CCC - Central California Conference : Pacific Union Conference Westlake Village CA

CCC posts - 120

Serving God by Serving Others

(También español) For many years, the Central California Conference (CCC) Education Department has placed emphasis on its schools implementing a school-wide Spiritual Action Plan on their campuses.

CENTRAL ACTS - April 2025

A Bible Study Brings New Members to Hillcrest Church and A New Chapter Unfolds: Ministerial Retreat Sparks Fresh Vision

Sharing God Through Health Clovis Life Hope Center Connects with the Community

(También español) Health is a central message of the Adventist Church. Bringing health-focused initiatives to the communities surrounding our churches is an effective way to share God with everyone—regardless of their religious views.

Sharing God at the Mall

(También español) When Sam Maquilon joined fellow church members in their outreach program, he was struck by how effectively this ministry could reach people in a public setting where Christian literature is rarely distributed. However, with the permission of mall management, distributing Christian literature in a public mall is completely legal.

Introducing Vice President-Elect for Ministry: An Interview with Anil Kanda

(También español) Anil Kanda introduces himself: I was born and raised in Orange County. My parents immigrated from Punjab, India, a region in the northwest. I grew up in a Sikh and Hindu household. Around 20 years ago, I encountered Seventh-day Adventists who gave me Bible studies and answered many of my questions.

An Interview with Executive Secretary-Elect David Dean: His Journey and Vision

(También español) The Central California Conference welcomes Pastor David Dean as its new executive secretary-elect. In this interview, Pastor Dean shares his journey of faith and his vision for the future.

CENTRAL ACTS - February 2025

Taking God’s Message to the Olympics and Bringing Christ to the Public Schools in Central California

Central California Conference Elects New Leadership at 35th Constituency Session

(También español) On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Central California Conference (CCC) delegates gathered at Fresno Adventist Academy for the 35th Constituency Session.

Restoring Unity and Advancing Mission: An Interview with President-Elect Ricardo Viloria

(También español) The Central California Conference welcomes Pastor Ricardo Viloria as its new president-elect. In this interview, Pastor Viloria shares his journey of faith, his vision for the future, and his goals to advance the church’s mission.

Teen Girls’ Retreat Brings Together a Generation Navigating New Challenges

(También español) The Teen Girls’ Retreat in Central California Conference started over 20 years ago, and it has made a powerful impact on young women in the conference. As a teen, Kendra Miranda—Youth and Young Adult Department director—attended the retreat.

CENTRAL ACTS - December 2024

Give to God and He Will Provide; Youth Evangelism Webinars; and Kunde's Experience of Trusting in God’s Perfect Timing

Going for Gold

(También español) Here in Gold Country, there are some new “miners” who have been “Going for Gold.” At the Discover Life Adventist Church (DLAC), 16 young people, two each evening, held an eight-night evangelistic meeting from September 13 to 20.

Hope Now Series Brings People in Through Both Digital and Traditional Outreach

(También español) The Hope Now series is having an ongoing positive impact on Central California Conference cities and communities, and San Francisco is one of these. The local churches prepared for the Hope Now series through multiple methods of outreach to their community.

Learn More About the Upcoming Quinquennial Constituency Session

(También español) The upcoming Central California Conference Quinquennial Constituency Session will be taking place in November of this year.

CENTRAL ACTS - October 2024

Security Guard Impacted by Soquel Camp Meeting; An Unusual Prayer Leads to Bible Studies and Baptisms; Giving to God’s Bank in Heaven

The Journey Continues at the 10-day Soquel Camp Meeting

(También español) The 2024 Soquel Camp Meeting, which took place July 11-20, had a powerful spiritual impact on those who attended. It was a place where people’s lives were being changed by God

Hope Now Q&A with Dan Serns

(También español) What is "Hope Now'? Central California Conference interviews Dan Serns regarding the upcoming evangelistic seminar.

VBS Season Inspires Church Participation and Collaboration

(También español) This year’s Vacation Bible School season set new records in church participation and collaboration across the Central California Conference.

Nexus: Bridging Discipleship and Technology Across the Nevada-Utah Conference

(También español) A nexus point is where different elements converge to create new possibilities and drive significant change.

Digital Evangelism in the Fresno Central Church

(También español) Digital evangelism continues to move the mission of the Central California Conference forward: “The Adventist message to all of Central California and the world in this generation!”

Fiji Mission Trip Provides Medical and Emotional Support

(También español) A recent mission trip to Fiji, led by Dr. Randall Goodman, provided much-needed ophthalmology services and dental care to those living near the Vatuvonu Adventist School, which is located in a rural area on the southern shores of Buca.

“God’s Got This!”

(También español) Sometimes God can answer two prayer requests during one event, and He also will include bonus miracles.

CENTRAL ACTS - June 2024

Students Lead Week of Prayer; Santa Cruz Church celebrate 130 years; Church foundation In the Dominican Republic

Unexpected Realizations From the 2024 CCC Women’s Retreat

(También español) "Renew" was the emphasis of the presentations, music, and activities at this year’s women’s retreat, which took place at the Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite National Park.

Ministerial Retreat Unites Pastors, Elders, and Executive Committee Members

(También español) This year began with a ministerial retreat designed to bring together the conference churches and create a vision for 2024.

CENTRAL ACTS - April 2024

"Connecting with Purpose" and multi-church Ministerial Retreat

Growth Hotspots Lead the Conference Mission

(También español) Churches that baptize 15 or more people in one year are considered growth hotspots, and they are becoming an exciting part of the Central California Conference (CCC).

This Is My Story

(También español) The most recent young adult conference delved into the book of Ruth, with the theme “This Is My Story,” and the attendees discussed how God works in the midst of brokenness.

Our Unstoppable God Provides a New Meeting Place For the Modesto Hispanic and Modesto Afri

(También español) After 50 years in the same building, the Modesto Hispanic church needed a new place for worship. Several attempts were made to solve this problem, but they were unsuccessful.

You Belong

(También español) What does it mean to belong? Have you ever asked yourself the questions "Where do I belong?" "Where do I fit in?" "What does it mean to belong?"

Men’s Retreat Parts the Waters

(También español) The recent men’s retreat unified the attendees in one mission: to go back to their homes and become spiritual leaders.

Empowering Faith Leaders: A Look Back at the Successful November Training and What's Next

(También español) The Sabbath School leadership training event held on Nov. 12, 2023, at the Clovis church was a resounding success.

CENTRAL ACTS - February 2024

In the heart of its community, Discover Life Church in Sonora embarked on quite a journey over the past year, leaving a trail of God's golden nuggets that will continue to shimmer with divine grace for years.

Camp Wawona Road Construction Is an Answer to Prayer

(También español) Camp Wawona’s project of updating their road has been a long process, but it is now nearing its completion—and it has been an answer to prayer from the start.

Los Banos Hispanic Church Shows the Power of Growth

(También español) Los Banos, a small city located in the countryside about an hour from the Bay Area, has been the site of recent church growth.

Reflecting on 2023 and Envisioning 2024's Goals

(También español) I’ve had to pray a lot more, and that's a good thing. One night last year during prayer time, I asked God what I should focus on, and He gave me three things.

Templeton Hills Hope Clinic Provides Free Medical Care to the Community

(También español) Medical services are a need that many Christians are able to provide to their community, and the Templeton Hills church has taken this ability and begun giving it to the people around them.

CENTRAL ACTS - December 2023

HIspanic Women's Retreat, Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry and Youth Basketball Ministry brings neighborhood Hindus to church.

FEJA Ministries Empowers Youth at Camp Wawona

(También español) The vision of FEJA ministries is to unite Adventist churches to collaborate in Hispanic youth ministry, both at the conference level and the church level. It is led by an executive committee made up of 10 young adult leaders from different churches within the conference.

Sonora Life Hope Center Gives Free Health Care Services to the Community

(También español) The Discover Life church in Sonora hosted their fourth health clinic, called Sonora Life Hope Center, making a major positive impact on the community around them.

The CCC Leadership Institute Connects Pastors and Gives Them Tools

(También español) A quarterly meeting has been started to help Central California Conference (CCC) pastors and give them new tools to face the many challenges presented in their calling.

Empowered Youth: Arise and Go

(También español) This summer, 50 young people answered God’s call to arise and go by serving as student literature evangelists for 10 weeks across the Central California Conference.

When Prayer Meets Technology

(También español) The advances in technology in our society continue to benefit the purpose of the Adventist Church in many ways.

CENTRAL ACTS - October 2023

Highlighting the Pathfinder Leadership Convention, Ukrainian Church Plant and the reopening of Camp Wawona

Harmonizing in Faith: Fresno Area Spanish Churches Conduct Joint Evangelistic Series and B

(También español) Earlier this year, a number of Spanish congregations across Fresno embarked on a commendable initiative to conduct evangelistic activities together.

Upcoming Events for the Week of September 18, 2023

Mark your calendar!

The Soquel Camp Meeting: A Ten-Day Spiritual Reunion Culminating in 51 Baptisms

(También español) After a long hiatus due to the covid pandemic, the Soquel Camp Meeting finally convened for a ten-day in-person gathering from July 13-22, 2023.

Baptisms at Soquel Camp Meeting

Pictorial Report / Informe pictórico

West Maui Fires: A Message from PUC President Elder Bradford C. Newton

Elder Bradford Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference, shares a special video message on the Maui Fire on August 8, 2023, and the far reaching impact on the church and members in Hawaii.

Ireland Mission Trip Brings Healing to the Community

(También español) The Central California Conference has become more connected with Ireland and the Adventist churches located there in a few different ways.

West Maui Fires

A Message from Elder Bradford C. Newton

Maui Wild Fires: Developing News

Image of Lahaina BEFORE the fire and a message from Pastor Erik VanDenburgh, President, Hawaii Conference

Three Million GLOW Tracts Distributed in Bolivia

(También español) Each year a GLOW mission trip takes place in a different country, but the goal is the same: to spread God’s message to the people living there.

Growing, Giving, and Serving at the Templeton Hills Community Farm

(También español) Land sat empty between Templeton Hills church and the elementary school. The members had dreamed for years about what to do with the land—some suggested building a health clinic, others a community center.

Pacific Union Selects New Vice President for Youth Ministries, and More, in Spirit-Led Exe

(También español) The Pacific Union Conference Executive Committee gathered for its quarterly meeting on May 18.

Pacific Union "All God's People," July 14, 2023 S7 E14

AGP has passed the 275th episode mark! Now bi-weekly instead of weekly, stay tuned for AGP Specials in addition to our bi-weekly episodes. You can watch AGP...

Why Go to Summer Camp?

(También español) While this could still be the sentiment of many who attend youth camp today, this statement was written way back in 1936! Some things just don’t change, and enthusiasm for the summer camp program continues to inspire both campers and staff in 2023.

The Journey Continues: Monterey Bay Academy in the Years to Come

(También español) From the moment we wake up in the morning until our heads hit the pillow at night, we are assaulted with unorganized information, disjointed details, and disconnected data.

Life Hope Center Reopens in Santa Maria: Restoring Hope and Health After Pandemic

(También español) The Life Hope Center, a health ministry initiative of the Central California Conference (CCC), has made a heartfelt return in Santa Maria church after a long hiatus due to the covid pandemic.

iRise Brings Youth to the Forefront of Our Calling

(También español) A new challenge to young people in Central California Conference (CCC) has arrived. iRise is part of the initiatives set forth with the Arise and Go model of evangelism from the book of Acts.

Celebrating Graduates! CCC & HIS

This week we celebrate the graduations of our students in the Central CA Conference and the Holbrook Indian School.

Building Faith Together: Memorable Boys’ and Girls’ Retreats Empower the Next Generation

(También español) During the weekends of April 21-23 and April 29-30, 2023, our Senior Youth Department conducted remarkable spiritual retreats for both boys and girls, which proved highly impactful.

THE BULLETIN - June 9, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Northern California and Southern California Conferences.

CENTRAL ACTS - June 2023

God's Closet, The Haystack Grant and Pit Stop Youth.

THE BULLETIN - June 2, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Nevada-Utah and Northern California Conferences.

Dr. Seuss, Robots, and Trikes!

AHCC students just celebrated Dr. Seuss Day and raised money through a fun trike-a-thon. VVAA is also celebrating reading, plus continuing to make waves in robotics!

Faith-Based Excellence: Adventist Health Sonora Earns Top 100 Rural Hospital Recognition

(También español) Adventist Health Sonora (AHS) has been recognized as one of the Top 100 rural hospitals of the year, showcasing its commitment to providing high-quality care rooted in Christian values.

THE BULLETIN - May 19, 2023

Conference News from: AZC, CCC, NUC, NCC, SEC and SCC.

Reflections of a Mountaintop Spiritual Experience: CCC Women’s Retreat

(También español) The Central California Women's Retreat offers a sacred haven for spiritual transformation. Set near Yosemite's tranquil Tenaya Lodge, this retreat invites women to immerse themselves in prayer, meditation, and divine wisdom.

THE BULLETIN - May 12, 2023

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:31 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms, mums, mommies, and mamas!

Young Adult Ministry and the Blessings Brought by Challenges

(También español) Young adult ministry has always been a challenging area for churches to navigate, and the coronavirus pandemic only intensified these struggles. However, amidst the difficulties, the Central California Conference (CCC) experienced unexpected growth and blessings in their ministry.

THE BULLETIN - May 5, 2023

News from the Conferences of Arizona, Central CA, Nevada-Utah, Northern CA, Southeastern CA and Southern CA

Trips to DC and Connections

Paradise juniors and seniors are enjoyed their trip Washington, DC. SVJA students are making connections with each other and the community!

Promise FM Celebrates 34 Years of Impact Through Radio

(También español) Promise 89.7 KARM celebrated 34 years of broadcasting in April. Over the years, this station—which reaches over one million people in the Central Valley—has impacted not only those who tune in but also people behind the scenes making it happen every day.

CENTRAL ACTS - April 2023

A Revival Led by Virtual Studies. Meeting virtually to see each other and discuss the Bible became a normal practice in many of our lives when coronavirus began, but it was unusual and rare before the pandemic.

Celebrations, Mission Trips, and New Tech

MVA celebrated 100 years of Adventist education and their students participated in a local mission trip. SAA ECEC is using a new digital tool.

THE BULLETIN - April 14, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Nevada-Utah, Northern California, and Southern California Conferences.

Bible Encounter Experience

(También español) For the past 15 years, the education department at the Central California Conference led out in a Bible Challenge, similar to the Pathfinder Bible Bowl.

THE BULLETIN - April 7, 2023

News from Arizona, Central CA, Hawaii, Northern CA, Southeastern CA, Southern CA, and NAD.

Growing God’s Kingdom Through His People

(También español) The Arise & Go training seminars have taken the next step in focusing the Central California Conference churches on the mission of growing God’s kingdom.

Ministerial Retreat Includes Elders in Addition to Pastors

(También español) The ministerial retreat for the Central California Conference takes place at the beginning of each year to cast a vision for that year.

San Jose Hispanic Church’s Concert Attracts New and Old Converts

(También español) After three years of suspending its Sacred Christmas Concert due to the pandemic, San Jose Hispanic church brought back this beautiful outreach ministry this past December, attracting non-believers, community members, and past members. Many who had left the church returned so their children could be part of the children’s choir or to join the adult choir.

THE BULLETIN - March 17, 2023

Stories from the Pacific Union Conferences

Interview with Central California Conference President Dan Serns

(También español). Dan Serns: Our mission in the conference is to take the Adventist message to all Central California and the world in this generation. We have 10 million people in our territory. We have about 33,000 Adventists. Our two biggest mission fields are San Francisco and the Silicon Valley.

Mission Trips, Model Rockets, and Skiing

The MBA community embraces Ukrainian refugees, and MBA students have the opportunity to serve on a mission trip to Puerto Rico. At Mother Lode, students are learning how to ski and building model rockets!

THE BULLETIN - March 10, 2023

Opening doors for collegiate young adults is part of the ongoing vision for the Tempe church. Located adjacent to the Arizona State University campus and right across the street from the performing arts center, the church has often been a location for Adventist students to worship. When Pastor Mike Soto became the pastor of the church in 2022, he brought with him a vision of continuing the outreach to the entire student body of the campus.

THE BULLETIN - February 10, 2023

Arizona Conference Christmas on the Streets The call went out in the middle of November for volunteers. “We are in need of food donations, servers, and...

Arise and Go - February 2023

Stories from the Central California Conference

New Church Plantings Create More Opportunities to Spread God’s Message

“The purpose of the church planting department of the Central California Conference is to establish new congregations where there is no Adventist presence,” explained Ricardo Viloria, director of the ministerial and church planting departments.

God’s Gold in Sonora

According to the sign that greets people coming into town, Sonora is considered the Queen of the Southern Mines in Gold Rush Country. Starting in 1848,...

PUC: Collaborating With a School in South Korea and Evangelizing San Francisco

PUC is collaborating with an Adventist school in South Korea and evangelizing in the streets of San Francisco!

THE BULLETIN - January 13, 2023

According to the sign that greets people coming into town, Sonora is considered the Queen of the Southern Mines in Gold Rush Country. Starting in 1848, panning and mining gold brought people to this foothill area, about one hour from Yosemite.

Fresno Westside Church Does Not Allow Barriers to Become Walls

Many barriers exist that can prevent churches from working together to spread God’s message—language and culture barriers are some of the most common....

THE BULLETIN - January 6, 2023

2022 was designated as a Year of Evangelism. Over half of all Arizona churches participated in the evangelism effort. “Praise God that our church leaders and members are uniting their efforts to reach their communities with the gospel of Jesus,”

Pacific Union Camporee: Hundreds of Pathfinders Give Their Hearts to Jesus

Approximately 3,700 Pathfinders descended on Lake Skinner near Temecula, Calif., for the Pacific Union Conference Pathfinder Camporee the first weekend of...

The Washburn Fire Causes Evacuation at Camp Wawona

The Washburn Fire burned for nearly a month this last summer and engulfed the Mariposa Grove area of Yosemite National Park. The fire, which started July 7,...

The Camp Wawona Road Update Is Approved

Mariposa County, located in central California, approved the submitted plans for Camp Wawona and the Central California Conference to move forward with their...

THE BULLETIN - November 25, 2022

Arizona Conference Chandler Brazilian Church Members Bring a Friend On October 22, the Chandler Brazilian church enjoyed a wonderful Sabbath thanks to...

Educators Trained to Build a Spiritual Climate

Teachers and principals from Central California Conference’s (CCC) 19 schools attended an educators’ in-service on Aug. 9 to learn how to build a...

THE BULLETIN - November 4, 2022

The Cottonwood and Sedona churches joined with the Grupo Hispano de Sedona for the first-ever district campout at Clear Creek, Arizona.

Pathfinders

I have had the privilege of serving as coordinator for Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Youth Ministries for the Pacific Union since 2012. For the last 16 years,...

Camp Wawona Takes Its Mission on the Road

When Norma Villarreal learned that the Central California Conference wouldn’t be able to hold summer camp at Camp Wawona this last summer due to the...

Central Valley Christian Academy

Two great stories from Central Valley Christian Academy: Through their efforts they raised $4,000 to help Ukrainian refugees. They also participated in a long-standing tradition of learning through fieldtrips and uniting classes through friendly and fun competitive games.

Armona Union Academy

This week we share a great story from Armona Union Academy about how juniors connected with middle schoolers by using the Bible.

THE BULLETIN - October 7, 2022

Arizona Conference Medical Aid to Ukraine War seems distant to this generation—an event that occurs on foreign soil. Once, not too long ago,...

Pacific Sunrise - September 29, 2022

Robots, Galas, and Workshops! This week we are sharing stories from the Central California Conference. Three schools participated in the Adventist Robotics...

CCC Schools Win at the Adventist Robotics Challenge

Three of Central California Conference’s schools participated in the FIRST Adventist Robotics competitions this last school year in Orlando, Florida. This...

Soquel Camp Meeting Restarts with Prayers and Impact

Where we’ve been In 1873, at a camp meeting in Yountville, California, the Central California Conference (CCC) was officially organized with seven...

Fill Every Baptistry Program Takes a Step Toward Advancing Local Outreach

Mekhi Bramucci decided to leave Christianity when he was a teen, but he did not leave religion. He began a spiritual search, and when he graduated, he...

Working with the Homeless Gives Armona Union Academy Students a New Perspective

Mission trips can take us to the farthest corners of the world. But sometimes, those farthest corners are in our very own state. Nine students from Armona...

Puerto Rico Mission Trip Teaches MBA Students to Give Back to Their Community

Monterey Bay Academy sent 21 students and five faculty and volunteers on a mission trip to Puerto Rico in February to share God and, as a result, learn more...

Let's Preach!

What happens when members are trained to do evangelistic preaching? It is no surprise that God abundantly blesses—and miracles prove it.

Arise and Go - Reflecting Christ. Transforming Communities.

During the months of February and March, Arise and Go training seminars in evangelism were held in each of the eight areas throughout the Central California Conference (CCC).

Our Frontline Evangelists Answer the Call

Our teachers are definitely evangelists in every sense of the word. Every day they are there to tell their students that God loves them and to train them to be disciples of Jesus. As Ellen White noted in her book Education (p. 30): “In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one..."

The Joy of Acceptance

During one of the difficult times our church was going through, one of the members confessed, "This class is the reason I'm still here." My husband and I...

Adventist Women Pioneers

Georgia Anna Burrus was born July 19, 1866. Despite family opposition, she joined the Adventist church at age 16 and enrolled as a working student at Healdsburg College in California. She then taught in the Bible Training School in Oakland.

Top Tier Leadership

I have been involved in church work all my adult life. I was a taskforce worker. As an intern in Southern California, I ran a VBS and day camp for an entire summer without having conducted either one before. I worked briefly as an associate pastor and as a pastor. I’ve worked in communication and public relations at all levels of the church.