Northern News

Volume 5 • Issue 29 • July 21, 2022

Northern News

Intentional Witnessing That's Just Plain Fun!

“When the heart slows, conversation flows,” says Steve Hamilton, senior pastor of the Paradise church.

Hamilton and a cadre of parents, students and community members share a common interest in offroad vehicles. Through a weekly “shop night” on the Paradise school campus, students, youth, and adults come together to design, weld, grind, wrench, paint, and generally modify Land Cruisers, Jeeps and other 4x4s for off-highway travel.

“Of course,” says Hamilton, “once you build the rigs, you must take them out!” The group spends many weekends testing the limits of their handiwork, climbing trails, and motoring over rocks.

These shared experiences create a camaraderie that is unmatched. Hamilton explains, “Through the shop program and off-roading we’re creating experiences with intention.

Hamilton concludes, “Intentional witnessing to a group of people that you have a common interest with is a perfect venue to share your faith. It is a path to a church without walls. What could be more inviting?”

Chico Church Welcomes New Pastor

Cherise Gardner was installed as the new pastor of the Chico church on May 7, 2021.

Gardner spent fourteen years pastoring in the Southern California Conference, including the Long Beach church and as an associate pastor of the Eagle Rock church in Los Angeles.

Gardner explains, "I have dedicated my life to empowering others, especially young people. I was drawn to the idea of serving the Lord in some aspect of ministry around the age of five, when I decided to become a pastor like my grandfather.”

On her move to a quieter Chico, Gardner continued, “I couldn’t have imagined a more loving church. The Chico members have been very generous. The day I got here they mobilized the food train and accepted me into their family!”

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Pastor Gardner is a motivated and dynamic leader, and will serve the Chico church well in its call to ministry.”

Marlene Rodriguez Ordained

Marlene Rodriguez, associate pastor of the Gracepoint church was ordained on Sabbath July 9.

Jose Marin, executive secretary explained, “The service was a simple, and a beautiful affirmation of God’s calling of Pastor Rodriguez, the first Latina woman to be ordained in our territory.”

As the associate pastor at Gracepoint church, she has found unique ways to connect the community to an abundant life with Jesus Christ.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director said, “It was great to see Marlene ordained. She is a very gifted person in helping churches connect to their community, an important quality in our territory.”

It is also notable that Rodriguez utilized the NAD’s women in leadership scholarship on her journey to ordination. The scholarship was established for women who are committed to serving the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

When asked about her favorite reflection on the service, Rodriguez said, “We worshipped the One who calls us by name, and to see the diversity in God’s Kingdom was absolutely magnificent.”

2022 NCC Constituency Meeting Notice

Notice is hereby given that a regular session of the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at the Granite Bay Hilltop church in Granite Bay, California, on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.

Click here for more information

Evacuation Tips

Fire Season is here! Make your evacuation plan and practice it.

Pro Tips:

Assess and decide on your short-term options for shelter and other vital resources (1 to 3 days). Hotel. Friend’s house. Evacuation Center.

Register at the official evacuation site as soon as possible, even if you are not staying there. They will have resources and most importantly the registration will help with recovery.

Connect with your local pastor/head elder and/or to the NCC Disaster Response line 888-280-4909 which is open at 7 AM and 7 PM after we are informed about an evacuation.