Father’s Day Ministry
Men living on the streets in Oakland experienced an encouraging Father’s Day, thanks to the Market Street church. Church elders Beverly Thompson and Donna King, along with the church urban ministry team, gave away 50 bags of personal hygiene items, as well as water, snacks, and clothes. “We reminded our brothers that there is no condition that is permanent and that their present situation is not their destiny,” said Thompson, ministry leader.
Members of other Oakland churches helped prepare lunches, which fed 186 men and women. The volunteers also distributed encouraging literature, and a number of people began reading it right away. “These men were so appreciative, and many asked for prayers,” said Thompson. “Our final words to them were that God has a plan for their lives. We told them to keep trusting God; He will bring it to pass.”
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VBS “On the Go”
Despite the pandemic, 140 children enjoyed Vacation Bible School at home, thanks to dedicated members of the Oroville church who created VBS “On the Go.”
Each year, about 95 percent of the children who attend the church’s VBS come from the surrounding community. “I really feel that the Lord blessed our efforts and gave us a way to stay in contact with our VBS family here in our city,” said Kathy Spiva, one of the leaders.
The volunteers packed supplies into VBS bags, each containing five days of Bible lessons, craft materials, games, snacks, prizes, activity sheets, and more. The contents were tailored for separate age groups, and each older child received a Bible. Parents picked up the bags during several drive-through events. “Most cars had kids sitting in the back seat waving and telling us how they wished we could have VBS this year and thanking us for the bags,” said Spiva.
Families watched the song service and opening exercises on a YouTube video prepared by the church (pictured), and the children were able to experience many fun VBS activities at home. “It just proves to us that God can use us even in ways that are different from our normal way,” said Spiva. “He still wants us to get the message out to all His children.”
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Membership Assistance Fund
The Membership Assistance Fund is designed to provide $100 cash assistance to Adventist families in the Northern California Conference.
What can $100 dollars buy in our region? It can provide two weeks of baby formula and baby diapers. It can provide 28 gallons of gas or a monthly public transportation pass. It can pay for a one-month energy bill or mobile phone bill. Or it can buy beans, rice, bread, milk, eggs, cheese, fruits, and vegetables to feed a family of four for two weeks. The goal is to have funds available to help 400 families.
Find out more,
and
make a donation.
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Summer on the Run
Summer on the Run, the NCC day camp program, is happening this summer—via video! Since June 15, Youth Director Eddie Heinrich and his staff have been sheltering in place together at Chico Oaks Adventist School. The group includes nine high school and college students, as well as Janeen Little, Lodi Academy chaplain and Bible teacher. The team has been hard at work writing scripts, building sets, filming, and editing to create a series of Summer on the Run videos.
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The group initially planned to self-isolate for four weeks, but they have extended the time for two more weeks so they can finish all the videos safely. “These students are amazing!” said Heinrich. “They want to complete their mission.”
Each episode includes music, a skit, a craft, a nature lesson, and more! Two episodes are currently available, and another will be released today.
Watch and subscribe here.
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NAD President Dan Jackson Retires
On July 1, North American Division President Dan Jackson and his wife, Donna, retired after decades of service to the Adventist Church.
Read about their farewell.
The NAD Executive Committee voted on July 7 to recommend G. Alexander Bryant, currently NAD executive secretary, for the position of NAD president. The General Conference Executive Committee will meet later today to receive the recommendation and elect the new president.
Read the press release.
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Pastors Move to New Posts
Beginning in August, Gresford Thomas (far left) will be the new pastor of the Concord International/San Ramon Valley district. He comes from the Lincoln Amazing Grace/Olivehurst/Penn Valley district.
Also in August, Roger Williams will be the new pastor of the Vallejo Berea church. He has been serving as pastor of the Eureka/Orleans district.
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Adventist Book Center
The Roseville Adventist Book Center is making a number of pre-paid deliveries to various locations in July. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Find out more and place your order.
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Prayer Line
You’re invited to join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. This morning, Auburn church Pastor Mel Baga will give the devotional. Next week, Marlene Rodriguez, Gracepoint church associate pastor, will present a short message. Call 1-916-637-8111, and use code 669648#.
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Enjoying “Northern Lights”? Invite others to sign up by forwarding this:
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Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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