正澳门六合彩

  • Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

Communication and Development

Loving Others in an Election Year

Loving Others in an Election Year 150 150 Ken Miller

By Steve Allred

Religious liberty is a term that we hear frequently in the political battles of today鈥檚 culture. Christians of all political persuasions are concerned with different issues in our world that impact religious liberty.

For example, some of my Christian friends are concerned with the freedom to be able to express their religious beliefs in the workplace without fear of losing their jobs or being denied a promotion. They are concerned with the freedom of religious institutions. to adhere to their beliefs regarding who they hire or Christian schools being able to uphold lifestyle standards for their students. They fear the intolerance of secularism and worry that political correctness and cancel culture are leading to the loss of religious liberty.

On the other hand, I have Christian friends who are alarmed by the rapid growth of a militant brand of Christianity, calling itself Christian Nationalism, that seeks to insert itself into politics to control the government. They are concerned that posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings and having government-sponsored prayer in public schools is not necessarily the way of Jesus, who offers us the freedom to choose in matters of faith. My friends are also concerned with Project 2025, a new political project that mandates Congress 鈥渆ncourage鈥 a communal rest day on Sunday. They are alarmed as they see the wall of separation between Church and State disappearing.

My good friend observed that Adventists often occupy the uncomfortable middle on many issues. Historically, we鈥檝e been a minority faith in a world that caters to religious groups who are in the majority. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other minority non-Christian faiths on religious liberty issues since they are often advocating for the same protections we are (e.g., Sabbath protections in the workplace). We also seek to be faithful to certain biblical principles (e.g., regarding sexuality) that run afoul of the progressive agenda. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other Christian groups on these issues where we share common ground. But, all things considered, we often occupy the uncomfortable middle.

Additionally, we do not exclusively identify with any political party or ideology as a church. We are not a Republican church or a Democratic church. We are non-partisan. We also do not believe that politics should shape our faith. We believe biblical principles should shape our worldview; from that foundation, we should make our political choices.

Of course, we can and should make our voices heard on issues that matter to us. And we should do so respectfully and with love. But I suggest to you that our world needs more from us than shouting and Facebook posts on the hottest religious liberty (or other political) topics of the day.

God has given us a higher calling than the political pundits and talking heads on TV or radio. In this tense election year, I suggest four scriptural principles and ideas to consider as you fulfill your calling as a follower of Jesus in the real world.

Your Primary Citizenship Is in Heaven

First, remember that your ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God, not to any nation on earth or to any politician: 鈥淔or our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.鈥 Phil. 3:20, NKJV. The apostle Peter puts it this way:

鈥淟ive as foreigners and exiles鈥︹ 1 Peter 2:11, NIV. This should remind us not to become too preoccupied with politics or let any political ideology become an idol in our hearts. We are citizens of God鈥檚 kingdom before any other kingdom or nation.

No Earthly Nation Is God鈥檚 Kingdom

Second, don鈥檛 forget that the kingdom of God is 鈥渘ot of this world,鈥 as Jesus put it in John 18:36. God鈥檚 kingdom is an entirely different kind of kingdom from the political machines of this world. You might remember the story of King Nebuchadnezzar鈥檚 dream in Daniel chapter 2. In the vision, the king saw a statue made of various types of metal. These metals represented the kingdoms of the world: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the strong and weak nations of our world today, represented by the feet of iron and clay. But the kingdom of God was symbolized by a stone cut from a mountain 鈥渨ithout hands.鈥 (not of human origin) that destroyed the nations of the world and became its unique kingdom. The kingdom of God is not an extension of any nation on this planet, nor will it be set up on earth before the second coming of Jesus. We cannot venerate any country or nation as God鈥檚 nation. His coming kingdom is not of this world.

Praying for Your Political Enemies!

Thirdly, the apostle Paul reminds us, in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 to 鈥減ray for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty鈥. Why? Because God 鈥渨ants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.鈥 That 鈥渁ll鈥 includes your worst political enemy! Pray for the salvation of our nation’s leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Praying for Yourself and God鈥檚 Church

Finally, I recently had a conversation with a friend who used to serve as a missionary in Rwanda. We all know about the terrible genocide that occurred there a few decades ago. Christians who worshipped side by side in church one morning were killing each other the next. Why? My friend told me he believed that tribal identity was more important to the killers than their identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Could this happen to us here as well? Could our political ideologies and political parties become more important to us than our identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven? Ask God to show you if your political views have become an idol in your heart. And then pray that he will give you 鈥 and all of His church 鈥 love for those who are different from us and even love for those who may hate us.

As followers of Jesus, we have the solution to our divided world. While the kingdom of God is not of this world, God wants to reveal His kingdom through you in this world. It鈥檚 the kingdom of grace, not the kingdom of glory just yet. That kingdom is revealed 鈥渨ithin you,鈥 Jesus said (Luke 17:21) that the world is transformed when God鈥檚 kingdom shines through His people.

Reaching out to Someone on 鈥淭he Other Side鈥

Do you want to do something concrete to promote religious liberty and grow the kingdom of God? In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus gave us a recipe for loving our enemies 鈥 something bound to make a difference in their lives: 鈥溾o good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.鈥 Right now, think of a person or family on the 鈥渙ther side鈥 of the political or ideological divide. Send up a prayer for them and write it on your calendar to pray for them every day. Then, within the next few days, invite them to do something with you where you can grow a friendship. When you get together, listen to them and hear their perspective without arguing or condemning them. And, at the right time, you can also share your perspective. Or maybe God wants you to be friends and not talk about politics!

This kind of love is what our divided and hurting world desperately needs. When we, God鈥檚 church, live this out in our homes, workplaces, and churches, people鈥檚 lives will be changed. This love is the secret weapon of the kingdom of God that will ultimately win the battle between good and evil.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
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A Service Journey

A Service Journey 3834 2197 Ken Miller

Sixty-nine 正澳门六合彩 educators and pastors, each boasting 25 years or more in service, were honored during the recent Mark Blue Lecture Series.

Each recipient was presented with a distinguished service pin commemorating their unwavering commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on this remarkable milestone, Jose Marin, 正澳门六合彩 Executive Secretary, remarked, “We are privileged to celebrate the remarkable dedication of our pastors, teachers, and principals who have devoted their careers to serving Jesus within the Northern California Conference.”

25 Years of Service

Melbert Baga, Owen聽Bandy, Shawn聽Brummund, Jaime Calvo, David聽Carreon, Heather聽Denton, Jason聽Eyer, John聽Gilley, Robert聽Kurtz, Linda聽Lamb, Janice聽Leigh, Donald聽Mackintosh, JoAnn聽Moon, Lisa Nuss, Ira聽Parrish, Ricardo聽Rincon, Michael聽Rosich, Michael聽Thompson, Aubrey聽Scarbrough, Darren Smith, Susan聽Walters. James Wood Jr., Glen聽Wahlman

30 Years of Service

Tania聽Duncan, Tonya聽Greenwood, David聽Goymer, Vernon聽Jeske, Timothy聽Judson, Robert聽Kearbey, Hyun聽Kim, Esther聽Melgar, Guadalupe聽Negrete, Jerry聽Nelson, Lyly聽Nguyen, J聽Williams, Gerald聽Speyer, Tamara聽Turk, Cheryl聽Wood,

35 years of Service

Thomas聽Adams, Edwin聽Brown, Frederick聽Dana, Bradley聽Davis, Kris聽Dunlap, Walter聽Gro铿, George聽Hilton, Carole聽LeBarre, John聽Linhares, Richard聽Maloon, Robert聽Mason, Albert聽Miller, Richard聽Nelson, Robert聽Robinson

40 years of Service

Douglas聽Brown, Daniel Freedman, George聽Jackson, Nancy聽Matthews, Lisa聽Paulson, David聽Peckham, James聽Pedersen, Dorothy聽Phelps, Mason Philpot, Ronald聽Pickell, Larry聽Unterseher, David聽Vixie, Marvin聽Wray, Bruce聽Yingling

Data from the 正澳门六合彩 Secretariat

Featured in Northern Lights, April 11, 2024
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Ed Fargusson Retires After 42 Years

Ed Fargusson Retires After 42 Years 777 874 Ken Miller

Ed Fargusson, Assistant to the President, announced his retirement on April 1 after 42 years in ministry, 40 of those with the Northern California Conference.

Fargusson joined the 正澳门六合彩 in 1981 and pastored at Hayward, Alturas, Alameda, Tracy, and Roseville churches. He served shortly as the 正澳门六合彩 Human Resources Director and became Assistant to three conference presidents.

He reflected, “The most exciting thing I have seen in pastoring churches and working in the administrative structure is how God changes people’s lives. I often say that serving God is like riding a roller coaster in the front seat. It’s a fun ride, but you are not in control.”

Jim Lorenz, Ministerial Director, stated, “Ed brought a varied background to his role as Assistant to the president. Besides pastoring for many years, he served at the Church State Council and was the 正澳门六合彩 HR director. Since he spent most of his career in the 正澳门六合彩, his institutional knowledge is without parallel. Because of this鈥攁nd his outgoing personality鈥攈e knows nearly everyone, his retirement will leave big shoes to fill.”

Marc Woodson, President, added, “We will miss Ed’s values, his contagious kindness, always with a smile on his face. Ed has a servants heart, answering all the calls to service without complaint. He is a passionate hard worker that exemplifies the values of God, the church and the Northern California Conference.”

With Anne, his wife of 42 years, Fargusson intends to travel and spend time with family. He hints that he will do some contract coaching with churches and continue to teach and preach the Good News of salvation.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 4, 2024
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A Perfect Fall Picnic

A Perfect Fall Picnic 2002 1125 Ken Miller

正澳门六合彩 teachers, pastors, employees, and their children came out on Sunday, September 24, to the annual employee appreciation picnic held at Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA).

Planned and organized by the 正澳门六合彩 administration and staff, the shady schoolyard was festooned with culinary delights and activities for all ages. Carmichael Cougar Pathfinder Club provided enough corndogs and their secret recipe tartar sauce to please a baseball crowd. Sacramento Spanish Pathfinders offered an eclectic buffet of Mexican foods and salsas. Sacramento Slavic brought their food trailer serving 胁邪褉械虂薪懈泻懈 and 薪邪谢懈褋薪懈泻懈 (pierogis and blintzes) complimented with gourmet ice cream and drinks.

正澳门六合彩 Youth Director Eddie Heinrich, son, Kyler, and SAA students enthusiastically monitored a sea of children as they frolicked in the bouncy house, the massive inflatable obstacle course, and the famous climbing wall. A fierce game of nine-square-in-the-air seemed to have no end as children jumped and hit the ball.

Pastors, teachers, and staff from as far away as Redding conversed and laughed, relaxed at picnic tables, enjoying the complimentary fare. Friendly conversations and kids’ laughter were intermixed with more competitive gamers bouncing from table to table, stirring interest in the softball game or pickleball court.

Marc Woodson, 正澳门六合彩 president stated, 鈥淚 want to thank our directors and staff that planned this event and worked tirelessly to make it happen. I also wish to acknowledge our 正澳门六合彩 employees who connect people daily to an abundant life in Jesus.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 5, 2023
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Racing Through Childhood

Racing Through Childhood 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The first time I laid eyes on little Nova, she was bolting from her kindergarten classroom, left arm adorned in a fresh pink cast, running like her chariot was on fire.

Her teacher had instructed me to prohibit any running.聽She flew past us, gaining speed, hurling herself over the three-foot retaining wall that separates the elementary school playground from the soccer聽field鈥 And she just kept going. I thought to myself, “I like this kid already.”

My bond with her grew over the next five years until I became an auxiliary grandmother to her rambunctious family.聽They were not part of our SDA church, but occasionally, Nova attended church with us.

One summer, I invited them to my favorite place on Earth, Redwood Camp meeting. The casual, hundred-acre-wood style would be a comfortable introduction to worshipping our great God. Nova, her younger brother River, and their mother relished the cool, oxygen-rich air filtered by thousand-year-old Redwood trees.聽At Redwood, running is encouraged between the Christ-centered children’s programs.

During the invigorating morning classes, River learned about creation.聽He would find me in the Redwood office later and, with his newfound knowledge, quiz me on who made the giant trees and the sun and tigers and monster trucks and the mountains.聽I fielded question after question about where God lives, why we can’t see him, and how we talk to Him.

One afternoon, River returned to the question of who God is, paused, and then blurted out, “Oh! I met God yesterday!” I answered, “That’s so cool!” River continued, 鈥淵ou showed him to me in your office! His name is Ed!”, My amusement was growing, and I responded, “Who?” River squealed, “You remember? I asked if he was God… that guy named Ed. I think he聽is聽God because he was so nice!”

Ed just happened to be Ed Fargusson, assistant to the president of the 正澳门六合彩. Indeed, a lovely man who interacted with River that day he exploded into the office. But to no avail, no matter how many times I tell River that Ed is kind but not God, River continues to address God as Ed.

Halfway home from Campmeeting, the children鈥檚 mom called to ask if it was too late to enroll them in our local Adventist school.聽She stated, “I want my kids in a wholesome environment with kids like the friends they’ve made at Redwood Campmeeting.”

In the end, River, Nova, and even Nova鈥檚 best friend all started school on August 16th at our local SDA school.

Inviting our community to experience uplifting events like campmeeting, a potluck, or a school program can have resounding results both here and in Heaven. I am so grateful for our Adventist culture, exemplifying the love of God, commitment to family, and for connecting people to an abundant life in Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 14, 2023
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Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church

Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church 1400 916 Ken Miller

Join us for the Giving Is Good seminar sponsored by the Communication and Development department. This seminar explains how to create a culture of generosity in your church, school, or ministry. Click here for the Creating a Healthy Giving Culture resource guide.

This seminar will be held in the 正澳门六合彩 Conference Office Board Room on Tuesdays: Aug 22, 29, and Sept 5, 12, from Noon-1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. If interested, email Laurie Trujillo.

Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church, reported, “The elders are using the tools explained in the resource guide to raise funds for our church budget. We are learning to tell impact stories to build trust and engage our members. We are thrilled at how God is blessing our efforts.”

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, explains, “Our department created this resource guide to help churches and schools raise funds for their programs and activities. The class is designed for elders, deacons, educators, or anybody interested in helping their organization in this way.”

Featured in Northern Lights, August 17, 2023
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Hope is Alive in Maui

Hope is Alive in Maui 2000 1125 Ken Miller

The tragedy on Maui has filled the news. Pictures and video of the 1800’s era town of Lahaina left us speechless and filled with a familiar sense of grief and dismay. However, God is always present, and this is reflected in the actions of the conference administrators, employees, and members.

As one of the 正澳门六合彩 Disaster Response Team members and having worked through many disasters, Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, explains, “Disaster recovery falls into four phases. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most critical and the most difficult for disaster response teams because the information is limited. However, Hawaii Conference President, Erik VanDenburgh, was able to get cash and support to the shell-shocked victims immediately.”

The Hawaii Conference post reported that the Kahului church provides emergency shelter for over 40 displaced church members and community residents. In addition to shelter, they ensure people have essential supplies and nutritious meals in collaboration with other nonprofits. Mark Tamaleaa, ACS response team leader, reports, “The compassion and selflessness of the Kahului church members is extraordinary.”

VanDenburgh wrote, “We are dedicated to providing care and avenues for spiritual rejuvenation and moments of joy. As we navigate this challenging and uncertain time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive support.”

正澳门六合彩 has contributed $25,000 to the Hawaii Conference to assist with the immediate, emergent, and long-term needs of members and those connected to churches and schools. Marc Woodson, 正澳门六合彩 president, states, “We understand the pain, trauma, and challenges our sister conference in Hawaii is facing and the difficult road to recovery.”

The best way to help is by contributing to the In the future, there may be opportunities to volunteer and donate items. Keep checking the Hawaii Conference Website and social media accounts for more information.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 17, 2023
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Fred Kinsey Passes To His Rest

Fred Kinsey Passes To His Rest 910 471 Ken Miller

After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Elder Fred Kinsey passed away on Monday, July 17th, in Walnut Creek, where he has lived most of his life. He is survived by his wife Lynette, his two children, Stephanie and Jeffrey, and four grandchildren.

Kinsey was a remarkable individual with a long career in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He dedicated his life to connecting others to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

He served as an ordained minister and was the communication director for the 正澳门六合彩.聽He was also a public relations professor at Pacific Union College and later served as communication department chair. During the final years of his career, Kinsey became the assistant to the president for communication of the North American Division and served as the speaker and director of the Voice of Prophecy.

鈥淒uring my time at the General Conference, I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Fred Kinsey when he served at the NAD,” recalls Kimberly Luste Maran, North American Division communication director. “I appreciated his innovative thinking, sharp intellect, communication prowess, and his desire to share Jesus through media. What I learned from him has helped me as I now serve in a similar role.”

According to Ray Tetz, director of communication and community engagement of the Pacific Union Conference, “Fred and I were friends and colleagues for more than 50 years, and he was a giant in the field of Adventist communication.”

Alicia Adams, director of marketing of the Pacific Press, stated, “Fred inspired so many of us with his passion for teaching and leading. He was a communicator and relished supporting the people and projects he believed in. Fred’s legacy in the Adventist church will be felt for generations.”

One of Kinsey’s former students at PUC wrote, “I enjoyed my time with Fred back in my PUC days and then in the following years. Such a sharp wit, a keen observer, and loads of wisdom. So many great lessons I carry with me in life and in my career.”

Stephanie Leal, Fred’s daughter, posted this message, “At this time, our family is reeling from the loss. We are sorry we cannot reply to the many emails and texts as quickly as we’d like, especially my mother; please know that each one means so much. Many have shared what his sermons, college classes, and friendship have meant. We hope that his life – one dedicated to ministry – will be his legacy and live on.”

For updates, please follow the and this publication, Northern Lights.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 20, 2023
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正澳门六合彩SDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award

正澳门六合彩SDA.com Wins Prestigious ADDY Award 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Part of the 正澳门六合彩’s path to organizational health is to effectively inform, educate, and tell the stories of our churches, schools, and ministries. To do this, a new website was launched in 2020.

The COVID pandemic was a catalyst that accelerated the need for online methods for staying current with news and events. The 正澳门六合彩 website was no exception, and its professional look, functionality, and information were revamped with a new look.

Subsequently, the site was entered into the 2022 American Advertising Awards competition, winning an impressive Silver Award. Terrill Thomas, web designer and president of T13 Media, said of the project and award, “It was gratifying to see Christian content, graphics, and web design be recognized for excellence by a secular professional organization.”

The website is constantly updated with important conference information, including employment opportunities, education scholarships, events, and news.

Most recently, the communication and development department has posted an incredible help guide for creating a culture of stewardship in your church. You can visit the website here.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 6, 2023
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Burned Out?

Burned Out? 2000 1125 Ken Miller

Hope springs anew at Leoni Meadows!

Amid guests using the facilities for various retreats, the staff and contractors have been tirelessly working to move forward on recovery.

The barn has been completed, the new wilderness camp area is being prepared, the new pool footprint has been dug, and the land where the new multipurpose building (formally crafts building) has been cleared. Craftsmen will work throughout the spring to rebuild this essential structure. Most recently, after clear-cutting dead/dangerous trees, hundreds of thousands of baby trees have been planted all over the property.

Although Leoni was 鈥渂urned out,鈥 new springs are flowing where there was never water before, partly due to the overabundance of snow, but also just part of the natural recovery process. The recovery process at Leoni Meadows is a physical reminder of God鈥檚 promise in Isiah 58:11, 鈥淭he Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose water does not fail.鈥 (NKJV)

When you feel 鈥渂urned out鈥 and need a break – visit Leoni and let the 鈥溾od of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.鈥 Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Featured in Northern Lights, April 20, 2023