91大神

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

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Building a Block of Community
Building a Block of Community 3791 1962 Ken Miller

The Oakland Spanish Church recently led a community resource event that took over an entire city block. Residents had the chance to explore more than twenty booths offering practical support from community services, including the police department, social services, and city representatives. Some booths provided food, while others offered health screenings and wellness education.

Paul Guevara, 91大神 Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, 鈥淭his event is part of the Oakland church鈥檚 ongoing plan to stay connected and relevant to the community. It was key in opening doors and strengthening collaboration between the church, the neighborhood, and the public and private services that support them.鈥�

Visitors engaged with local leaders, gathered valuable information, and participated in hands-on activities. The Oakland Emmanuel Temple Church brought its community health van, providing free screenings and guidance for anyone who stopped by. Food, supplies, and other essentials were offered throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of care and connection.

As neighbors moved from booth to booth, conversations and relationships developed naturally. By stepping forward as an active partner in the neighborhood鈥檚 network of services, the church demonstrated that it isn鈥檛 just present鈥攊t is proactive. That visible engagement helps the community see the church as a trusted, reliable force, building confidence that it will continue to serve and respond alongside other local leaders.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026

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Student Leaders Training Student Leaders
Student Leaders Training Student Leaders 3875 2008 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference Youth Department recently hosted its annual Freshman-Sophomore Retreat at Leoni Meadows, bringing together 375 students from our schools. The weekend offered more than just activities鈥攊t was designed to help students deepen their understanding of the truth found in biblical stories and develop new tools to apply that truth in their daily lives.

Guiding the retreat was a dedicated team of 58 juniors and seniors who had completed a two-day training with the youth ministry team. Eddie Heinrich, youth and young adult director, explained, 鈥淲e guide these leaders on how to engage with the younger students from the very first day, creating a steady progression of intimacy and reflection. By Sunday, the goal is to have fostered real, meaningful connections.鈥�

By the end of the weekend, students left equipped with not only a more in-depth understanding of the Bible but also strengthened skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Heinrich concluded, 鈥淥ur hope is that they return to their schools ready to demonstrate what they鈥檝e learned and model Christlike behavior with their classmates.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026

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Echoes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow
Echoes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow 3875 2008 Ken Miller

By Rudy Peters

In February, Pacific Union College hosted a powerful and uplifting Black History Day Celebration centered on the theme, 鈥淓choes of Hope: Our Faith, Our Story, Our Tomorrow.鈥�

Planned and presented by the African American Ministries Department of the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the convocation-style event was designed to affirm African American students and educate and inspire the broader campus community. From the opening moments, the atmosphere was one of reverence, pride, and unity as students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to reflect on the enduring legacy and vibrant future of African Americans in America.

The highlight of the day was the worship convocation featuring guest speaker Dr. Myron Edmonds, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, whose message called the audience to remember the resilience of those who came before and to embrace their responsibility to shape tomorrow with courage and faith. His sermon wove together biblical truth, historical reflection, and contemporary challenge, reminding attendees that hope is not passive鈥攊t is lived, embodied, and passed forward. The celebration was further elevated by a stirring musical presentation from Dynamic Praise of Oakwood University. Their harmonies filled the sanctuary with spiritual depth and cultural richness, drawing the congregation into heartfelt praise and reflection.

The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of community and shared commitment to honor the past, empower the present, and inspire the future. The event showed how intentional spaces that celebrate heritage, foster understanding, and strengthen faith across the campus community are important.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting鈥攁 time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine鈥攂ut important鈥攄etails like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: 鈥淥ne developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor鈥檚 professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.鈥�

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision
Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, 32 pastors, educators, and administrators gathered at the Northern California Conference (91大神) office in Roseville for a full day of organizational health training.

The purpose was to equip trainees as organizational health consultants, prepared to guide leadership teams across the conference toward greater clarity, alignment, and effectiveness. Focus areas included clarifying priorities, building trust, aligning efforts, and establishing consistent meeting rhythms. Trainees were also introduced to concepts from The Working Genius framework, learning how to help leaders contribute to areas that energize them and complement team strengths鈥攅nabling teams to operate with greater energy, creativity, and results.

This training directly supports the 91大神鈥檚 2027 mission goal of embedding organizational health in at least 51% of churches, schools, and ministries, ensuring that healthy leadership practices become standard across the conference. Healthy leadership teams strengthen community initiatives, enhance employee and member engagement, and support church and school growth, ensuring ministries operate with clarity and purpose. By developing consultants from within, these practices are embedded into everyday leadership life, creating a shared language and consistent approach across the conference.

For the last five years, the conference has been on an intentional path to clarity in our ministries. Through prayer and disciplined effort, the 91大神 has laid the groundwork for a future marked by alignment, trust, and shared commitment to mission. This intentional approach is referred to as the 91大神 Advantage.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued鈥攁bout fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church
Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church 3450 1887 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

In November, the Sacramento Indonesian Church gathered to bid a warm farewell to Pastor Bobby Sepang after more than 13 years of dedicated ministry.

James Lim, Asian/Pacific Ministries Coordinator, shared, 鈥淎lthough he had already completed a successful ministry and retired in Indonesia, Pastor Sepang answered the 91大神鈥檚 call to serve the Sacramento Indonesian congregation. He stepped in during one of the church鈥檚 most challenging seasons, faithfully uniting the members and helping to establish strong lay leadership.鈥�

The service included beautiful vocal and instrumental music, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, and a slide presentation highlighting memorable moments鈥攆rom church retreats to baptisms and evangelistic efforts that led many to an abundant life in Jesus.

Following the service, a fellowship luncheon provided an opportunity for members to express their appreciation. While many tears were shed, the prevailing sentiment was gratitude for Pastor and Mrs. Sepang鈥檚 grace, humility, and steadfast commitment to God, along with confidence that they will continue serving faithfully upon returning to Indonesia.

Michael Pongoh, 91大神 Accountant and church member, said, 鈥淗is leadership was steady, caring, and deeply personal. My family鈥攍ike many others鈥攚as blessed by his prayerful guidance and wisdom.鈥�
Lim concluded, 鈥淗is ministry was truly outstanding guiding the church toward official organization while serving with a gentle spirit, steady leadership, and unwavering passion that will be remembered for a long time.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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  • Ken Miller
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Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light
Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light 3583 1883 Ken Miller

On January 3, Eric Holness was installed as pastor of the Richmond Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Holness comes to Richmond after being the associate pastor of Oakland Market Street church since 2024. The service marked the beginning of a new covenant relationship between pastor and congregation, grounded in prayer, Scripture, and a shared commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on the occasion, Rudy Peters, African American Ministries Director for the Northern California Conference, noted that 鈥渢he air was filled with expectancy and promises of an amazing covenant relationship.”

Pastor Holness expressed gratitude for the call, stating, 鈥淚 am humbled and amazed by the opportunity to serve.”

The Richmond Beacon Light family looks forward to a new season of Spirit-led ministry and community impact under Pastor Holness鈥檚 leadership.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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  • Ken Miller
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David Osborne, Retired 91大神 Pastor Passes to His Rest
David Osborne, Retired 91大神 Pastor Passes to His Rest 534 399 Ken Miller

David Osborne, retired 91大神 Pastor and Divisional Ministry Director passed to his rest on November 29.

Osborne joined the 91大神 as pastor of the Carmichael Church in 1993, already bringing 30 years of experience as a pastor, teacher, and chaplain across various conferences and schools. In 1999, he was appointed NAD Division Ministry Director, serving in that capacity alongside his regular pastoral duties until 2005. In 2006, Osborne became head pastor at the Chico Church and continued there until his retirement in 2020.

Reflecting on Osborne鈥檚 impact, Jim Lorenz, 91大神 Vice President for Ministry, shared, 鈥淥ne of Dave鈥檚 impressive skills was his ability to speak tough truths and have you laughing about it鈥攁 very rare skill. This was especially evident after his retirement, when he served as an interim pastor and transformed struggling churches. One church initially resisted him, but by the time Dave and his wife Judy moved on, they were beloved by the congregation. We have lost a giant of a pastor.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025

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  • Ken Miller
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Bringing Christ to Christmas
Bringing Christ to Christmas 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The Christmas season is known for its fast pace, last-minute scurrying, good food, and time with family鈥攁nd the same is true for our schools, churches, and ministries.

Faithful efforts continue to reach communities, offering opportunities to connect with neighbors. And it鈥檚 not all outreach鈥攖here鈥檚 plenty of in-reach too. Offices trade gifts, share potlucks, and school rooms buzz with anticipation and seasonal crafting.

The Santa Rosa Church once again hosted its walk-through nativity, delighting visitors with live scenes performed by members, young and old. Pastor Brad Geinger shared, 鈥淭he Live Nativity is a special part of many community members鈥� holiday traditions. Over 25 years, it has become something we are known for in Santa Rosa. Perhaps most essential are the nearly 100 volunteers of all ages who participate. This same Live Nativity was my first church volunteer experience, and today it remains the starting point for many engaging in the Lord鈥檚 work.鈥�

The Carmichael Church recently hosted聽A Night in Bethlehem, an interactive walk-through nativity with live animals. Children guided their families from scene to scene, petting animals and joining in songs. Associate Pastor Melissa Howell shared, 鈥淭his gave Carmichael Church a chance to open our doors to the surrounding community and share the story of Jesus鈥� birth in a fresh way. Many attendees were visiting the church for the first time and some expressed interest in joining the congregation, while others said they wanted their children to be part of a faith community and asked to participate in future events.鈥�

In Placerville, over six nights, a diverse mix of people鈥攆rom the East Coast to just down the street鈥攃ame to connect, celebrate God, and experience a living picture of hope. Church members united, engaging their circles of influence and offering hundreds of volunteer hours, from construction to conversations and prayer. In the barn, at the feet of baby Jesus, tears were shed, and hearts were moved. Long after the lights faded, lives continued to be touched. For three hours each of the six nights, the church family came together to present Jesus to the community. As Andrew Uyeyama, Pastor, shared,聽鈥淭he camaraderie was incredible鈥攚e truly became a church family, and God interrupted many lives with light and hope.鈥�

All over our territory, this same theme runs through program after program: Bringing Christ to Christmas. Our Churches, schools, ministries, and members, young and old, share the gift of our spiritual community with neighbors, inviting them to connect with the story of Christmas in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Northern Lights, the official monthly 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.

漏 2026 91大神 Conference聽| 2100 Douglas Blvd. Roseville, CA 95661 | P. O. Box 619015 Roseville, CA 95661-9015聽| (916) 886-5600 | info@nccsda.com

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