Volume 4 Issue 29 July 22, 2021
News
Mary Jo Lauderdale Engaged Her Calling to Women’s Ministries
Mary Jo Lauderdale recently retired after 14 years as NCC women’s ministries coordinator. “Women throughout the conference have been blessed by Mary Jo’s leadership,” said President Marc Woodson. “We have greatly appreciated her passion for ministry and her servant heart.”

Lauderdale worked tirelessly to achieve her department’s goal: “a ministry for every woman.” She made it a priority to ensure that her Women’s Ministries Advisory Council represented the various ethnic groups and regions of the NCC.

During her tenure, Lauderdale implemented a variety of programs, including the popular Turning Points leadership conferences and Women of Wisdom panels. Other initiatives established under her leadership include the NCC enditnow (abuse prevention) Task Force, the Young Women’s Advisory Board, the Breast Cancer Awareness and Support Program, and more. She also assisted local church women’s ministry efforts by providing money, resources, and personal encouragement.

In 2010, Lauderdale began the Congo Widows Mission Project, which raised money to purchase goats for widows in the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As a result, hundreds of Congolese women have become financially independent.

The project also helped build a large church, drilled wells, distributed truckloads of food, provided school supplies, held bereavement classes for widows, started a bakery, shipped hundreds of eyeglasses, and provided medical supplies and seeds. In 2012, Lauderdale went with several NCC women and others to conduct evangelistic meetings in the DRC. About 5,000 people were baptized after those efforts.

In 2017, Lauderdale received a North American Division Excellence in Ministry Award, but her longest-lasting reward will be the legacy she leaves in the lives she has touched.

“Mary Jo has been integral to the growth and success of women’s ministry in the Northern California Conference,” said Anna McMillen, Advisory Board secretary. “She loves the Lord with all her heart, and that shines through in all she does. Her passion inspires those around her. Her commitment to women’s ministries and the Congo Widows Mission Project is unsurpassed, and we will greatly miss her leadership – but can’t wait to see where the Lord will lead her next.”
Trevor Barnes Sr. Is Ordained to the Gospel Ministry
On Sabbath, Elder Trevor Barnes Sr. was ordained to the gospel ministry during an afternoon service at the Hayward church. He and his wife, Rita, have served at the Union City company since 2003.

Pacific Union Conference President Ricardo Graham presented the homily. Willie Johnson, African American ministries coordinator/urban ministries director, offered the prayer of ordination. Many NCC pastors were there to support their friend and colleague.

Barnes came to the Union City company after many years of service to the Church in a variety of roles, including treasurer and professor. “I want to give the ultimate honor, glory, and praise to God for His providential leading and His manifold blessings during every step of my life’s journey,” he said. See more photos on the NCC Facebook page.
Hayward Spanish Explorers Learn to Save Lives
On Sunday, seven members of the Hayward Spanish Explorers Pathfinder Club earned their First Aid and CPR certification. The youngest one to be certified is only 10 years old!

Each year the club sponsors a First Aid and CPR class in Spanish for the Pathfinders and any church members who want to attend. The instruction helps the kids gain the necessary skills to complete the requirements for Pathfinder classwork and honors.

Unlike many clubs, the Explorers meet year-round. “A lot of parents are working, so we try to do more summer activities with the kids,” said Cesar García, director.

Running a Pathfinder club is a big investment of time and energy for the leaders. But it’s worth it! “The Pathfinders are the future of our Church,” said García. “They are the ones who will take our positions in the coming years.”
Come to Redwood Camp Meeting
The first session of Redwood Camp Meeting is going on now! Find out how you can attend camp meeting this summer at redwoodareacamp.com.
Upcoming Events
If you know a kid in the Chico area, invite him or her to next week’s Summer on the Run, the NCC traveling day camp.

Receive a blessing during 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 until July 31 and also at the NCC ABC through August 8.
Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
(916) 886-5600 I www.nccsda.com