It has been a great honor to serve this conference for the past 19 years, first as executive secretary and then as president for the last eight years.
The Northern California Conference is truly blessed, and my wife, Marlene, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve and minister here. We have seen firsthand this conference’s deep commitment to connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and preparing them for His Second Coming.
With my recent election to serve as the president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the time has come to say farewell. I will deeply miss the pastors, principals, teachers, and support staff who faithfully give their best each day to advance God’s kingdom. I will also miss serving alongside my fellow officers, ministry department directors, and office staff, whose tireless commitment strengthens and supports our churches, schools, and ministries across the Northern California Conference.
It has been an incredible journey, and by God’s grace and power, we have accomplished much. Looking back, several moments stand out to me:
I am grateful that we have expanded opportunities for women in pastoral ministry, with more women serving as pastors than ever before in our history. I am thankful that our Conference headquarters moved to the greater Sacramento area, helping us serve our territory from a more central location. I have also deeply valued our journey toward organizational health, which has brought greater clarity, alignment, and a rich perspective as we advance God’s mission.
And I am especially encouraged by the launch of our Ending Homelessness Initiative to significantly decrease the number of those experiencing homelessness throughout our territory.
We could not have accomplished any of these things without Divine providence. So I say, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”
Thank you, NCC family, for granting me the opportunity to help lead this great conference. It has been a privilege and a joy. Let’s together remain faithful until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes to take us home!
Marc. K Woodson
