Volume 4 Issue 27 July 8, 2021
News
Appian Way ACS Volunteers Step Up to Serve
By Tanya Clay
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the El Sobrante Appian Way church carries on with its outreach efforts through its Adventist Community Services (ACS) program. Every Sunday and Wednesday, the program distributes food, clothing, masks, and hand sanitizer.

The number of people served has increased this year. In January, volunteers served 90-100 families each month. By April, they were serving an average of more than 300 families monthly.

Not only are more families needing food, the number of unhoused people has also been increasing, so ACS volunteers decided to reach out to the homeless communities in neighboring cities. Church members donated toiletries, masks, and sanitizer; and ACS volunteers prepared sack lunches, bottled water, and hot beverages to deliver to the homeless campsites in the cities adjacent to El Sobrante.

Many recipients have reported that if it hadn’t been for the additional food, clothing, and safety items the church gave them during the pandemic, they wouldn’t have survived. Appian Way ACS volunteers want to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for them while they continue these endeavors!
Family Camp Is Back!
Last week, NCC President Marc Woodson served as pastor for this summer’s first week of Family Camp at Leoni Meadows. In addition to presenting three devotional messages each day, he tried out many of the camp activities – including the zip lines, horseback riding, the giant swing, and the go-karts. He also enjoyed getting acquainted with campers and staff members. “I was very impressed with the staff – both the summer team and the year-round employees,” said Woodson. “Leoni Meadows is truly a ministry!”

Another session of Family Camp is taking place this week. “The pool is beautiful, the zip lines are snappy, and the food is better than ever,” said Executive Director Craig Heinrich. “The campers are happy, and the Lord is blessing us with ministry opportunities like never before.”

Next week, Cub Campers (ages 8-10) will return to Leoni for the first time in two years. The rest of the summer camp season is full, but there is still room available for the final Family Camp, August 1-6. “We can’t wait to see our friends back at camp!” said Heinrich.
Welcome Principals
A number of our NCC schools have new principals for the 2021-22 school year! “We’re looking forward to a great year – in person!” said Albert Miller, superintendent of schools.
  • Hilltop Christian School: Melissa Peckham (from San Diego Academy)
  • Humboldt Bay Christian School: Celia Higgins (from Nevada public school)
  • Lodi Academy: Eric Stubbert (from the Florida Conference; formerly principal at Ukiah Junior Academy)
  • Lodi SDA Elementary School: Lisa Nuss (from school faculty)
  • Rio Lindo Adventist Academy: Mekey Lepulu (from Hilltop Christian School)
  • Tracy SDA Christian Elementary School: Beatrice Ahn (from school faculty)
Stephanie Ferguson Engages Her Calling to Ministry
Did you know that six out of ten Americans have attended a Vacation Bible School? Countless lives have been touched thanks to the ministry of volunteers like Carmichael church member Stephanie Ferguson!
This summer marked Ferguson’s 20th year leading the daily opening and closing exercises at a Vacation Bible School (first in Minnesota and now at Carmichael). She leads the singing, introduces the day’s theme, and serves as the emcee. “It’s so much fun!” said Ferguson, a teacher at Sacramento Adventist Academy.

A pastor’s daughter, Ferguson grew up attending Soquel Camp Meeting, where her mother led several children’s divisions. “By the time I was in high school, I was doing the up-front stuff for kids at Soquel – singing and emceeing,” she said. “I credit my parents with letting me take that over when I was so young.”

She appreciates the mix of hymns, praise songs, and original music that kids learn at VBS. “Music is a powerful way to internalize the amazing promises that we have from God, and it sticks with you for a long time,” she said. “I am amazed by how fast the kids learn the songs.”

Traditionally, Thursday is a thoughtful day at Carmichael VBS, where the focus is on Jesus’ sacrifice. “All week we build up to the message of the cross – Jesus is trustworthy, He will help you, and you can invite Him into your life,” she said. “I'm struck every year by how powerful it is. We feel the connection with Jesus.”

Leading kids to Christ is a team effort at VBS! “My part is very public, but so many people behind the scenes are doing so many awesome things,” she said. “All the volunteers matter, and every role is important.”
NCC Disaster Response Plan
Last weekend, members of the NCC Disaster Response Team (DRT) implemented their new disaster response plan, proactively contacting church communities affected by the ongoing fires in Northern California.

Although five NCC families were forced to evacuate their homes, they were later permitted to return, and no NCC resources were deployed.

In the near future, DRT members will be contacting pastors, as well as church and school leaders, throughout the conference to provide information about NCC disaster response. If you dont want to wait to be contacted, please email Laurie Trujillo at laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com or James Lim at james.lim@nccsda.com.
Upcoming Events
Summer on the Run is in Stockton this week, and the team will be heading to Humboldt County, Hayward, and Chico later this month.

Redwood Camp Meeting begins July 19!

Join the NCC prayer call every Thursday morning.
Adventist Book Center
Don’t miss the Redwood Camp Meeting sales! See the list of food specials available at camp meeting from July 19-31 and at the NCC ABC now through August 8.
Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
(916) 886-5600 I www.nccsda.com