麻豆官网

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Church Growth/Evangelism

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Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise
Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise 549 444 Ken Miller

September 7- Zach Reiber was installed as pastor of the Paradise Church.

Rudy Peters, 麻豆官网 African American Ministries Coordinator, stated, 鈥淭here is a fantastic sense of excitement and anticipation from Pastor Reiber and the church congregation about what they will accomplish together through their ministry.”

锘縍eiber started his ministry in our territory in 2011 as the Assistant Pastor of the Pleasant Hill church until he attended seminary training. He earned his Master of Divinity in 2017 from Andrews University and returned to the 麻豆官网 in 2018 as the pastor of the Yuba City church.

Reiber commented about his new position, 鈥淢y family and I are so blessed to be welcomed in by such a warm and loving community. The ministry leaders here desire to earnestly seek God鈥檚 will and head passionately in that direction. I can鈥檛 wait to see what God has planned for our time together as we serve the community of Paradise.鈥�

Reiber shares his life with Yvette, his wife of 14 years. They find great joy in raising their daughter Caroline, age 3.

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, 鈥淚 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.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance
Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance 4000 2250 Ken Miller

At Concord International Church, abundance is joyfully measured by the number of families they are privileged to serve each week.

Every Thursday, about 70 enthusiastic volunteers from the church and local community come together to create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, providing groceries to over 700 individuals. This weekly gathering has become a beacon of hope and connection, where the spirit of giving thrives.

Since its humble beginnings in 2020, the food pantry has blossomed into a beloved weekly event that brings the community together. What started as a small act of faith has grown into a dependable ministry that the community trusts and cherishes. Scott Groschel, co-director, shared, 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping people make a difference in their lives. Many face tough choices between paying for food, electricity, or gas to get to work. Here, they don鈥檛 have to choose鈥攖hey can find nutritious food and a sense of relief. It鈥檚 amazing to be part of something that positively impacts our community.鈥�

The pantry鈥檚 success is built on a foundation of generosity and partnerships with local food banks, Costco, and Safeway. As Scott Groschel observed, 鈥淭his is more than just a place to get food鈥攊t鈥檚 a community. People come here and make friendships while they wait in line or shop. It鈥檚 wonderful to see how faith and kindness bring people together.鈥� The pantry鈥檚 dedication to service has even garnered recognition, earning them an award from the Foodbank of Contra Costa and Solano and support from local city council members.

Gigi Groschel, the director, is grateful for the blessings that have poured into this ministry. 鈥淕od has blessed this ministry far beyond what we ever imagined, allowing us to reach so many more people in need,鈥� she said, her voice full of joy. 鈥淲e have countless opportunities to share with each person about the God we serve, and we can see the Holy Spirit working in their lives. It鈥檚 truly incredible to witness God鈥檚 amazing work!鈥�

Concord International Church鈥檚 food pantry is a shining example of how faith, service, and community spirit can create an abundance of blessings for everyone involved.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 22, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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National Night Out Shares Christ鈥檚 Love
National Night Out Shares Christ鈥檚 Love 3337 1891 Ken Miller

Businesses, services, and community organizations, including the Union City Church, actively participated in the local National Night Out in August, aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting safety partnerships between neighborhoods and law enforcement.

Mickel Jenkins, pastor at the Union City Church, shared their approach, highlighting the impact of a simple setup: an easy-up canopy and a table filled with tracts. “Throughout the evening,” he explained, “we distributed over one hundred GLOW tracts in Spanish and English. Additionally, several community members filled out contact interest cards, expressing a desire to learn more about our church and its services.”

National Night Out emphasizes building a better, more connected community. It鈥檚 a day when neighbors come together to support one another, and organizations like Union City Church play a crucial role in making this possible. Their presence raises awareness and provides an opportunity for meaningful interactions, strengthening the bonds within the community.

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鈥檚 Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries鈥� 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鈥檚 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, 鈥淚 had such a great time with the kids and staff that I wanted to be around them more.鈥�

David Peckham, the church pastor, joyfully shared, 鈥淥ur 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.鈥�

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, 鈥淭he 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.鈥�

Eddie Heinrich, 麻豆官网 Youth Director, explained the challenges faced, 鈥淭he 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鈥攖he 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.鈥�

Peckham continued, 鈥淢any of our guests eagerly asked about other church events, and we will continue to maintain our connection with this young community.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Ending Homelessness by 2032
Ending Homelessness by 2032 986 738 Ken Miller

Over the past year, our Council on Homelessness has worked tirelessly towards a high-level goal: achieving functional zero for a homeless population group in each county where we are present by 2032. This is an urgent mission, as functional zero means making homelessness rare and brief when it occurs, a milestone we are determined to reach.

Key initiatives include:

  • Developing the 1st Annual Summit on Ending Homelessness, to be held in November 2024.
  • Creating an Ending Homelessness Initiative Taskforce (EHIT) for each county where we are present, starting with Placer County.
  • Collaborating with Placer County to end homelessness for veterans.

Your civic engagement, advocacy, and healthcare expertise are crucial to our mission. We need three new members with these skills. Your knowledge and skills will be instrumental in expanding our efforts and guiding our work to end homelessness in our territory by 2032.

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the relevant expertise, we encourage you to join our Council on Homelessness.

With your help, we can make a significant impact and improve lives. We are committed to this cause and look forward to your contribution.

  • Ken Miller
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Mission in Action, Part 1
Mission in Action, Part 1 4000 2250 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.

Over the following issues of Northern Lights, we will highlight three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women鈥檚 Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries鈥� Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

A Glimpse of the Kingdom of God by Matthew Baker, District Pastor

June 13 was a Sabbath to remember, echoing the sentiment of everyone involved in its organization. It was designated as Women鈥檚 Ministry Emphasis Sabbath.

The day began with Juanita Baker, the Women鈥檚 Ministry Regional Facilitator, unveiling a spectacular program featuring three speakers. Juanita herself preached about the 鈥淲oman at the Well,鈥� followed by a captivating first-person narrative performance by Janice Nelson, which was both historical and Biblical.

Simultaneously, at the Eureka Church, Kate Edwards presented a message entitled 鈥淗igher Ground,鈥� garnering positive feedback from members and visitors alike.

After the Arcata-McKinleyville service and a fellowship meal, Niki Eby shared a powerful testimony of healing in Jesus after her sister鈥檚 tragic death. This testimony inspired attendee Holly Klopfenstein to share, 鈥淚t was amazing to hear Nicole Eby’s testimony because only God can give the spirit of forgiveness that she exhibits. She showed what the Spirit can do in our lives if we let Him.鈥澛燘rad Nelson, a volunteer stated, 鈥淭he Women鈥檚 Ministry weekend was very inspiring. Listening to the testimony on the loss of a sister by murder had a large impact on me. It showed me what God鈥檚 tremendous love can do for us by turning ashes into beauty.鈥� A grief recovery session followed, offering practical advice on how to recover from tragic events.

As the day seemed to wind down, conversations and expressions of appreciation continued, fostering unity and a sense of shared experience. The final concert by the Adoration Choir, led by Dr. Jim Tayag from Sacramento聽in the sanctuary, felt like a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, leaving everyone uplifted and united. Indeed, it was a busy day, but undeniably, it was a Sabbath to remember!

Featured in Northern Lights, July 18, 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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Granite Bay Serves Panama
Granite Bay Serves Panama 1600 1200 Ken Miller

In April 2024, over 250 members and friends of Granite Bay Hilltop church, set out for the beautiful country of Panama for a weeklong mission trip.

The Panama mission project focused on three lines of ministry, including medical and dental Clinic, 2) Church Building Projects, and 3) Pastoral Training and Capacity building. The busy week would conclude on Sabbath with a gathering of SDA church members from around the country.

The medical and dental clinic, a collaboration between the Panama Union, Ministry of Health, Granite Bay leaders, and the Holy Spirit, served 1,750 patients over four days. Each day, healthcare professionals and auxiliary staff arrived to find hundreds of patients waiting to be seen. The healthcare team expressed their joy to serve and cited Christ’s words in Acts 20:35, 鈥溾�業t is more blessed to give than to receive.鈥欌��

During the team鈥檚 time in Panama, two major church-building projects were carried out on the outskirts of Panama City. The projects would provide infrastructure and invaluable support to local communities. Volunteers remodeled a church in time for the first Sabbath service and laid the foundation for another church.

For two consecutive days, volunteers and the 麻豆官网 pastoral staff at Granite Bay Hilltop church provided training to 150 pastors and church leaders from various parts of Panama City. In addition, they were provided with the course material to continue studying it in depth and share it in future training with their church members and lay gospel workers.

The Granite Bay Hilltop Church remains committed to fulfilling the gospel commission of Matthew 28:19-20, with a unified purpose under the Holy Spirit, looking forward to Christ鈥檚 soon return.
Featured in Northern Lights, June 27, 2024
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Passionate Hard Workers Ready Redwood
Passionate Hard Workers Ready Redwood 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Over Memorial Day weekend, over 60 dedicated volunteers gathered at Redwood Camp Meeting grounds for the annual spring cleanup. Harry Salvini, camp director, stated, 鈥淭he wonderful redwood trees that make our campground so special also create challenging obstacles, namely fallen limbs, leaves, and toppled trees. We are grateful for the work this group accomplished over the weekend!鈥�

With high grasses to be mowed, mountains of branches to be cleared, brush to be cut and downed trees to be removed, the volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the grounds for the upcoming July 21-27 camp meeting. Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, noted, 鈥淲e鈥檙e attributing the overwhelming turnout this weekend to the camp’s increased interactions on social media, our dedicated church Ambassadors, and the camp’s new website nccsda.com/rac .”

The increase in volunteers follows the trend in current pre-registration totals, up 30% over last year. Salvini exclaimed, 鈥淲e are thrilled that young and old families are choosing to come to Redwood this summer!鈥�

One volunteer said, “This weekend was a fantastic family getaway. Everyone pitched in on important projects and enjoyed potlucks and free campsites with coworkers.鈥� The consensus was that the work and camaraderie left everyone feeling satisfied, knowing that they had contributed to preserving the grounds. It was an enriching experience for all involved.

Shaw concluded, 鈥淲e are excited to see growth in Redwood’s attendance this year. I believe that with Northern California Conference’s excellent programming, marketing support and the spirit of unity, hard work, and dedication displayed during the cleanup weekend. God can achieve great things when people come together for a common cause.”

Redwood Camp Meeting, scheduled for July 21-27, promises to be an enriching and uplifting experience for all who attend. For more information, visit nccsda.com/rac.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 13, 2024
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