Jon Roberts

25 May

MHA EIGHTH-GRADE CLASS CHALLENGED TO STAND OUT IN LIFE

By Karrie Meyers — Highlands Ranch, Colorado …“Will you choose to be the best picture of Jesus you can be?” asked Chris Morris, Littleton associate pastor, of Mile High Academy’s (MHA) eighth-grade graduates during their Oscar-themed graduation service on May 19.

Surrounded by family and friends, the ten graduates celebrated their achievements amidst smiles, laughter and tears. The families were welcomed by graduate Devon who thanked the parents “for all your love and support for these eighth graders. We could not have done it without your help.”

Through tributes, parents were recognized for their patience and love, coming to athletic events, supporting decisions, and for helping draw the students closer to God. Teachers and coaches were also acknowledged for their role-model support and hard work in providing an athletic program despite the middle school not having an official season.

The class selected Joshua 1:9 as their class verse, which led to them welcoming Pastor Morris as commencement speaker. He inspired the students to remember they are leaders and that “God rarely asks the leaders to do things within their capabilities.” He reminded them that God hasn’t called his leaders to fit in but to stand out, making Jesus the director in their lives.

Class president Jack reflected on the class and memories they made this year. “I’ve been so thankful to be a part of this class, and I think it’s been a great year – masks and all. So many people have had a part in making it such a great year, like our teachers who have been outstanding role models in supporting us through the ups and downs of the pandemic.”

“This has been a unique year,” explained Walter Weber, eighth-grade sponsor and middle school teacher. “We were never sure when a student would have to go remote due to family illness, making it difficult for teachers to teach [both] in-person and remote students at the same time. But this class resiliently faced and embraced the challenges. They are amazing individuals who will do great things in upper school. Speaking for the entire middle school teaching staff, we are so proud of them.”

In addition to the acknowledgement of their academic success, each graduate received a $500 upper school tuition scholarship.

The class presented a gift to the school. Now featured on the gym’s press box is Psalm 119:32 and the MHA Mustang logo. The verse was a favorite at MHA’s previous campus location and the class wanted to make it a part of MHA history once again.

The class appreciates their middle school memories while anxiously looking forward to the next chapter. Wyatt said he will miss the sports and his middle school friends, but is looking forward to making new friends. Max said a favorite memory he will forever take with him was the MHA mission trip to Uganda when he was in the sixth grade. “There’ve never been enough words to describe that amazing experience.” He will also miss playing on the small hoops on the school’s playground.

The eighth-grade graduating ceremony is available on MHA’s website at www.milehighacademy.org/2021-8-graduation/.

–Karrie Meyers communication director for Mile High Academy; photos by Dog Daze Photo and Kurt Fesler

25 May

Brighton Adventist Academy CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2021

By Jodie Aakko – Brighton, Colorado …”Hi Mom, I made it!” seemed to be the catchphrase among the Brighton Adventist Academy graduates at their graduation ceremony on May 19.

The evening served up the standard fare of diplomas, balloons, photographs, cake, and punch, yet a BAA graduation is much more. Teachers took time to acknowledge the students’ shining qualities and expressed their love and admiration for each graduate. Wayne Morrison, pastor of Brighton church encouraged the each student to go forth and be God’s disciple, since they have soundly learned that they are a child of God.

Addressing the graduates, Molly Santana, member of the Brighton church and commencement co-speaker said, “You have met some challenges to get where you are today. The pandemic has made you stronger, and you are a better person because you persevered,”

Carlos Santana, member of the Brighton church and commencement co-speaker highlighted his wife’s charge to the class by saying, “Don’t forget that God loves you no matter what, and with God, you can do anything. In the same way that God has helped me, He will help you.”

Students also shared testimonies of gratitude to their parents, teachers, and friends for making it possible for them to reach this milestone.

The class selected Joshua 1:9 as their Scripture verse. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

BAA administration has one final message for the graduating class of 2021: “Well done, Students. Choose strength and courage always. God has chosen you to do His work. Go. Be everything for God.”

Among those receiving their diplomas included Shaun Alexander, Omar Castaneda, Hannah Lechleitner, Felipe Quintana Baca, Nathaniel Ramirez, and Vashty Segovia Santos.

–Jodie Aakko is the principal of Brighton Adventist Academy; photo courtesy of Brighton Adventist Academy Facebook page.

24 May

MHA KINDERGARTEN GRADUATES CONTINUE TO GROW IN JESUS

By MHA News – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Amidst smiles, waves, and swinging tassels, 14 Mile High Academy kindergarteners stood tall as they marched into the gym toward their future as first graders on May 18.

Those gathered, online and in-person, for this special event, were welcomed by the students followed by a prayer thanking God for “our families and our kindergarten graduation.”

A lively rendition of The Butterfly Song brought smiles and many broke into laughter as students read their parent tributes, which included words of love for their family members, thankfulness that their family feeds them, does the dishes and laundry, reads books, plays with them, and helps them when they’re hurt.

Together, the students sang the song Growing in Jesus with lyrics expressing how the graduates were learning to love all God’s children, how they were trusting in Jesus, becoming a friend of Jesus, and how Jesus is growing in them.

After receiving their certificates and moving the tassels on their caps, they recited a humorous poem about completing kindergarten and being in first grade. Alissa Armendariz, kindergarten teacher, shared her pride in the class by mentioning challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome.

“It has been a difficult and challenging year for us all,” said Armendariz. “Among the many COVID related challenges was teaching students to form proper letter sounds while wearing a mask. The students learned well even with the many classroom differences, and we worked together to make this year a success. I am so thankful the students could be together with their friends most of the school year and am so proud of this graduating class.”

Before walking out the door, the graduates were already focused on summer plans. Jack said he was grateful Armendariz was his teacher and will miss her, but is looking forward to first grade after a summer of “playing with my new volleyball net, going camping, riding on my dirt bike and playing at the pool.”

Devyn really liked her teacher too and enjoyed being in her class. This summer she is “going on some trips, playing in the pool and having fun being with my family.”

The ceremony concluded with attendees reciting the following prayer, a slightly edited version Armendariz prayed before they left campus each day: “May God bless you and keep you as you go out from here today. May He bring you back safely next year. Remember you are loved, you are special, and you are worthy.”

To watch the kindergarten graduation ceremony, visit www.milehighacademy.org/2021-kindergarten-graduation/.

–MHA News; photos supplied

24 May

RMC 2021 CAMP MEETING SEASON KICKS OFF IN SOUTHEAST COLORADO

By Jon Roberts – Cañon City, Colorado … Hundreds gathered for the first Southeast Colorado camp meeting, May 19 – May 21, at the Cañon City Adventist church. The theme, “The Healing Presence of Jesus,” focused on putting the love of Jesus first in personal life.

John Davidson, pastor of Cañon City church district, began the Sabbath services by declaring: “It’s a miracle I’m standing here this morning.” Davidson who has been battling health issues, went on to say, “It’s a miracle you are here today,” referencing that the event had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic. He thanked the many individuals who took over the planning and coordinating of the event when his health declined.

For Pueblo First church member, RJ Vigil, having a church filled with many children was the highlight of the weekend. “I really enjoyed [seeing] how many people were here. It was amazing to see the church this full. That’s the most children I’ve seen at the children’s story before. I also liked the praise and worship music, but I’m biased since the team is from my church.”

For some, camp meeting was a new experience. “This is my first camp meeting and I know it is not like camp meetings of old, but it is amazing the number of people coming from all over, especially the Arkansas Valley. It’s encouraging and exciting,” enthused Sandy Shute, Colorado Springs Central church member.

The meetings featured Ron Kelly, pastor of Village Adventist church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. His messages focused on the healing touch of Jesus, and centered on the modern family and larger church relationships. Kelly accepted the invitation to speak at the gathering because of a deep pastoral friendship with Davidson.

Other presenters included Louis Torres, assistant to the president for evangelism of Adventist World Radio, who shared his conversion and life testimony. The audience also listened to the musical talents of Angel Award winner, Vonda Beerman.

The highlight of the gatherings for Cañon City members was also witnessing the ordination of their pastor, John Davidson.

Next year’s camp meeting is already being discussed and planned.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication / media assistant; photos by Jon Roberts

24 May

Equipping Women in Leadership

By Hyveth Williams – Berrien Springs, Michigan … If you are a woman leading in church, parish, educational, or organizational ministry, Equipping Women for Effective Leadership (EWEL), is a Doctor of Ministry degree just for you!

Launching October 4, 2021, the first intensive, Women and Gender, is designed by Course Facilitator, Dr. Janet Ledesma, Associate Dean & Professor, Educational Leadership Coordinator, College of Education & International Services. Dr. Ledesma created a rigorous course to help you explore and enhance your unique skills as a spiritual and effective woman leader through the personal development of a leadership plan that will affect positive and spiritually sound changes in the organizations where God has chosen you to serve.

In many ways, women remain underrepresented in top leadership positions in America and globally. This course will help women learn and identify the internal factors within them and external factors impacting them to become courageous spiritual women of God in leadership.

This Andrews University Doctor of Ministry degree, lauded as a national innovation specifically for women, will develop your full spiritual and professional potential as a woman in leadership in your church, organization, community, and home. By maximizing your potential, participants will be able to enhance the unique strengths, skills, values, and traits God has given to make effective, lasting connections to work and people.

REGISTER NOW AND OBTAIN:

Skills and tools to enhance your unique traits and characteristics as a spiritual leader to effectively develop and empower those you serve.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships, connections, and interpersonal interactions that drive spiritual growth and innovation in the places you serve.
Personalized development plan to identify your strengths and guide you towards achieving your goals as a Christian woman in leadership.
Opportunity to interact with like-minded women from diverse backgrounds seeking to add value to the organizations and institutions in which you serve.

Some of the Course Topics for the first intensive, to be taught by Dr. Ledesma and female guests from a variety of professions, will address:

Womanhood of God
Women and Resilience
Women and Leadership
Women and Organization Conflict
Values driven leadership for Women
Emotional Intelligence and Women
Creativity and Innovation for women
Women Leading in Crisis
Women and Research

For more information contact Dr. Hyveth Williams, Director – 269-471-6363; the DMin Website – www.doctorofministry.comand https://www.andrews.edu/apply/

–Hyveth Williams, is director of Doctor of Ministry program, Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University; photo supplied.

This article was original published on the NAD ministerial website.

20 May

COLOR POWDER, BUBBLE SOCCER, WATER BALLOONS CAP UNUSUAL YEAR AT CAMPION

By Bentlee Barry – Loveland, Colorado … Campion students celebrated the end of the year, on May 16, by enjoying a fun and relaxed day at the last Student Association (SA) picnic. They gathered on the field for volleyball and “bubble” soccer, in which participants wore an inflatable bubble suit.

After an hour of competition between students, it was time for a class color run. Classes took a turn running a loop around campus while the other classes threw colored powder and cheered them on. “At first, I didn’t really want to get any color on me, but by the end I was covered!” said Brayan Martins, Campion sophomore.

Afterward, it was time to cool down with root beer floats and a water balloon fight.

Once the fun subsided, students reflected on the crazy and unusual year and the difficultly in planning events.

“Being on SA this year has challenged our team to think of COVID-safe activities. Maintaining distance and wearing masks had to be taken into account when planning activities like the banquet, fall party, or class scramble. We always looked for fun activities that most people would enjoy, and I am proud of our SA team for everything they have done this year to make the year so memorable!” exclaimed Kylie Wehling, spiritual vice president.

SA President Ryan Bell highlighted, “It’s been great to have a team that came together and shared the workload. It’s taught me to trust those around me and rely on people to help out. I’ve learned to value teamwork a whole lot more.”

Erin Johnson, Campion SA sponsor emphasized how proud she was of her student team this year. “This SA team as a whole has been flexible and innovative. They took what seemed like an impossible task (with COVID restrictions) and not only accomplished it but also made improvements for future years,” Johnson reflected. “I think our biggest accomplishment was the SA Banquet. We transformed the gym and made a night to remember. Even staff who have been here for many years said that it was the best banquet they have seen. I will miss this team tremendously but I am so excited for next year’s SA team.”

–Bentlee Barry is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

20 May

Reality of Christian life on display at Campion week of prayer

By Jayce Treat – Loveland, Colorado … Recently, in early May, Campion Academy students shared personal testimonies with their peers during the final 2020-2021 school year Week of Prayer. They told personal stories which dealt with topics such as severe injuries, depression, and sharing the gospel with others.

Kylie Wehling, Campion Academy junior, shared her story of a severe injury she suffered and how God led her through it. “Speaking for Week of Prayer really made me step back and look at all the times God was there for me, even in my darkest moments,” Wehling remarked. ”Sometimes we forget that God works miracles in our lives every day.”

Isaac Avila, Campion Academy junior reflected on the Week of Prayer, “I liked this quarter’s Week of Prayer because I got to hear from my fellow peers and classmates which made the service more relatable to me.”

Students listened to how God helped their peers deal with some hard circumstances in their lives.

“I know the speakers, they are my friends, but when they gave their talks, I saw them in a different light,” said Jynaya Wright, Campion Academy senior. “They are usually always so happy and positive, but hearing their testimonies made me realize that they have their problems too.”

Wright explained how even though her friends went through some hard times, they gave their struggles over to God. “It was a huge inspiration to me to keep going even though we face troubles in our lives because God’s got your back.”

“I never thought I would share my story because I didn’t think it was important. But as I have heard my fellow students’ testimonies throughout the year and have seen the impact they had, I realized I wanted to help others too,” explained Bentlee Barry, senior. “It can be scary to share God but when you lean on Him and let Him speak through you, it becomes much easier! I feel even closer with God since sharing my testimony; it has changed my relationships with those around me and most importantly with God.”

The student testimonies were live-streamed and can be viewed on Campion Academy’s Facebook page.

–Jayce Treat is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied.

20 May

RMC PASTOR FEATURED AT GLOBAL CAMP MEETING

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference has a presence at the first “Global Camp Meeting,” which launched on May 19 and is sponsored and created by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The virtual event, featuring workshops and speakers from around world, includes a three-part series by Andy Nash, pastor of Littleton church.

Titled “Meet @ the Text,” the workshops will feature two discussions on how to study the Bible verse by verse and will include a presentation of Nash inviting Mile High Academy students and Chris Morris, associate pastor of Littleton, to join in a short study of the Book of Jude.

Nash explains how he was invited to help out with the global event. “Previously I had done some writing for Thomas Nelson Bibles, so they asked if I would be willing to do a workshop on studying Scripture. This is one of my favorite subjects, so I was happy to help. I particularly enjoyed our third session when my colleague Pastor Chris Morris and I studied the book of Jude with two high school students.”

Inductive Bible study is a passion for Nash so it was natural that the workshops he created were rooted in scripture. “I love inductive Bible study and feel like it’s how we’re meant to study the Bible and preach the Bible. When a congregation leaves church, they should be thinking about the Scripture, not the speaker. As a pastor, I want church members to be studying Scripture for themselves—Monday morning as well as Sabbath morning.”

What does Nash expect the online gathering will accomplish? “My hope is simply for people to fall in love with their Bibles, which is living and active. Once we’ve entered into God’s Word, we are forever changed.”

To join the “Global Camp Meeting,” visit https://2021.campmeeting.com/ Nash’s sessions will be located in the auditorium under media ministries. All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

To view the Bible study Nash conducted with Mile High Academy students click here: https://vimeo.com/552977341

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication / media assistant; photo supplied

20 May

CHEYENNE STUDENTS CREATE WORLD CITY PROJECT

RMCNews with Michael Cookenmaster – Cheyenne, Wyoming …Students in grades four through nine at Laura E. Mason Christian Academy in Cheyenne, Wyoming have been busy for the past nine months planning and designing an eight-foot long, five-foot wide paper city.

The project, entitled “One World: Share the Dream,” was part of their social studies theme of world history. Dr. Michael Cookenmaster, head teacher at Laura E. Mason Christian Academy, explained the project: “This hands-on project is meant to make students understand the constructivist approach to learning.” The constructivist approach to learning holds that people actively construct or make their own knowledge and that reality is determined by the experiences of the learner.

Students held planning meetings and “everyone pitched in to cut, fold, glue, and design layouts of neighborhood quarters based in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Students determined building structures, names of corporations to be represented, parks and recreational areas, entertainment space, and the airport environs.”

Why the hands-on approach? For Cookenmaster the answer is simple, as “children learn best when they are building something.”

The extensive undertaking allowed students to use cross pollination of core content. Cookenmaster described cross pollination learning. “As they built the city, not only were students learning social studies, but they were also having to incorporate environmental science, geometry, and virtual and creative literacy skills all incorporated to support their unique Seventh-day Adventist world view.”

“Most importantly, the project taught students about humanity, the environment, and the biblical injunction to be stewards of the earth,” he added.

Part of completing the project includes students planning to premier a video of their hard work. To watch the video click here: https://youtu.be/se-10IcwmcE

RMCNews with Michael Cookenmaster, head teacher at Laura E. Mason Christian Academy in Cheyenne, Wyoming; photo supplied

19 May

DEEANN BRAGAW ACCEPTS WOMEN’S MINISTRY POSITION FOR NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … DeeAnn Bragaw, RMC women’s ministry director and prayer coordinator, recently accepted the invitation by the North American Division to be their Women’s Ministries Director.

Ed Barnett, RMC president reflected on Bragaw’s ministry, “DeeAnn has been a blessing to our conference, and I know she will be a blessing at the North American Division as well! We will miss her.”

Bragaw is a Colorado native and will miss her home state. In an interview with NewsNuggets she explains her service in RMC. “It’s been my privilege to live and serve in Rocky Mountain Conference! I’m a Colorado native who grew up in Denver about six blocks from the conference office and graduated from Mile High Academy. I spent many summers both attending camp and then working at Glacier View Ranch, and married my husband, Paul, right here in RMC. Together we’ve served in Casper, Boulder, Franktown, Brighton, and Campion. And now I’ve served conference-wide in prayer and women’s ministries.”

The process to accepting the invitation has not been easy Bragaw explains.

“In April, I received a phone call from NAD administration, asking if I’d be willing to submit a resume’ and interview for the position of Director of Women’s Ministries for North American Division. I was shocked! ME?” She continues, “The journey and the decision have not been easy. There are many factors involved in transitioning into this new role. I actually asked if I could serve NAD from RMC! (They said ‘No’.)”

Prayer and Jesus will remain the center of her ministry at the NAD, she comments. “I can’t wait to get to know more of our women, and to develop a team of women from around our division who can partner with us to continue to provide resources to better equip women of all ages to serve from a place of wholeness in Christ. My deepest prayer and my highest calling are to point our women to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and our service, who mentored His team of disciples so they could disciple others. And He did that by spending time in prayer.”

Bragaw will be transitioning to Maryland and will begin serving as NAD women’s ministry director on July 4.

“At this point Paul will likely stay in Colorado at HMS for the upcoming school year, and we will slowly transition to Maryland. Our family is mostly in RMC, and this is HOME – we’ll be back! Until that time, my prayer is that God will continue to reach the hearts of our people in RMC with a call to a deeper life of prayer, surrender, and service. As one friend put it, ‘You’re not leaving us – you’re taking us to NAD!’”

Bragaw’s prayer for RMC members as she begins a new chapter in her life, “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon, may His mercies extend to your children’s children, and may we, together, pray on and serve with joy!”

–RMCNews; photo supplied

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