Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

29 Oct

AFTER NEARBY WILDFIRES, CLEAN UP CONTINUES AT GVR

By Jon Roberts – Ward, Colorado … After being evacuated from Glacier View Ranch, staff spent the majority of the week rejoicing even while cleaning out refrigerators and freezers of spoiled food.

GVR staff was forced to abandon the place where they work and minister to the multitudes as two wildfires erupted near the camp. They spent the following days with uneasiness and uncertainty about the fate of the camp as wildfires ravished the nearby communities.

As soon as Dan Hansen, director of camp ministry, received word that it was safe to return, he and the staff made their way toward the camp unsure what they would find.

Upon arrival on Friday, October 23, they were thankful to find the camp untouched by the fires.

“The camp itself was not harmed by the fires, but the power was off most of the time we were evacuated, so we had a tremendous amount of cleanup from refrigerators and freezers, but we were blessed that all of our equipment came back on. We still have a way to go, but we thank the Lord each day for the protection of the camp and our staff as we made multiple transitions,” Hansen said.

GVR staff are thankful for all RMC members who remembered them as they faced these hardships.

“With heartfelt gratitude, we want to thank our members and those we serve at GVR for all of the prayers and well wishes during this time of the wildfires in this area. We are so grateful for the support of our administration and the youth department for continuingly lifting us up. Again, thank you for keeping us in your prayers, and we’d love to see you at GVR in the near future,” Hansen said.

The recent snowfall has helped with fire-suppression efforts; however, fires continue to burn near Estes Park and the surrounding community.

“We are thankful that Glacier View was spared from the wildfires; however, our hearts are saddened at the loss of many homes and the livelihood of Glacier View’s neighbors. I urge all of our members to continue to pray for those still being affected by the wildfires, many of whom are our church members,” Ed Barnett, RMC President said.

—Jon Roberts is RMC media/communication assistant; photo by Dan Hansen

29 Oct

HOME SICKNESS REPLACED BY FUN AT CAMPION RESIDENCE HALL

By Haley Enochs – Loveland, Colorado …“Everything I knew was about to change, but I would make memories that would last a lifetime. All the doubts and worries I had would soon fade as this would become my second home,” Haley Enochs, Campion senior, said.

For incoming students, life in the residence hall can be an intimidating, yet exciting, new adventure. Residence life is where students make friends and have the help of their deans to guide them through.

“When I entered the doors of the residence hall for my very first move-in day, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. The rules, the people I was around, the things I was about to do, and the schedule I would have would be different,” Enochs, added.

Although life [in the dorm] is much different than living at home, students learn to adapt and have a great opportunity to grow stronger relationships with the people around them.

“The people here in the dorm are like family; they are fun, crazy, and awesome to hang around with. You always have something new happening each day that makes being at Campion feel less like a school, and more like a family trying to know God more,” Jahir Marcenaro, Campion junior, commented.

At times, residence hall students struggle with the complete change in schedule and lifestyle and experience homesickness.

“Even though I have been in the dorm since [my] sophomore year, I still get homesick every now and then. Personally, I am not someone who easily opens up about my struggles, but living in the dorm has helped me learn to trust others, and the girls have been a big encouragement during my hardest times at school,” Sami Hodges, Campion senior explained.

For first-year residence hall students, while it can take time to adapt to the new environment, the friendships made there are irreplaceable.

“Dorm life for me is amazing!” Bentlee Barry, first-year dorm student, exclaimed, “I’ve never had as strong relationships with girls as I do here. Everyone in your hall is like your family. No matter what happens, we have each other’s back. It was such a blessing coming here and I hope others are able to experience it.”

Being in the residence hall puts students in a Christ-centered environment that encourages them to experience a lifelong relationship with God. The nightly worship, coupled with praying with the deans and each other help students grow with God.

Despite struggles, Hodges affirmed, “I’ve had to rely on God this year more than any other year, and I have come to realize that without Him, it is impossible to get through anything on my own.”

—Haley Enochs is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied

29 Oct

SICK LIST WOES BUT NO COVID AT CAMPION

By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado…The resilience of Campion Academy was tested in the last few weeks after a spike among students quarantined due to mild symptoms and COVID policies.

Out of an abundance of caution, any student experiencing possible COVID symptoms is put on the “sick list”. Close contacts, such as roommates, are restricted from attending classes even if they are not symptomatic.

When placed on the sick list, students who can’t return home are restricted to their dorm room or moved to a guest room to be isolated. The deans and school nurse check on them regularly and bring them meals. Symptomatic students continue to attend classes virtually unless they have severe symptoms.

“At first, I was excited because I would be in my warm room, have my food delivered to me, and be in my bed during class. After the second day, my excitement was gone,” a Campion student commented when they had to isolate after their roommate showed symptoms.

“I missed my friends. It was difficult to understand class [lectures] because of the Zoom audio quality, and there was nothing to do in my room. I spent most of my day working out and finishing homework. I also texted and called my family and friends to keep myself from dying of boredom,” the student added.

Any student with symptoms is tested for COVID. Some twenty students have been tested in the month of October, all of them negative. After a negative test result, the student and any close contacts can return to classes as long as they are no longer symptomatic.

With the negative test results and mild illnesses, the isolation time for students has generally been a few days. However, those few days stuck in a room have been a good reminder to students that in-person school with COVID policies is preferable to Zoom in quarantine.

“Being on the list can make you lonely for sure, but I’m just thankful we have the opportunity to be here and not go online,” reflected another student. “Being on sick list isn’t everyone’s dream, but it’s better than being sent home.”

Upon receiving negative test results, students are heard shouting for joy, knowing they can return to normal school life. Teachers and other staff members are just as relieved.

Michael Gann, Campion men’s dean, says that even though caring for students isolated in their rooms can create extra work, he takes it in stride. “For me, it’s just another aspect of the job to embrace. Our role is to take care of and provide for these students and give them a safe and healthy place to live. When they are sick, we take care of them; it’s just part of our role. No one wants to be stuck in a room for a couple of days, but it reminds us that we are all vulnerable, and we need to keep doing our part with hand washing, social distancing, and mask wearing.”

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy communication director; photo supplied

28 Oct

VISTA RIDGE ACADEMY HOLDS PASTOR APPRECIATION PARADE

By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Vista Ridge Academy students lined the school driveway on Friday, October 23 to honor the pastors of their constituent churches with an appreciation parade.

Honorees of the parade were greeted with student-created posters and were cheered as they drove by the crowd that had assembled.

J Murdock, Boulder pastor, brought his extra hand to give fist bumps to the students as he drove by. “I love any chance I get to see the students,” says Murdock.

After the parade, each pastor was presented with a gift basket filled with some of their favorite things.

Reflecting on the event, Herbert Hernandez, Chapel Haven pastor, said, “We really appreciate all the gifts. Thank you for doing this.”

With pandemic restrictions, pastors haven’t been able to be on campus much this year; but they still have had the opportunity to participate and lead the students in chapel every Friday via zoom.

Principal Sandy Hodgson is thankful to have supportive pastors. “Seeing the excitement of [the] students as they celebrate our pastors in some small way was a blessing,” says Hodgson.

Both the VRA staff and students are looking forward to the time when they can all be together again for chapel in the library.

—Marsha Bartulec is vice principal of Administration at Vista Ridge Academy; photos by Marsha Bartulec

28 Oct

NEW CAMPION CHURCH COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS CULINARY CREATIONS

NN Oct 2020

By Joyelle Worley — Loveland, Colorado … Spicy squash cashew dip and gluten-free apple crisp were just two of the mouthwatering culinary creations on display at the healthy cooking seminar on October 22, hosted by Campion church.

The seminar, the first outreach event held in the newly-built community center, brought members and friends together for a fun-filled and informative evening on how to cook using plant-based options.

Eric Aakko, a certified plant-based chef educator and author, demonstrated his accented-with-fall, homemade dishes, including his oil-free, gluten-free apple crisp, and his original spicy squash cashew dip.

Attendees not only tried the foods that were baked or blended on the spot, but also took home recent research on living life to the max through eating whole foods, including an article titled, “Health Benefits of the Recovery Smoothie Ingredients.”

Aakko, having a passion for healthy eating and exercise, took the opportunity to share an update on his recovery from a severe bike accident earlier in the year. [To read about Aakko’s bike accident and the miracles he experienced, please click here.

If you would like to learn about Aakoo’s plant-based solutions in cooking, visit www.speakingwellness.com; and look for some of his favorite recipes in his new cookbook: Clean Endurance.

—Joyelle Worley is a member of the Campion Church communication team; photos by Eric Aakko, Debby Worley, and Nestor Soriano

27 Oct

COMMUNICATION SKILLS BEING TAUGHT THROUGH SPORTS

By Bentlee Barry – Loveland, Colorado …Campion Academy’s intramural program is keeping students active and healthy even while varsity sports are suspended throughout the pandemic.

During first quarter, students could choose to participate in one of three sports offered: flag football, volleyball, and disc golf.

The number of participants on each team was reduced to ensure social distancing and limit contact. Players were also required to wear masks and submit to temperature checks in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

The games, fun to play for the students, also taught important lessons in communicating with each other as a team.

“At the beginning, we really struggled, but we were able to win because we communicated and worked as a team,” Kevin Perez, Campion senior said.

Ireland Anthony, Campion senior added, “We were undefeated because we all had chemistry and good communication with each other.”

A benefit of the intramural program has been the camaraderie it has created among students.

Perez reflected, “My favorite part of intramurals was getting to know my teammates. I didn’t know them well before, so it was really nice to grow my relationships with them.”

The second quarter intramural season will begin in November. Campion plans to continue keeping students active with precautions, while waiting for sports to resume safely.

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

27 Oct

PIES NO — DUCT TAPE YES

By John Clark – Cortez, Colorado…No pies this fall at Cortez Adventist School; instead, a day filled with games, laughter, and fellowship.

With the ongoing pandemic, the Cortez school realized their annual pie auction, the fall fundraiser, couldn’t happen this year. This was disappointing news to many who looked forward to the auction. Not admitting defeat, organizers began to plan an alternative fundraiser event, a fall festival.

Following appropriate health guidelines parents, students, and community members gathered on October 11 for a fall afternoon of fun.

“We had lots of games, some food, bake sale items, and a silent auction. People purchased tickets to use at each booth,” John Clark, Cortez church pastor said.

Rain threatened to cancel the event earlier in the day, but it held off. The wind, however, made it difficult to hold everything down and, according Clark, “Duct tape was our friend” as they worked to secure the attractions.

As the afternoon was concluding, the smiles and laughter from the crowd were the evidence that the festival was enjoyed.

“The kids all had a blast, and we did earn some necessary funds for our school,” Clark added. “It was a success, and we will continue holding the Festival in the future. We learned a lot and have several ideas to incorporate next year.”

–John Clark is pastor of the Cortez Church; photos supplied.

26 Oct

POLAR BEARS DECLARED THE WINNER AT LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL ELECTION

By Lora Lee Mendez – Fort Morgan, Colorado … The Purple Party will rule the Lighthouse Adventist Christian School in Fort Morgan this year, according to the official election results from principal Pennie Wredberg.

Lighthouse Christian School students participated in a mock election exercise during October to better understand the civic process the country is currently going through.

“I wanted them to understand the voting process, but more importantly, I wanted them to realize that it takes a team to win, not one person,” Gabriel Mendez, Lighthouse teacher said.

Mendez obtained voting stickers and started to prepare the kindergarten through fourth grades to be a team.

After the students were divided into teams, they picked a party name and a symbol from the provided options. The match-up was decided: The Orange Party, the penguins; the Purple Party, the polar bears.

The parties decided on the classroom/school policies they would support and picked one which would be the central focus of their campaign. Finally, students nominated a presidential candidate.

Pupils were assigned tasks and decided on responsibilities for team members.

“I asked to be the speech writer and they said I could”, Lisette, a fourth-grader, shared. Others choose to create posters and slogans, and to oversee the distribution of posters by placing them strategically throughout the school.

Press releases were written to unveil their party’s platform, symbols, and values. With election rules decided and ballots created, the upper grades made voting booths and decorated them for Election Day.

With final speeches polished by the speech writers, candidates made one final effort to win voters over to their side. There was only one thing left to do–vote.

Two by two, students entered the classroom and cast their votes, the candidates anxiously waiting for the votes to be counted. When the winner was announced as the Polar Bears, students erupted into applause.

The real winners, in Mendez’s opinion, were the lower grade students, who got to know how a campaign runs and about the teamwork necessary to make everything pull together for a successful campaign.

—Lora Lee Mendez is a member of the Fort Morgan Church and wife of Gabriel Mendez, Lighthouse teacher; photos courtesy of Lighthouse School Facebook Page.

22 Oct

DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE ULTIMATE GOAL

By Bob McAlpine –Have Adventists lost their way when it comes to political participation in 2020?

Seventh-day Adventists have always been deeply involved in American politics. When a national Sunday law was proposed in 1888, one of the Adventist pioneers, A.T. Jones, played a crucial role in defeating it. Ellen White herself was vocal about the evils of the Fugitive Slave Act before the Civil War and equally vocal about the necessity of “temperance reforms,” by which she meant advocacy against the consumption of alcohol after the Civil War.

This leads to a startling conflict of interests. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was the most prominent national organization advocating for both the national Sunday law and for stronger restrictions (dare we say prohibitions?) on alcohol consumption. Yet Ellen, publicly and privately, encouraged Adventists to actively engage with the WCTU.

How could it be possible for committed Seventh-day Adventist Christians to “unite” with an organization whose goals were so obviously at odds with Adventist beliefs? Let the messenger of the Lord speak for herself: “…while there is to be no sacrifice of principle on our part, as far as possible we are to unite with them in laboring for temperance reforms” (TE 222). Apparently, Ellen White believed it was possible for Seventh-day Adventists to cooperate with controversial organizations without compromising their commitments to core Adventist doctrines.

In my view, here is where Adventists in 2020 have lost our way. It seems that we have fallen prey to the false belief that participation in the political process requires that we endorse a particular party’s entire platform. Put another way, we have been deceived into thinking that involvement with an organization implies that we endorse the entirety of that organization’s agenda. But White’s writing about the WCTU gives the lie to that way of thinking!

White urged faithful Seventh-day Adventist Christians to do all they could to advance the kingdom of God, including working with others who were travelling in the same direction. This type of participation in the political life of a nation is only possible because Christians generally, and Adventists particularly, have both a God-given mission (Matthew 28:18-20) and a God-given metanarrative (Revelation 12:7-12) through which we can filter our involvement.

As an Adventist Christian I will never hang my hopes for justice, prosperity, peace, opportunity, etc. on the Democrat party or on the Republican party. I don’t put my hope in a political leader or in a ballot initiative. All my hopes hang on Jesus Christ alone.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13 NET).

Because my hope is in Christ alone, in his salvation and in his glorious appearing, I can pray for any political leader—even if I think they are a secret fascist/communist/Jesuit/whatever.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I can affirm that black lives matter and that unborn lives matter—even if that leaves me without a comfortable place in any political party.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I can cast a vote for a particular candidate or ballot measure—even though I can’t see the unintended consequences of my vote.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I recognize that hanging my hopes on anyone or anything other than Him is just a (not-so-) subtle form of idolatry.

Our God-given calling is to advance the Kingdom of Heaven in the world until Jesus returns and we see our hopes fulfilled. Let us be active in the political life of our town, county, state, and country without losing sight of the ultimate goal. Let us give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone and follow where his Spirit leads without regard to partisan politics. When we do this, we can labor alongside others confident that there will be no sacrifice of principle on our part.

(I’m deeply indebted to Pete Enns for jumpstarting my thinking on these issues: https://peteenns.com/dear-christian-if-the-thought-of-either-romney-or-obama-getting-elected-makes-you-fearful-angry-or-depressed-you-have-what-we-call-a-theological-problem/ )

— Bob McAlpine is pastor in Alamosa and Monte Vista churches in Colorado. Email him at: [email protected]

22 Oct

COMMENTARY: END OF YEAR PLANNING

By Doug Inglish–Like many of you, I start to think about what kind of gifts I want to give long before birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries arrive. You don’t want to find that the store is closed or that the online supplier is out of stock and be forced to substitute with something that’s not quite what you had in mind.

The same can apply to gifts we give to charity. It’s always easy to drop a check in the mail, but non-cash gifts take some planning. In order to get valuations, receipts, and other necessary elements of a completed gift all lined up before the end of the year, you have to plan ahead.

Non-cash gifts are often wonderful, but they are not always simple. For example, on a gift of real property, at a minimum, there must be an environmental evaluation and possibly even a professional environmental inspection. A title search may have to be done, a value has to be established by a disinterested third party, and deeds have to be prepared and signed. Stock transfers cannot be handled by the local church treasurer. They must be managed by our office during a window of time when we have several days in which banks and financial institutions are not open. Vacation times could mean that an authorized person from our office is unavailable to accept a gift on behalf of the Conference. Charitable IRA rollovers require you and us to work with your custodian, and they may have internal processes that can eat up days. And if you are thinking of donating your interest in a limited partnership, you would have to provide a slew of documents and allow for a lot of legal review.

There are really so many variables that putting everything into a short notice like this is not possible. If you are considering making a non-cash donation, the most prudent decision you can make is to talk to us now and learn what would be involved. We are happy to help, but a phone call on December 31 offering us the cabin in the mountains is not going to result in you making a tax-deductible donation that you can file with your 2020 returns.

Bless you all as you plan for the end of the year, and if you suspect, even a little bit, that we can help, by all means give us a call, and sooner rather than later.

—Doug Inglish is RMC director of planned giving and trust services; photo by Unsplash