NewsNuggets Page 69

27 Oct

OPINION: MAKING THE TOUGH AND UNPOPULAR DECISION

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By Jon Roberts … This Sunday, most Americans will be taking several hours as a family to celebrate Halloween.  Many Christians will also take time to celebrate a “watered down” version of this event, like trick or treating, with no decorations in the yard.  Make no mistake Halloween, no matter how some might want to downplay it as fun, is the Devil’s holiday. From ghosts to goblins to trick or treating, this holiday makes the devil and dentists happy and joyful!

While it is important to be aware of cultural surroundings, the church also has a responsibility and a duty to protect children and youth from gatherings that may seem good-spirited fun on the surface, but deep down has alternative facts and messaging contrary to Jesus.

Before moving to Colorado, I spent the last 25 years in the South, sometimes referred to as the Bible Belt.  What shocked and saddened me was the number of churches, including some Adventist churches, that would hold Hell houses, a Christian version of a haunted house, or trunk or treat events.  Equally disappointing was the number of parents who would encourage their children to go trick or treating.  While their motives weren’t evil, what was being taught was that it is okay to tiptoe to the doorstep of darkness.

I recall one evening not too long ago when my friend Gary gave me a call to discuss Halloween.  He was torn because the church, where he was a leader, had a tradition of holding a trunk or treat event.  He stated he was against continuing the tradition, but many members kept pushing the idea.  I reminded Gary that Jesus calls us to protect our most vulnerable against the forces of evil.  Even though it was unpopular, Gary stood up for good and the church listened and canceled the long-standing tradition. He received several notes from members thanking him for standing up, for they’d had the same feelings for many years, but were afraid to speak up.

This raises the question of what to do on Halloween.  Do we sit in the dark and pretend no one is home when the doorbell rings?  Do we alienate our children who grow up to resent their childhood because they couldn’t have fun?  Absolutely not!

The answer is simple—we turn the day around into a special time that children will remember long past their childhood years.  We take advantage of the time to deepen family bonds and grow relationships.

Here are some simple ideas:

  1. Go to a pumpkin patch as a family in the afternoon and choose pumpkins to take home and make pumpkin pie, bread, or cookies together.
  2. If Halloween falls on a school day, keep the children home and plan a trip to an amusement park or a bounce house.
  3. Go to an apple orchard and pick your own apples to make homemade apple cider.
  4. Bake homemade cookies and deliver them to shut-ins or the elderly of the church.
  5. Go to a non-Halloween corn maze. They do exist.

This is just a sampling of alternative ideas to Halloween and trick or treating.  The most crucial part is making it a family day.  Take time off of work and build memories together.

Gary didn’t take the easy way out. He stood up to protect our children.  Parents, it won’t be easy to take a stand and not associate with Halloween, but your children will be better off.   Elders of the church, including members who have no children or who have grown children, stand up and give support to the parents making this difficult decision.

Our children are the now and the future of the church and they are counting on strong and courageous individuals making the tough and unpopular choices.

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

27 Oct

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: HE COMES BRINGS REMINDERS THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN

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By Rajmund Dabrowski … “Christ will come. It will happen,” writes Reinder Bruinsma, expressing a conviction in his latest and well-presented book, He comes.

Among the topics dear to all Seventh-day Adventists, the Second Coming of Christ stands out above others. When a few days ago, I received Bruinsma’s latest book, He comes (Autumn House Publications (Europe) Ltd., 2021), the very fact took my memory to a 1976 book I wrote, At the world’s end.

It was a delight to receive such a fresh reminder as the topic is of vital daily importance, and even more so these days, as something worrisome is developing on Planet Earth. The book is well researched and inviting in its balanced presentation, as the author plainly states that “history is moving toward its end” (p. 88).

Though we do not question the essence of Christ’s promise to return, many Adventists are asking when He will return. The disciples asked that question and the question remains an occupation for many believers today. Many are experiencing sleepless nights. Defining the time of the end, though, “the Bible does not define ‘the time of the end’ … as the last few years, decades, or even a century or two before the Second Coming. In actual fact, biblically speaking, the time of the end covers a period between the first and the second advents of Christ,” writes Bruinsma (p. 57).

He comes offers clarity of understanding that the Second Coming offers the solution to all the problems of this world. There is no question, however, that being ready and living prepared to meet our Lord, is undergirded by the “blessed hope.”

Bruinsma’s well-researched and readable presentation reminds us of Ellen G. White’s comment that “We have many lessons to learn, and many to unlearn,” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 37).

Note: It is hoped that like many other Bruinsma books, He comes will soon be available in the Adventist Book Centers.

– Rajmund Dabrowski is RMC communication director

26 Oct

GENERAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AND MANDATES

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Adventist News Network – Silver Spring, Maryland … This document has been produced by the General Conference Administration, Biblical Research Institute, General Conference Health Ministries, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department, General Conference Office of General Counsel, and Loma Linda University Health. It builds on the immunization statement voted in April 2015 and affirms both this latter statement, and the information on the COVID-19 vaccines shared on December 22, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health crisis in a hundred years. It has devastated populations around the world and severely affected physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and relational health. In its wake isolation, recurrent surges, economic disruption, and death are all ongoing. We are confronted with mitigation measures such as masking, social (physical) distancing, handwashing, early detection, testing, and contact tracing that have become part of our daily lives.

In the midst of this time of crisis and disruption the Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to the mission of lifting up Christ, His Word, His righteousness, and the proclamation of His Three Angels’ Messages to the world in preparing people, through the Holy Spirit’s power, for Jesus’ soon coming. The health message is the right arm of the gospel and therefore a healthy lifestyle has been an important part of the beliefs of the Adventist Church since its early years and remains so. We are still committed to live, share, and promote healthy living as expressed by the wholistic Adventist health message entrusted to the Church. The Adventist health studies have confirmed the unequivocal benefits of increased longevity and quality of life through implementing such health practices. These include a balanced vegetarian diet, exercise, drinking adequate volumes of water, regular exercise, careful exposure to sunshine, fresh air, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, adequate rest and sleep, and importantly, trust in God. These practices enhance and maintain healthy immunity. Beyond those benefits of healthy lifestyle principles and preventive public health practices, the Church affirms and recommends the responsible use of vaccines as an important public health measure, especially during a pandemic. At the same time, the Church respects the rights of individuals’ freedom of choice for those who choose not to be vaccinated. https://www.adventist.org/official-statements/immunization/

The current position of the Church on immunization and vaccines, including COVID-19, builds on the insights of the comprehensive health message Seventh-day Adventists have endorsed early on with ample support in Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White that refer to the importance of disease prevention. As a denomination, we have advocated the synergy of a healthy lifestyle and responsible immunization for more than one hundred years. In the light of the global magnitude of the pandemic, the deaths, disability, and long-term COVID-19 effects that are emerging in all age groups, we encourage our members to consider responsible immunization and the promotion and facilitation of the development of what is commonly termed herd immunity (pre-existing community immunity of approximately 80 percent of the population or more as a result of previous infection and/or vaccination). We are aware that vaccines may have side effects, and these can be severe in a small percentage of cases, including death in rare situations. No vaccine is 100 percent effective. Therefore, our decisions need to carefully take into consideration the risk of taking the vaccine compared to the risks of being infected with COVID-19. The immunity conferred by both the natural infection and the vaccine are time limited and the administration of “booster” doses may be needed. Acquiring a booster shot, upon recommendation from one’s health care provider, may further promote personal and public health. The need for such a booster shot does not indicate the “failure” of a vaccine but reflects the nature of antibody levels that may drop over time.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects each individual’s freedom of choice to make responsible decisions regarding their own health. Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are Christ’s both by creation and redemption, we should personally seek God’s will about COVID-19 vaccinations. The decision whether to take the vaccine or not is not a matter of salvation, nor is it related, as some may suggest, to the mark of the beast. It is a matter of personal choice.[2] We firmly believe that in matters of personal conviction we must be guided by the Word of God, our conscience, and informed judgment. In weighing the various options, we should also take into consideration that the benefits of vaccination extend beyond oneself and help to protect the local and global community at large. After personally researching all sides of the question, considering one’s own unique health situation, seeking medical counsel, and praying, individuals should then, in consultation with their medical advisor/doctor, make the best choice possible (see 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 11:14; James 1:5; Isaiah 58:11). As the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ information on COVID-19 vaccines released on December 18, 2020, and predicated on the 2015 Immunization statement confirms:

“THE DECISION TO BE IMMUNIZED OR NOT IS THE CHOICE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL, AND SHOULD BE TAKEN IN CONSULTATION WITH ONE’S HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER. PERSONAL RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT. WE ULTIMATELY RELY ON FOLLOWING BIBLICAL HEALTH PRACTICES AND THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, AND FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADING IN OUR LIVES, WHICH WILL BRING US PEACE AND ASSURANCE IN OUR DECISION-MAKING.” https://www.healthministries.com/covid-19-vaccines-addressing-concerns-offering-counsel/

Countries and societies around the world have previously faced public health mandates in various forms. These have been put in place as a protection, recognizing that the health of the community is a major determinant of individual health and disease susceptibility. Public health practices have been mandated from the time of Moses and, probably, earlier. More recent examples of mandated public health practices include the banning of smoking on aircraft, and the use of safety belts as a general requirement for all motor vehicles. Over the past 120 years, mandated smallpox vaccination has been implemented in the United States general population and in countries around the world, resulting in a smallpox-free world at present. Numerous other infectious diseases have been brought under control by vaccinations and have also been subject to mandates (e.g. polio, measles, diphtheria). Seventh-day Adventist missionaries in the 1930s were instructed by the Church, as their employer, to receive the smallpox and typhoid immunizations. These requirements have been shared widely over the years in the Church’s official publications and acceptance of this requirement by Church members has been positive overall. The requirements for missionaries to be appropriately and responsibly vaccinated continue today. Ellen White did not comment on the issue of religious liberty in connection with vaccination mandates in her lifetime. She clearly understood the wholistic health message entrusted to the Church better than most.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is not opposed to public safety and government health mandates. Submission to government authorities is a biblical principle unless it conflicts with obedience to God (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7). In many cases the Seventh-day Adventist Church has supported government mandates in support of health and safety issues. When it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations, we believe individuals have the right to state and defend their conviction whether to be vaccinated or not. Mandates usually allow exemptions for individual religious convictions or health conditions. With widespread personal testing available, individuals may choose instead to submit to regular testing if required.

The Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the General Conference (PARL) regards COVID-19 as a Public Health crisis and views connection with vaccines accordingly. PARL provides support and assistance for members who are standing for the religious teachings and doctrines of the Church, as expressed in its system of beliefs and policy statement (and also for other faith groups). We recognize that at times our members will have personal concerns and even conscientious convictions that go beyond the teachings and positions of the Church. In these cases, the Church’s religious liberty leaders will do what they can to provide support and counsel on a personal basis, not as a Church position, even at times assisting members in writing their own personal accommodation requests to employers and others. To avoid confusion, however, about the Church’s own positions, it will often be the case that in such circumstances the Church will not wish its support or advocacy for the member to be reflected in public correspondence or communications. It is important that the Church preserve its ability to speak to issues that are central to its system of beliefs and identity, and that its influence not be diluted by pursuing personal convictions and agendas that are not central to its Gospel and prophetic concerns.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in consultation with the Health Ministries and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty departments of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is convinced that the vaccination programs that are generally being carried out are important for the safety and health of our members and the larger community. Therefore, claims of religious liberty are not used appropriately in objecting to government mandates or employer programs designed to protect the health and safety of their communities.

This has generally been the position of the Church for the last century, since the modern vaccine program was developed. If we use our religious liberty resources in such personal decision advocacy efforts, we believe that we will weaken our religious liberty stance in the eyes of the government and the public. Such efforts would make it less likely that these arguments will be heard and appreciated when they are used for matters of worship and religious practice. We understand that some of our members view things differently, and we respect those convictions. They may at times have rights that can be pursued under the law, and we will point them towards materials and resources for doing so but cannot directly undertake this personal effort for them.

How has Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), one of our fine denominational health universities, and its school of medicine responded during the pandemic? Currently, 90 percent of our LLUH students are vaccinated as are 97 percent of our doctors. Religious declinations are offered at hospitals for those who feel strongly about not getting the vaccine, but must be accompanied by weekly testing. As a result, COVID-19 reports among students and staff have significantly declined since December 2020.

What will really count during this pandemic and beyond is how we treat each other, particularly within the Church but also within our wider communities. Anger, stigmatization, or vilification should not reside within the body of Christ. We need to relate to each other with respect, love, and compassion.

Instead of focusing on our individual convictions, we should draw more closely together in relationship with Christ and with each other. We should practice encouraging one another and bringing hope to the people of the world as we share God’s important Three Angels’ Messages and the anticipation of Christ’s soon return. We should work on becoming more active in our churches and not create divisions within the wider Church body. As Adventists we are to be an example to others, keeping in mind that the universe is watching.

It is important to care for one another, taking others into account in our practices. This includes the prevention of the spread of deadly disease and, in considering the vaccine or not, having love for one another and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Then, together, we may move forward in faith, “bearing with one another in love” and heeding Heaven’s counsel: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2, 3). Christ calls us to not be afraid and to place our assurance in Him as nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31-39). “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8; also John 16:33) Let us put our hope in Jesus and be encouraged in Him for He has overcome the world!

References and Sources:

[1] (Title) The process for this document has included wide consultation from different Church entities and specialists representing the World Church.

[2] We would do well to remember that God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of choice in the Garden of Eden, although that choice resulted in significant consequences.

This document was originally published on the Adventist News Network website.

26 Oct

RESPECTING AND LOVING ONE ANOTHER EVEN THOUGH WE DISAGREE

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RMCNews … The nation and the world are divided when it comes to the health crisis called COVID. The nearly two years of living with this disease that has claimed many lives, left children orphans, wrecked financial status, and cost countless jobs, have left us divided. Is there even a middle-of-the-road when it comes to this situation?

It is essential to distinguish the pandemic as a health issue, and not a spiritual one. It is also important to remember that everyone has strong beliefs, and we are called to love our brothers and sisters even when we might strongly disagree with them.

Recently NewsNuggets reached out to RMC health ministry director, Rick Mautz, to discover how the health ministry department is approaching this health crisis while remaining neutral on masks and vaccinations while respecting individual choices.

“The first point I want our members to understand is that I am the health ministry director for all of our members. I care about your health and the personal choices that you make regarding your health practices. The health ministry department and the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Center will always try to give you the most accurate and science-based information that is available,” Rick Mautz commented.

“Personal choices and freedoms, while following the laws of the land, are vital for every member” Mautz states.

“I believe strongly in the freedom of each person to make their own health decisions, which might involve getting a vaccination or wearing a mask in public places. However, I also believe that it is our Christian duty to follow the laws of the land unless it requires us to violate a biblical principle. Civil authority is there for the protection of our community members, and according to Scripture, is to be honored, whether we agree with it or not.”

He recognizes that there will be a time when following civil laws will not be possible because it violates the Ten Commandments.

“There will come a time when civil authority will pass laws and mandates that will violate God’s laws, and we must ‘obey God rather than man.’  But to rise up against laws that do not go against God’s laws just because we disagree with them is to give unnecessary trouble before its time.”

Mautz cautions members on only researching or listening to one side. He encourages everyone to be open-minded to the viewpoints of others.

“For any issues that arise, we need to study carefully and be open-minded on each side of the issue, making a prayerful decision that you believe God would honor. Studying only one side of any issue develops tribalism, which usually makes it difficult to be kind and loving to those holding a different view. It would have been impossible for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to fall on the early church if they were not willing to listen to other views and to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about unity amid multiple views.”

Mautz believes the division the world is facing is preparing the church and God’s people for earth’s final chapter.

“The health issues we are experiencing may be a dress rehearsal for practicing these principles necessary for the latter rain and the development of a people that reflect the character of Christ. Not because we have no standards and have no opinions, but that we are willing to listen to each other and willing to change when reason and the facts lead us that way.”

As a corporate church in North America, when it comes to these issues, members have guidance. Concerning vaccinations, COVID vaccinations, as well as others, the church states that there are no religious exemptions according to the Seventh-day Adventist faith (see https://www.rmcsda.org/north-american-division-position-on-requests-for-religious-exemptions-to-vaccine-requirements/ ).

RMC has asked all pastors to follow the local, county, or state health guidelines for mask mandates, social distancing, and capacity limits.

Mautz has a standard for all members to follow on issues that might divide us, “Whether I agree with your position on health and your health practices or not, I will defend your right to your opinion.”

–RMCNews; photo courtesy of Pexels

26 Oct

CEDAREDGE ADVENTISTS JOINED THE APPLEFEST MARKETPLACE

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RMCNews with Jill Bales – Cedaredge, Colorado … Cedaredge Seventh-day Adventist Church set up a booth right on the corner of the church property during AppleFest in Cedaredge, Colorado during the first weekend of October. The event usually draws thousands of people each year, according to a Cedaredge Adventist Church report.  KSYF Radio joined the church at the booth.

“They [KSYF] are a full-power Adventist radio station broadcasting across the Western Slope giving ‘A Certain Message for Uncertain Times’,” commented Jill Bales

More than one hundred copies of Ellen G. White’s Great Controversy were given away at the booth, in addition to a variety of other books and pamphlets. To promote KSYF, the booth provided reusable tote bags to hand out, imprinted with information about the station on one side. On the other was an invitation to visit their local Seventh-day Adventist church. “People responded well to the booth. We found that the tote bag give-away had the greatest draw,” Jill reported.

Jill added, “Our prayers are that those searching for truth will find answers from their visit to the booth, and what we were able to share with them. We praise God that He still is touching hearts and changing lives.”

RMCNews with Jill Bales, church correspondent; photo supplied

21 Oct

STATE OF RMC MINISTRY 2021 – CHALLENGED AND BLESSED

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Editor’s note: Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, provides an annual update on pastors, churches, and ministry happening in RMC.

By Mickey Mallory – October and November are the months I get the privilege of visiting with pastors from all over the Rocky Mountain Conference. Called the annual pastoral evaluation, it is a time to hear firsthand how pastors are doing, along with the church(es) they serve.

After meeting with several RMC ministers this month, the overwhelming sentiment is–despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic—that our pastors are living up to the challenge of ministry. God has blessed them abundantly. Below is an example of how some pastors are coping.

Tom Tupito, pastor of Aurora First, shared the following, “I have a wood carving with the inscription on the top of our front door with these words: LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN. Every morning, before leaving the house to do ministry, these phrases remind me of my vertical relationship [with God] and horizontal relationship [with fellowmen], and with our church’s mission statement:  Focusing on Jesus, we witness to the world!  I continue to press forward to LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH AND LAUGH OFTEN, until The Parousia.”

Doing ministry during the pandemic has been different–unlike anything anyone has experienced. Despite Covid challenging the traditional ways of doing church, our pastors have learned to adapt. Embracing change was good to do even before the pandemic. But now, even more so. If you are not willing to change, you might miss out on opportunities to make a difference in the church and the community.  Jamey Houghton, Franktown church pastor, observed that, “The keys to ministry during a pandemic are flexibility and creativity. You have to think of new ways to do ministry and be ready for everything to change at the last minute.”

By far, the hardest part of the pandemic for pastors, in my opinion, has been seeing the pain and suffering it has caused some of their church members. When someone they love and serve with becomes ill and is not the same for many months afterward, that is tough on them. When they talk about it, you can hear the tears in their voice.

Jason Logan, Greeley District pastor shared that, “Covid has changed many things in our world and has brought many challenges along with it. A specific challenge we have faced in our district is seeing the lives of different individuals completely changed as a result of their bout with the virus. To see someone go from being one of your most active and vibrant members to being in constant healthcare for ten or eleven months and the greatest portion of their energy being expended on just trying to feed their body with enough oxygen is a very heart-wrenching thing to experience. We have constant reminders that many people’s lives have been changed drastically and that any life can change in but a moment.”

If it is possible to find a silver lining in the pandemic, it would be the renewed interest in spiritual things, Lester Bentley, Gillette, Wyoming district pastor, explains. People are searching for answers. Some of them have even shown up at church on Sabbath mornings, including those who used to attend. How exciting!

“The most significant impact on my ministry is that more than any time I can remember, people outside the church are searching the Scriptures, asking questions, and wanting answers. We have an opportunity to share the good news of the everlasting gospel in a Christ-like and loving manner.”

As we continue through this pandemic, please remember our pastors in your prayers in the following ways.

  1. That each pastor will have an attitude of gratitude. It is so easy to become cynical, so pray that our pastors will stay positive and upbeat.
  2. That each pastor will be able to find ways to adapt. Doing things differently can sometimes be very difficult. Pray that our pastors will have the strength to press on despite the challenges.
  3. That each pastor will be comforted in their loss. One of the hardest things in ministry is having to see someone they love suffer.
  4. Pray that each pastor will be able to take advantage of the increased spiritual interest. God can use this crisis to bring many back to Him.

I am a firm believer that when pastors do well, the churches do well also.  Thank you for supporting our pastors and the ministry they are providing.

–Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photos supplied

21 Oct

CAMPION ACADEMY SHIFTS TO ONLINE LEARNING AFTER COVID OUTBREAK

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Update October 21, 5:30 p.m. MDT – All in-person learning has now been suspended at Campion Academy. All instruction has shifted to online only. According to a post on the Campion Academy Facebook page this is now being classified as a COVID outbreak.

Students have been given the option to remain in the residence halls or return home at this time. Village students are currently being asked to remain at home. The campus is not closed, but it is limited to essential personnel.

The administration is in communication with the Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment and RMC to determine the best course of action as they move forward.

RMCNews with Donavan Reeder — Loveland, Colorado …As of Tuesday, October 19, Campion Academy is experiencing several COVID cases on campus.

Due to strict quarantine protocols that were immediately put into place, in-person education continues for the students not exposed.  Along with in-person classes, Zoom options are available for students in quarantine.

With the support of the Rocky Mountain Conference Education Department, Campion Administration decided that students would not attend the annual Union College volleyball and soccer tournament taking place October 21-23.

“We are disappointed to miss the tournament, but we feel this is the most prudent course of action for the safety of our students, staff, and fellow schools,” Donavan Reeder, Campion Academy principal, said.

Reeder asked for prayers as Campion Academy navigates the challenges the pandemic continues to offer. “We solicit your prayers on our behalf. We appreciate your support, patience, and prayers as we work through our established protocols with the goal of remaining on campus with in-person learning and keeping our students and staff as safe as possible.”

— RMCNews with Donavan Reeder

21 Oct

RAIN, SLEET, HAYRIDES, AND BBQ AT CASPER ANNUAL FALL GATHERING

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RMCNews with Liz Cornett – Casper, Wyoming … Wyoming residents are tough people and live by the motto of the early postal service, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stop us from our duty.” Casper church members lived out that motto at their recent annual fall gathering and hayride at Mills Spring Ranch.

As members gathered on top of Casper Mountain, they knew the evening would be eventful, but Mother Nature decided to join the party by offering up rain, heavy at times, and sleet during the event.

A roaring fire welcomed the families as they entered the auditorium and a delicious barbecue smell wafted through the building. Children pointed at their favorite foods, asking for them to be added to their plates.  Laughter ran through the room as children played games and parents visited and made new friends.  Then children donned their coats and gloves, parents grabbed blankets and umbrellas and they all headed out for the hayrides.  Smiles, laughter, and singing echoed through the trees as nature glistened in all her glory and the families experienced God’s creation.

Despite the challenging weather conditions Mills Spring Ranch director Brent Learned was pleased with the turnout. “We advertised the event to the Casper community and had more than 50 community members showed up in spite of the weather.”

Reflecting on the event, Liz Cornett, Casper member, said, “Despite the rain and sleet now falling consistently, an overwhelming amount of community members, came excited to bundle up for the hayride.”

The riders returned damp and happy, grabbed hot chocolate, and warmed up by the fire.

As families filtered home, smiling faces remembered the excitement and love of spending time in fellowship and recalling the statements that were overheard from the children. “Daddy, this was so much fun!”  “Mommy, can we go again?” (And they did, rain and all!).

–RMCNews with Liz Cornett is a Casper church member; photos by Cecelia Gage

 

21 Oct

CAMPION STUDENTS GET POKED TO HELP THE COMMUNITY

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By Jared Marcenaro – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy students and faculty rolled up their sleeves to help the community by donating blood.

Recently, Campion partnered with Vitalant to host a blood drive to help increase the supply needed throughout the state. Planning for the event took time as students had to receive permission to participate in the drive. For many of the 29 students and staff, this was their first time donating.

“Being my first time donating, it was a bit nerve-wracking, but I made sure to drink a lot of water and eat something before my appointment,” Jahir, a senior, commented.

Some were scared and somewhat nervous when they entered the gym where the drive was being held. “When I got to the gym, I got a little nervous after seeing the whole setup and all the scary machines. But when I sat in the chair, I remembered why I signed up in the first place: to help other people. I’m glad I had the opportunity to donate my blood and do something good,” Elizabeth, a senior, said.

Organizing the event was Shannon Brown, Campion’s registrar.  Brown’s reason for planning the blood drive was very personal.

“When I was newly married, my husband almost died and needed a blood transfusion. He needed two liters of blood on one occasion and one liter on another occasion. To me, people who donated [their] blood saved my husband. I don’t even know who the people are, but they still chose to give, and that is something I can choose too.”

Jahir hopes that donating will encourage more students to give and for Campion to host future events. “It feels good knowing that my blood can help save lives, and I will definitely do it again.”

–Jared Marcenaro, is a Campion senior; photo supplied

20 Oct

COMMENTARY: FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF TO LIVE FULLY IN CHRIST

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Editor’s note: Mental health and wellbeing is sometimes overlooked in Christian circles, being aware of it through is vital to ministry. God has created us unique, with different strengths and weaknesses. Being aware of the different personality traits can help us share the gospel with others more effectively.

By Chris Morris — “Point out anything in me that offends you.” These heartfelt words from David suggest his recognition of a common challenge among humans–the lack of self-awareness.  Though we are in our own skin 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it does not mean we are fully and consistently mindful of our shortcomings (or our strengths, for that matter). If we are honest, we have various areas of our personality and/or character that are blind spots to us.

The Enneagram* is a personality typing tool that describes nine different personality types.  Unlike most other personality typing systems, the Enneagram focuses on inner motivations more so than external behaviors. Thus, the Enneagram can be used to facilitate a journey to greater self-awareness.

Greater self-awareness enables us to embark upon a more thorough surrender of our hearts to the Spirit.

If you discover you are a Reformer, or Type 1, you are driven by the need to be right, to be good, to show integrity, to be fair. When living in the flesh, you may unhealthily pursue perfection in your life. When living by the Spirit, you trade living for your perfection for living from Christ’s perfection.

If you find that you are a Helper, or Type 2, your inner motivations include being loved, being appreciated, and being needed. When living in the flesh, you may pursue acceptance in an unhealthy manner. When living by the Spirit, you stop living for your acceptance and start living from Christ’s acceptance.

If you realize you are an Achiever, or Type 3, you are driven by the need to be admired, to be valued, and to be successful.  When living in the flesh, you pursue success at almost all costs.  When living by the Spirit, you trade living for your success for living from Christ’s success.

If you identify as an Individualist or Type 4, your inner motivations include being authentic, being unique, and being expressive in your own way. When living in the flesh, you are obsessed with determining your significance. When living by the Spirit, you stop living for your significance and start living from Christ’s significance.

If you learn that you are an Investigator, or Type 5, you are driven by the need to be competent, to be capable, and to be self-sufficient. When living in the flesh, you tend to trust your own wisdom. When living by the Spirit, you live, not for your wisdom, but from Christ’s wisdom.

If you find that you are a Guardian, or Type 6, then your inner motivations include the need to be certain, to be safe, and to be supported. When living in the flesh, you can fixate on your security. When living in the Spirit, you live not for your security, but from Christ’s security.

If it is revealed that you are an Enthusiast, or Type 7, then you are driven by a need to be happy, to be content, and to be unrestrained. When living in the flesh, you search for joy in various sources. When living by the Spirit, you do not live for your joy, but from Christ’s joy.

If you discover that you are a Challenger or Type 8, then your inner motivations include being strong, being independent, and being protected. When living in the flesh, you tend to live from your strength. When living by the Spirit, you learn to live from Christ’s strength.

Finally, if you find that you are a Peacemaker, or Type 9, then you are driven by a need for harmony, a need to be at peace, and a need to be comfortable. When living in the flesh, you can avoid conflict in order to find peace. When living by the Spirit, you do not live for your peace but from Christ’s peace.

Paul says in Romans 8:12-13, “So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live”.

The Enneagram is not the gospel. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection applied to our lives through the Holy Spirit is the true gospel. But the Enneagram can go a long way in increasing your self-awareness, enhancing your experience of surrender to Christ, fully moving from life in the flesh to life in the Spirit.

–Chris Morris is the associate pastor at Littleton Adventist Church; email him at [email protected]; feature photo by pixabay, bottom photo supplied.

* The Enneagram according to Wikipedia is “The Enneagram of Personality, or simply the Enneagram (from the Greek words ἐννέα [ennéa, meaning “nine”] and γράμμα [grámma, meaning something “written” or “drawn”), is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types. A free Enneagram test can be taken at https://www.gospelenneagram.com/ to discover your Enneagram type.

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