Ed Fargusson Retires After 42 Years
By Ken Miller
Ed Fargusson, assistant to the president in Northern California Conference (NCC), announced his retirement on April 28 after 42 years in ministry, 40 of those with NCC.
He joined NCC in 1981 and pastored at Hayward, Alturas, Alameda, Tracy, and Roseville churches. He served for a short time as the NCC human resources director and became assistant to three conference presidents.
He reflected, “The most exciting thing I have seen in pastoring churches and working in the administrative structure is how God changes people’s lives. I often say serving God is like riding a roller coaster in the front seat. It’s a fun ride, but you are not in control.”
Jim Lorenz, NCC ministerial director, stated, “Ed brought a varied background to his role as assistant to the president. Besides pastoring for many years, he served at the Church State Council and was the NCC HR director. His institutional knowledge is incomparable since he spent most of his career in the NCC. Because of this—and his outgoing personality—he knows nearly everyone; his retirement will leave big shoes to fill.”
NCC President Marc Woodson added, “We will miss Ed’s values and contagious kindness, always with a smile on his face. Ed has a servant’s heart, answering all the calls to service without complaint. He is a passionate, hard worker who exemplifies the values of God, the church, and the Northern California Conference.”
With Anne, his wife of 42 years, Fargusson intends to travel and spend time with family. He hints that he will do contract coaching with churches and continue teaching and preaching the good news of salvation.
A Service Journey
By Communication Staff
The recent Mark Blue Lecture Series honored 69 NCC educators and pastors, each boasting 25 years or more in service.
Each recipient was presented with a distinguished service pin commemorating their unwavering commitment to ministry.
Reflecting on this remarkable milestone, Jose Marin, NCC executive secretary, said, “We are privileged to celebrate the remarkable dedication of our pastors, teachers, and principals who have devoted their careers to serving Jesus within the Northern California Conference.”
25 Years of service
Melbert Baga, Owen Bandy, Shawn Brummund, Jaime Calvo, David Carreon, Heather Denton, Jason Eyer, John Gilley, Robert Kurtz, Linda Lamb, Janice Leigh, Donald Mackintosh, JoAnn Moon, Lisa Nuss, Ira Parrish, Ricardo Rincon, Michael Rosich, Michael Thompson, Aubrey Scarbrough, Darren Smith, Susan Walters, James Wood Jr., Glen Wahlman
30 Years of service
Tania Duncan, Tonya Greenwood, David Goymer, Vernon Jeske, Timothy Judson, Robert Kearbey, Hyun Kim, Esther Melgar, Guadalupe Negrete, Jerry Nelson, Lyly Nguyen, J Williams, Gerald Speyer, Tamara Turk, Cheryl Wood
35 years of service
Thomas Adams, Edwin Brown, Frederick Dana, Bradley Davis, Kris Dunlap, Walter Groff, George Hilton, Carole LeBarre, John Linhares, Richard Maloon, Robert Mason, Albert Miller, Richard Nelson, Robert Robinson
40 years of service
Douglas Brown, Daniel Freedman, George Jackson, Nancy Matthews, Lisa Paulson, David Peckham, James Pedersen, Dorothy Phelps, Mason Philpot, Ronald Pickell, Larry Unterseher, David Vixie, Marvin Wray, Bruce Yingling
Data from NCC Secretariat
Bicycling in the Buttes
By Communication Staff
The annual NCC Pathfinder Bike-a-Thon rolled away on April 7 in the shadow of the Sutter Butte Mountain range near Yuba City.
Exquisite weather greeted over 500 energetic and motivated riders, leaders, and parents. The giddy group of cyclists careened by roadside support tents, trailers, lawn chairs, and delicious food offerings. The range of delectables included donuts, pupusas, corn dogs, and many other tasty treats available to the participants. Proceeds from each booth help support each club’s expenses throughout the year.
Eddie Heinrich, youth and young adult ministries director, stated, “This year’s event was nearly back
to pre-pandemic size. I am so excited for our
Pathfinders and their cycling achievements. Two hundred fifty-eight riders circled the idyllic course for a total of 7,210 miles—close to previous records!”
