RMCNews Page 9

17 Dec

GOODBYE 2020

In

As the year 2020 comes to end, it would be an understatement to say that we will not miss it. As a church family–-young and old–-we have had a mosaic of experiences, including bewilderment and frustration, laced with sadness and doubts.

But all of us were also adjusting to a carousel of worship options, creating Zoom communities, engaging in technological creativity, and discovering, for some, that we live in a community that invites us to practice our Christianity by helping the vulnerable, the poor, and the needy–-all beyond being “one day Christians.”

And we learned in 2020 about a need to rely on Jesus much, much more, wishing He would return now! At RMC, we especially noted that Christian stewardship lives on, even in these trying times.

NewsNuggets editors asked several randomly-selected church members, educators, and ministers in RMC to share their memorable moments or experiences during 2020, personally, and as believers. Here is a selection, perhaps a mirror of your own experiences.

May the Lord of our lives give us patience, forbearance, victories, and compassion in the year to come as we trust in Him and His leading in 2021.

Pastor Steve Schwartz, Delta, Colorado

“Life is not put-on hold by a pandemic, and neither is God. I will apply this learning when the pandemic is history.”

 Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission, New Mexico

“In our experience here at La Vida Mission during this pandemic, I have seen first-hand a repeat of the story of the five loaves and two fishes and its blessing to thousands. God miraculously multiplies our few bags of rice, beans and flour to bless hundreds and hundreds of Navajo families in the community.”

Ellie King, age 9, Estes Park, Colorado

“I got to celebrate my birthday with some of my favorite people!”

Anderson King, age 6, Estes Park, Colorado

“This year was hard, but I still got to see my cousins.”

Samantha Nelson, Cody, Wyoming

Personally, I will mostly remember the discouragement that I could not meet my new niece born in February, that–-for the first time in 15 years since we left CA–-I would not be able to return to visit family this year, that I nearly lost my husband to COVID-19 and pneumonia, and that I struggled with several health issues myself. On a positive note, I will always remember how wonderful it is to share love and hugs with family, church members and friends.

As a pastor’s wife, it’s been difficult to not be able to offer the in-person support that people need. Texts, calls and emails are helpful, but sometimes people just need a hug or to see the love and care expressed on your face.

Principal Sandy Hodgson, Erie, Colorado

On a personal note, not only was this a year of the fear of the unknown, but also [the year] of cooking, game playing, neighborhood walks, and Zoom!

As an Adventist educator, let me say this was a year of being creative with remote learning and being overjoyed with a return to in-person learning.

Natasha Gibson, Denver, Colorado, a junior nursing student at Union College.

2020 has been an interesting year for me. My friends and I were not able to connect like we did in the past. Nonetheless, we found creative ways to stay connected. 2020 also taught me how to be resilient and push forward in everything that I do.

Being an Adventist during this time hasn’t really affected me. As the Bible tells us, things will get worse before Christ comes and I truly believe this. Therefore, as an Adventist during this pandemic, I simply rely on my faith to carry me throughout each day.

Karla Klemm, Grand Junction, Colorado

“In 2020 I have learned, as I work in public health, that I am stronger than I realize.  Having to take on an additional role of coordination in the COVID pandemic, I am thankful for the experience it provided me. Creative ways to worship have “risen to the top” in my interaction with the Adventist church. New online venues are appreciated and hopefully, we will learn to integrate these practices into the future.”

Ed Barnett, RMC president

“The thing that struck me most was how much I miss the fellowship of family, friends, fellow employees and our church family. The other thing that really has hit home is that we have no idea what will happen tomorrow. We need to rely on Jesus every day for direction. I have always known that, but it has become more sharply focused.”

Diane Johnson, Louisville, Colorado

2020 finds me with “compassion fatigue,” and with dismay with my fellow humans who deny a few simple requests to keep others safe. I am one of the healthcare workers who is tired and frustrated. 2020 seems to be–for many people–the year of “I’ll do whatever I want.” That’s what I see online with those in church who disregard guidelines. Sad, in my view.

What keeps me going are worship services, even on Zoom, and Boulder’s connect group which kept me grounded and hopeful…”

Pastor Bob McAlpine, Alamosa, Colorado

I learned that digital/virtual church is also a real church and that digital/virtual community is real community. I will always remember seeing people interact online during a worship service back in July and realizing that they were having a meaningful experience of God and others even though they weren’t present in the church building.

Ron Johnson, Grand Junction, Colorado

During the virus, we have been impressed and inspired by how friends and church members reach out and support those who are homebound making sure their needs are met. And we realize more how important singing hymns and praise music and fellowship is to worship. Without these activities, worship is incomplete and leaves us half satisfied spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

It is a blessing that my wife, Linda, can play the piano at home to enable us to worship with singing.

Pastor Micheal Getz, Campion, Loveland, Colorado

For me as a pastor, it was watching the parking lot fill up on the first night of a drive-in vespers–the community longing to spend time together and worship even if it’s just cars in a parking lot.

On a personal level, I will remember the ache in my heart when my kids tried to understand a sickness that would close their park.

Ron Price, Farmington, New Mexico

I believe I will look back one day and see this time as a preparation practice run for what I will be experiencing then. As bad as it has been, I believe God’s Word is clear that life will get far more difficult before it gets eternally better.

Pastor Shayne Vincent Mason, Casper, Wyoming

While Casper creatively rose to the challenge of remaining open for most of 2020, it has also been a journey into the realities of Ecclesiastes. The Lord has re-awakened our awareness that this world is only temporary, and that He truly will return. The beautiful truth found in losing the illusions of control is that we learn to, “cast all of our cares upon Jesus.”

–photo by iStock

09 Dec

JESUS AT THE CENTER OF THE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE TOP PRIORITY FOR HARRIS

In

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Diane Harris will become Rocky Mountain Conference director of education effective January 1, 2021. The RMC executive committee meeting on December 8 via Zoom voted unanimously to accept the RMC Administrative Committee’s recommendation of the appointment of Harris to replace Lonnie Hetterle, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving more than 25  years in RMC education.

Harris brings 20 plus years’ experience in education, having served as RMC’s associate superintendent since 2003. Prior to joining the education department, Harris taught second grade at Mile High Academy.

Education has always been a passion for Harris and she is excited about the opportunity ahead of her.

“The Rocky Mountain Conference is blessed with incredibly talented teachers who strive to show their students Jesus. I am so blessed to continue to work alongside them,” Harris said.

Outgoing superintendent Lonnie Hetterle said, “Harris is not only an expert in Adventist education, but also has a God-given ability to understand and to care for people of all ages. She is a licensed counselor and has a passion for all of God’s people, but especially for children and young people.”

“She has a tender and compassionate spirit and yet has the ability to have difficult conversations when necessary. Diane Harris has the confidence of the teachers and has the vision to lead our schools into the future. She is a consummate professional. I am so very pleased to welcome her to her new role and know that she will be a blessing to the Rocky Mountain Conference for years to come,” Hetterle concluded

Jesus at the center of the education experience will continue to be top priority for Harris.

“Together we can move forward in the effort to educate the children of Rocky Mountain Conference and, more importantly, make sure that each student gets to know Jesus,” Harris said.

RMC President Ed Barnett, commenting on the new role Harris will assume in 2021, said, “We couldn’t be more excited about Diane accepting the position as our new education director. She has been trained for twenty years to step into this new position. I believe she will continue to be a blessing to the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

–RMCNews

09 Dec

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS 2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET; DIANE HARRIS APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

In

RMCNews  – Denver, Colorado … In their final 2020 meeting, December 8, the RMC Executive Committee reviewed church finances and approved the 2021 preliminary budget.

The October YTD financial report was presented by George Crumley, RMC VP for finance, who shared “how even with COVID, the Conference is only down roughly .5% on base tithe after adjusting for the extra Sabbath this year.”

Additionally, Crumley continued, “because of lower expenses and special assistance from the North American Division and the Mid-American Union Conference, we are actually tracking better than the 2020 budget had estimated for this time of the year.” He expressed gratitude to God for the “faithful support of our members in returning their tithes and offerings during these challenging times.”

“God has really blessed His church,” commented Ed Barnett, RMC president. In his President’s Report, he shared a number of missional activities and outreach challenges in the Conference, among them the evangelistic outreach of the Campion Church by placing a church plant in the Johnstown area. He remarked that though the number of baptisms is down, in line with the entire Mid-America Union, Mike Maldonado at Colorado Springs Central has welcomed 35 new members through baptism this year.

Crumley presented the Preliminary 2021 Budget, which was voted by the Committee. The budget projected a 1% lower tithe for 2021 and makes no provision for a July 1 cost-of-living pay increase next year. “Additionally, we budgeted lower income for Glacier View Ranch and the Summer Camp program not knowing the impact COVID would have by then. Because of the uncertainty of next year, we did rely on $119,000 of this year’s potential earnings to bring the budget into balance. Of course, we will take another look at this when we have ended the year and [will] present the Revised 2021 Budget,” Crumley said.

Roy Ryan, chair of our Audit Review Committee, presented a report stating that “for 2019, the conference had an Unmodified Opinion, which is the best opinion you can get. The Conference is in good financial health and being operated in a very responsible manner,” he commented.

COVID’s impact on RMC was reviewed by Eric Nelson, VP for administration. He shared that more than 10 pastors, three staff members in the office and a number of members have contracted the virus. “The virus is having an impact on the health of our members,” he said. Lonnie Hetterle, RMC education superintendent reported on how teachers are dealing with pandemic conditions, often switching between in-person and virtual classes. “’Adaptability’ is the key word. Most of our schools have had to adapts to teaching by distance learning for a day or a week due to the COVID tests impacting their students,” Hetterle, who is retiring at the end of the year, explained.

“All parents, teachers and students want to be in school. So, there are stringent guidelines being followed to be as safe as possible,” he added.

Eric Nelson informed the Committee of pastoral placements, elated to open districts. Geoff Patterson will begin in January 2021 as Boulder’s Senior Pastor. He comes from Forest Lake church in Florida, where he has been senior pastor. Bill Nixon began pastoring in Cheyenne in November after coming from Minnesota where he pastored five churches. As of this month, Godfrey Miranda assumes the pastorate of the Fort Collins congregation. He has been in RMC for the past four years. Two districts are still open–Castle Rock, Colorado Springs South, and Woodland Park, as well as the Golden, Denver West, and Lakewood Fellowship district. Pastor David Martinez returned to Castle Rock as chaplain.

Following the announcement of the retirement of Lonnie Hetterle, who has served more than 25 years in RMC and 20 years in the Office of Education, the Committee voted to appoint Diane Harris as RMC education director. She has served as assistant director of education in RMC for almost 20 years.

“Lonnie Hetterle has been a real blessing for the Rocky Mountain Conference as our superintendent of education. After twenty years in that position, he has decided to retire the end of the month. He will be missed by all,” said Ed Barnett.   

He also commented on the Committee’s vote to appoint Diane Harris as RMC director of education. “She has been the associate for the last twenty years. We welcome her happily as she steps up as our new superintendent as of the first of January,” Barnett added.

–RMCNews

19 Nov

RMC COMMUNICATOR RECOGNIZED FOR DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE

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RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The 2020 Excellence in Communication Ministry award was presented on Wednesday, November 18, to Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC communication director, at the communicators year-end meeting of Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Introducing the award Brenda Dickerson, MAUC communication director said, “the Mid-America Union Communication Department is pleased to present its Excellence in Communication Ministry award during our gathering today.”

“This award is being given annually to an individual in our territory based on their dedication to fulfilling the mission of the Adventist Church, their creativity, collaboration, and innovation in addressing communication challenges.”

Already displaying photographic skills, Rajmund began his journalism career more than 50 years ago by joining the editorial team of his high school student paper in communist Poland, which was, at the time, a difficult yet cutting edge production. From a young age, he had a passion to serve others and to treat others as he would like to be treated.

“My love was for the Polish language and for history and it seemed being a part of history [in Poland] and being involved in communication was a natural thing,” Dabrowski reflected on his beginnings.   “When the first student issue came out, we were proud of our achievement. We walked with our heads held high and pretended to be real journalists. Once a month, we went to a well-known café to plan for the following issues.  At a table next to ours sat a gentleman who, we discovered, was a famous journalist. He introduced himself to us and asked what we were editing. As we chatted, he gave us tips on how to survive the stormy weather under communism.”

Rajmund begin his ministry in the Adventist church as editor and manager of the Signs of Times Publishing House located in Warszawa. After 13 years in publishing, he was elected to serve as communication director for the Trans-European Division. In 1993, he was invited to the General Conference as communication director, where he served till 2010.

His excellence in communication and his love for others and for service is evident to the many who have worked with Dabrowski over the years.

“Working with Ray Dabrowski has been one of the highlights of my church employment. If there was one word to describe Ray, it would be ‘professional.’ Everything he does is executed at the highest level. His passion for pushing the Adventist Church in the area of communication is exemplary. The high standards he holds for himself and the organization he represents is a model for all communicators,” Dan Weber, North American Division communication director said. “Congratulations, Ray, for being honored by your colleagues. There is no greater honor.”

Weber’s comments are echoed by many of Dabrowski’s current and former colleagues.

“Congratulations Ray! Polish fantasy and American style, is a recipe for success,” said Jan Kot, director of Hope Channel Poland.

Kermit Netteburg, former North American Division communication director said, “Well deserved, my friend. You have been a standard bearer for excellence in communication for a long time.”

“I’m privileged to not only work with him, learn from him, but most importantly, I’m honored to call him a friend,” Jon Roberts, RMC media/communication assistant.

“Ray’s list of professional accomplishments is long and impressive, and it is an honor to add to his collection of awards this token of our appreciation for his dedicated and creative service in the Mid-America Union,” Dickerson commented.

“I admire Ray so much as a communication professional,” said Andy Nash, who worked with Dabrowski at the General Conference as well as Rocky Mountain Conference. “I love his sense of balance, his respect for all people, and the way he’s mentored so many young people through the years.”

“Working for Ray was the highlight of my career,” expressed Carol Bolden, RMC communication assistant before her retirement in 2019. “He creates a camaraderie in the workplace that promotes creativity and freedom yet maintains a high standard for the art. His productions are always on the cutting edge of Adventist culture as he encourages readers to think and to represent Jesus more fully. A number of young people in communication today were mentored by him and are making their own mark on the field. We’re all indebted to his vision.”

Ed Barnett, RMC president said, “Congratulations, Ray. We are proud of you for the tremendous job you do for our conference. I am not surprised that you received this prestigious award. We see your excellence in communication, we are enriched by the global vision you bring to us, we see the quality that you put into all of the different communications the church releases, whether it be the Mountain Views, the weekly NewsNuggets or the items you put on Facebook. Ray you are a blessing to our conference. Well done!”

Dabrowski is humbled by the dozens of comments left on his Facebook page. “Naturally, it was a nice moment to experience, especially a recognition to aim for excellence in what one does in communication. This is a recognition of those who helped me to aim for excellence, and of those young professionals who make us ‘present-truth’ Christians,” he commented

–RMCNews; photo by Jon Roberts

18 Nov

COVID IN RMC IS REAL

In

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The pandemic is real and it is an enemy of humanity affecting multiple families, pastors, employees at RMC schools, conference office employees, and church members.

“A few months ago, I visited a church where a visitor asked if I knew of any Adventists who had come down with COVID. I gave him a description of those that I knew had contracted COVID and of some conferences that have lost many members to death from this disease,” Eric Nelson, RMC VP of Administration said.

“We have had a number of pastors, a few staff in the office, and many members who have contracted this virus and even more who have been in contact with a diagnosed individual.  Churches have had to close for 14 days after someone attended and was later diagnosed. Thankfully, most of our schools have been spared from outbreaks, but not all,” Nelson added

While some have an easy battle with the disease, others face a challenging recovery.

Samantha Nelson, spouse of Pastor Steve Nelson, who both are currently fighting COVID, posted the following on her Facebook page this week: “Last night was rough and not much sleep for either of us. Tylenol helped bring his temperature down some. His oxygen levels are still lower than they should be though. The hospital will not take him. They just instructed us to continue doing what we are doing. Our doctor is being kept informed and is monitoring the situation.

Members need to be careful about sharing home remedies with anyone who is sick with COVID and should encourage their neighbors and friends who have contracted this disease to follow only professional health advice.

“Please, I know everyone means well and we appreciate the thoughts and advice, but please, please, please stop with all the unsolicited remedy advice. He is not even capable of doing many of the things suggested. We are already doing natural remedies and taking all the vitamins, etc., that are supposed to help. The constant “do this, take this, etc.,” is really stressing us out. I beg you, please stop. Thank you,” stated Samantha.

We can join the fight against this invisible enemy by wearing a mask because we, as Adventists, are not spared from the pandemic.

“Interestingly, during the 1918 epidemic, Adventist churches were working to sew masks and hand out patterns to make even more as a preventive measure against the flu epidemic. Doing the same activity now is something specific that we can do to provide some protection,” Eric Nelson said.

Nelson added, “The three simplest and most effective steps that we can all take is to keep social distance, sanitize our hands often, and wear a mask. These are small accommodations, simple preventive measures that protect those we come in contact with. And they keep us safer.”

A nurse leader at the Kettering Adventist Health Network of Hospitals in Kettering, Ohio posted the following plea on social media: “Today, we are headed toward a very difficult time. Please continue to keep all of our physicians, APPs, nurses, respiratory teams, and many others in your prayers as we keep fighting this battle. And for goodness sake, wear your mask and stay home when you can!”

Nelson echoed the need to wear masks when in public, “I am so glad medical workers who serve us, when we are ill, wear masks to keep us and themselves safe. If they can do that for protection, we can do the same.”

The battle is far from over.

“It will be a while before this virus runs its course. We need to continue to do all we can to be careful, use caution, and help keep ourselves and others safe through this time. We are learning to trust God more as we face these challenging times. We are also learning to work together even as we are apart,” Nelson stated.

Even through the pandemic, ministry is happening.

“Ministry is still taking place in our churches. Even when the church is not able to meet at Newday Seventh-day Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, small groups of ten are meeting to watch the church [service] and provide fellowship. They have a vital connection to the church in spite of the limitations. Pastors and churches have been wonderfully adept at quickly making changes to serve our members and community,” Nelson said. “Pastors and members are reaching out to shut-ins and isolated members to encourage or to pray with them by phone.”

Nelson has some final advice for RMC members when they interact with first responders and essential workers: “We can share a word of encouragement and thanks to those who are our daily providers in the store or gas station, those who provide medical help, etc. They receive plenty of criticism and frustration from people. Why not give them a bright smile and a pleasant time of thanks. They can see our eyes smiling.”

As we face the long winter ahead, it may seem like hope is lost; it may seem like we are on our own; it may seem there is no end to this battle. However, there is good news.

Ed Barnett, RMC president reflected on the basic truths we all share: “God is still in control of this world that we live in. As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we need to do whatever we can to protect ourselves and others around us. That is done out of courtesy and love for other people. If ever there is a time to share the love of Jesus, it is today. The World does not know how this old world is going to end, but we have read our Bibles and know that better days are ahead. Christians need to stand out because they love and care for others.  The world needs to see that!”

“If they do, they can’t help but realize that Christians are different. Then they will seek answers about how and why we can have hope even during a pandemic. They will want to know how we can have hope when the world around us is falling apart. Stick close to Jesus and you can be encouraged even in trying times,” Barnett further commented.

–RMCNews; photo by Pixabay

17 Oct

GVR EVACUATED; WILDFIRE THREATENS

In

***UPDATED 11:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22***

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Glacier View Ranch is currently evacuated out of abundance of caution, due to the nearby Cal-Wood Fire.

The Cal-Wood fire has grown to over ten thousand acres, according the Boulder County Emergency Operations Center website. The fire has not made any forward movements toward GVR.

GVR staff hopes to gain access to the property, before the weekend to shut off the main water line and drain pipes to prevent frozen pipes due to the forecasted cold temperatures this weekend. GVR currently has no electricity due to the power being turned off by the fire crews.

“As of 11:58 a.m. [Sunday, October 18] the camp is secured and no damage has been reported,” Dan Hansen, director of camp ministries, said.

“With fires close to Glacier View Camp we need our members to be praying for our camp and all the people who live in the area. We believe everyone has evacuated from the camp. Please make this a priority in your prayers,” Ed Barnett, RMC President said.

Leaving GVR, Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director felt “a deep peace that no matter what happens, God’s got us.”

“GVR is such a special place to many of us, but what really makes it special is the people,” Dooley added.

The threat to the camp changes frequently as the Cal-Wood fire remains unpredictable in its movements. “It’s really too soon to say what the threat to camp is. We are not in a good location when you look at the fire maps. It really depends on how the wind blows and how much those on the front lines can contain,” Dooley, said.

“The threat to the physical camp is pretty high, but the threat to what camp really is, the ministry of camp, is nonexistent,” Dooley continued.

GVR will remain closed until further notice.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as soon as more details are available.

–Photos courtesy of Boulder County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page and Kiefer Dooley

15 Oct

ADVENTIST SCHOOL’S HEALTH IS TIED TO HEALTH OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

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RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Meet Michael Armstrong. He has a weekend home in Manitou Springs, is married to a dental hygienist, has two children who graduated from Union College, walks to work, and loves working in education. Oh, did we mention? He is the new VP of academics at Mile High Academy, his fourth school in the Adventist education system. In Colorado, he was the head teacher and principal of Springs Adventist Academy in Colorado Springs from 2013 – 2017. Prior to returning to Colorado, he served as principal of Oceanside Adventist Elementary, overseeing 140 students and eight teachers in San Diego County.

Armstrong returned to RMC education after his wife, tiring of California, nudged him to move back to their home in Colorado. He accepted the role of VP of academics because he saw his skill set was needed at MHA. “When I came in February [for the job interview], and spent a day with the teachers, it was clear that my skills in leadership and mentoring were needed.”

Teacher job satisfaction is critical to any school’s future, Armstrong stated. “New teachers call and ask a professional colleague, ‘Should I go after this position? Should I apply?’ You must have happy, engaged teachers. Everything stems from that.”

Adventist education has many benefits–low student-teacher ratio, students creating lifelong relationships, and a Christ-centered curriculum. Retention rates from eighth grade to ninth grade is vital for Armstrong. “We have to somehow create a school culture where kids get it, they identify with it, they love it, and they want to stick with us through twelfth grade. These days, some kids are burning out by seventh grade. We must train students in leadership and character.”

Adventist education shouldn’t be run just as a business, but more as educational outreach to the community. “Children get more from our school than just an education. It’s the Christian component. It leads into the community through outreach, engagement, and strong memories,” Armstrong commented.

The health of Adventist schools is tied directly to the health of the local church Armstrong believes. “I feel strongly that if the schools aren’t doing well, then our churches aren’t doing well, and vice versa.”

Armstrong sees that growing constituent churches is the key to building a strong future for MHA. “I think if we were able to resonate more effectively with more churches, we’d have more [constituent churches]. Building this will require strong relationships between churches and the school. The Denver area is primed for growth in this area as pastors and the Mile High team have been growing together already this year.”

One of Armstrong’s main goals is to contribute to a continued positive culture growth at Mile High Academy. “It has to start with a supportive teacher environment where the teachers feel like they have been empowered. This will lead to student engagement.”

–Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

01 Oct

PANDEMIC DOES NOT STOP VIBRANT CHURCH ACTIVITIES, RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HEARS

In

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … “Tithe and offering faithfulness is such a blessing in our Conference. Church members and their pastors are inspiring in their dedication to God, which is clearly visible in how God’s church is supported,” said Ed Barnett, RMC president.

In his report to the RMC Executive Committee on September 29, Barnett expressed gratitude to all RMC churches which, in spite of the volatile situation from the pandemic, are successfully using technology so that regular worship services can be conducted.

Reporting on RMC finances, George Crumley, RMC VP for finance, stated that through the month of August “our base tithe (which excludes windfalls), was only down by 0.80%. Our total tithe was down by 7.45%. The reason for the decrease this year,” he explained, “is because through 2019, we had windfalls of over $1,000,000, which we have not had this year.”

Because of weaker tithe and the uncertainty of the future, the Conference is not providing the inflationary pay increase in 2020, in step with all conferences across the North American Division.

Currently the Conference has a hiring freeze, Crumley commented. “Even though revenues are down on tithe itself, but we are still tracking fairly close to budget so far this year,” he reported.

Lonnie Hetterle, RMC education superintendent, shared education highlights. “In spite of the pandemic, RMC schools are open and adapting well” to an ever-changing situation and to safety needs. Hetterle said the new Bible curriculum, “Encounter Series” is life-changing for teachers and students, teaching relationship with Christ. Education is working toward a shift to standards-based instruction rather than just grade-level instruction. This measures the learning of the student.

The committee was also informed of the upcoming joint worship service to be conducted by Denver Park Hill and Littleton churches displaying acceptance and unity.

In a snapshot of the status of the hospitals dealing with the challenges of COVID, Morre Dean, Senior VP and Chief Integration Officer at Centura Health, and a member of the committee, said that the April-May months were the peak impact of the pandemic. Currently the numbers have dropped to a more normalized range in our hospitals. Adventist hospitals have done well at navigating this crisis and returning to a more normal operation. “The mission [of hospitals] is serving the community,” Dean stated.

Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal,  informed the committee that the school’s enrollment began with 142 students and is holding strong. The sale of the 65 acres of unused land will come close to completing the goal of Campion Academy’s endowment for a worthy student fund of 10 million dollars. Reeder added that the school welcomed many new staff members along with a new chaplain, and the school sees a resurgence of the literature ministry program reaching out to the community.

The committee voted for pastoral ordination recommendations to be passed on to the Mid-American Union Conference, which will be subject to the ordination committee review. It includes John Davidson from Cañon City, Bob McAlpine from Alamosa, Nathan Cranson from Montrose, and Matt Hasty, coordinator of Literature Ministry.

Eric Nelson updated the committee on the impact of COVID on our churches. “Most of our churches are open,” he said. He also referred to the required protocols and challenges that churches are facing from the pandemic.

In a report by the RMC Trust Department, its director, Doug Inglish said that the department has faced significant challenges with an overwhelming workload and backlog. They have made a procedural move to write more wills in serving members in our conference. “This streamlines the process and the upgrades in technology have also aided the department to be more efficient,” Inglish stated. The recent departmental audit affirmed these steps in efficiency and has given the RMC trust department the highest rating.  He summarized his report in saying that “the department progressed to a point where they wanted to be all along.”

The Executive Committee members were updated on the 2020 Town Hall filming, a program to be released on October 9 in NewsNuggets and on the RMC Facebook page.

–RMCNews

01 Oct

Fire destroys homes and communities near Pacific Union College

In

RMCNews –Angwin, California … Early Sunday morning, September 27, Saint Helena Hospital and the campus of Pacific Union College received the order to leave the premises immediately due to a nearby forest fire that had just been sparked.

The “Glass” fire grew rapidly and by evening was nearing Saint Helena Hospital as firefighters worked to keep the fire from crossing the road onto the hospital’s campus.

Due to the rapid growth and unpredictable direction of the fire many local residents had only minutes to escape.

While the firefighters did everything possible to contain the fire, the nearby community of Deer Park took a direct hit by the fire.  Foothills Adventist Elementary School, the Dorcas Center, and the Adventist Community Building, located in Deer Park were consumed by the fast-moving fire.

The ever-changing winds made the fire next to impossible to fight and was random in its destruction of property with one side of a highway burned, the other side remained untouched.

The nearby Elmshaven home of Ellen G. White was spared from the fire while destruction surrounded the property.

“The fire got extremely close. I’m feeling like an angel must have been hovering over this place and kept it from burning.  I don’t know what else to think. When everything around us burned and this property here survived,” Abner Castanon, Elmshaven caretaker, said.

Reacting to the tragedy of the Napa Valley fire, regional Adventist leaders said that “with so many facing the uncertainties of displacement and loss, we are continuing to pray for the safety of everyone impacted by this difficult situation and for the cessation of the fires. This is our hope and focus.”

A statement released by Pacific Union College on their Facebook page states, “Your donations are urgently needed to support the students, faculty, and staff in our PUC family who have been affected by the Glass Fire. Our school is safe at this time and we are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful and caring community. Thank you for your prayers and emergency support.”

PUC is accepting donations to help with the displaced families.  To donate please click here.

The Glass fire continues to burn with no containment as of the time of this article being published.

Photo courtesy of the Elmshaven Landmark Facebook page.

 

Fire closing in on St. Helena Hospital. Photo courtesy of St Helena Hospital Foundation Facebook page.
28 Sep

PASTORAL LAY TRAINEES TEST THEIR SERMON SKILLS

In

Grand Junction, Colorado … The sanctuary doctrine was the focus of a recent lay pastor’s training weekend held at the Grand Junction Church.

The purpose of the training was not to make “pastors” but to help people hear what God is calling them to do and to give them the tools and resources that they need to do it. Each training weekend includes a practical ministry topic and a theological focus.

The practical ministry focus goal for the weekend was for every attendee to give a short sermon. Then, each had an opportunity to share something positive that the speaker did in their preparation and their delivery of the message.

“(I) enjoyed the opportunity to ‘practice’ our presentation. I learned logical, as well as more specific hints on how to successfully speak to groups,” Sandi Adcox, lay pastor trainee, said

Through studying the sanctuary truth, the gathering discovered how God revealed Himself and the plan of salvation through the sanctuary and learned about many of the deeper things of God and the distance He is willing to go to save His people.

Sandy Carosella, another lay pastor trainee, said that this training was, “So very revealing [of] things we have always heard, but not to this depth or detail. It was so very exciting. I can’t get enough.”

The Denver cohort of lay pastor training met at Denver South on September 11 – 13 for their training, where 19 had gathered.

“In the past I was preaching many sermons. But this training really taught me how to prepare and organize including the layout of sermons. To preach effectively the word of God in the church or the community,” Jones Tuufuli, lay pastor trainee from Colorado Springs, said.

–Grand Junction newsletter; photo supplied

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