The Adventure of Cycling
Over 200 riders and 300 family members and support staff turned out for the annual Adventurers Bike Derby in September.
Sacramento Adventist Academy’s (SAA) campus was abuzz with young cyclists waiting for the start signal. And ride they did! Barry van Iderstein, NCC children and family ministry director, estimated the total miles ridden added up to over 1,000!
Homemade food and drinks prepared by different Adventurer clubs tempted the hungry visitors. The SAA campus had cook tents, rest areas, games, and weekend mechanics. With the enthusiasm of a Tour de France crowd, parents cheered riders as young as 4 and as old as 10.
The helmeted packs of riders took turns on the track, with younger riders out first and more experienced riders moving much faster. A third track was reserved for the riders on tricycles and training wheels. There was something for each cyclist to enjoy.
Van Iderstein said, “This event wouldn’t be possible without the extremely hard work and dedication of the Adventurer area coordinators, their families, and the help of several volunteers and SAA representatives. We are already looking forward to October 6, 2024, when the next derby occurs.”
Pathfinders Find Leoni Perfect!
In October, Pathfinders from our territory met at Leoni Meadows for their annual camporee. Over 600 campers from 35 clubs arrived for a weekend of spiritual renewal, fun activities, and work. Services were full of singing and praying, and the weekend theme, “Live Love Now,” was masterfully presented by Rudy Alvir, youth and young adult director of the Nevada-Utah Conference.
The Pathfinders marched in a parade with colorful banners and flags from around the world. In breakout sessions, many worked on new honors that included CPR, geology, and first aid. Other groups worked on camp renewal projects, including moving limbs into burn piles, spreading bark in the church bowl, and preparing old fence posts for future use. One of the highlights was when Pathfinders explored new camping areas that will be used annually for this and other events.
Eddie Heinrich, NCC youth and young adult director, said, “We owe a big thank you to all the Pathfinders and their leaders that came and received a spiritual blessing and helped prepare Leoni Meadow as the future home of this event.”
Pets and Products Pull Eager Locals to Lodi Campus
For 78 years, the Lodi Elementary Pet and Hobby Fair has drawn community members to a Sunday of furry fun and shopping.
Students and visitors flooded the campus, checking out the farm craft store, playing games, and enjoying delicious food. A petting zoo provided giggling children with a lot of fuzzy fun. First responders and other community service organizations shared information from each of their pavilions.
Lisa Nuss, Lodi Elementary principal, explained, “This event offers the school many fundraising opportunities that directly benefit the kids. It also provides fellowship and fun between our school and our community.”
Karen Kanas, parent and board member, said, “This yearly event is a highlight for current students, families, and those who return year after year to relive the fun!”
46th Annual African American Convocation
One of the many things that our African American ministries department supports is the annual African American Ministries Convocation.
Now in its 46th year, this event, which is held every October, brings great speakers and musicians together to praise God, inspiring unity and hope.
This year, over 600 gathered at the Oakland Market Street church. They were blessed with praise, singing, and inspirational sermons by Dietrich Germany, pastor of the Stockton Mayfair church. A youth program kept over 60 children busy, and Shirley-Ann Thomas, assistant professor of education at Oakwood College, provided a ministry in music.
Rudy Peters, African American ministries coordinator, commented, “My prayer for this convocation is that all grew in faith and commitment to Christ.”
Learning From Our History
The NCC hosted the first annual Adventist Heritage Lecture Series in October by inviting Michael Campbell, director of Archives, Statistics, and Research for the North American Division, to speak.
Campbell’s lecture, titled “Victorious Adventism: Unraveling the Roots of Last Generation Theology,” tackled how pursuing perfectionism, victorious life, and hyper-literalism has in the past skirted the edges of religious fundamentalism—and still can.
“I was thrilled and impressed that the NCC invited me to come and speak about this subject,” Campbell said. “The pastors who attended were engaged, and I was fortunate to have several rewarding conversations after the lecture.”
Jose Marin, NCC executive secretary, stated, “Campbell’s presentation was very insightful and reminded me how every day I need God’s grace in my life.”
Marc Woodson, NCC president, said, “This Adventist Heritage Lecture Series is the first of many to come, and we have presenters lined up through 2026.”
