The Northern California Conference is truly blessed, and my wife, Marlene, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve and minister here. We have seen firsthand this conference’s deep commitment to connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus Christ and preparing them for His Second Coming.

With my recent election to serve as the president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the time has come to say farewell. I will deeply miss the pastors, principals, teachers, and support staff who faithfully give their best each day to advance God’s kingdom. I will also miss serving alongside my fellow officers, ministry department directors, and office staff, whose tireless commitment strengthens and supports our churches, schools, and ministries across the Northern California Conference.

It has been an incredible journey, and by God’s grace and power, we have accomplished much. Looking back, several moments stand out to me:

I am grateful that we have expanded opportunities for women in pastoral ministry, with more women serving as pastors than ever before in our history. I am thankful that our Conference headquarters moved to the greater Sacramento area, helping us serve our territory from a more central location. I have also deeply valued our journey toward organizational health, which has brought greater clarity, alignment, and a rich perspective as we advance God’s mission.

And I am especially encouraged by the launch of our Ending Homelessness Initiative to significantly decrease the number of those experiencing homelessness throughout our territory.

We could not have accomplished any of these things without Divine providence. So I say, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”

Thank you, 91´óÉń family, for granting me the opportunity to help lead this great conference. It has been a privilege and a joy. Let’s together remain faithful until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes to take us home!

Marc. K Woodson

Momanga brings more than 15 years of experience in pastoral ministry, church planting, and evangelism. She has served congregations in the United States and Australia, planting churches, strengthening congregations, developing leaders, and creating initiatives that help churches connect with their communities.

José Marín, president, shared, “I believe Lizeth’s experience and passion for mission and mentorship will be a tremendous resource to our pastors and churches. She understands that healthy church growth begins with making disciples, equipping leaders, and helping our churches connect meaningfully with their communities.”

A graduate of Pacific Union College with a degree in theology, Momanga is currently completing dual Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degrees at Andrews University. Her graduate studies have further shaped an approach to ministry that integrates evangelism, pastoral care, church health, and a deeper understanding of the people and communities churches are called to serve.

Throughout her ministry, Momanga has planted and pastored congregations, served on church planting and evangelism task forces, trained pastors and lay leaders, led international evangelistic efforts, and presented on church planting, leadership, and ministry.

Most recently, Momanga has served as senior pastor of the Tracy Seventh-day Adventist Church and as a member of the 91´óÉń Evangelism Task Force.
Momanga and her husband, Richard Ogeto Momanga, have shared much of their ministry journey together. During their years in Australia, they served the Wallsend church for four years before returning to the United States in 2022.

In her new role, Momanga will work with pastors, churches, and lay leaders throughout the conference to strengthen congregations, support church planting, develop leaders, and advance creative, community-focused approaches to sharing the gospel across Northern California.

#nccsda

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
#nccsda

When Patrice (Patty) Osborne reflects on her journey in Adventist education, it always comes back to a first-grade classroom—and a teacher who saw something in her early on, “She told me I needed to go into education,” Osborne recalled. “It’s a decision I have never regretted.” That early encouragement helped shape a calling that has now spanned more than forty years.

Rooted in Northern California Conference’s (91´óÉń) commitment to enhance clarity across the conference, the awards honor pastors and educators who exemplify the values that drive our mission forward: contagious kindness, a servant’s heart, passionate hard work, community relevance, organizational health, and a mission-driven focus.

Marc Woodson, 91´óÉń president, stated in his address: “The individuals we recognize tonight represent decades of dedication to God’s work. Some of them have served for three years, others for more than 50 years. Yet every one of them shares a common commitment: to serve Jesus and help others experience His love.”

This year’s event is strengthened by partnerships with Adventist Health, which continues to extend Christ’s healing ministry not only through clinical excellence but also through strategic collaboration in promoting community well-being and spiritual impact; Maranatha International; Pacific Union Conference; and The Table Group, whose investments reflect a shared commitment to advancing mission through strong, aligned leadership.

By elevating real examples of mission in action, 91´óÉń creates a shared understanding of what effective ministry looks like across churches and schools. Each nomination is submitted by their peers—leaders who have witnessed firsthand their character, commitment, and impact—making this recognition even more meaningful.

2026 Nominees by Award Category

Contagious Kindness
Pastors: Adam Weeks (Auburn), Filipe Ferreira (Red Bluff), Jeff Richards (Grass Valley)
Educators: Chloe Mapa (El Dorado Adventist School), Lorelie Krussow (Pine Hills Adventist Academy), Nancy Matthews (Vacaville Adventist Christian School)

Servant’s Heart
Pastors: Benji Ferguson (Carmichael), Josie Asencio (Antioch), Young Jin Kim (Sacramento Korean)
Educators: Amanda Gurr (Feather River Adventist School), Beatrice Ahn (Tracy Adventist Christian Elementary School), Kathyrine Schroer (Sacramento Adventist Academy)

Passionate Hard Work
Pastors: Eleazar Famorcan (All Nations Church of Elk Grove & American Canyon Fil-Am), Jaime Calvo (North Highlands, Sacramento, & Woodland Spanish), Sasa Andelkovic (Sacramento Yugoslavian & West Sacramento)
Educators: Brad Davis (Orangevale Adventist School), Chloe Mapa (El Dorado Adventist School), Nancy Matthews (Vacaville Adventist Christian School)

Mission-Driven
Pastors: Bob Parrish (Mount Shasta), Jeffrey Walper (Granite Bay Hilltop), Manny Gonzales (Lodi English Oaks)
Educators: Brad Davis (Orangevale Adventist School), Ryan Thomas (Pine Hills Adventist Academy), Sarah Danielle Sinz (Lodi Adventist Academy)

Community Relevance
Pastors: Rob Benardo (Sacramento Central), Stennett Nash (Hayward Spanish), Vicky Nelson (Lodi English Oaks)
Educators: Alexis Hasse (Echo Ridge Christian School), Lisa Bissell Paulson (Redwood Adventist Academy), Matthew Jakobsons (Sacramento Adventist Academy)

Engaged & Enthusiastic
Pastors: David Woolcock (Upper Lake and Lakeport), Jose Diaz (Fairfield & Vallejo Spanish), Nate Furness (Pacific Union College)
Educators: Duncan Paniagua (Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy), Matthew Jakobsons (Sacramento Adventist Academy), Nicholas Sigler (Rio Lindo Adventist Academy)

Organizational Health
Pastors: Damon Washington (Pittsburg & Oakland Emmanuel Temple), Mel Baga (Auburn), Zachary Reiber (Paradise)
Educators: Carrie Copithorne (Redding Adventist Academy), Leslie Bartsch (Chico Oaks Adventist School), Rick Nelson (Ukiah Junior Academy)

In a region as diverse and complex as Northern California, advancing the gospel requires clarity, encouragement, and alignment. The 91´óÉń Advantage Awards help create that environment by recognizing leaders who are not only active but also effective in connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026
#nccsda

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—but important—details 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: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s 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.”

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
#nccsda

Brandon Dorn has joined the 91´óÉń 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’s 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´óÉń position and is grateful for how clearly the opportunity unfolded.

Raised in Adventist education, Brandon attended Collegedale Academy and later earned a bachelor’s 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´óÉń, 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

#nccsda

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the 91´óÉń community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four 91´óÉń churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, 91´óÉń Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
#nccsda

Over the past year, we have seen the resilience of our teachers, students, and families as they have continued their educational mission amid grief and uncertainty. They have chosen hope and faith over fear and despair. Their trust in God’s sustaining presence and steady commitment to the purpose of Adventist education has helped our community move forward.

Our focus has remained, and will always remain, on the safety, healing, and well-being of our students, staff, and their families. The journey toward recovery has been long and challenging for those most directly affected by the shooting, and we ask for your ongoing prayers and faithful support for their healing.

Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep gratitude—gratitude to God for His mercy, for the strength He has poured into our community, and for the enduring compassion that has held us together. We thank every person, community organization, school, and church that has stood beside Feather River throughout this challenging year. Your prayers, encouragement, and support remind us that we are one body, united in one mission, and anchored in the hope of Christ’s soon return.

We hold close the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May we continue to find comfort in His promises and strength in His presence as we move forward — together, in faith, hope, and love.

Our prayers and support remain with our Feather River School community as we continue to heal and move forward with faith and hope.

Dr. Marc Woodson

President, Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

— For media inquiries, please get in touch with Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, by emailing  or calling (916) 886-5642

By Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

This Thanksgiving, we pause with full hearts to say two simple words that carry eternal weight: thank you. Because of your generosity, prayers, and steady encouragement, the mission of the Northern California Conference continues to move—quietly in living rooms and boldly in sanctuaries, in classrooms and dorms, at food pantries and baptisteries, along hospital corridors and at summer camps where young people say “yes” to Jesus.

Your gifts do more than fund programs; they open doors. In our churches, seekers find welcome and members find hope. Bible studies flourish, new believers step into the waters of baptism, and congregations discover fresh ways to serve their neighborhoods. In our schools, students learn in Christ-centered classrooms where teachers pray, mentor, and inspire—where worship, service, and scholarship are woven together. Across our ministries, compassion becomes tangible: meals shared, burdens lifted, stories told, and faith renewed.

Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). We see that enduring love reflected in you. Some of you give quietly each month. Others offer time, expertise, or special gifts that launch new efforts. Many of you intercede for pastors, educators, students, and volunteers by name. However you give, you are part of a living testimony that gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s a way of life.

We also know this year has asked for perseverance. Families have navigated uncertainty, churches have carried heavy needs, and leaders have made hard decisions. Yet in every challenge, your faith has shone like a steady light. You have reminded us that mission advances best when God’s people move together—each one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for you—for your trust, your partnership, and your sacrificial love. Because of you, children hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy. Because of you, students discover purpose. Because of you, neighbors are served and congregations are strengthened. Most of all, because of you, the gospel continues to go forth with hope.

May your table be filled with peace, your home with gratitude, and your heart with the nearness of Christ. From our Conference family to yours—Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

#nccsda