麻豆官网

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

Ministerial

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Generational Bonds Strengthened at 锘縆orean Camp Meeting
Generational Bonds Strengthened at 锘縆orean Camp Meeting 4320 2880 Ken Miller

Korean Camp Meeting this year at Pacific Union College was a profound and transformative experience, with over 1,200 attendees filling the campus. James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries Coordinator, remarked, 鈥淎fter a slowdown due to the pandemic, the yearly event has a renewed energy and purpose.鈥�

A significant sign of this revival was the notably higher participation by young adults. Lim continued, 鈥淥ur younger generation is getting more involved with their home churches. In a time dominated by digital interactions, seeing them seek face-to-face fellowship at camp meeting was encouraging. By Sabbath, it was evident the Holy Spirit was sowing unity and spiritual renewal with the audience.鈥�

Getting together each year brings together families and members from Northern and abroad. Lim continued, 鈥淪eeing so many generations of members and children was heartwarming. This event continues to be a valuable resource in winning souls for heaven, nurturing spiritual growth, and strengthening family and community bonds.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

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鈥攊t’s an 麻豆官网 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, 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

Craig Heinrich, camp director, reflected, 鈥淥ur daily mission is to connect our visitors to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and prepare them for His soon return.聽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.鈥�

The staff鈥檚 impact on campers is profound, showing a motivation to love, serve, and teach. Wrangler camp staff member Elia Privat witnessed, 鈥淲e 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.鈥�

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Joy at Redwood Camp Meeting
Joy at Redwood Camp Meeting 3894 2072 Ken Miller

On July 27, another week of praise, worship and fellowship at Redwood Camp Meeting came to a close.

Harry Salvini, camp director, praised a dedicated team of volunteers, 麻豆官网 pastors, staff, invited speakers, and campers who contributed to a blessed and successful week of worship under the Redwoods.

Becky Farfan, camp registrar, reported that 430 campsites were filled, and more than 1,300 individuals went through the registration process. These numbers did not include those staying in local hotels or visiting for the day. She noted, “By the end of the week, over fifty families showed their enthusiasm by pre-registering for camp in 2025!”

Paul Guevara, Hispanic ministries coordinator, highlighted a significant attendance increase in the Hispanic division. A volunteer passing by Sequoia Grove, the Spanish language amphitheater, exclaimed, 鈥淚 heard the most glorious music flowing from that area like it was coming straight from heaven.鈥�

Joyful pastors and division leaders indicated that parents and children greatly appreciated the fun and engaging spiritual programming. One family, initially planning to leave halfway through the week, was strongly encouraged by their children to stay for the entire time so they wouldn’t miss a meeting.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reflected, 鈥淎s I was walking back from a friend’s site on the final night, I could hear the laughter of happy families echoing through the tall trees. I felt simultaneously exhausted and energized and thanked God for letting me be a part of this wonderful ministry.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, August , 2024
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Transformative Mission Trip
Transformative Mission Trip 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In a remarkable demonstration of faith and service, over sixty pastors, workers, and family members from the Northern California Conference journeyed to Southern Mindanao in the Philippines from June 20 to July 1.

Responding to an invitation from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, the mission trip was a profoundly impactful outreach endeavor for both the residents of Southern Mindanao and the participating pastors, laymen, and their families. Ron Yabut, pastor of the Anderson church, explained, 鈥淭he pastors, speaking in 24 different churches, encounteredan abundance of first-time listeners, and the Holy Spirit moved, sowing seeds, changing hearts, and leading 1,720 souls to baptism.”

Jeffrey Maxwell, risk management director, expressed, “The churches of Southern Mindanao proved very wealthy in the riches of faith and good works. I was very impressed that the church I spoke in, besides being amazingly hospitable, was a church where 80% of their membership gives 10% on top of their tithe!” This is a culture of generosity that is not unlike what was experienced during the early Christian church.

Sasa Andelkovic, pastor of the Sacramento Yugoslavian church, exclaimed,聽鈥淭he main language of communication between our group and the Filipino people was love expressed through deeds of kindness. I realized from this experience that I must reciprocate in kind, that I must preach about the goodness of God, and I must do so through service as well. People wonderfully responded to our ministry, but they also ministered back to us. It was a wonderful exchange of God鈥檚 love.鈥�

Josie Asencio, pastor of the Antioch church, stated, “It is always a blessing to introduce a community to women pastors. It is a difficult responsibility to steward, and God gave me the opportunity to show how he is using women for His glory in a place that does not have women pastors. I am humbled by the opportunity that God gave me to show that the Holy Spirit can work through female pastors. For an entire week I got to create a new norm for children especially the young girls. I can鈥檛 wait to see how God is going to use these newly baptized children to further his work in Mindanao.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 8, 2024
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team
Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team 1600 1200 Ken Miller

Jon Cicle recently accepted the position of Assistant to the President.

Cicle returns to the Northern California Conference from the Eagle Rock Church in Southern California, where he was the senior pastor.

His career began in the Southeastern California Conference as a youth pastor of the Victorville Church. He was ordained while pastoring in the Valley Center and Poway Church district. Moving to Northern, he served for 21 years, which included youth pastor of Pacific Union College Church, pastor of the Vallejo Central church, and pastor of the Orangevale church.

He remarked about his career, 鈥淚鈥檝e learned to try things that have never been tried before, grown to understand the complexities of diverse congregations, and learned to listen for understanding rather than for response. Through it all, my goal has been and continues to be lifting up Jesus with vision and a sense of mission.鈥�

Cicle has enhanced his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University with professional development, including coaching certifications with StrengthsFinder, Natural Church Development, and Prepare-Enrich Marriage counseling. He stated, 鈥淭he passage of scripture that keeps me grounded is聽Hebrews 12:2 ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.’鈥�

Marc Woodson, president stated, 鈥淚鈥檓 so glad that Jon came back to Northern to serve as Assistant to the President after a short stint away. His many years of pastoral ministry experience and his giftedness will serve our conference well. I鈥檓 so glad to have him as a part of my team.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, August 8, 2024
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Mission in Action Part 2 of 3
Mission in Action Part 2 of 3 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.

This is the second edition (read part 1 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.

A Celebration in Heaven

Sabbath began like any other at Capital City Church, but it would turn into a day etched in the memories of many. Before Pastor Damian Chandler took to the pulpit, the congregation witnessed the joyful baptism of four individuals. As the special moment concluded, while still in the baptistry, Chandler asked, “Are there people in the audience wondering if the pool is still warm? There is still time; there is still time!”

Little did anyone know what God had in store. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully over a man who had decided to attend the worship service that day. Witnessing the baptisms, Jeremiah Douglas stood up and proclaimed, “Today is my day, and this is my time.” With tears of joy, he accepted his Lord and Savior and was baptized. As Jeremiah shared his testimony, people could be seen walking up the aisle, ready to make their commitments.

The pastoral team, Damian Chandler and Jason Bulgin, overwhelmed with emotion, watched as person after person stood up and walked to the front to be baptized. Chandler exclaimed, “I’m a witness today that it’s never too late. Three more baptisms to go. The Holy Spirit is stirring the water.”

But the Holy Spirit was far from finished. Salem, a soccer player, shared his heartfelt journey, explaining how he had to “tiptoe through Adventism” to minister to his family and team members. After his friends were baptized, he joyfully declared, “Give your gift to the Lord, and He will use it to His glory. I was afraid until I saw my children get up and not be afraid. I felt the Lord convict me to be baptized today.”

Chandler, moved by the Spirit, said, ” Get out of your seat and re-commit your life to Jesus. You know who you are. I’m going to keep this robe on.” A young girl responded, walking up and saying, “I want to get baptized now. God has called me to an amazing life.”

More people followed her into the baptismal pool, giving their lives to God. One man, tears streaming down his face and mingling with the water from the pool, proclaimed, “I am finally saved, thank you, Lord! I had no faith, but You found me! I was dead, and You found me! You don’t know, but there are nasty places, and I have walked them. And Lord, You brought me back!”

Three siblings committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized. A married couple celebrating their anniversary that day also chose to be baptized. Associate Pastor Jason Bulgin tearfully baptized his adult daughter. A woman named Kimberly, who had been watching the service online, felt the Spirit move her so strongly that she got dressed and then drove to the church to be baptized.

Ricardo Graham, retired Union President, attended with Audrey, his wife, “We were sitting there preparing to hear Pastor Chandler’s final sermon. After the call, so many people lined up for baptism, many teens and young adults. We had never seen anything like that in our 47 years of ministry!”

By the end of this extraordinary day, after spending two hours in the baptismal pool, 30 people had given their lives to the Lord through baptism and the profession of faith.

Raven, a church attendee, summarized the day perfectly: “It was a spirit-filled day. I didn’t realize at the time that my friend had gone up for baptism to re-commit herself 鈥� it was a joyful surprise to me and others as she hadn’t planned it. Watching my friend open up about her journey and boldly speak about the life with Christ she desires is inspiring and encouraging to continue uplifting those around us in prayer.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 25, 2024

#nccsda

Missing Something? Sign up for Northern Lights, the weekly news source for the Northern California Conference.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.
CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS

漏 2024 麻豆官网聽| 2100 Douglas Blvd. Roseville, CA 95661 | P. O. Box 619015 Roseville, CA 95661-9015聽| (916) 886-5600 | info@nccsda.com

Enter your
text here