NN July 2020 – Page 2 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

23 Jul

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

NN July 2020

By Wayne Morrison …I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Unprecedented times” as often as I have over the past few months. We have all seen and experienced things we never expected as we looked forward to 2020. From “the virus” to the recent cry for social justice, all prove to me how truly fragile our society is.

Watching and listening to the voices crying out for justice, seeking to be heard, and truly calling us to recognize moments when darkness has overwhelmed circumstance, has brought to my mind the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.”

Ambassadors represent the country they are commissioned by. If you are an ambassador for the United States, you represent the U.S. When you speak, when you interact with other governments, you speak for the U.S. When God calls you an ambassador, you speak for the kingdom of God, you speak for heaven itself; in fact, Paul says it’s, “as if God Himself were pleading through you.”

As I watch all that is happening, and listen to all the accusations and arguments, I wonder in this dark time if the loving voice of God Himself would make a difference? If we love as God loves, and if we truly wrap our arms around our brothers and sisters, treating everyone like family, would that not make a difference?

Let me clarify. I am not talking about tolerance, or even acceptance Those are not godly attributes. No, I am talking about truly loving everyone with the same love with which God loves us.

Tolerance would make room for others; acceptance allows others to make choices different than I might make, but loving as God loves means wrapping our arms around those who think differently. It is loving those who would reject me, those who would seek to take away my freedom, and even those who would seek to destroy me.

I have realized while I am sure this is what God would ask from me, He also knows I am not capable of that kind of love. It is beyond human love; it is “supernatural love”! God knows I need a miracle. I need Him to love through me. I need to be overwhelmed with supernatural love!

We have quoted familiar lines: “They will know us by our love” and “What the world needs is Jesus, just a glimpse of Him”. These are truer today than ever before! The world needs a picture of God’s love, His supernatural love to which they will respond, and if Jesus is lifted up in this way, He will draw all men to Himself.

As an ambassador for Christ, being His voice in my community, I pray those whom we contact will hear a voice filled with “supernatural” love, as if God Himself were pleading with them, “Be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

–Wayne Morrison is pastor of Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church

22 Jul

WHEATLAND CHURCH MEMBERS CELEBRATE LORD’S SUPPER IN NATURE

By Gabriela Vincent – Wheatland, Wyoming … Just imagine a lake, gorgeous sunshine, picnic-like family atmosphere, and then add to it The Lord’s Supper in a 2020 world. The ongoing pandemic didn’t stop the Wheatland members and visitors from being blessed by fellowshipping in God’s nature and participating in a high event for the church.

Wheatland church believers and their pastor, Pastor Shayne Vincent, held an outdoor church and communion service at Wheatland Reservoir on Sabbath, July 18. The shady spot with magnificent views of the lake was reserved by the congregation.

Participants, which included visitors from Casper and Georgia, were greeted by views of God’s creation and a table set with the emblems of communion.

The event, which followed safety guidelines set by Wyoming Department of Health, was a group effort, with one of the newest believers in God’s family playing a special role in the communion set-up.

“MiCayla Shaw made the communion bread, a first-time experience for her. She consulted with another church member who helped with the making of the bread about Christ’s body and how it was pierced for us as they put the fork marks in the top. It turned out great and was made with lots of love,” Cynthia Pedersen, member the Wheatland Church commented.

She further explained that “Kim Ludeman and Cayla Shaw got the wine. It was a group effort, just like everything we do here in Wheatland. Sitting in the shade of the old cottonwood trees, we listened to the water lap the shore as our pastor preached. It was incredibly soothing. Then we sang hymns and washed each other’s feet with lake water.”

“I really enjoyed the fact that we did communion outside in God’s beauty,” commented MiCayla Shaw on the outside setting.

“Outdoor communion is something that never crossed my mind before last Sabbath. We were able to wash our feet with lake water and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. It offered us a mere glimpse of what it was like when John baptized Jesus,” Cindy Eaton, Wheatland church member said. “What a great way to have communion with our church family while out in God’s nature.”

The service offered a meaningful blessing as Pastor Vincent taught on how communion symbolizes Passover and a symbol of re-baptism.

The day concluded with a picnic, fellowship, and swimming in God’s beautiful creation. Members reflected on Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Like Jesus beside the sea of Galilee, they were able to hear the Creator’s voice in the bubbling reservoir, in the song of the birds, and in the wind whistling through the trees.

—Gabriela Vincent is a member of the Casper church; photos supplied.

21 Jul

UNION COLLEGE OPENS AMIDST CONCERN AND EXCITEMENT

By Jon Roberts – Lincoln, Nebraska … In the month of August, students and professors will return to the campus of Union College. However, they will be resuming their academic year under a new normal for colleges. Several students from the Rocky Mountain Conference territory are currently packing to make the 500-mile drive to Lincoln, Nebraska.

For the administration at Union, the decision to move the rest of spring semester to remote learning was a decision that was difficult, but necessary in March 2020 under a developing pandemic.

Likewise, the choice to resume normal operations, as much as possible, was a hard choice to make, while also ensuring that students, parents, and faculty are safe to resume the educational program.

Nebraska has been somewhat spared the brutal destruction of the virus; however, with students attending from across the United States, the chance of a student bringing an unwelcome visitor to Nebraska is high.

“Although my three young adults are returning to school in an area where the COVID-19 impact is fairly low, I still have some concerns. Union College is a small school, but there are students returning from everywhere within the United States. There is that possibility of a student bringing the coronavirus on campus,” Chanelle Watson, parent of three juniors from Denver, Colorado explained.

“I am confident knowing that the school has protocols in place to protect its student as best as it can. Having faith in the school minimizes my concern,” she added.

“I am not worried about my daughter’s health because she is perfectly capable of social-distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing as needed,” Kelly Waller, parent stated.

But she is “worried that we will get her moved and settled and she will have to unexpectedly return home, which will be heartbreaking to her.”

Jefferson Gibson from Denver is a junior at Union. “I will not be overly concerned when all the students return to campus, but I will be cautious and continue to practice social distancing and wearing my mask when necessary as I do now,” he commented.

The decision to resume close to normal operations came as students were looking for socialization to restart.

“I am excited to return to Union. I will be a junior theology major this coming semester and I miss the traditional in-class learning. I miss leading out in the small Bible study groups. I also miss interacting with my friends and look forward to catching up with them…safely,” Gibson added.

Union has implemented some safety measures to ensure safety from the deadly virus.

Addressing the current situation with the college’s new academic year under pandemic, Vinita Sauder, president of Union College commented on the college’s webpage, “We are committed to holding in-person classes this semester and making sure our students and employees stay safe.”

“Keeping everyone safe and healthy requires that we all work together. We have a plan in place that gives us all a role to play in staying well and making sure Union has a successful semester on campus,” Sauder said.

Union has released several protocols for students and faculty that can be found here.

The disruption of normal classes has been difficult on students. “I did not anticipate the drastic change caused by COVID-19 until students were asked not to return to Union College, causing the Spring semester to be transferred to online learning. The change forced me to learn differently. It took some adjusting, but I would prefer in-class learning than online learning. I personally believe that Union professors add a special touch to learning,” Gibson said.

Union has moved the end of the semester to before Thanksgiving and returning for second semester in January. This will help with any travel restrictions that state governors may impose.

“The travel restrictions and mandatory 14-day quarantine has caused me to rethink travel plans. For example, COVID-19 impacted my summer plans of traveling with the Literature Evangelism program. Due to Union College making the semester shorter, it is anticipated that not much traveling will be done throughout the semester. Until things ‘settle down’ I do not plan to travel much,” Gibson concluded.

With an ever-changing landscape on COVID-19, parents are taking the situation day-by-day.

“I am not even thinking about semester breaks because everything will change multiple times before November 24, 2020. We have no real plan if she does have to return home; we will take it as it comes. Not my usual style of handling things, but planning more than a week in advance right now is pointless,” Waller stated.

The college experience is one that many young adults look forward to and experiencing this during a pandemic is something that the students will remember, and they will be better equipped to face the uncertainties of this world.

“I don’t really have an emergency plan in place. If my children have to return home due to COVID-19, that is fine. If I have to pick them up from Union, I am prepared to do so. If Union goes back to online studies, the children are prepared,” Watson commented.

–Jon Roberts is communication/media assistant for RMC; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and Ryan Lindbeck – Altitude Motion Media.

21 Jul

PANDEMIC DOES NOT STOP BAPTISMS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

By Mike Maldonado – Colorado Springs, Colorado … As we live in a socially distance world, God’s Word is still reaching those who hunger for knowledge.

When the pandemic hit many pastors had a choice to make concerning Bible studies. How can you do Bible studies when you can’t meet together? One would expect with the lack of normal baptismal studies our churches would see a sharp decrease in new believers.

The Colorado Springs Central church has experienced the opposite. In the span of two Sabbaths at the end of May and the beginning July, Central baptized and welcomed seven new members to the family of believers.

“Praise God that during the pandemic and lockdown of the church the gospel was still being preached, Bible studies were still being given, and hearts were convicted to follow Jesus,” Mike Maldonado, pastor of Colorado Springs Central stated.

The news spread on Facebook which caused great joy to be shared. “People are hungry for the word of God,” one individual commented. “[This is] wonderful news to hear. Praise God,” stated another.

Even through changeling times we can be assured the gospel is still going forth in the Rocky Mountain Conference.

–Mike Maldonado is lead pastor of Colorado Springs Central church; photos courtesy of Facebook

21 Jul

CHURCH MONEY MATTERS

By Gary Thurber – Lincoln, Nebraska … As I listen to conversation happening around our union, I hear a variety of concerns for church finances. With the loss of many jobs, we do expect a decrease in tithe remittances. However, the Mid-America Union Executive Committee has voted to disperse money from its reserve funds to each of our six conferences to help ministry and mission continue moving forward in our territory.

I also want to say a few words about the plan for tithe parity that was voted by the World Church during Annual Council last October. I have heard many people discuss this and there seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding.

As I look at what took place in the rearview mirror, I can say this is one of those times I truly saw the Lord’s hand lead the Adventist Church. Being there in person, I witnessed our World Church leaders keep their arms around each other and work together in a very positive way. In the end, I believe what transpired—by God’s providence—will bless our work here and abroad.

TITHE PARITY EXPLAINED

At the North American Division Year-End Meeting in 2018, the question was raised as to whether it was time for there to be greater parity as a World Church on tithe remittances supporting the General Conference. At that point, we in the NAD were already on a trajectory of moving down from 8 percent to 5.8 percent of tithe going to the General Conference.

The tithe remittance was going to be 6 percent, but when Oakwood University became an NAD institution, the subsidy that had been given to Oakwood by the GC was subtracted from the 6 percent and therefore left the NAD with 5.8 percent, as the NAD then began paying Oakwood’s subsidy.

The other divisions have been contributing 2 percent of their tithe to the GC for a number of years. This set the stage for the NAD Executive Committee to vote to ask the GC to consider bringing parity among divisions, in terms of tithe.

There were many passionate speeches made at the NAD Year-End Meeting. However, I do not believe the desire to bring parity was in any way a selfish thought; but rather wanting to be able to preserve pastors for the churches, and schools for our young people.

GC leaders received the request graciously and began to process this request with the other divisions. Not long after the NAD vote asking for parity, the division treasurers met in Jamaica and—without a word from the NAD treasurer—agreed that it was past time for this to happen. As the division presidents considered this issue they also agreed. In the end the GC Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly to bring parity in tithing to the divisions.

Over the next four years, the NAD will move from 5.8 percent to 3.8 percent. The other divisions will move from 2 percent to 3 percent over the next 10 years. As you can see, the NAD will still contribute 0.8 percent more than the other divisions. The rationale behind this is the fact that both Loma Linda University and Andrews University are GC institutions located in our territory and the NAD receives direct benefit from these institutions to a much greater extent than do other divisions.

MORE GROWTH, MORE BLESSINGS

I wish you all could have experienced the moment this policy was voted. The World Church gave a standing ovation in appreciation for all the years the NAD so generously supported the world field. I believe what I witnessed was much like seeing a church plant grow sufficiently to not be reliant on the mother church or conference any more, but rather become a solid contributor in this great cause of which we are all a part.

I agreed with Elder Bob Lemon, former treasurer of the General Conference, when he said, “I support this motion fully. I look forward to seeing how God will bless.”

Thank you, each one, who so graciously supports our church. The tithe dollar you return truly blesses our efforts as a church family to move our mission forward.

–Gary Thurber is Mid-America Union Conference president; photo by iStock

This article was originally published on Outlook Magazine website.

***From Ed Barnett, RMC president: Commenting on the Mid-America Union Conference decision, the RMC president explained that instead of receiving funds from the Union, they accepted a recommendation to receive from our Conference 1% less from the tithe till the end of the year. “It was very thoughtful for the Union to accept for this year 1% less tithe from each of our conferences to be used to make ends meet in the conferences. It is helpful and will be a blessing to God’s church in our Conference,” Barnett commented.

21 Jul

SANITIZING STATIONS BLESS CAÑON CITY CHURCH

By Linda Benningfield-Hashman — Cañon City, Colorado … A gift from three years back blesses members of the Cañon City church through the pandemic.

In 2017, Cañon City church was given several hand sanitizing stations from the local hospital, who was revamping their hand sanitizing procedures and making the old ones available for anyone who was interested. Steve Schwarz, pastor of Cañon City in 2017, was able to obtain several of the dispensers, including extra cartridges. Into a church storage closet they went, with members wondering where they would use so many stations and why they would need so much hand sanitizer.

When the pandemic hit the country, the church and pastor were glad to have these dispensers to help keep members and visitors not only safe, but in compliance with Fremont County COVID-19 safety guidelines.

In addition to placing these hand sanitizing stations at every entrance and exit, the church also implemented procedures to ensure the health and safety of members and visitors alike, including the following.

Sabbath School and church services are live streamed on Facebook for members who choose to remain home.
Masks are available for anyone without, and bottled water is available since water fountains are closed.
The sanctuary pews are taped off to show the suggested six feet distance between families.
Bulletins are distributed by members wearing gloves.
Traffic is directed throughout the church so that passing is at kept to a minimum.
Use of bathrooms is alternated so that the every-two-hours cleaning requirement doesn’t have to be met on Sabbath.
Members are encouraged to visit outside in the parking lot, rather than in the church foyer.

The Cañon City church will continue to address and meet the county and state requirements for church attendance and feels blessed that no members have been tested positive for the virus.

Prior to COVID the congregation averaged attendance between 100 to 130 however, since the pandemic restrictions between 60 to 90 believers worship together.

–Linda Benningfield-Hashman, is a member of the Cañon City church; photos supplied

20 Jul

DONATED FOOD GETS DISTRIBUTED TO NEIGHBORS BY LIFESOURCE AND TRUE LIFE CHURCHES

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … Thirty-one thousand pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed July 16 to the Denver community in a multi-church effort.

LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, in partnership with World Vision, was able to provide free produce to their neighbors. As word began to spread throughout the neighborhood of the free giveaway, a long line of cars formed before 10 a.m. when the distribution began. Volunteers gathered names and email addresses of community members to keep them informed of future hand-outs, and every individual could choose as many 20-pound boxes as they wanted.

Area churches were also given the opportunity to pick up as much food as they wanted to take back to their home church to distribute among their members and their local community.

Also partnering with LifeSource was True Life Community Church, which recently moved to the LifeSource campus.

“We want to work together. We want to give back to our community. It’s all about these people coming through [for those in need],” David Nicodemus, True Life church member commented.

“We’ve seen a lot of people coming through where it is the last bolt holding that car together. You know there is a very serious need when we tell them it is free, but they can take as much as they want to give to their neighbors, and people get really excited,” he added.

The containers included bags of potatoes, oranges, apples, onions, grapes, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. The gratefulness of the community for this service was evidenced by their smiles and many thank-yous as their vehicles were loaded by fifteen volunteers from LifeSource and True Life. Members of the community even volunteered to help make the distribution go smoothly.

“It is a huge blessing to help out and give to the community, and it is a great way to get to know your fellow church members. It builds community strength. We’re stronger together,” Jennifer Biddulph, LifeSource member commented.

“We got to live out portions of Scripture, and I am encouraged, challenged, and hopeful for our future as a church as we continue to stand in the gap for our community through the service that was modeled to us by Jesus Christ,” Seth Day, associate pastor of LifeSource stated.

The pallets of food were donated to LifeSource and they will continue to pass out cases of produce every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their Denver location through August. If your church is interested in reserving cases to give to your community members, please contact Seth Day at [email protected].

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

17 Jul

#TinyTowns4Jesus: Outreach Initiative of Rocky Mountain Conference

By Carl McRoy – Columbia, Maryland … As we all know, every area of society and the Church have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The question is, “How are we responding to it?” One way that the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is adapting their summer outreach is to refocus their student canvassers on fundraising to sponsor literature mail-outs to small towns in their territory. The initiative is called #TinyTowns4Jesus.

The mission was conceived by the RMC literature ministries director, Matt Hasty, in collaboration with the conference administrative team. The goal is to raise enough funds to send packs of GLOW tracts and copies of The Great Controversy to people living in small towns in Colorado. Why small towns? As Matt Hasty explains, “It’s easy to stay stuck in the city, but I like to try to squeeze in the small towns. When we get there, people probably have never had their doors knocked on. There’s probably no solicitation from any other groups. So when somebody opens up their door, they usually give you more time to talk. The people are really receptive and the kids love it!”

It’s easy for canvassing teams to “stay stuck” in larger cities for a couple of reasons. The first is housing. Student canvassing campaigns rely on churches to sponsor a place for them to stay—often at a church or church school. It’s usually the large churches in mid- to large-sized cities that are able to provide these accommodations. The second reason is that a campaign of 14 or more students needs a sizable field to work, or they will rapidly run out of people to meet. One time they finished canvassing a whole town in 30 minutes. Although, before the pandemic, Matt Hasty’s team had planned to canvass three small towns in one day, reaching these sparsely populated areas typically would have required more drive time and yielded less canvassing time.

Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the students as well as the public, RMC literature ministries isn’t running a traditional canvassing campaign this summer. That’s the lemon. However, they’re making lemonade by focusing on using their phones and social media to raise funds to send the gospel to thousands of people they wouldn’t normally meet. Instead of their ministry staying stuck in the city, they’re staying safe while reaching homes in towns with populations of 1,000 or less.

To be specific, Matt Hasty’s team has identified 163 small towns in Colorado with a combined population of about 84,000 people. Many of these towns don’t have Adventist churches or members living in them, but should we overlook them because of this? No. A lack of Adventist presence in these towns makes our mission even more important. Jesus himself was from a small town, so let’s not be like a certain disciple who initially wrote off the significance of Nazareth.

These young people can’t do outreach by themselves, though. They need our help. Check out their website and prayerfully consider how you can participate.

–Carl McRoy is NAD director of Literature Ministries; photo supplied

This article was originally published on the NAD website

16 Jul

WYOMING CAMP MEETING PARTICIPANTS CHALLENGED TO LIVE INCLUSIVE LOVE

By Jon Roberts — Cody, Wyoming … “’Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.’ I believe those words today ought to be near to the heart of us (all).” With these words Ed Barnett, RMC president, opened his challenging message for the attendees of Wyoming virtual camp meeting on Wednesday morning, July 15.

With an acknowledgement of the vast diversity present in the Rocky Mountain Conference, current affairs affecting the nation were at the center of the online messages. From COVID-19 to recent protests against racial division, which also took place in Casper and Cheyenne among other communities, were addressed in a series “How Jesus Treated People”. Examples of Jesus’ love and mission were given in the context of who we are as Seventh-day Adventist today.

“We as Christians ought to be living out God’s love for all people,” Pastor Barnett, stated. “Prejudice comes in many different forms. Sometimes we think it is only about an issue of color.”

He went on to state prejudice comes not only in color, the wealth of an individual, their gender, or any other differences. Barnett stated we need to learn to treat others as Jesus treated individuals.

The RMC president shared personal experiences growing up in a mainly Caucasian background and then having to face diversity when his family moved to a multi-ethnic portion of the country his junior year of academy. He shared the challenging obstacles he had to overcome and the different cultures he was exposed to.

The message continued with the story about the Samaritan woman at the well, sharing how she was not only judged because of her gender, but condemned by rumors in the community. She had to wait till the noon hour to go to the well to avoid being seen by the community. Barnett explained how Jesus didn’t ignore the woman or show prejudice against the woman’s circumstances, but instead engaged her in a life-changing conversation.

“Jesus set a high standard for each one of us. As His disciples today, we must love as He loved. We cannot allow prejudice to be part of our lives,” Barnett challenged. “If you have a prejudiced thought in your mind or in your life, go to God and ask Him to cleanse your life of any prejudice that He can find.”

Attendees left with an understanding of how to live out, as Seventh-day Adventists Christians, the great commission of Jesus in loving everyone no matter what.

To view the entire message please click here.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication / media assistant; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

16 Jul

THE FOUR GREAT QUESTIONS

By Glenn Sackett — “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”

Lewis Carroll actually wrote it this way:

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where,” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”

Reading the Bible is much like traveling; if we don’t care where we end up, any which way is good enough.

To illustrate: My Granddad started teaching me photography the summer I turned eight. His darkroom was magic! He taught me to self-educate too, reading about photography. Such “self-directed learning” could be like this song lyric: “It could help you find yourself or make you lose your mind…” One can get lost in arguments about who has the best camera. Or one can learn how what’s going in in the mind of a photographer is far more important than the brand of the camera in his or her hand. My granddad taught me to focus on what’s most important, both with the camera and with reading.

Reading the Bible with the right focus is more important than reading about photography with the right questions. The following Four Great Questions I learned from two theologians, Jack Provonsha and Graham Maxwell, and they transformed my experience with the Bible.

1. What does this passage reveal about the character of God? Ellen White says the greatest issue in “The Great Controversy” is about the character of God. Not about doctrines or “standards” … This is the greatest question to bring focus to my reading. “Theology” literally means “God knowledge.”

2. What does this passage reveal about the nature of humans? We humans have both commonly-shared tendencies and individual traits that must be overcome in our spiritual journeys. How am I like the character in this Bible passage? What’s the “human condition” explored here?

3. What does this passage reveal about the invitation or opportunity God presents? People can get all wound up talking about problems. God talks about problems only to get to resolutions, usually some kind of reconciliation. What is God’s invitation here?

4. What does this passage reveal about the choices I have and best response I could make? Neither you nor I can eat for someone else; no one can go to the bathroom for me. We may laugh, but can we read the Bible that way, as if we’re doing it for someone else? Sorry, that’s not how it works. What is MY best response here?

Using these Four Great Questions to focus our Bible reading, we are much more likely to receive the blessing God put in the “Good Book” for us.

I hope you find a blessing today that’s just right for you.

—Glenn Sackett, is chaplain at Centura Health Mercy Regional Medical Center, Durango, Colorado

NN July 2020 Page 2