NewsNuggets Page 13

Jana Thurber – Ward, Colorado … The theme for this year’s annual RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat was “Exploring the Mysteries of God.” The retreat was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, September 29 through October 1.

Keynote speaker Dr. Yamileth Bazan, associate dean of students from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, unpacked mysteries from the book of Ruth. She first connected with participants by sharing her personal journey of spending a year on the road getting to know the God who sees us—the same God Ruth and Naomi needed through their journey from Moab back to Israel.

Ruth’s story helps us relate to this mysterious God when we suffer the loss of those we love, deal with grief, or while being in a foreign country with no identity. So much of the pain that we experience in our world today, is because the deceiver has made it seem that we’ve been left alone and there’s no God who sees us! Our speaker reminded us, “This is a lie! God has always seen us, but we must allow him in, right?!”

The 124 women from around the conference were blessed by Yami’s messages, and were also blessed by our musical guest, Gale Jones-Murphy. Well-known for both her keyboard and vocal abilities, Gale is a master at leading worship. She worked with four of our own women who helped in leading the worship: Cyndy Wellman, Haremy Cordova, Mary Chapa, and Solidad Medina.

Other presenters also greatly blessed those who attended. A special workshop by Cheryl Mautz included a presentation on plant-based foods, tasty bites for each attendee, and a free cookbook.

Mona Fellers led an in-depth Bible study entitled “Why Salt?,” helping attendees to know God’s word better and how best to study it. Deba Nkana shared her miraculous personal journey while fleeing Afghanistan, a God-given vision leading her to see the true God of the Bible.

At each session and early on Sabbath morning, Susan Dupper, a professional life coach, led us in joyful “Stretch, Breathe, and Balance” moves.

Sabbath afternoon was a particular blessing with the focus on prayer. Participants could visit the Prayer Room with a beautifully decorated garden and a heavenly banquet station.

Participants could also enjoy a prayer walk around the lake at GVR designed by Judy Kelley and Jerilyn Pester with brief prayer assignments on love, relationships, and loss. Handouts were tacked on trees around the lake to guide participants into the Biblical story of Ruth. They were invited to apply lessons from the story to their prayer life as they did the walk.

There was joy felt as women came together to find friendship, spiritual care, be part of a service project, and have fun and experience God’s renewal at the retreat. Here’s one woman’s response to the weekend:

I just returned from the women’s retreat at Glacier View Ranch. Wow! What a fantastic follow up to Priscilla Shirer’s preaching. Wow!! Praise God! May the Lord multiply all He began at this retreat. I feel like He gave us a restart button to pass on. I feel like I’m kind of still floating on our Holy Spirit high but also grounded by all the teaching and guidance and fellowship.

I was blessed to make so may new friends who love God. Whoo whoo! He is so unbelievably awesome and powerful. May the God we experienced on the mountain overflow with us here on the plains. May our hearts continue to be bursting with His love and life changing presence.

I have wept with Jesus and His followers. I have been blessed with the joy of the Lord. May I become Jesus’ hands and feet like never before. So much unconditional love and open sharing. May God teach us how to mentor each other and love each other through the tough parts. May God be glorified by our people. Praise Jesus. Praise God. Praise the Holy Ghost for power and victory in our lives. May we be used in showing the lost, the way to Jesus. Hallelujah! (Quote by Mary Ann Allman)

Much prayer and many hands helped make this retreat a success for God’s glory. A big thanks goes to the Women’s Ministries Team who worked so hard: Alisha Knutsen, Amber Fellers, April Knutsen, Ardis Stenbakken, Carol Spahr, Jackie Hayes, Jerilyn Pester, Judy Kelley, Marlene Poole, Marta Wells, Mary Perez-Gonzalez, Mona Fellers, Raelyn Wortman, and Valerie Johnson.

Mark your calendar now for next year’s retreat which will be held September 27-29, 2024. Come join the fellowship and blessings as women of Christ come together.

—Jana Thurber is RMC women’s ministry coordinator. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The essence of community and the spirit of unity were evident at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship’s (LAF) Community Fair, October 8. The fair was a testimony to LAF’s outreach initiatives. With an atmosphere of joy and inclusivity, the event exemplified LifeSource’s cherished motto: “Step Into Family.”

The fair stood as a testament to the vitality of our community efforts, gathering an impressive crowd of around 250 attendees. “What’s even more heartening is the participation of around 70 community members who stepped into our space to revel in a day of fun, bonding, and mutual respect,” remarked Jose Briones, LAF associate pastor.

Diverse participation enriched the event. The attending external vendors lent their expertise, and AdventHealth University highlighted the essential connection between health and community well-being. Gourmet enthusiasts were treated to an assortment of culinary delights from various food trucks, ensuring there was something for everyone’s palate.

In alignment with the mission of LAF and the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), the presence of the food bank and clothing store highlighted the commitment to holistic care, both spiritual and physical. It was a powerful reminder of our mission to serve, support, and uplift.

This fair is representative of LifeSource’s innovative approach to fostering deeper connections within the community. Beyond events, their mission is about generating tangible change in the region, ensuring every individual experiences the warmth of family and the strength of spiritual guidance.

In a world where community often feels fragmented, the fair was a vibrant reminder of the power of unity and collaboration. It reaffirms LifeSource’s commitment to be luminaries of love, hope, and positive transformation.

Pastor Briones went on to say, “To every participant, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to the success of this fair, your efforts are deeply appreciated. As we move forward, such endeavors bond our dedication to community enrichment and spiritual growth within the RMC.”

—Jose Briones is associate pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship. Photos supplied.

Sue Nelson – Denver, Colorado … There were about 180 people at the Believe the Promise (BTP) Pathfinder International Camporee Tour in Gillette, Wyoming, September 25. The tours are done for this year, but there are three scheduled in 2024: March 11, April 22, and May 20.

“They are worth going to, as they highlight the Cam-Plex buildings where Honors and other activities will take place, how the outdoor space will be used and places throughout Gillette that will be opening their doors to the Pathfinders, such as the Gillette Recreation Center, the local college, museum, and others,” said Brandon Westgate, RMC youth director and pastor. “The people of Gillette are bending over backwards to help with this huge undertaking,” he added.

We need help from local churches!

The reality surrounding this camporee is that 55,000 Pathfinders from all over the world will be traveling to Gillette through our Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC)!

We would like to help in any way that we can, and we have already been approached by outside clubs, including international clubs who will be driving, that will need overnight accommodation. We would like to suggest that local RMC churches open their doors to help give these clubs a place to stay overnight and perhaps a meal.

Please print a copy of the flyer in the button below and put it up on your church bulletin board. There is contact information on it and a QR code to a form the church can easily fill out if they are interested in helping. Please click here to access the form.

Your church will need to assign a person to coordinate and take calls from traveling clubs. Preferably not any Pathfinder staff as they will be traveling to Gillette at that time.

The hope is to collect church information (through the online form) and have it posted on the International Camporee website. Those then looking for a place to stay can contact whichever church might be on or close to their route. The communication will be between the travelling club and the church. We are only gathering the contact information.

If you know of churches who wish to help, please pass this on to them.

Beyond that, we are advising that Pathfinder Clubs and anyone planning on attending this camporee to purchase their tickets by the end of November 2023. Tyrone Douglas, MAUC youth and young adult director, recorded a video about Camporee that you can view on YouTube and share that is focused on clubs getting tickets. Ticket sales influence camp space.

If you need lodging or more information, go the Camporee.org and sign up for their newsletter.

—Sue Nelson is RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. Photo supplied.

Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Chapel bells rang joyfully as the Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) community in Erie, Colorado, came together to honor their beloved pastors on Pastor Appreciation Day, October 6.

Students gathered for chapel in the morning, eager to express their appreciation. Presentations from the classes showcased the deep respect and admiration students held for their pastors. Each presentation was a testament to the impact these spiritual leaders had on their lives.

Songs of praise and thanksgiving filled the air. The harmonious melodies resonated with the congregation’s heartfelt gratitude, creating a spiritual atmosphere of unity and love.

Mickey Mallory, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) ministerial director, remarked, “The program this morning made my day. [It was] so kind of you and all the staff and students at VRA to remember pastors on Pastor’s Appreciation Month. I just wonder if maybe there will be one student who will one day choose to be a pastor and will trace their initial interest in ministry to what happened today at VRA. Wouldn’t that be cool?”

The highlight of the day was the Pastor Parade, where eight pastors from local churches graced the event. The students lined the front drive, cheering as pastors walked by and greeted them. Handmade posters and cards adorned the parade route, displaying messages of love and appreciation.

Fruit baskets overflowing with fresh, vibrant fruits were presented to each pastor. These baskets symbolized the spiritual nourishment provided by these dedicated leaders.

Mic Thurber, RMC president and former pastor, attended the parade and remarked, “What a sweet and memorable time you and your precious students gave to all of us pastors today. It was such a joy! I will treasure the wonderful artwork! You all made our day.”

Also in attendance was Brandon Westgate, RMC youth director and pastor. He commented, “Thank you so much to all who had a hand in organizing this morning’s event. What a fun time to see the students excited about giving a shout out to the pastors.”

“I had a great time and really enjoyed the songs and engagement of every class and age group. I have been a full-time pastor for nearly 20 years, and this was the sweetest pastor appreciation occasion I can recall,” Westgate added.

Pastor Appreciation Day was a reminder of the profound impact spiritual leaders have on our lives and a testament to the love and respect they deserve.

—Marsha Bartulec is the principal of Vista Ridge Academy. Photos supplied.

Michael Taylor – Casper, Wyoming … The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church held their third annual Casper Community Hayride, September 30. The goal was to connect neighbors, friends, coworkers, and others with the church family atop Casper Mountain at beloved Mill Springs Ranch (MSR).

With beautiful fall colors in full effect, nearly 500 attendees from more than 150 families gathered for an afternoon with the usual activities of free hayrides and food. The event was very well-received by all who visited MSR that afternoon.

Live Christian music was provided by the Gillette Celebrate Recovery worship team. Multiple attendees remarked on how much they enjoyed the live music and they found themselves singing along with several songs.

Also, this year, a small animal petting zoo was set up for the kids to enjoy. Alexus, an attendee from Casper, said that her favorite part was “holding the ferrets and big fluffy bunnies.” She also said that they didn’t previously know about Mill Springs Ranch but was already looking forward to future events up there.

By the end of the afternoon, several Bibles had been taken by guests, four requests for Bible studies were shared, two families requested information about next summer’s Summer Camp at MSR, and multiple families said that they were looking for a new church to call home and were making plans to join the Casper Adventist Church for an upcoming worship service.

Maria, an attendee, said, “We moved to the area earlier this year, and it’s great to see Christians be so kind and generous.”

—Michael Taylor is pastor of Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Jerilyn Pester and Jana Thurber – Montrose, Colorado … Women from New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado met together for the annual Western Slope Rocky Mountain Women’s Retreat at Mountain Top Retreat west of Montrose, Colorado, September 15-17.

The event was blessed to welcome Dr. Jo Ann Davidson, a Professor of Systematic Theology also at Andrews University, to explore “Women of Strength and Beauty” in the Bible. A celebration of music was provided by Carol Ryan, Maggie Peterson, Jeanna Tullio, Michele Grimmett, Staci Nelson, and Pam Dupper.

A special tribute was made to celebrate Katie Jo Schwinn, a member of the Delta Seventh-day Adventist Church, who will be greatly missed. There was a special dinner served by kitchen volunteers to 75 participants who were adorned with tiaras.

The young participants enjoyed a hayride in the afternoon, and, in the evening, all participants were treated to a spa night.

Also attending the retreat this were 12 beautiful ladies from the LaVida Mission Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Most were newly baptized members this year, and a few are still studying to become members. But all were first time attendees.

When asked how she enjoyed her first Women’s Ministries retreat, one newly baptized LaVida Mission church member wrote this heartfelt response: “I was newly baptized back in April. I am still learning, but, when I meet others who are kind and encourage me, it’s okay not to know everything. It’s a relief. Our speaker, Jo Ann, said that ‘Jesus’ favorite place was in the mountains.’  I think everyone’s favorite place should be in the mountains.”

Another responded, “I enjoyed my time here. I like nature. It was peaceful and I got to explore new places and hear the birds chatting. The voices of the women were beautiful. I’ve never been around that many women before. The meetings were amazing. It was a lesson taught and preached very well.”

“I was blessed by the Mountain Top retreat,” commented a mother who came with her daughter. The connection with our Lord grows within us as we keep going to our meetings and worship. The messages of the women in the Bible were very encouraging and uplifting. This retreat has shown me our beauty is not only on the outside, but the beauty we have on the inside as well. This was an amazing experience for my daughter and me. We feel closer to Jesus and more confident in ourselves. And the feeling of that connection is the biggest blessing we could ever ask for.”

A huge thank you to Judy Kelley, Jerilyn Pester, and their entire Women’s Ministries Team for the hard work and creative energies they put into making this a spiritual mountaintop experience for the Western Slope Adventist women. God was glorified, fellowship was cherished, and hearts encouraged by the work of their hands and the in-depth messages by Dr. Jo Ann Davidson from God’s word for women.

—Jerilyn Pester is coordinator of Western Slope Women’s Ministries, and Jana Thurber is the RMC women’s ministries and prayer ministries director as well as pastoral spouse support. Photos supplied.