Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

29 Jul

When God Says Move

NN July 2020

By David Nicodemus – Denver, Colorado … The last song was sung, the last sermon preached, yet True Life Community (TLC) members left the building they had rented for the last four years not with sadness. There was anticipation and excitement on July 25 Sabbath, knowing the words of their last song, “Your Grace Still Amazes Me” were true.

Having spent the last four years at Praise Church, God impressed TLC it was time to move to a surprising location filled with opportunities to partner with another Adventist church at their new location.

Beginning August 1, TLC will meet on the campus of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, located at 6200 West Hampden Avenue in Denver, taking over the chapel building on the south end of campus.

“We are excited to move to our new home because it gives us an opportunity to work with LifeSource in reaching the Southwest Denver Community. We are not two separate churches but one body of Christ,” David Nicodemus, TLC Outreach Coordinator said.

“God clearly had his hand in bringing us to the LifeSource Campus,” said Bob Reynolds, True Life Community pastor. “When I brought up the option of moving to LifeSource, the decision was unanimous. You could sense the excitement of the board and the members of TLC because of the opportunity to work together with LifeSource,” Reynolds finished.

Some 30 believers gathered in a caravan of pickup trucks, trailers, and cars to help with the move, bringing the belongings from the old church to the new. Many members are now busy unpacking, organizing, and cleaning up around their new location in preparation for their first Sabbath, August 1.

—David Nicodemus, is True Life Community church outreach coordinator; photos supplied.

29 Jul

PASTOR WAYNE NAZARENUS RETIRES AFTER 46 YEARS

By Mickey Mallory — Colorado Springs, Colorado … “I wish we had more people like Wayne in the world today. He has set the bar for what a true Christian looks like,” commented Lonnie Hetterle, RMC education superintendent. “Pastor Wayne has been a major steady, solid, consistent influence wherever he has been. His walk with Christ is inspirational. His support of Christian education is exemplary.”

Hetterle was addressing participants of a retirement farewell for Pastor Wayne Nazarenus and his wife, Karen, held July 25 at the Colorado Springs South Seventh-day Adventist Church. Nazarenus retired after 46 years in pastoral ministry, with 41 of those years in the Rocky Mountain Conference.

He started full-time ministry on December 15, 1972 with a prior six years as associate pastor intern in Kansas City, Missouri. His full-time pastorate included several churches: Pueblo, Colorado Springs South, and Pueblo West, as well as part-time ministry in the Trinidad Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The impact of Pastor Wayne’s ministry at Colorado Springs South was obvious, according to Jack Bohannon, church elder and retired pastor. “Wayne had a tremendous impact on me and the congregation,” he said. He was not only an excellent storyteller for the children, a good Sabbath School teacher and a spiritual preacher, but was also dedicated to the church’s visitation and Bible study program. Bohannon shared that “the South [Colorado Springs] congregation owes a lot to the Nazarenus family. We felt that his devotion to us should be rewarded–in a public sense.”

Describing his own spiritual journey, on which Nazarenus had a major impact, Colorado Springs South member Lucas Lujan shared that “Pastor Wayne modeled a Christlike attitude in a way that made me want to read the Bible to learn more about Jesus. In fact, he encouraged me to read the Bible for myself to see if the things he taught were so. Pastor Wayne will probably never know exactly how many lives he has touched with his ministry until the Lord Jesus reveals it to him in Heaven. [It would be nice] if the kindness, love, gentleness, and meekness I witnessed in this man’s ministry could be multiplied in every encounter every person has with a Christian.”

With Hetterle representing the Rocky Mountain Conference at the retirement event, Mickey Mallory, ministerial director, spoke these words, “When considering the impact of the ministry of Pastor Wayne and Karen, Pastor Mallory believes that the affirmation given in the Parable of the Talents would be applicable to them also: Well done, good and faithful servant for you have been faithful. (Matt. 25:21).”

Pastor Wayne and Karen were very touched by the outpouring of love and appreciation at the ceremony. He commented, “The farewell celebration Sabbath at Colorado Springs South warmed our hearts. We appreciated the many statements affirming our ministry. It has been a great blessing to us serving the Colorado Springs South and Trinidad churches in our retirement. We will miss our church families in Colorado.” Pastor Wayne and his wife recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and will be moving to Lagrange, Georgia to be closer to one of their children and their grandchildren.

—Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photos supplied

29 Jul

A broken back and seven miracles – COMMENTARY

By Eric Aakko – Brighton, Colorado…My friend Bob Goodman and I were more than 200 miles into our 350-mile bikepacking trip in southern Colorado when a freak accident snapped my spine in half. Bikepacking is like backpacking, except with a mountain bike. A typical day of bikepacking for us consists of 60 to 75 miles on remote gravel roads.

We woke up that morning to temperatures in the low 20s on July 1, 2020. We were camped at 9,000 feet and set forth in the pre-dawn twilight, heading for the summit of Cochetopa Pass, where the early-morning sun had risen. An hour and a half of rapid pedaling, brought us to the 10,000-foot summit where a brilliant sunshine and 50-degree temperatures greeted us. After eating a light breakfast at the summit, we said a prayer and began our descent on the southern side of the summit. Our goal for the day was to ride a total of 75 miles south to the town of Del Norte. The anticipated reward for a long day of riding was a restaurant dinner of pasta, salad, and garlic rolls.

Minutes into our descent, the accident happened. Despite a wide rubber strap around the front fork of my bike, which was holding my water bottle, the bottle became dislodged and wedged between the front tire and frame. The jammed bottle halted my motion instantly. I was catapulted over the handlebars and landed on my head and back. The helmet cracked and the exterior plastic shell melted from the sliding impact.

I did not know it at the time, but the accident completely snapped my T9 spinal vertebrae. I thought my kidneys and ribs were damaged because of the intense pain in my back. It was extremely difficult to breathe. On my hands and knees for more than an hour, I was finally able to stand with Bob’s help.

Other than the severe pain in my back, I had not broken my neck, arms, pelvis, or legs. I also had not injured my head—miracle number one! I asked Bob if my front wheel was damaged, and he replied that my bike was rideable with no damage to the wheels or spokes—miracle number two. As we had to self-rescue, Bob helped me onto my bike and we rode down the gravel road for about four miles to a paved road—all the while with an unknown serious spinal injury—miracle number three. As we descended, Bob prayed silently for help. Within seconds of reaching the road, two vans approached, and we flagged them down. The vans were driven by two brothers who agreed to help. Although the brothers were heading south, they were gracious enough to go north, taking me to Salida, more than an hour out of their way—miracle number four! As we headed to the hospital and made our introductions, one of the brother’s said his name was Miracle. I couldn’t believe it.

A CT scan was performed to look for internal damage. I was in too much pain to sit for long or lie down. The doctor came in the room and told me that my spine was broken, and I was in immediate danger of paralysis. The doctor said I would be airlifted to Centura St. Anthony’s trauma hospital in Denver. Normally, it takes several hours for a helicopter to arrive. However, on this day, a helicopter was fueled and waiting on the helipad. Within minutes, I was flying towards Denver—miracle number five.

At the hospital, the trauma staff told me I was very fortunate because I was going to have the top neurosurgeon secure my spine. Surgery was scheduled shortly after my arrival. After the surgery, I asked the surgeon if I was lucky to not be paralyzed, or if divine intervention was involved? He replied that it was not luck, saying I should have been paralyzed early in the accident, especially with riding a mountain bike down a bumpy gravel road–miracle number six.

Three weeks after my accident and surgery, I am freely walking about outside with only moderate pain—miracle number seven! The surgeon said I should make a full recovery and be able to ride my bike in six months.

–Eric Aakko is an avid cyclist, certified plant-based chef educator, public health practitioner, and adult Sabbath School teacher at the Brighton church.

***For a short YouTube about the trip, including the daily smoothie Eric created for his recovery, click here.

28 Jul

ADVENTURE “AIR HUG” THEIR MEMBERS IN ISOLATION

NN July 2020

By Lee Lee Dart — Greeley, Colorado … After community Bible study earlier in July, members of the Adventure church visited those members who have been in isolation since March.

Stan and Jane Bedan, longtime faith believers are residents at Brookdale Assisted Living facility, and have been cut off from the world since COVID-19 reached Colorado, causing the center to lock their doors to visitors.

Members created signs saying, “We love you” and “We miss you” and decorated them with hearts and bright letters. The signs, held outside the window of their room, brought big smiles to the Bedan’s faces. The members sang and offered air hugs, producing even more smiles.

“Covid stinks! It is so tragic being in a nursing home or assisted living home right now.

The isolation is heartbreaking,” commented Lee Lee Dart, pastor of the Adventure church.

“They (the Bedans) were faithful churchgoers each week sitting near the front. Stan would pass out candy and Jane would give us that big smile. Stan and I loved to tease each other. I miss them,” Dart added.

Jesus sought out the marginalized in his community. He found them and spread the cheer of His presence and healing power. The church has healing power just like Jesus did and can spread His healing power.

Pray for the lonely individuals in these facilities and pray that in-person visits can resume soon. Let us lift up humanity.

–Lee Lee Dart is pastor of the Adventure church in Greeley, Colorado; photo courtesy of the Adventure Facebook page.

27 Jul

Littleton Church Holds Safe VBS for 55 Children

By Jon Roberts – Littleton, Colorado …The Vacation Bible School Rocky Railway program pulled into the Littleton station on Monday morning, July 20. For a week, 55 children from many metro area churches, and 25 volunteers forgot about the stress of living in an upside-down world and came together to enjoy music, skits, fellowship, and learning about Jesus.

The event, held mostly outside due to local restrictions, kicked off with friends from church and school talking, waving, and catching up on the most important items in their lives: computer games, sports, and the latest happenings with other classmates and family.

Even in a 2020 pandemic world, the message that Jesus’ power pulls us through was at the center of VBS at Littleton church.

For many, this was a week where they could feel like a normal kid and forget about Zoom classes and isolation and enjoy things coronavirus has stolen from their life since March.

“With so many kids experiencing a summer that looks and feels different from previous years, it has been nice to plan and host an event that brings back some normalcy for our youngest members,” Alise Weber, VBS director and associate pastor of children’s and family ministry at Littleton said. “With our church opening back up at half-capacity, I saw no reason that we couldn’t host a VBS if safety guidelines were in place.”

The safety measures taken didn’t go unnoticed. The second day of VBS began with a Littleton police officer walking around the church to ensure that restrictions by the Tri-County Health Department and Governor Polis were being followed. Based on inquires from curious neighbors, the city of Littleton sent an officer to check out this unusual gathering in 2020. The officer gave Littleton the all-clear and complimented them on producing a safe atmosphere for the attendees.

Weber explained the extensive safeguards taken. “To ensure the safety of our kids, we spent a lot more time outside. Normally our kids are only outside for the game station, but they are spending more than half their time outside. We did the opening and closing exercises, the game station, and snack time all outside. The family units are usually mixed within different groups, but this year, we kept family units together in groups. At the start of the program, each child was given a bag in which to carry their own materials to avoid the passing of material. Activities in each station were altered to promote social distancing and also to minimize the transfer of materials from person to person. Of course, masks were worn inside. Our youngest crew members wore masks as they traveled from station to station inside and, of course, our attendees, 11 years old and older, wore masks inside.”

The event was a group effort among all the pastoral staff. Chris Morris, associate pastor, helped with music, while Andy Nash, lead pastor, led the opening and closing program every day. The many volunteers from the audio / visual team, station leaders, crew leaders, and worship leader Russell Palmer were recognized on Sabbath as VBS concluded with a celebration at outdoor church.

“The theme of our VBS program this year was Jesus’ power will pull us through,” said Weber. “I think that is a message all of us, old and young, need to be reminded of during these uncertain times. I hope that each child leaving our VBS program will know and feel the love of Jesus Christ. As they develop their relationship with Jesus, knowing that Jesus will help them through anything they may face ahead is a true treasure.

“It’s been so special to have our church alive with the sounds of children this week—outdoors and indoors,” said Nash. “Pastor Alise Weber has done a wonderful job leading a safe and joyful VBS.”

—Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos supplied.

23 Jul

RMC CHURCH MEETS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION IN THE NEW NORMAL

Rocky Mountain Conference Officers comment on how the church fared in the past six months and they share their hopes for the church’s new normal.

Ed Barnett, RMC president

Incredible changes have taken place in our Conference in the last four months. They are such changes that will require us to take a new look at how we do church. From a leadership perspective, this offers an opportunity for our Conference and the church itself to carefully and prayerfully look at how we can do church better as we move forward.

In the era of “new normal,” all our congregations have engaged in embracing technology and virtual worship. Looking into the future, we expect to continue live streaming worship services in all churches. It is amazing to see the number of hits some of our churches are getting.

In the last few months, the church mission, including our traditional evangelistic outreach, experienced a pause in many of our plans, but also received a boost with a variety of new methods. Over the years, we have talked about innovation. Now, we are not to engage in the “tried and true,” but must continue to update and retool using new technology and social media to reach thousands of people versus the low numbers we were reaching in the past. And there is more. To effectively reach our publics, we need to rethink the content of our preaching and teaching. Jesus has to be the center of our churches, homes and message.

In recent months, we have been seen an increased interaction with our neighbors as we have responded to their many needs – both physical and spiritual. It is vital that we refocus our public presence and strategize ways to best meet the needs of our communities while sharing Jesus and His love.

Among the biggest challenges in our Conference is the effect of the pandemic on our schools. There will be the required readjustment in how educational programs meet the cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of our students, besides also meeting the financial obligations.

From a management perspective, we must continue to hold more meetings via the Internet versus spending thousands of dollars traveling our vast territory of Colorado, Wyoming and the Northern part of New Mexico. Our new circumstances are calling us to rethink how we conduct large gatherings, including Town Halls and Camp Meetings.

Eric Nelson, RMC VP for administration

Adventist churches within RMC have been challenged to accommodate the health orders of their counties and states, as has the whole country. The goal continues to be maintaining the safety of our members while carrying on ministry by the local church. How creative our churches have become during this time. There have been added burdens of setting up safeguards to keep distance, masks and safety protocols to ensure that we have a safe environment for our church members to gather even in a limited manner. Some have taken to worshiping outdoors weather permitting allows since there is more space and attendance can be increased. All of these scenarios create challenges for our churches and for their worship.

Many of our pastors, at the beginning of the outbreak, were conducting evangelistic or outreach services. They had to switch nimbly to an on-line format. In some cases, their attendance increased. In the same manner, some have seen more people attending their online worship than were attending when they met in the sanctuary. We praise the Lord for the resources of computer and internet that provide tools that can meet this challenge. Thankfully, restrictions did not stop a number of baptisms, and new methods are already being mission effective, such as giving Bible studies by phone or online.

All churches will continue to adjust to the restrictive health challenges they are working under. In some cases, that means continuing to offer multiple services or live-streaming or the use of a format that reaches those not comfortable attending in person due to health, age or preference. Ways are being explored to develop or maintain personal interaction and contact with these individuals beyond a short contact by computer. Ministry is challenged to connect under these circumstances.

While regulations and restrictions were implemented within the Conference, several churches welcomed new pastors in Colorado and Wyoming during the beginnings of the Covid-19 challenge. Some districts were divided and absorbed into other districts as an efficiency and cost-saving measure.

But the mission of RMC has not changed, even though methods are new and different. Innovation and creativity are welcome, as is the flexibility shown by our members and pastors. They have stepped up to this challenge in a large measure and are striving to do their utmost to carry on the mission to “Know Christ and make Him fully known” to church members and their communities.

George Crumley, RMC VP for finance

Who would have thought back in February that a virus spreading overseas could so quickly spread to our country and completely change the way we worship, work, recreate, and socialize? Because of its impact, it has left collateral damage that continues to affect the church, society, and the economy.

Because of current uncertainties, it is difficult for our schools to project what will happen in the fall and thus feel comfortable with their future budgets. The result is a natural financial conservatism which is appropriate, given the circumstances. This is just one of the many challenges our schools are facing.

Within the Conference, our base tithe has been down by a bit over three per cent so far this year. Because of this, we have frozen all hiring for new positions within the conference, voted not to provide the July 1 cost-of-living pay increase for employees and are emphasizing careful management of departmental expenditures. We are thankful at this stage that the tithe decrease is not lower, and we are grateful to our members for being faithful even in the face of uncertainty. So, we also appreciate our schools being conservatively watchful as we proceed through this year and budget in the fall for next year.

Through all of this, we can be thankful. Because of technology, we have continued to worship together, learn together, work together, socialize together and return our tithes and offerings to support the mission. None of this could have been done very easily just a few years ago.

We can all look forward to being back together for prayer, study, learning, working and socializing. I have been reminded through all of this, of the importance of our freedoms, God-given freedoms we should never take for granted.

–RMCNews

23 Jul

LA VIDA MISSION EXPANDS OUTREACH TO NEIGHBORING NAVAJO COMMUNITY

By Dorie Panganiban – Crownpoint, New Mexico … La Vida Mission blesses the surrounding Navajo community of Crownpoint with basic needs at Crownpoint flea market.

Arriving at the flea market on July 22, the long line of cars and trucks waiting for relief and help was impressive. The line began to form four hours before the give-away was scheduled to begin.

During this sixth relief operation, individuals were offered bottled water, basic food supplies, and propane refills. The mission and church initially planned on serving 125 families, but the number quickly increased and by the end of the day, 250 families were blessed by their generosity.

This event couldn’t have taken place without the help of the Crownpoint chapter team headed by chapter president Rita Capitan who arrived early to set up, organize, and direct the flow of traffic. Nations Gas provided propane to fill the 170 tanks for the families. Adding to the fair-like atmosphere, the Crownpoint Fire Department brought two engines and firefighters to help with the distribution.

The relief options, which originally began with handing out rice and beans, have expanded due to the donations generated by Facebook fundraisers and the area churches, Montrose and Pagosa Springs, as well as the private entities, Southwest Paleontologist, Sharing Ministry, and other private donors.

After the last community relief event held at the La Vida church parking lot, which included food, water and propane, organizers thought it would be the last such help provided.

“We received several texts and messages from Crownpoint, a small town 30 minutes away from La Vida, where the Mission has conducted an outreach program. People expressed their needs and requested prayers for the Mission to consider extending help in Crownpoint as most of the individuals had no way to get to the Mission,” explained Dorie Panganiban, La Vida outreach director. “I prayed when I received the texts and requests and, in my heart, I felt that it would happen.”

Assistance came from the Rocky Mountain Conference ACS director Cathy Kissner, who promised that the conference would contribute funding for purchasing food. Then, another generous donation from a Facebook benefactor arrived.

“With those donations, we thought that we could do another COVID-19 relief operation in Crownpoint. God is not done yet opening the windows of heaven. He opened them really wide when Restore-a-Child Ministry sent us generous booster funds to help in our relief operation for the Navajo families, providing food, water, and propane,” Panganiban added.

—Dorie Panganiban, Outreach Director, La Vida Mission; photos supplied

23 Jul

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

NN July 2020

By Wayne Morrison …I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Unprecedented times” as often as I have over the past few months. We have all seen and experienced things we never expected as we looked forward to 2020. From “the virus” to the recent cry for social justice, all prove to me how truly fragile our society is.

Watching and listening to the voices crying out for justice, seeking to be heard, and truly calling us to recognize moments when darkness has overwhelmed circumstance, has brought to my mind the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.”

Ambassadors represent the country they are commissioned by. If you are an ambassador for the United States, you represent the U.S. When you speak, when you interact with other governments, you speak for the U.S. When God calls you an ambassador, you speak for the kingdom of God, you speak for heaven itself; in fact, Paul says it’s, “as if God Himself were pleading through you.”

As I watch all that is happening, and listen to all the accusations and arguments, I wonder in this dark time if the loving voice of God Himself would make a difference? If we love as God loves, and if we truly wrap our arms around our brothers and sisters, treating everyone like family, would that not make a difference?

Let me clarify. I am not talking about tolerance, or even acceptance Those are not godly attributes. No, I am talking about truly loving everyone with the same love with which God loves us.

Tolerance would make room for others; acceptance allows others to make choices different than I might make, but loving as God loves means wrapping our arms around those who think differently. It is loving those who would reject me, those who would seek to take away my freedom, and even those who would seek to destroy me.

I have realized while I am sure this is what God would ask from me, He also knows I am not capable of that kind of love. It is beyond human love; it is “supernatural love”! God knows I need a miracle. I need Him to love through me. I need to be overwhelmed with supernatural love!

We have quoted familiar lines: “They will know us by our love” and “What the world needs is Jesus, just a glimpse of Him”. These are truer today than ever before! The world needs a picture of God’s love, His supernatural love to which they will respond, and if Jesus is lifted up in this way, He will draw all men to Himself.

As an ambassador for Christ, being His voice in my community, I pray those whom we contact will hear a voice filled with “supernatural” love, as if God Himself were pleading with them, “Be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

–Wayne Morrison is pastor of Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church

22 Jul

WHEATLAND CHURCH MEMBERS CELEBRATE LORD’S SUPPER IN NATURE

By Gabriela Vincent – Wheatland, Wyoming … Just imagine a lake, gorgeous sunshine, picnic-like family atmosphere, and then add to it The Lord’s Supper in a 2020 world. The ongoing pandemic didn’t stop the Wheatland members and visitors from being blessed by fellowshipping in God’s nature and participating in a high event for the church.

Wheatland church believers and their pastor, Pastor Shayne Vincent, held an outdoor church and communion service at Wheatland Reservoir on Sabbath, July 18. The shady spot with magnificent views of the lake was reserved by the congregation.

Participants, which included visitors from Casper and Georgia, were greeted by views of God’s creation and a table set with the emblems of communion.

The event, which followed safety guidelines set by Wyoming Department of Health, was a group effort, with one of the newest believers in God’s family playing a special role in the communion set-up.

“MiCayla Shaw made the communion bread, a first-time experience for her. She consulted with another church member who helped with the making of the bread about Christ’s body and how it was pierced for us as they put the fork marks in the top. It turned out great and was made with lots of love,” Cynthia Pedersen, member the Wheatland Church commented.

She further explained that “Kim Ludeman and Cayla Shaw got the wine. It was a group effort, just like everything we do here in Wheatland. Sitting in the shade of the old cottonwood trees, we listened to the water lap the shore as our pastor preached. It was incredibly soothing. Then we sang hymns and washed each other’s feet with lake water.”

“I really enjoyed the fact that we did communion outside in God’s beauty,” commented MiCayla Shaw on the outside setting.

“Outdoor communion is something that never crossed my mind before last Sabbath. We were able to wash our feet with lake water and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. It offered us a mere glimpse of what it was like when John baptized Jesus,” Cindy Eaton, Wheatland church member said. “What a great way to have communion with our church family while out in God’s nature.”

The service offered a meaningful blessing as Pastor Vincent taught on how communion symbolizes Passover and a symbol of re-baptism.

The day concluded with a picnic, fellowship, and swimming in God’s beautiful creation. Members reflected on Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Like Jesus beside the sea of Galilee, they were able to hear the Creator’s voice in the bubbling reservoir, in the song of the birds, and in the wind whistling through the trees.

—Gabriela Vincent is a member of the Casper church; photos supplied.

21 Jul

UNION COLLEGE OPENS AMIDST CONCERN AND EXCITEMENT

By Jon Roberts – Lincoln, Nebraska … In the month of August, students and professors will return to the campus of Union College. However, they will be resuming their academic year under a new normal for colleges. Several students from the Rocky Mountain Conference territory are currently packing to make the 500-mile drive to Lincoln, Nebraska.

For the administration at Union, the decision to move the rest of spring semester to remote learning was a decision that was difficult, but necessary in March 2020 under a developing pandemic.

Likewise, the choice to resume normal operations, as much as possible, was a hard choice to make, while also ensuring that students, parents, and faculty are safe to resume the educational program.

Nebraska has been somewhat spared the brutal destruction of the virus; however, with students attending from across the United States, the chance of a student bringing an unwelcome visitor to Nebraska is high.

“Although my three young adults are returning to school in an area where the COVID-19 impact is fairly low, I still have some concerns. Union College is a small school, but there are students returning from everywhere within the United States. There is that possibility of a student bringing the coronavirus on campus,” Chanelle Watson, parent of three juniors from Denver, Colorado explained.

“I am confident knowing that the school has protocols in place to protect its student as best as it can. Having faith in the school minimizes my concern,” she added.

“I am not worried about my daughter’s health because she is perfectly capable of social-distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing as needed,” Kelly Waller, parent stated.

But she is “worried that we will get her moved and settled and she will have to unexpectedly return home, which will be heartbreaking to her.”

Jefferson Gibson from Denver is a junior at Union. “I will not be overly concerned when all the students return to campus, but I will be cautious and continue to practice social distancing and wearing my mask when necessary as I do now,” he commented.

The decision to resume close to normal operations came as students were looking for socialization to restart.

“I am excited to return to Union. I will be a junior theology major this coming semester and I miss the traditional in-class learning. I miss leading out in the small Bible study groups. I also miss interacting with my friends and look forward to catching up with them…safely,” Gibson added.

Union has implemented some safety measures to ensure safety from the deadly virus.

Addressing the current situation with the college’s new academic year under pandemic, Vinita Sauder, president of Union College commented on the college’s webpage, “We are committed to holding in-person classes this semester and making sure our students and employees stay safe.”

“Keeping everyone safe and healthy requires that we all work together. We have a plan in place that gives us all a role to play in staying well and making sure Union has a successful semester on campus,” Sauder said.

Union has released several protocols for students and faculty that can be found here.

The disruption of normal classes has been difficult on students. “I did not anticipate the drastic change caused by COVID-19 until students were asked not to return to Union College, causing the Spring semester to be transferred to online learning. The change forced me to learn differently. It took some adjusting, but I would prefer in-class learning than online learning. I personally believe that Union professors add a special touch to learning,” Gibson said.

Union has moved the end of the semester to before Thanksgiving and returning for second semester in January. This will help with any travel restrictions that state governors may impose.

“The travel restrictions and mandatory 14-day quarantine has caused me to rethink travel plans. For example, COVID-19 impacted my summer plans of traveling with the Literature Evangelism program. Due to Union College making the semester shorter, it is anticipated that not much traveling will be done throughout the semester. Until things ‘settle down’ I do not plan to travel much,” Gibson concluded.

With an ever-changing landscape on COVID-19, parents are taking the situation day-by-day.

“I am not even thinking about semester breaks because everything will change multiple times before November 24, 2020. We have no real plan if she does have to return home; we will take it as it comes. Not my usual style of handling things, but planning more than a week in advance right now is pointless,” Waller stated.

The college experience is one that many young adults look forward to and experiencing this during a pandemic is something that the students will remember, and they will be better equipped to face the uncertainties of this world.

“I don’t really have an emergency plan in place. If my children have to return home due to COVID-19, that is fine. If I have to pick them up from Union, I am prepared to do so. If Union goes back to online studies, the children are prepared,” Watson commented.

–Jon Roberts is communication/media assistant for RMC; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and Ryan Lindbeck – Altitude Motion Media.