NewsNuggets – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

05 Feb

GATHERING WOMEN, RENEWING FAITH: A CONVERSATION WITH RMC’S NEW WOMEN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR MARLENE POOLE

The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to welcome Marlene Poole [MP], the new Women’s Ministry director, as she steps into this important role of service and leadership. RMCNews [RMC] recently had the opportunity to meet with her in person and hear firsthand about her ministry background, what led her to this role, and her hopes for women across the Conference.

[RMC] You are currently in studies for ministry. Tell me about that.

[MP] Yes, I am two years into the pastoral ministry program at Andrews University for my Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM), and my focus for that has always been to excel in women’s ministries. They have really good studies for communicating with people, studying the Bible, and all the tools that I could use.

[RMC] You are doing your professional studies right now, but I believe you’ve had a long history in ministry in various capacities. What is your history with women’s ministries?

[MP] I couldn’t even tell you exactly how many years I’ve been in women’s ministries. I would say 9 to 10 years between helping plan retreats and serving on the leadership team for events and trainings throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference and sometimes on the North American Division (NAD) level.

I was working with DeeAnn Bragaw, NAD Women’s Ministries director, on the Passionate Leader Summit that was held in Denver last year and at the Adventist Ministries Convention in Kentucky this January. I have also completed the training for NAD’s EndItNow® Initiative on domestic violence at the Advocate level.

[RMC] What called you to women’s ministries? What pulled you to this ministry when there are other ministries out there?

[MP] I’ve always been interested in helping people on what I would call “the fringe.” For instance, the person in the corner who isn’t talking to anybody or the single mom who needs help and nobody seems to understand or newcomers to the church. I realized over time that I can be much more effective focusing on women. Men and women are different, and it’s easier for women to reach women. That is really what I have discovered.

And God led me to the Rocky Mountain Conference Women’s Ministries director at the time, who invited some ladies and myself to help on the leadership team and with training. I became really involved and realized what a joy it is to help women.

[RMC] Have you had any experiences that really validated this calling, or have you seen God’s hand in your ministry work?

[MP] Oh, definitely. I’ve been leading some women’s Bible studies for a number of years. It started as individual Bible studies, and then I realized there were so many that we should do a group Bible study together. Bringing together these ladies “on the fringe” into a community of women led to them going to church again, starting to read their Bibles again, and finding God. That community builds with just getting women together.

[RMC] Going into this new role, what do you plan to do in the ministry throughout the year?

[MP] We will be bringing back the RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat this year, and I also plan to travel to other women’s retreats in the conference. So, by all means, reach out to me. I’d love to come and visit and connect with people and help encourage them with their women’s ministries efforts at their local church.

I know that funds are tight to host events, but there are also ways to locally raise money to do women’s retreats, and I can be a good resource for ideas on fundraising. I want to encourage women to continue to reach the women in their community.

[RMC] So tell me more about the upcoming RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat. What can attendees look forward to?

[MP] We live in Colorado, Wyoming, and parts of New Mexico, so people love going to the mountains for retreat and revival. This year, we’re going to be going to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, October 16-18. They have completely remodeled many of the buildings, and it really has a beautiful campus with great access to the outdoors. Plus, the buildings that we will be staying in will have elevators so everyone will have the opportunity to come and not worry about access.

Because we are staying at the YMCA, however, we will have to close registration on August 6, 2026. There will be a registration fee due at that time, so we encourage everyone to start planning now.

But they won’t want to miss our speakers this year’s event “Renewed in the Rockies.” We have DeeAnn Bragaw from the NAD and Donna Brown, our new Mid-America Union Women’s Ministry director. It will be great.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.
(Isaiah 40:31, KJV)

Be watching the announcement’s page at RMCSDA.org for more information on this year’s RMC Women’s Ministry Retreat “Renewed in the Rockies.”

* This content has been adapted from the original interview for length and format.

—RMCNews. Photos supplied and Pieter Damsteegt | North American Division.

DonnaBrownMarleneTabithatIsaboke — Marlene Poole (center) pictured with Tabitha Isaboke (left), Minnesota Conference Women’s Ministries coordinator, and Donna Brown (right), Mid America Union Women's Ministries director, at the 2025 AWL Conference.

54812658740_a355f770f8_k — DeeAnn Bragaw (left), NAD Women’s Ministries director, in a prayerful embrace with Donna Brown (right), Mid America Union Women's Ministries director, at the 2025 Passionate Leader Summit. (Photo source: Pieter Damsteegt | North American Division)

05 Feb

MILE HIGH ACADEMY HOSTS MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST LEGO LEAGUE AND ADVENTIST ROBOTICS

Jessica Gleason and Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, proudly hosted its annual Middle School Robotics Tournament, February 1, welcoming seven teams from across the region for a full day of innovation and friendly competition. The event was held in partnership with FIRST LEGO League and Adventist Robotics, with sponsorship from the Mid-America Union Conference, the Rocky Mountain Conference, and MHA.

The tournament began with team registration, followed by robot design presentations, innovation project sharing, and judging. The live robot competition kicked off at 12:45 p.m., culminating in an awards ceremony that celebrated teamwork and creativity while showcasing engineering excellence.

Several teams were recognized for their outstanding performance:

Core Values Award: Royal Robotics (Minnetonka Christian Academy, Minnesota)
Innovation Award: Robostangs (MHA, Colorado)
Robot Design Award: HMS Robo Squad (HMS Richards Adventist School, Colorado)
Robot Performance Award: EnginEagles Green (Vista Ridge Academy, Colorado)
Champions Award: EnginEagles Green (Vista Ridge Academy, Colorado)

The top two teams, EnginEagles Green and Royal Robotics, qualified to advance to the next level of competition, which will be held May 3 in Florida.

Students shared their enthusiasm for the experience throughout the day.

“I think we’ve done amazingly well, and I love to be part of this team,” said Bentley G., a seventh grader at MHA.

Joshua E., a sixth grader from HMS Richards, added, “My favorite part of the tournament is how they complete the missions.”

For Gali S., a fifth grader from HMS Richards, the event was about connection and teamwork. “My favorite part is seeing all the people and doing all the competitions with the team.”

MHA student Maddie M., a seventh grader, highlighted the design process, saying, “The best part of the MHA robot design is the square design because it just makes it a lot easier to do a lot more things.”

Jessica Gleason, MHA vice principal and the tournament event coordinator, emphasized the broader impact of robotics programs. “Being part of a robotics team teaches students far more than engineering skills,” Gleason said. “They learn collaboration, perseverance, problem-solving, and confidence. We truly enjoy welcoming these teams to our campus and seeing students support and learn from one another. Hosting this tournament is a highlight for our school, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year on February 7, 2027.”

—Jessica Gleason is the vice principal and Karrie Meyers Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied by Jessica Gleason.

04 Feb

THE GREATEST TREASURE HUNT LEADS PUEBLO YOUTH TO CHRIST

Ken Davis – Pueblo, Colorado … Bryan Choi, lead pastor at the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pueblo, Colorado, announced at a men’s ministry meeting in the summer of 2025 a plan to reach the youth in the community.

The event, lasting eight evenings from November 3-9, was called “The Greatest Treasure Hunt.” Church members utilized various approaches for advertising the program through radio, on-line media, passing out and mass-mailing of invitation cards, and a church yard banner.

Volunteers worked to create a treasure hunting theme with stage and classroom props at the church, and there were Bible presentations based on the Amazing Adventure Bible Guides from Amazing Facts International.* There was consistent attendance of 15 to 20 kids per night.

“Not only were there captivating nightly presentations,” commented Ken Davis, an elder at Pueblo First Church, “but there were also sessions for crafts, games, refreshment, prayer room, and skits. At least eight individuals made the decision to receive Christ and be baptized from the event.”

* Please note that Amazing Facts International and its media and publications are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Ken Davis is an elder at the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

04 Feb

FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMITMENT: STUDENTS AND FAMILIES CHOOSE FAITH AT CORTEZ ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Deedee Franklin – Cortez, Colorado … During a period of about a month from December of 2025 through January of 2026, six current students, one former student, and two students’ parents at the Cortez Adventist Christian School (CACS) in Cortez, Colorado, were baptized or joined in membership the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church by profession of faith.

“Last spring, we had a Week of Prayer with Go Therefore Ministries* that really touched the school,” remarked DeeDee Franklin, the Cortez School principal. “Several students requested Bible studies and baptismal classes.”

As a result of the event, two students, Ayden and Grayson G., were baptized on December 20 at the Cortez Church. On January 17, two students, Snow and Kennedy B., were baptized and their sister, Creedence W., along with their parents, Danny and Katrina Davis, who joined the church by profession of faith. Alice H. was baptized, and her sister Angela, a former student, joined by profession of faith also on January 17.

“There is also one other parent currently doing Bible studies with the pastor. All three families involved were formerly non-Adventist. God is good!”

* Go Therefore Ministries is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church or the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Deirdre (Deedee) Franklin is principal and teacher at the Cortez Adventist Christian School. Photos supplied.

04 Feb

REFLECTION: FROM THE BLEACHERS – ONE LAST TOURNAMENT

NewsNuggets

By Karrie Meyers

Last week, Mile High Academy attended the Walla Walla Adventist University Friendship Tournament in Walla Walla, Washington. By every measurable standard, it was a success. The girls played lights-out basketball, winning their Round Robin bracket. The boys fought hard, winning three of their five games and finishing seventh overall. The food was great (according to every teenager within earshot), the skies stayed stubbornly cloudy, and the three Walla Walla gyms buzzed with energy as teams from all over the West and Canada came together for friendly competition. Most importantly, the students clearly had a great time.

But for some of us sitting in the bleachers, this tournament felt different.

We were the parents of senior students, quietly aware that this was our last basketball tournament.

My son, Logen, has played basketball with many of these kids since we moved here when he was in third grade. Back then, it was playing on the small hoops, chasing balls that bounced the wrong way, and launching shots at a rim that felt impossibly high. In middle school, we packed into gyms to cheer them on as they poured their hearts into those basketballs, learning teamwork, grit, and how to shake off a missed shot.

Then came COVID. And just like that, their middle school season disappeared.

Even then, leadership stepped up. We remain incredibly grateful to Kurt Fesler, who organized a mini tournament in Kansas so those middle school boys could still play. It mattered. It mattered more than he probably knew.

My son’s freshman year arrived quickly, bringing with it a much more grueling schedule filled with daily practices, games stacked on weeknights, long drives, and late nights. I often found myself dragging into the gym after a full workday, wondering if we would eat supper before 10 p.m. Sometimes we didn’t. At the time, it felt exhausting.

Now I would give anything to do it all again.

Because I blinked, and suddenly it was senior year.

So, when the Walla Walla tournament rolled around, it hit differently. We cheered louder than ever. We closed our eyes during free throws. We yelled “Nice try!” when shots didn’t fall. We celebrated wins and shook off losses, knowing none of it was really about the score anymore.

Win or lose, we cheered our hearts out one last time, because these boys, these teams, truly have our hearts.

Basketball has been more than a game for these kids. It has been friendships, perseverance, moments of disappointment and joy, and countless memories stitched together across gym floors and seasons. And for us parents, it has been an unexpected gift, a front-row seat to watch our kids grow up.

Walla Walla may have been just another tournament on the calendar, but for the senior-student parents in the bleachers, it was a beautiful, bittersweet goodbye.

And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Always a Mustang!

—Karrie Meyers is mother to a senior student at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied and courtesy of Walla Walla University.

03 Feb

CAMPION STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

Aome Angeles – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, hosted a Scholar’s Brunch to highlight the academic accomplishments of high-achieving students, January 27.

In order to be invited to the brunch, a student had to have a GPA average over 3.5 or be a recipient of a special scholarship or be inducted into the National Honors Society (NHS). After a brief introduction, scholarships were announced and handed out to students, and the brunch followed. Special music was presented by students Sarah M., Izuchi N., and Denise M.

Afterwards, groups of Campion students were called up for photos to celebrate their high GPA, and the largest group was composed of 25 students with a GPA of 4.0 or above. Students can earn greater than a 4.0 by taking dual-credit college classes. More than half of the student body had a GPA of 3.5 or above, a remarkable feat.

Gerrad V., a sophomore student, shared, “I felt so glad that my classmates and I were recognized for all the hard work we put in this year.”

Before the NHA students were recognized, Jenny Gann, school nurse, spoke to remind everyone what true success is actually about. Following her speech, students were selected to speak about the four pillars of the National Honor Society. Marc W. spoke on scholarship, Addison G. spoke on service, Lilly R. spoke on leadership, and Charlie R. spoke on character. They lit the ceremonial candles representing each character trait.

Teagan P., a junior student, said, “I enjoyed seeing the scholarships given and the people who made them; it showed the community of Campion. I also enjoyed the seniors’ speeches. They were inspiring.”

Finally, the presentation of the cords took place in which fourteen seniors were officially inducted into the National Honor Society.

Kaleb Leeper, Campion’s principal, shared, “I was really proud of our many students who were recognized as scholars. I am impressed with the levels they have achieved whilst having a busy schedule.”

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

unnamed-(1) — Several students were gifted with scholarship money, made available by generous alumni and friends to help them attend Campion.

28 Jan

CROWDS GO WILD AS CAMPION AND MILE HIGH SPLIT VICTORIES

Gerrad Chuy Vat – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, hosted a basketball game against Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, January 17. Both academies went home with a win, with Mile High Academy winning the girls’ team game and Campion winning the boys’ team game. A huge crowd turned out for both teams, filling the gym to standing room only.

First on the court, the girls’ basketball varsity game was very close with team captain Victoria Matthews, CA sophomore student, scored sixteen points. Matthews mentioned, “It was a tough game, and it challenged us as a team, but, despite our loss it, helped us grow and prepared us for the next game.”

Liz Lopez-Morquecho, CA sophomore student, scored thirteen points in the intense game. Despite the very close game, the MHA girls’ team took home the win 30-34.

The CA Cougars boys’ team won their match by 13 points after an impressive comeback. After ending the second quarter down by several points, Campion came back out to dominate the second half, with a final score of 78-65. As Jonny Lopez-Morquecho, team point guard, put it, “We got our act together and started to cook.”

Izuchi Nwankwo, CA senior student, started the game on a high note by getting the tip-off to Lopez-Morquecho who sent him a pass for an alley-oop dunk. In the second half, he put up two more dunks as the crowd roared in excitement. With 38 points, Nwankwo will go up on Campion’s wall of fame with the second highest points in a game.

Nwankwo expressed, “It was a great experience, especially as a senior since this one of the last times I’ll play Mile High [Academy]. I had so much fun and was glad to be part of such a wonderful event.”

—Gerrad Chuy Vat, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

28 Jan

CAMPION STUDENTS JOIN WORSHIP AT RMC GREATER YOUTH SUMMIT

Pamela Lah – Ward, Colorado … Students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, worshiped with other high school students from within the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) and Mid-America Union Conference at RMC’s Greater Youth Summit, a prayer conference at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, January 18.

Arriving in the morning, the students and adult sponsors enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the GVR cafeteria and then united with the larger group for a morning worship service.

Jonny M., CA freshman student, expressed, “I had fun. I really enjoyed the worship and getting to spend time with friends”

In the afternoon, attendees split into breakout sessions for discussion. Afterwards, they chose from activities such as volleyball, pickleball, soccer, or a hike.

CA freshman student Enzo D. shared, “They had a good message and entertaining events.”

Hannah M., CA sophomore student, added, “Getting to go was fun. It was a great bonding experience and, overall, a great time.”

—Pamela Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photo supplied.

27 Jan

HANDS‑ON TRAINING EMPOWERS 250 HISPANIC LAY LEADERS AT DENVER SOUTH AND GRAND JUNCTION

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Hispanic Ministries department launched the new year with a strong emphasis on equipping local church leaders, hosting two Spanish‑language lay leadership training events that drew more than 250 attendees across consecutive Sabbaths. The seminars, held January 17 at Denver South Hispanic Seventh‑day Adventist Church and January 24 at Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church, brought together deacons, elders, treasurers, clerks, ministry coordinators, and pastors for a full day of practical instruction and hands-on learning.

Designed to strengthen every level of local church leadership, the training covered a wide range of responsibilities from financial stewardship and church governance to pastoral care, worship coordination, and community engagement. Pastors from across the conference partnered with departmental leaders to teach the sessions, ensuring that participants received both theological grounding and real‑world guidance tailored to the needs of Hispanic congregations.

For many attendees, the investment in leadership development was deeply appreciated. Rafael Subervi, treasurer of the Denver South Hispanic Church, expressed gratitude for the department’s commitment to keeping leaders informed and empowered. He noted that the training offered “cutting‑edge information” that helps congregations operate more effectively and ultimately “thrive” in their mission.

The impact of the seminars was immediate for some churches. Moises Juares, a leader from the Aurora Hispanic Church, shared that after conversations with Julio Diaz, lead pastor of Denver South Hispanic Church, their church board had already begun implementing several of the ideas introduced during the sessions. “We didn’t want to wait,” he said. “These tools are practical, and we knew they would help our ministries right away.”

One of the most talked‑about segments of the training was the communion bread‑making class, led by Michael and Alicia Shannon. The workshop blended tradition, reverence, and practice, giving members the opportunity to learn how to prepare unleavened bread for their local services. The class proved so popular that the Shannons found themselves running out of supplies. Laughing afterward, they remarked, “We’ll have to bring more next time,” a sign of both the enthusiasm in the room and the growing desire among members to participate more fully in the life of their churches.

For Hispanic Ministries, that enthusiasm is exactly the goal. By offering accessible, high‑quality training across the conference, leaders hope to ensure that every member—regardless of their role—feels equipped, confident, and supported. With strong turnout, positive feedback, and immediate application in local congregations, the January seminars marked a promising start to a year focused on strengthening lay leadership throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Media and Content creator. Photos supplied.

26 Jan

COOKING FOR HEALTH: A GIFT SHARED AT LIFESOURCE ADVENTIST FELLOWSHIP

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, deepened its commitment to community wellness with its most recent Nourish Cooking Class, an event that blended the Adventist tradition of health education with spatula learning and warm hospitality, January 25.

For generations, Adventists have emphasized the connection between faith, food, and well‑being, and LifeSource is carrying that legacy forward in a way that feels both practical and deeply relational for its neighbors. The evening opened with a lively round of “Name That Spice,” an icebreaker that had guests laughing, sniffing mystery jars, and discovering new flavors. The game set the tone for a night built around curiosity and connection—reminding everyone that healthy living can be joyful and communal.

Participants then moved into a series of cooking demonstrations, where presenters walked through simple, nutritious recipes for a main course, salad, and dessert. Each dish was designed to be accessible for home cooks, and attendees received printed recipe handouts to take home. The goal wasn’t just to teach techniques, but to empower families to make healthier choices in their everyday routines.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation from a registered dietitian, who explained the growing body of research linking gut health to mood, physical well‑being, and long‑term outcomes. Her talk helped participants understand how the foods they prepare—like the ones featured in the class—can support emotional balance, immune function, and overall vitality.

Heidi Carpenter, LAF associate pastor, shared that events like this reflect the heart of LifeSource’s mission. “We love doing this event,” she said. “It’s a chance to invite the community in, learn something meaningful together, and enjoy a nice dinner at the same table.”

By the end of the evening, it was clear that the Nourish Cooking Class is becoming more than a workshop. It’s a gathering place where neighbors learn, eat, and become part of the family—continuing the Adventist legacy of health as a gift meant to be shared.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Media and Content creator. Photos supplied.