NewsNuggets Page 3

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.

02 Jun

EXPLORING THE HEART OF MONEY AND GENEROSITY

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Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … Our relationship with money often feels like a deeply personal matter, one shaped by experience, opportunity, and sometimes struggle. But according to certified financial planner Tammy Smith, the way we think about wealth is often rooted in early childhood, sometimes as early as six years old. These ingrained beliefs, often called money scripts, can influence financial decisions for a lifetime.

In our recent conversation with her in the Living Generously podcast, Smith shared insights on how biblical principles offer guidance for financial stewardship, challenging the idea that wealth defines self-worth and, instead, presenting money as a tool for generosity and purpose.

“Money is never inherently good or bad,” Smith explains. “It’s just a tool. The problem comes when people try to use it for things it was never meant to do—like buying self-worth or fixing relationships.”

According to Smith, money scripts can shape the way we manage finances in adulthood. Some people grow up believing that wealth equals greed, while others may associate spending with love, leading to unhealthy financial habits. These subconscious attitudes can impact saving, giving, and overall financial stability. Smith stresses the importance of reflecting on these learned behaviors and asking questions: “What did I learn about money from my parents? How do I feel about financial security today?”

Drawing from over 2,300 biblical verses on money, Smith discusses examples of generosity and financial wisdom found in scripture, from Abraham’s humility to Job’s deep commitment to helping others. “Job didn’t measure his worth by how much he had,” Smith notes. “He valued himself by how much he could help others.”

For individuals and churches alike, breaking free from limiting money scripts starts with awareness. Recognizing unhealthy beliefs and replacing them with values rooted in wisdom and generosity allows for a healthier, purpose-driven approach to wealth. As Smith puts it, “It’s not about how much you have. It’s about how well you use it.”

Listen to the full episode and gather more insights about how to use money for God’s purposes.

CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode, and CLICK HERE to see the full list of previous and future series episodes. To listen to the full podcasts on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya of Pexels.

29 May

MILE HIGH ACADEMY GRADUATES STEP FORWARD IN FAITH

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Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, honored 49 students across kindergarten, eighth grade, and Upper School in a series of meaningful graduation events, each marking an important milestone in their academic and spiritual journeys, May 20-24.

The kindergarten graduates captured hearts as they shared how they hope to change the world—dreaming of futures as teachers, scientists, musicians, farmers, a professional wrestler, a fashion designer, and more. They sang “I May Be Small” and “The Butterfly Song” with joy and plenty of smiles before receiving their certificates, May 20.

The eighth-grade Class of 2025 welcomed guest speaker Gale Hendrick, retired MHA teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach, May 21, who reflected on shared memories of each student and offered heartfelt encouragement.

“I want you to remember that I love you and that I’ll always be interested in your life journey,” he said. He concluded with, “May you continue to be lifelong learners, always aware of those who love and support you, and may you know you have hope and a future.” Before marching out as Mile High Academy’s newest freshmen, the class gifted new basketball hoops to the Lower School playground.

The Senior Class of 2025 observed cherished traditions—the Blessing, a private family gathering on May 23, and the Consecration, a candle-lit Friday-night vespers with the Junior class—before Saturday evening’s Commencement ceremony.

Class president Jazel McDaniel opened the program with words of gratitude, followed by MHA Bible teacher and chaplain RD Gallant, who delivered the commencement address, focusing on the balance between freedom and responsibility.

“Graduates of the Class of 2025 … this is success,” remarked Gallant. He reminded them that true success is rooted in daily choices and service to others, encouraging them to love above self and choose what lasts.

“Our prayer for you at this school is that your lives are filled with stories of success, one after another—that each of your relationships be full of love, and that the love of Jesus be ever evident in your life.”

Gallant closed with simple, heartfelt words: “We love you. We’ll miss you. Congratulations.”

The senior students announced their class gift of scholarship funding for future MHA students and ceremonially passed a Bible to the Class of 2026. They were then welcomed into the Mile High Academy alumni family and stepped off the stage for the final time.

“These graduation moments—whether in kindergarten, eighth grade, or senior year—are incredibly special,” reflected MHA principal Andrew Carpenter. “They mark the forward movement in a student’s journey, each step preparing them for who God is calling them to become. It’s a privilege to walk alongside our students during these milestones. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.”

To view ceremony recordings and printed programs, visit www.milehighacademy.org/graduation.

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

28 May

ADVENTHEALTH AVISTA ER RECEIVES COPPER DESIGNATION

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AdventHealth – Louisville, Colorado … We are proud to announce that AdventHealth Avista’s emergency room has received the Pediatric Advanced COPPER recognition! The Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) is a voluntary pediatric readiness recognition program for Colorado emergency departments. Its goal is to ensure the delivery of safe, competent, and effective pediatric care by providing resources, support, guidance, and site verification.

Avista is the first AdventHealth facility in the state to achieve this recognition and one of only 17 in Colorado to tout this honor. COPPER was developed because 69.4% of children seeking emergency care in Colorado are treated in emergency departments that see fewer than 15 pediatric patients per day. Many communities across the state lack access to specialized children’s ERs, making it crucial for hospitals to be prepared to care for the state’s youngest residents.

“Pediatric patients in need of medical attention can expect better outcomes because we have a higher level of preparedness,” said ER Medical Director, Dr. Rebecca Kornas. “Our team is PALS certified, and we stay up to date on the best practices in pediatric health care.”

Each COPPER facility has Pediatric Care Coordinators, including one nurse and one physician. For the region, Dr. Kornas and Jen Jones lead the charge in working with each facility to achieve this designation. At AdventHealth Avista, Dr. Ryan Gibbons and Tyler Moore serve as the Pediatric Care Coordinators.

Achieving this certification took the team more than a year, with contributions from various departments including pharmacy, respiratory, radiology, disaster management, and many more. Additionally, we partnered with team members in Florida to learn from their best practices and policies.

We are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication that made this recognition a reality. “Thank you for all your diligent work getting our emergency department and hospital ready for pediatric patients,” said Dr. Kornas. “It will make a difference in our community.”

In the future, EMS transporting pediatric patients will prioritize COPPER-designated facilities for their care. AdventHealth Avista also participates in the National Pediatric Readiness Quality Initiative (NPRQI), which is transforming pediatric emergency clinical care across the nation. This platform allows hospitals to access real-time ER data and provides insights on advancing clinical care and improving overall pediatric readiness.

—AdventHealth. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, April 28, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

28 May

OUTREACH WITH A DIFFERENCE: A WEEK OF FAITH, WELLNESS, AND COMMUNITY IN LOVELAND

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Ginger Bell – Loveland, Colorado … The Eden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, is hosting a week-long community outreach event, June 6-14.  “Encounters with Jesus” will be the week’s theme and is presented by John Davidson, a representative from Adventist World Radio and former Rocky Mountain Conference pastor.

Special presentations from guest speakers on health and lifestyle, “Bible in Your Hands” Bible marking, Women’s gatherings, and organic gardening will be the daily features. Presenters include DeeAnn Bragaw, director of Women’s Ministries for the North America Division, and Eric Aakko, director for the Masters in Public Health Studies Program from Union Adventist University, along with a few department directors from the Eden Valley Institute.*

“Truly a rewarding week is planned, packed with not only spiritual encounters but also nature walks, lifestyle support, and family,” remarked Ginger Bell, spouse of Eden Valley Church’s lead pastor Rex Bell.

“You will find peace and assurance in a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty. You will discover lifestyle guidance that will strengthen and brighten every day of your life. You will discover new Bible truths,” she continued. “The week is promising to be a blessing to not only members but for the community and friends that we hope will join us at the special event.”

CLICK HERE for more information.

* Please note that Eden Valley Institute is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Ginger Bell writes from Estes Park Seventh-day Adventist Church.

27 May

CAMPION STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND CHARACTER

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Vashty Segovia Santos – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, were celebrated for all the hard work they put in this year, May 17. Awards were given for academics, sports, and even attendance.

High-achieving students received medals and pins, and a few students even walked away with $100 bills for having perfect attendance. It was a notable night to recognize all the effort and dedication that went into making this year a success.

Each teacher took a moment to recognize students who had demonstrated superior skills in their class subjects. Many students from each grade proudly received medals, pins, and certificates for their academic achievements.

One of the people acknowledged for the sports awards was Izhuchi Nwankwo, a junior student, who broke a school record for most blocks in a game and tied with the record for most blocks in a season, a remarkable achievement that reflects his hard work and dedication on the court. Damaris Lopez Morquecho and EJ Woy received the athletes of the year awards, while Brayden Marroquin walked away receiving both the soccer and basketball MVP awards.

Another proud moment came when Marcela Zuniga became the first Campion student to receive a special award from the Desmond Doss Foundation.* This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding character and her selfless dedication to helping others. She was nominated by the staff for this award because of her strong character and the way she embodies the values of Desmond Doss. Along with the honor, she received a $1,000 college scholarship.

“It’s important to be different, to stand out, and to reflect the character of Christ,” Marcela shared.

* Please note that the Desmond Doss Foundation is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Vashty Segovia Santos, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

27 May

HOLDING ON TO PROMISES: APRIL WRIGHT’S STORY OF FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP THROUGH GRIEF

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Jose Briones – Cortez, Colorado … April Wright knows the weight of grief, but she also knows the strength of faith. For years, she supported her husband’s work as a logger and trucker, spending time in the woods, reading devotionals, and praying as he cut trees. It was their rhythm—a peaceful routine that gave her time for reflection.

But on February 20, everything changed.

Her husband didn’t return for lunch, which wasn’t unusual. She didn’t worry at first; delays were common in his line of work. Then a forester arrived, his face heavy with unspoken words. The news was devastating.

Her husband had been trapped under a falling tree. He was unresponsive. The walk toward the accident site felt endless. Fear pressed in, yet she prayed with every step, grasping for hope in a moment that felt unreal. When she saw him, the weight of her loss was immediate and undeniable. There was no preparation for this kind of heartbreak.

Grief overtook her, yet something deeper held her up—her faith and the unwavering support of her church family at the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cortez, Colorado. They surrounded her in love, checking in, offering comfort when words failed. It was a moment she would never forget: “They surrounded me with hugs and love and contacted me throughout the week … I always knew that I could count on them. It’s something I needed at that time.”

Nearly 15 months have passed, and, while the pain remains, faith has become her anchor. She holds onto the promise that, one day, her husband will hear Jesus’ voice and rise again. It’s a thought that gives her strength, a reminder that love and hope endure. “Now I just hold on to the promises. One day my husband’s going to hear Jesus’ voice and he’s going to come forth … you’re reminded, don’t give up. Keep going. Hold on.”

There were moments when all she could whisper was, “Jesus, hold me.” But even then, she knew “God’s holding you when you can’t hold on. He is there.” Through unimaginable grief, she has found solace in the community that never let go. Her story is not just one of loss, it is a testament to faith, resilience, and the quiet strength that carries us through life’s hardest moments. Watch April’s story below.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

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