NewsNuggets

11 Jun

EQUIPPED TO SERVE: GVR STAFF PREPARE FOR A PURPOSE-DRIVEN SUMMER

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RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Nearly 50 young adults have gathered at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, for intensive training, June 8-14, to prepare for the first 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) youth summer camp session starting June 15.

The GVR summer camp staff members come from across the country to fill vital roles for the camp functions ranging from 25 that will stay in the cabins with the campers to village leaders to kitchen, maintenance, and media staff. The training sessions are being led by RMC Youth assistant director Jade Teal, RMC Youth director Brandon Westgate, and RMC Camp Ministries director Jonathan Carlson.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how God is going to work for both staff and campers,” remarked Noah Warner, who has had two years as a camp staff member at GVR and will serve as the co-director of the Boys’ Village this year. “I love seeing the transition in staff’s attitudes and lifestyles as summer goes on and the transition in campers’ lives in just a week.”

Much of the training deals with safety at camp for every scenario including wildlife encounters, fires, unauthorized individuals, and many more. Invited to the training were three members of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department and a member of the Colorado Office of School Safety to talk about safety and child sexual abuse prevention, respectively.

There is also a significant portion of the training dedicated to facility operations and communication during the camp sessions to ensure a safe and easy camp experience for all participants and staff members.

But safety and logistics were not the only topics covered in the training. It even covered appropriate relationship practices for both campers and staff members and allowed time for emotional and spiritual care of the staff members. One of the first nights of the training session included each staff member writing a personal letter to themselves that will be mailed back to them at the end of the year by the RMC Youth Department leadership.

“We appreciate you guys for what you’re doing and the ministry you’re doing,” remarked Carlson while addressing the camp staff members at one of the training sessions. “It makes a big impact what you guys do.”

While unsubstantiated, there is a strong correlation between being an employee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at some level and having worked at an Adventist summer camp. To promote employment opportunities in the Church to young adults, Westgate invited RMC office staff members to come and speak at the training about their respective roles. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, will speak on the various roles he has had working for the Church along with Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director, who spoke on one of the more creative fields available within the Church.

The week of training will close June 14 with the camp staff members assisting with Sabbath worship services at Campion, Boulder, and Eden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Churches. They will be contributing to the services through special musical performances, providing testimony, or providing the children’s story during that portion of the service.

“It’s a pretty special experience. God keeps teaching me new lessons each and every year,” reflected Warner. “And it’s really cool when you get to figure out why He has brought you here, because I really do believe that everyone has been brought here by Him for a very specific purpose.”

—RMCNews. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

11 Jun

SUMMER OFF TO RUNNING START AT GVR

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RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … The 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) youth summer camp season kicked off with a 5k race and a free community fun day at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, June 8.

“We are here to let [our community] see what we have to offer here at camp, raise money for campers who can’t afford to come to camp, and just have a good time,” remarked Jonathan Carlson, RMC Camp Ministries director, just before the race began.

The starting and finishing line for the 5k race was near GVR’s iconic Lake Minnie and gave participants a moving tour of the lake, stables, and surrounding forest areas of the camp. Three aid stations were set up along the course to make sure that the participants were well hydrated at the high elevations of the camp and to give encouragement. Race participants spanned three generations and included entire families.

From the proceeds of the registration fees, almost $500 was raised to help subsidize GVR’s Campership Fund that provides financial support for summer camp session fees to children whose families are experiencing financial hardship.

After the race had completed, the free community fun day commenced. Many of the participants headed straight for the camp’s stables to take a short ride on one of GVR’s resident horses, taking several turns to ride.

Back in the main part of camp, another popular activity was to take out a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat on Lake Minnie. Younger participants had the chance to traverse the lake in their own watercraft guided by one of the summer camp staff. While the lake normally offers exceptional views of the surrounding mountain-scape, the relatively clear skies of the morning gave way to a thick midday fog that settled in the valley.

“It was kind of spooky in a fun way being in the middle of the lake with all of the fog,” remarked Didrik, a young attendee of the event. “You couldn’t see much past the shore at some points, so it was just a weird feeling.”

There was also a gaga ball pit and ArrowSoft archery battlefield to entertain and give attendees a feel for what some of the recreational activities at camp would be like as well as meet camp staff.

There were several families that attended who have children who are registered for a summer camp session who wanted to give their children a chance to get familiar with camp and connect with camp staff for questions. Three of the families had never been up to GVR prior to this event, and there was even one family that registered their child for a summer camp session that day after the experience. “Just think of the impact of that,” reflected Carlson. “He may give his life to God [at camp], and that may forever alter his life. That is just extremely special and powerful.”

“These interactions we have are super impactful,” Carlson continued. “It was one of those events where you never know who’s going to show up, and that’s what it is all about—just having community come and see what we’re about.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

10 Jun

LA VIDA MISSION CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2025

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Glet France – Farmington, New Mexico – La Vida Mission* (LVM) school joyfully gathered to celebrate the growth, resilience, and achievements of the Class of 2025 at its Recognition and Eighth-Grade Promotion program held at La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, May 22.

At the start of the program, Cielo Domino, LVM principal and head teacher, warmly welcomed all attendees with a heartfelt message. The students also presented a variety of performances—including singing, interpretative songs, and instrumental music—each delivered with creativity and genuine sincerity.

This was immediately followed by the presentation of certificates and awards to students in grades three through eight, recognizing their hard work and achievements throughout the school year. Dorie Panganiban, LVM Board Member, Tamara Peshlakai, program guest speaker, Kimberly Ellis, La Vida Mission director, and Steve Nelson, Rocky Mountain Conference district pastor, greeted the students as they received their respective awards on stage. Parents and guardians were also present to accompany their children at this celebration.

Following the first part of the program, the candidates for promotion marched down the aisle as they embarked on their completion rites. Students D’artagnan Smith and Drevin Yazzie completed their elementary years and were promoted to high school. Both students delivered speeches from their hearts, warmly reminiscing about the wonderful memories they had made during their time at La Vida.

Peshlakai reminded everyone that each person plays an important role in shaping and nurturing a student’s life. Families, teachers, and friends all work together to guide and support students as they grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually, helping to mold them into responsible and compassionate individuals.

She emphasized that every opportunity given should be carefully nurtured and used to inspire others to draw closer to God. As a meaningful close, Nelson offered a dedicatory prayer for the eighth-grade students, seeking blessings and guidance for their journey ahead. Upon the completion of the program, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch thoughtfully prepared by the hardworking LVM cafeteria team.

“We wholeheartedly praise the Almighty God for leading our students, parents, teachers, and staff throughout this school year,” remarked Glet France, LVM middle school and music teacher. “We are looking forward to the next school year, embracing both its opportunities and challenges with trust and unwavering faith, confident that God will guide us every step of the way.”

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Glet France is the middle school and music teacher at La Vida Mission. Photos supplied.

10 Jun

WELCOMING THE NELSONS TO THE FOUR CORNERS

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Ron Price – Farmington, New Mexico … The social committee at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, planned a welcome-and-get-acquainted ice cream social to welcome their new district pastor and his wife, Steve and Samantha Nelson, May 25. Members were asked to bring “finger foods,” and the social committee provided the ice cream and toppings. They also took time to enhance the fellowship hall with festive décor. All four churches in the district were invited to attend.

“It happens far too often. A pastor couple comes to a new church and community, and they are left on their own to figure out the best stores, service providers, attractions, etc.,” remarked Ron Price, Piñon Hills Church elder. “In the secular world, a company called Welcome Wagon solicits coupons and advertisements from local businesses to give out to people who move into the community. At the Piñon Hills Church, we decided we should provide the same service (ministry) to our new pastor couple Steve and Samantha Nelson.”

Gift cards to various local restaurants and specialty stores were provided. “No offense to the more well-known national chains,” continued Price, “but we wanted to introduce them to their new area. We also included pretend gift cards to local disreputable establishments just to add to the [brevity of the] festivities.”

Members brought business cards from their favorite mechanics, hairdressers, medical providers, etc. They also wrote out personalized gift certificates for dinner at their home or an offer to take them to the nearby Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado or other attractions in the area.  Also included in their gift basket were magazines from the local Convention & Visitors Bureau showing hiking trails and other benefits the community has to offer.

To help the Nelson’s get to know their new church family, and for the church members to know each other a bit better, they played two games called “Mix and Match” and “This or That.” “Though it is a cliché, it is safe to say, ‘a good time was had by all,’” bantered Price.

“Our move to New Mexico has been filled with many challenges and uncertainties, and it seems like the churches here really understood this,” reflected Steve Nelson. “The celebration given to welcome us to our new pastoral district went far beyond the expected, and we are amazed and humbled at the compassion and kindness we have received. Our hearts are filled with love and appreciation to God and our wonderful new church family.”

Samantha Nelson added, “We were so surprised at the outpouring of love, kindness, generosity, and hospitality we have received. The welcome party was a lot of fun with a great sense of humor among the congregations that were represented. We feel very blessed, loved, and appreciated already!”

—Ron Price is an elder at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Photos supplied.

10 Jun

LIVING LOVE: ACS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

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Becky St. Clair – Lincoln, Nebraska … If you ask Cathy Kissner, department director for Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS), for an elevator pitch for ACS, she has it ready: Members of the Seventh-day Adventist church showing the love of the Father to those who are in need.

Indeed, ACS centers in Kissner’s territory are thriving, providing clothing, food and household items such as blankets and dishes, and offering Bibles and Bible studies. Run almost entirely by volunteers, Rocky Mountain Conference ACS centers do what they can to be available for their communities several times per month.

“The Grand Valley center is considering opening two Sundays a month to serve what we call the working poor,” Kissner says. “We want to make sure as many people as possible are able to get to our facility, even those who work during the week.”

Though these ACS centers have been operating for years, much of what they are accomplishing today is a direct result of Seed grants from the North American Division (NAD). This grant, funded through freewill offerings specifically for community service across the NAD, provides up to $10K for capital improvements at community service centers by purchasing “items which will be used repeatedly to serve multiple clients” (communityservices.org).

When this grant became available several years ago, Kissner began applying, procuring funds for several of the centers in her territory, with three additional centers currently working on the application. “If your facility is not inviting, it makes a difference in the experience for those who come in,” Kissner says. Their center in Grand Junction, Colorado, desperately needed new flooring to replace the 30-year-old carpet,” she shares. “With the Seed grant, they were able to lay an entirely new laminate floor and paint the walls. It’s a place you’re happy to invite people into.”

After the elementary school in Alamosa, Colorado, closed, the church wanted to turn it into a community service center, but it needed a bit of work to serve that purpose. Kissner asked church leaders if $10K would help. “The looks on their faces were priceless,” she says with a grin. “Now that they will be applying for the seed grant, they have the joy of deciding how they will spend that money to best serve the community. What a wonderful ‘problem’ to have!”

Acting like a Christian

With funding to cover bigger projects, ACS centers are able to focus more on the services they provide. The center in Pueblo, Colorado, is providing services unique to traditional ACS centers. Rather than food and clothing, the Pueblo center offers outreach education: tutoring, mentoring, diabetes reversal classes, and grief recovery seminars. They also have a group called the Feeding Angels which distributes food once per week to those experiencing houselessness in their community. Their work has garnered attention from government officials and the public school system.

“When the Marshall Fire ravaged Boulder County, ACS ran a fire recovery center,” Kissner says. “The head of FEMA walked through our facility and then commented, ‘Oh, you’re Adventists? We didn’t know you cared about us.’ That was painful.”

Kissner adds that getting to know one’s community and providing for its needs helps dispel the belief that Adventists don’t care. “Because of what Pueblo is doing through their center, the local school system is saying, ‘Wow! What’s going on? Our kids are reading better!’ They see test scores going up and they want to know why and how, and that leads them to us.”

Book of Isaiah chapter 58 says, Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them… (v. 6-7, NIV).

“Christ wants us to loose the bonds of those who are held captive,” Kissner states. “The woman in domestic violence, the child who cannot read, the individual trapped in addiction, those in poverty. If we don’t do everything we can to help release those in our communities from their bondage, we aren’t doing what Christ called us to do.”

It doesn’t have to be an Adventist program, either, Kissner adds. Every local Department of Human Services has a list of service agencies working in the community, and, Kissner says, none of them have enough volunteers.

“Find out what the needs are in your community and fill them,” Kissner says. “Volunteering shows people they are valued enough that you will give your time and energy to support them, and that speaks volumes. If we don’t reach into our communities and allow them to get to know us, they will never trust us enough to ask about our Jesus. It’s not about religion, it’s about living Christ’s love. Just act like a Christian. It’s really that simple.”

—Becky St. Clair is a freelance writer for OUTLOOK magazine. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Adventist News June 9, 2025, article. Photo supplied.

10 Jun

MHA EIGHTH GRADE CELEBRATES WITH GLENWOOD SPRINGS ADVENTURE

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Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … From e-bikes to waterfalls, whitewater rafting to hot springs, the eighth-grade class at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, took to the outdoors for an unforgettable class trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, May 12–14. The three-day adventure was filled with laughter, bonding, and reflection as students marked the end of their middle school journey.

The 20 students were joined by eighth-grade sponsor and middle school teacher Kris Phillips, upper school teacher and chaplain RD Gallant, and parent volunteers Mindy Philpott and Karrie Meyers, both of whom also serve as staff members for MHA.

After meeting in downtown Glenwood Springs on Monday, the class kicked off their trip with an almost 16-mile e-bike ride along the scenic Colorado River. From there, they checked into the Glenwood Canyon Resort and laced up their hiking shoes for a moderate hike through trails filled with waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. That evening, students returned to the resort to relax, unpack, and enjoy a spaghetti dinner prepared by Gallant.

Tuesday brought thrills and chills as the class geared up for a whitewater rafting adventure. Despite the cold water, students embraced the fun with water fights, laughter, and awe over the majestic canyon scenery. Later that afternoon, they relaxed in the iconic Glenwood Hot Springs pool, followed by dinner at a local pizzeria. The evening concluded around the fire with worship led by student class president Angel M. and, of course, s’mores.

On Wednesday morning, students packed up and made their way to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for a final day of fun. While the weather initially cooperated, high winds and approaching storms caused a shortened visit due to limited gondola access and closed rides. The class pivoted and headed back toward Mile High Academy, encountering a surprise snowstorm in the mountains along the way.

Though a bit chilly and tired, students returned with hearts full and memories made. The trip served as a meaningful finale for the eighth-grade class—a chance to laugh, reflect, and enjoy one last adventure together before the next chapter of their journey.

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

06 Jun

DAVID VANDEVERE ACCEPTS CALL TO BE NEW RMC PRESIDENT

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RMCNews with Hugh Davis – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to announce that David VandeVere has accepted the nomination to become the new RMC president, effective August 1. After careful consideration during a special evening session on June 2, the RMC Executive Committee voted to extend an official call to VandeVere.

The presidential search began after Mic Thurber, former RMC president, announced his retirement starting March 1 of this year at the RMC Executive Committee meeting held February 18. The committee received and vetted over 50 nominations, with the facilitation of officers from the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC).

“This process was marked by genuine cooperation on the part of the Executive Committee. Every name submitted was thoughtfully followed up on, and the committee prayerfully considered each one,” recalled Gary Thurber, MAUC president, who chaired the process.

“After much discussion, review, and prayer, they voted to extend the call [to David VandeVere],” he continued. “I was so grateful to work with this committee. They took their task very seriously, were committed to prayer, and worked well together. It was a blessing to be part of the process. David VandeVere is a man who loves his Lord and loves his church. He will be an outstanding leader for the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

VandeVere graduated from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in accounting. He then earned his Certified Public Accountant license and received Trust Certification from the General Conference Trust Committee. In 2006, he completed the Pastoral Coaching Systems program through Ministry Advantage in Dallas, Texas, and was ordained in 2007.

VandeVere has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as a public accountant, treasurer/secretary for the Minnesota Conference, and lead pastor of Damascus Grace Fellowship in Damascus, Maryland, for 10 years before returning to financial ministry in 2014.

While serving as the vice president of Finance for the Potomac Conference, VandeVere led several strategic initiatives, including restoring adequate working capital reserves, developing an integrated finance committee for the conference and its institutions, implementing a debt-relief program for academies, and launching a recruiting process to attract young accounting graduates from Adventist colleges.

VandeVere currently serves as vice president for Finance for the MAUC, a role he has held since October 2021. In this position, he serves the members of the Mid-America Union by overseeing finances and promoting stewardship.

As the ninth RMC president since its restructure and merger with the Wyoming Conference in 1981, VandeVere will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader to the churches, schools, and ministries within the conference. He will guide the conference’s mission and vision, fostering unity with the broader mission of the Global Church and serve as a chairperson for various committees.

Additionally, VandeVere will emphasize team and leadership development in the pastoral, educational, and administrative spheres. He will also represent the conference at broader organizational levels.

“I’m humbled, yet excited by the invitation to lead the team in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked VandeVere. “I believe the Spirit is calling us to unity of purpose, especially in this time of societal turmoil and chaos. He will empower the uplifting of our Savior Jesus Christ and His soon return.”

Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, commented, “I have known Elder VandeVere for years, and he is a very spiritual, capable, and humble leader. I am very excited at this opportunity to work with him, and I believe RMC will prosper with him as our president.”

“I have gotten to know Dave quite well over the past several years in his current role, and I am really looking forward to working with him here,” RMC vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried remarked. “I believe that Dave’s approach to leadership will help strengthen our employees and grow the Church in exciting ways.”

—RMCNews with Hugh Davis, MAUC Communication director. Photo courtesy of Mid-America Union Conference.

05 Jun

A WEEKEND OF FIRSTS FOR THE 2025 RMC PATHFINDER FAIR IN WYOMING

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Brent Learned – Casper, Wyoming … Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) annual Pathfinder Fair was held at Mills Spring Ranch (MSR) in Casper, Wyoming, for the first time ever. The day-long event was also extended to an entire weekend for the first time, May 30-June1.

Over 200 Pathfinders, staff, and supporting family members arrived at MSR to experience spiritual revival, outdoor recreation, and display what they have learned over the past year in their local clubs.

After the clubs arrived and set up camp on Friday, they gathered at the fire bowl for a worship service led by the Cornett family and Eric Mechalke from the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church’s worship team. This was followed by an interactive worship message delivered by Edrey Santos, lead pastor of the northeast Wyoming church district, that involved Pathfinder volunteers taking turns holding up a rock. Everyone was delighted not to be under any fire restrictions at the time of the event and freely lit campfires in designated fire pits around camp.

Saturday morning started with flag raising by Aurora Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club followed by a parade of clubs from the center of camp up to the chapel where the Sabbath church service was held. After service, everyone headed to the cafeteria to eat a haystack meal together before dividing into four rotation group activities.

The day closed with the flag lowering and a worship service at the campfire bowl where RMC Club Ministries director Brent Learned talked about learning to walk in the freedom we were given at Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection two thousand years ago. The night ended after sundown with an exciting pine car derby race for all the pathfinders who had earned the pine car derby honor this past year and brought their cars.

Jamie Mira, member of the Denver South Hispanic’s Lion of Judah Pathfinder Club, commented, “It might’ve been a bit of a drive, but it was definitely a memorable weekend. I heard a lot of positive feedback!”

Bryan Lopez, Aurora Hispanic’s Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club member, said, “My experience of the fair was really fun! I feel like it brought me closer to God hanging around with everyone. It was fun doing the activities, and I think that everyone should join Pathfinders and experience these events. I definitely would recommend it for everyone.”

After flag raising on Sunday, clubs demonstrated their drilling and marching abilities through a friendly competition with one another to execute coordinated maneuvers. The event closed with the special Pathfinder Hall of Fame plaque being presented to Yolanda Rodriguez, a long-time supporter of the Pathfinder Club Ministries, before clubs packed up their respective campsites and headed home.

Ashlee Gonzalez, who assists in leading the Colorado Springs Hispanic Pleyades Pathfinder Club, remarked, “We had a lot of fun with the club. Even though we only brought three kids along, they enjoyed it a lot and got to really see what being a Pathfinder is all about. Maybe next year we can get more kids and more clubs involved!”

“Honestly, what a great camp and fair this was,” commented Asa Acevedo-Baez, member of the Pecos Hispanic Rocky Mountain Stallions Pathfinder Club. “I hadn’t experienced this in a while, and this weekend I got to relive it. I’m a teen rep, but I’m just another Pathfinder who got to bond, participate, and learn more about God with my friends. All thanks to God who allows us to carry on the mission through Pathfinders.”

Learned remarked, “I am really pleased with our Pathfinder coordinators Jodi Gage and David Hopkins who thought outside the box to extend the normal one-day fair into a weekend-long event and who decided to host it at MSR, which has never been done before. I am proud to be part of such a fantastic team of dedicated people who work together tirelessly to further our mission of ‘making it easy for kids to know God’ by organizing and hosting events like this and, most importantly, by continually mentoring and pouring into their local Pathfinders.”

—Brent Learned is the RMC Youth assistant director and Mills Spring Ranch manager. Photos by Daniel Sem.

02 Jun

UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GRANT FOR CULINARY MEDICINE TEACHING KITCHEN

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Scott Cushman – Lincoln, Nebraska … The Ardmore Institute of Health* has awarded Union Adventist University’s (UAU) Master of Public Health Program a grant to establish a culinary medicine teaching kitchen (CMTK). The $35,000 will purchase six commercial-grade mobile workstations, each including the culinary tools and appliances to support two students at a time, enabling the university to host classes of up to 12 students in the teaching kitchen. Any remaining funds will support a student garden that was established by the university’s first public health cohort last year.

“With the CMTK, we can translate abstract nutritional guidelines into practical, appealing meals,” said Eric Aakko, director of Union’s Master of Public Health Program. “In public health, we promote healthy eating patterns to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease and ensure adequate nutrient intake across populations. Knowing how to cook healthy food that tastes good is essential for dietary adherence.”

Aakko is a certified plant-based chef educator and will guide students through an evidence-based culinary medicine curriculum established by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The curriculum is entirely plant-based and teaches basic culinary and knife skills, including preparing a range of entrees, sides, and desserts. The first classes in the teaching kitchen will meet once per week for nine weeks starting in September.

The source of this grant, the Ardmore Institute of Health, was founded in 1947 and is committed to improving health and well-being through lifestyle change. The institute draws inspiration from Adventist principles of healthy living and the sanitarium movement in its work.

Cooking classes are far from a new frontier for Adventists. Aakko points out that lifestyle medicine mirrors many Adventist beliefs while providing a modern clinical and scientific framework for health improvement. “Both lifestyle medicine and the Adventist health message view health holistically, recognizing the interconnection between the physical, social, mental, and spiritual,” he said. “The Adventist health message goes beyond just health improvement to also seeing healthy living as a form of stewardship and worship.”

Learning culinary skills will help students address food insecurity and life in food deserts, issues Aakko has had to confront in communities throughout his work in public health. “The CMTK experience can empower individuals and communities to make the most of often limited resources,” he said. “This can involve teaching cooking techniques for inexpensive staples like beans, legumes, and whole grains, preserving food, minimizing food waste, and adapting recipes to utilize foods available through assistance programs like WIC or SNAP as well as community gardens and food banks.”

Additionally, the classes will provide public health students with an applied research laboratory. Aakko anticipates future research examining behavioral change and behavioral intention before and after participation in the culinary medicine program.

According to Aakko, research elsewhere has demonstrated that students who engage in a CMTK are more likely to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle while engaging with and promoting a healthier lifestyle to their patients and community. With so many of Union’s students heading into careers related to health care, a teaching kitchen on campus will empower them to become better health educators and advocates.

* Please note that the Ardmore Institute of Health is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Scott Cushman is the director of Public Relations for Union Adventist University. Republished with permission from the Union Adventist University News website, May 14, 2025, article.  Photo supplied.

02 Jun

CAMPION CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2025

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Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, joyfully celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 during its graduation weekend, May 23–25. With 50 graduates, this year’s class is the largest Campion has seen in over a decade and is distinguished by its rich diversity and talents in both the performing arts and athletics.

The celebration began Friday evening with a heartfelt parent tribute where students expressed their gratitude in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Indonesian, and Swahili, reflecting the cultural richness of the graduating class. The Class of 2025 included eight international students from Brazil and China, as well as students from six different U.S. states, many from recent immigrant families.

Commencement on May 25 featured inspiring messages from class president Toby Quillin and guest speaker Taurus Montgomery, the pastor who had led the Week of Worship in March of 2025. Montgomery encouraged graduates to live as “Champions,” explaining, “You spent your high school years here at Campion, but as you walk into life, God is calling you to live as a Champion—and the only difference between the two is the letter ‘H.’” He went on to define “H” as heart, humility, hope, habits, heroes, heaven, and the Holy Spirit.

During the ceremony, several students were honored for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.

Approximately 90% of graduates have been accepted to college and plan to continue their education this fall. Union Adventist University (UAU) awarded $1.832 million in scholarships to Campion graduates. Many students will attend UAU or other Seventh-day Adventist universities across the country, while others have chosen local and state institutions.

Throughout the weekend, students showcased their musical talents in various performances, culminating in a commencement performance by Campion’s select choir, Koinonia.

Campion Academy is proud of the Class of 2025 and looks forward to seeing how they continue to grow and serve in their next chapter.

—Campion Academy News. Photos supplied.

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