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By Nathaniel Gamble — Most Christians recognize great value in praying the Psalms, but many find them difficult to understand and aren’t sure how to pray them. Thankfully, Jesus and the Holy Spirit teach us how to pray the Psalms in the letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 3:7-11 quotes Psalm 95:7-11 about listening to God and not hardening our hearts against his voice. This reference to Psalm 95 is used throughout Hebrews 3 and 4 to emphasize God’s desire for us to have a saving relationship with him “today,” which is why he speaks to us. Take note who Hebrews 3:7 identifies as quoting Psalm 95: “So, as the Holy Spirit says” (NIV). It’s because the Holy Spirit is speaking the words of Psalm 95 in Hebrews 3:7 that God is portrayed as praying this psalm in Hebrews 4:3 and 7.

Similarly, Hebrews 10:5-7 quotes the Greek translation of Psalm 40:6-8 about sacrifices and a person’s heart, in order to talk about Jesus’ incarnation. Hebrews 10 uses Psalm 40 to underscore the superiority of Jesus’ sacrificial death over animal sacrifices for sin. But notice who Hebrews 10:5 highlights as speaking Psalm 40: “Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said” (NIV). It’s because of the incarnation, which Jesus speaks about when reciting Psalm 40 in Hebrews 10:5-7, that we experience the fruits of his high priestly ministry (referenced previously in Hebrews 9).

Jesus and the Holy Spirit pray the Psalms in Hebrews, and the result of their prayers is our salvation. The best way to pray the Psalms, therefore, is to pray them with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When you realize that the Holy Spirit and Jesus have already been praying the Psalms before you joined them, your prayer life – and reading of the Psalms – will come alive to you.

—Nathaniel Gamble is pastor of Fort Lupton Seventh-day Adventist Church and Aspen Park Seventh-day Adventist Church.

By Doug Inglish — Denver, Colorado … In the early days of the current restrictions on public activities, we were all facing a lot of questions that seemed to demand immediate answers. Several times a day a new consideration would thrust itself upon us, and while still pondering that, another problem would surface. As time passed and strategies were developed and refined, we have all more or less settled into routines, and our focus has mostly shifted from how to deal with things as they are to how we manage shifting back to regular social interaction.

Moving out of relative seclusion may require just as much cautious strategic thinking as moving into it did. We have to sift through the pronouncements of elected leaders, scientists, and media figures, which are often contradictory and confusing, while a restless public simultaneously wants to protect itself and return to normal. When should things reopen? How much social distancing is still required? Will there be a second wave, and when? The only certainty is that whatever we do, someone is going to find fault with it.

As we figure out how to emerge from modified isolation, it seems like it was a long time ago when we were struggling with what modifications were needed. It’s easy to forget the details from those days when urgent and stressful decisions had to be made, but one thing stands out very clearly with me that I want to share with you all because it touched me deeply.

I received an email from a name I recognized. We had worked together previously because I represent the churches on property matters and she does the same for the major corporation that owns a property that a local congregation leases. When I saw it in my inbox my first reaction was that it was either time to renew the lease, or there was an issue between us and them to resolve.

Instead, there was what at first appeared to be boilerplate language about a time of crisis, facing challenges together, and supporting one another. If it was from almost anyone else I would have stopped reading there and deleted it, but she was my contact for an important matter, so I read on.

In the second paragraph, there it was: an act of unexpected generosity. For the next two months the lease payment would be suspended, a gift from them to help a congregation at a time when the offering plate was not being passed down the aisle.

I had to read it again to be sure what I was seeing. This was not a local branch, this was from the corporate office in another state. We were not a major customer, we just rented a small space in a building they owned. But it occurred to them that this was a difficult time for us. Unexpectedly, without being asked, they chose to be generous.

This company does not attempt to project a public image of Christianity, or even spirituality in any guise. They are a business, and while they advertise about responsibility and putting customers first and all the usual things, we all know that they are in business to make money. I don’t mean that in a negative way, as I think we all understand that the alternative is going out of business, which doesn’t do anyone any good. But even though they are big and we are small, they set aside profit in favor of generosity.

How much can we Christians learn from that? During this time when so many are out of work, have those of us deemed ‘essential’ willingly chosen to notice someone who is struggling? Have we thought about how it must be like to face the uncertainty of disrupted income? Have we considered what we could do about it?

Jesus said in Mark 9:41 that Heaven takes notice when even a cup of cold water given to someone in His name. So, it’s not the size of the action that matters so much as the motivation behind it. If we take His name on ourselves, we have a responsibility to be notice suffering, and to address it without waiting to be asked. If we are willing to embrace an attitude of generosity, our eyes will be opened to opportunities, and the Spirit will direct us in acts both great and small.

What multiple blessings I enjoyed that day! The privilege of saying thank you on behalf of the congregation. They joy of passing the news on to the local elder. The satisfaction of imagining him telling it to the congregation. The happy moment in prayer as I thanked our Heavenly Father, who is the author of all generosity. And when next we renew the lease, I will remember, and repeat my thanks.

But maybe the biggest blessing comes when I see a chance to pay the generosity forward. It’s a wonderful thing God grants to us, whenever we have a chance to be generous.

—Doug Inglish is RMC director of planned giving and trust services

By Bela Cinco — Loveland, Colorado … A secretive group has been inundating Campion’s campus with positivity. The Underground Encouragement System, the UES as they call themselves, has been doing “ding-dong ditch” encouragement by going to staff member’s houses on campus and leaving a little something for the staff to be encouraged by. Sidewalk chalk notes, notes on the door, and little bags of goodies are finding their way to staff member homes.

“It’s awesome, because they know who God is, and they know what God wants them to do. It’s a spontaneous thing, and they have a good picture of who God is,” said Campion’s administrative assistant, Sue Helm.

This UES group has been going out two to three times a week to uplift people in this uncertain time. Some of the encouragements include sidewalk chalk notes that read “Thank you for your service; God cares”, positive notes on the door, and little bags of Hershey’s Kisses with notes that read, “Since we can’t do hugs, this is our social distancing hug.”

“It’s really cool to know that people are out there finding joy in helping others,” said Kent Kast, Campion’s academic vice-president.

Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal, commented, “It encourages me that the young people are looking for ways to do service. That is the main mission of our school. It’s exciting to see that what Satan thought was going to be bad, the young people are turning it into something good. And it feels good to be encouraged.”

—Bela Cinco, Student Editor, This Week at Campion; photos supplied

By Marsha Bartulec — Erie, Colorado …Teachers at Vista Ridge Academy never spoke of remote learning, yet they found themselves transitioning from face-to-face learning to remote learning within a two-week timeframe.

On March 12, parents received an email from Teaching Principal Sandy Hodgson, saying classes were cancelled for March 13, just one day before Spring Break. Parents continue receiving email communication from Hodgson, the most recent stating school will be closed for the remainder of the school year.

While the transition to remote learning has gone relatively smoothly for teachers and students, it has been a big adjustment to not be together in a classroom setting.

“When students are doing great, I want to be able to give them a high five. Now we do air high fives,” says First and Second Grade Teacher, Kenya Sanchez. “Or when a student feels frustrated, not being able to give them a tissue to wipe their tears has been a little heart breaking,” she says.

Hodgson says, “there is still the social piece of learning and collaborating together that is missing in remote learning.”

Remote learning began March 30 as a partnership, dependent on the purposeful planning of our dedicated teachers, student motivation and engagement, and strong parent support and communication.

Teachers put into place a plan that combines asynchronous learning with synchronous engagements via Zoom and other methods to support both the learning and the social-emotional well-being of our students. Students work independently, engage in (online) collaboration with peers, and communicate daily with their teachers who continue to provide support and feedback, as well as opportunities for reflection and revision.

Third and Fourth Grade Teacher, Shondra Cizek, will tell you not being together with her students has been her biggest challenge, but “Zoom has been such a lifesaver,” she says.

Harwell says her favorite part of the day is logging on early each meeting and getting to catch up with her students before the lessons start.

“My students always have so much to share, and it reminds me of them filing into our classroom with their stories,” she says.

In the Fifth and Sixth Grade morning meeting, Hodgson has kept their morning rituals going.

“We start every day with a joke, worship and Bible class. It’s fun to watch the students show up on time to school in anticipation of our morning rituals,” she says.

Jones has seen his students rise to the challenge that comes with remote learning.

“My students meet the challenges head on with positive attitudes and get it done,” says Jones.

The new VRA@home section on their website provides one spot for general communications and information around remote learning as well as creative and enjoyable ways for school families to connect and maintain community in this unprecedented time.

Many parents have faced the challenge of juggling their work schedule with their child’s school schedule.

“Parents have really stepped up to the plate and showed their support towards their child and myself, for which I’m eternally grateful,” says Sanchez. “I try to let them know often of how much they are cherished.”

Harwell wants parents to know what they are doing is enough.

“You are doing a great job,” Harwell says, “and right now this learning experience looks different in every household. Don’t get overwhelmed by what you think you should be getting done versus what your reality looks like. Keep up the good work, and don’t feel hesitant to reach out to teachers when you need to. Your children are going to cherish these extra moments they got to spend with you.”

Sanchez’s advice, “Give it time,” she says, “and pray for guidance. The Lord will help with adjusting to new situations like this. Enjoy and celebrate the big and small triumphs daily, and see the blessings pouring from above.

The staff continue to find ways to adapt year-end activities, recently hosting a virtual Moms’ Night and a virtual Fun Run, the school’s biggest fundraising event organized by H&S leader Lisa Barton for May 4 through May 8. Constituent church pastors, Jenniffer Ogden and J. Murdock of Boulder Church and Herbert Hernandez of Chapel Haven will lead out in virtual chapels each Friday for the remainder of the school year. Staff are planning the Kindergarten and Eighth Grade graduations.

As Vista Ridge Academy plans for next school year, Sandy Hodgson and her staff remain committed to providing a safe learning environment for students.

“Vista Ridge Academy has weathered many storms, but because of an actively strong support system, we are confident that we will move through this as a united community,” says Hodgson. “While our educational process is a bit different right now, we are still committed to our mission and vision and making sure our students receive the best education possible from a distance.”

—Marsha Bartulec is vice principal for administration; photos by Marit Guild, Taryn Lewis, and DeaAnna Beaty

By Zane Berry — Montrose, Colorado … A drive-in church worship service was held April 25 at the home of Pam and Larry Dupper after they refurbished an old hay wagon. This was used by Pastor Nathan Cranson as a podium from which to preach.

“It was a breath of fresh air to have our church service outside. There was enthusiasm that we could see each other, though through the car windows and have some interaction with each other,” said Pastor Cranson.

He added that it was a good turnout and he could “hear horn honking for the ‘Amens.’”

“It was great to meet as a church even though we were in cars and trucks instead of sitting in the pews,” reported Zane Berry, one of the participants, who was among some 60 people attending. “It was a beautiful day for a chance to hear our pastor speak God’s Word to the congregation,” he continued.

The congregation had been meeting virtually for more than a month but “somehow meeting where you feel togetherness was much better,” Zane added.

“It was a wonderful pastoral scene that was enjoyed by all,” said participating mobile congregant, Larry Pester.

The plan is to keep meeting in cars until the end of May when the congregation can return to their church building. “They now appreciate worshipping in their church even more than normal,” Zane commented. An FM transmitter is being purchased, which It will enable the participants to hear the sermon through their car radios.

—Zane Berry; photos Michael Ryan and Joyce Bower

By Jodie Aakko — Brighton, Colorado … Brighton Adventist Academy was awarded $10,000 in technology grant funding from Versacare Foundation on March 6. In addition, Versacare awarded $1,410,000 in grants for Adventist primary and secondary schools across the United States and Canada in support of STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math).

With this grant, Brighton Adventist Academy plans to order additional network equipment, Chromebooks, desktops, and a 3-D printer to serve their growing enrollment of students in grades Pre-kindergarten through ten.

Thanks to the funds provided by the Versacare grant, Brighton Adventist Academy’s updated and expanded technology department will bolster the school’s twenty-first century learning skills, including project-based learning and technology integration.

“Brighton Adventist Academy desired to improve and expand their digital technologies to assist learners in thinking critically, communicating, collaborating, and creating.  “This grant will make a direct impact on our students,” commented Jodie Bell Aakko, Brighton Adventist Academy principal.

“Presently, our school stands strong on technology. For example, we were able to provide each BAA student with a Chromebook to use at home during this distance-learning time if the child did not have a computer at home already. Now, when our students return to campus in the fall, they will find exciting technology additions to our campus, and I am certain the 3-D printer will be the biggest hit!” she added.

Established in 1916, the school has 56 students enrolled in grades Pre-k through 10, presently studying in virtual classes. The Academy intentionally connects students with classroom learning, character development, and essential life skills in a Christian environment that delivers academic excellence valuing each individual as a creation of God gifted with unique talents for service to others.

—Jodie Aakko is principal and head teacher at Brighton Adventist Academy; photo by Jodie Aakko

By: Shayne Mason Vincent

Fear like snow falls softly
Covering verdant spring
Stark and chilled
Pharaoh’s drums
Chanting upon the horizon

In silence
The Spirit speaks softly
“Look up”

Cascading
Above the clouds
A piercing music
Eagles flying free
Above our constitutions
Above our consternation

In silence
The eternal Son reaches out to me
“Come”

So, I steady my nerve
Reaching out
I brush against His wound
And the blood that He shed for me
On Calvary
Drips down
Upon the lintel of my soul

In silence
The Father carries me
”Be still”

Exodus 14:13-14: “Do not be afraid. Just be still and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see them again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. You only need to be still.”

–Shayne Mason Vincent is lead pastor, Casper Wyoming District