海角社区

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

Mens Ministry

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 海角社区 Prayer Ministry Coordinator
Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 海角社区 Prayer Ministry Coordinator 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Joyce Mulligan has taken on the role of Prayer Ministry Coordinator for the 海角社区. She succeeds Esme Ross, who led the ministry for many years and was deeply appreciated for her dedicated service.

Joyce moved to Northern California after serving as the Director of Prayer and Women鈥檚 Ministries in the Central California Conference for 13 years. Although she is retired, she felt called to continue this work. After prayerful thought, Joyce accepted the conference leadership鈥檚 invitation to assume this position.

Although she initially had few connections in 海角社区, Joyce is glad to have met many people at camp meeting. She wants every member鈥攜oung or old鈥攖o know they are valued as prayer partners. She shared, 鈥淚n this ministry, there is no age limit; everyone is invited to join in prayer.鈥�

Joyce also extends a special invitation to join the online prayer session every Thursday at 7:00 AM. 鈥淚 never want to miss an opportunity to invite you to prayer,鈥� she says with a smile.

Join us in faith as we lift up our conference together. To participate, call 1 (916) 637-8111 and enter code 669648#.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission
From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission 3990 2117 Ken Miller

On August 14, at a change of command ceremony, the Sierra Chaplaincy program welcomed Lloyd Ogan as interim executive director and senior chaplain. A longtime member of the Camino church and board chair at El Dorado Adventist School, Ogan now steps into a role that blends his extensive operational leadership with a pastoral heart shaped by decades of service.

Ogan stands among a rare few Adventists to hold such high-level positions in public service鈥攁 distinction shared with leaders like Rear Admiral (ret.) Barry C. Black, former U.S. Navy chief of chaplains and current U.S. Senate chaplain (since 2003), and Desmond T. Doss, the WWII medic and Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives without carrying a weapon.

Sierra Chaplaincy, a faith-based nonprofit with a secular mission, supports El Dorado County鈥檚 first responders and community members during their most difficult moments鈥攑roviding presence, prayer, crisis intervention, and emotional support. Whether responding alongside law enforcement, comforting grieving families, or uplifting firefighters after a tough call, chaplains serve as a crucial link between those who protect the community and the community itself.

A 36-year veteran of the fire service, Ogan dedicated 33 years to the Sacramento Fire Department, rising through every rank to become deputy fire chief of operations and later acting fire chief. He has also led as interim fire chief for the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and interim division chief of operations for the Turlock Fire Department. Alongside his leadership in emergency services, he has served for more than 20 years as a hospital and fire chaplain and holds a ministerial license with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

鈥淭hrough every act of service, Sierra Chaplaincy is living the gospel in real time,鈥� said Jim Lorenz, vice president for ministry at 海角社区. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than responding to emergencies鈥攊t鈥檚 about building trust, meeting unique needs, and connecting people to the abundant life Jesus offers.鈥�

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

1,400 Strong: A Festival of Faith, Fellowship, and Gospel Mission
1,400 Strong: A Festival of Faith, Fellowship, and Gospel Mission 3623 1875 Ken Miller

On June 28, nearly 1,400 members from the Hispanic churches of 海角社区 gathered at Pacific Union College for a vibrant festival of faith, joy, and gratitude.

Pastors, members, lay workers, and families from across the region gathered to recognize the inspiring work and workers in their local churches. The day was alive with music, heartfelt worship, and testimonials of service. Groups paraded joyfully, bearing banners that noted their particular ministry, publicly declaring their passion for spreading the Gospel and advancing God鈥檚 kingdom.

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of more than 50 lay leaders who have faithfully served their congregations and communities. Nominated by pastors and leaders of their respective churches, they were celebrated as shining examples of active discipleship and commitment to God’s mission. One visitor, who is receiving Bible studies, came and received an award on behalf of his mentor, who was unable to make the trip.

Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, stated, 鈥淭his was an important celebration, and thank you to the many passionate pastors and dedicated volunteers who serve our communities.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, July 24, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

A Week Beneath the Redwoods 锘緼 Lifetime of Impact
A Week Beneath the Redwoods 锘緼 Lifetime of Impact 3894 2072 Ken Miller

July 27 鈥� August 2, 2025, Redwood Camp Meeting promises something special under Northern California鈥檚 towering redwoods: Inspiring speakers, exceptional children鈥檚 programs, and a God-filled community experience that draws people back year after year.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reported this year’s lineup of speakers, exclaiming, “We are excited to welcome Jesse Seibel from the Hawaiian Islands to open Camp Meeting Sunday evening through Wednesday morning. His fresh insights will set a powerful tone for the week. From July 29 to August 2, Dr. Jon Paulien will lead a thoughtful evening worship series, guiding us deeper into Scripture and hope. Gary Venden, returns with his warm, relational preaching, and 脕ngel Rodr铆guez Medina will bring a dynamic ministry to our Spanish-speaking community.”

Redwood Camp Meeting is a place for all generations. Daily worship and inspiring seminars offer something for everyone. Children especially thrive with themed programs featuring music, crafts, stories, prayer, and a redwood-laden playground.

Other features during the week also include:

Eddie Heinrich will return with Summer on the Run activities, including a waterslide, climbing wall, and fun games that keep kids active and joyful鈥攁 Christ-centered adventure they鈥檒l remember all year.

PUC Professor Jeff Joiner will teach free nursing CEU-credit classes on medical mission work, emergency care, and overdose response.

Mark your calendar and register at nccsda.com/RAC, to reserve a shaded campsite. Find your place beneath the redwoods鈥攚here faith grows deep and hearts grow close.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Hispanic Mens Retreat
Hispanic Mens Retreat 5081 2555 Ken Miller

In May, 125 men came together at Leoni Meadows for the annual Hispanic Men鈥檚 Retreat, titled, 鈥淗ombres de Acuerdo a su Coraz贸n鈥� 鈥� 鈥淢en After His Own Heart.鈥�

Centered on spiritual renewal, the presentations focused on what it means to be a man of faith, emphasizing obedience, humility, and a contrite heart.

Through breakout sessions and prayer, the men spent time sharing personal testimonies of faith and building friendships. One attendee stated, 鈥淲hen you make a friend here, it鈥檚 para toda la vida鈥攆or life.鈥�

鈥淚t was a true blessing to see these men inspired to grow in their walk with God and to be ready to serve the Lord and their families with renewed strength,鈥� said Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 12, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Leoni Meadows Honors Pastor Craig Heinrich for 24 Years of Dedicated Service
Leoni Meadows Honors Pastor Craig Heinrich for 24 Years of Dedicated Service 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Bill Cash

On June 8, the volunteer train drivers at Leoni Meadows surprised Craig Heinrich in a heartfelt tribute to his 24 years of service as the Leoni camp director.

During a work bee to clear winter debris and assist with the new train barn, nine train drivers and their spouses presented Heinrich with a commemorative plaque naming the train鈥檚 station the 鈥淐raig Heinrich Train Station.鈥� He was also gifted the traditional engineer coveralls and hat.

Over the years, Heinrich has been instrumental in supporting and preserving the train, notably overseeing the restoration of its 2.5-mile track in 2018 and rescuing the train during the Caldor Fire in 2021 by moving it to safety in the meadow. Though the fire destroyed the train barn and several other camp buildings, Heinrich鈥檚 efforts ensured the train鈥檚 survival.

Heinrich will be stepping down from his role at Leoni Meadows after this summer鈥檚 camping season to take on a new position in the education department as the small school pastor. The plaque will be permanently displayed on the station as a tribute to his legacy.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 12, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in 海角社区
Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in 海角社区 5142 3428 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, CFRE
海角社区 Director of Communication and Development

Over the past few months, we have highlighted how our ministries work to fulfill 海角社区鈥檚 purpose of connecting people to a more abundant life with Jesus and preparing for the Second Coming. This month, we asked: How does our school system achieve this mission? The answer was found in an unexpected place鈥攖he Pacific Union Conference Education Code.

What is the Education Code?

The Pacific Union Conference Education Code, adopted by 海角社区, is more than a manual of operational policies鈥攊t鈥檚 a spirit-led, values-based framework designed to foster safe, nurturing, and spiritually grounded learning environments. Rooted in biblical principles, it governs every aspect of our school operations, including staffing, curriculum, financial stewardship, professional conduct, and student safety.

Ellen G. White once wrote, 鈥淭rue education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study… It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man鈥� (Education, p. 13). This holistic vision is reflected in the Education Code鈥檚 dual focus: protecting students and honoring educators.

Albert Miller, Superintendent of Schools for 海角社区 (海角社区), explains, 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just filling classrooms. We鈥檙e calling people to a ministry. Our educators are spiritually grounded and professionally equipped鈥攖rained not only to teach, but to mentor students into thoughtful, Christ-centered lives.鈥�

How Does the Education Code Protect the Children in Our Care?

It affirms student well-being through a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aligning with 海角社区 policy that requires immediate reporting of any suspected child abuse or neglect. Comprehensive screening and training鈥攊ncluding background checks and abuse prevention certifications鈥攁re mandated for all school personnel by 海角社区 policy and supported by the Code.

To further safeguard students, schools must conduct regular safety audits, maintain effective emergency protocols, and create environments where students feel emotionally and physically secure. Grounded in Christian compassion, 海角社区 holds all staff to the highest standards of integrity and respectful interaction. Confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for students and their families ensure that every voice is heard, and every concern is taken seriously.

鈥淪afety goes beyond compliance,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淲hile we meet all of California鈥檚 legal requirements for working with children, for us, it鈥檚 more than legal鈥攊t鈥檚 deeply moral. We want every child to feel safe, seen, and loved.鈥�

How Does the Code Uphold the Dignity of Employees?

It safeguards the dignity of those called to teach. Investigations involving staff must be conducted in a confidential, fair, and impartial manner. Employees are guaranteed due process, including the right to respond, access support, and receive updates.

Its goal is to foster a professional culture of trust, transparency, and growth, emphasizing respectful communication and restorative practices. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 rush to judgment or jump to conclusions,鈥� Miller explains. “Clear expectations matter, but so does restoration.鈥�

How Impactful Are These Policies and Practices?

In today鈥檚 complex world, 海角社区鈥檚 adoption of the Pacific Union Conference Education Code serves as both a shield and a compass, protecting the vulnerable and guiding educators in their sacred mission.

Recently, a student sent us a letter: 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 grow up Adventist and struggled in public school, never seeing much purpose in learning. That changed when I enrolled in an Adventist school near our new home. Expecting the same thing, I was surprised to be met with compassion, patience, and a teacher who helped me discover both Jesus and a love for learning. For the first time, I cared about school, found subjects I enjoyed, and began dreaming about the future with Jesus in my life. Even with severe ADHD, I feel accepted and respected. I look forward to attending the academy near my home.”

With 31 schools, more than 2,000 students, and over 200 educators, 海角社区鈥檚 education system is the longest-running evangelistic effort in our territory. In 2024, school-age children and youth accounted for 18% of all 海角社区 baptisms.

鈥淎dventist education is more than academics,鈥� Miller concludes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about shaping lives鈥攐ne heart, one mind at a time鈥攆or this life and the life to come.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, June 5, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 锘�20 Years of Ministry
Sacramento Slavic Church Marks 锘�20 Years of Ministry 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On March 5, the Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special gathering.

Approximately 800 people attended the event, which included church members, friends, and guests. The program featured reflections on the church鈥檚 beginnings, stories of God鈥檚 guidance through challenges, and uplifting music, both solo and choral.

Organized in 2004 with 86 members, the church has grown into a vibrant congregation of 367 members, along with 110 children and 70 youth. Committed to evangelism and community service, the church has implemented ministries such as Pathfinders, Adventurers, youth Bible studies, choirs, and a growing media ministry. In 2017, the church also planted the Ukrainian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sacramento, which is now home to about 200 members.

Several longtime members shared personal memories, adding depth and meaning to the occasion. Church leaders expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years and acknowledged the dedication of the church family. The event served as a reminder of the incredible things that can be accomplished when a community remains committed to its mission and to one another.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 15, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

A Weekend of Brotherhood and Renewal
A Weekend of Brotherhood and Renewal 2048 930 Ken Miller

Over the weekend of May 2鈥�4, 100 men gathered at Leoni Meadows for the annual Christian Men鈥檚 Retreat, themed 鈥淏uilt for Freedom.鈥�

The retreat focused on the powerful truth that true freedom is found in Christ. Through inspiring leadership, thoughtful coaching, and interactive group projects, participants were invited into honest discussions about faith, vulnerability, and what it means to live freely as men of God.

The atmosphere of openness and trust helped break down emotional and spiritual barriers that men often carry. During a time of heartfelt sharing鈥攚hen fears, goals, and personal trials were laid bare鈥攐ne attendee described the moment as 鈥淭he most powerful service I鈥檝e ever been a part of.鈥�

Throughout the weekend, many friendships were formed, faith rekindled, and a renewed sense of calling emerged among the group. Several men shared that they left the retreat feeling reconnected to God, to one another, and their purpose.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 8, 2025
#nccsda

  • Ken Miller
  • No Comments

Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund
Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund 4800 2700 Ken Miller
海角社区 of Seventh-day Adventists (海角社区) has established the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund to provide a trusted avenue for support. This fund is dedicated to directly supporting the students, families, and staff of Feather River Adventist School, all of whom have been deeply impacted by this senseless and violent act.
In alignment with our values and ethical stewardship, we want to clarify that this fund supports the entire Feather River Adventist School community, not just two specific families. If you wish to restrict your support to Elias Wolford or Roman Mendez and their families, you may indicate this in the check memo line聽or the notes section of the online giving form. Because 海角社区 is a conduit for support, ensuring that 100% of the contribution benefits those affected, gifts are not tax-deductible.
Please visit the . 聽Or send your contributions to Northern California Conference, C/O Feather River School Support, 2100 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661. If you have questions, you can email our Director of Communication and Development, laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com. Your support will play a vital role in helping our community heal and rebuild.

#nccsda

Cultivate Generosity

Sign Up For Northern Lights

Northern Lights, the official monthly news source of 海角社区, shares how churches, schools, and members are connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.
CONFERENCE NEWS

漏 2026 海角社区| 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