NN November 2020 Page 3

10 Nov

COVID CASES ARE INCREASING IN RMC

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By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … In a Zoom conference on Tuesday, November 10, the administrative committee of the Rocky Mountain Conference convened to discuss the alarming spread of COVID-19 infections and the impact the current surge is having on members and churches.

Committee members are closely monitoring developments across the region as county health leaders are taking precautionary steps to slow the rapid spread of the disease.

In an email to pastors, Eric Nelson, VP of Administration said, “Unfortunately the numbers in Rocky Mountain Conference are increasing alarmingly. We have had a number of staff and pastors who have tested positive or their spouse has been diagnosed with COVID.”

“As a result, we want to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our staff, pastors and churches,” Nelson added.

In Colorado and New Mexico, there are mask mandates and RMC is asking all members to wear face coverings while at church. If you are uneasy with wearing a mask or have a health condition which makes you unable to wear a face covering, please consider joining meetings virtually to protect not only your own health, but also the well-being of your church family.

Currently in Colorado, the majority of our churches are in counties where the Colorado Department of Public Health has declared “Level Orange” restrictions because of the rapid spread of the disease, which limits crowd size to 25% capacity or fifty individuals, whichever is fewer.

RMC is urging all members to remain vigilant as we are facing challenging times in our fight against coronavirus. If you are in a high-risk category or have a compromised immune system, please join worship services online.

“I ask all members to make prayer for all of our pastors, staff, and members who are battling this disease a priority and that God will comfort families who have lost a loved one to this virus,” Ed Barnett, RMC President said. “I look forward to the time when we won’t have to worry about COVID or any other contagious disease.”

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant.

10 Nov

When Prayer may not be enough

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By Rick Mautz – Denver, Colorado …We are living in a challenging time, and most of us are making the best of it. We wear our masks, keep our distance, wash our hands, and we cross our fingers and pray that everything will be alright.

Prayer should not be our last resort, but our first line of defense. However, what if the answer to our prayer is, “I already gave you the answer; now there is something you can do.”

The most effective tools, in my opinion, to boost our immune system during these challenging times, follow:

–According to the CDC, whole foods like dark, leafy greens, oranges and tomatoes–even fresh herbs–are loaded with disease-fighting elements. Make it a habit to eat more whole, nutritious foods like high, antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes instead of processed snacks or fast food. This might be a good time to cut down or eliminate the use of animal products, a major source of oxidative stress.

–Stay active. Take a brisk walk or jog outside daily.  Push-ups, sit-ups, or jumping-jacks can be done almost anywhere.

–Sleep is critical to a healthy immune system. Seven to nine hours of natural sleep is recommended by the CDC. A cool, dark, well-ventilated, quiet sleeping area all encourage sleep. After our daily exercise and sun exposure, observe at least one hour of quiet, wind-down time, and finish eating at least four hours before sleep.

–Take time to care for yourself and those around you with a positive, supportive attitude.

–Avoid stress and anxiety. Focus on what you can do rather than the things you have no control over. Realize that God is a source of strength and support.  He is still on His throne.

–Stay connected with loved ones and church members. Avoid isolation by calling or texting those who give you comfort and those you can help as well.

The purpose of this article is to give you the weapons to win this battle. It is your choice to use them or not.

You can pray and hope, or you can pray and act.

–Rick Mautz is RMC Health Ministries director; photo by UnSplash

05 Nov

THE FORTY HARDEST STEPS IN LIFE

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By Jon Roberts — “You’re the devil,” were the last words uttered by someone I had looked up to, had helped, and who was supposed to be a leader. This was the conclusion of a boiling situation within the church I attended. The leadership was looking to shift away from identifying with Adventism and moving toward an inter-denominational identity.

Leaving the congregation behind where I had been a member for ten years, I spent the next four years blaming this individual and becoming very bitter. The bitterness overflowed into my conversations. It was killing me from the inside and I was, by definition, “going through the motions” of being a Christian.

I was unaware of how much Jesus was blocked from this portion of my heart until one Sabbath I became overwhelmed with anger when this individual walked through the doors of the church I was then attending.

How dare they invade my safe space. I was engulfed with unholy anger and I knew I had to act. I had to become like Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was my duty to defend this safe space from a person who, in my mind, was the scum of the earth and had caused major hurt.

After worship, I left feeling very bitter and angry–not at myself or the individual, but at God. Why would He allow this person to come to my safe zone? I knew I was in the right in this matter.

In the coming weeks I, like Peter, slowly reflected on the events which had played out and the portion of my heart I had refused to allow Jesus to enter began to open up to allow God’s love to flow in. Through prayer and much thought, I came to the realization that I could never expect to have a heart like Jesus if I couldn’t bring myself to forgive this individual. And I knew I had caused some of issues between us.

The following Sabbath, I took the hardest forty steps of my life, each step becoming easier and easier as a deep sense of peace overcame me. This journey, which took a minute to walk, but four years to initiate reached its climax when I blurted out, “I need to ask for your forgiveness. We didn’t end right several years back and I hope you can forgive me for the words I said.” There, I said it. Silence. Then tears began to flow as the response, far different than I expected, reached my ears, “No, please forgive me. I was in the wrong.”

Restoration and healing happened. At once, the bitterness I had been holding on to, melted from my heart and God’s love filled me.

The lesson learned was clear. We can’t become fully alive in Jesus and become an effective tool to reach our community with the love of Jesus without letting go and opening those secret corners of bitterness in our hearts.

Is there a forty-step journey you need to take?  When you trust and allow Jesus to inhabit your entire heart, the first step may still be hard, but it is doable because Jesus walks next to you  and the peace and love of Jesus Christ is in you.

–Jon Roberts is RMC media/communication assistant

05 Nov

BUBBLE WRESTLING AND COTTON CANDY FAVORITE AT IAA FAIR

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By Joel Reyes – Grand Junction, Colorado …In what can be called typical 2020, a heavy snow fell just days before the annual Intermountain Adventist Academy’s fall festival, threatening to ruin the afternoon of fun, games, and food.

Resilient, the home and school team organizing the event continued with their plans. As the weekend drew closer, the snow still wasn’t melting.  That Friday, however, unusually warm temperatures returned to the Western Slope causing the snow to rapidly disappear before the planned gathering.

The community was welcomed on the first Sunday of November with sounds of laughter from game booths, the smell of fair food, and all the cotton candy an individual could desire.

“It was a lovely Fall day to have activities outside.  We enjoyed some delicious chili and watching the children paint pumpkins,” Karla Klemm, Grand Junction church member said.

Some twenty booths were available with fall items for sale helping raise funds for IAA. Activities included a cake walk, face paintings, and hay rides.

Everyone had their favorite activity.

“I liked the bumper balls because you got to knock people over,” Sophia, IAA third grader commented.

Max, a third grader at IAA said, “My favorite thing was wrestling in the bubbles.”

The fair cuisine will be remembered by some as their favorite, “my favorite part was probably the snacks and cotton candy,” Elloise, IAA third grader stated.

While others enjoyed everything, “the fun games that we played and good food,” Mason, IAA third grader said.

As the sun dipped behind Colorado National Monument, guests headed for home. Children had their hands full of items they had acquired at the different booths, including homemade pastries and yes, lots of cotton candy.

–Joel Reyes is principal at Intermountain Adventist Academy; photos supplied

05 Nov

BARBECUE, DOUGHNUTS, AND EGGS LEAD TO NEW RELATIONSHIPS AT CAMPION FALL FESTIVAL

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By Tiffany Dean – Loveland, Colorado…What do you get when you combine doughnuts, eggs, and hay? The Campion Academy and church fall gathering.

On the last evening of October, the Campion community came together to enjoy an evening of fellowship and games between students and church members following COVID precautions.

“We are unwilling to do nothing and act like life is on pause. So, we took an idea that brought everyone together as safely as possible and had spiritual and social focus,” Michael Goetz, Campion church pastor said.

The evening began with vespers which featured music and a skit in which students commemorated the actions of Martin Luther who sparked the Protestant Reformation on October 31, 1517.

Following vespers, Campion Academy students and community enjoyed a barbecue dinner followed by hayrides, doughnut eating, and egg-tossing contests.

“My favorite part of the night was riding on the hayride to the field of games and competing for the top prize of doughnut-eating champion or egg-tossing queen,” Campion church member, Suzie Sendros commented.

Students enjoyed all the food choices, including ones that were meant for games.

“I really enjoyed hanging out by the fire with everyone. It was warm and we had so much fun talking. We went to the baseball field to eat some doughnuts and it was good,” said Blet Htoo, sophomore.

By the end of the evening, relationship had been formed between the community and the students.

“What stands out most to our family was the camaraderie between the staff, students and community members, the laughing and singing and having some light-hearted moments together.” Sendros reflected.

–Tiffany Dien is a senior at Campion Academy; photo by Jill Harlow

04 Nov

BIBLE CHARACTERS VISIT CAMPION

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By Sami Hodges – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy welcomed Apostle John, Peter, Judas, a leper, a blind man, and finally, a Roman centurion during their week of prayer.

Army Chaplain and award winner Dick Stenbakken became each individual to enact six key elements of the Gospel story and to help students better understand Jesus’ character through the experiences of first-person presentations.

“I’ve never seen Mr. Stenbakken’s performances before,” Haley Beckermeyer, Campion sophomore commented. “They personally made me look at my life in a whole new light. They showed me how to see the Bible characters from their point of view rather than just reading the story. I felt like I could really experience the characters, like we lived in the same time period.”

Although never officially trained in drama, Stenbakken pointed out that all preachers and teachers have to “dabble in drama” at some point in their lives.

“I’m a visual learner, and many other people are too. So, when you see the character, the hammer, the nails, and the leprosy spots, it makes an impression that just describing it can’t do,” Stenbakken explained.

Not only are these drama performances influential to the audience, but he described how the presentations have changed his own life very deeply. “In order to develop a character, I need to get the story behind the story. I have to dig way deeper into the biblical text, as well as the historical and cultural background. As I immerse myself in the character, the message that character has comes alive. When it comes alive to me, then it does the same for the listener.”

Students found the presentations realistic.

“I think it was cool to see what the characters in the Bible might have actually looked like. It was very interactive, relatable, and Mr. Stenbakken really captured my attention with his presentations,” Kylie Wehling, Campion junior said.

Stenbakken had this final message to the audience: “Study the Bible and enter into it as an actor of the story; then, read it again from a different point of view. Suddenly the story will become very real and personal instead of something on paper. That’s the ultimate way of encountering God.”

–Sami Hodges is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

04 Nov

MHA STUDENTS EXPERIENCE FRIENDSHIPS WITH PASTORS

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By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Relationship building and helping students discover the joy and fulfillment of a life with Jesus is at the center of pastoral involvement at Mile High Academy.

During the school week, you can often see pastors from MHA constituent Denver area churches playing games at recess, eating lunch and praying with pupils, and learning real life experiences through Bible classes taught by Pastors Andy Nash and Chris Morris.

“It’s been a lot of fun having the pastors here on campus,” said Claire Philpott, fourth-grader.

To show appreciation during pastor appreciation month in October, MHA assembled “Dinner on Us” baskets and signed candy posters from the students.

“It was a fun surprise receiving the gifts,” said Jamey Houghton, Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor. “Our family enjoyed reading the messages. I’m so glad that we have an Adventist school close by for the kids at the Franktown church. I know our families are grateful for the Christian education and wonderful teachers. I’m thankful to be able to partner in ministry with MHA in preparing our kids for Heaven.”

MHA recently held a special week of spiritual emphasis with Pastors Daniel Birai and Seth Day from LifeSource Adventist Fellowship sharing with students about the character of God and how during hard or challenging times, God is always there providing love and support.

Rebecca Berg, MHA’s upper school teacher and chaplain reflected, “The beautiful messages brought to us during our week of prayer reminded me and our students of God’s unshakeable love.”

Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice principal of finance and development added, “Our churches have remained dedicated to our school even during leadership and financial struggles. We’re excited to have several new pastors joining our community and look forward to building a stronger relationship with them. Our goal is that area churches will see MHA as an extension of their ministry.”

— Karrie Meyers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photos supplied

04 Nov

LAUGHTER, RELATIONSHIP BUILDING, AND HOTDOGS AT ANNUAL CASPER HAYRIDE

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By Kiefer Dooley – Casper, Wyoming … Laughter and fellowship filled Mills Spring Ranch at the annual Casper church hayride held in early October.

Some thirty-five individuals gathered for this much-anticipated, multi-generational evening. Piling onto the hay trailer for a slow ride through the mountains spotted with the colors of the fall, participants were welcomed by an unusually warm Wyoming October evening.

“We love the hayride, rain or shine,” Liz Cornett, Casper church member commented.

“Back when Joanne Robinette was attending, it didn’t matter the weather–everyone showed up! It could be full-on snow and the hayride would go on,” she continued.

The trek through the wilderness made its conclusion back where they began at MSR where the camp director had everything ready for a campfire and cookout. Families quickly gathered for roasted hotdogs. Conversations continued into the night as church family relationships were built and strengthened.

The Casper church is grateful to MSR for opening the camp for an evening they will cherish throughout the long winter coming across Wyoming.

–Kiefer Dooley is RMC Youth director; photos by Kiefer Dooley and Tom McDonald

02 Nov

CASPER CHURCH AND SCHOOL COLLECTS FOOD TO SHARE FOR THANKSGIVING BASKET GIVEAWAY

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By Gabriela Vincent – Casper, Wyoming …Supporting those in need this holiday season is top priority for Casper church and Mountain Road Christian Academy.

For the last twenty years, the Casper church has been partnering with Mountain Road Christian Academy to collect and distribute nonperishable food items in their fall can drive. This effort has been helping the Casper community, needy church members, and a couple of other organizations such as Mimi’s House.

“Many people in our community who are struggling will receive a Thanksgiving basket filled with the canned goods and non-perishable items that were collected, as well as fresh produce and turkeys,” Nancy Sybrant, Adventist Community Services director for Casper said.

The event began with volunteers delivering paper bags to neighborhoods in Casper with a note explaining how the project works and that volunteers would pick up the full bags a few weeks later on October 31.

Some forty volunteers gathered after church, October 31, to fan out to the community to collect the many items.

“We had more than 300 homes to go to and with everyone’s help, we were finished in just an hour and a half. A big thank you to all who participated,” Sybrant stated.

The community responded by providing many bags filled for those in need this season. The drive brought in hundreds of items.

“The Lord certainly blessed with an abundance of canned goods and other foods. The food will fill many food bags and Thanksgiving baskets, while the surplus will go to the Community Food Bank,” Gabriela Vincent, Casper church members said.

—Gabriela Vincent is a Casper church member and wife of Pastor Shayne Vincent; photos by Shayne Vincent

02 Nov

CREATIVE OUTREACH AT HMS RICHARDS SCHOOL

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By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado…Even though personal contact is limited these days, HMS Richards Adventist School teachers are still finding unique and creative ways for their students to serve the community.

Kari Lange’s first and second graders are using their budding handwriting and artistic skills to share Bible verses through the mail. A staple of the curriculum, students write a Bible text each week on a paper and color the border themselves. Lange mails these out to church members who are feeling isolated during these difficult times.

“During stay-at-home orders, it was so exciting [for me] to get personal mail that I thought my class could encourage our church members through their writing,” Lange explained.  “Our church supports us in so many ways; this is a simple way my class can give back. They sign a cover letter and have learned how to address the envelopes all by themselves. So far, we have mailed out some thirty Bible verses.”

When asked about the project, Callista Jahn, 2nd grader, said, “It makes me feel happy to be helping someone else.”

COVID isn’t stopping the students in fifth and sixth grade from their work at Lon Hagler Reservoir. The pupils spend about two hours almost every month wandering two-and-a-half miles of trails around the shore collecting trash and keeping this natural space a pleasant reprieve for visitors.

Zachary Harlow, fifth-grade student said, “I think cleaning up the lake is a good way for us to serve because it gives our community a clean place to go. I feel good when we clean it up because there is always a lot of trash.”

“The class usually averages twenty to thirty bags of trash each time we go. Our very first time cleaning the lake, we found thirty-five-quart containers of used motor oil,” Paul Bragaw, fifth and sixth grade teacher commented. “Students are awesome with cleaning the lake and love to find treasures, except none of us like the dirty diapers, cigarette butts, or beer cans! But that being said, students have learned that even the smallest trash matters and shouldn’t be thrown down on the ground.”

The teachers at HMS Richards continue to recognize the importance of teaching students the value of serving others. Through their service, there are many valuable spiritual lessons to be learned, Bragaw explained. “Our class has discussed how sin in our lives can relate to the trash we pick up around the lake. Jesus takes all the sin or trash in our lives and throws it away forever!”

–Jill Harlow is the communication director at Campion Academy; photos by Kari Lange and Paul Bragaw

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