Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

18 Jan

CAMPION STUDENTS RETURN WITH FRESH OUTLOOK FOR 2021

By Bentlee Barry – Loveland, Colorado … The campus of Campion Academy is once again filled with sounds of laughter, renewed friendships, and excitement as students return after a month and half being away.

Out of abundance of caution Campion started the second semester with online school for one week to allow any potential exposure to COVID over the holiday break to be extinguished. As the campus and school begin in-person learning the health and safety protocols which helped Campion complete the first semester COVID-free will continue to be in place.

Students are deeply appreciative of having classes return in-person and are anticipating a strong semester.

“I mostly am looking forward to making new friends and building the friendships I have already,” said Sam.

“I look forward to growing spirituality, and I’m really excited for volleyball and trying out for girls’ soccer,” Blessing reflected.

Many students have set goals and are looking forward to this new year and school semester.

“I really just want to get through the semester and graduate with good grades. I want to get closer with the people in the church because they have good insights and spirituality,” Jynaya explained.

Lindsey commented, “I would like to keep my grades consistent and end with a 4.0. I really enjoy playing all sports, so I’d like to work on my athletic skills.”

Campion Academy staff are eagerly anticipating opening up more programs and trips this semester if the COVID regulations ease.

–Bentlee Barry is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied

14 Jan

COLORADO SPRINGS CENTRAL ENDS 2020 WITH 44 BAPTISMS

By Mike Maldonado – Colorado Springs, Colorado … The Central Adventist church in Colorado Springs ended 2020 with a Sabbath afternoon celebration of five baptisms, including a community member who attends the local Baptist church.

How does an Adventist pastor get the opportunity to baptize an individual who attends the Baptist church? By being active in the community and fostering fraternal relationships with fellow clergy.

Mike Maldonado, pastor of Colorado Springs Central Adventist Church, has spent the last three years building a relationship with John Harris, the local Baptist pastor. The friends visit and worship in each other’s churches.

When Harris learned that Maldonado would be baptizing four individuals on December 26, he asked Maldonado to baptize one his congregants, as his age and frail health made it difficult for him to do so, Maldonado said.

On Sabbath afternoon December 26, the Baptist church attendee stood alongside four other individuals who were publicly declaring their love for Jesus Christ. Some 30 individuals joined in the celebration held at Central church, including many from the Baptist church.

Harris took part in the service by offering prayer and remarks prior to the baptisms, saying, “This is one of the most meaningful and beautiful baptismal services I have ever attended!”

The baptisms conclude a year of blessing for the congregation, but one that was also very tiring and stressful for many members. It also caps a year in which Central had the opportunity to celebrate 44 decisions for baptism, people who declared Jesus as their Savior.

“It goes without saying that 2020 was a difficult year for all of us,” said Pastor Maldonado.

“Yet, despite the pandemic and other disruptions, 2020 proved to be one of the most fruitful years for growth at Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs. The Holy Spirit blessed Central with forty-four baptisms, each representing a precious person won for the Kingdom of God”

—Mike Maldonado is Pastor of the Central Adventist Church, photos courtesy of Central church’s Facebook.

13 Jan

CAMPION PATHFINDERS GIVE BACK

By Ardis Stenbakken – Loveland, Colorado … When the Campion church Pathfinder club discovered one of its church members, Waverly Taylor, was facing a serious cancer condition, they decided to support Taylor by doing small chores around her home, including mowing the lawn when needed.

During a recent Pathfinder meeting in December, Pathfinders discovered that members of the church were gathering for a special session of prayer for Taylor, whose cancer had returned. The Pathfinder meeting was put on hold and they joined the wider church to pray for Taylor.

With COVID safety guidelines in place, Waverley’s family, friends, and church members gathered around her in the community center of the Campion church for an extended time of prayer. Following the church tradition for those facing serious illness of giving a hand-made quilt, Waverley was presented with a prayer quilt containing encouraging messages signed on its reverse side.

The quilt, created by the Loveland Seventh-day Adventist Community Services Quilters, was made by “many loving hands,” reported Ardis Stenbakken, church communication director.

Continuing her battle with cancer Waverly appreciates all prayers for healing.

–Ardis Stenbakken is Campion church communication director; photos by Ella Jean

13 Jan

GRAND JUNCTION CHURCH OFFERS WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES

By Sandi Adcox – Grand Junction, Colorado … SAGE, the senior ministry of the Grand Junction church, is building relationships in the community by offering watercolor painting classes.

The small classes of 12 individuals have provided a safe way to gather during the pandemic.

Classes began in March of 2020 and are offered in four-week sessions. Many fill to capacity and there is often a waiting list of individuals wanting to learn how to paint with watercolors. The first class of 2021 has begun and the next session, scheduled to begin in February, is already maxed out with many on a waiting list.

Watercolor painting is popular among all generations.

“We were so glad the watercolor class was offered. It is both a social gathering where we are making new friends, and a way to challenge my brain in a new way,” Tina Ruf, who recently moved to Grand Junction, remarked.

The classes are taught by local artist and church member, Sandy Carolsella. Students of various skill levels learn the basics of watercolor artistry and each student completes several paintings. During some sessions, all students paint the same picture to learn a specific technique, but in most classes, they choose their own picture and receive individual assistance.

The current class has three community members not affiliated with the church attending the Monday sessions being held at the Grand Junction church.

–Sandi Adcox is senior ministry leader for Grand Junction church; photo supplied.

13 Jan

Leaders Vote to Postpone General Conference Session 2020 for a Second Time

By Adventist News Network — Silver Spring, Maryland …For the second time in 10 months, members of the Executive Committee of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church have voted to postpone the quinquennial session of the denomination, originally scheduled for late June of 2020, due to challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the General Conference Executive Committee (EXCOM) from around the world attended the January 12, 2021, virtual Zoom session, where they listened to reports from world church administration, health officers of the church, logistics coordinators, and legal counsel. Leaders discussed the feasibility of adhering to the planned business session dates of May 20-25, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, that had been previously approved by the same body.

The persistence of the deadly global COVID-19 pandemic and its enduring impacts on public health, travel, and the availability of international visas persuaded the international body to postpone the session until June 6-11, 2022, also in Indianapolis. The new plan voted by church leaders and laypersons now postpones the date for the denomination’s quinquennial business session for nearly two years from its originally scheduled dates, as allowed by the Adventist Church’s constitution.

GC president Ted N. C. Wilson, who chaired the EXCOM committee, began the two-hour meeting by outlining the process of data collection and discussion that brought the recommendations to the governing body of the church. “A team of workers has been working diligently,” Wilson said. “We have been carefully reviewing things, especially with those in session management and planning.”

Wilson added that recommendations are coming from a consensus approach from various groups, including world division officers, health professionals, Adventist Risk Management, the Office of General Counsel, and other Adventist Church leaders. “This is not a recommendation directly coming from the three senior officers of the GC,” he said. “This is something that has come from a plethora of information and counselors.”

Current Challenges

Wilson introduced those who would provide background and context to the current and projected challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.

Peter Landless, director of Health Ministries for the global Adventist Church, shared current COVID-19 statistics and concerns of moving forward with such a large gathering. Given the rising infection numbers, along with a new, more infectious and aggressive strain, Landless said the Health Ministries department had to recommend delaying the GC Session.

“We’ve been consulting with international experts, and taking into account the needs and concerns. The GC Health Ministries department believes it is prudent and practical stewardship to postpone the GC Session to 2022, given this difficult time,” Landless said. “And it is with a heavy heart one makes this recommendation. However, it is a recommendation that comes because it appears there is no alternative.”

GC meeting planner Sheri Clemmer outlined some of the current challenges to a large meeting of delegates from around the world. She mentioned visitor visa difficulties and quarantine requirements, especially for those who use public transportation and transportation hubs. She also explained standard COVID protocols surrounding mass gatherings in Indianapolis.

G. T. Ng, executive secretary of the global Adventist Church, reported data collected from the division leadership about the likelihood of delegates being able to attend the May 2021 GC Session. Major challenges to achieving a large portion of delegates that were expressed by division leadership included travel bans, quarantine restrictions, and problems obtaining visas to the United States. The General Conference constitution does not currently allow for electronic participation at a General Conference Session.

Tim Northrop, president of Adventist Risk Management, outlined various liability risks that could follow if EXCOM voted to not delay the 2021 Session.

“We have an important meeting for our church. What we have heard is that there are potential exposures and potential risks,” Northrop said. “We have also heard our constitution allows us to weigh those risks and to consider moving the meeting to a later date. This business continuity plan we have as leaders is important. It allows us to be more nimble and allows us to continue the ministry of our church.”

Following the presentations and discussion, the recommendation to move the dates of the General Conference to June 2022 was put to a vote by electronic polling. The motion passed with a vote of 185 to 9.

Following the vote, Landless concluded the discussion with a serious observation: “We have been brought to this point, not because it is something we would like to do, but something we have to do.”

— This article was originally published on the Adventist News Network. Photo courtesy of Adventist Review

12 Jan

HATE CRIME HITS LOCAL ADVENTIST PASTOR

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Imagine coming home from church one evening and to find the words BOP A** N***A sprayed-painted on your house. This is exactly what Pastor Oshaine Wynter discovered this past Sabbath, January 9.

Wynter, a resident of Aurora, Colorado is the pastor of New Community Church in Denver and Boston Street church in Aurora. Both are within the Central States Conference, a sister region to Rocky Mountain Conference.

Concerning the scary experience, Wynter said the whole situation has “been disappointing and sickening.” He further recalls the fear he felt when he saw those freshly-painted words on his garage, knowing his wife, 6-month-old, and 2-year-old were just feet away in the house.

The pictures posted on Facebook received swift comments of denunciation for the hate-filled words that Wynter and his family endured.

Commenting on the Facebook post, saying, “Bro, I’m so sorry your wife, children, and yourself had to endure this terrible racist thing. Bro, please be safe and keep your family safe. This is unacceptable.”

Another posted, “No excuse for this cruelty! Prayers for your safety and for a repentant heart for the perpetrators.”

After seeing the horrific picture on Facebook, Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director said, “This really makes my blood boil. My heart goes out to Oshaine and his family. May we surround them with love in both our words and actions during this time.”

The police, notified of the event, confirmed to Wynter that hate speech in Aurora has been sharply increasing since the U.S. election in November.

Commenting on the racial attack, Ed Barnett, RMC President said, “I am just appalled that racism is so apparent today in Denver. It just blows my mind.”

The Central States Conference Vice-President of Administration, Cryston Josiah echoed Barnett’s comment, saying “He has our love and support fully. We do not condone attacks against him or anyone else.”

For safety reasons, Wynter and his family moved from their home, but the damage has been done to the community. Wynter said there is a new level of fearfulness among church members.

RMC pastors, from Littleton and Franktown, helped the Wynter family relocate on Sunday. The RMC youth department has also reached out to Pastor Wynter with the offer to assist with any needs his family may have in the aftermath of this crime.

Wynter believes that, “the type of fear you experience here [in the United States] you don’t experience anywhere else.”

The police continue to investigate this hate crime.

Josiah added, “that they have a lot of members [in the Central States Conference] who experience racism and he [Wynter] is strong and resilient against racism.”

Barnett added that following a successful gathering sponsored by the Littleton and Denver Park Hill Churches in October 2020, “the Rocky Mountain Conference continues to explore and hold conversations on how we can take a stand against racial injustice and promote solidarity among the ethnically-diverse population that both conferences serve.”

–RMCNews; photo from Oshaine Wynter Facebook.

12 Jan

FACING 2021 AND THE COMING DAYS IN FAITH AT LA VIDA MISSION

By Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … On a cold, frosty morning in December, the staff of La Vida Mission embarked on their twelfth and final COVID-relief operation of 2020.

Outside the mission gym, the staff was ready to distribute 150 Christmas bags filled with goodies for families in need. Along with the bags filled with surprises for the families, the mission handed out free propane refills, almost a ton of potatoes, nonperishable food, and much-needed diapers for families. This was made possible by the many organizations who donated toward this need.

The staff is thankful the Lord has sustained them. “The Lord has strengthened our faith during this pandemic. Whenever we think that we’re out [of things to give] and done [with being able to help], He sends us more. Truly His coffers are full and will never run out [of things with which] to bless His people,” Dorie Panganiban, outreach director at La Vida Mission, said.

Later in the day, students and families from the La Vida Mission school arrived on campus to receive Christmas gifts from “Toys for Tots” and from student sponsors and mission donors.

La Vida Mission received a holiday gift of its own when, through the cooperation of Cathy Kissner and the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services, the mission was awarded a ten-thousand-dollar grant from the North American Division to help improve infrastructure to better serve the needs of the reservation. The mission hopes to build a bigger Community Outreach and Service Center at the end of the gym with a bigger storage area and a larger packing area with better access.

The mission hopes to continue to serve the many needs of the reservation in 2021 and asks for prayers from RMC members for several staff who recently contracted COVID. The mission remains on lockdown because of Covid affecting the mission workers.

“We do not know what is ahead, but we trust that God is in control and we will come out stronger and even more ready to continue serving Him and our Native American community. We have nothing to fear for what tomorrow will bring as we look back on what God has done for us, to us, and through us in the past days and months of this pandemic and this Mission’s existence,” Panganiban stated.

—Dorie Panganiban is La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director; photos supplied

12 Jan

SENIORS ENGAGE AT GRAND JUNCTION BY WALKING 5500 MILES IN 2020

By Sandi Adcox – Grand Junction, Colorado … The Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church remains active during the ongoing pandemic with a variety of activities. Among them is a ministry for seniors, called SAGE.

In March of 2020, SAGE rolled out a new fitness program which quickly turned into a virtual wellness program after the pandemic made it difficult to meet in person. Designed to encourage individuals to “put their bodies in motion” and set personal goals, the program was introduced as a “challenge”; however, individuals did not challenge one another, but rather challenged themselves to become more active, and to improve mood and over-all wellness.

After the challenge ended in March, a group of six individuals decided to continue throughout 2020, accumulating approximately 11,000,000 steps, or 5,500 miles by the end of the year.

Eighteen individuals accepted the initial challenge in March, each armed with a pedometer or other movement-tracking device. Participants recorded their daily activity, and at the end of the month, submitted their totals. Collective achievements of the original group included climbing two 14-ers, one individual losing 10 pounds, doing hundreds of pull-ups and push-ups, lifting weights, accomplishing more than 50 hikes, painting fences, digging ditches, completing yard work, and a lot of walking and biking.

Participant Joan Ryan said, “My original personal goal was 6,000 steps a day, but I soon increased it to 10,000 steps. I feel so much better, and more stable since starting the challenge. I appreciate this program because it encourages me to keep moving.”

The Fitness Challenge will continue in 2021 at the request of participants who say it motivates, creates awareness, and makes them accountable for staying active.

–Sandi Adcox is senior ministry leader for Grand Junction church; photo by pixabay.

12 Jan

BREAKING NEWS — GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION POSTPONED

RMCNews – General Conference World Session scheduled for this June 2021 in Indianapolis has been postponed till 2022, Adventist News Network reported this morning, January 12, on Twitter.

Church leaders cited the ongoing pandemic situation for the decision to move the GC session till June 2022.

This marks the second postponement of the Session.

GC policy states a Session can only be postponed twice.

11 Jan

WEDNESDAY PRAYER MEETING WELCOME AT LITTLETON

By Jon Roberts – Littleton, Colorado … On the very evening, January 6, when the political divisions in America grew into an unsuccessful coup at the United States Capital, some 30 members, including a ten-year-old and several teenagers came together for the first Wednesday night prayer meeting at the Littleton church.

Lead pastor Andy Nash, in opening remarks, addressed the events of the day, “We didn’t plan for our first prayer meeting to be on a day that was so painful for our country, but Jesus is our King and we want to pray for soft hearts and unity for our country and church.”

One church member shared how thankful they were to have a Wednesday night gathering, stating, “It is a blessing for our family to come and worship.” Church members welcomed the Wednesday gathering and expressed an interest in having such meetings continue into the future.

The meeting was planned to coincide with a new sermon series on Revelation stemming from a desire by Andy and Cindy Nash to spend time together with members and groups. Andy added, “It is harder [to gather together] in homes right now, but this is a beautiful house of God and it allows us a chance to space out.”

Following a devotional thought by Cindy Nash, individuals were given the chance to share reflections and prayer requests.

Following the prayer time, Andy Nash shifted the focus of the meeting in preparation for the new Revelation sermon series, which began the following Sabbath.

The congregation enjoyed a ten-minute clip from a Bible series detailing the disciples’ work of spreading the gospel to Asia. The clip ended on the small island of Patmos.

The Revelation sermon series, along with the Wednesday night gatherings, will continue for the next ten weeks, in person and online. Nash invites anyone wishing to dig deeper into Revelation to join the gatherings online at the Littleton Church Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LittletonSDA

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