Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

21 Oct

RAIN, SLEET, HAYRIDES, AND BBQ AT CASPER ANNUAL FALL GATHERING

RMCNews with Liz Cornett – Casper, Wyoming … Wyoming residents are tough people and live by the motto of the early postal service, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stop us from our duty.” Casper church members lived out that motto at their recent annual fall gathering and hayride at Mills Spring Ranch.

As members gathered on top of Casper Mountain, they knew the evening would be eventful, but Mother Nature decided to join the party by offering up rain, heavy at times, and sleet during the event.

A roaring fire welcomed the families as they entered the auditorium and a delicious barbecue smell wafted through the building. Children pointed at their favorite foods, asking for them to be added to their plates. Laughter ran through the room as children played games and parents visited and made new friends. Then children donned their coats and gloves, parents grabbed blankets and umbrellas and they all headed out for the hayrides. Smiles, laughter, and singing echoed through the trees as nature glistened in all her glory and the families experienced God’s creation.

Despite the challenging weather conditions Mills Spring Ranch director Brent Learned was pleased with the turnout. “We advertised the event to the Casper community and had more than 50 community members showed up in spite of the weather.”

Reflecting on the event, Liz Cornett, Casper member, said, “Despite the rain and sleet now falling consistently, an overwhelming amount of community members, came excited to bundle up for the hayride.”

The riders returned damp and happy, grabbed hot chocolate, and warmed up by the fire.

As families filtered home, smiling faces remembered the excitement and love of spending time in fellowship and recalling the statements that were overheard from the children. “Daddy, this was so much fun!” “Mommy, can we go again?” (And they did, rain and all!).

–RMCNews with Liz Cornett is a Casper church member; photos by Cecelia Gage

21 Oct

CAMPION STUDENTS GET POKED TO HELP THE COMMUNITY

By Jared Marcenaro – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy students and faculty rolled up their sleeves to help the community by donating blood.

Recently, Campion partnered with Vitalant to host a blood drive to help increase the supply needed throughout the state. Planning for the event took time as students had to receive permission to participate in the drive. For many of the 29 students and staff, this was their first time donating.

“Being my first time donating, it was a bit nerve-wracking, but I made sure to drink a lot of water and eat something before my appointment,” Jahir, a senior, commented.

Some were scared and somewhat nervous when they entered the gym where the drive was being held. “When I got to the gym, I got a little nervous after seeing the whole setup and all the scary machines. But when I sat in the chair, I remembered why I signed up in the first place: to help other people. I’m glad I had the opportunity to donate my blood and do something good,” Elizabeth, a senior, said.

Organizing the event was Shannon Brown, Campion’s registrar. Brown’s reason for planning the blood drive was very personal.

“When I was newly married, my husband almost died and needed a blood transfusion. He needed two liters of blood on one occasion and one liter on another occasion. To me, people who donated [their] blood saved my husband. I don’t even know who the people are, but they still chose to give, and that is something I can choose too.”

Jahir hopes that donating will encourage more students to give and for Campion to host future events. “It feels good knowing that my blood can help save lives, and I will definitely do it again.”

–Jared Marcenaro, is a Campion senior; photo supplied

20 Oct

COMMENTARY: FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF TO LIVE FULLY IN CHRIST

Editor’s note: Mental health and wellbeing is sometimes overlooked in Christian circles, being aware of it through is vital to ministry. God has created us unique, with different strengths and weaknesses. Being aware of the different personality traits can help us share the gospel with others more effectively.

By Chris Morris — “Point out anything in me that offends you.” These heartfelt words from David suggest his recognition of a common challenge among humans–the lack of self-awareness. Though we are in our own skin 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it does not mean we are fully and consistently mindful of our shortcomings (or our strengths, for that matter). If we are honest, we have various areas of our personality and/or character that are blind spots to us.

The Enneagram* is a personality typing tool that describes nine different personality types. Unlike most other personality typing systems, the Enneagram focuses on inner motivations more so than external behaviors. Thus, the Enneagram can be used to facilitate a journey to greater self-awareness.

Greater self-awareness enables us to embark upon a more thorough surrender of our hearts to the Spirit.

If you discover you are a Reformer, or Type 1, you are driven by the need to be right, to be good, to show integrity, to be fair. When living in the flesh, you may unhealthily pursue perfection in your life. When living by the Spirit, you trade living for your perfection for living from Christ’s perfection.

If you find that you are a Helper, or Type 2, your inner motivations include being loved, being appreciated, and being needed. When living in the flesh, you may pursue acceptance in an unhealthy manner. When living by the Spirit, you stop living for your acceptance and start living from Christ’s acceptance.

If you realize you are an Achiever, or Type 3, you are driven by the need to be admired, to be valued, and to be successful. When living in the flesh, you pursue success at almost all costs. When living by the Spirit, you trade living for your success for living from Christ’s success.

If you identify as an Individualist or Type 4, your inner motivations include being authentic, being unique, and being expressive in your own way. When living in the flesh, you are obsessed with determining your significance. When living by the Spirit, you stop living for your significance and start living from Christ’s significance.

If you learn that you are an Investigator, or Type 5, you are driven by the need to be competent, to be capable, and to be self-sufficient. When living in the flesh, you tend to trust your own wisdom. When living by the Spirit, you live, not for your wisdom, but from Christ’s wisdom.

If you find that you are a Guardian, or Type 6, then your inner motivations include the need to be certain, to be safe, and to be supported. When living in the flesh, you can fixate on your security. When living in the Spirit, you live not for your security, but from Christ’s security.

If it is revealed that you are an Enthusiast, or Type 7, then you are driven by a need to be happy, to be content, and to be unrestrained. When living in the flesh, you search for joy in various sources. When living by the Spirit, you do not live for your joy, but from Christ’s joy.

If you discover that you are a Challenger or Type 8, then your inner motivations include being strong, being independent, and being protected. When living in the flesh, you tend to live from your strength. When living by the Spirit, you learn to live from Christ’s strength.

Finally, if you find that you are a Peacemaker, or Type 9, then you are driven by a need for harmony, a need to be at peace, and a need to be comfortable. When living in the flesh, you can avoid conflict in order to find peace. When living by the Spirit, you do not live for your peace but from Christ’s peace.

Paul says in Romans 8:12-13, “So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live”.

The Enneagram is not the gospel. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection applied to our lives through the Holy Spirit is the true gospel. But the Enneagram can go a long way in increasing your self-awareness, enhancing your experience of surrender to Christ, fully moving from life in the flesh to life in the Spirit.

–Chris Morris is the associate pastor at Littleton Adventist Church; email him at [email protected]; feature photo by pixabay, bottom photo supplied.

* The Enneagram according to Wikipedia is “The Enneagram of Personality, or simply the Enneagram (from the Greek words ἐννέα [ennéa, meaning “nine”] and γράμμα [grámma, meaning something “written” or “drawn”), is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types. A free Enneagram test can be taken at https://www.gospelenneagram.com/ to discover your Enneagram type.

19 Oct

MINISTRY AT THE CENTER OF MISSION FOR NEW RMC VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Darin Gottfried joined RMC as vice president of finance at the beginning of September, bringing with him more than 13 years of experience in accounting and budget management.

Transitioning from the Kansas-Nebraska Conference where he served as vice president of finance for the last six years, getting to know the members of RMC is a priority for Gottfried in the coming months. He wants to fellowship and socialize with the congregations. “I want to get to know people and spend time with them on Sabbath,” remarked Gottfried.

“I’m hoping I can see what works and get an understanding because I know the Western slope, the Front Range, and Wyoming–they’re all going to do ministry differently. It’s finding out the best way to [support them financially] in each of those areas, whether that’s schools, pastors, or evangelism.”

Ministry is at the center of Gottfried’s mission and focus. “My intent as treasurer is to set aside reserves as required by the North American Division, and then everything after that should be spent for what it is given for. We’re not here to hold tithe money. We’re here to spend tithe for what its purpose is, and that’s ministry happening in the conference. Every penny that comes in beyond what we have to keep in reserves by policy needs to be spent in ministry. My goal is always to find the best way to do ministry in our conference, and that looks different everywhere.”

The new treasurer is going through piles of documents left for him by George Crumley, former RMC vice president of finance. It will take him a while to grasp the treasury needs of the Conference. But what gives Gottfried hope is RMC’s long history of being fiscally responsible in not only building up reserves but also in the spending of available funds to support ministry building on the foundation George Crumley left.

He is concerned about many issues affecting the members of RMC and the country as a whole.

“Times are changing, laws as far as employment get harder every year, tithe often struggles to keep up with inflation. And that’s always a concern as well as how we can continue to do the same ministry when the value of the dollar is decreasing.”

However, the main concern for Gottfried is how to get the best ministry out of funds. “What works on the Front Range may not work in Wyoming. How do we adjust and reach those areas? How do we interact with those different cultures and meet them where they are.”

He wants members to know that the conference is doing well financially, considering the challenging situation the country is going through. “Tithe is up 13.83% over last year; Rocky Mountain Conference Advance is up 4.93% for the first time in four years. I want to say thank you for generously supporting RMC and the ministry that is happening,” Gottfried said.

–RMCNews; photo by Jon Roberts

14 Oct

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS NEW PRESIDENT AND TREASURER

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … It was a special day for members of the Rocky Mountain Conference Executive Committee during their bi-monthly meeting October 12 as they met RMC’s new leaders, Mic Thurber, president, and Darin Gottfried, vice president of finance.

Thurber expressed his joy at meeting members of the Committee and shared the challenges that he and his wife Jana met while relocating from Lincoln, Nebraska to Denver. In the President’s report, Thurber took the opportunity to update the Committee on his immediate plans for settling into his new position.

“I don’t have a regular report because I am yet to get acquainted with the Rocky Mountain Conference family,” Thurber said.

As anticipated, the meeting’s agenda centered on the state of finances in RMC. Gottfried, the new treasurer, presented his first report “after a few weeks on the job.” The Financial report indicated a strong position, with base tithe increasing 13.16 % over last year. Gottfried also expressed that local church giving has increased in the majority of RMC churches.

“We have 80.87 days of operation in cash reserves, which is 132.02% of recommended levels under current North American Division (NAD) guidelines, but they are expected to change in 2022. The reserves would be 66.08% under the new system, and the plan is to gradually increase to meet the new guidelines,” Gottfried reported. In conclusion, he commented that despite difficult pandemic time, “the Lord has blessed his church in both the returned tithe and the offerings.”

The Administrative report was presented by Doug Inglish, vice president of administration. He shared information about pastoral openings recently filled in The Adventure (Ricky Melendez), Castle Rock (Edrey Santos), and Campion (Leandro Bizama, assistant pastor). The search is ongoing for senior pastors at Alamosa, Piñon Hills, and an associate pastor at LifeSource.

Inglish informed the Committee of the upcoming Town Hall meetings, though exact times are still to be determined pending approval from the host churches.

Nov 20 – Casper, Wyoming
Nov 21 – Grand Junction
Dec 8 – LifeSource
Dec 11 – Colorado Springs
Dec 12 – Campion

Diane Harris, RMC director of education presented a report indicating a strong increase of students in schools at all levels. There are 21 schools in RMC including three preschools, with 829 students enrolled in the current school year. Harris remarked that enrollment is up 13% over last year. She also stated that RMC is being appointed by the NAD as a regional hub for teaching new grading methodologies.

The Committee voted to set up a new application process for the churches formerly in partnership with Denver ACS in order to receive their share of the funds left when the center closed. This also includes a policy governing how the funds are to be used.

The date for the RMC Constituency Session was set for August 21, 2022, it will be held at Mile High Academy.

The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for December 7.

–RMCNews

14 Oct

INSTEAD OF HORSES, CANINE MOLLIE REPRESENTS THE CODY COWBOYS PATHFINDER CLUB

RMCNews with Samantha Nelson – Cody, Wyoming … The Cody Cowboys, along with their canine mascot, Molly, are thrilled to join the 50 other Pathfinder clubs active in RMC. Gathering for the first time on October 9 under the direction of Hardy Tyson and Anita Holdren, they worked on memorizing the Pathfinder song and the pledge and law.

“It is exciting to witness the creation of the Cody Cowboys Pathfinder Club! The name is so fitting and has a nice ring to it,” Brent Learned, RMC assistant youth director, remarked on the new Pathfinder club in Cody, Wyoming.

For Steve Nelson, pastor of the Cody church, the forming of the club ensures that the foundation is laid for the future of the church. “It is amazing to see God’s leading and blessing on our new church ministry to the youth. By starting the Cody Cowboys Pathfinder Club, new leaders are being trained that will one day be leaders in our church. I am extremely grateful for the church members who have stepped in to support and join this amazing ministry work.”

Part of the initial meeting allowed the new Pathfinders to start acquiring honors beginning with the Knot honor. The newly-formed club has two teen leadership trainees–Dean and Cedar Jeffers–assisting with the logistics of the meeting.

“I look forward to the impact these Pathfinders will have as they grow in Christ and share His love with their local Cody community,” Learned expressed enthusiastically.

–RMCNews with Samantha Nelson, wife of Steve Nelson, pastor of the Cody, Wyoming district; photos supplied

14 Oct

CAMPION HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

By Gwyn Reeves – Loveland, Colorado … Some may say that high school students create drama daily, but for the students at Campion Academy in Erin Johnson’s classroom, it is not only expected but encouraged.

The hills around Campion are coming alive with The Sound of Music after many pandemic restrictions were lifted, allowing the drama program to resume. Students are working hard, preparing to perform the musical on January 29.

Drama and English teacher Erin Johnson is leading the revived program with new concepts.

“It’s very exciting to have drama this year. I remember that Campion had an awesome drama department when I was younger, and I am hoping to bring it back to its former glory,” Johnson said.

She adds, “I have always loved theater, so to teach it is a dream come true, especially since we are working on one of my favorite musicals. It’s a challenge, but I have amazing actors, who are committed to making a good show!”

The drama students are very energized and excited to be a part of the musical.

Lacy, student actor playing the part of Rolf Gruber, says, “It feels really good to be part of the drama class and to be able to act and practice with my friends. We always have fun practicing our roles and enjoy each moment. Acting makes me feel kinda nervous and excited at the same time, but it also helps me to express myself.”

Students are not only performing the musical, but also helping with set design, sound, and lighting, to make sure everything gets done. Drama classes can find them learning choreography, singing, or running through lines.

The Sound of Music is set to debut on January 29 in the Campion gym. Tickets will be available for purchase.

–Gwyn Reeves is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied.

13 Oct

How Screen Time Affects Mental Health

By AdventHealth — With more of us than ever working remotely because of the pandemic, Zoom meetings and virtual training sessions have become part of our daily routines. We see our colleagues two-dimensionally and even socialize with our friends on our screens rather than face-to-face. With screen time rapidly increasing in our world, what are the effects on our brains? We’re here to provide helpful information with support from Murtaza Syed, MD, board-certified psychiatrist, and expert on mental health.

Where’s My Phone?

A study in 2018 showed that American adults spent between two and four hours per day on their devices, which added up to about 2,600 taps, swipes, touches and types per day. When the pandemic hit in 2020, those numbers went up exponentially given the need to replace in-person work and play with virtual alternatives.

The study also indicated that 73% of adults experience anxiety, even a mild state of panic, when they can’t find their phone, because we’ve become so entwined with our digital lives. Smartphones allow us to carry all of our social media addictions with us 24/7, so we always have these connections at our fingertips.

Dr. Syed says, “While smartphones and other devices provide great benefits to our society, including during the pandemic, those benefits also come at a great cost to our mental health. Overuse of devices is connected to increased levels of anxiety, depression, poor sleep and increased risk of car accidents.”

Dopamine and Social Reward

Dopamine is a brain chemical that is linked to motivation. It’s released when we taste something delicious, after we exercise and when we have positive social interactions.

“Dopamine basically rewards us for behaviors that benefit and motivate us to do them again,” says Dr. Syed. “The reward pathways become active when either anticipating or experiencing rewarding events. Every time a stimulus response results in a reward, those associations get cemented in our brains so we want to keep doing them. Whenever we receive a ‘like,’ or a kind comment on something we post on social media, we feel a sense of validation that isn’t always healthy.”

Since positive social experiences release dopamine, those experiences are transferred to the virtual world through our devices and social media platforms. Each text message, email and “like” on Facebook or Instagram becomes a positive social stimulus where we keep craving more.

Dr. Syed explains, “While all of this may seem harmless on the surface, these cravings for virtual stimuli set us up for screen addictions and take the place of healthier, face-to-face interactions with friends and loved ones, time spent outdoors and doing other things.”

Effects of Too Much Screen Time

Sleep Deprivation

The amount of time you spend on your devices impacts how much sleep you’re getting. “The blue light emitted from your screen interferes with the production of melatonin, a sleep hormone. Using your devices before bedtime makes it more difficult to fall asleep,” explains Dr. Syed.

Cutting out unnecessary screen time and refraining from using your devices around bedtime are good solutions for better sleep.

Impaired Social Skills

Even though we’re using our devices largely to socialize, we’re still doing it alone and separate from others. Having fewer real-life interactions leads to less practice, more social anxiety and loneliness.

Weakened Emotional Judgment

Too much screen time affects your ability to register and process emotions. Desensitization to violent content, for example, is a concerning side effect of weakened emotional judgment. Exposure to violent media content can also increase aggression levels and affect one’s level of empathy.

Strain on Your Eyes and Body

Spending long hours staring at a screen takes a real toll on your body, especially your eyes. “Too much screen time not only strains your eyes and dries them out, but can also lead to stress on the retina and affects visual acuity,” says Dr. Syed.

Also, being constantly hunched over to look at our devices impacts your posture and can cause stiffness and pain in your neck and shoulders.

Lower Self-Esteem

Too much time spent in the virtual world can have a negative impact on how you perceive yourself. The time you lose that could have been spent on forming relationships with others, discovering passions, honing your skills and experiencing new things leads to a weakened sense of self-identity and confidence.

“We often compare ourselves to others through social media. This does nothing but decrease our own self-worth because what we see others post on social media is far from a reflection of their true character and lifestyle. It’s important to remember that others’ online profiles are a curated snapshot — not a full picture of real life’s imperfections and challenges,” says Dr. Syed.

Healthy Alternatives for a Whole Life

If you think you’re spending too much time in front of your screens beyond what is necessary for work, there are some simple changes you can make to lessen your devices’ hold on you.

Optimizing your environment by keeping your smartphone out of your bedroom, designating the dining table as a screen-free zone and seeking other activities to relax are easy ways to eliminate temptation and teach yourself healthier avenues to experience life.

–AdventHealth; photo supplied

This article was originally published on the AdventHealth website

13 Oct

COLORADO SPRINGS CENTRAL CHURCH CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL SABBATH

RMCNews with Jade Covel – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Colorado Springs Central Adventist church members experienced a worldwide perspective on worship and various global food delicacies at their annual International Sabbath event on October 9.

The annual gathering is an event members look forward to, and after being canceled last year, members were eager to return to the tradition.

Worship included three cultures represented by musical selections, including a Ghanaian group that performed a song based on the Psalms, a Filipina group that sang two pieces, and three Indonesian groups–a youth group, a choir, and a group playing traditional Indonesian instruments made of bamboo tubes called Angklung.

After worship, attendees gathered at Springs Adventist Academy for the highlight of the day, “Taste of Nations.” The food selections matched the world flags and cultural items that decorated the auditorium; individuals could choose from American cuisine, African cultural dishes, and South American food.

“Everyone was able to find something they liked, and there was plenty of food for everyone. One big favorite was homemade ice cream in mango, strawberry, and lime,” Jade Covel, Colorado Springs Central associate pastor, commented.

The object of this special event is simple, according to Covel. “One of the goals of this event is not only to celebrate the different cultures at Central and in the worldwide Adventist Church but to provide an event to which people can invite their non-attending friends and relatives. This year, we had quite a few guests, some expressing interest in coming back. Ultimately, this is what International Sabbath is about—spreading God’s word to our community.”

–RMCNews with Jade Covel is Colorado Springs Central associate pastor; photo supplied

11 Oct

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES CRISIS CARE TRAINING PROVIDED

By Cathy Kissner – Loveland, Colorado … “One of the first things I noticed is that it helped me sharpen practices, tools I use every week as a pastor, learning to listen, to help people in crisis through the immediate moments that are so critical,” Wayne Morrison, Brighton Adventist church pastor, commented on the recent crisis care training he attended the last week in September.

The Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services hosted the crisis care training at Campion Adventist church. The class teaches individuals to care for the wounded soul, not just during a disaster incident, but throughout the walk of life as Christ instructs us to care for the wounded children of His family.

Individuals attending the event included RMC conference office employees, pastors, and ACS leaders.

“This training was a valuable aid in supporting us to think about the example of Christ’s compassion in service. The more we can think and act according to these teachings, the closer we will be to serving as our Father wishes us to,” Jason Tuzinkewich, Colorado Springs ACS director, said.

Tuzinkewich added that the classes provide two critical assets. “The first is to facilitate the development of a paradigm and framework to bring more spiritual support to our clients in various states of distress and need. Secondly, it was a valuable forum for us to get to know other leaders within the conference, thus strengthening our network of support.”

The experience was informative and a class that will help with reaching the community.

“I recently had the opportunity to take part in the ACS Crisis Care training, and it was a great experience. What I experienced was an awareness of the potential to use the training to be at the point of greatest need for those in crisis. I am excited about the opportunity to minister to people, the love and hope that is ours in Jesus,” Morrison said.

Future trainings are being planned. If you would like to know more information about ACS classes offered in RMC, please contact Cathy Kissner at [email protected].

–Cathy Kissner is RMC ACS coordinator; picture by Mickey Mallory