NN May 2024

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Thirty-seven graduates marched at Campion Academy’s Commencement culminating a weekend of festivities in Loveland, Colorado, May 26. Featured at the event were speeches from class president Seth Harmon and class sponsor Dean Helm, a musical selection from students, as well as announcements of scholarships, awards, and diplomas.

The weekend began with a parent-tribute vespers on May 24 where students shared heartfelt words of appreciation for their parents. The students took the stage again for the Sabbath church service, May 26, leading the program and sharing musical features. Carlos Santana, Campion Academy chaplain, spoke on the topic of wonder. On Saturday evening, the class introduced themselves and their plans for the future by dressing up as characters from movies interacting with the audience in creative sketches.

The Class of 2024 was an involved and high-achieving group. Twenty-one students completed the requirements for the College Preparatory Diploma or the Advanced College Preparatory Diploma, with almost all of these students graduating with multiple college credits. Seventeen students graduated with honors, achieving Grade Point Averages of 3.5 or above.

The class will particularly be remembered for their musical talents and their willingness to use those talents to serve God. Twenty-two of them have been involved in music and drama most of their years at Campion and are often seen on the chapel or church stage leading praise teams with both voice and instruments. Their harmonies will be missed on campus, but we are proud to send them out to continue to uplift others.

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.

Emily Woodhull – Denver, Colorado … Twenty-four members of Team World Vision Newday crossed the finish line of the Denver Colfax Half-Marathon, May 19. This team of racers was championed by the Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado.

Along the course, the team was cheered on by family and friends who turned out to support them on a beautiful race day. In addition to accomplishing the challenge of covering 13.1 miles, they also changed lives by raising funds for World Vision’s* clean water work. At the end of race day, the team’s total had surpassed $38,000, which will provide clean water to more than 760 people for life.

This race marked the tenth year that Team World Vision Newday has moved their feet for clean water. Returning members welcomed new teammates, and some of our youngest runners were second-generation participants.

The season began back in January with 18 weeks of training to prepare for the race. Throughout that time, the team shared the need for clean water and invited others to partner with them to end the water crisis. Many on the team stepped out of their comfort zones, both to make fundraising asks on behalf of vulnerable kids and to run further or faster than they thought they could.

First-time participant Cynthia Lim says of her experience, “I have never run a race or done solo fundraising before! But going through these past five months with such a supportive team has been a huge joy. I not only got to make an impact but also build relationships, break personal distance records, and grow my comfort zone.”

Baylie Thurber, who completed her fourth season with Team World Vision Newday, reflects on why she joined and what has kept her coming back: “When I first met [the team], they didn’t know me and I didn’t know them, but we instantly had a shared bond as runners. I was seeking connection and support, and, in my new teammates, I found this and so much more.”

“I was inspired by passionate, loving people who would not call themselves runners, yet they ran to bring awareness to a desperate need in the world,” she continued. “After learning more about World Vision, my heart was filled with that same passion and love. Every time I ask for a donation, I get to share a little more of that passion and love for others and I am honored to be a part of that.”

Team World Vision often reminds its runners that they can go “further together,” and it proved true again this season. The encouragement of teammates and the support of the church helped this team accomplish more than any of them could have done on our own.

World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, is the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the world, and clean water is essential in their efforts to address the root causes of poverty.

* Please note that World Vision is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) nor the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

—Emily Woodhull writes from Newday Adventist Church and is Team World Vision Newday captain and seven-season team member. Photos by Shawna Sadjak and Baylie Thurber.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, celebrated its final week of the school year filled with ceremonies, tributes, and moments of reflection, marking the end of an academic journey and the beginning of new chapters for many students.

Final Chapel of the School Year

The week kicked off on May 20 with the final chapel of the school year. MHA chaplain and upper school Bible teacher, RD Gallant, delivered a special message that inspired students and staff to reflect on their growth and accomplishments. Following his message, the yearbook team presented a slide show of memories, highlighting the year’s most remarkable moments and bringing smiles, laughter, and cheers from the students, parents, staff, and community members. As students filed out of the gym, hugs were shared and tears flowed as they realized it was the end of the school year.

Kindergarten Graduation

The Kindergarten Graduation ceremony celebrated the 20 youngest members of MHA’s 2024 school year, May 21. The kindergartners walked in with grins and bounces, ready for their last evening together before moving on to first grade.

The ceremony featured a touching class song, “You Are My All in All,” and each student shared their favorite kindergarten memories, which included visits to the splash park, the museum, and witnessing the solar eclipse. Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, couldn’t retain his smile as he bent to shake hands and congratulate each young student as they celebrated this moment in their journey.

Eighth-Grade Graduation

The following evening, May 22, was dedicated to the eighth-grade graduation. Twenty-three graduates marched into the gym, ready to take the stage for their final evening as middle schoolers. The ceremony included heartfelt family tributes and the presentation of roses to parents and loved ones.

Coach Michael Camacho, the honored speaker, shared special memories of each graduate and encouraged them to “give your life and hearts to Christ, so you can continue to shine His light.” Graduates Owen Fritz and Seth Caballero added a touch of humor by presenting the school with the class gift—new gym wall mats.

Senior Graduation Services

The senior graduation festivities spanned several days, starting with the blessing service at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship’s (LAF) chapel in Denver, Colorado. This intimate event allowed seniors to reflect on their journey with their parents as well as receive academic and service awards.

The next service, the Consecration was held at Littleton Adventist Church on May 24 and featured teachers sharing humorous stories and reflections on the special qualities of the Class of 2024. Attendees witnessed the baptism of Gwendolyn Loney as she publicly dedicated her life to Christ. And, in MHA tradition, each student received Bibles filled with words, Bible verses, quotes, and messages from teachers and staff.

On the morning of May 25, the seniors led a worship service at LifeSource before enjoying the afternoon together with their families and friends. Finally, uniting as a class for what could be the last time, the week culminated at MHA with the Commencement ceremony on the evening of May 25. Pastor Jordan Arce, student pastor of LIFEGATE Church in Denver, Colorado, delivered an encouraging speech, reflecting on the song “Jesus Loves Me” and advising graduates to “follow the One that called you” in times of uncertainty.

This year’s senior class is particularly notable as it marks the 60^th graduating class of MHA. Despite being a small class of nine students, the Senior Class of 2024 received over $1 million in scholarship dollars, with all students headed to pursue their college studies.

Looking Forward

As MHA prepares for post-session activities, only teachers remain on campus this week, cleaning classrooms and preparing for their summer break. The academy looks forward to welcoming back the new first-grade class and the incoming freshman class in the fall. Reflecting on the year, the staff smile with pride knowing that this year’s senior class is ready to move forward in their academic studies.

Principal Andrew Carpenter remarked, “This has been an incredible year of growth, learning, and community. We are so proud of our students and excited for what the future holds for each of them. The Class of 2024 has shown remarkable resilience and achievement, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make in this world.”

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

Jose R. Alarcón – Aurora, Colorado … The Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, was visited by around 25 cars that attended their latest prayer drive thru event, May 18. The church had resumed this monthly event on April 13 after a winter recess.

People with all kinds of spiritual needs were served at prayer stations. Many of the attendees had specific prayer requests for healing and for peace of mind. Along with the prayers, they received a gift bag containing water, snacks, and glow tracts, and were invited to eat some food at the food station.

Church members expressed their enjoyment as they engaged the people that came to the monthly event. In his book E. M. Bounds on Prayer, Bounds wrote, “The value of prayer does not lie in the number of prayers or the length of prayers; rather, its value is found in the great truth that we are privileged, by our relationship to God, to unburden our desires and to make our requests known to Him, and that he will relieve by granting our petitions.”

The attendees mostly came by car, but some also walked in. All were in need of some kind of embracement. Prayer is a moment of embracement with God as found in James 5:15-16 (NIV): And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Joyce Augustinis, Aurora First church secretary and communications director, who volunteered at the event, commented, “Although I was not with any of the prayer teams, but out on the sidewalk holding a sign that pointed people to stop for prayer, I was praying that God would bring them in for a moment with him or, if not, to remind them that God is there for us. People need the Lord.”

The Apostle Paul added in Ephesians 6:18 (NIV), And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The Aurora First Pathfinders club members worked hard promoting the event by holding cardboard banners inviting people in. Many passersby honked and greeted them.

“Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline to God, and, with it, lives are changed for eternity,” commented Jose Alarcón, lead pastor at Auroura First Church. “Aurora First will continue to engage the surrounding community in prayer, at least once a month.”

“Many community attendees said that they would be visiting the church, and some did the next morning attending the Food Bank. Prayer Drive-thru connects community people with God and God’s people with the community,” he continued.

The program has shown to be an effective missionary and promotional tool for the church with a “no strings attached” approach. The church will continue to explore and devote its efforts to connect with the surrounding community to supply their needs.

One of the attendees commented, “I know that you guys celebrate church on Saturday’s. What is your schedule of services?” Alarcón connected with her, and she mentioned that she will be here next Sabbath. “Even if she doesn’t come, at least she is aware of our presence in the community and knew when we met,” remarked Alarcón.

These events are creating and building a witnessing awareness among the church members. This is essential when trying to reach the surrounding areas while also creating an awareness among the community about who the church is and what they stand for as a church.

Bounds also wrote, “The possibilities of prayer are found in its alliance with the purposes of God, for God’s purposes and man’s praying are the combination of all potent and omnipotent forces.”

The church will host the event again on June 15, July 13, August 17, and September 14.

—Jose R. Alarcón is the lead pastor at the Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Dina Alarcón.

Brandon Westgate – Denver, Colorado … Your RMC Youth Department is fully committed to providing engagement opportunities for the youth of our Conference to connect with one another and especially with Jesus. We have a very active club ministries program that includes Adventurers, Pathfinders, and Master Guides. These clubs foster a greater appreciation for creation and the Creator.

This summer, the largest club ministry event in North America, the Pathfinder International Camporee, takes place in Gillette, Wyoming. More than 55,000 Pathfinders will engage with one another from August 5-11.

Due to the popularity of this incredible event, tickets sold out faster than some people anticipated. This left nearly 300 Pathfinders from the RMC sadly without tickets to the Camporee. We are not wanting these Pathfinders to miss out on an opportunity to engage with peers and Jesus this summer, so we are doing something special.

Right now, we are offering a $100 discount to summer camp, for any Pathfinder who was not able to secure a ticket to the International Camporee. We understand summer camp is not the same as the Camporee, but we also know that spending a week at summer camp is amazing and transformational for our young people! Those who attend camp leave with new friendships, a greater sense of God’s love for them, and wholesome memories that will last a lifetime.

To secure your discount, please email Brent Learned at [email protected]

—Brandon Westgate is the RMC Youth Department director. Photos supplied.

Pedro Vieira – Loveland, Colorado … Senior students in the Spanish ll class at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, prepared a full church service for the first time at Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish congregation in Longmont, Colorado, for a “Students With a Testimony” (SWAT) trip, May 11.

As a class, they were challenged to present the song service, children’s story, special music, prayers, Bible readings, and testimonies all in Spanish.

Phoebe Mamanua, Campion Academy student actor in the children’s story skit, added, “I really enjoyed visiting the Mountain View Adventist church. I had a role in the skit for children story, we wore costumes and acting out in Spanish was a fun learning experience. The people there were very accommodating, and I can tell, even though we weren’t the most fluent, they appreciated our efforts. The food was also really good.”

Student Abbygaile Waworoendang, who sang on the praise team, shared, “Preparing for the Spanish SWAT trip was very nerve wracking because we wanted to be able to pronounce the words right. Learning Spanish hymns taught me new songs which I have come to love. We may not have been perfect with our pronunciation, but it was very fulfilling knowing we were able to spread the gospel to others even if we didn’t know the language fluently. It was a fun experience being able to lead out in worship and see how grateful the church was even though we weren’t Spanish speakers.”

A few native speakers of Spanish, who were not in the class, were asked to give testimonies. Elizabeth Shannon, one of the student speakers, reflected, “I was nervous to speak for the Spanish SWAT because I’ve never preached in Spanish before. The Spanish class did really well with the service and though I was nervous when it was my turn to speak, I felt like God helped me say the right words and calm my nerves.”

Jill Harlow, Campion Academy Spanish teacher, commented, “The opportunity to put on a church service at a Spanish-speaking congregation was the perfect project to culminate our class. The students were not only able to practice their language skills, but also experience how learning another language expands their ability to share God’s love to the Hispanic community.”

—Pedro Vieira is Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Catie Fairfield – Loveland, Colorado … Students from each class at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, collaborated to create the final Week of Worship (WOW) that focused on the theme of God’s will in our lives.

This was a distinctive Week of Worship because all of it was organized and led by the students. Each grade level had a day to speak: freshmen started on Monday, seniors went Tuesday, juniors went Wednesday, and sophomores went Thursday. Vespers on Friday night was put on by the staff. Finally, students Addison and Caleb Gann gave the sermon on Sabbath to wrap up the week.

Each grade level had a theme that correlated with God’s will. The freshmen talked about guidance, seniors did faithfulness, juniors talked about courage, and sophomores had second chances.

Each day consisted of a special music, a Bible reading, a skit, an object lesson, and a testimony.

Eva Resz, senior student, mentioned, “I had fun during Week of Worship because I got to do a skit on faithfulness. We specifically did the skit on Sapphire and Ananias who were members of the early church. We wanted to show our peers the importance of staying faithful to God in everything.”

Along with that, there was a special praise team that sang every day and chose the theme song “Make a Way.” Seth Coe, senior student, elaborated, “I was so honored to be a part of praise team because I got together with my friends to just worship God and it felt very joyful.”

A very memorable highlight of the week was when Daneil Camas, senior student, got baptized on Thursday. Camas chose to get baptized by Pastor Wayne Morrison because she had grown up with him as her pastor.

It was a good way for the students to interact and hear how God is working in each other’s lives. Elin Sorensen, freshmen student, commented, “My favorite part of Week of Worship was hearing all the testimonies and seeing all the skits. It was fun to see my friends and schoolmates act.”

—Catie Fairfield is Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.