17吃瓜网

After 42 years in education鈥�34 of those within the Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网)鈥�17吃瓜网 Vice President of Education Albert Miller has announced his retirement, closing a chapter defined by steady leadership, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to students and teachers.

A graduate of Rio Lindo Adventist Academy (Class of 1979), Miller earned degrees in Physical Education and Religion from Pacific Union College in 1984. He began his career immediately at Mount Ellis Academy in Montana and later at Hawaiian Mission Academy, teaching PE and Bible at both campuses.

In 1991, then鈥揜io Lindo principal Dennis Plubell invited him to return to his alma mater to teach Bible and serve as vice principal. He later became principal (1998鈥�2005), then associate superintendent (2005), and ultimately superintendent of schools in 2019, succeeding Bill Keresoma. Even while serving in conference leadership, his heart for the classroom remained evident. 鈥淚 actually taught Bible class officially from 2010 until 2015,鈥� he shared, adding with a chuckle, 鈥渁nd even occasionally after that.鈥�

Throughout his career, Miller has modeled 17吃瓜网鈥檚 strategic anchors鈥擟ommunity Relevance, Mission-Driven Focus, Engaged and Enthusiastic Employees and Members, and Organizational Health. He is widely recognized as a leader who demonstrates 17吃瓜网 values in both conviction and practice. Year after year, he has connected students, educators, and his team to an abundant life with Jesus Christ, intentionally preparing young people not only for college and career but for Christ鈥檚 soon return.

He credits mentors such as Larry Caviness鈥攑articularly during seven summers at Leoni Meadows鈥攁s influential in calling him to education, while John Collins at Rio Lindo and PUC, along with Dean Maddock at HMA, guided him toward administration.
Reflecting on his time with 17吃瓜网, he shared, 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of our education team, where we鈥檝e built a place where teachers and staff know we鈥檙e here to support them in whatever way we can. We in the ed department work for the schools, and I believe we provide solid support.鈥�

He attributes that strength to every level of the system鈥攆rom associate superintendents and principals to teachers and support staff. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 often the principal,鈥� he quipped about emptying trash cans. 鈥淚 truly believe the Organizational Health process at the 17吃瓜网 is probably the best system I鈥檝e seen in my tenure, and it will increasingly support each person鈥檚 dedication to ministry for students鈥攏ot just academically but in quality administration鈥攁nd that will enhance how we teach Jesus鈥� character in all parts of life. I鈥檓 proud of our principals and teachers for understanding that we have the privilege and honor of a 180-day-a-year evangelistic program.鈥�

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and philanthropy and fellow 17吃瓜网 leadership team member, reflected on Miller鈥檚 impact:
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a pleasure to work with him on the 17吃瓜网 leadership team and see him grow as a leader and friend. It is clear Albert cares about education and has been its champion since he started.鈥�
That championship mindset鈥攕teady, relational, mission-centered鈥攈as shaped not only policy and systems but culture. Under his leadership, the education department has strengthened organizational health, reinforced spiritual intentionality, and supported schools as vibrant centers of ministry.

Jaymes Cheney, 17吃瓜网 treasurer, shared, 鈥淎s a former school board chair, I really appreciated Albert鈥檚 accessibility. He made himself available and was always willing to listen and offer advice, if needed. Now having the opportunity to serve alongside Albert has given me an even greater respect for his leadership throughout our Northern California schools. His genuine desire to see Adventist education flourish through kids, families, and communities connected to an abundant life in Jesus Christ will be missed.鈥�

After more than four decades of service, Albert and Becky, his wife of 41 years, are looking forward to spending additional time with their two daughters鈥� families and five grandchildren. An avid water-skier, he joked that early morning runs on the lake often doubled as 鈥渕y morning devotional and hydrotherapy sessions!鈥� And when asked why so many PE majors become principals, his humor surfaced once again: 鈥淲e know how to set up and take down chairs and project our voices over large areas! But seriously, good PE teachers know how to build teams, work with individuals, and strive to bring out the best in people.鈥�

That ability鈥攖o build teams, to bring out the best, and to keep mission at the center鈥攈as defined Albert Miller鈥檚 leadership. His legacy will continue to echo across classrooms, campuses, and lives changed for eternity.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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Thanks to the generosity of a planned gift through the Northern California Conference, two transformative projects are making a lasting difference for students and schools across the conference鈥攕trengthening campuses, expanding meaningful opportunities, and investing in young people as they grow, learn, and prepare for lives of purpose.

One project expanded a multi-campus hybrid school. Sacramento Adventist Academy and El Dorado Adventist School partnered to pilot a hybrid learning model. Sacramento Academy offered its Algebra I class to eighth-grade students, while El Dorado facilitated participation across campuses. The project included remodeled classrooms, electronic tools for live broadcasts, and other technological upgrades so students could learn together, even when they weren鈥檛 in the same building.

The program successfully launched, with one class operating and five students completing Algebra I through the hybrid approach. Principals from both schools worked closely to manage the program and navigate potential issues. They are laying the groundwork for future growth.
The second project focused on improving student living spaces at Rio Lindo Academy. Seed funding allowed for the start of a dormitory room remodel, creating more welcoming spaces for boarding students. Nine dormitory rooms were renovated, providing students with a tangible improvement to their daily lives and reinforcing the school鈥檚 commitment to a supportive campus environment.

Though different in scope, both projects reflect a shared commitment to students. By improving how they learn and where they live, this support continues to strengthen the foundation of Adventist education across the conference.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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By Daniel Javes and Miriam Lens

Centro de Esperanza at the Hayward Spanish Church was already serving families when additional support from an individual donor through the Northern California Conference enabled the ministry to expand into a dedicated space. This expansion strengthened the ministry鈥檚 capacity, providing a welcoming, organized environment where practical assistance and Christ-centered care could be offered more consistently and effectively.

The ministry鈥檚 progress has been intentional rather than dramatic. Growth has followed a thoughtful plan. Some areas are showing strong momentum; others are still developing. Building trust within vulnerable communities takes time. Training volunteers, organizing systems, and refining case management processes requires steady leadership. Centro de Esperanza is celebrating progress while remaining realistic about the work still ahead.

In 2025, a bilingual Community Forum on Immigration welcomed 91 participants. Attorneys and trained representatives provided guidance on immigration processes and individual rights. At the conclusion of the forum, 300 鈥淜now Your Rights鈥� Red Cards were distributed. These cards summarize constitutional protections and outline practical steps individuals can take if questioned by immigration authorities.

Health education has become one of the ministry鈥檚 most encouraging areas of development. On September 13, bilingual nutrition workshops reached 280 participants. Representatives from Alameda County and Kaiser Permanente partnered in delivering instruction on disease prevention, healthy living, and family wellness. In December, an additional healthy eating and recipe workshop served 60 adults, reinforcing practical habits that support long-term well-being.

Food distribution remains the ministry鈥檚 most consistent and visible expression of care. Each Wednesday, about 310 families receive groceries through the Centro de Esperanza food bank. An additional $1,000 in emergency financial support was given out to cover urgent needs. In November and December, 388 families received Thanksgiving food baskets. In December alone, 350 families received $50 grocery gift cards.

The ministry has strengthened its internal structure by introducing structured case management and referral services to assist families with utilities, public benefits, and healthcare access. In the initial phase, five families received intensive support, laying the groundwork for broader services. But challenges remain: anxiety and fear in the served community, limited funding, volunteer capacity, and the creation of a culture of generosity. Through persistent dedication, ministry members continue to serve families and recently celebrated seven baptisms, reflecting growth that is both spiritual and practical.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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By Keith Henry

On Sabbath, December 27, Oakland Market Street Church stepped beyond its walls to serve the Oakland community through a 鈥淧op-Up Pot of Chili鈥� outreach.

Following the church鈥檚 year-end Communion Service, members gathered that afternoon to prepare and distribute 100 bags filled with winter essentials and hygiene items. In addition, volunteers joyfully served more than 100 bowls of hot, homemade chili鈥攐ffering comfort, nourishment, and connection on a cold winter day.

Edwin Brown, pastor, reflected on the experience, saying,听鈥淭hough it was a cold day, the gratitude and smiles of those receiving a cup of hot chili filled me with exhilaration and joy. The volunteers were cheerful and seemingly unaware of the cold. Serving the people invigorated them as well. I felt like our church鈥檚 mission theme song鈥斺�楲et鈥檚 go outside these walls and be a witness鈥欌�攚as being fulfilled right before my eyes.鈥�

Stephanie Jolliff, Community Service Director, added,听鈥淎 bowl of chili may warm the body, but kindness warms the heart. We serve our community to remind every person that they are seen, valued, and loved. The chili was delicious, people were happy, and many wanted to know who we were. That鈥檚 mission at its finest hour.鈥�

Through simple acts of service and听engaged members, Market Street SDA Church continues to demonstrate community relevance鈥攎eeting real needs, building trust, and reflecting Christ鈥檚 love in tangible ways where it matters most.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Join this important and timely presentation on July 5 at 4:30 p.m

Jose Marin, 17吃瓜网 Executive Secretary, announced, “We are very excited about our 2025 Redwood Camp Meeting speakers. Jesse Seibel is a chaplain with an incredible ability to connect with people on a personal level. Jon Paulien is a leading scholar and lecturer on Revelation, and we are privileged to have him at Redwood. Gary Venden also returns and anchors our morning programs, a veteran camp favorite.”

Redwood Camp Meeting runs from July 27 to August 2. Information and registration is available on their

Featured in Northern Lights, January 30, 2025
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Are you ready to unleash a spirit of generosity and make a lasting impact on your church or school community? With our free 90-minute online course, Creating a Culture of Generosity, you鈥檒l discover “The Formula,” an approach proven to ignite hearts, elevate financial giving, and advance your mission like never before!

Imagine transforming your worship services, events, and school programs into moments that inspire deeper connections with the mission and move people to give joyfully and generously. This course equips you with the tools to make that vision a reality.

In this dynamic and interactive course, you鈥檒l learn how to:

• Cultivate a culture of generosity, as seen in the early church, where giving is a natural, heartfelt response.
• Apply 鈥淭he Formula” to increase local church and school contributions in ways that last and multiply.
• Inspire ongoing, joyful support by connecting givers more personally to the mission, transforming each donation into a shared victory.

This course is for pastors, administrators, and individuals passionate about furthering God’s work through sustainable giving.

Why?

When you create a thriving culture of generosity, you鈥檙e not just funding programs鈥攜ou鈥檙e empowering disciples, growing communities, and helping prepare people for an abundant life with Jesus Christ. The impact is eternal.

To sign up for the course or learn more, visit听our development page for more details!

Featured in Northern Lights, September , 2024
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