Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

24 Mar

AURORA FIRST RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP SERVE THE COMMUNITY

RMCNews with Joanne Smith – Aurora, Colorado …The Aurora First church, with assistance from the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS), applied for a grant last year from the North American Division Seed Grant program, which would help them better serve those in their community who are struggling to provide the basic needs of food and clothing.

According the Adventist Community Services website, “ACS Seed Grants are awarded to ACS programs in the U.S. and Bermuda and are intended to encourage innovation and increased humanitarian service in the community.”

The church already had a food bank and a clothing store, but both were in need of repair and adjustments in order to serve more individuals efficiently, which the grant funds would allow them to accomplish.

Aurora First church was awarded the seed grant money and was able to move closer to their goal of blessing their community.

The improvements made were significant and allowed the church to double the days they are able to open for the community, explains Donna Tumbarante, Aurora First ACS leader. “With the additional refrigerator, we are able to store more perishable foods that need to be kept cold for those who visit the food pantry. We’ve also been able to remove the old carpet and add epoxy cement flooring.”

Tumbarante added, “The most significant accomplishment we’ve been able to achieve through these additions is that we are able to provide more for the community we serve and open our doors twice a month now as opposed to our previous openings once a month.”

The church is thankful for the grant money that has helped them make the needed improvements. “We extend tremendous gratitude to the ACS grant committee for considering our church for their grant. Special thanks to Cathy Kissner, RMC ACS director, for letting the church know about this opportunity. With the grant, we were able to bring the food bank and the clothing store to a more sterile level for our clients, and to purchase a much-needed trailer for hauling food from the food bank and refrigerators for storing fresh produce,” Joanne Smith, finance chair for Aurora church said.

Kissner was interested to hear that the funds are already helping the community. “Through this grant, the food pantry volunteers are blessing their community,” she said. “Every time a hungry, struggling family is fed, they are showing the love of Christ.”

To find more information about the seed grant and how to apply please click here. https://www.communityservices.org/resources/acs-grant-applications/

–RMCNews with Joanne Smith Aurora First church’s finance chair ; photo supplied

24 Mar

ADVENTIST EDUCATION: PAYING IT FORWARD

By Diane Harris – Denver, Colorado … Through every age, God “has always had a people” to be His hands to serve the world. They cover every ministry that serves others.

One of those ministries involves our education system. We have all heard of the accomplishments of Adventist education—the higher test scores, higher percentage of graduates going to college, higher retention in the church, a stronger culture of kindness and service.

What we don’t often hear about are the donors who recognize the financial investments of putting a child through Adventist education. They are the ones who may have long since finished putting their own children through our system yet continue to give because they value the benefits of Adventist education and want to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Rocky Mountain Conference has been blessed with many individuals who recognize the importance of Adventist education and the financial requirements to keep students in school, especially through the COVID pandemic when many families have been financially hit hard. They may have to choose between an Adventist education and many other things, even food.

During this time, God “has a people” to be His hands to serve the world—people who pay it forward with no desire for acknowledgement.

Thanks to these donors, who give unselfishly, many students have been blessed by their financial support. There are families who were going to have to tell their children they would need to leave the school because there was no money to keep them there. And there were students who were able to graduate because someone paid the remaining balance of a school bill. There has been story after story of lives impacted by people who gave, not because they had to, or because they wanted recognition, but because they believe in our Adventist education system.

I was one of those students whose life benefited because someone had the commitment and passion to make sure Adventist education was available to all. Coming from a single parent home, I was the recipient of many scholarships and generosity of individuals from elementary school through academy and finally through Southwestern Adventist University.

God “has always had a people” to be His hands to the world. We are blessed to have so many of them right here in our territory.

–Diane Harris is RMC education superintendent; photo by Intermountain Adventist Academy Facebook page

This article was originally published on Outlook Magazine’s website.

23 Mar

STATEMENT ON TRAGEDY IN BOULDER, COLORADO — WILL THIS EVER END?

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado, March 23, 2021 …The Rocky Mountain Conference is mourning with the community of Boulder after a senseless act of violence claimed the lives of ten individuals, including a law enforcement officer.

We mourn for the families whose mother, father, partner, grandparent, or child had their life snuffed out due to evil that played out in what is supposed to be a safe public space—a grocery store. We mourn for the workers who will ever be traumatized by what they witnessed. Finally, we mourn for the shooter’s family as their lives have ever been changed by the devilish act of one individual.

Responding to the tragic events of Monday, March 22, Geoff Patterson, senior pastor of Boulder Adventist church, addressed the faith community of Boulder by email. “Our hearts and prayers go out, first for the families that tonight are bereaved, next for our law enforcement community that has lost one of its own, and also for all of our friends and neighbors who have been shaken by this tragic event.”

The Boulder church is responding by providing support with members available to listen and pray with those in need. “If anyone needs specific prayers, our prayer line is available at 877-793-7729. You may call and leave a voicemail, or send us a direct text. Our prayer team is standing by. In addition, our pastors are available to talk if you wish for them to contact you,” Patterson added.

Adventist Community Services is mobilizing and awaiting instructions from the State of Colorado on what assistance they can provide the community.

“We have had too many of such tragedies in our communities,” said Ed Barnett, president of Rocky Mountain Conference. “Will this ever end? We long for the day when violence will cease to exist and when there will be no more tears, pain and death.”

Patterson prayed “Lord, there is sickness in this world, and this time it has struck in our town. Grant us strength in this difficult hour. Amen.”

–RMCNews

22 Mar

TWO CHURCHES PROVIDE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO COMMUNITY

By Falon Reynolds and Daniel Birai – Denver, Colorado … Two churches came together to help their community by distributing a tractor-trailer full of furniture, toys, health and beauty items, and food.

LifeSource Adventist Fellowship and True Life Community church, in partnership with World Vision, provided the donated items from overstock or returns from nationwide retailers, as a way of blessing to those in the greatest need in the surrounding community.

“The items have touched the lives of children as well as adults in ways that we never expected. It has added a truly wonderful ministry to our churches,” said Bob Reynolds, True Life pastor.

“This partnership began in the summer of 2020 when LifeSource partnered with World Vision and the United States Department of Agriculture,” explained Seth Day, co-pastor of LifeSource. “The program, named Farmers to Families partnership, delivered 31-thousand pound of food every Thursday to our church. Volunteers distributed the food to our community for three months.”

The donated items are also helping members grow closer to each other.

“I have been blessed by participating [in this outreach] with offloading the container and the fellowship it has afforded me with other members uniting together in this outreach project to help our community. As a newer member of LifeSource, I’ve been able to connect with other members and make new friendships as well,” Ashley Radu said.

The outreach ministry consists of a monthly delivery of goods to the church where volunteers inventory the items and collaborate to find the best way to distribute the goods to our community.

–Falon Reynolds attends LifeSource and Daniel Birai is co-pastor of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship; photos supplied

18 Mar

IN MEMORIAM: FAITHFUL TILL THE END – STEVE GILLHAM (1947-2021)

[Updated Friday, March 19 at 6:45 a.m.] RMCNews with Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … La Vida Mission is in mourning. A mighty warrior of God and a stalwart of faith is fallen. Pastor Steve Gillham, a retired minister and director of La Vida Mission, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, March 17, at the age of 74.

Dorie Panganiban, La Vida office manager recalls Pastor Steve and his devotion to the work of the church while battling physical illness. “Illness may have taken a toll on him and defeated his physical body, but his spiritual body was kept from the evil of this world and remained pure and strong and victorious until his last breath.”

Pastor Steve, who served several churches in Oregon and the Rocky Mountain Conference, had been battling cancer for many years, but that didn’t slow down his passion to reach the Navajo nation with the gospel.

Pastor Steve began his RMC ministry in Wyoming serving Douglas, Wheatland, and Casper churches where he gave spiritual leadership for 11 years and played an important role in Mills Spring Ranch. “He was an integral part of Mills Spring during his time in Casper. The Upper Room, above the shower facility, he built as a connection to Jesus and the Disciples time in the upper room,” Liz Cornett, Pastor Steve’s daughter recalled.

After serving many congregations in Wyoming Pastor Steve moved to Colorado to serve many districts including Alamosa, Monte Vista, Cortez, Dove Creek, and Nucla. He also served as coordinator of Cowboy camp meeting.

“He was the coordinator of Cowboy camp meeting for many years and looked forward every year to seeing friends, singing together and worshipping in God’s nature,” Cornett added.

Eric Nelson, RMC vice-president of administration, recalls his friend with whom he became acquainted in college. “I had the privilege of attending Walla Walla College with Steve. After college, we served together in the Oregon Conference. We then had the privilege of sharing our ministry in Rocky Mountain Conference together. We worked and prayed together as we served the Lord in our given churches.”

“On a personal note,” Nelson added, “it was always a joy for our two families to visit together and share memories. This will surely be missed.”

Pastor Steve’s friendship was also special to Panganiban. “My husband and I and our little family will terribly miss him, although I feel that I will miss him more as I remember the many times and occasions of meetings in his office or my office or in the board room, the long phone calls when he was traveling, talking and discussing challenges and opportunities for ministry at the Mission, the joy of working together for the Lord in this place,” she said.

Pastor Steve will be remembered for his time and investment in La Vida Mission. “Upon retirement, he was invited to take leadership as director of La Vida Mission,” Nelson explained. He has done a wonderful service [and has] blessed the mission with good solid organization and direction. It is a much stronger institution because of his work. His passing will impact the mission greatly. He will be missed for his godly example and service and for his outreach to the Navajo Nation,” Nelson said.

Panganiban added, “He will surely be missed by everyone at the Mission who has known him and his friendship and leadership. The void and vacuum that he has left can only be filed by the grace of God.”

His latest venture, described as visionary, was to assist Adventist World Radio in creating a Navajo language radio station at the mission to broadcast the Good News of Jesus to the nation. Back in August 2020, Pastor Steve commented, “You see, we have been having this dream of winning the reservation for Christ.”

Working on the project was Allen Steele, former vice-president of AWR. “Steve was an integral part of our Navajo radio outreach to bring the Gospel to this largest Native American Tribe. A man of vision, he quickly took on the challenge of establishing a radio production studio at La Vida to bring God’s message to the Native community that he loved,” he commented.

“Steve Gillham’s support and expertise in devising ways to make the Adventist message attractive to the Native tribes will be greatly missed as we work toward accomplishing the dream he had for this very important project,” he added.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at La Vida Mission on March 19. He is survived by his wife Carol and four children–Stephanie, Liz, Angela and Stanley. A celebration of life service will also be held on Sabbath, March 27 at 3:00 p.m. at the Casper church where he served as pastor for 11 years.

Liz Cornett remembers a special time when the family would depart after spending time together. “Whenever we parted, he would always gather us together in a circle, clasp hands and in unison say, ‘May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other.’”

“We will carry on the legacy of a faithful, godly life that you have left us,” expressed Panganiban. “We will persevere like you till the end. I believe with all my heart that you can boldly say, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’”

–RMCNews; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

18 Mar

CHURCH LEADERS PROVIDED MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

By Mickey Mallory – Denver, Colorado … Pastors, conference leaders, and church members joined via Zoom March 8–10 for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sponsored by Centura Health.

The session was designed to equip spiritual leaders in RMC with relevant information that can be used to train members in their respective communities.

For some of the participants, this was a training they been awaiting. “I have often wondered how to be a good stepping-stone for a person in our community who is experiencing a mental health crisis and how to get them plugged in to professional care,” Mikey Archibique, Denver South’s associate pastor said. “This program was a big step forward for me as a pastor in learning how to communicate and support people experiencing mental health problems in my community.”

The need for training is clear according to Dr. Eric Shaddle, group vice-president of Mission Integration for Centura Health. “This training helps us understand [more clearly] that mental health is one important part of health. By training pastors to teach this course, we are equipping the most trusted members of society to teach MHFA classes that will help the people in their communities.”

The organizer of the training, Ashleigh Phillips, said, “It is my hope that classes will soon be provided to members and the communities where these individuals serve.” Phillips is the Provider for Outreach & Community Relations for Porter Adventist Hospital – Behavioral Health Services.

The training gave examples of the importance of compassion. “Going through a course like this broadens ones understanding and compassion for those who might struggle with mental health challenges,” said Jason Logan, Greeley church pastor.

Seth Day, co-pastor of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship echoed Logan’s comments. “The information presented was vital to me as a pastor working in the surrounding community where mental illness is prevalent.”

For others, this was one of the most important trainings they have received. “MHFA Training is the most heart-filled, science-based, student-friendly program for bringing help, hope and recovery to people living with mental health problems I have ever attended,” said Evgeni Kovachev, pastor of Denver South church.

“It was an incredible training that we can’t wait to begin implementing in our department. We’re looking forward to also becoming trained instructors for Youth Mental Health First Aid,” Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director said.

Phillips, the Provider for Outreach & Community Relations for Porter Adventist Hospital – Behavioral Health Services, stated that “Centura Health wants to support Rocky Mountain Conference in bringing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes to their members and communities to reduce mental health stigma, improve mental health, and save lives.”

–Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photo supplied

18 Mar

CAMPION STUDENTS: HOPE AND DOUBT DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Jayce Treat – Loveland, Colorado … Voices filled the air, shoulders rubbed up against each other, friends linked arms and swayed back and forth–Hankin’s Hall was filled with students praising God. Before COVID, this was the everyday worship experience at Campion Academy.

Many students are asking how we can help each other connect to God through a mask. How can we show our love for each other from six feet away?

Milka Mendoza, a senior at Campion, felt it was especially hard being separated from her friends. “COVID has made it a lot harder to stay close with God. A big thing for me is being able to worship with my friends. Because we have had to be home a lot of the time, that has happened less this year.” Despite the circumstances, Milka has managed to stay positive. She explained, “Through this pandemic, I have felt God’s presence closer than ever. Why? Well, because despite everything that has been happening, He has still found a way to bless me and the people that I love. Waking up with good health is one of the biggest blessings.”

The pandemic aroused doubt in many people, including Jayden Anggormas, senior. “My spiritual life was affected a lot by this pandemic. There were a lot of problems and doubts because I was worried about how my life was going to turn out.” Jayden realized that he had to let go of his doubts and just trust God.

Jayden shared that he “started to notice others around me lose their faith because the in-person contact was gone. It was really tough, but I found it to also strengthen my faith. Despite the discouraging setbacks, it reminded me that God is stronger. He can work through situations that are even worse, and by keeping this close to my heart, I was able to become closer with Him.”

Teens may find themselves wondering where God is in the midst of the pandemic, but some have been able to use this time to gain a clearer vision of God’s kingdom. “It honestly feels a little difficult to understand why God has ‘allowed’ COVID to happen,” explained Mark Zelaya, senior.

“However, if the world was perfect, we wouldn’t look forward to heaven. I think that maybe God is allowing this to happen because He wants us to see how messed up and cruel the world is, and the sooner we accept that, the sooner we’ll want to be reunited with Him,” Mark commented.

Despite all the challenges, student are still experiencing God at Campion, and their relationship with Jesus continues to deepen.

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

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