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11 Feb

Campion students return to campus – round two

In

By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Following three weeks at home after four residence hall students tested positive for COVID, Campion Academy students have once-again returned to campus.

While students were home, Campion administration met with public health officials to put a more comprehensive plan in place to avoid a shutdown even when positive cases occur.

All students and staff were given a PCR COVID test upon their return to campus on Monday, a test which can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. After the test, students were isolated in residence halls with their roommates, continuing classes on Zoom until the results come back. In-person classes are expected to resume on Friday, February 12.

Students are happy to be back on campus. “It definitely feels weird being back and being stuck in your room, but there’s promise we’re gonna see everyone very soon. I’m very excited to be back and am hoping we can stay in-person and healthy for the rest of the year,” said Gwyn, one Campion student.

Sam, another student expressed his feelings on returning to campus by saying, “Being back on campus is a very strange feeling, especially when you can’t see your friends as much as you used to. I really do miss that. But I’m sure that it’s just a rough start to something that will be amazing for all of us.”

Students returned to new COVID precautions. Previously, in the event of a positive COVID case, it was impossible to completely separate the boys because of their shared residence hall bathrooms. Now, however, the administration has created a designated isolation room on the third floor of Hankins Hall. In addition, the administration has increased their efforts to keep track of close contacts, minimizing the effects of possible contamination on the bulk of the student body.

Finally, Campion’s nurse Jenny Gann has access to rapid COVID tests that give same-day results. Having these tests on hand will decrease the amount of time students spend in isolation when it is not COVID and allow quick isolation of close contacts when positive.

During this time of isolation, staff are delivering meals to the students’ rooms, and students have a designated class period for outdoor recreation. In the evening, Chaplain Meszaros hosts a daily worship on Zoom followed by light-hearted, interactive games online.

“I feel very happy to be back at Campion. The one thing I missed the most about being away was not having my friends around. Although I can’t see them just yet, just being on campus is enough,” enthused Poe, a just-returned Campion student.

–Jill Harlow is Campion Academy communication director; photos supplied

The administration and staff are helping out delivering meals to the students in the residence halls.
05 Feb

WINTER SOUPS ON THE MENU AT CAMPION COOKING CLASS

In

By Ardis Stenbakken – Loveland, Colorado … A cold winter night is the ideal time to enjoy hearty winter soups, and Melanie Goetz recently demonstrated not only how to prepare two soups, but also how to make a salad and some simple crackers—a complete meal!

Fifty-three men and women, including nine children and eight community members not associated with the church, gathered in the community center of the Campion church on January 28 to learn about these soups, along with the salad and crackers, and to taste them as well. All were invited to attend future events coming to the church.

During the demonstration, giveaways, were followed by a drawing for Habits That Heal books and information was given on where to buy the specialty ingredients locally. Goetz explained the health benefits of the various components used such as the butternut squash and the peanut butter and ginger, along with the benefits of certain kitchen appliances and gadgets.

Another lesson Goetz talked about that she learned from her mother is the importance of serving size in weight control, something even more important than worrying about or counting calories.

Cana (7) and Micahl (5) helped their mom demonstrate making the crackers, just as they enjoy doing at home. Melanie Goetz shared how, as a young person, she “lived in the kitchen,” helping her mom. That is how she learned to cook. She wants her children to know how to cook healthy meals as well. In fact, she recommends that all children learn to cook even if it adds work to the clean-up process. She believes it is worth it.

–Ardis Stenbakken is Campion Church communication director; photo supplied.

05 Feb

LA VIDA MISSION STAFF SURPRISED RECIPIENTS OF COVID-19 VACCINE

In

By Dorie Panganiban – Crownpoint, New Mexico … People have different reactions toward the Covid-19 vaccine. While some are hesitant and skeptical, others look forward to being vaccinated and are waiting patiently for their turn after the healthcare workers, frontliners, and elders are served.

Who would think that the staff at La Vida Mission would have the privilege of receiving their first dose of the vaccine without even planning for it? “It was a sweet surprise to several of us to be included in the process through the courtesy of Indian Health Services Healthcare Facility in Crownpoint, New Mexico,” said Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director.

“On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 27, I got a phone call from IHS-Crownpoint Healthcare Facility offering vaccines to our mission staff. I was told they have been working with La Vida Mission and recognize the Mission as their partner in serving the community through its many outreach programs and its school that serves their children.”

The Health Services Center thought about us and reserved some shots for those of our missionaries who wish to receive one. The list of those wanting to be vaccinated was gathered in less than an hour so that it could be submitted to the hospital for the morning of the following day. “We went and received our vaccines along with frontline workers and Navajo elders,” Dorie explained.

Our organization was recognized for its ministry because of the partnership with the Navajo community that La Vida Mission Community Outreach and Healthy Lifestyle Education Programs has created with the different services of the Navajo Nation office. “There are times when the community recognizes us in a surprising way,” Dorie added.

“The Mission is grateful to the Indian Health Services Crownpoint Healthcare Facility for their service to us and thanks God for making it all possible. When asked for the cost to our staff, the representative said, ‘You will not pay because you serve our people,’” Panganiban said.

–Dorie Panganiban is La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director; photo supplied

04 Feb

BAKING BREAD IN BIBLE CLASS AT VISTA RIDGE ACADEMY

In

By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Third and fourth graders at Vista Ridge Academy finished studying the story of Ruth in their Bible class based on the Encounter Elementary Curriculum. The learning objectives for the unit included becoming familiar with the biblical story of Ruth; understanding the ideas of hospitality, loyalty and caring for others, and introducing the agricultural way of life that was prevalent in Ruth’s time: the planting, harvesting, and use of wheat for food.

Rebecca Murdoch, the 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th grade Bible teacher, started the unit by giving everyone a little bag of wheat berries, watching a video on how wheat was historically harvested, and then giving students the opportunity to “grind” the wheat berries into “wheat flour” at little stations around the classroom. The students soon realized how long it takes to grind flour, and how long it must take to plant and harvest it. They could not imagine waiting that long to make something like bread or flour cakes, or something else that Ruth’s family probably ate.

At the end of each unit is a celebration of the unit’s completion. Rebecca thought baking bread with the students would be a fun application. When Rebecca mentioned this to Wanda Hart, the school office manager, Wanda told her about a bread-in-a-bag recipe she had done with VBS kids that was a success.

“I wanted Rebecca to finish the unit with something that would make the kids feel accomplished which they could take home with them after the work they put into it,” said Wanda.

Together, they planned the bread-in-a-bag activity. They bought the ingredients, prepared ingredient bags for each of the students, and walked them through the process in class. Each student had their own zip-lock bag which they filled with ingredients, then mixed and kneaded the dough. After class, teachers let the dough rise, baked it, and showed the students pictures of the process before handing out their beautifully-baked mini-bread loaves.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how attentive students were. They wanted to make sure they did everything correctly in order not to wreck the bread. They asked a lot of questions and were pretty dedicated to kneading the bread for the full amount of time required,” said Rebecca.

At the end of the activity, a couple students said this was their “favorite Bible class we have ever done.” And one said they wanted “to do stuff like this all the time”.

Rebecca appreciated Wanda’s suggestion and posted the bread-in-a-bag recipe on the Encounter Elementary Curriculum Facebook group page so that other teachers could use the idea for this unit. “A few teachers responded they are going to try this activity with their class, so I’m excited to hear how it goes for them as well,” she explained.

For the next unit, third and fourth graders are learning about religion. Students will be able to answer the questions, “What is religion?”, “Are there other religions and which religions do our families come from?” This unit will allow students to identify their personal beliefs at this point in their lives.

–Marsha Bartulec is the vice principal of administration at Vista Ridge Academy. Photos by Rebecca Murdock.

04 Feb

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL: CAMPION TEACHERS SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION IN THE PANDEMIC

In

By Sami Hodges – Loveland, Colorado … Classes still begin at their scheduled times, but that is about the only thing which has stayed the same for teachers at Campion Academy. Having to jump back and forth from in-person learning to a virtual classroom, and sometimes a mix of both, teachers are having to adapt in more ways than one.

Teachers are having to keep up with constantly-updating safety precautions and to remain flexible with sudden changes to their everyday routines. One day, they could be giving a lecture in the classroom; and the very next day, they may find themselves leading class from their kitchen table.

One thing is certain: teachers have to be prepared for the unexpected.

Jill Harlow, Spanish and English teacher, describes a little bit of what her days look like. “When I walk into my classroom, I’m running around sanitizing the desks, trying to switch on Zoom while students are walking in, and thinking to myself, ‘Ok what am I doing in class today, and what can I do to engage those one or two students on Zoom?”

This pandemic has challenged both new and experienced teachers.

Cindy Santana, who has been teaching at Campion since 2005, has come across many obstacles in the jump between virtual and in-person education. “Just using Zoom was a learning curve,’’ Santana commented. “Teaching for nine hours, grading, and doing the prep on top of all that makes for long days. When everybody’s here, you are a team; you have readers and other teachers to bounce ideas off of, but when we’re all on Zoom, we kind of operate in a vacuum. Sometimes, you feel like you’re going it alone.”

Campion’s chaplain and Bible teacher Nancy Meszaros, in her second year of teaching, has learned to use a variety of presentation tools to keep students interacting, but still recognizes the challenge the socially-distanced classroom presents. “I feel like sometimes my creative juices are no longer there. I want class to still be fun and engaging, but with so many regulations that always change, it’s hard to keep track and can be really draining.”

As the director for spiritual activities on campus, Meszaros added, “Another thing that has been difficult with this pandemic has been trying to find creative activities and programming to reach students spiritually. A lot of activities require mingling and close interaction, and we can’t do those things anymore.”

In spite of all the challenges, teachers have stayed positive and continue to make learning as engaging as possible.

“God has blessed us through everything. All of us have learned to adapt. Students are still learning, and teachers are still forming positive relationships with them. Even online, we can laugh or have deep spiritual conversations that bring us together. And there is light at the end of the tunnel–we are all looking forward to being back on campus together in the coming weeks,” Harlow said.

–Sami Hodges is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied

28 Jan

2020 ENDS WITH MINIMAL IMPACT ON RMC FINANCES

In

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado …  At the beginning of 2020, none of us ever dreamed that beginning in March, the world as we know it would change so dramatically. As the pandemic gained momentum, conference administrators across North America were wondering how mission would be impacted. How would education be delivered, how would church be done, and what would happen to our camp programs.

“It was very difficult to even know how to project the potential negative impact on tithe or other sources of revenue,” said George Crumley, RMC VP for finance. “A 1% negative impact would have been a decrease in available tithe to Rocky Mountain Conference of $109,810. Assuming our worst scenario of a 20% decrease, that would have negatively affected conference-available tithe by $2,196,200,” he commented.

Crumley further commented, “Sadly, all of us have been directly impacted in one way or the other–the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, contraction of the disease ourselves, a different way of worshipping and of doing school. Yet through all of this, God has been helping us.”

Now that 2020 is behind us, “I want to express my appreciation to all of you for being regular in your tithes and offerings. As we ended the year, the conference total tithe was down by 4.35% for 2020 when compared to 2019.  This is because total tithe includes windfalls which consist of unusual and non-recurring tithe of $50,000 or more, and in 2019, our windfalls totaled $1,176,313 whereas our 2020 windfalls amounted to $389,539—thus, the decrease in total tithe. But our base tithe, which we budget from was only down .03% or basically breakeven,” Crumley explained.

This is an amazing result considering all that we have been through. It could have been much worse. For the North American Division, their total tithe, including windfalls, was up 1.71%.

At this stage, no one knows the long-term impact on the economy and unemployment as we look ahead into 2021 and beyond. “We do need to be prudent in the management of the resources God has entrusted us with. What we do know is that many are hurting and looking for answers in these unstable times. This presents an opportunity for us, as individuals and as a church, to minister to those in need,” Crumley expressed.

The leadership of RMC express their gratitude to church members who have been faithful. “May the Lord continue to guide you and your families in the days ahead,” Crumley commented.

–RMCNews; photo by UnSplash

28 Jan

PATHFINDER CAMPOREE ON THE MOVE FROM WISCONSIN TO WYOMING

In

By RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … For one week in August 2024, the population of Gillette, Wyoming, will more than double in size. The 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee organizers are hoping to welcome more than 50-thousand Adventist youth and young adults gathering for one of the largest convocations in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The International Camporee Executive Advisory Committee voted on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 to move from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Gillette, Wyoming. The decision will allow for more outdoor activities and space to gather.

The news was welcomed with excitement and eagerness by the small Gillette church of 30 members.

“I think the best way to describe their reaction is similar to the way I reacted–both surprised and shocked. Yet this gives us an excellent opportunity to reach the community around us,” Lester Bentley, pastor for the Northeastern Wyoming District said. “This gives us a genuinely unique opportunity to bring together our outstanding Adventist youth from around the world to impact our community in and around Gillette positively. Some of the comments I heard were, “This is great; we won’t have to travel this time.” Others said, “Why Gillette?” My favorite reaction was, “Wow!”

The RMC youth department echoed the Gillette church’s sentiment.

“Looks like we’re going to more than double the population of Gillette in 2024! It will be a fun time for so many Pathfinders to see a part of our conference and have the opportunity to travel through beautiful places on their way to the International Pathfinder Camporee,” commented Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director.

Kiefer Dooley, RMC youth director, was surprised at the announcement. “Honestly, I was a bit shocked to hear that the International Pathfinder Camporee was moving locations! Having the gathering in Oshkosh had become so expected that it seems like most everyone had been referring to the event itself as “Oshkosh.” I guess “Gillette” can come to have the same ring to it in the future!”

“We’ll look forward to being generous and supportive hosts to what will be the third largest population center in Wyoming over the course of the Camporee week. Our hope is that those gathered will enjoy their time and not only draw closer to Jesus, but be respectful, beneficial, and a blessing to the people of Gillette,” Kiefer added.

Still a few years to go before they welcome the Pathfinders, the Gillette church is making plans to reach out to the community prior to 2024.

“We have an outreach planned this summer with a youth pastor from North Carolina who will present a one-week revival series designed for people from late teens to early ’30s. Several from the community around Gillette have had the opportunity to hear him speak at the winter retreat held each year at Mills Spring Ranch in Casper. We are anxious to have him come and spend a week with us this coming June,” Bentley said.

Kiefer added, “Having the Camporee come to our territory is exciting, but it doesn’t change the mission and the work we have set before us. We anticipate that we’ll work closely with the Camporee boards and planning committees, help to coordinate RMC club participation as needed, adjust summer camp dates if necessary, and work with the Camporee organizers to utilize Summer Camp staff as Camporee staff. I’m sure that there will be a lot more to do as the dates draw nearer. Until then, we’ll continue to put our best efforts into supporting our youth ministry initiatives conference wide so that when 2024 comes, our Pathfinder organization is robust, thriving, and able to bring our youth closer to Jesus through the Camporee experience.”

The “Believe the Promise” camporee will be held at the Cam-Plex complex August 4 – 11, 2024.

–RMCNews; photo supplied

27 Jan

WASHING, FOLDING, AND IRONING KEY TO SUCCESS AT MHA

In

By Jon Roberts – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Sixth graders at Mile High Academy are quickly learning that doing laundry and putting it away is not just a chore at home, but the way to receive an “A” in their Life Skills class.

During the first unit of the class, students each washed four loads of laundry, folded the clothes and put them away and successfully ironed one dress shirt.

Life Skills teacher, Christina Hernandez, explains the class content: “Students are taught to use the washer and dryer that are at the school and run a load for the athletics department. Their “homework” is to complete four [more] loads by washing, drying, folding, and putting away laundry for their family. They learn how to iron a button-down dress shirt in class. They each bring (or I supply) a shirt to practice on. They will then have a test that shows their skills in ironing.”

The class, however, has had some surprises, according Hernandez. “The funniest reaction I’ve seen this year is that students had no idea that the iron uses water and causes vapor to come out.”

Even with the surprises, the class is well received.

“Some students really enjoy this unit as it is hands on. They also like the fact that they are earning their “laundering” patch for Pathfinders,” Hernandez said.

While students appreciate the unit on laundry, they are keen to the responsibility that comes with learning this skill.

Brodie Philpott, parent of sixth grader, commented “One of the drawbacks [of the Life Skills class] is now she [his daughter] has to do her own laundry, and she knows that she doesn’t want to buy clothes that she has to iron!”

Students are looking forward to the next unit when they will learn how to cook. For some, it may be a class on how to be a contestant on the popular Food Network show “Worst Cooks in America.”

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

26 Jan

RMC CONGREGATIONS JOIN GLOBAL PRAYER EVENT

In

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … In the month of January, several RMC congregations joined with scores of churches around the world in the “10 Days of Prayer” event. Church members were challenged to focus on the love of God, surrendering to Him, and focusing on the Holy Spirit to fill hearts with God’s love.

Some church members may be asking:  What’s the big deal about praying with others?

For Randy Bell, Brighton church member, the answer was clear, “I’m a software engineer. Part of the reason I chose this career is because I don’t HAVE to do presentations. For some reason this year, the Holy Spirit nudged me to lead out a night during the 10 Days of Prayer. So, I told the pastor I’d help.”

“I was given night two about God’s love, which also included the story of the prodigal son.  Great, I thought, I’ve heard that story a thousand times. How can God do anything new with it? But when I began to really ask God to show Himself to me, and when I led out and we began to pray that night, I sensed the Holy Spirit connecting with the people as we prayed together. When we were done, I texted the pastor to ask if he had any more nights available to lead out. I told him, ‘I just can’t explain it–-that was cool! Can it happen again?’” Randy added.

Campion church prayer coordinator, Tenisha Tavares, shared how it impacted the members of her church. “When asked on the last night what had changed in their life during the past ten days, many said it motivated them to have a deeper prayer life. They experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit during the time we had together and wanted to continue that outpouring in their personal devotional time with God.”

If you didn’t have the opportunity to experience 10 Days of Prayer during January, you can still participate. The resources can be found at www.tendaysofprayer.org and are available throughout the year.

–RMCNews; photos supplied

26 Jan

PUEBLO FIRST CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF MINISTRY AT 105.9 FM

In

RMCNews with Delbert Hayden – Pueblo, Colorado … The Pueblo First Adventist Church celebrated 13 years of reaching out to the community, on January 13, through their low-powered FM radio station.

The radio studio, equipment, and tower are located on the grounds of the church where church members have volunteered hundreds of hours to make and keep the radio station an option for the community.  Currently,  several volunteers fill various positions to make sure the station remains on the air.

The target audience for the station, according to their website, “is listeners in both the city of Pueblo as well as the suburbs where evangelism may not be present.”  Anton Kapusi, pastor of Pueblo First church said, “We are working on surveying the city of Pueblo in different ways, but based on what we have right now, we estimate that several thousand people in Pueblo are regularly listening to our radio station.”

Hope Radio Pueblo is the second longest-running, low-power Adventist radio station to be put on the air in the United States. The station, according to Delbert Hayden, president of Hope Radio Pueblo, only survives by prayer, talent contributions and donations.

“At one time, by the sale of a car donated by a listener from the community, we were able to pay our bills and continue broadcasting. Truly, God works in many ways if our faith and trust is in Him and we are striving to do His will,” Hayden comments.

In late 2019, the church built a radio studio to program local broadcasts. At this time, prayer meeting, Bible study group, and Sabbath worship, along with locally-produced devotionals and book readings are available through the station.

Kapusi hopes for Hope Radio of Pueblo “to be completely self-sufficient” without the need to rely on other programs produced outside of Colorado to fill the gaps. When local programming is not available, the station airs praise and worship music along with programs from other Adventist-owned radio ministries.

The radio station has even brought visitors to church. “Through the years, we’ve had several people come to church through the programs. The most recent person was Becky McEvoy, a young mother of three who, convicted of the Sabbath through [programs] on the Hope Radio, was looking for a church.”

In 2020, the website states, they received interests from the community in Bible correspondence schools. “Our studio has a correlation with our Bible correspondence schools, through which our listeners can communicate with us at Hope Radio. We have received many phone calls, emails, and letters from our listeners this year.”

Hayden concludes, “We are very proud to be a part of this missionary adventure and are always looking to improve the station so it will present to the public the great God of heaven.”

The future looks bright, according to Kapusi. “Our finances are strong, the vision is strong, and we are moving to a digital platform where we can expend our influence all around the world.”

–RMCNews with Delbert Hayden, president of Hope Radio Pueblo; photo supplied

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