正澳门六合彩

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

President

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
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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

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Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team

Jon Cicle Joins Administrative Team 1600 1200 Ken Miller

Jon Cicle recently accepted the position of Assistant to the President.

Cicle returns to the Northern California Conference from the Eagle Rock Church in Southern California, where he was the senior pastor.

His career began in the Southeastern California Conference as a youth pastor of the Victorville Church. He was ordained while pastoring in the Valley Center and Poway Church district. Moving to Northern, he served for 21 years, which included youth pastor of Pacific Union College Church, pastor of the Vallejo Central church, and pastor of the Orangevale church.

He remarked about his career, 鈥淚鈥檝e learned to try things that have never been tried before, grown to understand the complexities of diverse congregations, and learned to listen for understanding rather than for response. Through it all, my goal has been and continues to be lifting up Jesus with vision and a sense of mission.鈥

Cicle has enhanced his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University with professional development, including coaching certifications with StrengthsFinder, Natural Church Development, and Prepare-Enrich Marriage counseling. He stated, 鈥淭he passage of scripture that keeps me grounded is聽Hebrews 12:2 ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.’鈥

Marc Woodson, president stated, 鈥淚鈥檓 so glad that Jon came back to Northern to serve as Assistant to the President after a short stint away. His many years of pastoral ministry experience and his giftedness will serve our conference well. I鈥檓 so glad to have him as a part of my team.鈥

Featured in Northern Lights, August 8, 2024
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Larry Unterseher Memorial

Larry Unterseher Memorial 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Elder Larry Unterseher, whose work left an indelible mark on the 正澳门六合彩 community, passed to his rest suddenly on July 22 at the Redwood Camp Meeting near Eureka, California.

During his career, he worked as a pastor and elementary teacher with the Upper Columbia Conference, a Dakota Conference principal, a Montana Conference Director, and the Nevada-Utah Conference President. He joined 正澳门六合彩 in 2014 as the Pastor of Small Schools.

Albert Miller, 正澳门六合彩 Superintendent of Schools, expressed, 鈥淟arry was a man who loved Jesus and kids, and it showed in everything he did. He took his ministry to the students and staff of our small schools seriously and invested an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure they knew about his friend Jesus! Larry is already greatly missed.鈥

Marc Woodson, 正澳门六合彩 President, stated, 鈥淥ur 正澳门六合彩 family is devastated by the loss of Larry Unterseher. Pastor Larry was passionate about connecting young people to Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return. He was so gifted in ministry and had a wonderful and creative way of sharing the gospel with those he met, especially the children he served. Many times, Larry would drop by my office to encourage me as a spiritual leader.聽I know that he did the same with many other leaders as well. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and the entire Unterseher family. We long for the day Christ shall return and we will be reunited with those loved ones we lost along the way. May Jesus soon come!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church Auditorium. The service will be in-person and live-streamed. Please visit the family’s for more details on how to join the online stream.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 1, 2024
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Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest

Dudley Galusha Passes to His Rest 696 928 Ken Miller

We regret to announce that Dudley Galusha, a member of The Haven church, passed away peacefully on June 6.

Galusha will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, country, and church. His legacy is inspiring, having contracted the building of numerous institutions in Northern California and beyond. He built schools such as Clearlake School, Foothills Elementary School, Humboldt Bay School, and Rio Lindo Academy. He also constructed churches in our territory, including Cloverdale, Fort Bragg, Meadow Vista, Napa, Pacific Union College, Pleasant Hill, and The Haven. Moreover, he constructed Leoni Meadows, Newton Hall (PUC), and Redwood Creek Camp. His influence even reached international shores with constructing the Frogmouth Chapel in Cooroy, Queensland, Australia.

Vince Saunders, pastor at The Haven, expressed, “Throughout his life, Dudley had a tremendously positive influence within our church and community. Even now, his legacy of support for education and church ministry continues through his family as they rebuild our school. He will be greatly missed, and the reunion in Heaven will be exhilarating!”

His daughter Cynthia wrote, “His long life was very full, and he leaves a lengthy & outstanding legacy in the field of construction in Northern California. His mental sharpness and dry wit remained intact to the very end of his 98 years on earth.”

A celebration of life will be held on July 27, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at The Haven SDA Church,15 Woodland Rd., Saint Helena, CA. In place of flowers, the family has requested any gifts be sent to the following:

Cookson Ranch Foundation (Redwood Creek)

P.O. Box 973, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Friends of Foothills School

711 Sunnyside Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574

Ending Homelessness by 2032

Ending Homelessness by 2032 986 738 Ken Miller

Over the past year, our Council on Homelessness has worked tirelessly towards a high-level goal: achieving functional zero for a homeless population group in each county where we are present by 2032. This is an urgent mission, as functional zero means making homelessness rare and brief when it occurs, a milestone we are determined to reach.

Key initiatives include:

  • Developing the 1st Annual Summit on Ending Homelessness, to be held in November 2024.
  • Creating an Ending Homelessness Initiative Taskforce (EHIT) for each county where we are present, starting with Placer County.
  • Collaborating with Placer County to end homelessness for veterans.

Your civic engagement, advocacy, and healthcare expertise are crucial to our mission. We need three new members with these skills. Your knowledge and skills will be instrumental in expanding our efforts and guiding our work to end homelessness in our territory by 2032.

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the relevant expertise, we encourage you to join our Council on Homelessness.

With your help, we can make a significant impact and improve lives. We are committed to this cause and look forward to your contribution.

Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenth

Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenth 532 325 Ken Miller

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Union General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas. This day, known as Juneteenth, marked the effective end of slavery in the United States, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The delayed enforcement of emancipation in Texas was a bittersweet reminder of the persistent struggles faced by African Americans even after official decrees of freedom.

Juneteenth quickly became a symbol of liberation and a celebration of African American culture and resilience. In the following years, freedmen and women would gather to commemorate this day with music, food, prayer, and communal support. It was a time to reflect on their journey from bondage to freedom and to honor their ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships.

Juneteenth is important as a memorial in African American communities because it recognizes the end of one of the darkest chapters in American history. It serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for equality and justice. The celebrations are not just about the historical event itself but also about acknowledging the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans.

Juneteenth has gained wider recognition across the United States in recent years, culminating in its designation as a federal holiday in 2021. This formal acknowledgment has amplified its significance, encouraging more Americans to learn about this crucial part of the nation’s history.

The day stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the African American community and a call to continue the pursuit of true freedom and equality for all.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 20, 2024

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Cheryl Peckham Joins 正澳门六合彩

Cheryl Peckham Joins 正澳门六合彩 3543 4157 Ken Miller

Cheryl Peckham recently joined the 正澳门六合彩 Gift Planning and Trust Services department as Associate Treasurer.

Peckham was recently an Audit Specialist with the General Conference, a job she held for twelve years. She noted, 鈥淚 am excited to have joined the Property and Trust Department at Northern California Conference. I look forward to working with a winning team. God is good!

Richard Magnusson, Director of Gift Planning and Trust Services, stated, “We are very pleased to have Cheryl join our Planned Giving/Trust Services team. Her depth of accounting knowledge and experience will benefit not only our ministry but also the many members who聽have partnered with us to plan gifts that will support the ministry for generations to come.”

Peckham spends her life with David, her husband of 49 years. They have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 9, 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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Uniting Teachers, Pastors, and Principals for Mission-driven Collaboration

Uniting Teachers, Pastors, and Principals for Mission-driven Collaboration 2000 1125 Ken Miller

正澳门六合彩 is committed to supporting our entities in becoming relevant to their communities, mission-driven, and organizationally healthy. One of the key foundations to achieving this is cultivating trust, which is essential to our collaborative efforts. It empowers us to fulfill our mission with integrity and effectiveness.

The 正澳门六合彩 wishes to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence through initiatives such as the Mark Blue Series. This annual event brings together teachers, pastors, and principals in a unique effort to coordinate ministry and promote collaboration. It serves as a rallying point for our team, uniting us with a singular purpose of connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His Second Coming.

This year’s Mark Blue Series was particularly impactful. It introduced a practical productivity tool, the Working Genius. Rooted in harnessing personal work styles to build trust and enhance teamwork, the Working Genius framework gave our attendees invaluable insights into effective planning processes and collaborative leadership development.

With over 200 individuals in attendance, the event served as a dynamic platform for learning and growth. Participants delved into strategies for creating and managing leadership teams, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, effective change management, and organizational alignment at the local level.

At its core, the 正澳门六合彩 believes in the power of unity鈥攁 shared commitment to rowing in the same direction toward our collective mission. By equipping our members and employees with the tools and resources needed to be engaged and enthusiastic ambassadors for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, we are cultivating a culture of purpose-driven excellence within our organization.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 11, 2024
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