17吃瓜网

The 2026 17吃瓜网 Advantage Awards once again proved that when clarity, mission, and people align, impact grows. Each year, this event builds a clear and shared understanding of what success looks like in ministry鈥攏ot just by activity but by alignment with mission and values. In doing so, it strengthens culture, creates momentum, and empowers leaders across churches and schools to replicate what works.

Rooted in Northern California Conference鈥檚 (17吃瓜网) 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鈥檚 heart, passionate hard work, community relevance, organizational health, and a mission-driven focus.

Marc Woodson, 17吃瓜网 president, stated in his address: 鈥淭he individuals we recognize tonight represent decades of dedication to God鈥檚 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.鈥�

This year鈥檚 event is strengthened by partnerships with Adventist Health, which continues to extend Christ鈥檚 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, 17吃瓜网 creates a shared understanding of what effective ministry looks like across churches and schools. Each nomination is submitted by their peers鈥攍eaders who have witnessed firsthand their character, commitment, and impact鈥攎aking 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鈥檚 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 17吃瓜网 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
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