NewsNuggets Page 10

Angie LeGrand – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, was honored to host Messiah’s Mansion,* October 19-27. With the help of other Adventist churches in the Four Corners region for event setup, take down, and meal preparations for the Messiah’s Mansion crew, it truly was a group effort for a successful community outreach event.

Planning for Messiah’s Mansion began over a year before the event with a small planning committee. Piñon Hills Church outreach leader Angie LeGrand worked with Taylor Henning from the Aztec Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aztec, New Mexico and Wes Stewart, Piñon Hills Church head elder. Volunteer Jon Dowd selected the meal menus and organized volunteers to cook and serve Messiah’s Mansion workers. Duane Holman, deacon at Piñon Hills Church, oversaw construction efforts and associated volunteers, and Stacy Irwin, also a deacon at Piñon Hills Church, was in charge of land preparation.

“It was the hardest work I’ve ever done, and the most rewarding in my Christian walk,” stated LeGrand.

The success of the event was evident in the 349 requests for Bible studies, Sanctuary studies, and prophecy studies. The total count of people visiting Messiah’s Mansion was 1,240, with 22 different denominations represented. The event was followed one week later with an Evangelistic series, “Armageddon and the Temple,” presented by Amazing Facts* (AF) with Mark Martig, an AF evangelist, officiating.

“We had a full two months of very successful community outreach. I’m thrilled with how God blessed our churches and these events. We serve an Amazing God,” concluded LeGrand.

* Please note that Messiah’s Mansion and Amazing Facts International and its media and publications are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Angie LeGrand is the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church outreach leader. Photos supplied.

Dennis Magaña – Montrose, Colorado … Los Clubes de Conquistadores y Aventureros de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Maranatha de Montrose CO participaron recientemente en el Desfile de las Luces, celebrado el sábado 7 de Diciembre de 2024.  En años anteriores, la Iglesia Maranatha decoró una carroza para participar en el Desfile de las Luces.  Este año, el liderazgo del Club decidió que no decoraría una carroza, sino que instalaría un puesto donde los espectadores del Desfile de las Luces podrían obtener una taza de chocolate caliente, pan de plátano recién horneado y literatura ASD.

Con temperaturas de hasta 20 grados, nuestros Conquistadores y Aventureros repartieron más de 400 tazas de chocolate caliente.  Especialmente conmovedor, fue ver a la gente tomar la literatura para leer y llegar a hablar con nuestros jóvenes acerca de los clubes de Conquistadores y Aventureros.

Un gran éxito fue nuestro Grinch Conquistador, con la gente haciendo cola para tomarse fotos con el Grinch.  A nuestro Grinch de Conquistadores le encanta la Navidad y aprovechó cada oportunidad para hacer saber a la gente cuál es el verdadero significado de la Navidad: Jesús.

Lo que realmente nos sorprendió fue la cantidad de gente que no podía creer que estuviéramos regalando chocolate caliente, pan de plátano y literatura.  Muchos de ellos querían pagarnos, pero nuestros jóvenes se negaron respetuosamente, haciéndoles saber que era un placer y un honor servirles.

Me trae a la memoria lo que dijo la hermana White en Testimonios para la Iglesia: «En las ciudades de hoy, donde hay tanto que atraer y agradar, la gente no puede interesarse con esfuerzos ordinarios. Los ministros designados por Dios tendrán que hacer esfuerzos extraordinarios para captar la atención de las multitudes. Y cuando logren reunir a un gran número de personas, deben llevar mensajes de un carácter tan fuera del orden usual que el pueblo se despierte y sea advertido. Deben valerse de todos los medios que puedan idearse para hacer que la verdad resalte clara y distintamente» -Testimonios Para La Iglesia 9:109 (1909).

Que Dios continúe usándonos, en formas creativas, para alcanzar a otros para Su Reino.

—Dennis Magaña es el primer aniano de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Montrose. Fotos suplidas.

Dennis Magaña – Montrose, Colorado … The Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs of the Maranatha Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, participated in the Parade of Lights, December 7. In years past, the Maranatha Church decorated a float to participate in the parade. This year, club leadership decided it would not decorate a float but would set up a stand where Parade of Light viewers could get a cup of hot chocolate, fresh baked banana bread, and Adventist literature.

With temperatures dropping into the 20s, over 400 cups of hot chocolate were handed out by our club ministries team. Especially heartwarming was the sight of people taking literature to read and getting to talk to our youth about their clubs.

A big hit was the clubs’ Pathfinder Grinch, with folks lining up to take pictures. The Pathfinder Grinch loves Christmas and took every opportunity to let people know what the true meaning of Christmas is all about, Jesus.

“What really surprised us was how many people could not believe that we were just giving away hot chocolate, banana bread, and literature,” remarked one of the organizers. “Many of them wanted to pay us but our young people respectfully declined, letting them know that it was a pleasure and honor to serve them.”

It brings to mind what Ellen G. White wrote in Testimonies for The Church [9:109 (1909)]: “In the cities of today, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary efforts. Ministers of God’s appointment will find it necessary to put forth extraordinary efforts in order to arrest the attention of the multitudes. And when they succeed in bringing together a large number of people, they must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned. They must make use of every means that can possibly be devised for causing the truth to stand out clearly and distinctly.”

—Dennis Magaña is head elder at Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Kelly Loney – Parker, Colorado … The holiday season takes on a special meaning thanks to “The Christmas Store,” a community-driven event that helps local children shop for Christmas gifts for their families in Parker, Colorado. With over 200 volunteers from the Newday Adventist Church, AdventHealth Parker, and Cardel Homes, the event provides kids the opportunity to choose gifts at no cost to them for their parents and siblings, ensuring families in need can experience the joy of Christmas.

This year marks the 13^th annual Christmas Store, and its success is a testament to the dedication of volunteers who make it all happen.

A True Community Effort

“The Christmas Store fills my heart with joy. Seeing pure thankfulness from others is incredibly rewarding,” says David Watson, M.D., one of the many volunteers who returns year after year. Many other volunteers share his sentiment, including some who once benefited from the store and now return to give back.

The Christmas Store relies on a unique partnership between local organizations like Newday Church and AdventHealth Parker, as well as 14 public schools in the area. These schools play a key role in identifying families who need assistance each holiday season.

“Each school representative tells me how much the kids rave about The Christmas Store,” says Lisa Cardinal, Newday Church lead pastor. “Each school I visit greets me with open arms and hugs, sometimes tears, and often with the words, ‘There is so much need. You have no idea what this means to families.’”

More Than Just a Shopping Experience

Over the course of four days, more than 200 volunteers work in various roles, including hauling in and set-up, gift-wrapping, helping kids shop, and providing a listening ear. Many volunteers return year after year, making The Christmas Store a cherished tradition. “After my first time serving, I knew I wanted to come back next year,” says one volunteer.

One particularly moving story came from two emergency room nurses who volunteered this year. “They shared that they needed The Christmas Store more than the families shopping,” says Lisa. “Seeing so much pain and trauma every day, they needed to experience the joy and goodness of The Christmas Store.”

Each year, volunteers and families alike are also invited to attend Newday’s Christmas Worship Experience, deepening the connection between the community, volunteers, and those they serve.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

“The Christmas Store is an opportunity for families to experience the joy of the season,” says Shawna Sajdak, a volunteer recently honored with the Denver 7 “Everyday Hero” award. “One teenage girl smiled from ear to ear when she tried on a new pair of Nike shoes. Another boy was initially disappointed when a toy he wanted was taken, but when he found a different one, he smiled so big and said, ‘This is it!’ One mother told me, ‘You will never know how much this means to me!’” Stories like this fuel volunteers’ commitment to the event. They invest countless hours in shopping, decorating, and organizing because they know it’s making a real difference.

As the event grows, so does the sense of community. Volunteers from all walks of life come together to give back. This growing network of support ensures that the spirit of Christmas shines bright in Parker, not just through gifts, but through the generosity of those who serve.

How You Can Help

The Christmas Store is always looking for more hands to help make the season bright for families in need. Whether it’s through financial donation, volunteering your time, or sharing the message of the event, every contribution helps spread the love and joy of Christmas. If you are interested in The Christmas Store, click here to fill out a connect card.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, The Christmas Store stands as a powerful reminder of what it means to give back, to serve, and to come together as a community—spreading hope, joy, and love to families.

—Kelly Loney is the director of communication at Newday Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

UPDATED December 6, 2024, 2:01 p.m. ET

The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more clear after today’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Key facts learned or confirmed today include:

Both of the kindergarten students who were seriously wounded remain in critical condition but are stable.

The perpetrator was identified as Glenn Litton, a one-time member of the Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church and former student at Paradise Adventist School.* Sheriff Kory Honea reported that Litton suffered from mental illness and had a lengthy criminal background. As a convicted felon, Litton did not legally own the firearm used in the crime.

Law enforcement continues to seek information that will help illuminate Litton’s motive. Still, writings attributed to him suggest that he imagined himself to be a “lieutenant” in what appears to be a fictitious organization called the “International Alliance.”

The attack was an isolated incident. Litton died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There are indications that Litton had made plans to visit another Adventist school on December 5. According to Sheriff Honea, the gunman acted alone, and there are no lingering threats against any Seventh-day Adventist school, church, or other institution.

Honea paid tribute to the efforts of the Feather River principal and teachers who acted swiftly and decisively to protect students as soon as the threat was detected.

Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists director of communication and development, Laurie Trujillo, also spoke at the press conference and said, “On behalf of the Northern California Conference leadership team, I’d like to share our deep gratitude to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea and his team, the California Highway Patrol, and all first responders. These consummate professionals quickly rushed in yesterday to protect our students and teachers. We also are thankful for the additional support from the FBI and are working closely with law enforcement as they seek answers through the investigation.”

Trujillo also shared that all Adventist schools in the Northern California Conference will be open on Friday, Dec. 6.

UPDATE: 

Many Adventist schools will resume classes today (Dec. 6), and special efforts are being made to ensure counseling support is available to all families and students. Chico, Yuba City, and Feather River Adventist schools will remain closed as we prioritize care and support for staff, families, and students. Please continue to pray for all our students, especially those hospitalized, and our faculty, staff, and families.

* Information about Litton’s membership was not part of the Dec. 5 press conference. 

* * * 

On behalf of the Feather River community, the Northern California Conference continues to encourage prayers lifting up all who have been affected by this tragedy.

—North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists. Republished with permission from NAD.

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico …  “Your students did really well. Expect another invitation soon”; “So when are you coming back for the second part of the kids’ sermon? I hope it’s really soon.” These are some of the comments from church members at the Rio Rancho Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where students and staff from La Vida Mission* (LVM) in Farmington, New Mexico, joined for a special Sabbath service, November 16.

“It was a very beautiful and memorable Sabbath because this was the first time during our church visitation program when our students preached and delivered the sermon during church service,” remarked Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission office manager.

La Vida Mission students Drevin Yazzie and D’artagnan Smith, eighth grade, and D’artagnan ‘s younger sister, Jasmine Smith, seventh grade, preached on the “Message of the Sanctuary.”

“A hard subject, I thought, for children to preach so I told our health and outreach director, Mr. VJ Panganiban, [to help prepare] the sermon for them and coach/train them on public speaking,” Dorie recalled. “I even volunteered to write a simpler, lighter subject message for the teen preachers, but VJ assured me that any message can be preached and understood by all age groups … When I read the sermon, I was touched and blessed by its simple and practical presentation.”

Those who heard the sermon commented that they were blessed by the experience, especially with it coming from the kids. They remarked on how well the students were able to deliver it in a way that can be understood by both children and adults.

The La Vida Mission student school choir provided the music for the service. Glet Franche, LVM music teacher and choir director, was devoted to the students’ training, and they sang and played very well. Among some of the instruments used were a recorder and tone chimes that were graciously donated by Pueblo Seventh-day Adventist Church and school, delivered to LMV by Cathy and Mike Kissner, November 6, when they came for their Annual Donation Drive to La Vida Mission.

“What a blessing indeed! We are grateful to Dr. Robert Gardner, our wonderful LVM Board president, and his very supportive wife, Ms. Kimone, who facilitated our visit to Rio Rancho Church.  La Vida students and staff enjoyed the gracious accommodation and hospitality afforded to our group by all the church members and the bountiful lunch they served to all of us,” commented Dorie.

An LVM staff remarked, “I love that Church; they are very warm and truly welcoming,” while another said, “and they don’t mind if the service exceeds the time. They were very attentive and remained very engaged till the end.”

Dori concluded, “We left Rio Rancho truly blessed spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  On our way back to the Mission, we stopped at the house of a lovely couple, Daniel and Sonia Cervantes of Rio Grande Church, to pick up their church’s generous donations of health and hygiene stuff, groceries and assorted goodies for the Mission. God is indeed very good and worthy to be praised.  We can only sing, ‘Praise HIM from whom all blessings flow.’”

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission office manager. Photos supplied.