Updates From Around Our Conference
Delta Area Convocation
By Ken Miller
To create a more collaborative environment and engaged members, the Delta area churches and schools convened for a weekend convocation. The Delta area incorporates the NCC southern region, with Sutter Hill, Angels Camp, and San Andreas in the east; Manteca and Tracy to the south; Lodi, Stockton, and Galt in the central region; and Antioch to the west.
Nearly 800 adults and 100 young people attended the event, prompting Tracy Baerg, Lodi Fairmont pastor and Delta area coordinator, to exclaim, “This event had a very ‘camp meeting’ atmosphere! We even had 700 remote viewers watch the sermons and presentations on our YouTube channel.”
Attendee Audrey Weir-Graham stated, “The Delta Area Convocation was an amazing experience for all who were blessed to attend. I love how the worship service was intentionally designed to be both gender- and culturally-inclusive. We worshiped together as all God’s children.”
Baerg said, “It was a privilege to collaborate with devoted church pastors, inspiring principals, dedicated teachers, and an incredible team of staff and volunteers. Together we shared our time, talents, and resources, turning this event into a true blessing for all.
Moving Mountains in the Redwoods
By Ken Miller
Redwood Camp Meeting will be held July 21 to 27 at the Redwood Area Campground near Fortuna, California. Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reported, “God is working at Redwood! There will be an awesome week of worship and fellowship for those who come to camp meeting.”
Annual favorites like the blood drive, community service day, and guest speakers are currently being scheduled. This year will also have some added activities. A guided cycling tour of The Avenue of the Giants and a day trip to the Sequoia Park Zoo are planned. Pacific Union College will be offering CEU classes for nurses and EMTs.
Recently, a new camp website was unveiled in collaboration with camp directors and the NCC communication department. Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development, emphasized the necessity of this update, stating, “We recognized the crucial need to provide comprehensive information to camp meeting attendees, many of whom come from the Northern California Conference.”
The site has many new features, including an intuitive online registration form, contact emails for camp personnel, detailed volunteer guidelines, a comprehensive rundown of camp activities, videos, and a wealth of other essential information designed to enhance the camp meeting experience.
Harry Salvini, camp director, reports, “Right now, the camp is soggy from winter rains, but we are looking forward to another fantastic week in July! There are always projects after winter: logs to be cut, branches to be cleared, and utilities to fix. We rely heavily on our precious volunteers to prepare the grounds for July. All these jobs can be found on the volunteer web page.”
A camp clean-up is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, during which volunteers get free campsites while providing necessary volunteer services.
“God is moving mountains in the Redwoods!” exclaimed Jennifer Shaw, “We invite young and old to come to experience the joy of His salvation in His natural sanctuary with His believers.”
Hispanic Pastors Receive Awards
By Communication Staff
Jaime Calvo, district pastor of the Sacramento, Woodland, and North Highlands Spanish churches; Luis Manrique, district pastor of the Richmond Spanish church, San Leandro Spanish church, and Oakland-Buena Tierra Spanish company; and Noe Ramirez, district pastor of Stockton-Lodi Spanish church recently received awards from the Pacific Union Conference.
The awards recognize the pastors’ commitment to leadership, discipleship, and baptisms within their community. Pacific Union Conference Vice President of Hispanic Ministries Alberto Ingleton explained, “The Pacific Union’s goal is to emphasize the importance of Jesus’ command to make disciples. These awards are a thank you and acknowledgment to pastors who, through their service, are advancing the gospel and mentoring modern and mature disciples.”
Recipient Jaime Calvo stated, “I was honored to receive this award. I have a special district full of committed members who are highly involved in serving in this ministry.”
