Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

23 Feb

STUDENTS STUDY THE BOOKS OF DANIEL AND REVELATION

By Pennie Wredberg – Fort Morgan, Colorado — “Can we study the book of Revelation for morning worship?”

That was the question posed to Pennie Wredberg, head teacher at Lighthouse Christian School in Fort Morgan, Colorado by students from the upper grades. They wanted to begin their day immersed in the fifth gospel of Jesus Christ–Revelation. The reason the student gave was simple. They had been talking about recent incidents on the news with their parents and wanted to know what the Bible had to say about end-time events.

It soon became evident that the students needed some guidance in their study after a few days of attempting to study on their own. That’s when Wredberg asked Dr. Ralph McClure, head deacon at the Fort Morgan church and an area physician, if he would be willing to spend time with students helping them understand what they were reading.

McClure agreed and explained to the eager, future Bible scholars that, “In order to understand the book of Revelation, we need to go back to Daniel.”

They agreed to study the book of Daniel first. The school ordered journals for each student with Bible pages on one side and blank paper on the other. They were challenged to draw pictures and write notes as they read, and promised a prize to be awarded in May for the best journals.

The students are thankful for the experience.

“I’ve realized that God can help me in any situation,” Julia, a student said.

Another student Brayden remarked, “Reading Daniel and Revelation makes me take a look at my choices and realize I need to make better ones. For example, in Daniel they changed their diet for 10 days and it made such a difference. What would happen if I took my choices more seriously?”

Another student, Paloma, is enjoying journaling about the book of Daniel and creating visual images to help her better understand the messages in the book.

They are taking their time by studying a few verses each day and are committed to continuing their studies no matter how long it may take to understand the books of Daniel and Revelation.

–Pennie Wredberg is head teacher at Lighthouse Christian School in Fort Morgan, Colorado; photos supplied

23 Feb

GREEN TO LEAD RMC PLANNED GIVING AND TRUST SERVICES DEPARTMENT

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The RMC Executive Committee voted on February 23 to accept and approve the nomination from the RMC Administrative Committee of Mary Lynn Green to replace Doug Inglish as Planned Giving and Trust Services director, effective April 1, 2021.

Green brings a vast experience of church employment in many institutions, including the General Conference. She has worked for RMC the last five years, most recently serving under Inglish as associate director.

“I have prayed a lot about this opportunity and am willing to take on this new responsibility because I feel it is the work Jesus wants me to do at this time. It is an honor to be part of this ministry,” Green said.

Green also added that building relationships is a vital part of the department she is about to lead. “When we first become acquainted, our clients place trust in our team to help guide them to create the best plan for their future with respect to their own priorities and for their loved ones. In this process, we become more than acquaintances and they feel like family to us. This trust [they place in us] and the relationship [we build] are a privilege that we don’t take lightly and it is clear to me that our team members care for each person we help and love the work we are called to do.”

Doug Inglish, vice-president elect of Administration, commented on Green being named as his replacement, “I am so pleased that Mary Lynn was chosen to be director of Planned Giving and Trust Services. Having worked with her for nearly four years, I am fully confident in her skills, her mastery of Trust work, and most of all, her leadership. The Rocky Mountain Conference will be well served by Mary Lynn and her department.”

Green is thankful for a dedicated team, “built under the leadership of past directors who were committed to excellence.”

For Green, prayer is at the center of her hopes for the department.

“Prayer is a foundation stone of all our interactions and we will seek [for] and rely on divine guidance to enable us to accomplish our goals. Our plans are to continue serving with excellence, to remain in touch with our current clients while assisting new clients, and make sure we have the right technology to best do this.”

Green, a Missouri native, attended Union College and began her career at Boulder Memorial Hospital. She and her husband live outside of Denver, Colorado. They are the proud parents of two sons Tobias 21 and Yanni 24.

–RMCNews; photo supplied

23 Feb

INGLISH NEW VP OF ADMINISTRATION

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Douglas Inglish is the new vice-president of administration effective April 1, 2021. Meeting in a Zoom conference on February 23, the RMC Executive Committee received and accepted the nomination of Inglish by RMC’s Administrative Committee to fulfill the remainder of Eric Nelson’s term. Nelson, who announced his retirement in January, will leave his position on March 31, 2021.

Inglish, who has served as RMC Property and Trust Services director for the last four years, is looking forward to returning to a position where he will use his pastoral skills.

“A pastor is a lot of things: an evangelist, a teacher, a counselor, and more. While I enjoyed all these roles, I was especially drawn to the administrative aspects of pastoring. It is perhaps what drew me to accept opportunities to serve at institutional churches and on various committees at the conference and union level, and eventually work as a departmental director,” Inglish said.

“When I came to RMC, my focus narrowed somewhat and I find that I have been more isolated from opportunities to mentor pastors and work with churches than I enjoyed as a senior pastor and as the personal ministries director.”

Inglish graduated from Andrews University in 1982 with a history major and a political science minor, and went on to serve as boys’ dean at Ozark Adventist Academy for two years. He left church employment to pursue other work opportunities, but returned to teaching a few years later. After a year of teaching, he was given the opportunity to go into full time ministry as a pastor where he spent the next 25 years serving rural multi-church districts, multi-pastor metropolitan churches, and churches associated with Adventist institutions, including Sunnydale Academy and Minnetonka Academy.

Prior to coming to RMC, Inglish served as the property manager and director of Trust Services, Stewardship, and Personal Ministries for the Minnesota Conference.

Inglish recognizes the scope of the position he is about to undertake.

“It is always exciting to consider a new direction in ministry, but when it becomes apparent that speculation is becoming reality, it is very sobering and extremely humbling. Eric Nelson makes it look easy, but I have worked with several people in his position and know it is challenging, so I am very grateful that he is coaching me and will be available as I face new responsibilities,” Inglish said.

Ed Barnett, RMC president, is confident of Inglish’s ability to step into the Conference administrative position. “Doug has been in ministry for over thirty years and he has worked in at least four conferences. He has worked in two conference offices as director of Trust Services. He has a good feel for how things work in a conference. I believe he will be able to step in and be a real asset to the Rocky Mountain Conference,” he said.

Following the vote of the RMC Executive Committee, Inglish commented: “I am looking forward to returning to aspects of ministry that I have missed, but with the awareness that I am untested at this level of ministry, so I appreciate the support of others and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Inglish commented.

Inglish, a native of Indiana, has been married for 39 years to his wife, Susan. They have two grown children. Their daughter Chelsea is the youth pastor at Madison Campus Church in Madison, Tennessee, and son Joshua is a graphic designer in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

–RMCNews; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski

23 Feb

What to know post-vaccine

By Janelle Ringer – Loma Linda, California … As of the publication of this article on Feb. 10, 2021, nearly 10 percent of people in the United States have received at least one of the two COVID-19 vaccination shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the vaccine becomes more widely available, questions about what to do post-vaccine are becoming more common.

Jennifer Veltman, MD, chief of infectious disease at Loma Linda University Health, provides answers to common questions from people after they received the COVID-19 vaccine.

After being vaccinated, can I hug others? What if they are also vaccinated?

Unfortunately, we don’t have that answer. Vaccine studies were designed to answer the question of “Am I protected from those experiencing symptoms from COVID-19?” The vaccine studies were not set up to answer questions about prevention and transmission. We hope to have an answer soon.

After being vaccinated, should I still continue to wear masks and social distance?

For now, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike need to follow the current Department of Public Health recommendations (i.e., wearing masks and social distancing). We can lower our guard and stop with masks only when community spread decreases and is recommended by the Public Health Department.

After being vaccinated, can I still transmit COVID-19 to others?

Yes. A vaccine that requires two doses takes 7-14 days after the second dose for full protection, and even then, it’s 95% — not 100% — effective.

If I have flu-like symptoms, should I still get COVID-19 tested?

If you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that last for more than 48 hours, you should still get tested for COVID-19.

What can I do to slow the spread?

Wear a mask to protect yourself and others, stay at least six feet from others who don’t live with you, and avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19. It’s also important to wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds.

To learn more about COVID-19, visit Loma Linda University’s coronavirus information webpage. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, see this article on your biggest COVID-19 vaccine questions, or you can visit our COVID-19 vaccines webpage.

— Janelle Ringer is Senior Public Relations Specialist at Loma Linda University; photo by Pixabay

This article was originally published on the Loma Linda University Health news site

23 Feb

POETRY RECITAL AT IAA BRINGS HAPPINESS AND JOY TO OTHERS

By Jami Simpson – Grand Junction, Colorado … Students in the 2^nd to 4^th grade at Intermountain Adventist Academy were busy last week with an assignment that not only dealt with memorization and video recording, but also to encourage individuals in the community who have not been able to leave their homes often.

Their teacher, Jami Simpson, gave them the task of holding an online poetry recital as part of their lesson plan. The project challenged the students not only to memorize a poem, but to also learn technology skills needed to share their work. According to Sayeh Yousefi (2016), who wrote about the benefits of memorizing poetry, “the biggest benefit of reading and memorizing poetry, aside from an appreciation for a wondrous art form, is the immensely beneficial role it plays in the development of one’s mind and intellectual ability.” ^*

Another reason for the hefty assignment was to bring a smile to the faces of those at home, not able to get out much. Students encouraged the community by reciting their poems online, bringing happiness and joy to those unable to interact much with people outside their home.

One fourth grader commented, “The reason we recorded these poems is because we wanted to share the love of Jesus with other people.” Mason, a 3^rd grader, stated, “We made these poems for making people laugh.”

The students chose from a selection of poems. Their choices included “giggle poetry”, Valentine poems, and classics by William Blake and Emily Dickinson.

Fourth grader Max said, “The poem I memorized was easy to learn. The poem was fun. I liked the poem because it was funny.” Aning, another fourth grader, had a different opinion, “To be honest, it was hard for me, since I’ve never done a poem.”

After memorizing, the next task was learning to record video using their Chromebooks. The students then had to save the video onto their Google drives. Finally, they learned to insert the video and accompanying images onto a Google slide. The students did some very basic editing by trimming the ends of their video clips. Tanner, grade 2, said, “Making a poem is hard because you have to memorize. It was fun to put the pictures [with it] though.” Sophia, grade 3, thought that “it was easy to record, but hard to get it on slides.”

Another of the fourth graders reflected, “Have you ever thought about a poem? Well, if not, think about these lines from ‘Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face” by Jack Prelutsky:

Be glad your nose is on your face, / not pasted on some other place, / for if it were where it is not, / you might dislike your nose a lot.’

God created us. He put our noses on our faces because He knows best. He is love.”

To view videos of the poetry recital, you can visit IAA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IAAGJ

–Jami Simpson is the 2^nd – 4^th grade teacher at Intermountain Adventist Academy; photos from IAA’s Facebook page

*Yousefi, S. (2016, June 14). Benefits of Memorizing Poetry. Novak Djokovic Foundation. https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/benefits-memorizing-poetry/

22 Feb

-28 DEGREES WEATHER WELCOMED ATTENDEES AT WYOMING WINTER RETREAT 2021

RMCNews with Shayne Vincent – Casper, Wyoming … The tranquility of a snowy, quiet Mills Spring Ranch campus was interrupted by giggles and excited shouts of children, along with warm fellowship on Valentine’s weekend as members of the Gillette and Casper churches gathered for the Wyoming Winter Retreat 2021.

The weekend was filled with the swish of skis and the crunch of snowshoes as groups spent time exploring the white-laden forest. Miles of groomed snowmobile trails called the adventurous and sledding hills trembled with delight awaiting those young and young at heart to begin their joyous descent. The evenings, spent in fellowship, abounded with snacks, games and relaxation.

There was also time to spend in God’s Word. Henry Johnson, pastor from the Carolina Conference, gave talks on finding our purpose in Christ from the book of Ephesians. Lyla McDonald, member of a local church, and youth from Union College provided children’s and youth activities along with classes on Sabbath.

Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper district recalls the weekend which was filled with fellowship, but also extreme cold. “It was 28 below zero! It was so cold Brent Learned, [camp director] struggled to keep the propane in the kitchen working. But the fellowship of 80+ attendees was warm, and the music was joyful.”

The winter retreat is sponsored annually by the Casper and Gillette churches along with the cooperation of Mills Spring Ranch. Vincent adds that the hard work involved in meeting during the winter is worth it. “While it takes a fair bit of work with all the snow and shuttling people in with side by sides, it is never without fun and spiritual growth.”

If you are interested in attending next year, please contact Mills Spring Ranch for details.

— RMCNews with Shayne Vincent who is the pastor of the Casper, Wyoming district; photos supplied

22 Feb

Adventist Church Leaders move General Conference Session to St. Louis, Missouri

By Adventist News Network – Silver Spring, Maryland … The Executive Committee (EXCOM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted Wednesday, February 17, to move the 2022 General Conference (GC) Session, the quinquennial business meeting of the denomination, from Indianapolis, Indiana to St. Louis, Missouri, also located in the United States. The vote comes after GC Management was unexpectedly informed by the city of Indianapolis that the space in Indianapolis, was no longer available for the June 6-11, 2022 dates. These dates voted by the General Conference Executive Committee will remain the same.

“The announcement to us that the dates in Indianapolis were not available came as a complete surprise since we had taken this information to the GC Executive Committee,” said President of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church Ted N.C. Wilson. “The officials in Indianapolis have been gracious but found they were unable to provide the verbally confirmed dates. We felt badly about not continuing the wonderful collaboration with the Lake Union Conference, Lake Region Conference, and the Indiana Conference.

“However, God had already foreseen the problem and through helpful contacts with the St Louis Convention Center, the exact same dates of June 6-11, 2022, were provided. God always is going before us to open the way,” he said

The Adventist Church Executive Committee had originally voted during the 2016 Annual Council to return to St. Louis for the 2025 GC Session.

This new development comes after a January 12 vote from EXCOM members to postpone the GC Session originally scheduled for late June of 2020, for a second time, due to continued challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the GC Session will now be held in St. Louis, which is within the Mid-America Union, instead of the Lake Union Conference, the two unions will join together to collaborate in evangelism and mission ahead of the meetings.

Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union, also expressed his desire to work together during the upcoming GC Session. “When we learned this exciting news about the General Conference Session, our thoughts turned to the greater St. Louis area, which is divided by the Mississippi River,” he said. “ In actuality, there are two unions and four conferences covering this territory: the Mid-America Union with the Central States and Iowa-Missouri conferences, and the Lake Union with the Lake Region and Illinois conferences.

Thurber continued “Because of this, we are happy to be inviting the Lake Union to co-host the GC Session with us. The Lake Union has already prepared in a big way for the Session that was to be held in Indianapolis, so they will bring much experience and help to the table. We are thankful they are willing to work with us to impact the entire greater St. Louis community with the Three Angels Messages. It is always a privilege and honor to host a General Conference Session!”

Wilson also expressed his confidence the 2022 Session will be a time for Adventists to come together to share Jesus with the world. “Leading up to the General Conference Session, we look forward to a marvelous evangelistic working relationship with the Mid-America Union Conference and the Lake Union Conference which both encompass the greater St Louis region,” he said. “ What a privilege to proclaim the three angels’ messages and Christ’s soon coming in a united way in Total Member Involvement. As our 2022 GC Session theme says, ‘Jesus Is Coming! Get Involved.’”

–Photo by pixabay

This article was originally published on the Adventist News Network website

19 Feb

CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF EDUCATION EXPERIENCE FOR PAUL NEGRETE, NEW ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT

By Karrie Meyers — Denver, Colorado … Following an invitation by the RMC Administrative Committee, Paul Negrete accepted the position of associate superintendent of RMC education at the end of January and will begin his position on July 1.

“God has blessed Paul with many gifts that will, in turn, bless the schools and communities in our conference,” Diane Harris, RMC superintendent of education said. “His passion for Adventist education is contagious. His K-12 experience not only compliments the strengths already found in the department but will also serve as a valuable asset as we develop ways to better serve our schools.”

Negrete brings a track record of education successes that span 24 years. He began his career teaching at East Valley Adventist School in Baldwin Park, California, where he taught at the fifth through eighth-grade level for six years, later becoming the teaching principal. Following East Valley Academy, he transferred to San Gabriel Academy in Southern California where he occupied multiple roles, including head principal, a position he has held for the past 11 years.

He now joins RMC with a proven track record of meeting high expectations and a keen understanding of the importance of meaningful communication between teachers, parents and the community.

During his time at San Gabriel Academy, he oversaw the implementation of changes at a systemic level, a transition that happened six years prior to the North American Division initiative for the same changes.

Negrete credits this experience as giving him a unique understanding of how to transition and implement such changes within a large system. “I am grateful God has had a place for me in Adventist Education,” Negrete said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with superintendent Harris, who not only has a deep love and understanding for RMC education, but also a vision for where it can go.”

“Our work as educators is to continue to better understand His [God’s] plan for education and His ideal for the world we live in. My hope is to help bring many young people to Christ through the ministry of education so that they, in turn, can contribute to the preaching of the Gospel and be ready for Christ’s soon return,” Negrete added.

Negrete earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from La Sierra University. He and his wife, Cindy, who supports and partners with him in the ministry of education, have two daughters, Natalie and Giselle. Natalie is completing her third year at La Sierra University, and Giselle is a high school sophomore.

–Karrie Meyers is communication assistant at Mile High Academy; photo supplied

18 Feb

Campion student honored with Good Citizen Award

By Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado…Samantha Hodges, Campion senior and frequent contributor to NewsNuggets, was recognized with a Good Citizen Award by The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was nominated by Campion’s staff for demonstrating the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

“It was a honor to be nominated for this award, and a joy to earn the title of the Good Citizen Award as well as represent Campion Academy. It was a great opportunity to write an essay about our country and its heritage. It is my hope to inspire others through my writing and everyday actions by being the best person I can be,” Samantha Hodges said.

The Namaqua Chapter has hosted an annual Student Recognition and Patriotic Tea for 105 years, which Samantha attended online this year. Each of the selected winners from seven local high schools read a personal essay on the topic, “Our American Heritage and Our responsibility to Preserve it.”

The Thomson Valley School District Superintendent, county commissioner, and Loveland mayor were present to honor the nominees.

–Campion Academy News; photo supplied

18 Feb

CASPER STUDENTS DEFY FRIGID WEATHER TO SPREAD LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

RMCNews with Traci Pike – Casper, Wyoming…Wyoming kids are tough. They don’t let a high of zero degrees keep them from going out to spread some cheer.

Mountain Road Christian Academy students ventured into the freezing temperatures on February 11 to spread love to lonely church members who have been homebound.

The school normally makes cookies and goes Christmas caroling every year for shut-ins, but the pandemic caused the closure of the school a week early before Christmas and they had to cancel this long-awaited event.

Knowing how much the community looked forward to seeing the students, teacher aide Lynnette Huber began discussions in January with Traci Pike, head teacher, on how to do a similar event for Valentine’s Day.

With a plan in place, students began preparation by making Valentine cards and practiced singing Jesus Loves Me, and Oh, Friend Do You Love Jesus as “love songs” in preparation to share Jesus’ love with their fellow church members and others.

Pike recalls the event, “February 11 was a cold, COLD day in Casper. Students, staff, and Pastor Shayne Vincent bundled up in winter gear and loaded onto the school bus before heading out. Singing was cut down to just Jesus Loves Me to limit the time out in the frigid wind chill temperatures that were around -20 degrees that morning.”

The visit by the students brought smiles to the members they visited.

“What fun it is to surprise people with a friendly visit. Smiles were abundant on the faces of the visited as well as their young, singing visitors. People didn’t mind at all holding their doors open for two minutes as the students and staff sang the familiar old song to them to remind them that Jesus does indeed love us and to show them that they have not been forgotten during this time of pandemic,” Pike added.

Mountain View Christian Academy plans to continue this activity in the future as it has become a favorite outreach activity for the school and students.

–RMCNews with Traci Pike who is head teacher at Mountain View Christian Academy; photos supplied