91大神

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

Northern Lights

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Dreaming Big Dreams
Dreaming Big Dreams 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Linnea Elias

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:
鈥� What are the daily responsibilities in this occupation?
鈥� What skills are used in this job?
鈥� What training or education is required for this position?

Students at the automotive shop enjoyed learning basic vehicle maintenance from the owner’s fianc茅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.

#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

91大神 Men鈥檚 Retreat Goes All In
91大神 Men鈥檚 Retreat Goes All In 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Men from across the Northern California Conference gathered recently for the 91大神 Christian Men鈥檚 Retreat, centered on the theme 鈥淎ll In, Men.鈥� Speaker Marty Miller invited participants to reflect on what full commitment to God looks like in everyday life鈥攁t home, in the church, and in the wider community.

Throughout the weekend, men worshiped together, participated in seminars, and engaged in conversations focused on practical, Bible-based discipleship and Christian character. The message of wholehearted commitment was echoed by Rudy Peters, 91大神 African American Ministries Coordinator, who shared, 鈥溾�楢ll-in men鈥� are ordinary men who have made an extraordinary decision鈥攖o give God their whole heart, their full devotion, and their unwavering commitment.鈥�

Time was also set aside for fellowship and connection, as attendees shared meals, built new relationships, and encouraged one another in their spiritual journeys. The retreat provided a steady rhythm of worship, learning, and conversation designed to support reflection and renewal.

Through gatherings like this annual retreat, the 91大神 Men鈥檚 Ministries Department continues to support men in growing as disciples and serving faithfully in their homes, churches, and communities.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Serving Generations
Serving Generations 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2026 Northern California Conference Advantage Awards, held in April, recognized employees whose service reflects the mission and core values of the conference. The awards celebrate individuals marked by contagious kindness, a servant鈥檚 heart, passionate hard work, and mission-focused leadership.

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 鈥淢rs. A,鈥� 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, 鈥淗e was always positive and energetic, rooted in a deep faith in God and infectious in his love of life.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Reencountering Jesus
Reencountering Jesus 4000 2250 Ken Miller

With nearly 500 women in attendance and the theme聽鈥淎 Sus Pies鈥� (At His Feet), the Northern California Conference Hispanic Ministries Department held its annual Hispanic Women鈥檚 Ministries Retreat at Leoni Meadows.

Women from churches across the conference gathered for a weekend of worship, Bible study, and fellowship centered on developing a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Throughout the retreat, speakers encouraged attendees to bring every aspect of their lives to Christ and embrace the calling God has given them in ministry. Music, prayer, and small-group interactions provided opportunities for women to share their experiences and encourage one another in their faith.

Florinda聽Guevara, director of Hispanic Women鈥檚 Ministries, shared, 鈥淭his was a time for reencountering Jesus, to celebrate His goodness and to once again learn about the special place Christian women have in ministry for our Lord.鈥�

Several women shared their testimonies of attending a Christian event for the first time and encountering Jesus in a personal way. Their stories became one of the highlights of the weekend and served as a reminder of God鈥檚 continuing work in the lives of those seeking Him.

Guevara聽concluded, 鈥淓ach year, this retreat emphasizes the important role women play in sharing Christ鈥檚 love in their homes, churches, and communities.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools
Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools 3875 2012 Ken Miller

Leslie Bartsch聽has accepted the position of Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference, bringing nearly three decades of experience in Adventist education.

Originally planning a career in law, Bartsch studied history and political science at聽La 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鈥攁nd that students develop at different paces and in different ways鈥擝artsch 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大神 Vice President of Education, shared, 鈥淟eslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served鈥攚ith her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her. I couldn鈥檛 be more excited for our schools to have her support.鈥�

Leslie and her husband, Rob, whom she met while attending聽Rio 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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Whitney Weems

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鈥檚 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. 鈥淕oing to Carnegie Hall was an experience I will never forget,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hat an honor and privilege to represent our school on one of the most famous stages in the world.鈥�

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

Senior Carlyle Bernales remembered the artistic impact of the moment with clarity. Although he had performed with several choirs before, he said, 鈥渘othing compares to singing at Carnegie Hall.鈥� Walking onto the stage and seeing the orchestra and Maestro Hayes nearby was 鈥渢ruly indescribable.鈥�

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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon
Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon 3883 2145 Ken Miller

May 3, against the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Buttes, Northern California Pathfinders gathered for a full day of cycling, fellowship, and fundraising during this year鈥檚 conference bike-a-thon.

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大神 Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Director, reflected on the success of the event, saying, 鈥淭he weather cooperated and our Pathfinders, once again, showed they are unstoppable when they commit to a goal. I鈥檓 very proud of them.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad
Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad 3791 1962 Ken Miller

By Mark Janke

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鈥攁nd 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鈥檚 campus. Watching other teachers find creative ways to raise money for Maranatha mission trips, he wanted to do his part鈥攁nd 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鈥攆amilies, beginners, and experienced competitors鈥攁nd many others supported the cause even if they couldn鈥檛 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鈥攂alls, recorders, guitars, and keyboards. For Duckett, it鈥檚 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
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

When Am I Too Old to Work for God?
When Am I Too Old to Work for God? 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Rioboie Mabugay

There is a quiet question that often lingers in the hearts of many believers as the years go by: When is it time to step aside? After decades of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness, it can feel reasonable鈥攅ven deserved鈥攖o say, 鈥淚 have put in my time. Let someone else take over. I want to travel, rest, and enjoy what years I have left.鈥�

And yet, the kingdom of God does not measure usefulness the way the world does.

In 2018, Ruthe Levy was nominated to serve as treasurer of the Anderson church. It was not a short-term assignment nor was it symbolic. It was real responsibility鈥攏umbers, accountability, consistency. Now, eight years later, she still serves in that same role. This April, she turned 99 years old.

Every Monday morning, she gets into her car and drives herself to church. The journey is not effortless; it includes navigating nearly a mile of steep, winding road. Many would consider that reason enough to step down. But not Ruthe.
For her, this is not about obligation. It is mission. Her question has never been, 鈥淲hen can I stop?鈥� Instead, it is, 鈥淲hen will I have to stop because I am no longer able?鈥� That quiet difference speaks volumes.

In a culture that often equates aging with stepping back, the life of faith calls us to a different perspective. Scripture never assigns an expiration date to purpose. As long as there is breath, there is calling. As long as there is life, there is ministry.

God does not retire His workers. Moses was called at 80. Caleb, at 85, still asked for a mountain to conquer. Anna, well advanced in years, worshiped and witnessed daily in the temple. Time, in God鈥檚 hands, does not diminish usefulness鈥攊t refines it.

What Ruthe demonstrates is something deeply powerful: service is not about age but about willingness. It is not about how much strength we have left but about how much heart we still give.

Yes, seasons change. Responsibilities may shift. The body may slow. But the mission remains. There are always prayers to be offered, encouragement to be given, wisdom to be shared, and faith to be lived out before others.

We are reminded that the work of God is not sustained by youthful energy alone but by enduring devotion. And now, we stand on the edge of eternity with a hope that burns brighter than ever鈥擩esus is coming soon. This is not the time to withdraw from the mission but to lean into it with renewed purpose.

The question is not, 鈥淗ave I done enough?鈥濃�═he question is, 鈥淲hat can I still do?鈥�
Each of us has a role in preparing hearts for that day. Whether through quiet faithfulness like Ruthe or through visible leadership, every act of service matters. Every life surrendered to God becomes a testimony.

So when are we too old to work for God?
The answer is simple: when He calls us home.
Until then, the mission continues.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Patrice (Patty) Osborne Named Vice President of Education for 91大神.
Patrice (Patty) Osborne Named Vice President of Education for 91大神. 4000 2250 Ken Miller

When Patrice (Patty) Osborne reflects on her journey in Adventist education, it always comes back to a first-grade classroom鈥攁nd a teacher who saw something in her early on, 鈥淪he told me I needed to go into education,鈥� Osborne recalled. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a decision I have never regretted.鈥� That early encouragement helped shape a calling that has now spanned more than forty years.

On May 6, the Northern California Conference Executive Committee elected Patty to serve as the new Vice President of Education after the retirement of Albert Miller, and she will begin in this role on July 1, 2026.
Osborne鈥檚 career began in 1982 and has taken her across multiple conferences, including Central California, Northern California, Southern California, and Texico. Along the way, she has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator, most recently as associate superintendent in the 91大神 Education Department.
A graduate of Andrews University, Osborne also holds a master鈥檚 degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, East Bay, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Andrews University.
Throughout her career, Osborne has also prioritized family, finding a meaningful balance between home life and her ongoing commitment to education leadership. A devoted mother of four boys鈥攊ncluding twins鈥攕he now enjoys the energy and joy of five young grandchildren, ages 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.
For Osborne, Adventist education has always been about more than academics. 鈥淚 would not be the Christian I am today without the influence of Adventist teachers,鈥� she said. That conviction continues to shape her vision for the future.
As she steps into this new leadership role, Osborne speaks with both humility and purpose. 鈥淲hen I think about the extraordinary educators across this Conference, I am overwhelmed by the honor of being called to lead them,鈥� she shared. 鈥淭his is a sacred responsibility, and my commitment is to give my very best every single day.鈥�
She is equally passionate about the broader mission of Adventist education, 鈥淓ducation is one of the most powerful ways we can reach our communities,鈥� Osborne said. 鈥淚t allows us into the lives of families in a way that is natural and welcomed. Over time, you鈥檙e not just teaching鈥攜ou鈥檙e mentoring, guiding, and building relationships that can last a lifetime.鈥�
Leaders across the Pacific Union and 91大神 have affirmed her appointment.
James P. Willis, Pacific Union Conference Vice President for Education, noted,鈥淧atty is an outstanding educator who has significantly advanced the ministry of Adventist education. Her experience and preparation have equipped her well for this role.鈥�
Marc K. Woodson, 91大神 President, added, 鈥淧atty brings a deep love for Adventist education, a wealth of experience, and a clear commitment to mission. Her leadership reflects both excellence and a genuine heart for students, educators, and families. We are grateful for the many years she has faithfully served in this ministry, and we are confident that God will continue to guide her as she steps into this important role. Patty understands that Adventist education is not just about academics鈥攊t is about shaping lives for eternity.”
Now stepping into this new chapter, Osborne carries forward a lifelong calling鈥攐ne rooted in faith, shaped by mentorship, and lived out both in the classroom and at home. Her leadership will focus on strengthening schools, supporting educators, collaborating across ministries, and continuing to connect students and families to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, May, 2026

#nccsda

Cultivate Generosity

Sign Up For Northern Lights

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.

CONFERENCE NEWS

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

Click here to enter
your text