NN Nov 2024 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

27 Nov

ARVADA CHURCH SUPPORTING MINISTRY IN AFRICA

Miloš Tomić – Arvada, Colorado … Visiting Africa is generally a major eye-opening experience for westerners when they realize how little some have and yet live joyfully. This experience puts a whole new perspective on what they have and still, somehow, feel they don’t have enough. The Arvada Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arvada, Colorado, decided to round up all those usable goods from their homes and pass them on to the ones less fortunate.

The Arvada Church acquired a shipping container. Filling the container took time, but it got filled up. “Small things, big things, cool things, fun things poured in to better the lives of some strangers on the other side of the world. Strangers they might be, but they are our brothers and sisters in Christ,” remarked Miloš Tomić, associate pastor at the Arvada Church.

Among the items donated were one hundred quality chairs for the recipients’ worship services courtesy of Wilson Cruz, Arvada Church audio coordinator. Also, five thousand pairs of reading glasses for local clinics and schools were provided courtesy of Branko and Denise Loncar, participants in the outreach.

To help with repairing local church buildings, a cement mixer and several tools were sent courtesy of Al Bargas, Arvada Church member. Furniture items, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, toys, electronics, and monitors and projectors for schools were among the items sent as well.

Tomić added, “The power of things to make this world a better place is at our fingertips. Just look at things around you that you own. If you don’t need them, we’ll pass them on to the ones who will benefit so much from them. We are planning to send another container in March next year. You are most welcome to join the effort.”

For more information on making donations, contact Pastor Tomić at [email protected]

—Miloš Tomić is the Arvada Seventh-day Adventist Church associate pastor. Photo supplied.

26 Nov

CAMPUS WIDE FALL FESTIVAL BRINGS FOOD, FUN, AND FESTIVITIES

Damaris Lopez-Morquecho – Loveland, Colorado … Members of the local community around Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, filled the school gymnasium to celebrate the annual fall festival hosted by HMS Richard’s Adventist school. Over 300 people came to enjoy the food and activities, supporting the fundraising efforts of each class.

A variety of activity booths entertained the visitors including face painting, rock climbing, nerf gun wars, and more. Each student took a turn to work at their class booth. “My favorite booth was the sophomore booth because all my friends were working there, and a lot of people were there from different cultures. It was interesting to talk to them,” commented Isreal Ortiz, CA sophomore student.

A new addition this year was the “Pie in the Face” activity presented by the junior class. Participants collected tickets in order to have a pie pan full of whipped cream smeared on another person’s face. Rodolfo Segawa, one of the people selected to be pied, reflected, “It was pretty fun and yummy getting pied in the face.”

People filled up on different kinds of food and desserts offered by the classes. The two most popular booths were sophomores serving Mexican food and the seniors serving Indonesian food. Both classes sold out before the evening concluded. “My favorite part of the fall festival was the food, especially the Indonesian food,” reflected by Michael Fresse.

As a fundraiser, the event was a success. Classes and clubs from HMS Richards and Campion Academy raised money from their booth sales, with the senior class earning the most, raising $1,600 for their class trip.

—Damaris Lopez-Morquecho, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

26 Nov

BUILDING BRIDGES IN BRIGHTON WITH CLUB MINISTRIES

Michelle Morrison – Brighton, Colorado … Ever wondered how to get your non-Christian family members to cross the bridge to faith? Or how about the same in the raising of your children? The Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brighton, Colorado, has been connected to a church school for over 100 years, the Brighton Adventist Academy (BAA).

Over half of the BAA school roster is comprised of families that are not members of a Seventh-day Adventist church. The relatively new Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs at Brighton Church seem to be that bridge of bringing those children and families into faith.

While the church has had both clubs in the past, participation in them had dwindled to nothing. “In 2022,” recalled Michelle Morrison, communication secretary for the Brighton Church, “two mothers of small children wanted to provide a way, for not just for their own kids, but the others in the church family and school to get together and grow in skills and relationship with each other and God.”

Nayely Terrazas and Lindsey Andrews needed a leader and found the needed help for the club ministries through Sandra Santos, 2022-24, and Evonne and Carl Syvertson, 2024-25. The Brighton Bluejay’s Adventurer and Silverwings Pathfinder Clubs were reestablished.

The first meeting in August 2022 started with 10 Pathfinders and 16 Adventurers. Bimonthly Monday after-school meetings with a monthly Sunday event comprised the rest of the year including such events as Inside the Orchestra, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Bike Day, Butterfly Museum, Karate Club, History Colorado Center, the Denver Zoo, and Christmas Blessing Bag Party.

The most recent bridge events were a Sabbath morning pancake breakfast, November 9, that fed into the following Sabbath’s Induction Ceremony on November 16, during the first half of the church service. Morrison commented, “How often do you get to eat breakfast together with CHURCH family? It was so awesome that no one wanted to go to Sabbath School!”

She continued, “And the Induction? What does that word even mean? Well, it’s when new members are welcomed into these fun and character growing clubs. Approximately 40 orderly, uniformed kids and staff marched in singing their club’s theme song and led in sharing their pledge and law to a full church sanctuary. The recent International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, was featured in a short video, highlighting our Pathfinder club’s recent participation. Following the church service, a fellowship meal provided members a way to connect to the many families who stayed, yet another bridge to connect them with Jesus and us.”

Pathfinders and Adventure Clubs have a unique mission of connecting the children into the church’s fellowship who attend public school, home school, and church schools by uniting them in friendship with fun and spiritual character-building activities. These clubs create bridges of opportunities to connect people with Jesus and each other—isn’t that what we are all about?

—Michelle Morrison is the communication secretary for the Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

26 Nov

STEWARDSHIP: IT’S A MATTER OF TRUST

By Doug Inglish

Some years ago, I was watching a father teach his daughter to swim. She was holding onto the ladder that descended into the water at the shallow end where she was clearly able to stand with her head above the water. He was in the pool behind her, his hands reassuringly on her shoulders.

“Okay,” he said to her calmly, “let go of the ladder now. You can stand up.”

“No!” she shouted. “I’ll go under the water!”

“No, it’s very shallow, and you can stand. Besides, I am right here, and I have hold of you. Nothing can happen to you.”

She was not convinced. “I won’t let go!”

In his soft, soothing voice, daddy patiently reasoned with her. “Remember when I taught you to ride a bike? I didn’t let you get hurt. Now you love to ride your bike. You will love to swim, too. But you can’t learn until you let go of the ladder.”

She remained resolute, but silent. So, daddy gave it one more try.

“Don’t you trust me?”

“I trust you, but I’m not letting go.”

That ended the lesson. He told her they would try again another time and took her to the wading pool where she was much happier.

Well, that was just a little girl who was scared of the deep water. I suspect her confidence grew as time went by, and by now she may have taught her own children to swim. It’s unlikely that she stayed stuck in her fears about the shallow end of the pool. If she really did trust her father, she learned to let go.

Of course, you are way ahead of me at this point, but I hope you keep reading while I make the obvious point. If we truly do trust our Father, won’t we learn to let go when He says He will hold us up?

Do you trust God enough to let go of tithes and offerings? You knew I was going to get to that, and you knew I was going to use this verse to support it. Malachi 3:10 tells us, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (NIV).

I’m going to say something that might sound really mean right now about that scared little girl holding the ladder in the pool. No matter what she said, she really didn’t trust her daddy. He may have proven himself with bicycles, his firm grip may have been familiar to her from when he ran beside her holding her onto the bike, and he may have told the truth about the depth of the water just like he told the truth about how to ride down the sidewalk, but she would not let go. Her fear was bigger than her trust, no matter what she claimed. I’m not trying to be unkind. In fact, listening to her fear, I could not help but feel a great deal of empathy for her. But there is a logical conclusion based on the evidence. In fact, it is an inevitable conclusion. In this case at least, almost up to her neck in water and her toes not quite touching the bottom of the pool, she did not truly trust her father.

If we say that we trust God, but we don’t let go of what He claims as His, what is the logical conclusion based on this evidence? Has He not proven Himself trustworthy in our previous experiences with Him? Are His reassurances of blessing pouring out on us not believable?

I hope you believe in the mission of your church, but if you do, that’s not the reason to return tithe. I hope you believe that all you own belongs to Him anyway and you are just a steward, but that’s not the reason to tithe. I hope you have peace knowing that God will not accuse you of robbery, but that’s not the reason to tithe. I hope that you are so grateful for all He has provided that you want to show how you feel through your gifts, but that is not the reason to tithe.

Well, okay, those are some good reasons. Pretty good anyway. But let’s get down to the heart of it: God doesn’t need your money any more than that daddy needed his little girl to let go of the ladder. But he was there beside her, encouraging and reassuring her, because he wanted her life to expand into a whole new experience that would provide her with a lifetime of enjoyment. But that was impossible if she didn’t trust him enough to let go.

The real reason to tithe is a matter of trust. Letting go is not about supporting the work, or understanding ownership, or peace, or even gratitude. Letting go is about trusting.

—Doug Inglish is RMC Vice president for administration and stewardship director. Photo by CJ Graglia of Pexels.

26 Nov

REFLECTION: A HEART OF GRATITUDE – FINDING PEACE IN GOD’S LOVE

By Carey Jordan

As we approach this season of thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives—our families, homes, health, and the opportunities we enjoy each day. Yet, in a world where anxiety and depression are increasingly common, it’s easy to lose sight of these blessings. In difficult moments, it’s important to pause, reflect, and remember all the reasons we have to be grateful.

This reminds me of a story about a 6-year-old boy I taught over 20 years ago.

Joseph’s life seemed unbearably difficult. Living with his great-grandmother, an elderly woman in her 80s, he had little support or care. His mother had chosen her boyfriend over him, leaving Joseph with few people to turn to. His great-grandmother, though well-meaning, didn’t have the health or energy to care for a young child. As a result, Joseph often went without proper meals, clean clothes, or anyone to tuck him in at night. Yet, every day he walked to school with a smile, eager for the one place where he felt loved and safe.

At school, Joseph found a different world. His teachers made sure he had clothes that fit, food to eat, and, most importantly, that he knew he was cared for. School became his refuge, his home. Despite challenging circumstances, Joseph never seemed to lose his joy. Though he had every reason to be angry or resentful, he chose gratitude. He didn’t have a mom or dad, and he was sometimes a burden to those who should’ve cared for him most, but he embraced the love he received from his teachers.

Joseph taught me more about gratitude than I ever expected to learn. His resilience and ability to choose thankfulness, no matter how tough his life was, was a lesson I’ll never forget. Despite lacking so much in material wealth and family support, he found joy in the community that embraced him. He showed me that gratitude isn’t about having everything you want—it’s about accepting the love, hope, and care you are offered.

We’re not promised an easy life. There will be times we feel lost, tired, afraid, and even experience rejection from those we love. Yet, we are offered the promise of Heaven—a place of safety, love, and joy. Jesus came, He even died for us, to offer these things if only we choose to accept it, and that’s something we can always be thankful for, no matter our circumstances.

As we reflect on our blessings this season, let’s give thanks for the love, peace, and hope that God offers. Let us live with hearts full of gratitude, like Joseph, no matter what we face.

May your heart be filled with thanksgiving, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and eternal.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34).

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

12 Nov

JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE THROUGH ACCREDITATION

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … All educational institutions operating in the name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the North American Division (NAD) follows a process for denominational accreditation through the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA). Institutions are held accountable and must provide evidence that they are meeting church and national/provincial standards.

The accreditation process is a six-year cycle with years one to three years dedicated to progress reports and ongoing refinement of a continuous improvement plan. There is also a mid-cycle visit during year three unless the visiting team recommends an annual or bi-annual visit. Successful schools are continually monitoring progress and preparing for the next full visit in year six.

The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), in collaboration with the Mid America Union Conference (MAUC) Office of Education, has scheduled accreditation visits to six RMC schools during the 2024-2025 school year.

Springs Adventist Academy (SAA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just completed their self-study and accreditation visit. Preparation for the visit involves school administration, teachers, school board, learners, and parents. Jennifer Angeles, SAA head teacher, and Doug Peterson, SAA School Board chair, brought together a team to divide and conquer nine standards in the self-study.

The nine standards are divided into four domains—Purpose, Plan, Practice, Product—which are in alignment with the Core of Adventist Education Curriculum and our Journey to Excellence. Standards include curriculum and instruction, leadership, school environment, professional learning, communication, and school improvement. Throughout the self-study, schools are expected to provide evidence on what they are reporting.

Once SAA had completed their self-study, the visiting team spent the day at the academy to read the self-study, review evidence, visit classrooms, and talk with students and teachers. It was evident that many volunteers spent hours working together to prepare the school and grounds for the visit.

The resources used for evidence in the self-study were organized and exceptional. The visiting team spent the day responding to the study and making recommendations, as needed, to ensure a commitment to continuous improvement. At the end of the day, the team met with the school staff and available board members to review the report. A highlight was the positive feedback from parents and students on what they appreciate and value in the programming at Springs Adventist Academy.

There is an accountability factor in being part of a North American Division educational institution and the Rocky Mountain Conference is intentional in supporting the dedicated efforts of our schools to meet the expected standards and seek continual improvement.

Congratulations to Springs Adventist Academy on the completion of a successful accreditation visit!

Does your church support a Rocky Mountain Conference school? If so, continue to stay informed and involved in the pursuit of excellence for Adventist education.

—Sandy Hodgson is the RMC Education assistant director. Photos by Ronald Mendiola and Sandy Hodgson.

12 Nov

LIFESOURCE CELEBRATES DIVERSITY ON INTERNATIONAL SABBATH

Heidi Carpenter – Denver, Colorado …LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, participated in a special day of celebration, November 2, highlighting 18 countries represented in this diverse community.

Haremy Cordova, LAF member and Pathfinder director, took the initiative to craft a program which included a flag processional as representatives from each country walked down the center aisle waving their nations’ flag, while “Love in Any Language” by Sandi Patti played in the background.

The microphone was passed from one person in the procession to the next as participants energetically shared Sabbath greetings in 13 languages. During a congregational prayer, four members lifted their hearts to God in prayer speaking in the language of their country.

“What I enjoyed most about international Sabbath was seeing diverse cultures come together in worship wearing their traditional dress, sharing their languages,” remarked Cordova. “Taking time for international celebration fosters unity, appreciation for diversity, and reminds us that God’s family is worldwide. His love transcends cultural boundaries.”

Jennifer Biddulph, long-time LAF member and dedicated Kid’s Wing teacher, represented South Africa in the processional. “I loved seeing how many different cultures are represented in our church. We have great diversity!” Biddulph shared. “Hearing prayers and greetings in other languages was a highlight.”

Biddulph elaborated on why she thinks celebrating our international roots is important within the church: “I know it’s important. It broadens our views to realize there are many nations and tribes even in LAF and throughout Denver.”

“The opportunity to focus on the places we’ve come from was invigorating for those in attendance,” commented Heidi Carpenter, LAF associate pastor. “The love felt during this time of celebration brought us closer together in Christian fellowship! Truly, God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth … (Acts 17:26, NKJV) and we praise God for this gift of diversity!”

—Heidi Carpenter is LifeSource Adventist Fellowship associate pastor. Photo supplied.

12 Nov

CAMPION SENIORS EMBRACE UNIVERSITY LIFE AT PREVIEW DAYS

Alexandra Cordoba – Lincoln, Nebraska … Senior students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, had a firsthand glimpse of university life last week during Preview Days at Union Adventist University (UAU), in Lincoln, Nebraska, October 31-November 3.

The activities began Thursday morning when students were split up into 12 groups based on their interest in UAU’s academic programs. Students explored activities based on each major. Keon Paez, CA senior student, expressed, “I especially loved the engineering part of the program. I got to decode an encoded line using a matrix with a friend from Midland.”

These activities impressed many CA students with Anya Francis saying, “I enjoyed the Biomed program so much that now I’m considering changing my career path from nursing to Biomed.”

Students experienced UAU’s school spirit on the evening of October 31 while attending the UAU Warriors’ opening basketball game versus York University from York, Nebraska, where UAU won 89 to 58.

As the groups were mixed with students from a variety of schools visiting UAU, the students got to make new friends. Each group had to come up with a name, a motto, and a cheer that they presented Friday afternoon, November 1. Keon Paez, CA student, reflected, “I was surprised about the fact that Campion was the biggest class there!”

On November 1, visiting students were split into two groups where one section went to downtown Lincoln for a scavenger hunt to explore the city, while the other group went to Lincoln’s new Reiner Wellness Center to compete in various activities.

Students gathered for vespers service in the church that evening. CA student Toby Quillin expressed, “I was surprised by how big their spiritual life is. They had multiple different vespers and afterglows making God the priority of the weekend.”

Visiting students went to a Sabbath service the morning of November 2. After the service, they communed with their friends and other students in an activity known as “Oasis,” where they could paint rocks, write notes for college seniors, or make devotional jars. That night, students went to the university’s recreation center to swim, play sports, or workout.

Marcela Zuniga, a CA senior who plans to attend Union, said, “It made me excited about next year because I know I will be in good hands and will receive the help I need to achieve my dreams, and I will continue to learn more about Jesus there.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News editor. Photo supplied.

05 Nov

MILE HIGH ACADEMY RAISES RECORD AMOUNT AT SIXTH ANNUAL WALK-A-THON

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, hosted its sixth Annual Walk-A-Thon, October 4, bringing together students, staff, and supporters to raise funds for the school’s financial aid program, which assists 40% of students in attending MHA.

With a fundraising goal of $50,000, the event exceeded expectations, raising an impressive $58,322.38, thanks to 70% student participation and strong community support.

The Walk-A-Thon featured balloon stations, snack areas, a bounce house, and a bubble station organized by the PTO. Friendly competition for class and individual prizes encouraged enthusiastic participation, with rewards including bowling parties, Mustang-themed gear, and personalized Stanley cups. The eleventh-grade class raised the most as a class, narrowly beating out the staff in a close race.

To celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal, MHA’s staff committed to a “Silly Olympics” during Chapel, November 1, which sparked plenty of laughter and cheers from students. Staff members dressed in inflatable costumes—including a duck, horse, shark, snail, and Cookie Monster—and took part in quirky relay races involving toilet plungers and balloon-cup challenges. MHA principal Andrew Carpenter emceed the event in a purple suit, enthusiastically introducing MHA’s first-ever Silly Olympics. The students joined in with custom-made signs and cheers, with one MHA student, Jaylee, calling out, “Go faster, Daddy!” to her father, Tyler Rettler, MHA’s Information Technology director, who sported a giant chicken outfit.

MHA’s vice president of Finance and Development, Jocelyn Aalborg, shared her appreciation, saying, “We are grateful for the generous support of our community. This dedication enables us to provide an excellent Adventist education to our students, and we deeply appreciate the commitment from our staff who helped make this event memorable.”

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

05 Nov

CAMPION’S CROSS COUNTRY’S FIRST SEASON AT THE FINISH LINE

Jill Harlow with Alex Cordoba – Loveland, Colorado … The first Cross Country team at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, began as a few students has developed into a strong group of runners.

The team’s coaches Heidi Sorensen and Jennifer Sigler expressed how they were impressed by both the improvement and dedication of the students showing up at 7:15 each morning.

“Given the amount of time that we trained, our kids raced really well,” stated Sorensen. As a team, their top finish of the season was second place at a meet in Greeley, Colorado.

For the students, this season was about not only racing but also growing as athletes while building friendships along the way.

“I like training every day and pushing others and others pushing me to be better every day,” CA sophomore student, Josh Fresse, shared. “I also like that we’re really close as a team and that I could make meaningful relationships while running.”

Zach Harlow, CA sophomore student, added, “I like going to the races because it is really fun to race against other schools. Cross Country has helped me become a better and faster runner.”

CA sophomore student, Elin Sorensen, expressed a different perspective, as her mother coached the team: “It’s super cool to have my mom as my cross-country coach. I like training with the whole team. The meets are really fun, and they motivate me to keep training.”

Despite the challenges of this first season, the students commented that they were happy about how much they’ve improved throughout the season and how their hard work has helped them succeed.

Luca Lu, CA junior student, commented, “I was able to finish a distance I had never raced before, and I could feel a sense of achievement after each race.”

“My team was amazing, and I saw achievements in everyone,” concluded CA sophomore student, Israel Ortiz.

Coach Sorensen shared that they hope to encourage more students to join next year. “We are looking forward to growing the team, and hosting our own cross country meet at Campion,” Sorensen said.

“With every race you can push yourself to your limits,” Gabriel Tostes, CA freshman student, shared. “Despite all of the hard work, the pain and the challenges, in the end it will be worth it.”

—Jill Harlow with Alex Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photo supplied.