Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

10 Mar

World Cultures Celebrated at Campion Church

By Airi Nomura – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Adventist church recognized and celebrated the many cultures that make up the church during their annual International Sabbath, March 5.

The special event, anticipated by many, provided the opportunity to highlight different cultures through dress, song, prayer, and sharing.

The service began with a procession of country flags, which were placed on the platform, followed by greetings from students and church members in 13 languages.

Reflecting on the event, Campion freshman Samuel said, “This Sabbath was an incredibly special experience. From hearing all the different languages and looking at the flags, it truly was endearing to see the church do something like this. I personally held the American flag, which meant I had to be the first one who walked on stage. Diverse ethnic groups uniting for one service was an awe-inspiring experience.”

The praise team led worship songs in various languages, and several individuals prayed and read Scripture in their native language. During the congregational prayer, each member was invited to take a small flag and pray over that country. A special prayer was held for the conflict in Ukraine.

“Diversity is one of the most beautiful aspects of humanity. It was as if a little bit of the world had come to one place. Singing songs in Swedish, French, Portuguese, and many other languages was not the easiest thing, but I was overjoyed at the opportunity,” said Tiffany, Campion junior. “My favorite part was getting to wear my African Kitenge and seeing my schoolmates dress in their distinct traditional clothing. I look forward to seeing another day like this next year,” she added.

Leandro Bizama, Campion’s worship pastor, led the praise team and organized the different aspects of the service. “It was simply very fun to experience. I felt nervous to sing in all other languages at first, but I loved every minute, and I felt the church singing together in a special way. It was a great opportunity for everyone to feel comfortable with their differences and to reflect on how God sees all of humanity,” said Bizama.

–Airi Nomura is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

10 Mar

CAMPION SENIORS TOUR UNION COLLEGE

By Elizabeth Jurekova – Lincoln, Nebraska … Campion seniors recently spent two days in Lincoln, Nebraska exploring the college campus and meeting with teachers at Union College in anticipation of college life next year.

Union College professors presented summaries of the large variety of majors and specialties available for the seniors (soon-to-be college freshmen) to study or to choose as a major.

“I liked that Union presented different majors and the great opportunities you can get from attending. It was an overall great trip,” said Blessing.

Madi echoed Blessing’s sentiments. “I enjoyed meeting some of the staff at the presentations. They were really nice and inviting, and you could tell they cared about all their students.”

The weekend was an opportunity for the students to think about their future and plan for college as well as gain a better understanding of the college culture.

Besides learning about academic life, students enjoyed activities such as swimming, playing mini-golf, and experiencing Lincoln’s food culture by visiting the local ice cream and coffee shop.

“What I liked about our preview days was that we got to bond as a class and spend more time with each other,” reflected Blessing.

–Elizabeth Jurekova is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied

10 Mar

HEALTH CLASSES LEAD TO LIFESTYLE CHANGE

By Ryan Teller – Lincoln, Nebraska …If you go down to Larson Lifestyle Center on a weekday afternoon, you might meet Katie Tahay in the weight room. The junior English language arts education major from Colorado exercises there five days a week.

“At first I wanted to do an evening routine, but that didn’t work out. Then I realized that I have this hour between classes. I thought, ‘I’m going to use that hour.’ So within that hour, I run for 30 minutes, and then do weights for 15 minutes and in those last 15 minutes, I get ready for my next class. I do this Monday through Friday and take breaks on Saturday and Sunday.”

Tahay began her exercise habit last year when she took Concepts of Wellness from Dr. Nancy Petta. She credits the class with giving her the commitment to work out every day. She said, “My fitness life became a lifestyle because of that class. We had an assignment where we had to work out 30 minutes a day four days a week. Once I started there, it became a habit, something I had to do. If I didn’t, it felt like something was missing.” Her favorite part of exercising is the way it makes her feel. “I feel better about my body and myself. I see the changes. Exercise is also a way for me to be more alert. After I run and do my workout, I feel awake. I’m not as groggy and I have energy to finish the day.”

“My go-to exercise is the treadmill,” Tahay shared, “I also do a couple weights. I do the basics, a couple arm exercises, and some crunches. One class I’m taking now, Weight Training, requires a test on crunches, so I’ve added them to the routine.”

Tahay feels that there is a connection between education and exercising. “There’s education in the whole idea of exercise,” she said. “Exercise is a learning process. Running is self-explanatory, but when it comes to weights, you have to learn what each weight does—what it does work, what it doesn’t work. You also have to learn what you can handle.”

Although Tahay studied at the University of Northern Colorado her freshman year, she transferred to Union in August of 2020. She describes her decision to transfer as inspired by God. “I chose to come to Union College by faith. As a freshman, the idea of coming to Union showed up. I was hesitant to step out of where I was comfortable, but I also knew I wasn’t at a school where I belonged. When I got here, I realized this was where God wanted me to be. He brought me to Union eventually and it is a blessing to be part of this campus.”

Tahay thinks the wellness center expansion Union is planning will be an excellent addition to campus. “It sounds exciting, especially the indoor track and other equipment they want to add,” she said. “The equipment they have now is good, but there could be more. It’s good to know that they are trying to expand, because sometimes it gets a little crowded in there and the space would be nice.”

–Ryan Teller is public relations director for Union College.; photo supplied

This article was originally published on Outlook Magazine’s website

10 Mar

Serving, Socializing, Seeking, Seeing

Editor’s note: Brandon Westgate, RMC’s newly-appointed youth director, shares his vision and outlook for the youth department.

By Brandon Westgate …

Serving (How can we help?)

The youth department exists to serve the youth and young adults of the churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference. They are the epicenter of activity and engagement. We desire to help equip, encourage, and inspire local leaders to create opportunities for the youth and young adults to grow in their faith walk with Jesus.

This includes promoting local events and organizing larger conference-sponsored events like Greater Summit and our summer camp program. We are here for you. Please reach out and let us know how we can help.

Socializing (Let’s hang out!)

Many of our young people have been impacted by the challenges brought on by Covid-19. Aside from the virus itself, these younger church members have been exposed to bickering in their own homes, local churches, and schools about mask mandates, vaccines, and social distancing. They have been witnesses to the divisive results of political and social agendas perpetrated by well-intentioned older saints within our midst.

The results are that some families that socialized together no longer invest in one another, and our younger members feel caught in the middle. Many of these are left trying to navigate the emotional minefield that lost friendships (due to grown-ups isolating from one another) have brought about.

This is one reason why creating opportunities for our youth to interact in a non-threatening environment is vital. This is the key to building a solid faith-based community. We are social creatures, and the younger we are, the more we need positive social interactions to nurture healthy development. Events like Greater Summit and our summer camp programs at Mills Spring Ranch and Glacier View Ranch and grassroots gatherings such as MVMNT events work together to foster continued spiritual growth for our younger members.

Seeking (You find what you seek!)

Speaking of summer camp ministry, preparations for summer camp are already underway. The RMC youth department is busy at our camps, hosting various groups and readying the facilities for the 2022 summer camp season. We are planning an impactful program for the young people who are fortunate enough to find themselves at summer camp. Our theme this year is “WILD.” We will focus primarily on the story of Ruth and hope to bring out of that story some wild aspects, including Ruth’s WILD commitment and her WILD faith.

A big piece of our summer camp program is making sure we have a motivated and spirit-filled summer camp staff. If you or someone you know is 18+ or a graduating high school senior and would like to be involved in the summer camp ministry, visit https://www.rmcyouth.org/summerstaff, where you will find an application to be part of something WILD!

Seeing (I see you!)

You may be reading this and are wondering, “How can I help?” First, pray for and with the young people you know. Prayer is a powerful, yet underutilized tool. Second, as you see youth events scheduled, please make sure that you prioritize these times so that our young people can engage with their peers in healthy, safe spaces. If needed, perhaps you can help with funding or by providing transportation, or even by providing refreshments (hint: pizza is always a win). And please remember to take some time and engage a younger church member in a conversation. Make them feel seen and they will feel like they belong!

Regardless of age, we are all in this together. So, let us press together to equip and inspire our youth to contribute their energy and talents to spread the gospel message of grace in our homes, churches, and communities.

–Brandon Westgate is RMC youth director; photo supplied

09 Mar

MILE HIGH ACADEMY STUDENT ATTEMPTS TO CLIMB AMERICA’S TALLEST MOUNTAIN

RMCNews with MHANews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy’s fifth-grader Bailey, recently returned to Colorado after spending two weeks in Argentina attempting to be the youngest female to summit Mount Aconcagua, which stands at over 22,000 feet, making it the tallest mountain outside of Asia.

When the family began planning their adventure, Bailey’s parents reached out to MHA, stating that Bailey wanted to turn her hike into a fundraiser for the music department.

“Bailey truly and passionately loves music, and it was hard during COVID to not have an official music teacher,” said Trisha, Bailey’s mother. “She is thankful to have one [now] and the Christmas concert was amazing. Bailey felt the donation would really make an impact on the music department, which is a class she looks forward to each week.”

It took the family three days of hiking to reach base camp, followed by intense eight-to-ten-hour days of hiking toward the summit. The family recalls memories of the trip, including hiking to a lake and going into a glacier tunnel.

“Hiking these high-altitude mountains is incredibly challenging, but the best part is we get to tackle them as a family,” said Trisha. “We train daily and spend our weekends hiking, so it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it when the hike comes. We feel that life is all about experiences, and we definitely had a lot of experiences on the hike.”

Unfortunately, the family wasn’t able to make it to the summit. During a rush down the mountain due to extremely bad weather, Miles, the father, fell and severely sprained his knee. He needed emergency evacuation, experienced knee inflammation, and had to undergo physical therapy. In total, Bailey walked up 18,200 feet before being evacuated.

In total, more than $3000 was raised, which will help MHA refurbish instruments within the music department and purchase new items that will continue to grow the MHA music program.

“Bailey’s smile and energy are such an inspiration at MHA,” said Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal. “We were cheering her and her family on their adventure and have enjoyed her stories now that she is back home with us again. We are also grateful for God’s healing hand and that Miles didn’t sustain a worse injury. A huge thank you to all the donors for their generosity and the kind donations to our music department. And a special thank you to Bailey and her parents for their kindness in turning their experience into a fundraising opportunity for our school. The donations received will help our music department grow through proper refurbishment and the purchase of several new items. Thank you, Bailey!”

When asked if they plan to hike Mt. Aconcagua again, Trisha said, “Yes, we are in talks to try it again in the next year or so. We learned a lot. Bailey knows that you don’t always succeed at everything your first time, but you need to learn from it, try again, and never give up!”

–RMCNews with MHANews; photos supplied

This article was adapted from an article in Mile High Academy’s newsletter.

09 Mar

Denver Hispanic Stallions serve Marshall Fire Victims

By Daniela Valencia – Louisville, Colorado … The Denver Hispanic Adventist Church spent the afternoon of February 26 serving and assisting the communities of Superior and Louisville, Colorado as the fire victims rebuild their homes and neighborhoods after the Marshall fire.

The Stallions Pathfinder Club assisted Adventist Community Services Disaster Relief (ACSDR) by performing various projects around the relief warehouse, sorting shoes and bags, bundling hangers, and getting to know the people who came seeking help.

The donations in the warehouse came from all over Colorado and beyond and are given by generous donors, including churches, Girl Scouts, Pathfinders, and various individuals who decided to help the cause. Once these donations enter the warehouse, they are sorted so that clients can easily find what they are looking for. Cathy Kissner, director of Adventist Community Services for RMC, arranged the Pathfinders into small groups to organize different items around the warehouse. The Pathfinders found creative ways to make their work more efficient, including creating assembly lines.

Pathfinder leaders were asking themselves if the few hours spent at the warehouse would actually make a difference. Kissner said, “Yes, the short time the Pathfinders were in the Distribution Center was important to the other volunteers and the clients. When people see young people serving, it strengthens them. Serving shows you care. The amount of work done by the many hands was amazing.”

One leader explained, “Not only was this experience a great opportunity for the Pathfinders to learn more about their community, but it also served to show that even the small things you do really can make a difference.”

If you wish to volunteer at the warehouse, please visit https://www.rmcsda.org/marshall-fire-relief-and-support/.

-Daniela Valencia is a sophomore at Mile High Academy; photos supplied

03 Mar

HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT WAR IN UKRAINE

By Jodie Aakko … “Don’t worry, it is on the other side of the world. It doesn’t affect you. Don’t think about it. Don’t worry about it.” Are these the best answers you can give your child when talking about the war in Ukraine? Absolutely not.

Our world has a violent war happening at this very moment. Russia is aggressively invading Ukraine. Sirens are screaming, women and children are fleeing, teens are wearing rifles instead of backpacks, buildings are standing silent. What is going to happen? Will this war grow larger?

This is the subject of every news source worldwide and is the topic of conversations everywhere. Certainly, your child is asking about this war. How does one talk to their child about such a dreadful global event?

The children want answers. “From my experience, it’s best to summarize the war. Don’t go into detail; be very loose about it. That helped me because I know what’s happening, but I wasn’t told the gory details and about all the killing and violence,” said Gregory, seventh-grader at Brighton Adventist Academy (BAA).

Nathan, a fifth-grader at BAA, says he wants to know the facts, “I feel like adults should let the kids know what is going on and why it is going on. Let them know everything. This is what my parents do. That way, we can know what’s going on in the world.”

Children are very concerned and worried. “I am a little bit worried about the war. I wonder if it will ever end or if it will come here or not. But Mr. Morrison, my social studies teacher, helped me to learn more about it in class and it helped me know what is going on, so that I don’t have to wonder,” explained a student at BAA.

Christopher Morrison, fifth through eighth social studies teacher at BAA, explains how he handles the war in his class. “I ask them, ‘What do you know about this already? What questions do you have about this?’ I even ask them, ‘Who do you think the good guys are and who [do you think] the bad guys are?’ so that they have a chance to express their opinions. I will take opportunities to input balance into the conversations, and encourage my students to think about the subject critically.

He adds, “I encourage the students to reflect on what the life of a soldier must be like. For example, I pose this scenario, ‘Did you know that a Russian soldier may not have the same mindset as their leader?’”

Morrison explains that at the middle school level and above, it is essential to urge students to evaluate and analyze information, to discuss point of view, and how to identify propaganda.

“By observation of our discussions about this war, it is apparent that each student gleans a great amount of information outside the classroom about this war. Historically, this is the most public war that has taken place because of social media. My students only need to click, and a large collection of first-hand account videos is at their fingertips. This can create questions for kids, so it is important for adults to address it,” Morrison said.

BAA is not avoiding the subject of war in Ukraine. On March 3, a joint seminar for the sixth through tenth grade was held with a presentation on the history of Russia and Ukraine by Doug Inglish, RMC vice-president of administration, who holds a degree in Russian history. Students are also creating posters using the hashtag Ukraine=U_____. An example is #Ukraine=Ustrong. The hope of BAA is for these pictures to reach Ukrainians.

Here are five tips parents can utilize at home talking to their children about war.

1. Explain the war to your child using kid-friendly words. During the conversation, use a map, and as a bonus, watch a time lapse video on the map of Russia and the map of Ukraine. Most likely, you recall the day in 1991 when Ukraine became independent; your first-hand account of the celebration of that historic event is priceless. Children want answers, and they want information. Let them see that you are a great source for answers.

2. Maintain an open and honest channel of communication with kids. Listen, invite questions, and ask them how they are feeling about this war. Acknowledge their emotions or worries. If a child needs an outlet for their fears, remind them to also draw, sketch, journal, and play outdoors. Family time is a vital and crucial activity during this worrisome season.

3. Be intentional about screening and limiting media information when children are near. Value educational and informative reports.

4. Assure children that just as you always use seat belts and helmets, you have a household emergency plan should anything happen. Remind your children that as a responsible adult, you are prepared to care for your family; therefore, they can rest assured that safety, health, and happiness are a priority.

5. Most importantly, as a family, turn to your strong faith in God’s care and protection. Do this regularly, deliberately, and without restraint. Witness to your children your firm belief that, assuredly, God will care for His people. Invite family members to share a favorite Bible promise of God’s deliverance, such as, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. Spend family time daily in prayer for Ukraine and Russia. Finally, point to the soon return of Christ when we shall be face to face with our Creator, and when the sadness and wars and strife of this world will end. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3

“Kids will ask if World War III is a possibility, but I turn to the fact that we know God is coming to save His people. We are told that there will be wars and rumors of wars, but God’s got it. The world is in His hands. The entire world’s history has always been in His hands, and it will be till Jesus comes. God promised that He will come again, to save those who are eagerly awaiting Him. Acts 1:11 promises us, ‘This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ Remember, we are alive in Christ,” said Morrison.

–Jodie Aakko is headteacher at Brighton Adventist Academy; photos by Jodie Aakko

03 Mar

CAMPION STUDENTS EXCHANGE CLASSROOMS FOR SKI SLOPES

By Elizabeth Jureckova – Copper Mountain, Colorado … Twenty-nine Campion Academy students ditched the classrooms and their comfortable dorm life for a chance to spend four days snowboarding, skiing, and enjoying the mountains of Colorado on the annual ski trip to Copper Mountain.

The excursion began with the students leading worship and the church service at Leadville Adventist church. Local members were able to experience the student praise team as well as personal testimonies. Later in the day, students swapped church wear for snow gear to enjoy the local sledding hill.

For the following three days, students enjoyed the slopes on skis and snowboards under sunny skies. Reflecting on the event, Chase, Campion senior, said, “I had a great time with my friends. I had a lot of fun switching my skis for Owen’s snowboard and absolutely shredding the gnar.”

Fellowship time is what many will cherish most. “My favorite part of the ski trip was bonding with people I wouldn’t hang out with on a daily basis, and the food was amazing too,” said Lizzie, Campion student.

Another student, Brisa, explained that even though they weren’t in the classroom, learning didn’t stop. “It was great learning something new with people who are willing to teach while having fun and making new friends.”

Students returned to the Campion campus tired, but filled with countless memories of great experiences.

To view a video of the ski trip produced by Noah Sturges, Campion senior, please click here: https://youtu.be/ygM_oSXTfdw.

–Elizabeth Jureckova is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

02 Mar

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTES 2022 OPERATING BUDGET

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … “2021 was an amazing year for giving,” Darin Gottfried, vice president of finance, said during his presentation at the first RMC Executive Committee in 2022.

The committee, convening February 22, welcomed five new members who filled vacated seats. The new members included: David Sakul, First Indonesian Adventist Church member; Arnie Sybrant, Casper Adventist Church member; Andrew Carpenter, Mile High Academy principal; Vanessa Alarcon, Boulder Adventist Church member; and Kari Lange, H.M.S. Richards Elementary School teacher.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, began with the president’s report sharing that he was “impressed with the whole family feeling” in the RMC Indonesian congregations as they celebrated the life of Timothy Dien. He also informed the members that counseling has been made available for the Campion Academy family.

In the RMC secretary’s presentation, Doug Inglish, vice president of administration, discussed the upcoming spring town halls and the process for electing delegates by individual churches for the second quinquennial constituency meeting of The Rocky Mountain Conference. A proposal for a loan to repair the roof at the Sterling, Colorado church was approved.

In the financial section of the meeting, Gottfried shared that the “Rocky Mountain Conference ended the year with a total tithe of $19,670,897, an increase of 13.16% from 2020.”

He added, “The Rocky Mountain Conference Advance offerings had a positive year with $275,997 given in 2021 compared to $184,617 in 2020.” This additional giving will assist the six areas for which the advance offering is designated: evangelism, Campion and Mile High academies, the church and school building fund, summer camp programming, camp facilities, and La Vida Mission. Gottfried expressed gratitude for members also supporting their local church, in which giving was up by 14.22%.

A revised budget for 2022 was also presented and approved. The budget presented showed a deficit of approximately $275,000 but is balanced in the tithe function. This planned loss is due to previously allocated funds for projects and programs that will be spent down in 2022.

Because of the operating gain in 2021, the Conference’s working capital increased from 3.7 months in 2020 to 4.8 months in 2021. The North American Division is recommending six months of working capital.

While the Conference has not yet reached the goal of six months working capital, it was voted by the committee that the gain from 2021 be allocated as follows:

75% be placed into allocated reserves.
10% allocated for employee development.
5% allocated for Mile High Academy.
5% allocated for Campion Academy.
5% allocated for the Campion Development Program.

Gottfried ended his presentation by stating, “I am very grateful for the financial blessings we received last year and am praying that these funds can help spread the love of Jesus and grow His Kingdom.”

The committee also reviewed and approved the recommendations of the Bylaws Committee to forward to the Constituency Session.

— RMCNews; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

02 Mar

JAIME JORGE PERFORMS AT PIÑON HILLS ADVENTIST CHURCH

By Violet Kelley – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Adventist Church welcomed classical violinist Jaime Jorge for a special Friday night vespers program. During the February 18 vespers, Jorge shared his life testimony and performed several inspiring musical selections from his “Healing Music” concert tour.

At the age of ten, Jorge and his family immigrated to Wisconsin from Cuba. The local Adventist church assisted his family with blankets, coats, boots, heaters, furniture, food, and an old turntable with eight classical vinyl records to enjoy during their first winter in Milwaukee. The vinyl records helped spark an interest in classical music for Jorge.

Listening to the concert was an “inspiring way to start the Sabbath in a very special way,” said Mike Kissner, Piñon Hills interim lead pastor. Former Union College music graduate and Piñon Hills member Shannon Bramblett agrees with Kissner, saying, “Jaime plays from his heart” and can reach others for God through their hearts.

Jorge explained that he prefers to focus on his “Healing Music” ministry to reach young people worldwide with three different youth conservatories located in Tennessee, Nicaragua, and Cuba. He added that the goal of his “Healing Music” tour is to get people back into the church, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in people’s lives, and to let God bless them.

The Piñon Hills church thoroughly enjoyed Jorge’s concert and life testimony and would like to encourage other churches to reach out to Jaime Jorge and invite him.

–Violet Kelley is a member of the Piñon Hills Adventist Church; photo supplied