Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

15 Apr

ROBERT MCALPINE ORDAINED

By Jon Roberts – Alamosa, Colorado … Friends, family, and colleagues of Robert McAlpine gathered on April 10 for the ordination of Robert Alpine to the gospel ministry.

McAlpine’s mother, MaryLou, always knew her son would be a minister. “When I became an Adventist, Bob was going into second grade and he would take his Bible to school until he was asked not to bring it. I was still [practicing] Catholicism at the time. One day he purposely didn’t get on the bus to go home because he didn’t want to go to catechism [class]. When Bob got home, I made him get in the car and I took him to catechism [class]. That night he said to me, ‘Mom you know where the truth is. Why do we keep going back to the Catholic church?’”

McAlpine’s father, Duff, agreed it was natural for his son to be ordained. “It seems so natural, it really does. I’ve seen this for a long time. I’m not at all surprised.”

Members reflected on McAlpine’s approach to ministry which includes recognizing everyone as equal in God’s eye’s, regardless of gender.

“Pastor Bob has been instrumental in my spiritual journey. He has encouraged me a lot in ministry. I was ordained as an elder because of him. He saw God’s call on my life and made it happen. He has been a good ministry partner for many years,” said Winema Van Iwaarden, Alamosa elder.

Monte Vista church attendee, Sean Eubanks, commented on what McAlpine’s ministry means to him, saying, “He makes me think and challenges me to go deeper in Scripture.”

Being ordained brings mixed emotions for McAlpine. “I really appreciate the recognition of the church that God has called and I wish that the church recognized all callings equally.”

For the ministry charge presentation, Mic Thurber, ministry director for Mid-America Union Conference, recognized the mixed emotions McAlpine was experiencing as he quoted the apostle Paul, “Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.”

Former Alamosa district pastor, Jim Moon, also addressed equality during the ordination message, touching on the idea that “ordination is affirming God’s call to the ministry.”

“We are just affirming what God has chosen and so it seems like a simple thing, but to those who feel like that, we are not affirming that can seem like a weird thing and to those who are being affirmed, like you and me. Wow, we are being affirmed but what about them.”

A neighboring Christian church, which shares a parking lot with the Alamosa church on Sunday, showed their appreciation to McAlpine by thanking him publicly for the friendship and support the two pastors have developed over the years.

During the ordination prayer, RMC president, Ed Barnett, extended a welcome and invitation to the neighboring pastor, Jeron Parkins, of Living Water Bible Fellowship to join other ministers on the platform to lay hands on Robert and his wife Sarah as they ordained the couple and their ministry.

There were frequent smiles of joy on the faces of members of the participating congregation who saw how the McAlpine family was an integral part of the ceremony. All five children were excited to be present, the smallest sitting on Bob’s and Sarah’s laps, enjoying this special day.

At the conclusion of the service, Bob Alpine commented: “I’m very thankful that the Conference supports me, and that the local congregations support me, and most importantly that Jesus has led us here and has blessed our ministry. I would also like to thank Jim Moon who brought me here and made me the unpaid associate. He is a big part of the reason I’m in pastoral ministry today. I especially want to thank my parents, and most of all my wife and my family, Without their support, it wouldn’t be possible for me to be in this position.”

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

15 Apr

PROCESS FOR SELECTING NEW RMC PRESIDENT REVIEWED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Following the formal announcement by Ed Barnett, RMC president, about his retirement at the end of August, the RMC Executive Committee on April 13, was also informed of a suggested process for electing a new president.

Gary Thurber, Mid-American Union Conference president, reported on the process of selecting the next president. Constitutionally, the Executive Committee is responsible to fill officer vacancies between constituency sessions. Timing of the retirement means that the Conference is neither in a rush nor at leisure to fill the position, it was explained.

Thurber asked all members for suggestions of attributes desired in the next president as well as names they wished to be considered. He is planning to meet with the committee at the June 15 meeting to share those attributes and names.

It was noted that the committee may choose to have a special meeting in July to begin the voting process or wait until the regularly-scheduled August meeting. Since best information comes from references rather than interviews, it was suggested that only the top candidate be formally interviewed by the committee, rather than the top three or four with elimination based on the interviews.

There was general committee consensus to wait until the June 15 session to vote on the details of the process.

In general RMC ministry reports, Campion Academy principal Don Reeder reported on ongoing student recruitment for the 2021-2022 school year. He expressed appreciation for the special funds provided by the Conference.

Mickey Mallory reported that he met with a team at Campion Academy about the formation of a Ministerial Club with an aim to give practical experience to students in functions of ministry, helping them to consider whether they have a ministerial calling.

Reporting on current developments in education, Diane Harris, RMC director of education, said that the Conference support to all schools was a big morale boost. The Glenwood Springs church school is re-opening for the 2021-2022 school year. She informed the committee that Mile High Academy is meeting with local pastors about financial and other support and is pleased with the response as ten churches have pledged support.

The Executive Committee voted to form a committee to give study to a policy that would make every church within a certain distance of the school a constituent of MHA. The policy may serve as a model for other area schools within RMC. Commenting on the proposed action, Don Reeder expressed concern over how this might affect CAA recruiting, and that the committee might address that as well.

Presenting the current financial state of RMC finances, George Crumley, RMC vice-president for finances, said total tithe through the month of February was down by 2.38% while the base tithe, which we budget, was up 5.27%. “So far, through February, the operating fund is tracking better than what was anticipated. Much of this is related to some expenses that have not occurred yet relative to the budget. As we progress through this fiscal year, we will incur those expenses and thus track much closer to what we budgeted for,” he said.

Crumley also informed committee members that the Lifestyle Center is exploring the possibility of having a lifestyle physician come on board who would function as an independent contractor in association with the center for consultation regarding a person’s health and how lifestyle choices can make improvements. If this arrangement can be met, it would be funded by fees and donations, Crumley explained. The committee voted to appoint Dr. Tim Arnot as Lifestyle Specialist Physician for the Denver’s Lifestyle Center, with the cost being met by fees he will charge supplemented by donations for up to three years.

The committee also voted to appoint Matthew Moreland to the newly created position of Corporate Real Estate Manager, which shall have signing authority for real property only at the level of the association secretary and association treasurer.

The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2021.

15 Apr

WORSHIP AND EGG DROP AT VRA

By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado …Students experienced a special week-long worship event at Vista Ridge Academy during the first week of April, where they were able to connect with God through lessons, stories, prayer, and fun, including an ending to the week which involved eggs being tossed from the roof.

The week of worship was sponsored by the RMC youth department team, which is visiting schools across the conference to encourage youth to dive deep into the theme “Fully Alive.”

One third grader’s favorite part was the theme song, This is Living, from Hillsong Young & Free. “The theme song at the beginning of each day was amazing! I liked doing all the hand motions,” they remarked.

Each day, a new theme was introduced based on what it means to be fully alive with Jesus. They included, “Because God loves the world, He sent us Jesus”; “Because God sees me, I know that I am his child”; “Because God values me, I value myself”; “Because God is with me, I can do what is right”; and “Because God loves me, I can love others”.

The week ended with some science and fun as Kiefer and Jessyka hosted the school’s annual Egg Drop event. All students, from preschool to eighth grade, were invited to participate.

Students were given instructions and parameters two weeks prior to the event to create a device that would keep a raw chicken egg intact when dropped from the school roof. While Kiefer dropped each device from the roof, Jessyka helped students see if their egg survived. Those students with an egg that survived received a dress down pass, meaning that they were able to have a dress down day at school.

“We always have such fun at VRA! The kids have such a fun and loving energy and the teachers always make us feel right at home, said Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director. “Kiefer and I especially loved getting to help with the egg drop. We’re so excited to see so many of the VRA students at Glacier View Ranch this summer.”

Kiefer Dooley, RMC youth director, reflected on the week. “I had a blast connecting with the students at VRA for the week of worship. [The first four days] were online, so we met over Zoom and the kids saw us on TVs in their classrooms. On Friday, we zoomed into the classrooms from the school and helped with the egg drop in person! I was honored that the kindergartners wanted to “meet me in real life instead of on TV” and that the first and second graders wrote a song for me. It was a lyrical masterpiece, consisting entirely of my name in different melodies and harmonies. Overall, we were thrilled to make connections and encourage the students to live in the Fully Alive way of Jesus.”

–Marsha Bartulec is the vice principal of administration at Vista Ridge Academy; photos supplied

15 Apr

MUJERES HISPANAS DE RMC FACILITAN SEMINARIOS EN LA CONVENCIÓN MINISTERIAL DE MAUC

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Por Vanessa Alarcón – Lincoln, Nebraska … Los ministerios de la Iglesia en la asociación de la Unión Centroamericana organizaron su Convención de Ministerios del 2021 el 25 al 28 de marzo bajo el lema “Confía en Jesús”. Celebrado virtualmente, la convención incluyó un mosaico de presentaciones de departamentos ministeriales de toda la Unión y se presentaron tanto en inglés como en español.

“Confiar en Jesús” es la oración del equipo de la Unión Centroamericana, que, a través de las presentaciones y seminarios, su fe en Jesús crecerá”, compartió Roger Wade, ex director de ministerios de la iglesia, en una carta de bienvenida a los participantes registrados. “[Nuestra oración es que] ustedes estarán llenos del espíritu de Jesús, y que volverán a comprometerse a seguirlo.”

Los seminarios españoles fueron organizados por el líder de la mujer hispana de RMC, Patty Rivera. Unas 60 mujeres hispanas participaron durante todo el fin de semana. Entre los ponentes de la sesión de inauguración del RMC se encontraban Vanessa Alarcón y Rochelle Lozano Pérez. Otros oradores fueron Ruth Collins, Adly Campos y la pastora Liz Enid Polanco.

La selección de seminarios españoles abarcaba desde ponentes locales hasta evangelistas internacionales. El fin de semana comenzó con Vanessa Alarcón, trabajadora social clínica autorizada y pastora laico en el RMC, quien discutió la prevalencia de la depresión entre las mujeres adultas y las formas prácticas en que los ministerios de la mujer pueden apoyar la salud mental de sus miembros de la iglesia.

Ruth Collins, recurrente oradora invitada de los ministros hispanos de RMC, compartió una charla inspiradora sobre el miedo y la fe. Ella relató su experiencia cercana a la muerte mientras viajaba a Glacier View Ranch en octubre de 2018 y cómo el Señor la protegió.

La evangelista internacional, Adly Campos, desafió a las mujeres a entregarse para confiar plenamente en Dios. La cantante y oradora internacional, Liz Enid Polanco, compartió cómo cada uno de nosotros puede servir como instrumentos para apoyar a los que están en crisis. Rochelle Lozano, una abogada que también es una predicadora frecuente para las iglesias hispanas en el RMC, compartió un taller interactivo sobre inteligencia emocional y fe.

“Fue agradable conectarnos con mujeres de toda la conferencia”, comentó Patty Rivera. “Cada orador se presentó desde su propia experiencia y experiencias únicas, pero todos fueron capaces de enfatizar por qué es importante confiar en Jesús.”

Los seminarios terminaron con una ceremonia de dedicación y compromiso de clausura para aceptar el llamamiento de seguir a Jesús y confiar plenamente en él.

Para futuros eventos de mujeres hispanas para la Conferencia de las Montañas Rocosas, comuníquese con Patty Rivera en [email protected].

–Vanessa Alarcon es pastora del compromiso religioso en la Iglesia Adventista de Boulder. Foto suministrada.

15 Apr

COMMENTARY: DEATH SENTENCE

By Samantha Nelson … Recently, I have been experiencing a decline in health due to various diseases, some autoimmune, some neurological, and some genetic. I’ve also received new diagnoses for symptoms I’ve had since childhood, which brings a sense of relief, even though the disease itself is incurable. At least there are answers.

In doing research on each of the issues I’m struggling with daily I found three commonalities among them: stroke, heart attack and sudden death. It sounds like a death sentence! Especially since I’ve already had “mini-strokes” and am experiencing heart issues.

I’m sure many readers can relate, as chronic pain, autoimmune disease, cancer, or any of a host of diseases that plague our modern society may be affecting you even as you read this. Some of these diseases can be cured; some can be treated or managed with improved diet/lifestyle or medication; and others simply progress with no known treatment or cure available. For those who are living in these realities, it may also feel like a death sentence and that can be discouraging.

But did you know that all of us are under a death sentence? That’s right! But the difference between our earthly sicknesses and this particular death sentence is twofold, because this death sentence is eternal. Oh, but there is also a cure! Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thankfully, this text not only reminds us that we are under a death sentence because of our sins, it gives us hope! There is a treatment and a cure for this death sentence—and that cure is Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

No matter what you’re going through, the death sentence you face in this life is temporary. This world will pass away someday soon and our earthly troubles and illnesses will end also. The challenges many face daily with health, finances, marriages, etc., will all come to an end when Jesus returns. However, between now and then, we have a choice to make: will we choose Jesus and allow Him to cleanse us from sin and remove the eternal death sentence from us so we can spend eternity with Him?

That is my choice, and I pray it is yours, too.

–Samantha Nelson is a pastor’s wife who serves alongside her husband, Steve, in NW Wyoming. She is co-founder and CEO of The Hope of Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of clergy sexual abuse and providing educational seminars to clergy of all faiths. She and Steve love traveling, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Photo by pixabay.

15 Apr

CAMPION FRIENDSHIPS WARM UP ON THE SNOW

By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Sunny smiles and slushy snow made for epic spring-skiing conditions for the 18 students on Campion’s annual trip to Copper Mountain.

The students spent three days skiing and snowboarding together during the four-day trip based out of Leadville. “With COVID disrupting a big part of the year, it was refreshing to get off campus and enjoy God’s creation,” Kylie Wehling, Campion junior reflected.

Coming from Kansas, Jared Marcenaro was one student who experienced skiing in Colorado for the first time. “What made the trip great for me was being able to learn and fail around friends,” Marcenaro remarked. “They always helped me back up and told me what I could do better. They also pushed me to do more difficult runs and tricks.”

The students were in agreement that the relationships formed from time spent together were the highlight of the trip. “The people who were there made the trip fun,” said Love Pickle, Campion junior. “On the slopes, we were cheering for each other, which was so ‘sick,’” she explained.

Reflecting on the adventure, Campion junior Karson Lee said, “I think the relationships between friends and even people that didn’t hang out before grew so much on the trip. I had a great time with my friends, but I also had an amazing time hanging out, laughing, and getting to know people who I hadn’t known very well before.”

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the students spent Sabbath together in an intimate setting worshipping and studying the Bible. After church, they took in the mountain views while tubing down the local sledding hill.

The evenings were spent catching up on homework and enjoying some rowdy ping pong tournaments.

The ski trip had been rescheduled due to COVID quarantine restrictions after spring break, but even in April, Copper still had sufficient snow to keep all of the runs open, and the students appreciated the warmer-than-usual temperatures. Pickle commented, “Honestly, the fact that the weather wasn’t freezing cold was the finishing touch.”

–Jill Harlow is Campion Academy’s communication director; photos supplied

15 Apr

RMC HISPANIC WOMEN FACILITATE SEMINARS AT MAUC MINISTRY CONVENTION

By Vanessa Alarcón – Lincoln, Nebraska … Church ministries in the Mid-American Union Conference hosted their 2021 Ministries Convention March 25-28 under the theme “Trust Jesus.” Held virtually, the convention included a mosaic of presentations by ministry departments from around the Union and were presented in both English and Spanish.

Trust in Jesus “is the prayer of the Mid-American Union team, that through the presentations and seminars, your faith in Jesus will grow,” Roger Wade, former church ministries director, shared in a welcome letter to registered participants. “[Our prayer is that] you will be filled with the spirit of Jesus, and that you will recommit to following Him.”

The Spanish seminars were hosted by RMC Hispanic Women’s leader, Patty Rivera. Some 60 Hispanic women participated throughout the weekend. Breakout session speakers from the RMC included Vanessa Alarcón and Rochelle Lozano Pérez. Other speakers were Ruth Collins, Adly Campos and Pastor Liz Enid Polanco.

The selection of Spanish seminars ranged from local speakers to international evangelists. The weekend began with Vanessa Alarcón, licensed clinical social worker and lay pastor in the RMC, who discussed the prevalence of depression among adult women and practical ways women’s ministries can support the mental health of their church members.

Ruth Collins, recurring guest speaker for RMC Hispanic ministers, shared an inspiring talk about fear and faith. She recounted her near death experience while commuting to Glacier View Ranch in October 2018 and how the Lord protected her.

International evangelist, Adly Campos, challenged women to surrender themselves in order to fully trust God. International singer and speaker, Liz Enid Polanco, shared how each of us can serve as instruments to support those in crisis. Rochelle Lozano, an attorney who is also a frequent preacher for Hispanic churches in the RMC, shared an interactive workshop on emotional intelligence and faith.

“It was nice to connect with women from all over the conference,” remarked Patty Rivera. “Each speaker presented from their own expertise and unique experiences, but all were able to emphasize why it is important to trust in Jesus.”

The seminars ended with a closing dedication and re-commitment ceremony to accept the calling to follow Jesus and fully trust in him.

For future Hispanic Women’s Events for the Rocky Mountain Conference, please contact Patty Rivera at [email protected].

–Vanessa Alacron is pastor for faith engagement at Boulder Adventist Church. Photo supplied.

14 Apr

eAdventist – Technology for Churches

By Brian Ford – Columbia, Maryland … [EDITOR’S NOTE: One goal of RMC leadership in 2021 is to improve the accuracy of our church membership lists and to ensure that all members receive the latest news through NewsNuggets, Mountain Views, and Outlook magazine.]

eAdventist is the software used by church clerks all across North America for church membership records and transfers since its launch in 2002. What you may not know is that eAdventist is also a “church management” tool that your pastor and church can use to serve and communicate with the church congregation.

If you receive Outlook magazine or Mountain Views, the mailing address is provided by eAdventist. To make a change or correction to your address, just ask your church clerk. If you’re a “snowbird” that prefers to spend the winter in a warmer climate, your church clerk can enter an “alternate” address to ensure you still receive the latest news from RMC.

Another benefit of eAdventist is its ability to create a church photo directory. You can easily save family photos to create a color “photo” section and provide a one-click report for the “contact info” section. This also makes it easy for your church clerk (pastor, secretary) to print a fresh copy of the “contact info” section for ministry leaders or the ministry placement committee.

In 2020, even the smallest churches realized the value of text messaging for keeping a church family connected. The local church can create messaging lists on eAdventist to send email and text messages. You can also create a messaging list for ministry teams serving the community through the church. Best of all, eAdventist provides this service at no cost to the church.

Finally, myEADVENTIST is a new, mobile-friendly app for members that is currently in “beta” testing and very close to release. It provides an online church directory, allowing each member to see and update their family information and subscriptions. It will also include “tools” that the church can enable for church officers. For example, the “attendance” role will enable deacons or worship coordinators to record attendance.

Get answers to any questions about eAdventist by emailing the eAdventist team at [email protected] or checking out https://eadventistnews.com.

–Brian Ford is Assistant Director, Software Developer for eAdventist; photos supplied

14 Apr

MHA COMMUNITY EATS, MINGLES & GIVES DURING ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION

By MHA News – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … “We were blessed to be able to hold the annual auction event, and it was exciting to be a part of something so “normal,” remarked Brodie Philpott, Mile High Academy (MHA) board chair and parent, on the yearly Eat, Mingle & Give fundraiser

On Sunday, April 11, some 70 MHA community members and friends converged at Topgolf Centennial for the school’s 20th annual benefit auction.

For the second year, parent Chase Aalborg emceed the live auction portion, which included handmade items by students and classes. The school provided a virtual attendance option, which allowed several families to “attend” the live auction and bid on items via Zoom. Participants were greeted by Andrew Carpenter, MHA’s incoming principal, who shared a laugh with alumnus and former Mustang basketball player Matt Gal. The auction resulted in donations totaling more than $55,000 towards the school’s annual fund.

The afternoon at Topgolf kicked off with ten bays filled with attendees enjoying more than two hours of unlimited golf while others viewed the silent auction items and fellowshipped together. The crowd also enjoyed a dinner which included TopGolf’s famous donuts.

CRUMBL Cookies, who recently opened a franchise a few blocks from MHA, donated a four-pack of cookies and CRUMBL swag to the event. “Here at CRUMBL [Cookies] we strive to serve our community. It’s just what we do and how we give back,” said store manager Debbie Christensen.

Attendees were glad to experience a normal event again. “It’s been so long since we could eat or mingle together that I gave a little extra just out of thankfulness – shh, don’t tell my wife!

COVID has made socializing a little more difficult, but it was nice to spend time with other parents in my daughter’s class, and get to know them better. And, of course, it is great being able to support such a worthy cause–ensuring every child who wants an Adventist education can attend MHA, regardless of cost,” Philpott said.

Students also enjoyed the evening. “I had so much fun,” said Tessa, MHA sophomore. “It was really exciting to see people competing. I love when people are still bidding to the last minute. My favorite part was spending time with my family and golfing. And the food was delicious.”

The event was made possible through donations from businesses, organizations, and through contributions from the MHA community. Donated items included overnight stays at Great Wolf Lodge and Durango’s famous Strater Hotel, family entertainment venues, golfing packages to several area country clubs, gift certificates to various restaurants, and homemade treats.

The 2021 event sponsors included AdventHealth University, Highlands Ranch Smiles, Out of Breath Sports, and the Rocky Mountain Conference.

“Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, supported and donated to the auction,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, vice principal of finance and development. “We continue to be humbled by the doors God opens for our school. It was through answered prayer that He allowed our school and community to be able to come together during this unique time for an evening of fun and laughter while supporting our school.”

–MHA News; photos supplied

Handmade chess and tic-tac-toe sets by the seventh-grade class for the live auction

08 Apr

ACS responde a tragedia de Boulder

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RMCNews con Cathy Kissner – Boulder, Colorado … En respuesta a la tragedia que tuvo lugar a mediados de marzo en Boulder, la ciudad de Boulder pidió a los servicios comunitarios adventistas que proporcionaran asesoramiento espiritual a las víctimas o residentes que necesitan discutir los acontecimientos que presenciaron o que ocurrieron dentro de su ciudad.

Respondiendo a la solicitud, cuatro miembros del RMC, entrenados en consejería de cuidado espiritual, reaccionaron inmediatamente.

Para Mickey Mallory, uno de los consejeros que respondió, la experiencia es una que no olvidará pronto.

“Cuando recibí entrenamiento de atención de crisis en el verano de 2019, la idea nunca se me pasó por la cabeza que algún día podría ser utilizado para ayudar con el asesoramiento de atención de crisis después de un tiroteo masivo. Pensé que tal vez [ayudaría con] un incendio o tornado, pero nunca nada como lo que acaba de suceder en Boulder”, dijo Mallory.

El equipo de consejeros, incluyendo a Rick Mautz, Mickey Mallory y Larry y Bev Brandt, estaba feliz de compartir el amor de Jesús con aquellos que estaban sufriendo debido a un acto de violencia malvado e insensorial.

“Aunque no tuve ninguna participación directa con ninguna de las víctimas, permití que una de ellas usara mi computadora portátil para solicitar asistencia financiera. Sólo saber que podía ayudar de una manera tan pequeña me hizo sentir muy agradecido”, comentó Mallory.

Mallory agregó que la experiencia fue de unidad entre todas las agencias que trabajan hacia el objetivo común de mostrar el amor de Jesús. “Tener la oportunidad de asociarse con agencias de todo el estado de Colorado como la Cruz Roja, fue un tremendo privilegio. Me recordó que a veces la tragedia tiene una manera de reunir a personas de varias organizaciones por una causa común”.

Si está interesado en capacitarse para ser consejero de cuidado espiritual para futuros desastres, comuníquese con Cathy Kissner al: [email protected] o al 970-201-3799.

–RMCNews con Cathy Kissner,directora de servicios comunitarios adventistas de RMC; foto de Rajmund Dabrowski