Volume 4 Issue 34 August 26, 2021
News
A Message from Leoni Meadows Director Craig Heinrich
I want to express my complete appreciation for the constituents of the Northern California Conference and how they have absolutely poured out their love and attention and blessings on us. I am overwhelmed by the number of people who have contacted me.

We came close to losing the entire camp, but the big buildings were saved, and we can rebuild the rest and come back strong! Sadly, we lost between 90 and 95 percent of the growth on our 1,000 acres.

I want to especially acknowledge Cal Fire. Two of its fire units dug in and saved the camp!

During the pandemic shutdown of the past year, our staff has been raking and clearing in preparation for the eventuality of a fire. I am grateful for all their hard work.

I really believe that Leoni Meadows was saved thanks to Cal Fire, the work during the shut-down, and – most of all – God’s mercy. What an amazing God we serve!

Craig Heinrich
Leoni Meadows Executive Director
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9).
Richmond Spanish Company Organized
Last Sabbath, the NCC officially organized the Richmond Spanish company during a service at its “mother church,” the Richmond Beacon Light church.

Nearly 20 years ago, several Adventists decided to establish a new Spanish-speaking congregation in Richmond. They began by meeting in the garage of a member and soon rented a small church building. The next year, the Beacon Light church, an African American congregation, invited the group to meet in their fellowship hall. The growing congregation moved several more times and now rents a local community church facility.

Through the years, the Richmond Spanish members have been encouraged by a number of African American and Hispanic pastors and leaders. The new company is now in a district with the Oakland Spanish and San Leandro Spanish churches, under the leadership of Pastors Luis Fernando Manrique and Pedro Rosillo.
Gracepoint Church Hosts Movie Night and Backpack Giveaway
By Anna McMillen
Earlier this month, the Gracepoint church in Rocklin hosted its first Friends & Family Movie Night. More than 60 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to local school children, and a table was available with a variety of books and Bibles. Everyone enjoyed the film and the snacks! The evening was part of an ongoing effort to engage with and help the church’s neighbors. See more pictures on the NCC Facebook page.
Recent Additions to the NCC Pastoral Team
Sonja Cartwright
Sonja Cartwright recently began Master of Divinity studies at the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. A graduate of Southern Adventist University, she grew up in the Roseville church.
Tu’i Finau
Tu’ihalangingie (Tu’i) Finau is the pastor of the Sacramento Tongan church. He and his wife, Lute Pauline Tongotea-Finau, come from the Riverview church in Reno, Nevada. The couple has six children.
Brad Gienger
Brad Gienger is the senior pastor of the Santa Rosa church – the church in which he grew up! A former Leoni Meadows staff member, he was involved in youth ministry when he served as a pastor in the Midwest. He and his wife, Kristen, have three kids.
Delinda Hamilton
Delinda Hamilton is the associate pastor of the Paradise church. She recently earned her Master of Arts in pastoral ministry from the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. She and her husband, Steve, have three children.
Upcoming Events
Save the date for the upcoming African American Ministries Virtual Convocation.

Every Thursday morning, pray with people from around the NCC during the prayer call.
Adventist Book Center
Broken people are looking for places to be accepted, places to exhale, places to be fulfilled on their life journey. Is your church that place? The book Multiply presents six actions that will revolutionize mission and evangelism for you and your church. Find it for $19.99 at our NCC ABC.

The NCC ABC will be making prepaid drop-off deliveries in Northern California in September.
Job Opportunity
The NCC Human Resources Department is looking for someone to join our team as an HR analyst. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned HR professional with both people and technical skills to provide proactive and comprehensive support to the HR Department. This is a strategic position that requires an individual to combine data analytics with customer needs to determine best practices and ensure that compliance needs are met. Please click on the button below for a detailed job description and to apply.
Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
(916) 886-5600 I www.nccsda.com