Jon Roberts

18 Mar

COMMENTARY: IS CANCEL CULTURE KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR?

By Ron Price* — My 105-year-old mother-in-law, who lives with my wife and me, has seen a few changes over her life span. As I near my 70th birthday, I can say the same for myself. Not all the changes I have seen would I consider favorable. This seems to be especially true of the rapid societal changes I see or hear about today. No doubt, some changes are necessary and positive, but I have a hard time accepting the “cancel culture” that seems to be so predominant on the news-–at least that’s what I hear.

So, since I want to fit in and not be an oddball, I thought I should give you seven reasons why you should cancel me, unfriend me, or simply unsubscribe from my email list.

I was born and raised in the Jewish faith. In this part of the country, it is safe to assume that you likely did not. Therefore, according to the prevailing custom, you and I must not have anything to do with each other. On the chance that you are Jewish, you must know that I am now a Christian and a follower of my Lord Jesus Christ, so feel free to write me off on those grounds.

Perhaps you, too, are a Christian, making you want to accept me back into your circle of acceptance. Before you do that, however, you might want to know that I am a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, so of course, unfriending is your only reasonable option.

I doubt there are many people left still reading this post, but I will continue, nonetheless. I describe myself as a moderate conservative in terms of my political leaning. While I am happy to dialogue with any who tend toward the more liberal or more conservative view of life, I realize that is simply not allowed today. So, while I will miss you, I fully understand that you no longer care to know what I have to say.

Still there? I have been married to the same woman for more than 40 years, and I believe that “marriage” is an institution for two people of opposite genders. I have no problem with civil unions and affording people equal rights based on lifestyles that do not infringe on other’s rights, but that view is not to be tolerated, so again, I wish you well.

Did I mention that I was born and remain a member of the Caucasian portion of the human race? I don’t like the term “white” because as I look at something that genuinely is white, it does not look like my skin tone. If I see you, I will still greet you as warmly as possible if your skin does not match mine, but I will accept the chance that you will not return in kind.

We all know that it is only permissible in today’s culture to associate with people who look like us, think like us, vote like us, believe like us, etc., so again I understand why you would want me out of your life. Well, at least I’m trying to understand, but to be honest, I’m having a hard time doing so.

I have some other thoughts to share on this matter, which I will plan to address next time. I guess it really won’t matter, though, will it? Since I am the only person on the planet with whom I can relate, I will be the only one who reads it. I sure hope I’m not too critical of what I write.

*Ron Price MA writes a regular column on www.RonPrice.com. He is the owner/operator of Productive Outcomes, Inc., and has spent the last 30+ years as a mediator, helping people resolve their differences with others. He provides in-person and virtual training on a variety of life skills. He is a member of Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. For more information, visit www.RonPrice.com. To add your name to his weekly mailing list, please send him an email at Ron@RonPrice.com. Originally titled, “Seven Reasons Why You Should Unfriend Me,” the article is reprinted by permission.

17 Mar

A YEAR INTO THE PANDEMIC – HOW’S YOUR MENTAL WELLNESS?

By Vanessa Alarcón, MSW, LCSW – Boulder, Colorado … Many of us have been forced to adapt to what many refer to as the “new normal”. We’ve added a face mask to our list of things needed before we head out the door. We are meeting new people while not having fully seen their entire face and haven’t fully seen the faces of some of our own loved ones in more than a year. Jokes about not finding toilet paper at the store have become somewhat funny again and, well, the list goes on. The adaptation you’ve felt is a result of the way God created us. We’ve been so fearfully and wonderfully made that we are able to combat all types of stress through the process of resiliency.

What I’d like to suggest to you today is that just because you may have adapted, doesn’t mean that you’re completely well. The absence of a mental health disorder does not equate to emotional health. While we have a bit more predictability from the past, it is wise to continue checking on a very important aspect of your health—your mental health.

Here are some suggestions from the National Institute of Health to improve emotional wellness:

Brighten your outlook – A sign of emotional wellness is being able to hold onto positive emotions longer and appreciate the good times. Give it a try!
Reduce stress – The better you can cope with stress, the easier you can bounce back from difficult moments in your life. Sometimes, this means reducing time watching the news or interacting with certain people.
Get quality sleep – Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus more sharply. Take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.
Strengthen social connections – Our connections influence our biology and well-being. Now is the time to get creative in how we foster

And for those connected to a local church, you can benefit from belonging to a faith community as a protective factor in your wellness. A protective factor is a way that we reduce the effects of stressful life events. We serve an incredible God who shows us through Scripture His profound love and care for us. I’d encourage you to cling to the many promises found in His word as we continue to endure this pandemic, separately, but together.

If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-2855.

—Vanessa Alarcón is a licensed clinical social worker in Denver, CO. She also serves as the Faith Engagement pastor at Boulder Church; photo by UnSplash

17 Mar

VRA STUDENTS DISPLAY VALUE OF SERVICE THROUGH SNOW SHOVELS

RMCNews with Sandy Hodgson – Erie, Colorado … How does a school clear the sidewalks after a blizzard? They enlist the help of students, of course.

After the weekend blizzard dumped more than two feet of snow at Vista Ridge Academy, three students on spring break demonstrated the CHERISH value of service by helping their parents with snow removal.

The Barton family, including a kindergartener, 4th, and 7th graders are no strangers to exhibiting community service. Often, they assist their parents, who have been active volunteers for years at the school by clearing the parking lot of snow or helping with our Parent Community Association.

Sandy Hodgson, principal at Vista Ridge explains the service the children show: “Sometimes when you ‘have’ to help, it might be done begrudgingly, but these students are always ready to help with smiles on their faces. That is the true definition of service.”

–RMCNews with Sandy Hodgson who is the principal at Vista Ridge Academy; photos by Lisa Barton

16 Mar

MAKING HUEVOS RANCHEROS PART OF MHA SPANISH TEST

By Amelia Eno – Highlands Ranch, Colorado… What is a better way to test student’s food vocabulary in Spanish class than having them practice at a restaurant where Spanish is primarily spoken? However, how do you do this when large groups are not welcomed at restaurants because of the pandemic.

This was the dilemma facing Christina Hernández, Mile High Academy Spanish teacher.

It was decided, after careful planning and discussion, that remaining on campus and having students cook the meal would be the safest way to test their vocabulary while also experiencing delicious fare.

With a plan in place, students voted to make huevos rancheros. Hernandez gathered the required ingredients: frijoles (beans), tostados, queso (cheese), salsa, huevos (eggs) and avocados to make the tasty meal and test their vocabulary skills.

Students used the ingredients to put together the perfect dish, while practicing their Spanish language skills. “Making our own eggs for huevos rancheros was super fun,” Noah Warner, MHA sophomore said.

Students enjoyed the creative approach to class as well as the food.

“The food was extraordinary, and I thoroughly enjoyed our cooking process,” Jaden McCottry, MHA sophomore said.

According to participating students, the Spanish classes have provided a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn a new language, which sometimes involves the bonus of being tasty.

–Amelia Eno is a sophomore at Mile High Academy; photos supplied

16 Mar

GLACIER VIEW RANCH MEMORIES WANTED

By RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Everyone has a story to tell, and Glacier View Ranch wants to hear your summer camp story, and more.

The RMC youth department is seeking to continue putting the puzzle together of GVR’s history. Ella Jean Albertsen, Campion church member, has been working hard to compile heaps of history about GVR which has been lost over the years through various transitions.

The history of GVR is important according Jessyka Dooley, assistant youth director, “This is something every youth director/camp director would love to do, but rarely has the time for. I’m in awe of her [Albertsen’s] passion for GVR over the years,” she commented.

Glacier View Ranch exists as a space for people to gather and to explore ideas, adventure in beautiful places, ignite passions, summit mountains and moments, engage in relationships and connect with God.

“The RMC youth team is always in awe as they hear the stories and memories treasured by those who have experienced GVR in all of its beauty,” Dooley said. “We are humbled by our past and how God has always carried us through. We are passionate about our future and where God will take us from here.”

Each memory holds a piece of the puzzle that is Glacier View Ranch from where it has been to where it is going.

The youth department is asking those who have information, stories, or photos about Glacier View Ranch to contact them via email. They are hoping to fill some gaps especially around the years 1950-1970. You can send your piece of the story to Ella Jean Albertsen, researcher for the project [email protected] and Jessyka Dooley [email protected]

–RMCNews; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski

16 Mar

COLORADO SPRINGS SOUTH CHOOSES ONE OF THEIR OWN TO HELP LEAD THEM

RMCNews – Colorado Springs, Colorado… During a March 9 meeting with the Colorado Springs South church members, Eric Nelson, vice-president of administration for the Rocky Mountain Conference, presented the name of Lucas Lujan for their new part-time associate pastor. The church voted unanimously to accept the proposal.

Lujan, already a member of the congregation, is well-known and loved by many in the congregation and has been leading the church outreach ministry, Nelson commented.

“The last thing I could have seen myself doing in life was serving God in the church, but now, it seems, the only thing I want to do is serve God in the church,” Lujan said.

The congregation has supported Lujan through the years as he has experienced real-world issues, according to Nelson. “It has been very encouraging to me to see how the church has supported Lucas through the years as he has grown in his walk with the Lord,” he said.

“I’ve met and talked with Lucas and he has shared with me his journey with the Lord. It has been a thrill to see him grow in his desire to serve the Lord and [to see] his faithfulness. I look forward to his fulfilling this role and expect God will use him in a mighty way,” Nelson added.

Jack Bohannon, retired minister, commented on Lujan’s devotion to the church. “Lucas Lujan and his wife, Asbury, are devoted to each other and are both hard workers in the church.”

Lujan is expanding his knowledge through the Lay Pastor training classes and is expected to begin serving as associate minister in March.

“If Christ is with me on this journey, I have every right to be confident in Him. I am telling the truth: I was a great sinner; however, He is a great Savior!” Lujan shared.

–RMCNews; photo supplied

16 Mar

BALLOONS AND CROWNS MARK 100 DAYS AT MHA

By Karrie Meyers — Highlands Ranch, Colorado… In early March, kindergarteners at Mile High Academy celebrated their 100^th day of school by coloring pictures, making craft items, playing with balloons, and enjoying some much-deserved time outside.

Typically, schools celebrate their 100^th day of school to help the children understand numbers up to 100, making the number 100 more concrete for them. Some teachers use the number 100 as a way to teach place value. It’s a fun way to engage with mathematics, so that it’s more than just dry numbers.

While many schools celebrated their 100^th day of school in early February, MHA students waited till March to mark the occasion because of a COVID outbreak earlier in the year and the decision to move to a four-day school week because of the pandemic.

The students enjoyed the celebration planned by their kindergarten teacher, Alissa Armendariz.

“The best thing we did was have a balloon party,” said Jack, MHA kindergartener.

Kaitlyn, another kindergartener, enjoyed making crowns while Blake said she “liked having the balloons.”

While the kindergarteners enjoyed the balloons, other classes celebrated with a read-a-thon and other events.

“It’s been a unique year to say the least,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice president of finance and development. “However, we are thankful we could be together on campus to celebrate the 100^th day of school.”

–Karrie Meyers is communication assistant at Mile High Academy; photos supplied

11 Mar

THE FUTURE LOOKS HOPEFUL

By Eric Nelson – Denver, Colorado … In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our region in a big way and during the ensuing year, life has changed drastically. The resulting impact and the accompanying angst have caused many to become anxious and discouraged and to feel isolated. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s plans to give us hope and a future. Our hope for the future is not just in a more normal existence, but in a wonderful walk with Him in this life and an eternity spent with him.

In recent weeks, hopeful signs indicating a decrease in restrictions and a lessening of the impact of the pandemic within the Rocky Mountain Conference are beginning to emerge.

On March 2, Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that he was looking forward to a “more normal” summer, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced that his state will remove its statewide mask requirement and resume normal operations on March 16. This decision reflects the state’s continually-improving health metrics and is consistent with the governor’s approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods. We view these measures as hopeful signs that many of the restrictions may be lessening and our lives returning to a “more normal” state in the near future.

Within the Rocky Mountain Conference, steps are being taken to re-open several events that were put on hold this past year. We look forward to the re-opening of camp meetings, Town Hall meetings, in-person church events, and summer camp. These events are currently in the planning process and we are very hopeful that they will occur even if in an altered state.

Out of an abundance of caution, we will continue to encourage the practice of safety measures until our communities and states indicate it is no longer necessary. We are, however, anticipating a lessening of restrictions within the near future.

In the meantime, stay connected with each other, stay connected to God and stay connected to your church family.

–Eric Nelson is RMC Vice-President for administration; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

11 Mar

PANDEMIC FOOTPRINT BLESSES POST COVID ERA WAY OF LIFE

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … One year ago, packed schedules and the daily busyness of life came to a screeching halt. Overnight, basements became offices, kitchen tables became classrooms, and going on vacation meant walking around the neighborhood.

What began as a few weeks of an “I can do this” attitude quickly turned into months of isolation, stress, and, for many, loneliness. With the pandemic end finally in sight, our way of life has changed permanently, and the lessons learned from the pandemic will last long after COVID is eliminated.

For Alise Weber, associate pastor at the Littleton church, keeping life simple is her new normal. “Living more simply is something I hope to keep,” she said. “We are home together more, playing games, cooking together, family worships, and enjoying more quality family time overall.”

Spending more time as a family is also important to Sandy Hodgson, principal at Vista Ridge Academy. “As a family, we love ‘eating in’ together and playing games, so we have been blessed to continue those traditions during the pandemic.”

While others have enjoyed the calendar being free of events.

“I have not minded this past year. My husband had to cancel his travel which meant we had more time at home, getting some projects done. I like being home! But I do miss getting together personally with my family, my friends, my Sabbath School class, and my church family,” Ardis Stenbakken, Campion church communication director and former world church women’s ministry director.

But for James Murdoch, associate pastor of the Boulder church, maintaining an online presence of worship is the lesson learned. “I think we will always need to keep an element of our online presence going after the pandemic ends due to all of the connections we have made outside of our territory in Colorado. While nothing compares to the community created in-person, Zoom has shown us that our kingdom footprint has more impact beyond our four walls if we are willing to continue using this digital component of our ministry.”

Ron Price, Farmington’s Pinon Hills church leader echoed Murdoch’s statement. “I’m sure Zoom meetings are here to stay, as will, hopefully, the increased handwashing and added emphasis on health.”

For some, changes in their personal and worship life are not the only lessons that will be applied in a post-Covid era. “I am not missing a ‘too-busy’ schedule. I will continue to be intentional when scheduling future appointments and activities,” Brenda Dickerson, communication director for Mid-America Union Conference said.

Michelle Velbis, principal at Springs Adventist Academy, also wants to keep the slower pace of life. “At first, I didn’t like the slower pace. But now I can’t imagine going back to the breakneck pace of pre-Covid. I can be more mindful and present with my family and I enjoy the intimate and simple interactions.”

The onset of the pandemic has made some reflect on their lives and their schedules.

“In some respects, Covid has produced welcome changes. I was scheduled to attend a couple of conferences which had to go virtual, saving me time and travel costs. Another positive change is that my wife and I are more health and cleanliness-conscious than perhaps we were before,” Price commented.

Rocky Mountain Conference churches and schools have grown due to the commitment of many to reach the community during challenging times.

“We have actually increased in numbers this year because we have been able to stay open,” explained Velbis. “Parents are looking for schools where they can get personalized instruction. We have also started a family chapel every week and that has been a real blessing to our families, many who have not attended church for quite a while,” Velbis said.

Hodgson added, “Our school has seen stability in enrollment and an increase in support and appreciation from our families with all the precautions we have taken to keep their children safe and continue in-person learning.”

For corporate worship, the simple act of gathering together is now a blessing many enjoy instead of taking it for granted.

“We have begun to rethink how to build and maintain community in ways that we may not have before. What used to be a habit of coming together on the Sabbath, has been rejuvenated to help us understand how good it is to gather together to worship,” Murdoch commented.

For some, the rigid structure of church has given way to flexibility.

“I think overall people have had to adjust to constantly-changing circumstances. This has lent itself to less rigidity and opened a pathway for more creative ways of doing things that maybe would not have been thought of before,” Weber added.

For others, the simple act of coming together for communion has been a blessing.

“However, the greater joy for me was when we had the communion service and about 130 individuals partook either in person or at home by having the symbols and the message of hope delivered to them by the elders and the deacons. I believe that was the greatest success when once again all the active members felt part of the whole, the body of Christ, Anton Kapusi, pastor of Pueblo church said.

For many this is a year they are looking forward saying goodbye to. “So, as we leave this year behind, I am hoping as we can get together, we will all be more aware and reach out to friends and church family members who may be missing for whatever reason. I want to be able to enjoy worshiping and socializing with all of them,” Stenbakken commented.

While many changes have taken place over the past year, there are some changes that will have eternal effects on individual lives.

“I have also been able to strengthen and invest in my relationship with my Savior. I have rediscovered my ‘first love’ experience and hunger for His word and presence in my life like never before,” Velbis commented.

–Jon Roberts is RMC media/communication assistant; photo by Jamie Ginsberg on Unsplash

11 Mar

COMMENTARY: I LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS

By Doug Inglish…It’s a phrase we have all heard, and most of us have used it from time to time. When you pull into a service station just as they lower the price of gas, or your teenager remembers to mow the lawn without being asked, or some other pleasant surprise comes along, you let a smile brighten your face and exclaim, “I love it when that happens!”

Of course, something can ruin that happy feeling. Suppose your beloved teenager storms in from the garage, and on his way to the shower, he declares, “There, I mowed your stupid lawn. Happy?”

Well, the lawn is still mowed, so that’s good, but I would guess that you would not be happy. Your relationship with your child is far more important than the lawn, which you could do yourself. After all, you took care of it before he came along and you will be mowing it long after he leaves. Besides, the main reason you want him to do it is to teach responsibility, and his foul mood indicates that the lesson is not quite taking hold as you wished.

But, at least the lawn is done.

This specific scenario may never have happened to you. It didn’t’ happen to me. I taught my son to mow, and while he didn’t particularly enjoy it, things never got ugly. But something similar, in which somebody did something nice for you, but ruined it by having a bad attitude, has happened to everyone.

It happens to God, too.

I think that’s the key to understanding the phrase, “God loves a cheerful giver.” It comes from 2 Corinthians 9:7, but none of you need look it up because we’ve heard it over and over. Unfortunately, you may have heard it in the context of getting hit over the head with it in an over-the-top guilt trip of a stewardship sermon. It is possible that a few unfortunate ones among us may have even heard it from me, because I have to admit that early in my ministry, I was not above trying to guilt my members into giving.

But time, experience, and raising teenagers has taught me that while guilt works, it also damages relationships. And it turns out that relationships are not only more important than mowed lawns, they are more important than church budgets. And no relationship is more important than the one you have with God.

That’s why He makes a point of saying that He loves a cheerful giver. Of course, He loves you even if you fire off an electronic payment to the Conference with the phrase, “Here’s your stupid tithe. Happy?” But it doesn’t make Him sit back and say, “I love it when that happens!”

Whether your attitude is good or bad when you tithe your income, the tithe still comes into the storehouse. And whether you give anything or nothing, God still loves you. The only thing that suffers if you have a bad attitude about giving is your relationship to the One who cheerfully gave His life.

So, how much is that relationship worth to you? Hopefully, enough to be cheerful. Because He loves it when that happens.

–Doug Inglish is RMC director for planned giving and trust services

Jon Roberts Page 51