NewsNuggets – Page 77 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

02 Jun

SANDY HODGSON TO BROADEN TEACHER SUPPORT FOR RMC EDUCATION

By Rajmund Dabrowski – Denver, Colorado … Following 24 years as an educator in Rocky Mountain Conference, and 18 years as a teacher, and seven as a teaching principal at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, Sandy Hodgson is moving to a new position as RMC assistant director of education.

“As we look to the future of RMC education, we are blessed to bring Sandy Hodgson’s 24 years of experience to broaden our teacher support. As we increase our professional development opportunities and bring added resources to our small schools, I know that Sandy will be a blessing to our teachers, said Diane Harris, RMC superintendent of education.

Sandy appreciates the invitation to serve in a broader education field. Commenting for NewsNuggets, she explained that as educators, “we are compelled to see our students grow into their God-given ability to become thinking and responsible individuals, and we are challenged to help them to be who they already are.” She pointed out that creativity in education is an element that helps students remember what education brings to their young lives, and it helps them to be creative, too.

Years as a missionary abroad in Italy and Germany with her husband, Greg, have helped her illustrate her teaching, recognizing the diversity and richness of culture and history.

“We are educating kids in so many ways, but the kids are also educating us,” she said.

Among the lessons she acquired from her teaching career is resilience. She recognizes the many differences students represent in their home situations and cultures. Especially during the pandemic, the resilience of the children through difficult times was coming through. It was a learning experience for her to see that “there was an innocence lost, but there’s still a little bit of it and [what you see] is the resilience. There is still that spark of laughter, the sparkle in their eyes. You could see the smiles [even] when we wore masks all the time. You could see the smile in their eyes, and you knew there were things that had brought them joy.”

Hodgson recognizes that the pace of her work will change; she is grateful for the lessons gained in her years in the classrooms that will come with her to the new position within RMC education as she joins the department on July 1.

Harris added that “Sandy has exemplified a commitment to our CHERISH core values and has many years of experience as a teaching principal. Her creativity and experience will be an asset to all of our teachers.”

As she explained her philosophy of education, Sandy could not but refer to the core values which are enshrined in the acronym CHERISH, a foundation for education–– Christ-centered, honor, exploration, responsibility, integrity, service, and heroism all encapsulate her philosophy.

“Obviously, you want the outcomes to be the product of your mission. Don’t we want citizens that are going to take care of each other, that is going to respect and honor each other, that are going to save the planet [through] all those little things? What can they do to make this world a better place?

“Jesus is coming soon, but at the same time, we hold fast, and we keep working until then. We keep building; as RMC president Mic Thurber often emphasizes, “You keep working as though it could last lifetimes and lifetimes. We must be good stewards of the planet.”

“We must also be good stewards of our money. We must be good stewards of our mind and our body. I guess for me, even though I want Jesus to come soon, and I want us to all go to heaven if it lasts another generation and another generation, we need to be prepared to take care of this earth and the people that are on it,” she explained.

Rajmund Dabrowski is RMC communication director and the editor of NewsNuggets. Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

02 Jun

LEAD PASTORS MEET TO SHARE AND LEARN

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … Lead pastors from Rocky Mountain Conference churches with multiple pastors gathered in Denver during the month of May for training on successfully managing a multi-staff church and overcoming unique obstacles.

The training, which is the first of specific group training planned for pastors in RMC, was facilitated by Dave Ferguson, lead pastor at the Collegedale Adventist Church. The extensive workshop, held over two days, covered a broad range of topics, including how to improve team communication and clarity, generate team alignment and engagement, build team trust and unity, foster team caring and inclusivity, resolve conflict in a manner that preserves and enhances the team, and network with colleagues who pastor in a similar context.

Reflecting on how necessary the training is to the pastors, Ferguson said, “I think the role of a lead pastor with a multi-pastor staff is just different than if you are solo pastor leading a congregation or district and they can create textures of the job that don’t get discussed much.”

He added, “to have comradery, to be able to talk about what you’re dealing with, to be able to reflect well with people who are walking down similar kinds of roads, it’s a unique opportunity to deal with the issues that you face that are different than when you go to a normal set of pastor’s meetings.”

The training also gave pastors the opportunity to fellowship and share best practices with each other.

“There are certain things [with a multi-pastor staff] that you have to address and deal with that are unique. It gives the opportunity for that kind of support and help to know that you’re not alone. Um, and to grow in areas that aren’t often addressed, said Ferguson.

For Jamey Houghton, Franktown Adventist Church lead pastor, learning from Ferguson, a veteran pastor, was especially worthwhile.

“I would say probably learning from guys who’ve been doing it longer than I have been. Dave’s been doing this quite a bit longer than all of us. Learning from his experience is very valuable.”

Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, hopes pastors are able to understand “that their greatest contribution comes from adding value to their team members.”

Mallory says that future small-group pastor training will be held among pastors that have multi churches and pastors who are the only pastor at one church. He added that he hopes pastors will be able to address issues that can’t be addressed in larger settings.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos by Jon Roberts

02 Jun

Global Missions Delivers Hope, Healing to Ukraine

By AdventHealth — Oleg Kostyuk, a religious studies professor at AdventHealth University, told the story of encountering a woman on Ukraine’s border with Romania. She had fled Odessa, her life packed into two carry-on suitcases. The thing she would miss most, she told him, was not her home but rather the ability to visit the graves of her husband and son. Kostyuk and his wife, Julia, a family nurse practitioner, visited AdventHealth’s Global Missions office in Altamonte Springs, Florida, recently to share the hope – and heartbreak – they experienced during their six-day visit to their war-torn homeland to deliver “seven huge suitcases” of medicines and supplies.

“The war brings the best and the worst in humanity,” Oleg said. “We saw many people where the best was shining through in them. People are filled with love, joy, in spite of everything, and hope in peace.”

The Kostyuks’ efforts are among a growing list of those that have taken place since the war began in February. As the war has continued so has AdventHealth’s ongoing support of the relief efforts in Ukraine. So far, more than 2,200 people have contributed over $230,000 via payroll donations from AdventHealth team members and through the Global Missions website. Team member donations helped buy and equip three vans for use as mobile clinics in March. Global Missions continues to put funds raised to work helping cover the cost of medications and other needed medical supplies.

Donations also have allowed AdventHealth to provide direct relief to refugees for food and other necessities, working through partners on the ground in Ukraine.

“AdventHealth is not a disaster-response organization and yet when things like this happen, we get involved,” said Monty Jacobs, director of Global Missions. “When I got word that Julia and Oleg were going to be traveling to Ukraine and that they needed medications, it was a real easy decision to be able to say, ‘Hey, is there any way we can help?’ And let’s help source some of those medications that are so desperately needed.”

Others who have sought support from Global Missions to aid in their humanitarian missions to Ukraine include:

Central Florida Rabbi Steven Engel from the Congregation of Reform Judaism, along with other rabbis from around the globe, traveled to Poland, where the group delivered much-needed medications – including antibiotics, medicines for diabetes and depression, vitamins and children’s medications – to the Jewish Community Center on the Ukraine-Poland border.
A group of Central Florida pastors left recently to deliver medications to Angelia Clinic. A part of the Seventh-day Adventist health network, the clinic has split operations between its original location in Kyiv and the western city of Chernivtsi.
Erika Havelka is an emergency medicine physician who, as part of her group, works with AdventHealth’s Great Lakes Region hospitals. Dr. Havelka helped facilitate the collection and shipment of donated medicines and supplies for a global response group she’s long been involved with, the Interstate Disaster Medical Collaborative. The medications, along with some hazmat suits that were no longer being used, were intended for Ukraine hospitals where IDMC partners are working.

Leo Ostapovich, a hospitalist for AdventHealth Hendersonville and a native of Ukraine with his own refugee experience, said he felt compelled to go to Ukraine shortly after the war started. When he informed others of his intention, he found support through AdventHealth’s Mission Trip Scholarship program.

“Since we have this resource, I was able to get this scholarship opportunity to Leo and help provide monetary funds to help him travel to Ukraine,” said Carissa Frank, clinical mission integration manager of physician services. “Additionally, I worked with our administration, materials management department and pharmacy to approve and donate medical supplies and medicine to the Ukrainian refugees and local hospitals.”

On Saturday, May 21, AdventHealth team members joined other Celebration-area churches and community volunteers at a food-packing event at AdventHealth Celebration’s Nicholson Center. That day’s effort will provide 200,000 meals for Ukrainian refugees.

In addition to supporting relief efforts in Ukraine, the Global Missions team has longstanding working “footprints” in 12 countries – the latest of which is Paraguay – as well as its continuing support of the heroic work the Angelia Clinic in Ukraine is doing to provide free care to all who are in need of its life-sustaining services.

“We expect to be involved in helping Ukraine for a long period of time,” said Jacobs.

Perhaps the most poignant reminder can be found in the words of Julia Kostyuk: “Even if we’re an ocean away, we can make a difference. We can help save lives.”

To view the video of Leo Ostapovich’s conversation with Victoria Dunkle, director of communications for AdventHealth Hendersonville, click here.

To find out more about AdventHealth Global Missions and to donate to ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine, click here.

–AdventHealth; photos supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website

AdventHealth team members join others in the Celebration-area community to package food to be delivered to Ukrainian refugees.

One of the many recipients of free medication donated by AdventHealth.

The Kostyuks ready to go to Ukraine in April to deliver much-needed medications and supplies. They are considering another trip in the summer to include their children.

02 Jun

God Speaks through Introverts Too

By Ashley Jankiewicz — My heart rate increased as I tried to suppress my rising panic. Hot tears pricked my eyes as I listened closely to what the preacher was saying. He was getting close, I could tell. I had learned to expect these things on the last day of a week of spiritual emphasis — the dreaded call.

“Come up to the front if you feel like this is you.”

There it was.

Other students around me slowly stood up and filtered to the front. I was caught between my desire to answer the call and my fear of going up front.

Deep in my heart, I screamed for God to understand that I was answering the call on the inside, begging Him to take away the fear of what others thought.

Sometimes I would go up, hunched, trying to make myself invisible. Other times I guiltily went when I saw my friends. Without fail, the preacher would say, “Don’t think about anyone else. Do it for you.” But I couldn’t.

I felt as though I was betraying God, that I couldn’t do this one simple thing that others found so easy and uplifting; that I couldn’t do it for God when early Christians walked to the lions in front of stadiums of roaring Romans.

I felt as if an altar call, doing what the pastor had said, such as coming up to the front, was imperative for my answer to be legitimate.

This was my thinking for years, until one memorable Saturday (Sabbath). Back then, my home church consisted of 3,000 members, and the pastor had issued a call. I started getting stressed and fidgeting in my seat. Surely I couldn’t go up front in view of all these people? I looked over at my mum in horror, and somehow she understood.

“You don’t have to go up,” she whispered.

“I don’t?” I said in surprise. This was when I realized that I didn’t have to respond in any other way other than in my heart for my faith to be real.

When I was a child, I would watch the charismatic pastors up front, including my dad, excited to share their faith and openly proclaim their love for God, and I knew that that would be me one day. However, as I grew older, I became painfully aware that it would not. I could never raise my hands during song service like some. I couldn’t tell a children’s story about a Jesus moment in my life. I couldn’t even lead a Bible study. I knew that I loved God and wanted to have a relationship with Him and live a godly life, but I didn’t know how to put that into action when I couldn’t even talk about my relationship with Jesus with my friends or pray out loud in a way that felt real. The change where I would become like all those extroverted people on stage at church never came. As I entered adulthood, I wondered what was wrong with me.

In my mind, there seemed to be only one way, the public way, to approach God; and because I repeatedly saw this one way, I assumed it was the right way. One day, as I was reading Philip Yancey’s book Reaching for the Invisible God, I read a paragraph that drastically changed my perspective:

“I wonder whether people naturally divide into various ‘faith types’ just as they divide into personality types. [As] an introvert who approaches other people cautiously, I approach God the same way . . . why should we expect to have the same measure or kind of faith?”

I had never considered how personality might influence a relationship with God, and that it could also influence how others perceived someone’s relationship with God. I realized that those loudly proclaiming the love of Jesus and what He was doing in their lives found this easy because they generally loudly proclaimed most things about their lives. They felt comfortable with that. I never noticed those who were like me because, well, they were like me!

This launched me on a journey of learning that God understands the introverts of the church.

One of my favorite Bible stories is the calling of Moses. Face to face with the presence of God within a burning bush, Moses is hesitant when God calls him to go back to Egypt. He asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah?” (Exodus 3:11, NKJV), and “What if they do not believe me?” (4:1, NIV). Finally, Moses argues that he is “slow of speech and tongue” (verse 10, NIV). God again assures Moses that He will be with him; however, Moses continues to balk, begging God to send someone else. Now, remember that Moses had lived in the desert for 40 years. I found it difficult to hold a conversation after just a few months in lockdown, but after 40 years, to storm the palace and accuse the Pharoah? I’d be begging God to change His mind too.

Finally, God says, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and teach you what to do” (verses 14, 15, NIV). Did you catch that? God says Aaron is already on his way to meet you! God knew He was calling someone who felt inadequate, who was afraid to speak, to stand up and fight for his God. Because God understood Moses’ strengths and weaknesses, He had already set in place the help Moses needed.

Introverts bring a very different set of skills to the church than extroverts do. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and both are equally important. While the extroverts may be the greeters who welcome everyone at the door or the worship leaders who get the congregation clapping their hands, the introverts are working behind the scenes. It may be the introvert who greets that one quiet, awkward person who is sitting alone, overlooked by others. It may be the introvert who plans the worship service. The introverts may prefer to write rather than to talk, and to play guitar rather than sing. And the introvert’s quiet thoughtfulness may bring new insight to a Bible study. We are all a part of the body of Christ, and while some of us might be the mouth, others might be the ears. All are equally needed.

Now, I don’t go up for calls if they make me feel uncomfortable. I answer them in my heart, knowing that God understands. I feel closest to God when alone, or in nature, and have recognized that it’s OK not to feel close to God when praying out loud in a large group, so I don’t force myself to. And instead of bemoaning my lack of confidence to lead a Bible study, I focus on one-on-one discussions with people. I’ve learned that what introverts bring to the church is equally important to what the extroverts bring. Most importantly, I’ve learned that God understands.

While I still hang back, I also try to push myself, however. I try to talk about my relationship with God when I can. I’ve discovered ways of being up front that don’t inspire panic, such as drama and music. And I’m learning to share my faith through writing.

If you perhaps are like me, I encourage you to lean into your strengths rather than trying to be like those you feel you should be like. God knows your heart, and He will show you ways of following Him and of being a fisher of men, even when you’re afraid of those men and would rather be hiding under the nets.

— Ashley is a secondary education major at Avondale University in Australia who has a vivid imagination and a passion for writing. Photo supplied

The original version of this commentary was posted by Adventist Record.

01 Jun

VET FROM CHEYENNE CHURCH HONORED BY THE STATE OF WYOMING

By Paulette Yaple – Cheyenne, Wyoming … Robert Foster, 98-year-old Cheyenne Adventist Church member and WW2 veteran, was honored on May 23 by the governor of Wyoming and other state dignities for his service to Wyoming and the United States.

Foster was recognized for his service during WW2, for being the first black telephone installer in Wyoming with Mountain Bell Telephone Company, being a committed volunteer in the community and the Cheyenne Adventist Church, and demonstrating amazing strength of character and community involvement.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon declared that May 29, 2022 is Robert Foster Day in Wyoming to commemorate Foster’s 98th birthday and a lifetime of faithful service to God, country, and community. Gordon also presented Foster with a signed certificate and a commemorative gold coin with the governor’s name.

“With standing room only, everyone was so pleased to hear the proclamation from Governor Mark Gordon honoring our beloved Bob Foster,” commented Bill Nixon, Cheyenne church pastor.

Secretary of State Edward Buchanan also recognized Foster’s faithful service and presented him with a flag flown over the capital in his honor.

Attending the presentation were members of the Cheyenne church, Bob’s family, co-workers, and members of the National Guard.

After the event, Foster said that he was overwhelmed, emotional, and surprised to be honored in this way. His long-time co-worker and current Utah State Representative, Judy Weeks Rohner, organized the event.

–Paulette Yaple is the communication director for Cheyenne Adventist Church; photo supplied

31 May

HELPING THE HOMELESS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

RMCNews with Jones Tuufuli – Colorado Springs, Colorado … The Colorado Springs Central Adventist Church continues to reach out to one of the most vulnerable populations in Colorado Springs–the homeless.

The ministry, named Jesus Loves You Sabbath Homeless Ministry, feeds those who are temporarily homeless on the streets of Colorado Springs.

Reflecting on why the ministry began, Jones Tuufuli, assistant pastor at Colorado Springs Central, said, “When I began this ministry in 2018, I was moved by the message that the church’s mission is to be Jesus’ hands and feet.”

He added, “After attending services at Central, I observed a large number of homeless individuals begging nearby on the streets. My heart was on fire at the thought that the church could do so much to aid and reach out to our community.”

Tuufuli explains how a desire to assist the homeless turned into a ministry.

“I began by preparing and distributing around 20 meals at the park behind the Antler’s hotel, as well as at the 7-11 and the shopping complex near the church. About a month later, members and the church Board backed the Jesus Loves You Sabbath Homeless Ministry.

The ministry has grown substantially in the last four years.

“Now, we cook 125 meals every Sabbath, and depending on street conditions, we also prepare meals throughout the week which are delivered at homeless camps and shopping centers, gas stations, and 7-11s. This ministry in the streets is a hit-and-miss situation because the homeless move around for survival. They don’t permanently stay in one location.”

The ministry has also served meals on Easter, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Tuufuli appreciates the support the ministry has received from RMC. “We appreciate the assistance from RMC Adventist Community Services funding provided to the Jesus Loves You Sabbath Homeless Ministry. It has helped the ministry acquire equipment and food supplies. Our ministry is thriving, and we are thrilled to be Jesus’ hands and feet on the streets of Colorado Springs.”

— RMCNews with Jones Tuufuli; photos supplied

26 May

STATEMENT ON UVALDE, TEXAS, SCHOOL SHOOTING BY RMC EDUCATION

Our hearts ache over the senseless act of violence and loss of life at the elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. We pray for Jesus to comfort all the families who have lost a loved one.

With the tragic shooting deaths in Uvalde, Texas, concerns arise for the safety of the students in Rocky Mountain Conference schools.

The safety of our students is of the utmost priority for the RMC education department and each school and its staff. Each of our schools works with their local police department and experts in this field to educate and assist in preparedness for any possibility. Our teachers are able to deal with all the emotions that come with situations like this because they are able to direct their students with the calm assurance of God’s care for them.

Our office is committed to the support of each teacher, student, and their families to give assurance that we will do everything in our power to keep our students safe.

We ask you to join us in prayer for God’s protection over each precious life of our students and their families.

Diane Harris

RMC education director

Paul Negrete

RMC associate education director

Resources to help children:

Talking to Children about the Shooting

Helping Youth After a Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)

Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)

Talking to Teens about Violence (En Español)

Tips for Talking to Students about Violence

Coping After Mass Violence: For Adults

For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence(En Español)

Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)

Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers(En Español)

Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)

Guiding Adults in Talking to Children about Death and Attending Services

After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal

Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children

After the Injury—website for families with injured children

Health Care Toolbox—website for pediatric health providers working with injured children

Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)

26 May

Statement on Uvalde, Texas, School Shooting by North American Division Administration

We mourn with and pray for those whose lives have been irrevocably changed when a gunman opened fire yesterday at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students and two adults. This marks the deadliest school shooting in the state’s history and our hearts cry out in anguish and anger against this evil act.

But as we pray, we must do more. We must find a way to end this type of heinous and senseless violence from occurring in our communities. National reports indicate that there have been 27 school shootings in 2022 thus far with injuries or deaths. No student should live in fear of gun violence. It is unacceptable to have any of these shootings normalized in any way.

The words of a voted statement the Seventh-day Adventist World Church issued more than 30 years ago, before the heated political rhetoric of the day, ring true now: “Automatic or semi-automatic military-style weapons are becoming increasingly available to civilians. In some areas of the world it is relatively easy to acquire such guns. They show up not only in the street, but in the hands of youngsters at school. Many crimes are committed through the use of these kinds of weapons. They are made to kill people. They have no legitimate recreational use.”

We must search our souls for ways we can stem the tide of violence and implore our elected officials to take action. We must search our hearts and minds in order to prioritize human life.

As the world church statement declared, “Pursuits of peace and the preservation of life are to be the goals of Christians. Evil cannot be effectively met with evil but must be overcome with good. Seventh-day Adventists, with other people of goodwill, wish to cooperate in using every legitimate means of reducing, and eliminating where possible, the root causes of crime.”

We can’t keep thinking we are helpless in this. We can do something. We can hold our leaders and ourselves accountable.

And in echoing the words of the Psalmist, may God heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Ps. 147:3, NIV).

— North American Division Administration

26 May

COMMENTARY: MAKING SENSE OF A SENSELESS ACT

By Brandon Westgate — School shooting. Two words that simply do not belong adjacent to one another in the same sentence, and yet we find ourselves wrestling with the loss of both innocents and innocence once again. The senseless loss of life in that small town school in Uvalde, Texas has left us stunned, heartbroken, and angry.

Stunned because these acts of violence against the youngest members of our society seem to hit us differently as we come to grips with the reality of human, sinful nature. The depths to which humanity has fallen and just how evil man can be is revealed through these heinous acts. To think that someone could rob a child of their most precious right, the opportunity to grow up and realize their full potential, is devastating and can shake us to our core.

Our hearts break not only as we contemplate the loss of innocent children but as we also realize that the siblings, parents, and extended families of these victims are grieving in a way that makes condolences, however sincere they may be expressed, seem trivial. As emotions swell, our grief and frustration can quickly devolve into anger towards the person responsible for committing such a heartless act of unfettered hostility.

So, what are we to do?

How are we to respond in a way that is healthy?

How can we make sense of such evil that was intentionally focused on these children?

To simply say this is a fallen world we live in or that evil is being unfettered among us, so that we should expect things like this, doesn’t help much. While these statements may be true in some way, they offer minimal comfort to those who are mourning and to those seeking a real answer to these complex issues.

It is true that we are living in unprecedented times. In Matthew 24, Jesus was asked what it would be like prior to His return. In verse 12, Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”

It would be easy for us to take that one verse and find a measure of justification for the evil that seems to rule the day. But in taking such a stance, where is the hope for the future? I speak of the hope that each one of us possesses, the hope that gives us the motivation to plan and dream and live our best life with assurance and confidence?

This may be an excellent time to remind one another that our hope does not come through legislation that may or may not be enacted. Our hope does not come through who governs us locally or nationally. Our hope does not come from what great things we might do as a nation.

Our hope comes from the power of God, given us through the Holy Spirit, who both inspires and empowers every believer to good works. Hope from God pours out of the heart of every sincere believer, and that God-fueled hope is felt in the hearts of others who have been impacted by it.

You see, Jesus didn’t stop His statement in Matthew 24 with a message of doom. He continued His thought in that very next verse, “But he (or she) who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Jesus knew that we would face challenging moments such as these inexplicable acts of violence which rob children of their innocence. But He wraps up his thought here with a message of hope. Yes, we live in a sin-sick world. Yes, sometimes it appears as though evil has won the day. But Jesus offers hope to every person with a promise of eternal comfort.

These present events serve as a stark reminder of the contrast between the present world we occupy and the promised world that will ultimately be our forever home. While we are here, it is the heart-filled actions of believers that push back against the tide of evil.

We are to overcome evil with good. As we collaborate with Jesus, we offer comfort and hope to one another so that every selfless act of kindness serves as a reminder that the God of mercy has an ultimate plan to save all who come to Him by faith.

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

–Brandon Westgate is RMC youth director; photo by Brandon Westgate

26 May

MHA HOLDS FIRST NORMAL GRADUATION IN TWO YEARS

RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy students, teachers, staff, and community celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2022 with a week filled with special events. Being the first normal graduation in two years, the excitement quickly mounted as students helped set up chairs, gave high-fives during the annual senior walk, and shared contagious smiles as the school year drew to a close.

The first graduation ceremony of the week started with the Kindergartners on May 17. Marching down the aisle among their smiling families and friends, the class of 20 graduates proudly stood before their families gathered in the gym.

“We are so glad you came to celebrate with us,” said Aria, a kindergartener.

The class hosted the entire ceremony, including singing “I am a Promise” and “Jesus Loves Me” and offering family tributes of thanks and love to their parents. Tassels were moved, Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, gave handshakes, and the students ended the program with an enthusiastic recitation of the poem “I Did It.” They marched down the aisle to applause, cheers, and blowing bubbles.

The following evening was eighth-grade night. With 27 graduates, the largest graduating class of the year couldn’t stop smiling during the entire program. Walter Weber, MHA middle school teacher, challenged each to “Go to high school. Be strong. Be brave. And be aggressive,” in his commencement address.

Logen, class president, in his goodbye to the middle school teachers, said they “all have a special place in our hearts.” He closed his speech, which included humorous roasts of the teachers, with thanks to his class, and by exclaiming “Go Mustangs!”

The final graduation events of the week were focused on the senior Class of 2022. Following MHA’s tradition, there were four ceremonies for the seniors: Blessing, Consecration, Baccalaureate, and Commencement.

The Blessing, hosted at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, was a private, family event with tributes, where graduates received their cords, sashes, and scholarships among family and friends.

Consecration, hosted at Littleton Adventist Church, included a special, heartwarming baptism of senior Wilson.

“Graduation is such a special, exciting time as the class moves forward in their academic journey,” said Diane Harris, RMC director of education and Wilson’s mother. “We are so proud of each individual in this senior class.”

Paul Negrete, RMC associate director of education, challenged the students to “Give your life to Christ every day. Consecrate your ways to Him. Live a life of meaning for time and eternity.” The Seniors proceeded to offer tributes to their beloved high school teachers, and each Senior was presented with a Bible signed by MHA staff and teachers.

Baccalaureate was scheduled to be held at Denver South Adventist Church; however, the ceremony was moved to the MHA gym due to the snow, downed trees and power lines. The circumstances and change of venue didn’t deter the class from enjoying a sermon by David Asscherick, Light Bearers & ARISE co-founder and instructor, and music performed by Leandro Bizama, former MHA music teacher and current associate pastor at Campion Adventist Church.

That night was the eagerly anticipated Commencement, the last time the eight members of the class of 2022 entered as MHA students. Walter Weber challenged the students to “put your faith and your dreams in Him.”

Union College handed out more than $150,000 in scholarships, with a total of more than $700,000 from all Adventist universities awarded to the seniors.

The seniors were formally welcomed as MHA Alumni, and a burning torch was passed to the new senior class of 2023.

Carpenter reflected on the academic year that had just came to a close by saying, “This has been a tremendous year. I couldn’t be prouder of all the students as they made my first year at MHA memorable and special. We’re excited for the things to come for the next school year, and we are grateful for each family in our community. Have a great summer, and congratulations to all the graduates in the class of 2022!”

–RMCNews; photos supplied

NewsNuggets Page 77