NN Dec 2022

By Becky De Oliveira

From the moment my yellow slip-proof socks hit the sterile hospital hallway floor, I was in love!  Strangely upbeat for a woman awaiting brain surgery just a couple of weeks before Christmas, I treated everything with unguarded enthusiasm, pointing to, say, a lone red tinsel garland clumsily affixed to the wall with genuine glee (“Love it!”). Before dawn, I was camped out at the nursing station, cutting out construction paper ornaments and eavesdropping on the nurses’ conversations and thanking the staff like I was a candidate for mayor.

I went from good to great as the days passed, marking my inaugural visit to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, where I would begin radiation and chemotherapy in a few days, with the observation that the facility was, “The warmest, most inviting Christmas wonderland ever.” And nothing against the Center, which is very nice and friendly, but come on! Who talks like that about anything? “Is she OK?” my husband asked the staff quietly while I busied myself forcing treats on passersby, proclaiming everyone who entered my room “awesome,” talking all night on the phone to friends in distant time zones, convincing a travel nurse to spring me out of the ICU to see photos of emotional support dogs.

Steroid-induced euphoria. It lasted as long as the drugs did. Then I was back to the “real” me, who sleeps more and talks less than the ’roid queen did. But I hope at least a little of that was me—and I often find myself longing for it. Oh, the joy in feeling not one bit critical, in seeing only the good, and, best of all, in the freedom to tell another person how wonderful they are. What stops me now? Take last Friday. At South Bend International Airport, there is a staff member who is so good at his job (boarding passengers) that I can only watch him with the same awe with which I gaze upon the ocean. I’ve observed him several times now as he manages the gate area, joking, fixing problems, arranging wheelchairs, dishing out compliments. This guy brings joy like golden sunshine does on a sub-zero day.

When he scanned my boarding pass and said, “Becky! Sweetheart!”, all I did was smile and say thank you, when I should have told him how much his presence matters, how he never fails to remind me that joy is contagious and spreads quickly wherever it finds a host. I should have grabbed the microphone and informed the whole airport that, just in case they’d somehow missed it, they were in the presence of greatness. Feel it, I should have said. Tell someone how amazing people are, how they shine. Better still, show them.

–Becky De Oliveira is a writer and educator, who recently completed her Ph.D. in Research Methods from University of Northern Colorado. Reprinted by permission from the One project Christmas Joy series on Facebook. Photo by Jonah De Oliveira.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … A final December 13 meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference Executive Committee in 2022 concentrated mainly on financial matters and adopting a preliminary budget for the Conference for the following year.

Presented by Darin Gottfried, vice president for finance, the financial report showed a small increase in total tithe of .43%, but with inflation being so high through this year, the Conference has lost a bit of spending power.

“Expenses are under budget through the month of October and will likely result in the year ending with a financial gain. The Conference currently has 4.55 months of working capital and is moving toward the goal of six months at a steady pace,” Gottfried said.

Following the financial report, Peter Chamberlain reported on the Audit Review Committee as required. The Conference was found to be in compliance and running soundly.

Gottfried presented a preliminary budget and a significant amount of time was spent talking about the opportunities of growth and the challenges expected next year. “Increased employment costs due to inflation, that are much higher than normal, have increased expenses and make it a challenge to have a balanced budget,” he said.

“The Rocky Mountain Conference has been greatly blessed,” Gottfried said “but tithe has not kept up with cost increases which is leading to a much tighter budget in 2023. We know that the Lord will bless, and we are excited to see the many amazing things that happen in the rest of this year and into next year.”

The RMC treasurer expressed appreciation for the tremendous giving and support of the Adventist Church in RMC. “We are praying that you and RMC are greatly blessed in the new year!” he concluded. The committee accepted the preliminary budget for 2023.

The final budget will be set in February after we have the final numbers for the year, but the acceptance of the proposed budget allows us to function until then. While the area cost of living will not see an increase, the proposed budget will include the full recommended raise for all employees beginning in July 2023. This allows us to remain competitive with other conferences for the services of pastors and teachers.

An update on the changes in how we relate to independent/supportive ministries after conversations with Conference attorneys and with Adventist Risk Management, was presented by Doug Inglish, vice president for administration.

“While it is possible to continue to have positive interactions with such ministries, it is necessary to guard against entanglements which courts can interpret as making us equally liable for the actions of other ministries. It is not all sorted out yet, but the picture is becoming clearer,” Inglish said.

Due to the necessity of disentangling from relationships with supportive ministries, it is no longer possible for RMC to continue dedicating a portion of the Advance Offering to La Vida Mission. The board of the mission understands the reasoning and expressed gratitude toward RMC for support given to the activities of La Vida.

In other agenda items, the Executive Committee voted to fill vacancies of additional members of the K-12 board. Names will be released pending the acceptance by those persons.

The Mid-America Union, which manages emeritus credentials, requires conferences to vote in support of requests for members of our respective territories. Therefore, the committee voted in favor of supporting the change of status for Jana Thurber from Commissioned Emeritus to Ordained Emeritus.

The committee had a short retrospective discussion on procedures and processes at our August Constituency meeting that might be passed on to the Bylaws Committee as suggestions for their consideration ahead of the next Constituency meeting. There was general consent to giving the issue further study.

In another action, the committee voted to close the Craig Adventist Church after the report that the congregation no longer meets, has no property, and has no functioning officers, and the church no longer has functioning members who can vote to close themselves. The RMC treasury department will collect what remains of the church books and any living members will be transferred to the Conference Church in a future executive session.

It was also reported that a teacher in the Pinon Hills Elementary School has resigned. The school has a plan for the remainder of the year and they will finish strong.

The committee also approved the transfer of the former Montrose School property to the Montrose Hispanic Church from the Montrose Church.

The next RMC Executive Committee is planned on February 21, 2023.

RMCNews. Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski.

Ana Segawa – Loveland, Colorado …  Campion’s staff members displayed their talents to students in various presentations, with the intent of finishing the semester in a lighthearted way this past Saturday night.

Marc Winokan, freshman student, commented, “Staff talent show was really fun. I enjoyed all the acts, but my favorite was Ms. Johnson and Portia’s singing. Overall, it was a very fun night.”

Erin Johnson and Portia Kluchesky kicked off the program by singing classic Disney princess songs while dressed in costume and acting their parts.

Relatable to many of Campion’s students, a world history class was recreated with staff members as students and with Cindy Santana as the teacher. The typical behavior of students acted out by staff members provided many laughs.

Already a part of past staff talent shows, the well-known Helmdini, a.k.a. Dean Helm, made an appearance with his tricks that were highly anticipated by the audience. Some students were called to the front to participate in magic tricks.

In a bilingual activity, Jillian Harlow prepared a contest in which the competitors, mostly not fluent speakers, had to read sentences at random in Spanish. Staff members and students both participated and the audience voted for the best pronunciation.

Between presentations, April Riseley recreated TikTok trend videos featuring staff members. Rodolfo Segawa, sophomore student, mentioned, “I found the idea of doing the TikTok trends really creative. It was something unexpected, and it was really funny.”

The last activity was prepared by the Campion church pastors with a holiday theme. Pastor Taylor and Pastor Goetz were decorated as Christmas trees by two different groups of audience members while Pastor Bizama presented the activity.

Throughout the night, students had a chance to see staff members in a different light. Freshman student, Izuchi Nwankwo, remarked, “Seeing the teachers not in teacher-mode was really funny and seeing the staff as the ones participating in the program instead of outside guests was nice.”

Ana Segawa, Campion News Team. Photos by Campion eNewsletter.

By Mic Thurber

I don’t know if you have the same reaction I do, but I cringe when I hear the first Christmas song being played in a store! Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas music, and I tend to listen to it all year long.

But if all I heard was department-store Christmas music, I think I’d lose all love for the season! It’s just plain hard for me to take the juxtaposition of sacred themes with mere commerce.

While once in a while, I hear a newer Christmas song that speaks to me, it’s the old ones, the Christmas hymns, that get to my heart. For they tell the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard!

When I listen to the songs I most love and let them speak to my spiritual core, then I’m once again reminded of the great gift of the condescension of Jesus. If you need a refresher, just read Philippians 2:5-11. When I meditate on it, realizing that He did all that to give me (and you, too!) a new start, a reason for hope and joy, and fresh strength to face whatever lies ahead in the coming new year, I am grateful all over again for this season. It nourishes me for today, and also prepares me for the season to come.

All that from a few Christmas hymns!

Don’t let the department store jingles keep you from allowing the sweet message of the Christmas music that really tells you the story of Jesus to seep into your heart. I promise you can find hope and renewal there.

On behalf of the entire Rocky Mountain Conference team, please accept our very best wishes for you and your family during this Christmas and New Years’ season. May your days be filled with thoughts of Him whose mind was filled with thoughts of you as He came to earth to be our salvation.

–Mic Thurber is RMC President

Sue Nelson – Littleton, Colorado … On December 3, starting at 7:00 pm, some 29 teens from Front Range churches assembled for an all-night “lock-in” ending at 7:00 the next morning at the Littleton Adventist Church gym.

Roberto Mira, RMC Pathfinder Teen Coordinator, explains that “the lock-in is a yearly event that happens at the beginning of December. Run by Rocky Mountain Conference Teen Coordinators and trusted adult volunteers, this all-night event is meant to provide a space where teens from different Pathfinder clubs across the conference can intermingle through games, sports, and fellowship. They also enjoy a “share your faith” activity.”

“It is a great place to have teens try coming out of their comfort zone by making friends from different clubs,” he added.

The night began with a devotional, followed by dinner and a variety of games and sport activities, and continued until pick-up the next morning. For those preferring quieter activities, they were given the option of watching an age-appropriate movie or playing tabletop games. Teens who prefer to nap were provided a quiet space under adult supervision.

Roberto explains that teens are prohibited from leaving the premises. They may not leave any of the group activities without first informing an adult.

During the Littleton “share your faith “activity, the group plans to donate tied fleece blankets to the Children’s Hospital. Clubs are encouraged to make these blankets as a club activity and have the teens attending the lock-in bring them to the donation area provided during the event.

“Teen lock-in’–just thinking of those two little words made me tired, but there is no better cause to be tired for,” commented Janine Lechleitner, director from Louisville Miners Pathfinder Club. She has had the pleasure of watching her club teens and representatives from other clubs grow in their leadership skills and creativity over the past several years. This year, with the guidance of teen coordinators, teen leaders planned one of the best teen lock-ins to date,” she added.

She explained why they put such emphasis on teen activities. “Adolescence is such an important time of life. During these critical years, our children learn how to develop safe and healthy relationships with parents, friends, teachers, and others. Learning how to develop and maintain positive relationships will impact our children and help them as they make decisions related to friendships, school, dating, marriage, and work in the future. Relationship skills learned and developed during the teen years will also help our children make positive decisions about other areas of their lives.”

It is with this in mind that those of us involved with Pathfinders really promote teen activities including teen lock-in. During this lock-in, there was more participation and energy from ALL teens than ever before. It was gratifying to see “seasoned” teens interacting with “new” teens, drawing them out of their shells and getting them actively involved in activities.

What else drives her to want to stay up all night in a gym full of teens? “My love of children and desire to see our children develop a committed relationship for God.

One teen, Austin, is the newest Pathfinder in her club. He slid right into the club like he had always been there. He was very excited to come to teen lock-in, and Janene was just as excited to take him. “Once we arrived, he became a little nervous, not knowing anyone other than me, and his fellow club members Hannah and Aurora. I had the privilege of watching several of our Conference teens take Austin under their wings, so to speak. Before I knew it, Austin was out there with all the teens participating in and having fun with every activity.

During the teen years, friends play a large role as each teen develops their own identity. The building blocks for all relationships, however, come from the examples provided by adults, including parents, teachers, family friends, and church family.

According to Eli Gonzales, club ministries co-executive coordinator, besides the planned activities, “they devoured about 25 pizzas with NONE left over.”

–Sue Nelson is RMC executive coordinator for Club Ministries. Photo by Janine Lechleitner.

By Matt Hasty

“No Soliciting, No religion, No fundraisers” read the sign on the door. A second later, a voice from behind us said, “Can I help you?”  We turn and see a man, Stacy, by his garage door looking at us with a frown. Our fearless Campion student, Sam Walton, walked up to Stacy with a smile and handed him a cookbook. Predictably Stacy cuts off Sam mid-sentence saying he’s not interested. Rather than leaving with his tail between his legs, Sam persisted by offering him one of our GLOW Bible pamphlets. With a visible look of confusion, Stacy said to Sam, “Wait! What? Who are you?”

Little did we know, Stacy had been studying with Messianic Jews and had started keeping the Sabbath. When he learned about another Christian group who keep the Sabbath, he was very curious and signed up for Bible studies and, of course, received some books from Sam. Three months later, Stacy is scheduled to be baptized at the Campion church before the end of the year!

As a literature evangelist (LE) for 21 years, I hear stories like this from time to time. But why not all the time? Should the LE’s metric for success be based on baptisms? What about our own success in the Christian walk? Aren’t we all called to be fishers of men?

Ellen G. White shares an interesting perspective looking forward to the last movements before the return of Christ: “The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them… Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.” [Great Controversy, p. 612]

I’ve seen this firsthand. At doors, people have shown me books acquired from church members or colporteurs from years ago. These books have been read and highlighted and copied, and shared, yet they don’t “fully comprehend the truth” or might not be ready to “yield obedience”.

Even more interesting, a few years ago, the Barna group did research on mainstream church pastors’ favorite authors. “The under-40 pastors championed several authors who were not ranked highly by older church leaders. Those authors included business consultant James Collins, seminary professor Thom Rainer, nineteenth century Seventh-day Adventist, icon Ellen White, and pastor John Ortberg.”

https://www.barna.com/research/survey-reveals-the-books-and-authors-that-have-most-influenced-pastors/

How are these pastors getting these old nineteenth-century books? Why are they reading them? Consider the answer. Because people like you and me are sharing them with a smile!  Stacy’s words, “Who are you?” can be echoed in our own ministry.

It’s easy to doubt that asking your neighbor if they have any prayer request will make an impact. If you passed out a book, will it even be read? Let God worry about the results and trust that soon a “large number will take their stand upon the Lord’s side.”

–Matt Hasty is RMC coordinator of literature ministry.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado …   In mid-September, channel 26.5, which covers a population of about 2.95 million throughout the Denver-metro area, began broadcasting Adventist programming from a wide variety of ministries 24 hours a day.

Unaffiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference, The Good News TV is an independent media ministry broadcasting Adventist programming in the Denver Metro area for antenna television viewers.

Good News TV started in Arizona 13 years ago. Many new believers being baptized in area churches today, trace their introduction to the Adventist Church to this television ministry. Most viewers are not Seventh-day Adventists.

According to the TV producers, the Denver area viewers are already calling the station, requesting prayer, Bible study guides, program schedules, and even the address to the nearest Adventist church.

For program schedules and how to watch, link to http://www.MyGoodNewsTV.com/co-home

RMCNews