23 Jun

GRIEF, GRACE, GRATITUDE, AND PLAY-DOH

By Ardis Stenbakken – Loveland, Colorado …Sixty women from area churches assembled at the Campion church June 18-19 for a special women’s ministry weekend workshop titled “Grief, Grace and Gratitude.”

The gathering focused on the question, “How do people handle their grief, loss, and isolation after a year of the Covid pandemic?” The three presentations were offered by Alicia Patterson, assistant professor at AdventHealth University and spouse of Geoff Patterson, senior pastor at the Boulder Adventist church.

Participants were thankful for the gathering, especially the topic. “This topic was so necessary at this time. In the pandemic, we lost everything—our freedom, our jobs, our health, sometimes family and friends—everything. These topics fit the times,” one attendee expressed.

DeeAnn Bragaw, Campion member and RMC women’s ministry director, commented on the event stating, “Many women expressed their appreciation for Alicia’s messages, telling us how helpful they were. I heard one woman say ‘I didn’t even know how much I needed this, and the guide for how to lament through Scripture was so helpful!’”

“Grief: Giving God Our Pain,” was presented Friday evening giving the women an opportunity to lose their grief through lament. Each participant was led through an exercise of lament and then could take their grief, in the form of a rock, to the Cross.

The gathering continued Sabbath morning with a presentation entitled “Comforting Others with Comfort We Have Received,” followed later in the day by “Gratitude: Praising God for What Remains.” To end the weekend, Patterson had the women participate in finding and expressing gratitude through fun writing and art activities using drawing materials and Play-Doh.

The women experienced a bittersweet moment on Sabbath as the Campion women’s ministries team bid farewell to DeeAnn Bragaw and thanked her for her dedication to ministry. She will assume her new role as women’s ministry director at the North American Division beginning July 1.

–Ardis Stenbakken is Campion church communication team member; photos by Joyelle Worley

22 Jun

GVR COMES ALIVE

RMCNews with John Boone – Ward, Colorado … The campers are back! We are mid-week in our first session of the summer with Explore Camp, ages eight through ten, and the reports are coming in … wait … they’re in. The kids are loving being at a camp

In just a matter of hours, Glacier View Ranch was transformed into a hive of joy and energy. “It was cool to hear the camp come alive again,” said Kimberly Hansen, summer camp nurse coordinator.

For many this is their first experience at camp but parents prepared them for the experience. “My little Rosey went off to camp this past Sunday for the first time.  It is a big deal to go to camp for the first time.   To prepare her we have been having what I like to call, ‘camp chats.’  We discuss everything from friendships, to hygiene, to taking care of your personal belongings, to dressings appropriately for the weather, eating healthfully, and listening to her counselor. It is our job as parents to equip our children with the best possible advice,” Alise Weber, parent of an Explorer camper said.

Campers are having a great time experiencing GVR. “Archery was so fun,” commented an attendee staying in Blackfoot cabin.

Another cabin mate was overheard saying, “Jesus, we hope You have fun with us today.”

It’s hard to believe that is has been two years since campers have been at GVR, but now they are making up for lost time. There are 77 campers at GVR. They have been playing games, making new friends, watching skits, learning about Jesus, and even sharing His love themselves. The 2021 camp is Fully Alive and the kids are having the best summer ever!

To learn more about spots available in future weeks, go to RMCYouth.org/camp

RMCNews and John Boone who is GVR’s camp PR and marketing intern; photo by Calvin Serban

22 Jun

How Playing a Sport Can Improve Your Mental Health

By AdventHealth — It seems obvious that getting regular physical activity helps you stay physically fit. But you may be surprised to learn about the more subtle ways that staying active can also benefit your mental and emotional health.

When you get your body moving, you’re able to also:

Boost Your Mood

You’ll feel this effect immediately. When you’re physically active, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. And when you participate in a team or group sport, you’ll also get the added benefit of positive social interaction.

Reduce Depression and Stress

When you’re immersed in a fun physical activity or team sport, you may find yourself totally distracted from the stressors and challenges of daily life. This temporary respite from stress can help you avoid getting bogged down by negative thoughts. What’s more, when you’re exercising, your body produces endorphins, which are a natural mood booster that can fight stress and depression. It’s endorphins that leave you feeling empowered, relaxed and optimistic after a good workout.

The best news: This benefit impacts active people of all ages. Research has found that teens who participate in sports often have fewer feelings of depression and stress, as well as improved mental health.

Improve Your Sleep

Exercise can improve your quality of sleep by helping you fall asleep more quickly and deepening the quality of your sleep. In turn, sleeping better can improve your mood and mental function the following day.

Keep Your Mind Sharp

Sports can help improve your concentration and keep you mentally sharp as you age. Participating in a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise for 30 minutes or longer at least three times a week can improve mental abilities, including critical thinking, learning and using good judgment.

Increase Your Self-Confidence

Scoring that goal in your soccer match can give you more than just a boost on the field. As you build your strength, skills and stamina through physical activity, this can also lead to improved self-image in all areas of your life.

Grow Leadership and Team-Building Skills

Participating in sports has been shown to improve leadership skills. In fact, studies show that teens who participate in sports are more likely to exhibit leadership qualities than those who don’t, and they’re more likely to adopt a healthy team mindset in their future workplace.

Get Active to Improve Your State of Mind

If you already take time regularly to get moving, keep it up. Your whole health is better because of it. If you don’t already have a physical activity you enjoy, consider joining a local recreational league. You’ll meet new people, improve your physical fitness and boost your mental health.

For more information on improving your mental health, check out these 5 Self-Care Tips .

This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

–photo supplied

This article was originally published on the AdventHealth website.

17 Jun

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HEARS POSITIVE FINANCIAL REPORT; CONSIDERS PERSONNEL CHANGES

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Much anticipated meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference Executive Committee, June 15, considered candidates for the office of RMC president and RMC vice president for finance. Gary Thurber, president of Mid-America Union Conference who formerly was also president of RMC, chaired the Executive Session. The committee members voted to return in special session on July 21, 2021, to continue the selection process for a new president. The members also voted authority for the administration to proceed hiring a candidate whose name was presented to the committee for vice president for finance.

During what was his last RMC financial report to the Committee, George Crumley, vice president for finance, said that total tithe is up 16.13% and base tithe is up 17.32% over 2020 fiscal year.  “This is a very strong start for the year.  Even when we compare with April year-to-date in 2019, we still have a strong gain.”

Additionally, he shared the April Financial Report. The RMC YTD increase is well ahead of budget. Also, “we were able to vote to release capital funding to three different churches, Fort Collins, Alamosa, and Campion, that have been on a waiting list for a release of funds for a number of months based on requests they had made in the past,” reported Crumley, who is moving as vice president for finance for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference at the end of June.

Several adjustments to the makeup of church districts were voted during the first part of the committee. These will include Pagosa Springs moving into Alamosa and Monte Vista district as of September 1; similarly, Durango church will be moving into Cortez District, and as of December 1, Nucla will be under care of new associate pastor in Grand Junction. The status of Dove Creek church is being reviewed. Colorado Indonesian-American Church and First Denver Indonesian district will be served by their own pastors.

Doug Inglish, vice president for administration, reported that The Adventure church is seeking a lead pastor, as well as Campion church has an opening for an associate pastor. Two new ministers were hired for the Indonesian congregations – Widy Gara as half time pastor of First Denver Indonesian church as of June 1, and Paraban Lim as pastor of Colorado Indonesian-American Church as of September 1.

Three candidates were approved for ordination – Mark Bridgment from The Adventure Church, Jani Pungus from Arvada Indonesian company, and Tim Jones from Twin Peaks and Mountain View churches. These names will be forwarded for approval by the Mid-America Union Conference.

The committee voted the following resolution, that “Employees of RMC who are asked to serve on the boards of non-conference supportive ministries, such as but not limited to La Vida Mission, VOP, Eden Valley, etc., do so as individuals and not because they hold specific positions at RMC.”

The committee also voted to accept the retirements of Debbie Ashton, Ed Barnett, Dennis Bresee, Gayla Groenweg, Gary Force, Wayne Gayton, and Yorum Tumbartante.

Ed Barnett, who will retire at the end of August, and may have attended the Executive Committee for the last time as RMC president, commented: “The Conference has been blessed with an Executive Committee that has thoughtfully, prayerfully thought through each decision that had been made over the last four years. There has always been a Christian Spirit in the room. I believe this committee is the best I have ever worked with. It’s my prayer that God will continue to bless the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

–RMCNews; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

17 Jun

WYOMING CAMP MEETING RETURNS TO MILLS SPRING RANCH

By Jon Roberts – Casper, Wyoming … Adventure awaits at Mills Spring Ranch, July 13–18, during the Wyoming camp meeting.

The five-day gathering will not only refresh and reenergize your soul; it will also provide fellowship, new friends, and plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of Wyoming.

The event theme “Fearless” will include feature presentations by Tom Lemon, vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and former president of the Mid-America Union Conference. The gathering will also have daily seminars on men’s ministry, sharing ministry, and stewardship.

The afternoon is available to explore Mills Spring Ranch and the wide-open spaces of Wyoming’s nature. Suggested activities include fly fishing, photography, hiking, and rock climbing. Dr. Scott Grivas from A Pattern Lifestyle Center will also be providing afternoon seminars on health.

Ensuring that the physical body doesn’t go without nourishment, chefs Debbie and Dennis Pumford return to provide attendees with culinary masterpieces.

Sabbath will be a day of togetherness beginning with a Sabbath School discussion led by Wyoming pastors followed by Lemon providing a thoughtful message. Later in the day, attendees can enjoy a concert that will be sure to satisfy the soul.

Go ahead and request time off from work, pack your bags, and take a road trip this summer to Mills Spring Ranch to enjoy what has been missed in the Zoom world from which we have finally emerged–togetherness with human interactions and nature.

To register for camp meeting please click here https://static1.squarespace.com/…/WYCampMeetingReg.pdf or email [email protected]

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

17 Jun

Opinion: In Defense of “Normal” Worship

By Nicholas Zork … Throughout much of the pandemic, I have bristled at the frequents mentions of getting “back to normal.” COVID-19 further revealed profound, longstanding societal issues in North America and around the world.

The pandemic did not create a world in which access to health care, food security, job security, and more were so unevenly distributed. But the crisis was revelatory for many of us. It brought underlying inequities, racial injustices, and social tensions into undeniably sharp relief. And if a return to “normal” means our vision becomes once again unfocused enough to ignore what we’ve seen and continue embracing the status quo, then “normal” should be avoided at all costs. We need a bold vision of a new world and not blurry nostalgia for an unjust past to propel us forward.

And yet when I think about what kind of world, church, and worship practices I intend to help cultivate as we emerge out of the pandemic, I find myself realizing just how important some “normal” aspects of life truly are. What I’ve missed most over much of the past year were not the extraordinary, novel—and, in that sense, abnormal—dimensions of worship. It was the regular stuff that became most palpably absent over time. As my congregation prepares for a return to in-person worship, I’ve immensely enjoyed the sound of the church’s most experienced singers once again singing in harmony. I’ve appreciated incredible speakers who’ve been able to join us online from wherever they were located. And I haven’t taken for granted my church’s unusually large paid team of audio engineers, videographers, musicians, and platform developers, who make our hybrid in-person and online worship practices possible.

But what I’ve most missed are things that those resources can neither create nor replace: the varied sound of “ordinary” vocalists singing in the pews and in our no-audition-required choir, the after-worship embrace of a friend I haven’t seen in ages, serendipitous encounters with a worship guest from out of town who knows one of my family members (a very normal occurrence for Adventists). I miss trying to talk my young children into eating an amazing entree at the fellowship meal, eventually giving up and eating it myself, and just being glad they get to play with their friends while I talk with mine. Jesus left us with few clearer worship instructions than the importance of eating together. And sadly, a “normal” large shared meal will likely be the last aspect of the worship experience to be recovered.

I have come to more fully recognize that worship—in its most essential form—is not actually an extraordinary event at all. Rather, worship is a transfiguration of the ordinary that helps us more fully appreciate God and our community, rehearses ordinary life as a liturgy of love, and gives us new eyes to see how God is always present to us and how we can be more present to one another.

So as we continue to determine what the “new normal” of our worship practices will be, may we take time to appreciate the normal, ordinary things that will increasingly be available to us: human contact, conversation, and food. And may we ask not merely what new practices we can create but, more importantly, how we can make what we already have more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. Ordinary life is a miracle too splendid not to be shared. We are all guests at God’s table; and there is room for everyone. May we live into that new normal together.

–Nicholas Zork is the editor of Best Practices for Adventist Worship, an email newsletter published by the North American Division and minister for worship and the arts at Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan; photo by iStock

This article was originally published on the NAD Ministerial Association website

16 Jun

GVR READY TO WELCOME BACK SMILES, HUGS, AND LAUGHTER

RMCNews with John Boone — Ward, Colorado … After a lonely, quiet summer in 2020, Glacier View Ranch is ready to once again welcome the laughter, smiles, and adventure that summer camp brings.

The GVR staff began arriving on June 9 and has been busy preparing the camp to welcome youth and young adults to the site.

The staff is glad to be back at GVR and to enjoy the picturesque setting.

Last year, even though there was no camp, a small group of dedicated workers were able to complete several upgrades and new attractions.

A brand-new corral and Shredders’ pump track, an adventurous mountain bike track, were put in and awaits camper exploration this summer. Among these new attractions, the campers will enjoy a remodel of the camp store and aquatics locker rooms.

Nathaniel Sanchez, GVR mountain bike director, is expectant as he waits for the campers to try out the new track. “The pump track is going to be a really cool vessel to connect with campers in different ways!” he comments.

Very soon, the campfire worship, nature exploration, and youth hugging old friends and making new friends will fill the grounds.

The summer camp season begins Sunday, June 20, with Explorer camp. The good news is that spots are still available for future weeks. To reserve a spot or be placed on a waiting list, please visit www.rmcyouth.org/camp

— RMCNews with John Boone,  GVR’s camp PR and marketing intern; photo supplied

15 Jun

How to Boost Kids’ Mental Health Through Food and Activity Choices

By AdventHealth –The benefits of healthy nutrition and exercise reach far beyond physical appearance, especially when it comes to kids. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), children who exercise regularly and eat healthfully are likely to:

  • Feel good about themselves, their bodies and their abilities
  • Cope with stress in a healthy way
  • Regulate their emotions better
  • Have improved self-esteem

Eating healthy foods and maintaining regular physical activity can also help prevent chronic illnesses that could come later in life, like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, while protecting against common childhood illnesses.

Of course, it can be very challenging as a parent to find ways to incorporate healthy foods into your kids’ lunches and make sure they’re exercising, especially if they’re in school for most of the day.

We want to help find ways for families to make the healthy choice a little easier in this busy world. Here are ways to positively impact your child’s mental health through small diet and exercise changes.

Meal Plan as a Family

Before you head to the grocery store, take a few minutes each week to sit down with your family and brainstorm some healthy meals.

Start With the Familiar

In this brainstorm, your kids may put in a pitch for the familiar, like mac and cheese or pizza, but starting with meals like these can actually be helpful. When you’re introducing kids to new foods, it’s best to take it slowly by taking something they already like and tweaking it to make it healthier.

Whole-wheat macaroni or thin-crust pizza (bonus for replacing the crust with cauliflower) are small steps on the path to healthier eating. Also, when kids help pick the meals, they’re more likely to try new foods, even the healthier ones.

Prepare Food Together

If kids are getting involved in planning and buying food, it only makes sense for them to start learning about how it actually gets made. Cooking also provides opportunities to show children how food is grown. Starting a garden or even growing a small herb in a pot to put in a dish can spark a child’s interest.

Think About Habits, Not Diets

Ultimately, the goal is to make healthy nutrition a habit, like brushing your teeth. There’s no one path that works to get there.

AdventHealth for Children Dietitian Christopher Schnell explains, “A growing amount of evidence is showing a link between eating pattern and mental health or mood. Eating patterns that are similar to a Mediterranean diet may have positive effects towards mood and stress related disorders. Daily intake of a variety of foods including legumes, fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds should be included.”

In general, shop for these foods:

  • Fruit
  • Healthy protein
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains

And try to stay away from:

  • Butter, potatoes and high-fat gravy
  • High-fat dairy products
  • Processed foods
  • Red and/or processed meat
  • Refined grains (non-whole grains that are missing one or more key parts of the grain, like white flour and white rice)
  • Sweets and desserts

It’s not as if these foods are, by themselves, harmful. But a diet centered around them can be, so try to help your children adopt healthy habits early on.

Get Outside

When you and the kids have free time, take a quick walk or bicycle ride around your yard or neighborhood. Instead of filling time with a television show or video game, encourage physical activity.

If you have swings, a trampoline or playground equipment, let your children play and use up some energy. Or, invest in some inexpensive equipment, such as hula hoops, exercise balls, a Frisbee or jump ropes.

Schedule Longer Exercise Sessions

In addition to short breaks, try to schedule a longer activity break in your family’s daily routine, perhaps after their school day is done. Each family member should aim for at least 60 minutes of activity every day. Keep in mind, you can break this time up into smaller segments.

Here are some ideas for keeping your kids active for longer stretches:

Set Up a Schedule for Chores

Vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, mowing the lawn and taking out the trash are all ways to keep kids busy. Schedule age-appropriate chores for each member of your family at least once a week. Not only will you keep your kids active, but you’ll enjoy a clean house as well.

Practice Sports

If you have athletes in your family — or your kids play a sport as a hobby — encourage them to practice drills, such as running or lifting weights.

Watch Your Words

Talking about weight and healthy eating can be a minefield. Thinking ahead of time about the words you’ll use can mean the difference between an optimistic discussion about achieving health and a negatively focused talk about weight. The words you use now will matter a lot to your child’s mental health now and in the future.

Here are three words it’s best to find replacements for:

  • Weight: In general, it’s best to talk about eating in terms of health, not weight. Weight can add negative emotions like shame, which can make kids and teens retreat into unhealthy habits.
  • Diet: When nutritionists and doctors talk about a diet, they usually mean the kinds of foods a person usually eats. But many people talk about diets in terms of foods to avoid to lose weight or help treat or avoid certain diseases. These sorts of restrictive diets are difficult to maintain over time. It’s better to talk about the health goals children should aim for.
  • Restriction: Children respond better to positive reinforcement than rules about what they “can’t” eat. If you substitute unhealthy foods with healthier options — like fruit-infused water instead of soda — the “can’t” foods will slowly get phased out naturally.

For more tips to help support your child’s mental health, click here. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our weight and wellness team, visit AdventHealth for Children: Weight and Wellness.

–photo supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website

10 Jun

SADDLE UP FOR COWBOY CAMP MEETING

By RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … Buckaroos! Cowboy camp meeting returns to the Uncompaghre National Forest near Silver Jack Reservoir, an hour outside of Montrose, Colorado, July 7 through 11, featuring a chance to reconnect with God while enjoying the mountains with family and friends.

Whether you arrive by horse, four-wheeler, or RV, you will instantly feel at peace in the surreal beauty that awaits and, yes, you will be unplugged from the world as the campground is located near the end of an hour-long drive on a well-maintained gravel road with no cell phone service or internet to distract you.

Refresh and reconnect with God as you enjoy seminars throughout the event featuring Dick Duerksen, Oregon Conference storycatcher and storyteller; and Nathan James, pastor of the Moab, Utah church.  Music for the gathering will be provided by Folk Mountain Gospel featuring Don and Donna Mohl.

Items to pack for the adventure include: housing (tent or camper and bedding); solar showers (no shower facilities exist at this campground, but porta potties will be available); drinking water (the nearest potable water is three miles away; food (personal meals for the week and something to share for potluck on Sabbath; camp chairs (everyone provides their own seating during tent meetings); appropriate attire (warm jackets/clothes for cool evenings and sun screen for warm, high-mountain days; it is not unusual to have rain); outdoor recreation Items (horses, ATVs, hiking boots, fishing gear, canoes, etc.

If you are bringing horses, keep in mind that you must provide a way to confine your animals, feed must be certified weed-free, and there is a creek and reservoir for water.

Also be prepared for high altitude as the campground is above 9000 feet.

Interested in more information please contact camp meeting coordinator Adam Smith by email [email protected] or visit https://cowboycampmeeting.org/

Saddle on up and enjoy a trip in time to an era where cowboys and cowgirls ruled the land.  Just remember when you arrive to greet each other with “Howdy, partner” and tip your hat.

–RMCNews; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and Ed Barnett

10 Jun

FRANKTOWN YOUTH EXPLORE MOAB AND THE UTAH WILDERNESS

By RMCNews with Michael Luchak – Moab, Utah … Franktown church youth recently spent a weekend in the wilderness to reconnect with their Creator God and enjoy fellowship with each other.

According to Michael Luchak, associate pastor at Franktown, the trip was planned as part of the culture the church is aiming to create for their congregation. “At Franktown, we are trying to create a culture where fun, community, and spiritual growth can come together. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my weekend than rafting, rock climbing, and off roading with my youth group.”

After planning for their overnight trip to Moab which included rafting the river on Sabbath, they set off on their adventure, off-road vehicles filled with excited youth.

The group assembled under the stars for Friday worship with David Asscherick, pastor of Castle Rock church, before retiring to their tents and sleeping bags to enjoy an evening out in the middle of nowhere.

Sabbath morning found the youth rising early to make the rafting trek down the Colorado River to find a secluded peaceful spot to rest and spend time in God’s Word.  For the worship service one of the rafting guides used stories to illustrate ways God communicates with us. The favorite transportation mode down the river was a ten-person paddle board.

After spending the day on the Colorado River, it was time to explore the rocks and mountains by rock climbing and off roading.  As the sun began to set on their adventure-filled weekend, the happily exhausted youth were filled with memories of an exciting trip.

“Our physical and spiritual strength were renewed,” Luchak added.

RMCNews with Michael Luchak who is the associate pastor of Franktown chgurch; photos by Jamey Houghton