NewsNuggets Page 2

Samantha Nelson – Cody, Wyoming … It seems like June is the month for field trips and this year was no exception. Four youth from the Cody Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cody, Wyoming, took a trip to Vernal, Utah, to see Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado and Utah border during the week of June 10.

On the way down to Utah, the group got to explore the historic South Pass City in the mountains of Fremont County, Wyoming. They also visited the historic Josie Bassett Morris cabin in Jensen, Utah, the 1,000-year-old Fremont Indian petroglyphs in Sevier, Utah, and the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum in Vernal, Utah.

The group hiked to the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway in Vernal and swam in the cool lake waters after a very hot trek down to the tracks. On the return trip home, they enjoyed exploring Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway, where they observed several fossils from sea creatures and dinosaurs to plants and small insects. They also had the opportunity to earn the Park’s Junior Ranger badge and Junior Paleontologist badge and participated in a swearing in ceremony led by the park ranger on staff.

For three of the youth, this was their first field trip with the church youth group and the first time they’d been to these particular places of interest. Cedar Jeffers, Cody Church youth, was the “veteran” traveler who had been to these locations previously with her brother, Dean, in 2021. Cedar remarked, “It was so much fun to hang out with the other girls and revisit Vernal and learn about all the cool things God has created.”

The age range of the youth was from 10 to 16, with Sage James, youth participant, being the youngest. The older participants rallied together to help make it the best trip possible for her. As Sage put it, “I honestly really liked it because I got to get away from some things in Wyoming for a while. I enjoyed viewing the things Jesus created for us to see, including all the lizards. I’m going to miss this trip. It was the funnest [sic] experience I’ve ever had.” Sage did, in fact, see many lizards and spent much time trying to catch them as the group hiked various places.

While an extra excursion to Moab, Utah, had to be canceled due to a medical issue of a chaperone, the youth were very supportive and enjoyed an extra day just exploring and relaxing in Vernal and enticing Steve Nelson, trip co-chaperone and pastor at Cody Church, into a game of laser tag.

“Steve, who was the driver and co-chaperone—along with me, of course—exhibited great patience being the only male in a group of young ladies and he did an excellent job of showing God’s love to them,” commented Samantha Nelson, Steve’s wife and co-chaperone. “What made trip extra unique is that he missed his doctoral graduation ceremony to take the girls on this trip and they were so grateful they made him a special card and we all celebrated his graduation and Kailyn’s birthday together with cake.”

Steve explained, “What a wonderful opportunity to see amazing dinosaur fossils and the beauty of God’s creation. We are extremely thankful for God’s blessing and protection on our trip and the privilege to share this with the Cody youth.”

“The girls had a great time and even let me beat them at laser tag,” He continued. The question of who actually won may be debatable, but all that participated in laser tag had a great time. As Kailyn Jones shared, “It was the best trip ever because I got to hang out with everyone and see the fossils at Dinosaur National Monument.”

There were Bible studies about dinosaurs and creation and a daily devotional that helped the youth participants think more seriously about the choices they make in life and how to be a good friend to others.

One of the highlights of the trip for Samantha was “the blessing of watching the girls grow closer to Jesus and to each other. Yes, it was inevitable with a group of young ladies to have discussions about life, boys, struggles at home, etc., but when two of the girls asked for prayer for their mothers and the challenges they were facing, it showed a real depth of desire to know Jesus and to be more like Him and to see others follow Him, too.”

“It was a nice and eye-opening trip because we got to learn more about God and dinosaurs. It also helped build relationships as we all got to know each other better,” commented Katarina Black, youth participant. And that is exactly what the trip organizers had in mind when arranging this trip—an opportunity for the youth to grow closer to Jesus and to each other. Mission accomplished. Thanks be to God!

—Samantha Nelson writes from Cody Adventist Church where her husband is a pastor. Photos by Samantha and Steve Nelson.

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, buzzed with excitement and anticipation as students and members of the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church community, also in Loveland, gathered for their very first Know. Grow. GORUN. 5K Race, May 17. This event marked the dawn of a new tradition for both the school and the local community.

Under the organization of Heidi Sorensen, member of Campion Church, the first-ever 5K race saw an impressive turnout, with participants of all ages eager to embrace the outdoors and run alongside friends, classmates, and neighbors. Her leadership and commitment to ensuring an enjoyable experience for all were instrumental in laying the foundation for this special tradition, promising many memorable races in the years to come.

The enthusiastic participation from HMS Richards and Campion Academy students and members of Campion Church infused the event with a vibrant energy, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared achievement that set the stage for the future races.

Starting and concluding at the Campion Academy soccer field, the race treated participants to a scenic journey through the Campion and HMS campus grounds. As runners triumphantly crossed the finish line, many supporters were there to cheer them on.

Looking ahead, organizers are already planning for next year’s event, scheduled for May 16, 2025. With aspirations to expand and enhance the race, they aim to attract an even larger audience, ensuring that this tradition continues to thrive for years to come.

“A big thank you to Heidi for her tireless efforts in pioneering this new tradition, as well as to all the volunteers whose unwavering support contributed to its successful launch,” expressed Carey Jordan, HMS Richards principal.

As the sun sets on this year’s race, anticipation builds for what promises to be an even more exhilarating event in 2025, solidifying the Know. Grow. GORUN. 5K race as a beloved tradition for generations to come.

—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … As the school year has concluded in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), achievements and moments of growth can be celebrated. The 17 RMC schools across Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico graduated close to 160 students representing kindergarten, eighth grade, and high school.

The largest group of graduates was kindergarten with 58 students. The remaining graduates were divided between eighth grade and the high schools, Campion Academy and Mile High Academy (MHA) in Loveland and Highlands Ranch, Colorado, respectively.

“We congratulate our students and are proud of each one of them,” remarked Sandy Hodgson, RMC education assistant director.

And while the end of the school year typically signals the start of summer vacation for many, RMC educators remained committed to their professional growth and the continuous improvement of educational standards. Fifty educators from the Conference, including head teachers from the smaller schools, gathered for additional training led by the RMC Office of Education. This event, held from May 28-30 at MHA, was a testament to the educators’ dedication to excellence.

The training sessions for the head teachers were comprehensive, covering areas such as strategic planning, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and overarching calendar planning. The training aimed to provide the head teachers with the tools and strategies needed to support student learning while also focusing on areas of administration within their communities.

In addition to training for RMC head teachers, over 40 other educators engaged in specialized training with Dr. Marie Alcock, focusing on Standards-Based Learning (SBL). Dr. Alcock’s expertise in the field of education in curriculum design, meaningful assessment practices, and questing has helped provide the teachers with innovative approaches to help their students learn. Since July of 2022, Dr. Alcock has been training RMC in professional development twice a year, usually in January and May. Dr. Alcock believes that “the science of teaching is an invitational art.”

Jordan Dubini, assistant men’s dean and English teacher at Campion Academy, remarked on what he enjoyed most about the training: “[It] was the flexibility of the guided work sessions that allowed everyone to work on what was most relevant to them. I also appreciated learning about the self-navigation tool which can be integrated into our classroom practice right away regardless of where we are on the SBL journey.”

The RMC educators’ dedication does not end with the close of the academic year. A dozen or more of the teachers are continuing their professional development through additional classes throughout the summer with some working towards their master’s degree. These ongoing efforts reflect RMC’s commitment to providing their students with the best possible education, rooted in the values of faith. By investing in their professional growth, RMC teachers exemplify lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence that they strive to instill in our students.

As RMC celebrates the achievements of their graduates and the dedication of their educators, they look forward to another year of growth and success in their schools across the Conference. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates and express our deepest gratitude to our educators for their unwavering commitment and passion,” expressed Hodgson.

Diane Harris, RMC superintendent of Education, is grateful for “the incredible passion and commitment of our educators. Their willingness to go above and beyond, even during the summer months, reflects deep dedication to our students and their futures. They are not only shaping the minds and hearts of our students but also strengthening the foundation of education within the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

—Sandy Hodgson is the RMC Education assistant director. Photos supplied.

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … The HMS Richards Adventist School community in Loveland, Colorado, gathered for a morning of dedicated service during the HMS Work Bee, June 2. With the shared goal of improvement in mind, 38 enthusiastic individuals joined forces to undertake a variety of projects, both inside and outside the school.

What transpired over the course of just two hours surpassed expectations, as tasks were completed much quicker than anticipated, demonstrating the power of unity and collaboration.

HMS maintenance director, Chris Nelson, has been tirelessly working towards enhancing the landscape of the school grounds. His ambitious vision for a healthier and more vibrant outdoor environment includes the establishment of lush grass, an efficient sprinkler system, and enriched soil.

Thanks to the collective effort during the Work Bee, significant progress has already been made. Sink spots have been filled, the facility berm has been rototilled, new topsoil has been added, and seeds have been planted, setting the stage for a stunning green space for the students to enjoy throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, inside the school, an equally remarkable transformation took place. Guided by the meticulous planning of Bob Aitken, member of Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, and Carey Jordan, HMS principal, volunteers diligently emptied every hallway and classroom in preparation for the installation of brand-new carpet later this month.

This was no small undertaking; heavy student lockers, large bookshelves, tables, desks, and hefty file cabinets were all relocated to the gymnasium, allowing for the removal of the old carpet and the installation of the new one. Additionally, the kitchen received a thorough cleaning, ensuring it remains a spotless and inviting space for meal preparations.

The success of this event is a testament to the spirit of community and cooperation that thrives within the school family. Despite the long list of tasks, the enthusiastic participation and collaborative efforts of the volunteers made light work of every challenge. This collective endeavor not only brought about tangible improvements but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie among the community members.

HMS leadership gives gratitude to the Campion Church community for their unwavering support. Their prayers, presence, and encouragement are invaluable to the HMS school community, reflecting the love of Jesus through their actions and words.

They express their appreciation as it is the collaborative efforts of the community that enable HMS to foster an environment where our students can thrive and develop. Moreover, HMS leadership understands that this sentiment extends beyond the school; the support from the local churches and communities across the Rocky Mountain Conference is instrumental in ensuring the ongoing success and growth of Adventist schools. To all who support, attend work bees, events and programs, uplift, and pray for our Adventist schools, they offer their heartfelt gratitude.

Upon reflection of the impact of this event, Jordan remarked, “We are reminded that the heart of a volunteer is not measured by size but by the depth of commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”

“To the Campion Campus community,” she continued, “your involvement at HMS Richards Adventist School truly makes a difference. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and dedication, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and improvement of our school, made possible by the unwavering support of individuals like you.”

—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … For the past five years, a group of lay and pastoral leaders of the Navajo Nation have been working across Conference lines to develop an FM radio network known as “Diné Adventist Radio” (DAR) to share the Adventist message of hope, wholeness, and healing with the Navajo people, whose name for themselves is “Diné.”

The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation with the largest indigenous population in North America, and with territory that includes portions of four Seventh-day Adventist conferences in three Union conferences. Most of the Navajo people follow traditional ways and are unreached by the Adventist message.

Since August 2020, a 30-minute weekly broadcast on the Navajo Tribal radio station has generated hundreds of Bible study requests and even led some individuals to baptism. These weekly programs are produced on a monthly rotation by Native-oriented Adventist congregations on and around the Navajo Reservation, including the Waterflow Seventh-day Adventist Church in Waterflow, New Mexico, and the LaVida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Their goal is to be on the air across the Navajo Nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The FCC has already issued three full-power construction permits for stations that will cover much of the Navajo population, but there was a gap in the northeast section, the portion that is in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). Last fall, the FCC announced they were opening a rare “application window” for low power FM radio stations. These stations must be owned and operated by an incorporated, local non-profit organization. According to FCC rules, Adventist Churches don’t qualify as “local non-profits” because they are owned by the conference.

In response to this opportunity, members of the Waterflow and Farmington churches explored creative ways of applying for LPFM licenses. Waterflow Church already had a qualifying local non-profit, and they used it to successfully apply for an LPFM station that will cover Shiprock, New Mexico, with a population of some 8,000 Native Americans. Waterflow Church member Pam Goldtooth has offered to locate the tower on her tribal homesite lease—an ideal spot at the brow of a hill that overlooks the town.

A group of Farmington Church members created a new non-profit, Bisti Broadcasting, and successfully applied for a low power station to be located at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. “We are excited to engage in establishing radio programming to be broadcast from our Piñon Church,” said Karen Bowen, coordinator of the project.

Remarking on the local broadcasting project, Allen Steele, member of Adventist World Radio board of directors and advisor to the Navajo Radio Network, said, “Members of two Rocky Mountain churches took this step so that the Navajo people in the Four Corners can hear God’s last day message.” When broadcasting begins in Farmington, it will reach some 12,000 Native American residents of the area.

Each group has three years to be on the air, but they hope to accomplish this much sooner. The goal is to be broadcasting live and full time on KDHP 91.9 FM, the 100,000-watt flagship station at the heart of the reservation, by November 1, 2024, and then add other stations as soon as they are ready—including the Farmington and Shiprock stations.

The network is planned to include as many as seven stations plus worldwide streaming on the internet (www.dineadventistradio.org), reaching the majority of the Navajo Nation population. Network office and main studio will be located at the Gallup All Nations Seventh-day Church in Gallup, New Mexico.

—RMCNews with Dale Wolcott. Interim Network Manager, Diné Adventist Radio, Native American Ministries Coordinator, Arizona Conference; with Allen Steele, member Adventist World Radio board of directors and advisor to the Navajo Radio Network. Photos supplied.

Sue Nelson – Loveland, Colorado … Weather conditions were ideal at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, for the annual Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Pathfinder Fair, June 2.

Some 250 Pathfinders and staff members who came from 14 Pathfinder clubs were in attendance this year. A parade, under the guidance of Joel Dominguez, RMC Pathfinder Drill and March coordinator, started the fair and was led by the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club color guard and accompanied by the RMC Pathfinder Drum Corps. They were followed by the remaining Pathfinder clubs for the opening exercises.

Next, with much clapping and enthusiasm, came the Drill and March Competition, with about eight clubs participating. This was done on the pavement so that the steps could be heard to enhance the experience.

Several booths were set up in the gymnasium, showcasing the Pathfinder clubs’ handiwork throughout the year. Each booth reflected the Pathfinder theme for the year “Be the Difference.” Ribbons were given for their crafts, and special ribbons were given for categories such as “Overall Booth Design,” “Nature Display,” “Working Demo,” “Floats/Bicycles,” and more.

Traditionally, Pathfinder teen representatives have been chosen at the annual Pathfinder Leadership Convention usually held in September. But, with the updates to the constitution, that was changed this year. “Teen representatives” and “assistant teen representatives” were voted on at the fair by all the teens present.

Seven teens expressed interest in becoming representatives. The “senior” representatives voted in are Jamie Mira from the Denver South Hispanic Lion of Judah Pathfinder Club and Saul Acevedo from the Pecos Rocky Mountain Stallions Pathfinder Club. They will represent all the teens in the conference.

The incoming assistant representatives, Carissa Rodriguez from the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club and Brandon Rocha from the Denver South Hispanic Lion of Judah Pathfinder Club, are joining Celeste Rodriguez from the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club, who will remain an assistant while going off to college.

Not only will these teens sit on the council, but they take part in the planning and presenting of all the conference events throughout the year. They often go on to become church leaders, pastors, and volunteers in many of our church’s ministries.

Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries director, remarked, “It was a blessing to have pathfinders from across our conference proudly displaying all they have accomplished this year, building relationships with other clubs, and seeing so many teens excited to lead and represent their peers by running for teen representative and assistant teen representative leadership positions.”

It is important to note that the “outgoing” teen representatives Clemente Martinez, Jr. and Kariany Ortiz, as well as other past teen reps, are encouraged to remain as part of the club ministries family. It is the hope of the RMC Club Ministries’ leadership that they might continue and become Master Guides, becoming our future Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders.

Yamiley Gonzalez, previous teen representative, commented, “This year at fair, I am excited for the future of teen reps. More and more come every day and want to experience the leadership of [being a] teen rep. I am overjoyed with the candidates this year. I see it in them, that they want to help and be a part of something big. ‘When you walk through the water, I will be with you.’ Isaiah 43:2.”

After lunch was served from several food booths outside, the Pathfinder clubs took their stamp cards to 11 different stations, which included Pine Car Races, Giant Human Cat’s Cradle, Pancake Flip, Nature ID, Soccer Croquet, among others. Campion Academy provided a service project and tour of the campus for those interested. Once their cards were all stamped from the various stations, the Pathfinders received a prize.

Participants eagerly awaited the presentation of trophies by the end of the afternoon. Those clubs who earned at least 2000 points for turning in required reports during the year, were rewarded with a special trophy that reflected the theme to add to their trophy cases back at their respective churches.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, reflected, “It was a joy to see the energy and determination of our Pathfinders and their leaders. They had a fun day, but they took their responsibility seriously and did their best whether marching in the parade or participating in one of the field activities. We are so blessed as a Conference to have young people with such enthusiasm, energy, creativity, and devotion to Jesus in our ranks. I’m so proud of our Pathfinders!”

RMC Club Ministries leadership extends deep gratitude to Jodie Gage and David Hopkins, RMC Pathfinder coordinators and all the staff and teens that worked so hard to make this year’s fair a success!

—Sue Nelson is the RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. Photos by Barry Manembu and Mic Thurber.