NewsNuggets – Page 75 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

24 Aug

FAMILY FUN COMMUNITY GATHERING PLANNED BY SPRINGS ADVENTIST ACADEMY

RMCNews with Michelle Velbis – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Springs Adventist Academy (SAA) will host their first SAA Alumni and Friends Fest on August 29, an event they hope will be an annual tradition.

Michelle Velbis, principal of SAA, recalls how the idea to hold a community-wide gathering was initiated. “We discussed how we could help our school and reach our community at the same time–and that is how the SAA Alumni and Friends Fest was born.

“After many brainstorming meetings with our staff and volunteers, the event has taken off, and we are excited about the family-friendly evening we can extend to our community and school families,” Velbis added.

The event will take place in the gorgeous Cave of the Winds setting. The school has procured several local artists and vendors, including food trucks, CaveSim, an educational cave in a truck, local artist Casey Marie Kleeman, items for raffle, and family-friendly activities such as face painting, corn hole, and ax throwing. There will even be a massage therapist on-site for anyone needing a great chair massage.

Velbis, who is starting her third year at SAA, also stated, “Our main focus is making local connections with our community and letting them know that Springs Adventist Academy is here to partner with them in providing exceptional educational opportunities. We also want to support our local families spiritually, physically, and mentally. One demonstration of this is the prayer booth available during the event where people can ask or write down their prayer requests. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to pray with people and direct them to needed local services for any specific mental or physical needs they might have. Our local church has a strong community services center that services almost 2,000 families a year.”

The event is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. It will be held on August 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Cave of the Winds. For more information, call 719-597-0155.

RMCNews with Michelle Velbis

24 Aug

ADVENTISTS IN COLORADO SPRINGS DELIVER SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO LOCAL KIDS

RMCNews with Lucas Lujan – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Partnering with the Colorado Springs city government and other local ministries, Colorado Springs South Adventist church members recently volunteered at the annual Backpack Bash event. A feature of the event is children receiving backpacks filled with school supplies to help them succeed in the new academic year.

The effort was part of an ongoing campaign at Colorado Springs South to intentionally reach out to serve the city’s south side.

Lucas Lujan, pastor of Colorado Springs South Adventist church, explains why they decided on that region of the city. “On the southeast side of Colorado Springs, where my siblings and I were raised by a single mother, there is a growing need for Christ’s love manifested through the church. In this area, you have families that have single parents raising multiple children while working two jobs. With so many financial difficulties that occur in these households, it is nice to receive a blessing with no strings attached.”

Wanting to do more, Lujan realized that the church was limited. “Many of our members are older and can’t do what they used to do in outreach. How could we let the city know that God loves them with the limited energy we have? It was a challenge in prayer and thought.”

Because of an email sent to faith leaders in Colorado Springs by the mayor, Lujan, connected with COS I Love You, a local ministry started in Colorado Springs to show the city that there is hope and love for them in Jesus. Lujan realized that this ministry matches the goals of the church.

The ministry sponsors outreach activities, including the Backpack Bash, which runs for two Sabbaths in August. Colorado Springs South members organized a group of 13 people to volunteer for the event.

Recalling the morning event, where the volunteers began with no expectations, Lujan explains, “A few cars trickled in, and it was our job to label each car and then organize the flow into two single lines. However, a few turned into fifty, then that turned into hundreds. In a couple of hours, thousands of young people were given backpacks filled with school supplies.”

As many families waited in the heat to receive their backpacks, members delivered water and began conversations. Prayers and copies of Desire of Ages or Steps to Christ were offered.

During the Backpack Bash outreach, Lujan compared the event to Jesus’ ministry. “I was reminded of the feeding of the 5,000 when Jesus ministered to the needs of the people. What a powerful morning of being in the presence of Jesus! We experienced three and a half hours of Christ-centered service, and I truly believe we left with more of a blessing than the ones we served.”

— RMCNews with Lucas Lujan, pastor of Colorado Springs South Adventist church; photos supplied

23 Aug

North American Division Position on Requests for Religious Exemptions to Vaccine Requirements

By North American Division – Columbia, Maryland … Voted recommendations to NAD Administration regarding requests for religious exemptions to vaccine requirements:

The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) is committed to sharing hope and wholeness through the healing ministry of Christ by promoting the Church’s historic health message. This includes caring for our own bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) and ministering to the health of others within our community (Isaiah 58).

In line with this commitment, the NAD fully supports the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s statement encouraging “responsible immunization/vaccination,” and as such has “no religious or faith-based reason not to encourage [its] adherents to responsibly participate in protective and preventive immunization programs.”

While the Church’s statement recognizes it is “not the conscience of the individual church member, and recognize[s] individual choices,” the choice not to be vaccinated is not based on Seventh-day Adventist Church teachings or doctrine. For this reason, the Adventist church in North America does not provide Church-endorsed vaccine exemption request letters.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects convictions of conscience. While the NAD cannot endorse that vaccine refusal represents Adventist teachings, your local Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty ministry is available to advise you in writing your own letter if you choose to pursue an individual vaccine exemption.

–North American Division News; photo by iStock

This article was originally published on the North American Division website

19 Aug

A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM ED BARNETT: “YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS”

Dear Rocky Mountain Conference Family,

As I look back over my 42 years of ministry, the fourteen years Shirley and I have spent in the Rocky Mountain Conference were some of our best years. Six and half of those years we pastored at Denver South Church. We loved our time there. The last seven and half years were spent as president of the Conference. We have served more time in this Conference than any other during our ministry.

As president, I have realized more than ever what a large territory we serve. Wyoming and Colorado are big by themselves, but when we add a portion of New Mexico it becomes a very large territory. Not only is it large, but it is also very diverse when it comes to philosophies of doing church and the approach to life itself. Colorado’s Eastern Slope is affluent and liberal. Wyoming and the Western side of Colorado are quite conservative. New Mexico is unique in its lifestyle and attitudes. This diversity of thinking and being makes running the church organization and accomplishing its mission interesting, to say the least. Take dealing with pandemic issues, for example. Wyoming had very few restrictions while Colorado was rather strict in following regulations. In the La Vida Mission area, you would find some of the most stringent restrictions anywhere in the United States.

The Conference needs to be in the middle of the road in the way we operate. We should recognize people on both sides of the road who will, nevertheless, be unhappy with us at times.

It has been an honor to serve here as your church leader. The Lord has blessed our time in this part of His vineyard. I have loved working in our conference office with the great group of department leaders we’ve been blessed with. Each of them has gone way beyond the call of duty, a demonstration of their relationship with God. I thank Him for each of my colleagues.

In the last 7-8 months, we have had a large personnel turnover in the office. Such change always makes people a bit nervous. But I can tell you that God is in control of the Rocky Mountain Conference, and I see Him building a new team that will take our church forward in a powerful way. Our Executive Committee is one of the best I have ever worked for. They are God-led, and I see them assembling a new leadership group that will be a blessing in the mission of the Conference.

It has been my great privilege to work with the pastors and educators of this Conference and to witness the dedication and passion they exhibit for our kids and our entire membership. They are second to none and the whole church will be blessed as they continue to point the young people of this conference, to Jesus.

A worrisome issue in the Rocky Mountain Conference is its aging membership. We must make reaching and keeping our young people a priority. Without a concerted effort, some of our small-town churches will dry up and close. Another concern is how slowly our people are returning to church since the beginning of the pandemic. We cannot stop assembling with our brothers and sisters in church as we need the warmth and encouragement, we receive from each other. Just this week a friend from another Conference said, “I think the shaking is taking place.” That stopped me in my tracks.

So, although you will have challenges to face, I leave you with the confidence that you are in good hands. May I thank each of you for being a loving member in our Conference. God is in charge so I know that things will move forward in Rocky Mountain Conference before this old world concludes its journey. Although Shirley and I will be slowing down in retirement, we do plan to come back and visit frequently.

May God bless each one of you! Maranatha!

Ed Barnett, RMC president

19 Aug

RMC OFFICE STAFF BIDS FAREWELL TO ED AND SHIRLEY BARNETT

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … “The evening which was meant to be a sad event saying farewell to Ed turned into an evening of laughter and joy, one I will never forget,” reflected one RMC conference office employee on the retirement gathering recently held for Ed Barnett, president.

Colleagues and friends assembled to fellowship one last time before the Barnetts leave the mountains of RMC for the beaches of Florida. The informal gathering began with a meal featuring a classic homemade FriChik lasagna prepared by Pat Chapman, RMC educational assistant and appointed chef.

“Even though the temperature was in the high 90s that day, the evening, in true Colorado form, turned out to be beautiful. The evening was reflective of the beautiful life of service that Ed has given to the church and Shirley’s commitment to her life’s work in healthcare,” Lori Goebel, RMC human resources assistant director, expressed.

After everyone had their fill of watermelon and sweets, it was time to celebrate Barnett’s ministry, but first, because of the crazy times we live in, Lonnie Hetterle, who led out in the program, advised that everyone needed to mask up. As Hetterle placed the thin fabric constraining device over his mouth, he pulled out a different type of covering for Barnett–a ventriloquist device.

“Evidently, I have always wanted to put words in the president’s mouth, and this was the only way I could make him say whatever I wanted him to say. No, I really thought the office staff would enjoy seeing this ‘different side’ of Barnett. He is such a good sport and enjoys life so [much] that I was confident we could have some fun together, and he could end his time with his RMC staff with smiles and laughter,” Hetterle exclaimed.

Throughout the act, those gathered in the crowd could be seen trying to catch their breath from laughing so hard. Some fell out of their chairs when Barnett, who didn’t quite understand that he wasn’t supposed to talk, kept trying to speak, which led Hetterle to go off script and shout, “Will you just be quiet” to Barnett.

“Watching Ed laugh through the ventriloquist mask was a highlight and still makes me laugh,” Mary Lynn Green, RMC planned giving and trust director, commented.

After the masks were thrown away, tributes and gifts from various employees filled the Barnetts’ hearts with memories of seven-and-a-half-year run as president.

Always a huge supporter and encourager of Mountain Views, Barnett was presented with a hand-engraved chest featuring every issue of the quarterly magazine published during Barnett’s term.

“Ed was one of those leaders who believed in communication, supporting church conversations about issues. Ed’s friendship and leadership made us better leaders in areas where we always thought we knew everything. In my view, Mountain Views is good enough to wake him up from his retirement life of golfing,” Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC communication director, suggested.

Expressing gratitude for Barnett’s never-ending support for Campion Academy, Don Reeder, principal, presented him with a letter jacket from Campion. Reeder also invited Eric Nelson and Lonnie Hetterle to join Ed and him on stage, back deck, to model the Campion jackets received when they retired.

Green, reflecting on the evening, expressed, “We all will miss Ed. It was so nice to have a moment to enjoy being together and celebrate with Ed and Shirley before they head out on their new adventure!”

Goebel echoed the sentiment of Green. “Although I have only worked with Ed for a year and a half, it was evident by the affirmations given that during his time as president of the Rocky Mountain Conference, he created a culture of respect, support, and trust.”

The evening concluded with Barnett expressing his gratitude for the hard work and dedication each had shown. He commended the teamwork and collaborative engagement by the staff that made his work easier and more enjoyable. Fighting back tears, he said he would cherish the memories of RMC forever.

–RMCNews; photos by Rajmund Dabrowski

19 Aug

SANDY’S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL JOURNAL

By Sandy Hodgson – Erie, Colorado … We survived our first day of school. If truth be told, I survived the first day of school. I think my students did too. Since I’m teaching fifth and sixth grade this year, some of my students were in my room last year, so they knew what to expect. Others were new to my classroom but not to the school. Others were new altogether.

It always feels “new” to me, even though I have been doing this for 17 plus years. I work and plan during the summer and think I am ahead of the game, and then August 1 comes around and panic strikes. There aren’t enough hours in the day (or night) to get everything done. Ready or not, the first day arrives, and it’s GO time. My stress headache started around two in the morning and by 6:00 a.m. I was on my way to school for final preparations.

Students arrive and know the drill. Put your supplies away, wash your hands, and make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth. When you’ve spent most of the summer wild and free, our masks are confining and sweltering. Mask acne is returning. It’s the same song, second verse, from our experience last year. But we were glad to be back together again.

Throughout the day, I watched my students form new friendships and ask questions as they learned about each other. Students who began the day very timid and quiet started to warm up, laugh and smile. They didn’t do any math, science, or social studies, but they learned a lot. They learned it’s important to be quiet when another person is talking. They learned they were going to be big buddies with the preschoolers and pre-kindergartners. They learned it’s very hot outside in August, but they could take their masks off.

I learned a lot too. I learned I needed way fewer activities than my lesson plans outlined. I learned my students didn’t sleep well either, the night before the first day. I learned that figuring out a locker combination and practicing over and over can be so much fun. I learned that stress headaches go away when you see that everything is going to be okay (Excedrin helps too!).

Best of all, as more than 100 students, plus staff, and pastors gathered on the soccer field for an all-school prayer, I learned that God is with me. God is with us. As a student in first and second grade said, “I love this school! It’s way better than I expected. I can’t wait to come back tomorrow.”

I agree!

Editor’s Note: Recently, Vista Ridge Academy was featured in an article in the Raised in the Rockies: Back to School Issue, entitled The Difference that Faith (p.20). https://www.dailycamera.com/2021/07/26/raised-in-the-rockies-fall-2021/

–Sandy Hodgson is teaching principal at Vista Ridge Academy; photo supplied

19 Aug

CAMPION SENIORS DOMINATE OLYMPIC STYLE SCRAMBLE

By Gwyn Reeves – Loveland, Colorado … The Olympic-style class scramble that arrived at Campion Academy was met with fanfare, athletes (also known as students) decked out in painted faces ready for competition, and lots of glitter.

Campion’s annual class scramble included the traditional competition of racing to see what Don Reeder, principal, had for odd items to retrieve. Other events included the classic drills of dead cow, air raid, and man-overboard in pursuit of class bragging rights. Making a class-scramble game debut was mattress surfing and Hot Wheels shuffleboard that tested the ability and determination of each class to win.

“Coming from Texas and being new at Campion, class scramble will be a memory I never forget,” Geraldy Marvel, Campion junior, exclaimed.

After all the chaos, the evening ended with seniors claiming victory over the juniors. “Class scramble is always an exciting time of the year where everyone loses their voice and classes bond over competitiveness and class spirit,” Kylie Wehling, Campion senior, said, reflecting on her final time participating in the event.

The following day, the competition began with the student association (SA) picnic and more competitive events for classes. The day was filled with classic events like tug-of-war, mini-bike races, and the bus push. The seniors continued their dominance, building from their win the night before.

“Often, with such a big class, it can be difficult to work together and win the events, but this year the class of 2022 was able to pull through with a win,” Wehling reflected. “I’m extremely proud of us and can’t wait to see what this year has in store!”

After the competitions wound down, students relaxed while a kickball slip-and-slide was assembled. After more than a few “test runs” by SA officers, the rest of the student body joined in. It no longer mattered what class students were in, just who could get past the third basemen. By the end of the day, relationships had been renewed, and new ones formed.

To view a student-produced video recapping the events please click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7p19p1v4sI

–Gwyn Reeves is a senior at Campion Academy; photos by Jill Harlow

19 Aug

FEELING OF RENEWAL GREETS THE FIRST DAY AT MHA

By MHANews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … “It felt good to see everyone’s smiles as we started the new school year,” reflected Mindy Philpott, parent, and treasurer of Mile High Academy, on the first-day events at MHA.

With the pandemic affecting the fellowship and community aspect during the last academic year at MHA, the administration and staff made it part of its mission to get the school community together several times during the summer months. Foregoing the traditional in-person registration gave way to an evening community event. Families met the new staff, enjoyed a sweet treat, and divided into elementary, middle, and high school groups for events with the teachers.

“We appreciate the teamwork and organization from the teachers, staff, and parents hosting the summer events,” said Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal. “Not only did these events allow for our families to spend time together, but they also opened the opportunity to welcome the more than 50 new students who joined our school family, easing nerves when they arrived on campus for the first day of school. God is here at Mile High Academy, and we’re excited to see His plans for the school year.”

With classrooms still being closed to visitors and parents, MHA shifted first-day events to the soccer field to allow parents and visitors to participate. The gathering included a prayer service and obligatory first-day pictures.

Addressing the audience before leading out in the prayer over the school, Diane Harris, RMC director of education, expressed, “How happy it makes me to see every one of you.”

The day continued with elementary school students enjoying a day of getting acquainted with their new classroom while getting to know their teacher and making new friends. Middle schoolers escaped campus to form new relationships at Chatfield Lake while high school students held team-building exercises.

Reflecting on the first day, students were excited for the opportunities in the year ahead. “The first day was good because I got to meet new people, and my teacher is very funny,” Charlee, MHA fourth grader, expressed. “The first day of school was amazing,” said Taryn Clark, fifth-grade teacher. “It was so good to see all the students and hear about their summers. I missed the energy of the classroom.”

MHA is beginning the academic year with 205 students enrolled.

–MHANews; photos supplied

18 Aug

OSCAR’S AND EMMY’S STYLE WELCOME FOR FORT COLLINS STUDENTS

By Denise and Richard Pfannenstiel – Fort Collins, Colorado … It was a red-carpet event at the Fort Collins Christian school on the first day of the academic year.

Fort Collins Adventist church members lined both sides of the roped-off red carpet, where students strolled toward the school entrance to applause, cheers, hugs, high-fives, and pats on the back on their way to the new adventures awaiting them during the new school year.

School board chair Devon Osbourne, Jr. was grateful for the extra effort by church members who showed their support. “The members of our church have always been supportive of our school,” Osbourne shared. “It was, nevertheless, surprising to see so many show up so early in the morning to cheer on our students.”

Upper grades teacher Jessica Reeder initially wondered whether they would pull off the red-carpet welcome as a small school. When Monday morning rolled around, “I was amazed by the number of cars in our parking lot at 7:30 a.m.,” Reeder says. “It brought me to tears. It was a beautiful way to start the school year united as a school and church, welcoming and praying for our kids.”

As a parent of a new student, Adam Joseph described it as a taste of heaven’s joy. “If we, the children of God, could do that to make our kids feel so special, I do not doubt that God is going to have the most awesome welcome for us when we get to heaven. That was certainly a heavenly gesture.”

The memorable event concluded with a prayer huddle in the school lobby. Godfrey Miranda, pastor at Fort Collins church, led a prayer of blessing and protection for the students, their families, and their teachers as they begin the new school year.

To view a video of the red-carpet event, click here: https://www.facebook.com/fccschool/videos/173443621521939

–Denise and Richard Pfannenstiel are members of Fort Collins Seventh-day Adventist Church; photos supplied

18 Aug

“HERE I AM, USE ME” IS AT THE HEART OF MINISTRY FOR JANI PUNGUS

By Jon Roberts – Arvada, Colorado … “It’s simply amazing,” Gordon Anic, lead pastor of Arvada English church, expressed enthusiastically of the public acknowledgment and ministry of his co-worker and friend Jani Pungus, pastor of the Arvada Indonesian Adventist church, who was being ordained to the Gospel Ministry.

Attendees at the special service for the Indonesian congregation included 150 in-person, with many watching online. The gathering featured recognition from two conferences and two unions. Addressing the crowd via video from the Minahasa Conference in Indonesia, Ronald Rantung, president, congratulated Pungus and thanked the Rocky Mountain Conference for recognizing his dedication to the ministry. Rantung’s sentiments were echoed by the East Indonesian Union Conference administration for Pungus’ work in their territory before emigrating to the United States.

Pungus recalled the journey hasn’t been easy. “My main goal when I left my country was to obtain my master’s degree in theology at Andrews University. However, reaching my goal has never been an easy journey; the reality is far beyond my expectations. But God has been good to my family and me, and being a self-supporting student has surely helped me and my wife deepen our trust and faith in God alone.”

He added, “During my time in Michigan, I was actively involved with the Indonesian community in the Berrien Springs area. From Michigan, we moved to Colorado, where since 2015, I have been serving the Indonesian group. As an ethnic group, we have been growing. We have been doing community service and outreach around the Denver metro area and holding some public crusades on different islands in Indonesia.”

Addressing Pungus and the crowd, in his final act as president of RMC, Ed Barnett challenged Pungus to listen and follow the words that Paul gave a young pastor called Timothy in 2 Timothy. Barnett challenged Pungus to seek and find faithful leaders who will teach about the hope and good news found in Jesus and focus on the core message of Scripture—love.

“Jani is a fantastic young pastor that will go places in the church. He has great people skills, an amazing family that supports him, and a wonderful church that loves him and supports him in his ministry to not only them but the community,” Barnett expressed.

“Over the last 22 years, it has been a pleasure seeing the Indonesian community grow in RMC. I am so proud of the great work they have accomplished, and I look forward to hearing more about them in the future. I also want to give special thanks to Yoram Tumbarante, pastor of the First Denver Indonesian Adventist church; he has dedicated the last two decades of his ministry to growing the church in RMC and being a beacon of hope for the Indonesian people.”

Reflecting on the service and what it means for the Indonesian community, one attendee remarked that “It was great. The ceremony and music program were nice. This is special to the community to see Jani recognized and appreciated by the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

Accepting the ordination, Pungus stated that His mission was to listen to God and follow His leading in outreach to the community. He ended by saying Here I am, Lord, use me! Drawing from the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8, he said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Working closely with Pungus over the past few years, Miloš Tomic, assistant pastor of the Arvada English church, commented on the event. “It’s beautiful. It was wonderful seeing the aspirations of somebody who is called by God to be acknowledged by the body of Christ.”

Pungus plans to continue to advance God’s Kingdom in RMC, working closely with his wife Kendy, a partner in ministry for the last 16 years, and his three children: Sky Adrian, 15, Kyla Candy, 10, and KyLynn Cinta, 3.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos by Jon Roberts

NewsNuggets Page 75