Volume 4 Issue 1 January 7, 2021
News
Lakeport Church Baptisms
On Friday, Dec. 4, Pastor Robert Henry baptized four people in the empty sanctuary of the Lakeport Community church. A recording of the baptisms was shown during the online worship service the next day. 

The baptisms had originally been scheduled for Sabbath, but when Lake County went into the purple tier, the candidates had to decide if they wanted to wait until friends and family could attend.

“I was impressed by their commitment to Christ, that even if none of their family could be physically present, they would still take their stand and be baptized,” said Henry. “It was truly a privilege to be a part of this service.” 
During a Difficult Season, NCC Churches Share Hope  
Churches throughout the Northern California Conference found numerous practical ways to inspire hope during the Christmas season – hope that people in their communities carried into 2021. 
Stockton Mayfair Church Bicycle Giveaway
During a giveaway at the Stockton Mayfair church, 183 people – aged two to over 60 – received a bicycle for Christmas. The parking lot was full of hope as participants waited for their number to be called to choose a bike. “It was a joy to bring smiles to faces and to engage with the parents,” said Pastor Rudy Peters. Read more
Sacramento Capitol City Church Angel Tree
For more than a decade, the Sacramento Capitol City church’s Angel Tree program has provided presents for community members, and this year it helped give 250 people a hopeful Christmas. “I have a passion for this ministry,” said Carol Herbert, the church’s mission council leader. “I just keep doing it by God’s grace, and He blesses every time.” Read more
Orangevale Church Drive-through Celebration
When a sheriff’s car pulled up to the Orangevale church’s drive-through Christmas celebration, participants were startled. The event had been carefully planned to fall well within the county’s safety guidelines. But the officers surprised the church members. “They stopped by to say thank you to us,” said Pastor Jon Cicle. “They told us, ‘We are so glad you are doing this. Thank you for doing something positive for your community.’” Read more
Napa Community Church Drive-in Vespers
In December, the Napa Community church invited people to a series of drive-in Friday evening vespers programs in the parking lot of Napa Christian Campus of Education. The programs were designed to inspire faith and hope during the Advent season. “I believe strongly that people need a spiritual presence in their lives from their local church,” said Senior Pastor Nate Furness. “Now more than ever, people are becoming more aware that they need Jesus. Our faith in Him pushes us to see the world with new eyes.” Read more
Gracepoint Church Apartment Outreach
During 2020, members of the Gracepoint church in Rocklin made a nearby apartment complex the focus of their outreach efforts, and they finished the year by helping to provide a joyful Christmas for 60 families. “I believe there are people in those apartments who are seeking Christ, and our job is to direct them to Jesus,” said Marlene Rodriguez, associate pastor. “We want to meet their spiritual need.” Read more
10 Days of Prayer
The 10 Days of Prayer began yesterday! Won't you join your brothers and sisters around the conference in seeking revival?
Adventist Book Center
The NCC ABC will be closed for inventory Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 11-13. In January the ABC will be making pre-paid drop-offs throughout the conference. Find out more!
Prayer Call
Join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. Call 1-916-637-8111, and use code 669648#.
NCC Headquarters Closed
In compliance with the Greater Sacramento Area Stay-at-Home Order, the NCC headquarters building is closed until further notice. NCC administrators continue to monitor this situation and follow the directions coming from federal and state authorities.

NCC staff are working from home during business hours. Email info@nccsda.com, and we will forward your message to the appropriate department. Find a list of departments and staff members on the NCC website. The Adventist Book Center remains open during its posted hours. 
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Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
(916) 886-5600 I www.nccsda.com