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A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators
A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators 6675 4450 Ken Miller

By Abigail Francisco

Students, parents, alumni, church members, coworkers, and friends gathered at Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist School to honor two educators who have shaped generations of students: Principal and 7th/8th-grade teacher Brad Davis, after 33 years of service, and 3rd/4th-grade teacher Shelley Kramer, after 21 years.

For two teachers who faithfully invested in the lives of students for decades, a simple farewell was never going to be enough. Home and School Coordinator Amapola Francisco organized a retirement celebration on Sabbath afternoon, May 16, creating an opportunity for the school community to express its gratitude and celebrate their lasting impact.

Francisco said, 鈥淲hile I didn’t know exactly how every detail of the program would come together, I approached the planning with a lot of prayer, faith, and a shared desire to celebrate them well. In the end, the evening reflected the lasting impact they have had on our school community and gave us the opportunity to show them just how deeply they are appreciated and loved.鈥�

The sanctuary was filled with families, former students, coworkers, and friends as tributes, memories, speeches, and photo presentations celebrated the influence Davis and Kramer have had on countless lives through Adventist education.

Kramer reflected on the afternoon, saying, 鈥淭he retirement program was a beautiful celebration. The heartfelt tributes from students, parents, and coworkers meant more than words can express. It has been an incredible blessing and privilege to spend my career teaching in such a caring and supportive community. While retirement is bittersweet, I will always be grateful for the relationships, memories, and experiences that have made this journey so meaningful.鈥�

One of the afternoon’s most moving tributes was a surprise reunion of the 5th-8th-grade Girls Chorus. During his many years at Orangevale, Davis directed the choir, and as the current chorus performed, alumni quietly rose from the audience and joined them on stage. A few former Boys Chorus members also participated, creating a musical thank-you that united former and current students in honor of his years of ministry through music.

Davis said, 鈥淚 was overwhelmed by the kindness and tributes shared by others, especially former students. The songs the Girls Chorus sang, including so many former Girls Chorus members, really touched my heart.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent
Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent 640 428 Ken Miller

On June 20, 2026, Grand Advent Church in Oakland welcomed Pastor Damon Washington as its new lead pastor during a special installation Sabbath surrounded by family, friends, and members from both his former congregations and his new church family.

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, 鈥淭hey are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but the Lord called us to a different part of His vineyard.鈥�

As Washington begins this new assignment, he looks forward to partnering with the Holy Spirit and church members as they live out Grand Advent鈥檚 mission to love, worship, and serve. 鈥淚 am in awe of the workings of God,鈥� Washington said. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

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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Growing Through Hands-On Learning
Growing Through Hands-On Learning 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Lisa Thompson

At Crescent City Adventist School, hands-on learning is an important part of the classroom experience. From science lessons to caring for God鈥檚 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 鈥渃andle鈥� them鈥攈olding 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鈥攅specially 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鈥攑ecking, 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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Finding Disciples Where We Least Expect Them
Finding Disciples Where We Least Expect Them 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Rio Mabugay

When Jesus told His followers to “go,” He never intended for the church to wait inside its walls for people to come. The mission field is wherever people are鈥攁nd sometimes, that mission field is Walmart.

My wife and I first met Marie while shopping at a Walmart in Anderson. We were looking for a dress that would make breastfeeding our baby a little easier, and Marie kindly helped us find what we needed. What seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a divine appointment.

As we talked, the conversation naturally turned to the Lord. Marie shared that becoming a missionary had always been her dream. Neither of us realized God was already answering that prayer.

Before we left, she invited me to a monthly Bible study she attended. More than 20 people from a variety of Christian backgrounds gathered with one shared desire鈥攖o know God through His Word.

As relationships grew, several members asked if I would lead Bible studies. Marie eagerly invited her friends, and before long several Filipino Seventh-day Adventists from the area joined us. Together we studied Scripture, asked questions, and grew in faith.

When Marie discovered the beauty of the biblical Sabbath, she requested Saturdays off from her job at Walmart so she could worship with God’s people. It was a simple but powerful testimony that following Jesus sometimes requires courageous decisions.

Marie quickly became my ministry partner. Together we started several Bible study groups, including one in her neighborhood. She continually invited family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

She reminded me of Andrew in the Gospel of John. Andrew wasn’t known for preaching to crowds鈥攈e was known for bringing people to Jesus. Marie had that same gift. She believed that if people encountered God’s Word, the Holy Spirit would do the rest.

On June 20, 2026, after attending the Revelation of Love evangelistic meetings, Marie publicly gave her life to Christ through baptism. Even more meaningful, three friends she had personally invited through the Bible studies were baptized alongside her.

One of the most touching moments came when her husband, watching from the audience, simply said, “I’m proud of her.”

That day, Marie was one of 15 people baptized.

What amazes me most is that God was using Marie long before she entered the baptismal waters. Before she became a church member, she was already inviting people to study the Bible. She was already opening doors for the gospel. She was already making disciples.

That’s intentional discipleship.

Too often, we think evangelism begins with a public meeting or a church program. But intentional discipleship begins with noticing people, building relationships, listening to their stories, studying the Bible together, and inviting them to take one step closer to Jesus.

How many “Maries” are working at Walmart, serving coffee, stocking shelves, cutting hair, delivering packages, teaching school, caring for patients, or living next door? How many people are quietly praying that God would use them, waiting for someone to invest in them?

Jesus told us to go into all the world. For many of us, “all the world” is the grocery store, the workplace, the neighborhood, or the checkout line. Divine appointments are often disguised as ordinary moments.

The church doesn’t exist only on Sabbath morning. We are the church every day of the week, wherever God places us. Instead of asking, “How can we get people to come to church?” perhaps we should first ask, “How can we bring the love of Christ to where people already are?”

The mission field isn’t waiting for us to unlock the church doors. It’s already stocking shelves, ringing up groceries, serving coffee, teaching classrooms, working construction sites, and living next door.

The question isn’t whether God has prepared people. He already has.

The question is whether we’re intentionally looking for them.

Perhaps the next disciple-maker is already at Walmart.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Church in the Park: Faith in Action, Hope for the Community
Church in the Park: Faith in Action, Hope for the Community 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Keith A. Henry

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 鈥� 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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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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