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Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church
Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church 3791 1883 Ken Miller

On September 13, Marc Pasion was installed as Associate Pastor of Sacramento Central Church.

Marc began his ministry in Hawaii as a Bible Worker and most recently served as Program Head for Ke Ola Youth Rush, mentoring students in evangelism and discipleship. He also served four years in the Hawaii Army National Guard, where he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience鈥攓ualities that now shape his pastoral calling. He completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews University in May before joining the Northern California Conference.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Marc carries the island values of family, humility, and service. Influenced by mentors such as Taj Pacleb, he embraces a ministry guided by 2 Timothy 4:11, which reminds him that God redeems the past and calls each person useful for His work.

Marc shares his life with Cindy, his wife of four years. They are grateful to serve together in this season of ministry.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025

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17吃瓜网 Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities
17吃瓜网 Urban Ministries Workshop Equips Churches to Serve Their Communities 3869 2052 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

The Northern California Conference Urban Ministries Department hosted its Urban Ministries Workshop on November 9, 2025, at the Fairfield Church. Pastors, ministry leaders, and members from across the conference gathered to explore practical ways to engage their communities through meaningful service, outreach, and discipleship.

Participants attended breakout sessions on evangelism, community partnerships, recovery ministry, discipleship, and youth engagement鈥攅ach designed to help churches create sustainable, long-term impact. One attendee shared, 鈥淎s my community project, I chose assembling hygiene kits for the homeless! I am now inspired to organize a family gathering to prepare hygiene kits for the homeless in my city!鈥�

Speakers highlighted how deep connections can form when churches work hand-in-hand with their communities and partner organizations. In the afternoon, attendees put their learning into action through hands-on service projects. Teams assisted at the Fairfield Thrift Store, distributed blessing bags, and prayed with shoppers at Food 4 Less. They also cleaned trash in the surrounding neighborhood and assembled hygiene kits for those in need.

The day concluded with participants inspired, equipped, and committed to expanding their community engagement鈥攄emonstrating that meaningful ministry happens when the church shows up with compassion and purpose. Josie Asencio, Pastor of the Antioch Church, reflected, 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful to be part of the Urban Ministries Team, especially when we get to train people on how to partner with their communities through service. That is an important aspect of discipleship.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, November 20, 2025
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Building Character, One Adventure at a Time
Building Character, One Adventure at a Time 3888 2078 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich and Barry van Iderstein

Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网) Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders continue to provide programs that encourage and teach enthusiastic youth. Over three weekends, youth gathered at Leoni Meadows to take part in spiritual programs, participate in hands-on learning, and earn honors.

In October, over 600 Pathfinders attended the 17吃瓜网 Pathfinder Camporee for a weekend of outdoor adventure and spiritual growth. Despite rainy weather on Thursday, spirits remained high, and by Sabbath morning the skies cleared for a day of activities. Weekend highlights included the blacksmithing honor (supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health), the Parade of Nations, a Leaders in Training social activity, and four baptisms. The theme聽鈥�All In鈥�聽encouraged Pathfinders to live out their faith through worship, service, and community involvement, while honor classes and service projects fostered friendships and character.

Following the Camporee, the 17吃瓜网 Adventurer program hosted two weekend events鈥攐ne in Spanish and one in English鈥攂ringing young children and families together. The 2025 theme,聽鈥�Down on the Farm,鈥� offered hands-on experiences exploring food, farm life, and Jesus鈥� birth. The Spanish event welcomed more than 70 families; the English weekend hosted 30. Children earned awards while parents participated in family ministry activities and guest-led worship. Sunday included go-kart rides and a historic train ride.

Together, the Pathfinder and Adventurer programs showcase the 17吃瓜网鈥檚 commitment to fun, faith-filled events that build character, foster spiritual growth, and inspire service.

Featured in Northern Lights, November 20, 2025
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Rain Can鈥檛 Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo鈥檚 Record-Breaking Sports Camp
Rain Can鈥檛 Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo鈥檚 Record-Breaking Sports Camp 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Even gray skies couldn鈥檛 dim the energy on Monday, September 29, as more than 190 students from 11 Northern California Conference schools聽converged on the campus of聽Rio Lindo Adventist Academy聽for its annual Sports Camp.

The event, which has averaged 142 participants over the past decade, celebrated its largest turnout in years鈥攁 sign of growing enthusiasm for this much-anticipated day of athletics and fellowship. The schools that sent their enthusiastic students included: Clearlake, Echo Ridge, Feather River, Hilltop, Middletown, Napa, Redding, Redwood, Tracy, Ukiah, and Westlake.

The morning began in Rio鈥檚 gymnasium, where students joined together for a spirited worship and orientation. Afterward, they were divided by grade and gender into groups led by聽Rio Ambassadors, student leaders who guided their squads throughout the day and offered encouragement at every station.

Participants rotated through a series of athletic challenges including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Each session鈥攆acilitated by volunteer coaches and Rio staff鈥攆ocused on skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship before wrapping up with scrimmages.

For many students, especially those from smaller schools, Sports Camp offered a unique opportunity to connect and grow alongside a wider community of peers. 鈥淚t was so much fun to play with new people,鈥� said聽Simon Sigler聽from Redwood Adventist Academy. 鈥淚 got to learn a lot!鈥�

By mid-afternoon, the clouds that had hovered all day finally opened up, drenching the fields in a sudden downpour. But rather than dampen spirits, the rain only added to the memories. Laughter echoed through the campus as students dashed for shelter, soaked but smiling.

The day concluded with an awards assembly recognizing outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork in each athletic session. As everyone departed and the rain continued to fall, students left Rio tired but happy鈥攁lready talking about next year鈥檚 Sports Camp.

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Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee
Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich

From October 2鈥�5, the Pathfinder Camporee brought over 600 Pathfinders together at Leoni Meadows Camp for a weekend of fellowship, spiritual connections, and outdoor adventure.

Each year, Pathfinders eagerly anticipate the Camporee鈥攁nd this year was no exception. Rain showers greeted campers on Thursday as they set up, yet spirits remained high. By Friday, clouds lingered but gradually gave way to sunshine, and by Sabbath morning, the weather was beautiful.

The Camporee featured a wide range of highlights: the blacksmithing honor, supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health; the Sabbath morning Parade of Nations; a Saturday night social for the Leaders in Training (LITs); four baptisms; and an inspiring talk by Tobin Dodge on ministry in the Arctic Circle鈥攁long with many other memorable moments.

This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淎ll In鈥� encouraged Pathfinders to put faith into action through service, worship, and community engagement. Attendees participated in worship services, honor classes, and community projects, all while building friendships and growing in character alongside their peers.

For Pathfinder clubs, families, and church leaders alike, the 2025 edition was an unforgettable experience鈥攁 time where faith, fun, and fellowship came together in the stunning setting of Leoni Meadows.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Young Adults Finding Faith鈥攁nd Each Other
Young Adults Finding Faith鈥攁nd Each Other 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Across Northern California, young adults are discovering that faith grows best in shared life鈥攁round campfires, on trails, and beneath the stars.

One ministry has seen significant growth since a few pastors and church leaders started engaging young adults in meaningful ways within their churches and social circles. What began with Sabbath School, vespers, and a ten-person camping trip started by Joseph Cartwright from the Auburn church鈥攈as grown into a community led by young adults with a heart for creating spaces of worship, conversation, and friendship.

Camping retreats have become a highlight of the ministry. A trip to Big Sur and Tahoe last year saw baptisms as part of the weekends. This year, the Lake Tahoe retreat drew more than 100 campers, marking the largest gathering yet. RJ Gamboa, GC Director of Sidewalk Evangelism, and his wife, Charinette, joined the group to speak on living fully surrendered to Jesus under the theme 鈥淎bove the Noise.鈥�

Connection is what fuels this ministry. Friends invite friends. Coworkers bring coworkers. People come from different churches鈥攁nd even beyond the Adventist community鈥攖o hike, paddleboard, share meals, and talk late into the night. Faith becomes something lived, not just discussed.

Looking ahead, the Young Adult Retreat at Leoni Meadows, December 5鈥�7, is the official event sponsored by the 17吃瓜网 Young Adult Ministries Department. 鈥淲e are very excited about this event because last year was such an amazing experience,鈥� said Eddie Heinrich, director. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 focus is on building relationships and getting closer to Jesus. With speakers Taj Pacleb, K鈥橠ee Crews, Marlene Rodriguez, and Marc Woodson, it promises to be a meaningful weekend for everyone attending.鈥�

Sometimes, finding faith begins with simply finding each other鈥攁nd this growing community keeps taking that step.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters
Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters 4000 2250 Ken Miller

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鈥攓uietly 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 鈥測es鈥� 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鈥攚here 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, 鈥淕ive thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever鈥� (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鈥攊t鈥檚 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鈥檚 people move together鈥攅ach one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, 鈥淵ou will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion鈥� and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God鈥� (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for you鈥攆or 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鈥擧appy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

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Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir
Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir 1900 1267 Ken Miller

Reprinted from nadadventist.org

Three years ago, Josiah Hughes, a member of Capitol City Seventh-day Adventist Church 鈥� Fiji Campus, in Sacramento, California, had a bold vision: to gather Fijian Adventists from around the world to sing at the GC Session.

鈥淢ost applied for the visa but were rejected,鈥� said Epeli Saukuru, general secretary of the Fiji Mission, who joined the choir; notably, he wrote more than 400 visa letters. Others cancelled for financial reasons, leaving the U.S.-based churches bracing to sing alone.

Amazingly, 85 voices came together from the U.S., Australia, England, New Zealand, American Samoa, and the Philippines. 鈥淲hen we all met here, Joe was overjoyed,鈥� said Saukuru. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 easy to put everything together. We can only praise God.鈥�

The group included six pastors, as well as Marc Woodson, the Northern California Conference president, who learned the lyrics phonetically. Although they learned the songs via Messenger and rehearsed just twice, their rich harmonies and smiles gave no hint of obstacles. 鈥淪inging is natural for us,鈥� said Saukuru. 鈥淲e love singing.鈥�

鈥淲e felt like we were singing with the angels. Even Joe said he felt the angels were singing with us while conducting,鈥� he reflected. Their message shone through, even in a different language: 鈥淒espite the many challenges we go through, God鈥檚 great love can still protect us. And we can still proclaim hope for the second coming.鈥�

Saukuru added that in the South Pacific, they can feel isolated, but at the session, they realized 鈥淲e鈥檙e not small. We鈥檙e part of a bigger global church family. And that has been a blessing.鈥�

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Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield
Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield 4014 2477 Ken Miller

Dexter Thomas was ordained on October 4, at Fairfield Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he serves as senior pastor.

Before coming to Fairfield, Thomas served as auxiliary evangelist for the 17吃瓜网 with Grand Advent Church (2006鈥�2010). Though legally blind, he has combined leadership with creativity, founding PhoneFaith, a spiritual care ministry for the blind that continues to serve hundreds nationwide. He also led seminars on personal evangelism, disability ministry, and leadership development, equipping congregations and communities for practical outreach.

At Fairfield, Thomas ministers to a congregation representing over 30 nationalities, nurturing community and fostering growth. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on social justice in preaching and teaching, and has contributed to church leadership through evangelism, disability ministry, and community programs.

鈥淒r. Thomas鈥� story reminds me that God knew us before we knew ourselves, that God formed us through our trials, and that God now sends us on His mission,鈥� said Rudy Peters, African American Ministry coordinator.

Thomas shares his life with Elizabeth and their daughter Tahliza.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Pentecost 2025: Lives Transformed in Our Territory
Pentecost 2025: Lives Transformed in Our Territory 3963 2089 Ken Miller

During Pentecost 2025, God鈥檚 Spirit moved powerfully across the Northern California Conference.

This North American Division initiative invited Adventists to hold thousands of proclamation events focused on prayer, community engagement, and discipleship. In our territory, members brought this vision to life through Bible studies, evangelistic meetings, and baptisms, marking a season of transformation and hope.

“Thirteen precious souls publicly declared their commitment to follow Jesus. Each baptism told a story of surrender, renewal, and faith, strengthening fellowship and inspiring unity,” reported Jaime Calvo, district pastor of the North Highlands, Sacramento Spanish and Woodland Spanish churches, “And other district leaders helped coordinate prayerful outreach, Bible studies, and mentorship that touched lives and transformed hearts.”

Douglas Barahona, associate pastor of the Chico Church, shared, 鈥淚n our bi-weekly Collegiate Bible Studies, the Holy Spirit and the book of Acts were central. This led to six baptisms among High School, Collegiate, and Young Adult students. Several students from Adventist and non-Adventist families plugged into the church and began serving as deacons or audio/video volunteers.”

Jaziel Huerta, assistant pastor of Sacramento Spanish, reflected, 鈥淲e prayed consistently for ten people, and we watched God respond. Many who had been absent or had never attended returned, reintegrated into church life, and grew spiritually.”

Octavian Poenaru, district pastor of the Clearlake and Middletown churches, told the story of Steve and Sandra, who came hesitantly but quickly became active. 鈥淭he week before their baptism, they took over landscaping to beautify our church and asked, ‘What else can we do for the Lord?鈥欌�� Their service reminded everyone of the beauty of a 鈥渇irst love鈥� for God.

Leoni Meadows retreat (May 30 鈥� June 1, 2025) provided a sacred setting for two baptisms, while Mayfair Church, North Bay Korean Company, and Sacramento Central SDA Church celebrated transformed lives.

Pentecost 2025 reminded everyone that every baptism marks both an ending and a beginning: the old life ends, and a new life in Christ begins. Heaven rejoiced over each soul that chose Christ鈥攁nd so did we.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 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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