During a Difficult Season,
NCC Churches Share Hope
C PHOTO: RICARDO GRAHAM
hurches throughout the Northern California Conference (NCC) found numerous practical ways to inspire hope during the Christmas season—hope that people in their communities carried into 2021.
Stockton Mayfair bicycle giveaway During a giveaway at the Stockton Mayfair church, 183 people—aged two to over 60—received a bicycle for Christmas. “I feel grateful,” said one young teenager. “I’ve been wanting a bike. God did great things!” During the event, the parking lot was full of hope as participants waited for their number to be called to choose a bike. “It was a joy to bring smiles to faces and to engage with the parents,” said Pastor Rudy Peters. One mother said she looked forward to being able to ride with her son. “Now that we have [his bike], we can work on being healthy,” she said. The project was partially funded by a grant from the North American Division, which has sponsored bike giveaways at other locations. To promote the event, members distributed fliers in the neighborhood, Peters appeared on a local television program, and the church spread the word through social media. The event will make a difference in people’s lives for years to come. “So much comes along with [having a bike],” said a father as he lifted his small daughter
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onto her new bicycle. “Being in her life, being there to teach her how to ride it—it’s one of those moments that you have with your child. It’s a forever bond, a forever memory.” Sacramento Capitol City Angel Tree For more than a decade, the Sacramento Capitol City church’s Angel Tree program has provided presents for community members, and this year it helped give 250 people a hopeful Christmas. “I have a passion for this ministry,” said Carol Herbert, the church’s mission council leader. “I just keep doing it by God’s grace, and He blesses every time.” Younger children received presents designed to spark their creativity, such as craft supplies and building blocks, while teenagers received gift cards. The church also gave gift cards to families to help them purchase food for Christmas dinner and other holiday items. Herbert and her team distributed the presents during an afternoon drive-through event at the church. Afterward, three mothers wrote to express their thanks: “We want to thank you, my children and I, for giving each one of them a smile this Christmas. May God bless you and fill you with blessings.” “Thank you very much for the gifts for my kids. They are very happy with their toys. They were very special for this time because I am not working. We appreciate it very much.” “I am very grateful to you for the toys. This Christmas will be very happy. Many thanks! You all are angels of God.” Orangevale drive-through celebration When a sheriff’s car pulled up to the Orangevale church’s drive-through Christmas celebration, participants were startled. The event had been carefully planned to fall well within the county’s safety guidelines. But the officers surprised the church members. “They stopped by to say thank you to us,” said Pastor Jon Cicle. “They told us, ‘We are so glad you are doing this. Thank you for doing something positive for your community.’” Although the event was advertised on a huge banner
