous donations.

The Carmichael Church Vacation Bible School (VBS) has a rich tradition of serving community children while enriching the lives of youth and adult volunteers. Recently, junior high and high school students gathered daily to teach, share joy in singing, and worship with over 100 younger children.

Youth pastor Benji Ferguson highlighted their program’s dual benefits: “Our VBS allows both youth and adult church members to invite neighborhood families to our church for a fun and edifying experience. It’s also a great opportunity for our volunteers to tap into their spiritual gifts by decorating rooms, learning storylines, acting, and disciplining every child entering their station.”

Associate pastor and VBS coordinator Melissa Howell expressed her pride in the Carmichael team: “Every day, VBS is a joy, a blessing, and a bustling circus of activity. I couldn’t be more proud of the event we put on.” This sentiment was echoed by many youth volunteers. Sophomore Kian exclaimed, “I love working with the kids and being part of why they are having fun.” Freshman Melody added, “I love how excited everyone is to learn about God.”

The summer tradition’s positive and welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse audience, including a single father who had just moved to the area with his two young children. After seeing the outdoor sign on the church lawn, he brought his children every night.

Ferguson concluded, “It is a privilege to teach and learn from our volunteers. They understand the church’s mission to serve the community, and each uses their creativity and talents to show God’s love. I can’t wait for VBS next summer!”

Did your church have a VBS program this year? Take our short survey and tell us about it!

Featured in Northern Lights, July 11, 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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