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Finding Common Ground in Yuba City
Finding Common Ground in Yuba City 2048 1536 Ken Miller

The Yuba City Church recently restarted a ministry for local families from the Punjabi community, drawing nearly 50 attendees鈥攊ncluding both Sikh and Christian households. The gathering offers a spiritual home where many first-generation residents can worship, learn, and connect with one another in a welcoming environment.

Yuba City is home to one of the largest Punjabi populations in the U.S., with many families settling over the past century to farming and support careers. Their long-standing presence gives the church a unique opportunity to connect with a community that is deeply woven into the region鈥檚 culture and daily life.

The weekly service at Yuba City Church is led by Aamir Masih, chaplain at Rideout Hospital and lay pastor. It is held in the church鈥檚 youth chapel, where services in Punjabi and space for families to worship together help create a welcoming environment. Masih, inspired by the warmth he received from the church upon his return to Yuba City, wanted to be part of their mission and subsequently, lead this ministry. 鈥淏y God鈥檚 grace, it has been wonderful,鈥� he said.

Daniel Garza, pastor, shared, 鈥淭he effort reflects something important about ministry today. Our community is diverse, and part of our calling is learning how to serve people in ways that make sense in their world. What began as a single Sabbath gathering is a daily reminder that being community relevant ministry is less about programs and more about relationships.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026
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Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City
Hayward Spanish Church Begins Relational Outreach in Union City 3887 2016 Ken Miller

In March, members of the Hayward Spanish Church stepped into Union City with one goal: to lay the groundwork for a future church. Every visit, conversation, and act of service was part of building relationships that could grow into a thriving congregation.

Volunteers knocked on doors, listened to neighbors鈥� stories, shared meals, handed out literature, and prayed with residents鈥攎eeting real needs while planting seeds for the church. Youth and young adults led activities, guided conversations, and modeled kindness and a servant鈥檚 heart, showing the community that the church is present, caring, and ready to serve.

In advance the teams set up posters with messages of hope, invited residents to gatherings, and filled the streets with Christian music, creating spaces where neighbors felt welcome and engaged. The result? Residents opened up鈥攕ome asking for prayer for family health, others eager to join a Bible study, and a few expressing interests in community meals or youth programs. Several shared contact information, giving the team a path for follow-up and ongoing relationship-building.

“Seeing neighbors open up and share their needs reminded us why we serve together,”听said Stennett Nash, pastor of the Hayward Spanish Church.听“Every visit, every conversation, every act of service is a step toward planting a church here.“The day ended with new friendships formed, prayer requests collected, and a sense of hope for what鈥檚 to come鈥攁 first step in a journey that will continue as the church grows alongside the community it serves.

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026</em>

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Building a Block of Community
Building a Block of Community 3791 1962 Ken Miller

The Oakland Spanish Church recently led a community resource event that took over an entire city block. Residents had the chance to explore more than twenty booths offering practical support from community services, including the police department, social services, and city representatives. Some booths provided food, while others offered health screenings and wellness education.

Paul Guevara, 17吃瓜网 Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, 鈥淭his event is part of the Oakland church鈥檚 ongoing plan to stay connected and relevant to the community. It was key in opening doors and strengthening collaboration between the church, the neighborhood, and the public and private services that support them.鈥�

Visitors engaged with local leaders, gathered valuable information, and participated in hands-on activities. The Oakland Emmanuel Temple Church brought its community health van, providing free screenings and guidance for anyone who stopped by. Food, supplies, and other essentials were offered throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of care and connection.

As neighbors moved from booth to booth, conversations and relationships developed naturally. By stepping forward as an active partner in the neighborhood鈥檚 network of services, the church demonstrated that it isn鈥檛 just present鈥攊t is proactive. That visible engagement helps the community see the church as a trusted, reliable force, building confidence that it will continue to serve and respond alongside other local leaders.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026

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Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit
Ending Homelessness Initiative 2nd Annual Summit 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2nd Annual Summit of the Ending Homelessness Initiative brought together church leaders, community advocates, and volunteers for a day filled with inspiration and action.

Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled 鈥淭he Reason Why.鈥� 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 17吃瓜网 community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area鈥檚 continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four 17吃瓜网 churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, 17吃瓜网 Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, 鈥淚 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.鈥�

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs鈥攊t 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
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Serving Amid Growing Need
Serving Amid Growing Need 2000 1000 Ken Miller

As economic pressures continue to tighten household budgets, food insecurity is affecting more families across Northern California than ever before. In response, churches across the Northern California Conference are stepping into the gap, providing not just groceries, but hope, dignity, and community through vibrant food ministries.

Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs鈥攖hey restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference鈥檚 largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests鈥攄emonstrating discipleship in action.

Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.

Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.

A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California

From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:

Carmichael Church
Concord Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Palo Cedro
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement鈥攖hrough time, resources, or inviting others to participate鈥攕trengthens these ministries and spreads Christ鈥檚 love throughout our communities.

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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 the Northern California Conference. 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�

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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
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Church Partnership Extends a Helping Hand
Church Partnership Extends a Helping Hand 5185 3323 Ken Miller

On May 25, Vallejo Central Church hosted the Revive shower trailer from Pleasant Hill Church, providing support and care to 25 unhoused guests.

The event was organized by Vallejo Central鈥檚 Joyful Life Health Ministries team, with nearly 30 volunteers showing up early to prepare. They set up tables and chairs, cleaned the showers between guests, organized clothing, served food, and spent time talking and praying with those who came.

Most guests were transported to and from the church using the church鈥檚 shuttle. It was a simple act of service, but one that made a real impact. By coming together with open hands and willing hearts, volunteers welcomed guests who felt seen, cared for, and valued鈥攏o matter how briefly.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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Equipped to Make a Difference
Equipped to Make a Difference 2048 1536 Ken Miller

The weekend of May 30 saw fifty community services directors, volunteers, and church staff from across the 17吃瓜网 gather for a weekend of worship, learning, and connection at the Adventist Community Services (ACS) Retreat.

The weekend offered a much-needed pause from daily responsibilities鈥攁n opportunity to step back, share ideas, and find encouragement. Breakout sessions explored key topics like homelessness, fundraising, volunteer training, and forming community partnerships. Panel discussions created an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore practical ways to respond.

鈥淚t was so good to see the community service leaders and volunteers come together to learn, participate, and share information from their efforts,鈥� said Kathy Batchelor, organizer of the event. 鈥淚t was evident that these dedicated individuals are working in their communities and forwarding our core purpose, leading others to an abundant life in Jesus and preparing them for His soon return.鈥�

James Lim, 17吃瓜网 Community Services Director, stated, 鈥淚 am so glad that we could resume our ACS retreat this year. We had wonderful presentations from the Pacific Union and North American Division ACS leaders. It was a great time to relax and reconnect for our local ACS leaders, who have tirelessly worked in their communities.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, June 12, 2025
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17吃瓜网 Expands Effort to End Homelessness
17吃瓜网 Expands Effort to End Homelessness 5760 3840 Ken Miller

The 17吃瓜网 is making strides to address homelessness, aiming to establish 15 Ending Homelessness Task Forces by 2027. These task forces are regional teams of church members, pastors, and those dedicated to addressing homelessness.

Recently, two new task forces were launched in Contra Costa and Mendocino counties. Joelle Chinnock, Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, 鈥淲e are pleased to announce these new groups and are close to听launching a fourth in the Marin-Sonoma area. This progress reflects a growing听commitment to addressing homelessness in at least one population group鈥攃hronic homeless individuals, veterans, adults with children, or youth鈥攊n every county where the Adventist Church is present, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.鈥�

Task force members will join their respective county鈥檚 Continuum of Care, agencies which collaborate to address homelessness issues. Josie Asencio, pastor of the Antioch church and leader of the Contra Costa County task force, stated, 鈥淚听have been attending area Continuum of Care meetings to prepare for our task force鈥檚 first official planning session. I am so impressed that many in our area are motivated for this mission.鈥�

Chinnock concluded, 鈥淚 am encouraged by these new task force volunteers. Each new team moves the 17吃瓜网 Ending Homelessness Initiative closer to听its goal.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, March 6, 2025
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Every Thursday morning, Northern Lights, the official 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.

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