27 May

REFLECTION: OPINIONS CAN BE RISKY

During Memorial Day weekend, I spent several hours doing some fairly strenuous work around the house. Oddly enough, some of my clearest thinking happens while doing simple, repetitive tasks—this time was while feeding branches into the chipper.

As I worked, I reflected on a comment made after a recent health sermon I presented. One church member told my wife at our information table about needing to consume meat due to the physical rigors of his profession.

I was not there at the time, so I did not have the opportunity to talk with him. Sometimes people express opinions about health that are based on their preferences, culture, upbringing, or something other than the Word of God bolstered by scientific research. The conversation stayed with me, though, because I imagine he is not alone in holding that belief.

As Wellness Support director for the Rocky Mountain Conference, I take seriously the responsibility of doing more than simply sharing personal opinions. When discussing health, especially subjects like the use of animal products in the diet, I want to rely on the strongest foundations possible. For me, that foundation includes both the counsel God has graciously given through Ellen G. White and the growing body of scientific evidence supporting those principles.

Of course, there are many opinions on these topics. But opinions, even sincerely held ones, can sometimes lead us toward conclusions or practices that may not produce the best outcomes physically, mentally, or spiritually.

That is why I try to be careful not to build my beliefs merely on preference, tradition, or convenience. Instead, I believe we should all be willing to examine our assumptions, honestly and prayerfully, especially when those assumptions may be tied to habits we cherish.

As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue truth with humility and openness. Sometimes that journey challenges long-held beliefs. Yet growth often begins when we are willing to ask ourselves not simply, “What do I prefer?” but rather, “What is true, and what is better?”

—Rick Mautz is the Rocky Mountain Conference Wellness Support director. Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán of Pexels.

21 May

WHY MISSION SUMMIT MATTERS

Heidi Carpenter – Denver, Colorado … On October 2-3, members from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) are invited to gather at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, for a special conference-wide weekend called Mission Summit. The entire weekend will center on Our Calling to Serve and Share.

Why does a weekend like this matter?

We believe God is at work in countless ways throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference territory, yet, too often, those stories go unheard. It is easy for churches, schools, hospitals, and individual members to feel isolated—or even discouraged—in mission.

Mission Summit is an opportunity to reconnect around our shared mission and celebrate what God is doing across RMC. We hope what is learned and experienced during Mission Summit will influence our conference as a whole, multiplying opportunities to lovingly serve and share in every community.

In the broadest sense, Mission Summit seeks to foster a deeper spirit of unity across the Rocky Mountain Conference.

As churches and members come together, we are reminded that we are not working alone. We are fellow disciples, teammates in God’s mission, serving the unique communities where He has placed us.

In every sense of the word, we are missionaries to the neighborhoods surrounding our homes, churches, schools, and institutions. By aligning our hearts, purpose, and efforts, we can more effectively bless the communities around us.

At a time when our world is full of struggle, depression, and pain, we have hope, healing, and genuine connection to offer because of Jesus. That’s why pressing together in unity of mission matters now more than ever.

Watch for more details coming soon at RMCSDA.org

—Heidi Carpenter is the associate pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship.

20 May

RMC PARTICIPATES IN WORLD ADVENTURER DAY: WALKING WITH JESUS AND SCARF CHALLENGE

Cinthya Miranda – Denver, Colorado … Every third Saturday in the month of May, members of the Adventurers Club around the world unite to celebrate World Adventurer Day. Each year carries a special theme, and this year’s theme, “Walking with Jesus,” could not have been more beautifully reflected across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) and beyond.

“Every member of the RMC Adventurer Club council had the privilege of visiting a different church, and I was blessed to attend Colorado Springs Central. From the moment I walked through the front entrance, I was welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a beautifully designed church bulletin honoring the year’s theme,” reflected Cinthya Miranda, RMC Adventurers coordinator. “The sanctuary itself was decorated with care and purpose with colorful scarves draped across the pews and the Adventurer Law and Pledge proudly displayed at the front for all to see. Ola Tebear, who is the Adventurer Club director in Colorado Springs, did a beautiful job.”

She continued, “As I walked down the aisle, I was met with smiles from church members whose joy and support could be felt in every corner of the church. Pastor Dave Ketelsen proudly wore his Master Guide Adventurer scarf as he delivered a powerful and engaging message from the Word of God. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how beautiful ministry truly is.”

The day was made special as, around the world, over 2.5 million children celebrated what it means to walk with Jesus. The Adventurer Club is far more than just another activity for Adventist children. It is intentionally designed to nurture, mentor, and spiritually guide young hearts toward Christ. When children are involved, engaged, and given responsibility within the church, they begin to understand that they belong, and that belonging helps build a lasting faith.

In preparation for World Adventurer Day, Adventurer staff members launched “The Scarf Challenge” one month prior to the celebration. Club members, counselors, directors, and parents were encouraged to wear their scarves everywhere they went and share photos on the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventurers and Pathfinders (RMCAP) Facebook page. The club that wore their scarves the most would win a pizza and ice cream party. But the challenge was never really about the prize, it was about identity, courage, and witness.

“Wearing the scarf gave our kids the opportunity to show they are part of something greater than themselves,” commented Miranda. “It became a conversation starter, a testimony, and a simple but powerful way for children to evangelize among their peers and communities.”

Every club found its own creative way to embrace the challenge. The Brighton Blue Jays wore their scarves on a trip to Texas. A counselor from Greeley Nazareo wore hers while grocery shopping. Golden Falcons proudly took their scarves to Buc-ee’s and the pool. Denver South Hispanic Estrellitas de Jesús even went to sleep wearing theirs! Loveland Cougars had one determined Little Lamb, Arleth G., who went above and beyond in the challenge for the title.

Miranda remarked, “Many clubs joined the fun. Hundreds of pictures poured in—some adorable, some hilarious, and many that made us incredibly proud of these young Adventurers being disciples and shining Jesus to the world around them. The goal has always been simple: to walk with Jesus and share Him wherever we go. And these children did exactly that.”

The Greeley Nazareo Club team won the challenge by 1 point. The Denver South Hispanic Estrellitas de Jesus Club team followed with second place, and the Loveland Cougars Club team placed third thanks to the dedicated Little Lamb club member.

“Please continue praying for our Adventurer clubs. Get involved if you can. If you can spare your time, invest. If you can share your knowledge, teach. And if all you can offer is prayer, never underestimate its power. Together, we are raising a generation that is learning to faithfully walk with Jesus,” closed Miranda.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

We are Adventurer Strong.

—Written by Cinthya Miranda, RMC Adventurers coordinator, and edited by Lacinda Hopkins, RMC Adventurers coordinator. Photos supplied.

19 May

CAMPION ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS CLASS RELEASES AWARD-WINNING YEARBOOK

Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … At the final chapel session of the school year at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, the Publications class unveiled the new Mountain Echoes yearbook in a creative way by dropping several copies from the roof of Hankins Hall with parachutes and confetti cannons. The celebration tied in with the theme of the book and the school year: “Look Up.”

Due to the top-notch photography and design work put in by the students, the book has already won three Colorado Student Media Association Awards.

For the State of Colorado, Abigail B., CA Yearbook Student Editor, won first place for her spreads in the people category, and her theme pages won honorable mention. Gerrad V. got second place for his spread in the Student Life category.

Abigail shared her experience in her first year as editor: “At first, I barely knew what I was doing, and I wasn’t sure how to tie the theme pages together. I had to go back to the drawing board many times, and I spent a lot of time over each break working on designs. I learned there is so much depth to design that people often fail to realize and that there are so many little details.

“I also learned what it truly means to be a leader. Though we were behind at times and pulled some late nights in the office, we all had perseverance to pull through and finish. Despite some mistakes, I think our yearbook turned out really well and the design choices were intentional,” concluded Abigail.

The theme elements included a cut out of the mountain skyline as seen from campus, and warm sunset tones.

Last year’s book received honorable mention recognition by the Walsworth Publishing Company for being in the top 10% in the nation produced by the company. With greater improvements this year, the class has hopes to take that even further.

“I am very proud of the students and the hard work they put in,” commented CA yearbook advisor and Communication director, Jill Harlow, “Not many people can appreciate the countless hours it took to design each spread, so I’m so happy they are receiving recognition for their efforts.”

—Campion Academy News. Photos supplied.

The 2025-2026 Publications Class with their finished books. (Abigail Brown not pictured).
18 May

POP’S CONCERT A GRAND FINALE FOR MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Oscar Ren – Loveland, Colorado … Musical ensembles at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, gathered in the gymnasium for the annual Pops Concert, the final performance of the school year, May 2. Students, parents, and faculty attended the event, which featured performances from Beginner and Intermediate Bands, Choir, Handbells, Koinonia, Symphony, and Jazz Band.

“I enjoyed playing my instruments on and off stage,” said student Abigail B. “Even though I’m sad this was the last performance of the year, I realized how much I have grown in music this past year.”

The concert showcased a variety of musical styles as each ensemble performed selections they had prepared throughout the year. Jazz Band brought the evening to a close with their rhythm-driven repertoire. Pizza was also sold during the event to help raise funds for future music activities.

“It was so fun to hear and see my friend play,” said Pamela L., CA student. “The music was great, and I really enjoyed hearing the musical groups play songs I love.”

For many seniors, the concert marked their final performance at Campion Academy. After the performances, students gathered in a tearful group hug around CA Music director Naomi Fernandez, sharing mixed emotions as they celebrated their final concert as a group.

“I had a lot of fun being able to display what we had worked on,” said student Teagan P. “We laughed and cried together.”

—Oscar Ren, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

14 May

REVIVING CHURCHES, REACHING COMMUNITIES: ASI MA GATHERING IGNITES MISSION-MINDED MINISTRY

RMCNews with Josh Long – Westminster, Colorado … The annual Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Mid-America (MA) convention was held in Westminster, Colorado, May 7-10. ASI is an official organization under the North American Division (NAD) that supports Adventist professional and business leaders to live out their faith, carry on the Church’s mission, and share God’s love in the marketplace.

The event’s theme was “Now is the Time.” “The inspiration for the theme came from a sense of urgency at our hour of Earth’s history that we need to reach the world with the everlasting gospel. The workshops under this theme were practical tools that any church could use to effectively revitalize their church and more effectively reach their communities for Jesus,” remarked Dr. Josh Long, ASI MA president.

The keynote speaker for the event was John Bradshaw, president of It is Written, who continued on the theme with his Sabbath worship service message. “Now is the time. We have got to be creative enough and bold to take the Gospel to the people,” he proclaimed. “And now is not the time hide our light. It is not easy, but that is because God knows we need difficult. He knows it is what we need to be real Christians: aggressive service.”

Bradshaw was joined as a featured speaker by Jamey Houghton, speaker director of 8thirty2 Ministry* and pastor of the McDonald Road Seventh-day Adventist Church in McDonald, Tennessee, who provided devotional thoughts.

Organizers of the convention hope that this event inspired attendees with a sense of evangelism and a desire to revitalize their home churches. ASI MA’s REVitalize, a transformative church and community program, was introduced as a structured way to implement the four strategic pillars of church revitalization: Transformational Prayer, the Gospel in Action, Fishers of Men, and Mission Reflex.

These four pillars were explored further through the convention’s workshops. Former ASI president Denzil McNeilus, with his wife Donna, covered Transformative Prayer, walking attendees through a Scripture-rooted journey of prayer from personal to small group to church-wide intercession.

Phil Mills, lead pastor of the Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), led the discussion on Gospel in Action with his talk on “Healing a Broken World Through Christ’s Method.” Mills provided practical steps for churches to pray and organize to become healing centers for communities, drawing people to Christ, rooted in Christ’s method of preaching, teaching, and mostly healing.

Long led out the discussion for the Fishers of Men pillar exploring how churches can break the cycle of spiritual stagnation and build a true discipleship culture. The pillar of Mission Reflex, and final workshop, covering the impact on local churches from foreign mission service was Daryl Hosford, ASAP Ministries* president, and Joy Kauffman, Farm Stew International* president.

Attendance at the convention surged for the Sabbath presentation to a couple of hundred with a significant number of first-time attendees. “There was a spirit of enthusiasm, and many remarked that they could sense the Holy Spirit present throughout,” reflected Long. “There were at least three attendees who had just become ASI members after also joining the [Seventh-day Adventist] Church in the past two years. They were especially excited to be attending their first convention and were very excited to see how lay members could get involved in ministry.”

Also in attendance were a few friends of the RMC including Rick Mautz, RMC Wellness Support director, Cara Greenfield, Campion Academy vice principal of Finance, former RMC pastor and Adventist World Radio (AWR) assistant to the president John Davidson, and Dine Adventist Radio* (DAR) network manager Steve Pester. Felicia Sanders, Union Adventist University’s “Soul-winning and Leadership Training” (SALT) program outreach coordinator, also had a few minutes to introduce the program to the audience.

Conventions of this scale require the help and dedication of many: “I would like to thank the outstanding contributions of the ASI MA board members and officers. I would also like to thank our very inspiring speakers including John Bradshaw, Jamey Houghton, Ken Norton, Denzil and Donna McNeilus, Phil Mills, Darryl Hosford, and Joy Kauffman,” praised Long.

Long continued, “I would also like to thank the music coordinator Lindsey Mills, wife of Phil Mills, and all of our outstanding music volunteers and AV assistants. I would also like to thank Micah Buller and Natalie Longkutoy for their incredible videography. And, finally, I would like to thank every attendee for forming a very engaged and relational tapestry of Spirit-inspired lay members.”

* These organizations are a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Josh Long is the ASI MA president. Photos by Liz Kirkland and captured from videos courtesy of ASI MA.

14 May

MILE HIGH ACADEMY MUSIC STUDENTS TAKE ‘MEANINGFUL AND MISSIONAL’ TOUR THROUGH UTAH AND COLORADO

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … At 6:30 am on Wednesday, April 22, more than 50 students, sponsors, and family members from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, boarded the buses to begin a five-day musical journey across the Mountain West. The trip, which ran through April 26, was a blend of performances and fun, taking the group from the red rocks of Moab to pool sessions and the historic steps of the Utah State Capitol.

On the very first day, the group performed at Intermountain Adventist Academy in Grand Junction, Colorado, before heading to Moab for a concert at the Moab Seventh-day Adventist Church. After a long day of travel and song, the students relaxed for an evening of swimming and worship at the local Fairfield Inn.

The following day, students traded their performance outfits for hiking shoes to explore Arches National Park before heading into Salt Lake City. A highlight for the young musicians was an evening spent at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, where they sat in on a rehearsal of the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

“We learn through performing, but we also learn by gaining inspiration from others,” said Debbie Miranda, MHA Music director. “It was amazing to observe a rehearsal of that caliber. Our goal for this trip was to be ‘musical’ in every sense, using performance as a catalyst for growth.”

The group’s itinerary also included a performance at Summit Christian Academy in Millcreek, Utah, a hike to Ensign Peak, and a special stop at East High School in Salt Lake City, the famous filming location of “High School Musical.” On Friday, the students also performed on the south steps of the Utah Capitol building before touring the historic site.

For Miranda, the trip’s purpose was rooted in four pillars: making the music Meaningful, Memorable, Musical, and Missional.

“The more we perform the music we have learned throughout the year, the more the meaning of what we are singing and playing about emerges,” Miranda explained. “We have light to share. As we travel to schools and churches, we want to be an encouragement to our fellow believers and point people toward Jesus.”

After a meaningful Sabbath performing at Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, the group began the long trek back toward Colorado. They made the most of the journey home with supper at Canyon View Park, an overnight stay at Glenwood Canyon Resort—complete with an ice cream treat—and a final Sunday morning soak in the Glenwood Springs Hot Pool before arriving back at MHA.

As the buses pulled back into the school parking lot, the students returned with more than just tired feet; they brought back strengthened friendships and a deeper understanding of their Creator.

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos by Mindy Philpott.

12 May

CAMPION ALUM POINTS STUDENTS TO JESUS THROUGH RELATABLE MESSAGES

Aome Jacob Angeles – Loveland, Colorado … Xander Assa, pastor and 2016 Campion alumnus, spoke for Week of Worship at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, April 29-May 1. His theme was about how he met Jesus at Campion, and, throughout the week, he shared his different experiences and stories from his time as a high school student and how they related to spiritual growth.

He often brought up references that students would understand, and kept students engaged with humor and questions. Shane H., junior student, reflected the opinions of many students when he said, “The speaker for Week of Worship spoke like someone who we can relate to.”

While his stories were often amusing, they always had an impactful lesson at the end. His stories ranged from dormitory food theft to the death of close loved ones. His stories reached the hearts of many, and throughout the week many students chose to give their lives to Jesus when he made an appeal each day.

In the final altar call during Vespers on Friday night, four students made the decision to get baptized.

Isreal O., junior student, shared, “Low-key he was so involved with the students, and we could relate to him a lot. He also played basketball with us and encouraged us both on and off the court. He was really inspiring.”

—Aome Jacob Angeles, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

12 May

MONTROSE CHURCH HOSTS BELOVED WOMEN’S MINISTRIES TEA FOR NEARLY 160 ATTENDEES

Mona Fellers – Montrose, Colorado … Every year in Montrose, Colorado, the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church Women’s Ministries team hosts a tea event for the women of the community. This is a grand event to promote friendship and make each woman feel special and loved.

Nearly 160 beautiful ladies from the community came together on May 3. Montrose Church member Jerilyn Pester led the opening prayer. Judy Kelly, Montrose Women’s Ministries director, started by telling the touching story of how the tea event began. She said she tied to not tell the story one year, but the women complained because they love hearing the story.

“We were then blessed by two young men, Gavin and Alder Rainer, from the Valley Youth Orchestra that played several songs on their violins,” remarked Mona Fellers, event attendee and Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Torrington, Wyoming.

The featured speaker, Corina Handal, member from Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wyoming, spoke about her journey through life with travels, motherhood, and friends. She tied it in with a message of hope and emphasized that the journey of each woman is special and each woman “matters.”

“The tables were laden with all kinds of scrumptious food and the ladies—in their beautiful hats—enjoyed tea, pastries, and savory bits,” commented Fellers. “The smiles and laughter lit up the room like the sun.”

Kelly received several little notes of appreciation and compliments from the attendees, and all were so appreciative for the event.

“I was very impressed that the women of the Montrose Church—with some help from others—hosts this event for the community, free of charge and with no ulterior motive, just to let women feel special, beautiful, and appreciated,” continued Fellers. “What a glorious witness of kindness and love of Jesus.”

—Mona Fellers is the Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

12 May

REFLECTION: FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE COMMUNITY

By Carey Jordan

What if Jesus comes tomorrow?
Are we ready?
Are our neighbors ready?
Do the people around us know that Jesus loves them deeply and wants to be part of their lives?

And if sharing that hope is our responsibility … when does that begin?
At 5 years old? 10? 20? 50?

At HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, we believe the answer is yes—to every age.

This year, Pentecost 2025 became more than a sermon series. It became a living reminder that every student, from the youngest to the oldest, can be used by God to share His love in meaningful ways. We believe our community should know that Jesus loves them, and that we can be His hands and feet right now.

Over the course of many months, our students immersed themselves in Scripture, researching deeply, asking meaningful questions, writing thoughtfully, and preparing to share God’s truth with courage and conviction. Through our GOD IS” evangelistic series, our seventh- and eighth-grade students preached full Bible-based sermons centered on who God is—our Salvation, our Hope, our Rest, our Victory, and our Coming King.

At the same time, our fifth- and sixth-grade students developed and produced the accompanying “GOD IS” podcast series, learning how to communicate biblical truth through writing, recording, editing, and production. Together, students discovered that God can use every gift—speaking, writing, music, technology, encouragement, organization, and service—for His work.

But perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey happened outside the classroom walls.

Students spent intentional time connecting with the 110 homes surrounding our campus, not simply inviting neighbors to a program, but building real relationships through listening, kindness, prayer, and service. Through post-storm restoration, hospital visits, yard clean-up projects, encouragement, and practical help, our students learned that evangelism is not only something spoken from a stage—it is something lived.

And something remarkable happened in return.

Our neighbors began to understand that HMS is not just a school nearby. They now know they can reach out to us when they need prayer, support, encouragement, or help—and that we will be there.

What made Pentecost 2025 truly special was watching students realize that they do not have to wait until adulthood to serve Jesus in meaningful ways. God is already working through them now.

This initiative reflects the mission of HMS: to develop young people who love Jesus deeply, think critically, serve compassionately, and boldly share the Gospel with the world.

We invite you to experience the series for yourself and to share it widely with others so that the message of God’s love and the truth of Scripture may continue reaching hearts far beyond our own community.

Watch the “GOD IS” Sermon Series (Grades 7–8):

The sermon series is also easily accessible by searching: HMS “GOD IS” on YouTube

Listen to the “GOD IS” Podcast Series (Grades 5–6):

The podcasts are also available on major podcast platforms. Simply search: HMS Richards Adventist School Podcasts and look for the “GOD IS” series with the Bible image.

We invite you to watch these messages, listen to the podcasts, and then share them with others. Our prayer and goal are that these student-led sermons and podcasts will spread far beyond our school and community—reaching hearts across the country and around the world with the love of Jesus and the truth of His Word. Every time you share a sermon, podcast, or link, you become part of this mission. Together, we can help others know that God loves them deeply and is calling them to Him.

—Carey Jordan is the principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.