2022 NCC Fall Conference
On September 23-25th, 2022, we held our annual Fall Spiritual Conference! The messages were centered around the theme “From Jacob to Israel.”
During the Friday evening study, Br Julian Utupanu shared with us the story of Jacob tricking Isaac to receive the birthright, and the dangers of “Stealing God’s Blessings.” The message was followed by musical praise from the Cousin’s Trio and Carmichael Men’s Choir. What a blessing it was to hear such heavenly music in multiple languages!
Our Sabbath morning started with our Sabbath School, where the congregation split up into small classes to thoroughly discuss the day’s lesson. In addition to 6 classes in English, we had additional classes in Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian. We even had a Zoom class available to those joining the conference virtually! Our Sabbath School service was closed with a beautiful hymn sung by the Barbosa Family.
After a short song service, the Divine Service began with special music from the NCC Orchestra. This was followed by the dedication of baby Noah James Baiense. It was a privilege to be a part of the service and to promise, along with the parents, that we would support baby Noah as he grows up in the church! To continue with the theme of the conference, Br Liviu Tudoroiu recounted the dream of Jacob’s Ladder in his study: “Pathway to Heaven.” Br Tudoroiu emphasized the symbolic meaning of the rock Jacob rested his head on that night, reminding us to rest on Jesus as our rock. To close out the Divine Service, Chloe Tumang played the harp, followed by the NCC Choir’s rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
After a delicious fellowship lunch where we were able to catch up with brethren from near and far, attendees had the choice to attend either the children’s activity (building models of Jacob’s Ladder) or to participate in the Bible Knowledge Activity, hosted by Plymouth Leadership College. These interactive activities were a great way to spend the afternoon before the final service of the day.
The afternoon service was led by Br Jordan Chapman who completed the story of Jacob’s transition to Israel with his study focused on “The Fugitive’s Return.” Br. Jordan urged us to follow Jacob’s example and surrender our lives to Lord, letting Him transform us as He did Jacob. Among the music presented during this meeting, were Moriah Brass, the NCC Junior Orchestra, Renovassom and the Carmichael Church Choir. Praise God for the messages and all of the musical talent he has given the members of this conference!
After a light dinner, Sr Bethany Martinez led the close of Sabbath, recounting her favorite parts of the studies presented and urging us to each take the time to further study each of these topics.
Day three of the conference was reserved for activities for the youth and young adults! Led by Michele Barbosa and the NCC youth department, the youth were led through a series of team building activities and games that made up the “NCC Olympics!” The mental, physical, and spiritual capacities of the youth were tested, along with their teamworking skills as they were quizzed on the content of the conference, and asked to complete various challenges in teams. Lunch was provided and enjoyed by all!
The very last part of the conference was a special worker’s meeting held for all Bible Workers, Administrators, and ordained Elders/Ministers/Deacons of the NCC. It was a great blessing to meet and discuss ways that God’s word can be most effectively spread in Northern California, to meet the needs of the members of our congregation.
For photos of the event, click here!
We would like to invite you to come for the next conference, scheduled for April 7-9th, 2023 in Moriah Heights, California! Join us as we study the “Revelation of Hope!”
Check out www.sdarmncc.org for more details, or follow us on Instagram at @sdarmncc.