NCC Young Adults Build Relationships with God’s People, the Unhoused Residents on the Streets of Sacramento
“What can we do to serve our community better?” Little did the Northern California Conference Young Adult Committee (NCC YAC) know at the time they prayed this how God was going to answer their question.
Led by the Holy Spirit, the NCC YAC connected with Bo Kim, homeless director at the Loma Linda University church and founder of Fusion San Bernardino Ministries (FSBM). In less than a week and in partnership with FSBM, NCC YAC developed a full three-day ministry over Labor Day weekend. They invited all NCC young adults to Sacramento to minister to its unhoused (homeless) residents.
On Friday, 25 young adults showed up. By Sabbath, over 100 were feeding and fellowshipping with this forgotten and vulnerable population. Throughout the weekend, these compassionate young adult volunteers gave away a total of 375 food bags, 375 water bottles, 375 hygiene kits, and 375 GLOW tracks.
But beyond this, they did even more! “Fusion is more than just feeding the homeless; it’s about building relationships and connections with God’s people,” said Jade Tuleu, NCC YAC member who spearheaded the effort. “Jesus says in Luke 17:21, ‘for the Kingdom of God is already among you.’ I truly believe that the Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of is truly here among us. The Kingdom of God is made up of all of God’s children. They’re our relationships with friends, family, and strangers – whether rich or poor, happy or sad.”
“Never have I done this before,” said Vacaville/Woodland district Pastor Dan Garza, who attended the event. “Not only did we give people things they needed, we sat down, ate, and conversed with them. We really got to know them.”
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El Dorado Adventist School Honors First Responders on 9/11
Last Friday, for the 19th year in a row, El Dorado Adventist School held a service remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11 and honoring the first responders in the Placerville community. Guests included representatives from the county sheriff’s department, the county fire department, the Placerville police, the California Highway Patrol, and the armed forces. The students wrote letters and drew pictures for their guests, which were delivered to them later.
The program included music, prayer, and a flag raising ceremony. The speaker was El Dorado County Sherriff John D’Agostini, who spoke about courage and doing the right thing. El Dorado County Fire District Chief Tim Cordero also participated in the event.
“It’s an honor to be able to thank our local first responders for all that they do – the sacrifices they make to keep us all safe,” said Principal Lupe Negrete.
Former school employee and now volunteer Bonne Daggett has organized most of the 9/11 services, and many first responders have expressed their appreciation to her for the event. “My whole goal from the beginning is that when they leave, they feel blessed,” she said. "We want them to know they are being prayed for.”
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Leoni Meadows Offers Outdoor Learning Opportunities
Leoni Adventures is a creation-based outdoor education program taught by certified teachers for kids in grades 3-8. Families and small school groups can spend three days exploring nature, doing hands-on activities, and enjoying fun camp experiences, such as the challenge course and go-karts. Multiple dates are available in 2020 and 2021! “Come have the time of your life while you learn in the beautiful outdoors that God has provided for us,” said Executive Director Craig Heinrich. Find more information.
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Middletown Adventist School Meets Outside
In August, shortly after the beginning of the school year, five NCC schools suspended classes due to the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. Days later, after the schools reopened online or in person, Associate Superintendent of Schools Lynal Ingham visited Middletown Adventist School, where Teaching Principal Cyndee Westenrider has set up her classroom in an open-sided pole barn on the campus. Watch Ingham's video message from Middletown.
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NCC Office Reopening
The NCC office will open again on Monday, Sept. 21. Only NCC employees assigned to work in the office will be allowed in the building, except for the Adventist Book Center. Meetings will continue to be held online. Find contact information here.
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New District: Stockton Mayfair/Rancho Cordova
Last Sabbath, Pastor Rudolph (Rudy) Peters was installed as the pastor of the Rancho Cordova church. He also continues to serve as the pastor of the Stockton Mayfair church.
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Prayer Call
Join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. This morning, Carmichael church member Dan Carr will present a short devotional. Next week, retired NCC Pastor Larre Kostenko will be the speaker. Call 1-916-637-8111, and use code 669648#.
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Adventist Book Center
Chains in China tells the story of Pastor Chen, who endured much tribulation for the cause of Christ in Communist China. The book is a chronicle of relentless devotion and a tribute to the faithfulness of a God whose love never lets go. Usually $16.99, it's now on sale for $5.00 at our NCC ABC.
The ABC truck will be making pre-paid deliveries in Vallejo, Napa, and Santa Rosa on Sept. 22. Find out more.
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Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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