正澳门六合彩

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

Northern Lights

Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest

Elder Jack Pefley Enters to His Rest 961 1240 Ken Miller

We share with deep regret the news of Pastor Jack Pefley鈥檚 passing on Friday, October 11.

鈥淧astor Jack鈥 was an evangelist for Amazing Facts from 1995 to 2009, then joined the 正澳门六合彩 as the conference evangelist from 2010 to his retirement in 2017. A former co-worker reflected, 鈥淛ack鈥檚 style was right out of the Wild West, irrepressible, simple, and down to earth.鈥 Until his passing, he regularly took the pulpit at Citrus Heights, his long-time church family.

Marc Woodson, 正澳门六合彩 President, reflected, 鈥淛ack Pefley had a passion for winning people to Jesus. His optimistic spirit and joy while doing God鈥檚 work were inspiring and encouraging. Only heaven knows Jack鈥檚 ministry鈥檚 impact on the Kingdom. He will be missed, but we look forward to seeing him again when our Lord returns!鈥

The family warmly invites you to a memorial service at 11 AM on Sunday, November 3, at the Citrus Heights SDA Church.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
#nccsda

Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City

Jason Bulgin Ordained at Capitol City 3929 2075 Ken Miller

Recently, Jason Bulgin was ordained at the Sacramento Capitol City Church during the annual African American Convocation.

Born in Canada, Bulgin grew up in an environment deeply rooted in faith, cultivating a desire to serve others. To that end, he attended Oakwood University and experienced a profound spiritual transformation. This defining moment set him on an educational path, and he earned a Master of Christian Ministry and a PhD in Philosophy. He joined the 正澳门六合彩 in 2021 as the associate pastor of Capitol City Church, where he is now the senior pastor.

Rudy Peters, African American ministries coordinator, stated, 鈥淛ason has his roots in a rich legacy of service. Inspired by his father and father-in-law, who were faithful pastors and nurtured by his mother, his ordination was a culmination of a long journey of service and prayer.鈥

Bulgin has been blessed with a loving family. He is married to Jessica Delana Ellis, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Jordyn Naomi, Sabrena Janae, Joseph Delano, and Jason Jr.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 31, 2024
#nccsda

David Woolcock Ordained at 锘緾apitol City Church

David Woolcock Ordained at 锘緾apitol City Church 914 1017 Ken Miller

On October 12, 2024, David Woolcock was ordained at the Sacramento Capital City church, an event made more significant because it coincided with the annual African American Convocation.

Woolcock鈥檚 spiritual path was nurtured from a young age, as he decided to follow Christ and be baptized at 13. His original plan was to become a nurse and attend medical school, but that shifted after receiving a call to ministry. This ultimately led him to enroll at Andrews University, where he completed his Master of Divinity.

Over the years, Pastor Woolcock has served in various roles, including urban youth evangelism, youth pastor, associate pastor, and pastor for 正澳门六合彩 since 2019. His philosophy is rooted in sharing the gospel and inviting people to follow Jesus, and he believes in the transformative power of faith. John the Baptist’s declaration inspires his overall approach to ministry: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

He shares his life with Dr. Marlin Duran, and together they have two children, David Jr., 13, and Joy, 7.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
#nccsda

Academy Volleyball Teams Create 锘縇asting Friendships

Academy Volleyball Teams Create 锘縇asting Friendships 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Recently, the spirit of competition and friendship flourished at Pacific Union College, where twelve women鈥檚 high school volleyball teams came together for three days of intense play and community-building.

Teams from La Sierra, Glendale, and Newbury Park, MBA, Modesto, Mt. View, and Trinity joined 正澳门六合彩 schools Lodi, Sacramento, Pine Hills, PUC Prep, and Pleasant Hill Academies for the event. These young athletes did not just show up to compete鈥攖hey came to connect and support each other.

Michael Wong, Volleyball Coach at Glendale, highlighted the tournament’s significance. 鈥淚t was a great experience for our team. Watching the girls create new relationships and reconnect with others from last year. Events like these strengthen the ties that unite us.鈥

Matthew Lee, Athletic Director at PUC Prep and the tournament director, also emphasized the power of connection. 鈥淲hat I love most about this tournament is how the teams interact off the court. You see them cheering for one another, sitting together between games, and sharing meals. These moments are about building lasting, meaningful bonds.鈥

This spirit of unity and faith showed itself strongly on Friday when a player fell hard on the court, prompting medical personnel to arrive. It was an emotional moment when players from many teams gathered in a circle and prayed for God鈥檚 protection over the injured player. Garrison Chaffee, youth pastor, praised, 鈥淚 have great hope for the future with young people who display such faith, hope, and character!鈥

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
#nccsda

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
#nccsda #religiousliberty #adventistchurch

Mason Philpot Retires After 45 Years

Mason Philpot Retires After 45 Years 624 603 Ken Miller

In September, Mason Philpot, pastor of the Crescent City Church, retired after 45 years in ministry.

Many know Mason as an avid surfer. Lesser known is that he was also a team hopeful for the 1972 U.S. Water polo team. He recalled, 鈥淒uring the Olympic trials, I came down with a mysterious virus that kept me hospitalized for a week, and my Olympic dream was dashed.鈥 Ultimately, that disappointment led him on a circuitous path to serve God. A route, He stated, 鈥淚鈥檝e never regretted.鈥

His search for meaning in life, a commitment to Jesus, and a passion for healthy living from his formative years ultimately led to his joining the 正澳门六合彩 in 1979 at the St. Helena Church. Having found his path, he soon attended Andrews University, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1982.

Over the next 41 years, he was never far from the Northern California coast, pastoring at the Willows, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Crescent City churches.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, 鈥淧astor Mason is a consummate friend of Jesus and it shows in his pastoring. Whether it is helping at camp meetings, moving porta-potties around without complaint鈥攚hich he did up to his retirement, or going out of his way to make people feel welcome at church, you know he loves Jesus.鈥

Mason concluded, 鈥淭his journey has been a fantastic story of God leading me in this direction, and that direction, to where I am today. I intend to retire in Crescent City, God permitting, volunteering and surfing when the weather and waves permit.鈥

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
#nccsda

Lake Tahoe Connection

Lake Tahoe Connection 3991 1988 Ken Miller

Over 100 young adults gathered in Tahoe during the weekend of September 14, drawn together by a shared desire to connect with God, build lasting friendships, and immerse themselves in the beauty of creation.

Daniel Garza, district pastor of Woodland and Vacaville churches and Chair of 正澳门六合彩 young adult ministries, expressed his joy over the event’s impact, noting the powerful potential of these gatherings. 鈥淭his age group can often feel disconnected after leaving college and stepping into the workforce,” Garza shared. “But through events like this, we鈥檙e able to engage with them socially, mentor them spiritually, and help them remain rooted in their faith and connected to a church family.”

Remarkably, many attendees were non-Adventists from the Sacramento and Bay areas, drawn by friendships forged in previous gatherings and nurtured through social media. One single mother attending the event had been seeking a way to heal her strained relationship with her son. Through connections made in this young adult network, she began attending a Bible study, noticing a gradual transformation in their bond. Participating in the Tahoe retreat together, both mother and son were deeply touched by the weekend’s messages. Inspired by their experience, they chose to take the beautiful step of requesting baptism in the lake.

Garza emphasized how events like AdvenTed, Food Truck Mania, and trips like this one build a social momentum that opens doors for authentic connections with young adults. “Friendship evangelism is at the heart of what we do,” he explained. “Through these relationships, we are able to reach, nurture, and empower young people to live for Jesus.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
#nccsda

To the Least of These

To the Least of These 3894 2052 Ken Miller

On August 31, the Oakland Grand Advent Church, alongside members from various Bay Area churches, stepped out in love and faith to serve the homeless of their city, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring light to lives in desperate need.

Under the compassionate leadership of Tony Borrero, a devoted church member, and with the support of Oakland Spanish, Elmhurst, Immanuel Temple, and Hayward Spanish churches, a diverse and joyful team gathered in East Oakland鈥檚 largest homeless encampment. Their mission was simple but profound: to show Christ鈥檚 love in action by offering tangible services and hope to those often overlooked by society. The team provided free medical and dental screenings, showers, laundry services, haircuts, pet care, and hot meals. One volunteer shared how a curious onlooker approached them, asking, “Who does this kind of thing?”鈥攁 question that opened the door to sharing the love of Christ in word and deed.

Borrero emphasized the heart behind the outreach: 鈥淥ur main objective is to step out of the four walls of our church and introduce people to Jesus through our love, compassion, and actions. We want to meet people where they are and provide much-needed services to those in dire situations.” This ministry, however, goes beyond a one-day event. The long-term vision includes partnering with local agencies to help clean, maintain, and restore housing facilities and equipment and working with the community to create lasting change.

The beauty of this outreach is not just in the services offered but in how the Holy Spirit is moving to connect people in need to a more abundant life in Christ. Through the warmth of a meal, the dignity of a haircut, and the kindness of a listening ear, hearts are being softened, and lives are being transformed.

As Borrero reflected, 鈥淚 thank God that the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. We鈥檝e been blessed to partner with the City of Oakland officials and the Police Department, who are fully engaged in supporting our goals.鈥

Borrero’s passion for this ministry is unwavering: “This is just the beginning of befriending those in need, spreading the Gospel, and bringing beauty back to Oakland.鈥

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
#nccsda

Danny Kwon Joins Administrative Team as HR Director

Danny Kwon Joins Administrative Team as HR Director 1399 1028 Ken Miller

Danny Kwon recently joined the 正澳门六合彩 administrative offices as the Director of Human Resources, bringing a wealth of expertise that strengthens both the HR department and the broader mission of the 正澳门六合彩.

With experience in human resources, payroll, and employee relations, Kwon’s leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing our organization’s efficiency, employee engagement, and overall workplace culture. His previous accomplishments, including spearheading health ministry initiatives and organizing national dental and medical clinics, reflect his deep commitment to service and ability to manage complex, large-scale projects.

Kwon has a background in legal and humanitarian efforts. Growing up in Manitoba, where he earned his law degree from the University of Manitoba, he has actively advocated for underserved communities. His involvement with medical and dental outreach programs continues to support many within our territory. Additionally, Kwon’s pro bono work assisting refugees and preparing asylum applications through immigration services showcases his passion for justice and compassion.

His appointment strengthens the HR department by integrating his legal expertise and a unique understanding of community needs. This dual perspective enables him to address employee relations with a balance of empathy, legal compliance, and practical solutions. Under his direction, the HR function will better serve the diverse needs of the 正澳门六合彩’s employees, furthering our ability to attract, retain, and nurture talent within a mission-driven framework.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the challenges ahead, Kwon shared a favorite passage, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He trusts that God will guide his service to the 正澳门六合彩, aligning his efforts with divine purpose and strength.

Jose Marin, executive secretary, praised Kwon’s diverse skill set, stating, “Danny brings a wealth of experience to his role as HR Director. His knowledge of California law and his entrepreneurial spirit in founding community service ministries will be a blessing to our employees and entities in Northern California.”

President Marc Woodson echoed these sentiments, remarking, “We are thrilled to welcome Danny Kwon to our office family. His extensive HR experience and legal background make him an invaluable asset to our conference, and we look forward to the positive impact he will bring.”

Kwon shares his life with Lisa, his wife of 18 years, and together, they lovingly raise their three children. Ava and Aaron attend Pine Hills Academy, while Jonah is in the 6th grade at Orangevale Elementary.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 26, 2024

#nccsda

Douglas Barahona Ordained at Chico Church

Douglas Barahona Ordained at Chico Church 4000 2250 Ken Miller

September 14, Douglas Barahona was ordained at the Chico church.

Born in El Salvador to a military family, Barahona鈥檚 family immigrated to the USA in the 1990s. Douglas admitted that while the family settled in Tacoma, Washington, 鈥淚 started making many poor choices.鈥

Over the next several years and into high school, these choices led him closer and closer to a gang-influenced life. But with every dangerous turn, the love of his parents and family continually challenged him to study the Bible. He shared, 鈥淩eading the Bible, I was drawn to the practical application and wisdom that flowed from it. By the grace of God, I gratefully accepted Jesus into my life in 2011.鈥

The Holy Spirit continued to work in his life. Through the guidance of many positive groups and people, Douglas eventually decided to pursue a degree in religion at Union College, graduating Cum Laude in 2016.

Joining the 正澳门六合彩 in 2017 at the Ukiah church, he joyfully worked planning youth ministry events and mission trips, keeping area youth engaged with Jesus. In 2020, he attended Andrews University, earning his Master of Divinity degree with honors. Subsequently, he returned to the 正澳门六合彩 as the Associate Pastor of the Chico church, where he is passionate about bringing the joy found in serving others.

Douglas shares his life with Natalie, his wife of eight years, and they enjoy raising their son Luka, age 2.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 26, 2024
#nccsda