The celebration brought together members from Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Seventh-day Adventist Churches, where Washington and his wife, Jeanice Warden-Washington, served for four and a half years. While leaving those congregations was difficult, the Washingtons trusted that God was leading them to a new chapter of ministry. Reflecting on the transition, Washington shared, “They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but the Lord called us to a different part of His vineyard.”

As Washington begins this new assignment, he looks forward to partnering with the Holy Spirit and church members as they live out Grand Advent’s mission to love, worship, and serve. “I am in awe of the workings of God,” Washington said. “I was ordained at Grand Advent, and now I will serve as its lead pastor. I am honored and blessed to be chosen to lead this great congregation.”

As Grand Advent enters this new season of ministry, the congregation and its new pastor look ahead with faith, united in their commitment to share Christ’s love and see lives transformed through Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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At Crescent City Adventist School, hands-on learning is an important part of the classroom experience. From science lessons to caring for God’s creation, students are encouraged to learn by doing. As principal, I have the privilege of watching students discover, explore, and grow through experiences like our annual duckling project.

A few years ago, I bought a small incubator for the classroom, thinking it would be a fun project for the students. It has become something we all look forward to every year.

We begin by placing the eggs inside and then we wait. Around day 5 and again on day 11, we “candle” them—holding a bright light up to the shell so we can see what is happening inside. The students gather around to look. At first, we see tiny veins forming, and later, small movements. It never gets old watching their excitement as they realize something is growing inside.

With duck eggs, we count down 28 days to hatch day. Along the way, we talk about how the incubator provides the warmth and conditions a mother duck would naturally provide. When the first cracks appear and the ducklings begin to hatch, the classroom fills with excitement.

For about two weeks, the ducklings become part of our classroom family. Each morning, while we clean their kiddie pool, students take turns holding them. They watch how quickly the ducklings grow, how their soft down changes, and how they respond to sound—especially at feeding time. They learn that caring for something small requires patience, attention, and responsibility.

When weather allows, we take the ducklings outside. Students love finding bugs, grass, and weeds for them to eat while observing how they explore—pecking, splashing, and staying close together.

When the ducklings leave school, they usually come home with me, though one year we shared them with families in the community. Even cleanup becomes part of learning as we use the wood shavings from their pool as mulch around the fruit trees we planted last year.

By the end of the project, students have learned far more than the science of hatching a duckling. They have experienced the joy of discovery, the responsibility of caring for another living thing, and the reminder that some of the most meaningful lessons happen when we slow down and pay attention to the world around us.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

On June 27, approximately 200 people gathered at DeFremery Park in Oakland for the second annual Church in the Park, hosted by Market Street Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For six hours, the park was filled with worship, fellowship, community resources, and opportunities to serve. Church members welcomed their neighbors with a free fish fry, diapers, laundry detergent, children’s activities, and community resource booths. Music and preaching encouraged those in attendance while creating a joyful atmosphere where faith was shared beyond the walls of the church.

Community Services Leader Stephanie Joliff reflected, “This Sabbath was a good day! We all came together to fellowship, enjoy one another, and praise the Lord!”

Associate Community Services Leader Eric V. Williams added, “It’s an awesome time when believers can come together outside our church four walls. We’re loving the faces of the community, and hopefully we can do it all again soon, especially with other churches in our Oakland community.”

Senior Pastor Edwin F. Brown summed up the day this way: “With Church in the Park, we are having a great time serving the community. It’s been a powerful day, with the singing, preaching, working together, and blessing the people.”

Church in the Park served as a reminder that ministry happens wherever people are willing to meet needs and share Christ’s love. As the outreach continues to grow, the Market Street church family looks forward to building even stronger connections with their Oakland community in the years ahead.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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As part of Galt Adventist School’s annual Artists and Authors event, students reflected on God’s unique design for each person and considered how their talents and strengths could be used to serve others. Through artwork and reflective essays centered on the theme of shining God’s light, they explored ways they could make a difference in the world around them.

To put these ideas into practice and expose students to real-world careers, the class embarked on a job-shadowing experience. Thanks to the support of parent volunteers and drivers, students visited either the Galt Police Department or Galt Precision Automotive. Along the way, they sought answers to questions such as:
• What are the daily responsibilities in this occupation?
• What skills are used in this job?
• What training or education is required for this position?

Students at the automotive shop enjoyed learning basic vehicle maintenance from the owner’s fiancĂ©e, practicing how to check oil levels and tire pressure. At the police station, students eagerly questioned officers about the responsibilities of detectives, community service officers, and the remarkable multitasking skills required of a 911 dispatcher.

It was a blessing to participate in this meaningful experience and to watch students begin connecting their God-given gifts with future opportunities to serve others and shine God’s light in their communities.

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Among those honored were two Lifetime Achievement recipients, recognized for decades of faithful ministry and lasting influence: Teacher Susan Alexander and Pastor Dave Osborne.

Susan Alexander: Shaping generations through education

For more than five decades, Susan Alexander devoted her life to Adventist education, impacting students, families, and colleagues. Beginning her denominational service in 1968, she served as a teacher, school nurse, church secretary, and mentor.

Affectionately known as “Mrs. A,” she taught in Yreka and later at Napa Christian Campus of Education from 1998 until her retirement in 2012. Even after retiring, she returned for a year of teaching and continued volunteering at Feather River Adventist School and Napa Christian Campus of Education, tutoring students and supporting teachers.

After 53 years of service, her legacy is seen in the many lives shaped through her care, faithfulness, and commitment to Christian education.

Dave Osborne: A pastor who led with truth and joy

Pastor Dave Osborne served in ministry for more than six decades, joining the Northern California Conference in 1993 after 30 years of pastoral, teaching, and chaplaincy service. He later served as North American Division ministry director and concluded his career as pastor of the Chico church, retiring in 2020.

Known for his ability to speak truth with warmth and humor, Osborne was deeply respected for building trust while guiding congregations through both growth and challenge. His leadership helped strengthen and unify churches throughout his ministry.

A close friend reflected, “He was always positive and energetic, rooted in a deep faith in God and infectious in his love of life.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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Originally planning a career in law, Bartsch studied history and political science atĚýLa Sierra University. During her final year of college, a placement in a second-grade classroom shifted her trajectory. That experience clarified her calling to education, and after earning her teaching credential, she began teaching in Fontana in 1998.

Guided by a belief that every child can learn—and that students develop at different paces and in different ways—Bartsch has built her career around supporting student growth and helping schools create environments where learning can take root. She joined Chico Oaks Adventist School in 2008 and became principal in 2018. The school also holds deep personal significance, with three generations of her family attending, including her sons, Wyatt and Conner.

In her new role, Bartsch plans to draw on her classroom and administrative experience to support principals and teachers across the Northern California Conference. Her focus remains on strengthening schools and continuing to serve students through strong, mission-centered leadership.

Patty Osborne, 91´óÉń Vice President of Education, shared, “Leslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served—with her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her. I couldn’t be more excited for our schools to have her support.”

Leslie and her husband, Rob, whom she met while attendingĚýRio Lindo Adventist Academy, have been married for 29 years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends

Featured in Northern Lights, June, 25 2026
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Recently, the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale joined participating choruses, soloists, and orchestra members in New York City for the world premiere of Psalmos, a newly commissioned Christian choral work by renowned composer and conductor Mark Hayes. The performance took place in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, where students helped give voice to a new setting of seven psalms.

For Sophomore Uila Satui, the experience began with gratitude and school pride. “Going to Carnegie Hall was an experience I will never forget,” she said. “What an honor and privilege to represent our school on one of the most famous stages in the world.”

For Junior Maddy Gibson, the meaning of the performance was tied closely to the music itself. “Performing at Carnegie Hall was such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said, “but getting to perform brand-new Christian music with the actual composer there conducting us made it even more special.”

Senior Carlyle Bernales remembered the artistic impact of the moment with clarity. Although he had performed with several choirs before, he said, “nothing compares to singing at Carnegie Hall.” Walking onto the stage and seeing the orchestra and Maestro Hayes nearby was “truly indescribable.”

For the Rio Lindo Chorale, the trip became a living picture of Adventist education at work: faith shaped through discipline, gifts strengthened through practice, and young people sent into the world with purpose. They discovered that ministry is not limited to a pulpit, classroom, chapel, or mission trip. It can be formed in the ordinary labor of rehearsal and carried into unexpected places through beauty, Scripture, and song.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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A total of 411 riders participated, collectively logging more than 6,000 miles in support of local Pathfinder clubs and youth ministries throughout the conference.

Riders of every skill level took part throughout the day, with some casually pedaling with friends while others challenged themselves to ride as many miles as possible. The day extended well beyond the riders themselves. More than 200 parents, leaders, volunteers, and club cooks filled the area with activity and support. A variety of food booths kept participants energized throughout the day, with favorites such as corn dogs, cotton candy, pupusas, and potato tacos.

Funds raised through the bike-a-thon help Pathfinder clubs continue programs that support spiritual growth, leadership development, outdoor education, and community service for young people across Northern California.

Eddie Heinrich, 91´óÉń Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Director, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “The weather cooperated and our Pathfinders, once again, showed they are unstoppable when they commit to a goal. I’m very proud of them.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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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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