91大神

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Practical Hands Still Matter
Practical Hands Still Matter 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Nick Sigler

At Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom through our popular Industrial Arts program, which gives students practical, hands-on skills. Courses in general shop, woodshop, metal shop鈥攊ncluding welding鈥攁nd auto shop give students the opportunity to work with real tools, real materials, and real projects. While many aspects of modern life are becoming increasingly digital, these classes remind students that the ability to build, repair, and maintain physical things remains an important and practical way to contribute to the world around them.

In woodshop and metal shop, students learn the fundamentals of craftsmanship and fabrication鈥攎easuring, cutting, shaping, assembling, and welding materials into finished, useful projects. In woodshop, locally gathered wood from fallen trees on campus is processed through Rio Lindo鈥檚 portable sawmill, allowing students to see the process from start to finish as they transform raw materials into items such as furniture and cutting boards. Along the way, students gain something just as valuable as technical ability: the confidence to solve problems and adapt when things do not go as planned. Senior Chris Ermshar stated, 鈥淏eing in woodshop class has taught me that even when I make a mistake, there are always ways to go back and fix it with a little creativity.鈥�

Metal shop continues that learning as students work with durable materials and real-world tools. Students gain experience with plasma cutters, welders, shop tooling, and engineering. A highlight is the yearly group project where students develop skills in project teamwork, engineering, design, and fabrication. Some past projects can still be seen serving the campus today, including a trailer used by the grounds department and the front gate where everyone enters the campus. Junior Kyler King stated that metals,
鈥淗elped me to develop skills that I didn鈥檛 know before, but I am sure I will be able to use to help others in the future.鈥�

Together, these experiences help students develop practical skills and the confidence to apply them in an ever-changing world. Whether preparing for adulthood, entering the workforce, continuing their education, or serving in mission settings, the ability to build, repair, and create can make a meaningful difference.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, the Industrial Arts program at Rio Lindo reminds students that practical skills still matter. With a growing shortage of trained vocational workers across the country, Rio Lindo is leading the way by equipping students with hands-on expertise that many schools no longer provide. The habits learned in the shop鈥攃areful work, persistence, problem-solving, and craftsmanship鈥攑repare students to be capable, resourceful contributors wherever they are called to serve.

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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Saddle Up for VBS Season!
Saddle Up for VBS Season! 3875 2012 Ken Miller

By Barry van Iderstein

Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children鈥檚 evangelism, 91大神 Children and Family Ministries Director Barry van Iderstein hosted nearly 80 guests at the annual VBS Workshop, introducing the newly reimagined SDA VBS program, Cactusville.

Seasoned VBS leaders may recall Cactusville from over six years ago. The North American Division, which produces SDA VBS programs, retooled this classic as part of early preparations for the 2027 VBS program鈥攚ith music videos already recorded! Sharing the program in advance gives VBS leaders a head start in planning, helping them formulate implementation strategies, create scripts, and determine how many actors will be needed for this classic summer ministry.

Cactusville transports kids to a Wild West desert town where they discover gold nuggets of faith in every Bible story. Each day features interactive games, crafts, skits, and theme songs that bring the Bible to life, helping children understand how God is calling them to follow Him. From opening 鈥渞ound-up鈥� sessions to fun station rotations, this program gives kids a week of faith-filled adventure they won鈥檛 forget.

VBS continues to be one of the most popular and impactful summer programs for churches, offering a highly engaging way to teach children the Bible, develop leadership skills in volunteers, and make a lasting impression on families. Investing in VBS is investing in the next generation of faithful disciples鈥攁n opportunity your church won鈥檛 want to miss.

For more information on VBS programming or training to host a VBS week, contact Barry at barry@nccsda.com today. Yee-haw!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 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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91大神 Announces New Media Resource Center
91大神 Announces New Media Resource Center 3691 1887 Ken Miller

Recently, 91大神 Executive Secretary Jos茅 Marin unveiled the new 91大神 Media Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walk-through.

The center was constructed on the lower floor of the Roseville administration building, where the former mail and copy room was located. This space was ideal, insulated from the building鈥檚 outer walls. Marin explained, 鈥淭his resource center will be a production tool to serve our churches, schools, and ministries, where the next level of equipment and production is available for use and instruction.鈥� He noted that the facility has already been used, providing a set for the annual Ten Days of Prayer and videos for conference directors and constituency meeting productions.

Studio usage is managed by the Communication and Development department. Laurie Trujillo, director, shared, 鈥淲e have established a usage policy that requires training with the 91大神鈥檚 contracted video professional to ensure users are familiar with the studio and that its equipment is properly maintained.鈥� The studio is equipped with three cameras, a teleprompter, adjustable professional lighting, and an Apple computer with a large cinema display running professional software.

The space also contains three different backdrops to accommodate a variety of recording needs: a podcast/interview setting, a more formal look for program-style productions, and a youthful corner for informal presentations.

Trujillo concluded, 鈥淲e encourage pastors, teachers, and presenters to utilize this modern and helpful tool for sharing the abundant life found in Jesus Christ and preparing people for His soon return.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 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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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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Brandon Dorn Joins 91大神 Accounting Department
Brandon Dorn Joins 91大神 Accounting Department 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Brandon Dorn has joined the 91大神 accounting team as assistant treasurer. He brings experience in conference treasury work, higher-education administration, and a strong commitment to church service.

Brandon most recently worked in the accounting office at Southern Adventist University, where he also served for nearly six years as a men鈥檚 dean. Earlier in his career, he worked for just over two years in the treasury department at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. After prayer and discernment, he applied for the 91大神 position and is grateful for how clearly the opportunity unfolded.

Raised in Adventist education, Brandon attended Collegedale Academy and later earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting from Southern Adventist University in May 2017. Both of his parents were Adventist grade schoolteachers, shaping his appreciation for faith-based education and service.

Brandon chose church work out of a desire to use the skills God has given him in service to Jesus Christ and His mission. At 91大神, he hopes to build strong relationships with coworkers, serve as a dependable resource to the conference and its constituents, and continue growing professionally. He is currently working toward CPA licensure.

Brandon shares his life with Kaylee, his wife of six years, who works as a nurse, and together they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and staying active through hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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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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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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