Volume 3 Issue 49 December 3, 2020
News
Darrell Johnson Engages His Calling to Ministry
A long journey – including a time of homelessness and a career as a mental health therapist – led Darrell Johnson to his current role as Adventist Community Services director at the Valley Community church in Stockton. “It was nothing but the Holy Spirit,” said Johnson.  

“There was a point in my life when I had no hope and no desire to live,” he said. “I knew there was something that was missing. God had a plan for me back then. The park that I was homeless and sleeping in is the same park I’ve been going to monthly for the past eight or nine years and feeding people.”
Johnson and his team have increased the scope of their ministry this year. Currently, the Valley Community ACS hosts a drive-through food giveaway once a month. One day in November, they loaded food into 350 cars during a two-hour period.

Back in the early days of the pandemic, their ACS was the only organization in the area willing to deliver food to seniors who were afraid to leave their homes. One woman wrote to express her thanks: “We are so grateful and blessed to these people, and thank God for this help at this needful time.”

Johnson's ministry provides more than food. “One of the things that ACS offers families in the community is hope,” he said. “Not everyone is going to come to church on Sabbath, but they know where we are. The seed that has been planted is hope. Once we plant the seed, it will grow.” 
Capitol City Church Provides Meals for 100 Families
Engaging their community with compassion, Sacramento Capitol City church members provided Thanksgiving food for 100 community families. Each family received a basket containing items for an entire holiday dinner. Donations came from church members and others who connected with the church during the pandemic.
“It was such a blessing for us and our family to be able to have a beautiful Thanksgiving meal!” one recipient wrote. “Thank you for giving so generously to families like us in need and putting in the time to put it together and being out in the cold to hand it out!”

“People at the church are excited because we are living our church mantra: ‘Taking Sacramento for the King!’” said Carol Herbert, Capitol City mission council leader. “We are following what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’”
Gracepoint Church Reaches Out to Neighbors
Before Thanksgiving, the Gracepoint church in Rocklin gave 54 turkeys to families in a nearby apartment complex for low-income residents. Beginning earlier this year, the congregation has made these neighbors a focus of their outreach, providing food to those who need it and donating school supplies to the 50 children who live there.

“The manager is very open to us doing things for the tenants,” said Associate Pastor Marlene Rodriguez. “When we dropped off the last few turkeys, she told us, ‘I really want my tenants to meet you guys and get to interact with you more.’”  

The church plans to reach out to their neighbors again at Christmas and throughout 2021. “Our goal is to meet a need and introduce them to Jesus,” said Rodriguez. 
Carmichael Church Members Give Thanks Together
Pandemic restrictions didn’t keep Carmichael church members from participating in a decades-long church tradition: gathering together for an early Thanksgiving dinner.

The church distributed a Special K loaf recipe to members, encouraged them to prepare a special meal on the Friday evening before the holiday, and invited everyone to join in a Zoom call while they ate. People from 33 homes participated. “I found it encouraging and comforting to connect with my church family over a meal,” said member Linda Carr. 

Originally planned as a 20-minute gathering, the members fellowshipped together for more than an hour. “It’s important to keep people connected, especially when they are missing church and family,” said Associate Pastor Pedro Trinidad.
Conference Executive Committee
Yesterday afternoon, the NCC Conference Executive Committee held its quarterly meeting. Watch your email tomorrow for a summary of what took place.
Adventist Book Center
Frank M. Hasel’s book Living for God: Reclaiming the Joy of Christian Virtue explores the beauty of simple biblical virtues, such as gratitude, courage, patience, humility, contentment, and more. Find it for $14.99 at our NCC ABC.

During December, the NCC ABC is making pre-paid drop-offs throughout the conference. Find out more!
Prayer Call
Join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. Call 1-916-637-8111, and use code 669648#. Rich Magnuson, director of planned giving & trust services/property management, will present a short devotional this morning. Next week, Executive Secretary Jose Marin will be the speaker.
Enjoying “Northern Lights”? Invite others to sign up by forwarding this issue.
Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
(916) 886-5600 I www.nccsda.com