From Lament to Hope
Sacramento Capitol City church Senior Pastor Damian Chandler joined with faith leaders throughout his city to organize From Lament to Hope, an event held last Sunday to honor those lost to COVID-19 and police brutality.
Chandler planned the lament portion of the event, which began with a program at Sacramento City College featuring music and readings from a number of faiths. People stayed in their cars as the program was broadcast over two radio stations. A number of Capitol City church volunteers directed traffic and led the music.
Afterward a “funeral procession” of more than 100 cars – led by police – drove to the state Capitol. A hearse carried a funeral wreath, which was left on the Capitol grounds along with signs displaying 10 commandments for social justice. The group then moved on to Cesar Chavez Plaza for a celebration of hope led by area young people.
“Our church is desiring to be part of our community in a very real way,” said Chandler. “Our goal is to bring heaven to earth and let people experience the love, mercy, and justice of God now, which makes them long for eternity.”
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Prayer Conference Changes Lives
Last weekend’s Virtual Prayer Retreat touched hearts and changed lives. A joint effort of the NCC and the Washington Conference, the retreat’s program included presentations by Renton church Pastor Randy Maxwell, music, and many opportunities for prayer.
Although some technical problems interrupted Sabbath’s program, NCC Prayer Coordinators Esmé and Robert Ross saw the Lord working despite the difficulties. “During this weekend, we learned to put our trust in God not in our plans,” said Robert Ross.
By Sunday evening, the programs had been viewed more than 1,000 times by people from as far away as Chile and Australia. Several participants gave their hearts to the Lord for the first time, and they were connected to pastors in their local areas.
Viewers had numerous opportunities to phone in and pray with others. “Many people that came onto the prayer line made recommitments,” said Esmé Ross. “They recognized their lukewarmness and received a new vision and a new passion for the work of God.”
Watch the recorded programs on the Renton SDA Church YouTube channel. During a focus on Adventist education, Wayne Gungl, NCC associate superintendent of schools, and several NCC principals shared prayer requests. Watch them here at 57:16.
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Conference Executive Committee
The Conference Executive Committee met on Wednesday afternoon. Watch for a report in your email on Friday.
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Rio Students Discover Their Strengths
On Tuesday, Ed Fargusson, assistant to the NCC president, met online with Rio Lindo Adventist Academy student leaders, resident assistants, and several staff members to help the teenagers discover their gifts with the CliftonStrengths assessment.
“This tool helps people to be aware of their strengths and to be conscious of applying their strengths to manage their weaknesses,” said Fargusson, who coaches local leaders throughout the NCC. He looks forward to helping the students as they engage their calling to ministry and leadership.
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Attention Kids!
The Pacific Union Conference is hosting the Hearts and Hands Online Art Show for kids 13 and younger.
Ask your children to draw a picture of someone who has been a helper to them, and submit it to the show. Art will be featured in the Pacific Union Recorder and social media. Find out more.
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Shirley Abell Engages Her Calling to Ministry
Oroville church member Shirley Abell engages her calling to ministry with quiet service. Abell serves as a member of the Conference Executive Committee, representing the lower northeast area of the NCC.
For about a decade, she has been a member of the NCC Women’s Ministries Advisory Council, involved in everything from planning to catering. “She is an incredible asset to our team,” said Mary Jo Lauderdale, women's ministries coordinator. “All my board members are good friends, but Shirley and I have been through many years of life together.” (Pictured: Abell, third from right, stands with some members of the Women's Ministries Advisory Council.)
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Abell assists Lauderdale as she presents grief seminars at churches in the NCC and elsewhere. As part of the seminar, Abell shares her testimony about living with someone with a terminal illness.
She is also very active in her local congregation, holding numerous offices. She and her sister-in-law, Brenda Abell, are known for their welcoming hospitality. “We appreciate her and all the work she does for our church,” said Carolyn Seaton, church information coordinator.
“Shirley does so much behind the scenes to bless people,” said Lauderdale. “The Lord uses her quiet service in powerful ways!”
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Prayer Call
Join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. This morning, Marilee Dalton will present a short devotional. Next week, Executive Secretary Jose Marin will speak. Call 1-916-637-8111, and use code 669648#.
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Adventist Book Center
The NCC ABC has a number of excellent books by Pastor Randy Maxwell in stock. Maxwell is known for presenting spiritual concepts in language that is clear, sincere, and down-to-earth. Find Boot Camp for the Last Days, 5 Steps to Christlike Living, and other titles.
The ABC will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday, but it will be open during its regular hours the rest of the week.
This month the ABC truck is making deliveries at numerous locations throughout the conference territory. Find out more.
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Office Closed
Due to state and county guidance, the Northern California Conference office is closed until further notice. NCC employees continue working from home. The virtual office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday. Find contact info at nccsda.com/contact-us.
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Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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