A total of 411 riders participated, collectively logging more than 6,000 miles in support of local Pathfinder clubs and youth ministries throughout the conference.

Riders of every skill level took part throughout the day, with some casually pedaling with friends while others challenged themselves to ride as many miles as possible. The day extended well beyond the riders themselves. More than 200 parents, leaders, volunteers, and club cooks filled the area with activity and support. A variety of food booths kept participants energized throughout the day, with favorites such as corn dogs, cotton candy, pupusas, and potato tacos.

Funds raised through the bike-a-thon help Pathfinder clubs continue programs that support spiritual growth, leadership development, outdoor education, and community service for young people across Northern California.

Eddie Heinrich, 17łÔąĎÍř Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Director, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “The weather cooperated and our Pathfinders, once again, showed they are unstoppable when they commit to a goal. I’m very proud of them.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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In March, Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) hosted its first-ever disc golf fundraiser at the Little Oaks course in Carmichael. By the end of the morning, 64 players had shown up—and together they raised $2,200 to help provide athletic equipment and musical instruments for children in Peru and Zambia.

The tournament was the idea of fourth-grade teacher Chris Duckett, who also built and cares for the 18-hole course on SAA’s campus. Watching other teachers find creative ways to raise money for Maranatha mission trips, he wanted to do his part—and realized disc golf might be the perfect fit.

With encouragement from Principal Matthew Jakobsons (who even jumped in to cook breakfast), the event quickly took on the feel of a true community gathering. Players came from all backgrounds—families, beginners, and experienced competitors—and many others supported the cause even if they couldn’t attend. One highlight was a raffle featuring a custom electric guitar built by SAA woodshop teacher Duane Calkins, which drew plenty of excitement.

The money raised will go toward simple but meaningful supplies—balls, recorders, guitars, and keyboards. For Duckett, it’s personal. His family will be traveling to Peru this summer, where he hopes to help deliver the items in person.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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There is a quiet question that often lingers in the hearts of many believers as the years go by: When is it time to step aside? After decades of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness, it can feel reasonable—even deserved—to say, “I have put in my time. Let someone else take over. I want to travel, rest, and enjoy what years I have left.”

And yet, the kingdom of God does not measure usefulness the way the world does.

In 2018, Ruthe Levy was nominated to serve as treasurer of the Anderson church. It was not a short-term assignment nor was it symbolic. It was real responsibility—numbers, accountability, consistency. Now, eight years later, she still serves in that same role. This April, she turned 99 years old.

Every Monday morning, she gets into her car and drives herself to church. The journey is not effortless; it includes navigating nearly a mile of steep, winding road. Many would consider that reason enough to step down. But not Ruthe.
For her, this is not about obligation. It is mission. Her question has never been, “When can I stop?” Instead, it is, “When will I have to stop because I am no longer able?” That quiet difference speaks volumes.

In a culture that often equates aging with stepping back, the life of faith calls us to a different perspective. Scripture never assigns an expiration date to purpose. As long as there is breath, there is calling. As long as there is life, there is ministry.

God does not retire His workers. Moses was called at 80. Caleb, at 85, still asked for a mountain to conquer. Anna, well advanced in years, worshiped and witnessed daily in the temple. Time, in God’s hands, does not diminish usefulness—it refines it.

What Ruthe demonstrates is something deeply powerful: service is not about age but about willingness. It is not about how much strength we have left but about how much heart we still give.

Yes, seasons change. Responsibilities may shift. The body may slow. But the mission remains. There are always prayers to be offered, encouragement to be given, wisdom to be shared, and faith to be lived out before others.

We are reminded that the work of God is not sustained by youthful energy alone but by enduring devotion. And now, we stand on the edge of eternity with a hope that burns brighter than ever—Jesus is coming soon. This is not the time to withdraw from the mission but to lean into it with renewed purpose.

The question is not, “Have I done enough?”
The question is, “What can I still do?”
Each of us has a role in preparing hearts for that day. Whether through quiet faithfulness like Ruthe or through visible leadership, every act of service matters. Every life surrendered to God becomes a testimony.

So when are we too old to work for God?
The answer is simple: when He calls us home.
Until then, the mission continues.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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When Patrice (Patty) Osborne reflects on her journey in Adventist education, it always comes back to a first-grade classroom—and a teacher who saw something in her early on, “She told me I needed to go into education,” Osborne recalled. “It’s a decision I have never regretted.” That early encouragement helped shape a calling that has now spanned more than forty years.

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

Marc Woodson, 17łÔąĎÍř president, stated in his address: “The individuals we recognize tonight represent decades of dedication to God’s 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.”

This year’s event is strengthened by partnerships with Adventist Health, which continues to extend Christ’s 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, 17łÔąĎÍř creates a shared understanding of what effective ministry looks like across churches and schools. Each nomination is submitted by their peers—leaders who have witnessed firsthand their character, commitment, and impact—making 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’s 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 17łÔąĎÍř 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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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’s 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’s 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. “By God’s grace, it has been wonderful,” he said.

Daniel Garza, pastor, shared, “The 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.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026
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Paul Guevara, 17łÔąĎÍř Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, “This event is part of the Oakland church’s 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.”

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’s network of services, the church demonstrated that it isn’t just present—it 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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Hi there!

I run a Mom and Me playgroup at Paradise Adventist church that has been slowly growing the last few months, and it’s been amazing to connect with local moms. We have become more than half of the community moms who gather weekly for our kids to play in the Sabbath school room, eat snacks, do crafts, and moms chat and hang out. It’s been a nice way to naturally then invite them to come to church with us too.

Yvette Reiber

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–Rio Lindo principal Dennis Plubell invited him to return to his alma mater to teach Bible and serve as vice principal. He later became principal (1998–2005), 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. “I actually taught Bible class officially from 2010 until 2015,” he shared, adding with a chuckle, “and even occasionally after that.”

Throughout his career, Miller has modeled 17łÔąĎÍř’s strategic anchors—Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Focus, Engaged and Enthusiastic Employees and Members, and Organizational Health. He is widely recognized as a leader who demonstrates 17łÔąĎÍř 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’s soon return.

He credits mentors such as Larry Caviness—particularly during seven summers at Leoni Meadows—as 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 17łÔąĎÍř, he shared, “I’m proud of our education team, where we’ve built a place where teachers and staff know we’re 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.”

He attributes that strength to every level of the system—from associate superintendents and principals to teachers and support staff. “And that’s often the principal,” he quipped about emptying trash cans. “I truly believe the Organizational Health process at the 17łÔąĎÍř is probably the best system I’ve seen in my tenure, and it will increasingly support each person’s dedication to ministry for students—not just academically but in quality administration—and that will enhance how we teach Jesus’ character in all parts of life. I’m proud of our principals and teachers for understanding that we have the privilege and honor of a 180-day-a-year evangelistic program.”

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and philanthropy and fellow 17łÔąĎÍř leadership team member, reflected on Miller’s impact:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with him on the 17łÔąĎÍř 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.”
That championship mindset—steady, relational, mission-centered—has 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, 17łÔąĎÍř treasurer, shared, “As a former school board chair, I really appreciated Albert’s 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.”

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’ families and five grandchildren. An avid water-skier, he joked that early morning runs on the lake often doubled as “my morning devotional and hydrotherapy sessions!” And when asked why so many PE majors become principals, his humor surfaced once again: “We 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.”

That ability—to build teams, to bring out the best, and to keep mission at the center—has defined Albert Miller’s 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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