Alberta Adventist News December 2021

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will

Return Waiting is Worth It! Waiting is DECEMBER 2021 EDITION

How Timidity, Indecision, and Lack of Focus Will Negatively Impact Your Life The House of Bread Generosity in Hard Times

Highlights

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Waiting is Worth It! I

t has been a long wait for Jesus Christ to come back. As we reflect on the first coming of Christ during the Christmas season, we can remember how back then, it was also a long waiting for the prophesied messiah. Simeon, hoping with every child brought to the temple that this would be the long-awaited promised one, got the desire of his heart.

Alberta Adventist News is a print and digital media publication of the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Communication Director/Editor Eric Ollila; Co Communication unless otherwise noted. Submission Guidelines: albertaadventist.ca/aan; Submissions: aan@albertaadventist.ca

ELECTED OFFICIALS: President Gary Hodder; Secretary/VP for Administration Wayne Williams; Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Keith Richter; Board Members/EXCOM: Gar Rayette Hetland, Curtis Letniak, Proscovia Nabafu, Tyler Rosengren, Melanie Semchuk, Deborah Silva, Middin Galve-Sumiller, Sheldon Trenchuk, Griffin Webster, Jennifer Williams. De Superintendent Gail R. Wilton; Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy Director Lynn Mc Dowell; Foothills Camp Director Troy McQueen; Youth Director Lyle Notic CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Address: 5816 Highway 2A, Lacombe, AB, T4L2G5. Office Hours: Monday-ThurSeventh-day Adventisty: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p ABAdventist, Instagram: ABAdventist, LinkedIn: ABAdventist, Website: albertaadventist.ca

DECEMBER 2021 EDITION 04 Message from the President 06 From the Editor 10 Devotionals

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18 Department News 26 Church Feature 28 Church News 38 School Feature 40 School News 42 Sunset Calendar

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46 In Memory 48 Announcements 50 Means & Meaning

06 How Timidity, Indecision, and Lack of Focus Will Negatively Impact Your Life I've listened to

the story of the tortoise and the hare since I was a little kid. But seeing it in real life hit me like a ton of lead. Read about how you can focus to get more positive outcomes in every life event.

14 Before the Second Coming…is the First Coming of the Metaverse In the metaverse, we will all have VR headsets in which we connect to the internet in 3D, but instead of it just being used for gaming purposes, it will be a part of our daily life, like going to school, going to work, going to church and social functions and events.

o-Editors Nanette Quines & John Simon; Graphic Design Mishell Raedeke/omnidesign.ca; Photo attribution: Alberta Adventist

ry Hodder—chair, Wayne Williams, Keith Richter, Benjamin Arias, Miguel Brown, Isaac Darko, Massiel Davila-Ferrer, Bruce Fillier, epartmental Directors/Ministerial & Evangelism Director George Ali; Human Resources Officer Jennifer Williams; Education ce; Communication/IT/Media Director Eric Ollila; Risk Management/Project Development Director Llew Werner. ALBERTA p.m. Phone: (403) 342-5044, Fax: (403) 775-4482 Email: info@ albertaadventist. ca SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: ABAdventist, Facebook:

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Waiting is T

oday I sit in my office thinking that Christmas is just a few weeks away. The time of year when the birth of Jesus is celebrated all over the world. It also means that family can get together and become reacquainted after some time apart.

My reflections go back to my childhood memories of growing up in coastal Newfoundland. As a child growing up there so many years ago, we always looked forward to Christmas as a time when my parents felt they could justify spending on a few toys to put under the Christmas tree. As kids, we

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would wait all year for this one special day. We did not have any department stores in our town. However, we did get two catalogues that arrived every September. They were the Sears Catalogue and the Eaton's Catalogue. We would practically wear out these catalogues looking at the gifts that were available for order.

This only made the wait for Christmas Day all the longer.

This waiting reminds me of Simeon, who waited an entire lifetime for the long-awaited Messiah, Luke 2:25-32 (NIV):

“25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and

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devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared

“

I wonder how Simeon could be so patient and what allowed him to endure for so long.

As Christians, we are in a similar waiting pattern as we anticipate Jesus coming again. For some of us, this has been a short wait so far, but it has been a long wait for others who are older.

Worth It! in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

This was a long wait indeed...waiting for many years. Hoping with every child brought to the temple that this would be the longawaited promised one. Finally, Simeon's faith was rewarded, and he got to see the one he had waited a lifetime to see.

I am not good at waiting.

Time passes too slowly, and I become impatient. I wonder how Simeon could be so patient and what allowed him to endure for so long.

As Christians, we are in a

similar waiting pattern as we anticipate Jesus coming again. For some of us, this has been a short wait so far, but it has been a long wait for others who are older.

Let me suggest a few things that make the wait bearable.

The first thing is knowledge.

We have the many promises found throughout the Bible and in the words of Jesus himself that he will return and quickly. Secondly, while we wait, we must be busy with the business that Jesus asks us to do. He says that we must alleviate the suffering of humanity, feed the hungry, visit the shut-ins, pray for those less fortunate, and share the Gospel. Being busy

with this work will make the time go by quickly.

Finally, we must remember that the wait will be worth it!

We will get to see Jesus and the angels return to this world and take us home. We will get to see the restoration of all things and the reunion of the redeemed. The wait may seem long, but it will be worth it!

Gary Hodder

President Alberta Conference

FROM THE EDITOR

How Timidity, Indecision, and Lack of Focus Will Negatively Impact Your Life

BY ERIC OLLILA

The Tortoise & The Hare I recently watched the Youtube video of a tortoise racing a hare.1 It was impressive to watch the hare blast off and reach the halfway point on the track in just a few hops, while Ms. Tortoise had barely gotten off the starting line. But it was Source

1

youtu.be/m7NuVjpi72c

“

astounding to see the tortoise win the race. I've always heard the saying that "slow and steady wins the race." And, probably like you, dear reader, I've listened to the story of the tortoise and the hare since I was a little kid. But seeing it in real life hit me like a ton of lead. It permanently elevated the importance of the lesson in my heart. You see, what the tortoise had

You see, what the tortoise had that the hare didn't was perseverance, consistency, staying power, and, in a certain sense, endurance."

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DECEMBER 2021

that the hare didn't was perseverance, consistency, staying power, and, in a certain sense, endurance.

Was the tortoise slow? Yes. Awkward? Yes. She looked a little stiff, lugging her heavy shell down the track. But did she let up? No. Did she get distracted? No. Did she

quit? No. Did she stay the course? Yes. The tortoise consistently walked the entire race, enduring the weight of her shell, the whole length of the track, and kept focused amidst the distracting noise of the crowd. She never quit.

She just kept moving ahead.

On the other hand, the hare could have sprinted the entire track with minimal hops. It wouldn't have required a significant amount of effort to win the race, but she quit.

SHE QUIT! Right in the middle of the track, the hare stopped moving forward. It looked like she even turned to head back to the starting line at one point in the video.

Family and Business As an individual who has always had an interest and passion for family, investing, and business, one of the lessons I learned early in my

life was the importance of perseverance, consistency, and endurance to make anything work. Whether you're raising a family, investing, or starting a business, you must persevere. You must be consistent and endure all the hardships that come your way. You must weather the storms and avoid distractions.

In Canada, roughly 40% of marriages end in divorce before their thirtieth anniversary.2 And that number is expected to increase over the next several years.3 In business, "86.8% of all Canadian startups" survive till year 2. But, after the third year, roughly 66% of companies were still there. After ten years, just under half the companies survived, at a rate between 42.9% to 47.8%, depending upon the business sector.4 The numbers are slightly different in the United States. For

marriage, the divorce rate in the United States is between 42-46% and surprisingly has been declining since the 1980s. In the 1970s and 80s, the divorce rate peaked, but over the last 40 years, it has declined 44.2%.5 Sources

2

The Divorce Rate in Canada | Divorce & Family Lawyers Barrie, Newmarket & Orillia galbraithfamilylaw.com/blog/ divorce-rate-in-canada/

3

Number of divorced people in Canada 2000-2020 | Statista statista.com/statistics/443290/ divorced-people-in-canada/

4

Business Startup Statistics Canada | Fundsquire Canada fundsquire.ca/startupstatistics-canada/

5

(2021 Divorce Rate In America) How Many Marriages End In Divorce Statistics - The Hive Law & FastStats - Marriage and Divorce cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/ marriage-divorce.htm

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FROM THE EDITOR In business, "according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of U.S. small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of their fifth year, roughly 50% have faltered. After ten years, only around a third of businesses have survived."6 While many reasons contribute to the ultimate demise of each marriage and business that fails, it is possible to simplify it all down to one all-encompassing factor — perseverance or staying power — the ability to endure, to last, through whatever comes.

Roughly 1/3 of businesses survive year ten because they were the only ones who could persevere through and endure all the trials and tribulations of the first ten years. And 40% of marriages end before their thirtieth anniversary because the established foundation upon which they rested could not stay the commitment "in sickness and in health, or until death do us part." In other words, they couldn't persevere through everything until the death part. They didn't have the staying power or the ability to endure.

Perseverance in the Bible I believe perseverance and endurance are essential characteristics needed for Sources

6

8

lendingtree.com/business/small/

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“

While many reasons contribute to the ultimate demise of each marriage and business that fails, it is possible to simplify it all down to one all-encompassing factor — perseverance or staying power — the ability to endure, to last, through whatever comes. end times. Far too many of us demonstrate the hare's behavior—timidity, indecision, lack of followthrough, lack of commitment, and distraction of focus.

Many are wishy-washy, like the hare. Few can persevere through the struggle and endure the race, like the tortoise.

The Bible vividly clarifies that perseverance and endurance are essential in the believer's life and character.

There are at least 24 references in the New Testament to perseverance. The book of Revelation alone has seven references to perseverance in the believer's life (Rev 1:9; 2:2; 2:3; 2:19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12). It is a defining characteristic of the saints in Revelation 14:12.

DECEMBER 2021

Application: Gaining Heaven Whether we are seeking to build a family, invest, start a business, or pursue any other worthwhile endeavor, it is clear that perseverance is essential. The same is valid for seeking heaven.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NASB95) And

So, what about you? Are you like the tortoise or the hare?

I want to be like the tortoise and see you at the finish line.

Eric Ollila

Communication/IT/Media Director Alberta Conference

Alberta Conference Women’s Retreat | April 8 -10 2022

MOVING FORWArd Why a Women’s Retreat?

Women’s Retreat is an event that helps you have the power to renew, to revive, to regenerate your mind and your heart. Moving Forward on a journey with God and a time of connection with Him. A time of fellowship with other Christian women. To give you the strength and the courage to face the journey ahead.

Our speaker, June Price from Andrews University, will guide us on how to get through the pandemic challenges of Moving Forward.

Listen! Today you are Moving Forward…do not fear and tremble or be terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you.

Deuteronomy 20:3-4

Limited seats available.

Find out more on January, 2022 albertaadventist.ca

DEVOTIONAL

The

House

P

icture if you will imagine a world before modern technology took over this present time.

It was a world where people traveled by horses, mules, camels, or foot.

It was a world where a husband and his wife left the family who loved them and friends who shunned them all because the wife was pregnant out of wedlock.

Do we know this story very well from the Gospels?

As a child, this Christmas

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of

Bread

story always left a deep impression on my mind and heart. It was a story that I saw with the eyes of a child.

The angels singing praises of Jesus coming into the world, the shepherds hearing the angelic message of the Messiah being born. Wise men from the east coming to acknowledge that they have

DECEMBER 2021

seen the Messiah and bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh that was fitting for royalty. All this was from my mind's eye as a child growing up in my church.

Numerous verses in the Old Testament foreshadow Jesus' birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection story.

Yet, one prophetic verse stood out for me today. It is taken from Micah 5:2 “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

This verse pointed to His birth in a small, obscure town known as Bethlehem. What is very interesting is the name of the town where Jesus was born.

Bethlehem was a town where it was known for herding sheep and making bread. Hence Bethlehem in Hebrew meant "House of Bread." What's more interesting is that in Hebrew, it also had a deeper meaning as a "House of War." What a powerful visual thought of what was to come for our

Lord and Savior of this World.

Born in a town that will have significant meaning for His life. Jesus was the Bread of Life in the wilderness for Israel and the greatest conqueror for us in the war on sin. Christmas is not just about family gatherings. It's about who made it possible to be united with families.

The war ended when Jesus came into this world. Romans 8:1-2 gives us the reality of how Jesus united families: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

This is the greatest gift coming from Jesus Himself.

He faced the war on sin by giving Himself to each one of us today. Is this your desire to follow Jesus today? A child born for this mission to feed the hungry as the Bread of Life and to conquer and vanquish our basest sinful nature. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I encourage every one of us to remember the blessing we have today to worship Jesus freely because He gave His life for us to be free from our sins.

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DEVOTIONAL

GENEROSITY IN HARD TIMES “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”

(Proverbs 11:24-25, The Message)

A

s stewards of the Lord, no matter what is going on in the world or the economy, we should always reflect the nature of our God and thus be generous. It is even more important to model generosity in every possible way during

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hard times and all the greater this challenging Christmas season. Following are six stewardship insights from Abraham’s experience that we can apply to be generous stewards this Christmastime and for such an unprecedented period of difficulty we are in:

DECEMBER 2021

ONE. In Genesis 12, God

told Abram to go to a new land. Abram obeyed and took his nephew, Lot, with him.

Lot’s father had died, and this was an incredible act of generosity on Abram’s part. God may be leading you in the spirit of Christmas generos-

“

It is even more important to model generosity in every possible way during hard times and all the greater this challenging Christmas season.

ity, to care for people, such as elderly parents or a family in crisis, in the same way, that Abram cared for Lot.

TWO. Abram showed gen-

erosity by giving Lot the first choice of the land (Genesis 13:10-13). Has God called you to be generous with another member of your family as you divide an estate? Or, are you being called to forgive someone who took advantage of you in a past estate settlement or legal transaction?

THREE. When Lot was

captured, Abram rescued him.

Lot's foolish behavior had cost him everything, but Abram loved him anyway. Read Genesis 14:13-16. This Christmastime, we should be willing to serve, help, and be generous to those in need—even those who have been foolish.

FOUR. As a result of rescuing Lot, Abram and his servants captured treasures that had been stolen. From

these treasures, Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek, king of Salem, who was a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18-20). Abram knew and has never forgotten that everything he had came from God. Has God called you to have a greater focus in supporting His Kingdom and funding the mission of making disciples?

FIVE. Abram gave back all the captured treasures except what his men needed for refreshment. Read Genesis 14:24. If you’re an employer, be generous to your employees during this period of time. Share your company’s victories and blessings with them, and let them know you couldn’t make it without them.

even with those who don’t deserve your generosity at this time of the year?

May we remember Abram’s model for generosity as we commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas under such challenging times our world is in. When we are generous, we not only step into the blessing of God, we reflect our beneficent God, who gave everything in and through His Son to save you and me. Merry CHRIST-mas to everyone!

SIX. In Genesis 14, verses 22 to 24, Abram gave back all the captured treasures to the King of Sodom. Has God called you to be generous

Pr. Gerry Pasikatan Ontario Conference Stewardship Director

DECEMBER 2021

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FEATURE

W

hen I was much younger, I loved playing video games. I am not much of a huge gamer now but growing up in the 90s, I loved a good game of NBA Jam, Mario Brothers, Crash Bandicoot, or even Sonic the Hedgehog, just to name a few. Wait… I can’t forget the ultimate favorite Mike Tyson Punch-Out! The thrill I would get from playing the game and winning games and the idea that I could become a character in another whole new world fascinated me. I would leave my personal human world for a few moments and enter a digital on-screen space that allowed me to travel through the television screen.

When the game was done, I would often sit wondering how in the world was I able to play in a different digital on-screen world? Were those characters real? Were they part of another reality, a virtual reality, perhaps? Were those characters stuck in some type of distant parallel universe?

As a teen growing up back then, when you think of

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those particular questions of simulated reality, it would be considered more of a type of science fiction or something, but in actuality, those were not farfetched ideas by any standards today.

In 2021, they have games that mirror or replicate a type of simulated reality or augmented reality that appears real lifelike, as if you are actually in the game.

Why do I bring all this talk about gaming, augmented reality, and virtual reality?

Are we still not in a global pandemic? Well, that’s the point; the pandemic has escalated and sped up the engagement and acceptance, and advancement of normalizing virtual reality.

DECEMBER 2021

Philosopher and author Nick Bostrom coined the term "Simulation Hypothesis."

He asked the question, are we living in a computer simulation? This question seems almost absurd but just think for a moment, are we all living in a giant computer game where our minds are the processing unit, where we are all interconnected to the universe, a type of subjective reality from a metaphysical perspective. Well, even if you don't believe that right now, a more technologically advanced reality is coming a new way of life.

It’s called the metaverse. The metaverse is "a collective of

virtual shared spaced created by the convergence of visually enhanced physical reality, and physical persistence shared space."

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, is working on this new world.

This new world will be a digital landscape fueled

by virtual reality and augmented reality. It is the internet 3.0 or better known as the internet 3D version.

In the metaverse, we will all have VR headsets in which we connect to the internet in 3D, but instead of it just being used for gaming purposes, it will be a part of our daily life,

like going to school, going to work, going to church and social functions and events. In the metaverse, we will go shopping virtually through a three-dimensional smart screen and hang out with friends, and visit libraries, all from our digital headset. Right now, you can virtually try on clothing without physically going into the store's dressing room. A simple example of augmented reality would be the Pokémon go craze that happened several years ago.

Before the Second Coming… is the First Coming of the

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

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FEATURE

You could use your phone and capture Pokémon digitally yet in the physical world, all through an app.

Other games like decentral land allow you to create avatars that maneuver a digital, doing fun things like attending concerts, music festivals, or social events. Platforms like Gather Town have that same feel, but the metaverse will be way more advanced.

The metaverse essentially allows people worldwide to connect and interact online in a completely decentralized, interconnected digital environment.

I know it looks pretty futuristic and farfetched, but creators and experts say that we will be living in a whole new world and ecosystem called the metaverse within the next five years. And when you think of it, with the global pandemic, and remote 16

Alberta Adventist News

“

Indeed the lines between the physical world and the real world continue to become very blurry. working and learning, the old world is crumbling, and a new world is emerging.

We see the signs of the times, wars, rumors of wars, pestilence, and man's heart waxing colder and colder. The second coming of Jesus seems not too far off, but in the meantime, the ushering in of the first coming of the metaverse is nearly here. Indeed the lines between the physical world and the real world continue to become very blurry.

Typically, we have connected with the internet

DECEMBER 2021

with 2D screens from a computer or smart device, but soon those products will be rendered old school.

Everyone will be wearing fashionable AR glasses that allow you to connect to the metaverse while walking down the street.

Who knows, maybe the next time I see you, we will be attending church, camp meetings, or even the General Conference session. Will we be meeting in the metaverse, standing in our living rooms with our induvial VR Headsets on?

Dr. Lyle Notice

Youth Director Alberta Conference

December 17 & 18 at 7:00 PM

CHURCH NEWS

Edmonton South Seventh-day Adventist Church presents

Bringing hope for the hopeless & strength for the broken Due to COVID-19, individuals MUST register using the link below

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Created by

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SCAN TO REGISTER OR GO TO HTTPS://BIT.LY/3NPBYXD FOR MORE INFO CALL (780) 465-4426 EVENT WILL BE HELD AT 11520 ELLERSLIE RD SW EDMONTONSOUTHSDA.ORG

EDMONTON SOUTH

DEPARTMENT

NEWS

Celebrating With Others

H

ow do you celebrate your birthday or your wedding anniversary?

Here is an example of creative thanksgiving offered at Red Deer Soup Kitchen recently. Rodney and Medi Caponpon celebrated their 60th birthday (September 28 and 29) and their 34th wedding anniversary (September 30). They chose to provide a complete meal for the downtown participants who come by our building on a regular basis for a meal each Thursday,

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Alberta Adventist News

Sabbath, and Sunday.

What a treat on this particular day! The meal consisted of deep-fried chicken strips or nuggets, a fresh bun, green salad, and cake with toppings for dessert.

Many hands make light work. About 150 people received the special celebration meal that day.

Praise the Lord! And thank you, Medi and Rod. We want to give a shoutout to new volunteers who have come from various corners of central Alberta

DECEMBER 2021

SERVING LINE-UP. Left to right: Darby Nielsen at the take-out window, Colleen Davison on desserts, Betty Scholing on salad and buns, Director Attaleen Werner, Tracy Zwaneveld, closing the trays and placing in the bag, and Jenne Ebens, dishing up the main dish, mashed potatoes and gravy, and lentil loaf… a real feast.

to lend a hand. Welcome and thank you to (right to left)Jeanne Ebens, Tracy Zwaneveld, Betty Scholing, Colleen Davison, and our Director, Attaleen Werner.

Thanks go out to all of our teams who consistently provide nutritious and delicious meals for the needy in our community. We are blessed. God is GOOD. Please remember our ministry needs during the Christmas season.

Your donations are greatly appreciated.

—Submitted by Jane Holmes

DEPARTMENT NEWS

CELEBRATION MEAL. Rodney and Medi Caponpon, celebrating their 60th birthday (1 day apart) and 34th wedding anniversary, are using this occasion to bless the crowd of hungry attendees.

COUNTING UP TO 150 MEALS TO HAND OUT Brooke, Brad, and Martha Boehner, a family effort in preparing take-out meals.

FRESH BUNS TO START. Stephon, Afua Duodu, and Wanda Pelletier setting out fresh buns in each tray.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE MEAL - CHICKEN NUGGETS and STRIPS. Jane Holmes adding the meat to each dinner tray.

WAYS TO DONATE TO THE RED DEER SOUP KITCHEN

BY CHEQUE IN THE MAIL Box 431 Red Deer, T4N 5E9 Cheques payable to Red Deer Soup Kitchen

BY CHURCH ENVELOPE Designate to Red Deer Soup Kitchen

BY INTERNET Canadahelps.org Select Red Deer Soup Kitchen from charities list

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

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DEPARTMENT NEWS

Sherwood Care: Stronger Together Over 19 months into the pandemic and following a blistering summer heatwave, Sherwood Care staff and residents are as strong as ever, with much to be thankful.

U

nprecedented is not a word that is used much in healthcare.

Unexpected will be used from time to time, and even unusual gets an occasional mention, but rarely will you hear reference to unprecedented circumstances. From end-oflife experiences to seasonal influenza outbreaks to sudden challenges that call for quick, creative solutions, the staff at Sherwood Care have, as they say, “seen it all, heard it all, and done it all” before. And one of the key factors in their successful navigation of these experiences, they will tell you, is that they face them as a team.

In the early spring of 2020, this teamwork attitude was tested in genuinely unprecedented ways. "I'd be lying if I said we weren't worried," shares Sherwood Care CEO Kathy Fortunat of the reaction among staff as news of the global COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold. "There was certainly an awareness, as it progressed, of how severe it was and the challenges that we had as an organization."

Stories of the devastation to long-term care centers coupled

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with ever-changing orders from medical authorities were at times overwhelming as care center leaders met daily in the early months of the pandemic.

Their response: "We did what we always do," says Kathy; "we pulled together as a team, and we asked for God's direction and wisdom" along with prayer for protection for everyone connected with the care center, recognizing that Sherwood Care's team extended well beyond the building walls.

"And then we started to do what we do," she continues, explaining that from the very beginning, families, as well as staff at all levels, were kept informed of the plans being put into action. More than just telling them what was going on and what to do, however, Sherwood Care's philosophy of leadership and partnership at all levels meant the staff was also directly involved in giving feedback and input as plans were implemented, changed, and changed again on a weekly, and at times daily basis. Besides strong communication, staff support was put in place. Additional staff hiring was done in all depart-

DECEMBER 2021

ments to relieve the increased workload around the pandemic and maintain complete, consistent shift coverage. Gave each staff increased access to mental health support through the chaplain, social worker, and external providers. "And food, lots of food," says Kathy with a smile, referring to the many donations of meals and treats from families and the community as tangible expressions of their appreciation for the care provided.

From the onset and throughout the successive waves of the pandemic, Sherwood Care has effectively prevented any spread of COVID-19 both within the building and among staff. While other facilities have faced complete lockdowns with the suspension of programs and the isolation of all residents, we have been able to maintain a relative sense of normalcy for our resident population. Acknowledging this phenomenal accomplishment, Kathy and her team are quick to tell everyone it is because of two things: first, the blessing and grace of God, and second, the dedicated, hardworking team of caregivers at all levels.

DEPARTMENT NEWS

TEDDY BEAR

LOVE I

Even behind the masks, the group is smiling.

We are all in this together.

Then, as if an ongoing global pandemic wasn’t enough, the team faced yet another unprecedented challenge with the heatwave in the early weeks of this past summer. As temperatures reached near and above forty degrees, the realities of living and working in a 52-year-old building became evident when the air conditioning in one area broke down.

But as always, families and staff rallied and rose to the occasion.

Extra fans were brought in and purchased for hallways and common areas. Cooling towels were provided to staff, along with daily supplies of cold bottled water throughout the building. Staff covered for each other to give time off the floor in air-conditioned spaces. And, once again, food, lots of food, in the form of frozen treats throughout the day. As the days

stretched into weeks, when tempers could have flared with the temperatures, Sherwood Care staff worked extra hard day in and day out to stay cool and collected as they faithfully carried out their duties and provided extra care needed in these exceptional circumstances.

Not many generations can say they have been through an unprecedented event; fewer still will be able to say they have survived two. This is especially true if you work in healthcare. But in the face of two unprecedented, large-scale events, the team at Sherwood Care has come through as strong as ever, and stronger. And in the end, we can all say, "Been there… done that… got the T-shirt!" #SherwoodCareStrong.

— Submitted by Adam Deibert - Chaplain, Sherwood Care

n October, some office staff challenged the Conference office to find extra happiness and focus on virtuous and fuzzy memories by celebrating National "Bring Your Teddy Bear To Work" Day on the 13th. We had fun telling stories about why our particular teddy bear, rabbit, or monkey (not everyone had a favorite teddy bear!) was significant to us. That day was great! It improved our mood, gave us hope, and lifted the spirits of all that arrived at the office and were able to see our "office family" of teddy bears.

—Submitted by Mildred Weiss - Data Coordinator/ Education Support

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

21

DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Alberta Conference Welcomes the Education Dept New Staff We are delighted to welcome our new members.

Gail Wilton Gail Wilton is the new Education Director/ Superintendent for the Alberta Conference. Gail grew up in Adventist education, from Kindergarten through grade 12, in St. John's, Newfoundland.

After completing high school, she moved to Lacombe, Alberta, to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. She graduated from Canadian University College, now Burman University, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a Master's Degree

in Educational Leadership and Administration from LaSierra University in Riverside, California.

She believes in the optimal opportunity for education in an environment that is safe and stimulating for all. It is her passion to support staff and students throughout their pursuit of success. She thrives on being of service to others and is dedicated to being a lifelong learner.

Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Education for Outstanding Leadership.

Having worked in the field of education for many years, Gail has received awards for

In her spare time, Gail enjoys music, camping, and spending time with her family.

Brent van Rensburg Brent van Rensburg was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, and currently resides in Lacombe, Alberta. After graduating in 2004 from Canadian University College and Union College, he taught in the Adventist Education system in Ontario before moving to Alberta to become the Associate Residence Dean at Burman University. For the last two years, he has served and continues to serve as the Alberta

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Alberta Adventist News

Conference Associate Director of Education. Other background training also includes Occupational Health and Safety and as a facilitator in training first responders for Alberta Sexual Assault Services. His goal is to inspire those he works with in education and make Adventist Education the number one choice for families in the church and surrounding communities.

He also strives for excellence and a deep personal relationship with

DECEMBER 2021

God. One of his favorite verses in the Bible comes from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

DEPARTMENT NEWS

Glen Holly Glen Holly has recently joined the Alberta Conference team fulltime as Health & Safety/ Education Support/IT or, in other words, a "Friend of Adventist Education."

Glen has a passion for Seventh-day Adventist education that stems from the dedication of his parents, church members, and teachers and their sacrifices to ensure he had great opportunities in the Adventist School system.

Always wanting to make a difference, the skills that Glen developed while attending Adventist schools from Grade 4 through University have been put to use in the past as CEO of Guardian Ambulance

Ltd, where he was able to service many communities and uphold a Christian philosophy of "making a difference" for over 24 years. In his role with the Alberta Conference, Glen is excited to share his experience in business administration and strives to make a difference in helping others prepare for Jesus' soon coming!

Glen is thankful to God for two grown children, Gillian and Austin, a daughterin-law, Ashley, and now a beautiful granddaughter, Harper. Glen has been blessed with nearly 28 years of marriage to a beautiful wife and friend, Wendy. They live on a farm

near Benalto, Alberta, and are actively involved in church life. Glen happily served as a past member of the Board of Trustees for Burman University and currently serves as an elder at the Sylvan Lake Seventhday Adventist Church, as the treasurer for Sylvan Meadows Adventist School, and vice-chair for the school board of Parkview Adventist Academy.

missionaries to the south of Argentina, where they had the privilege of founding a small Adventist group (now a small church) in the city of San Martin de los Andes. While there, Mildred became the proud mother of Egan (1999) and Aine (2001). In 2002, the small family accepted an invitation to serve at River Plate University, where she played a key role in the development, organization, and instruction of a new Nutrition program. Mildred

and Adrian's missionary souls took the family to the Philippines as Volunteers at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS). While

Mildred Weiss Mildred Weiss was born in Uruguay and grew up in Argentina. She was raised as an Adventist in a missionary family. She completed her elementary and high school studies in several Adventist institutions in Argentina.

She finished a bachelor's degree in nutritional science from a public university and then worked as a Clinical Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist.

Once married to Adrian Schmidt, they decided to become self-sustained

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

23

DEPARTMENT NEWS

working as staff in the AIIAS Library, Mildred got a postgraduate diploma in education.

The family then immigrated to Canada in 2008, making Lacombe their home up to the present. In 2011, Mildred joined the Education department at the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists with the passion to help Adventist education grow in Alberta. Her desire for children to become citizens of heaven drives her goals and decisions.

She wants our students to have the best tools and experiences in our schools to become productive citizens in this world and for eternity. One of her favorite verses from Scripture is Philippians 4:4; "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” She wants everyone around her to know that her love for Jesus is the reason for her happiness and joy.

—Submitted by the Education Department

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Alberta Adventist News

Highest-Ever Enrollment, Surge in CTS D

espite COVID obstacles, more students than ever before are enrolled at MANS: •

10% increase in high school enrollment

•

33 off-reserve Indigenous students

•

Highest-ever overall enrollment for school: 232 students K-12

“We’re excited to see this growth,” says Principal Michael Willing, who assumed his position in August.

DECEMBER 2021

CTS/Industrial Arts classes also have record enrollment and are filled to capacity. Males dominate Welding this year, but Construction Technology is evenly split between male and female students.

Get the new principal’s take on the coming year in Principal’s Update video at mans1. ca and catch The Construction Tech Experience video too.

"Taken from The Bridge Update Newsletter. More current news about MANS can be found at mans1.ca in the News & Newsletter sections."—By Lynn McDowell

Alberta Adventis

The IT Support one-stop-shop for Alberta Conference The Alberta Conference is excited to announce its first Help Desk. IT experts provide help for fast solutions to support our members on an add-on to pre-existing IT action.

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Inquire for additional areas we may be able to help you.

Contact us at helpdesk@albertaadventist.ca

CHURCH FEATURE

GRATITUDE Pastor Roberson Dorelus delivering his message.

H

ow many times before had I sung those words? Too many times to remember, but these words took on a new meaning in Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church for me. My eyes filled with tears as I made an effort to join my voice with the church family in giving praises to our God as we echoed the words of this wellknown gospel song: "There's NO Other Name Like Jesus."

Could it be that my personal emotional reaction to this song is not just about the song? Could it be the missed physical gathering of Sabbath worship? Or

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Alberta Adventist News

perhaps, I have been deprived for too long of the intimacy of worshiping with God's people. The reality of being isolated — locked-down — has been overbearing for us all. Perhaps, what I had also rediscovered from this song is that Sabbath morning worship gives me a true sense of bonding and belonging--especially when physically connected in our worship — and I do not want to lose that connection.

Through It All I’m Grateful As we ventured into the Thanksgiving worship services on October 9, 2021, a

DECEMBER 2021

warm welcome was extended to everyone present and those viewing virtually by our officiating Pastor, Roberson Dorelus. We were blessed to hear from five individual members from different age groups as they shared their testimonies — thanks to God for the numerous blessings and accomplishments over the years.

Pastor Dorelus began his sermon with these words, "Through it all I am grateful" The theme text for the message was based on 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. We were reminded in this timely message by Pastor Roberson Dorelus of how easy it is for

us to become distracted, to the following questions were focus on the negative and given to the audience to not the positive in our lives. ponder: "How do you give Being Thanksgiving weekend, thanks when you have lost it was the appropriate time for a loved one? How do you us to reflect on our thoughts give thanks when you have and attitudes regarding being lost your job?" Expressing grateful. Pastor Roberson our gratitude is not about stated. "Learning to be our circumstances. It is grateful is much more than about learning to see the our immediate circumstance. serenity of God. We may The fact is that life will not feel grateful, but we can sometimes present us with always be grateful. Finally, we things that cause us not to be were challenged by Pastor grateful." He also mentioned Roberson to rejoice and give that the past year has been thanks always, no matter challenging for many of us. what we are going through, However, we know that joy and to pray without ceasing. should not be based on our —Presented by Ina Martin, circumstances in life but God. Edmonton Central In his closing thoughts, Seventh- day Adventist Church

Amazing testimonies given during the Gratitude meetings.

Clockwise: Young participant Galen Hamstra, Ken Letkeman, Casta Bwasisi, Ella Ferris, and Claudia Umubyeyi.

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

27

CHURCH NEWS Baptism of Colin Wiebe

Larry Hixt

Talandira Banda

Temwani Banda

God’s Faithfulness in Beiseker and Airdrie I

n the district of Beiseker and Airdrie, God has been working despite all the challenges that COVID-19 continues to bring. The end of summer and the early fall has led to eight baptisms and a profession of faith in this region.

In Airdrie, the church celebrated the baptisms of six young people and one senior on Sabbath, August 28th. Victoria (9) and Lauren Hixt (7) were baptized with their Grandfather, Larry Hixt. They were joined in their commitment to Jesus by Zach Alag (12), Tiyamike Banda (23), Temwani

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

Banda (16), and Talandira Banda (13).

In Beiseker, the beginning of autumn saw Shawn Wadsworth (who has long served as an integral part of the church community) officially become a member of the local congregation through a profession of faith. And on the afternoon of Sabbath, October 9th, Colin Wiebe took a polar plunge in the Rosebud River as a public proclamation of his faith in Jesus.

The studies to prepare for these baptisms took place on ZOOM during the various seasons of restrictions in the province. God

Lauren Hixt

Subscribe to

eNews Victoria and Lauren Hixt

Get the latest news and updates with Alberta Adventist Weekly eNews!

Zach Alag

proved, however, that He is still faithful, and He is truly seeking those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. These stories remind us that the church is more than brick and mortar, but, rather, the people who have committed to being God’s temples on earth, filled with the Holy Spirit. —Submitted by Anthony Kern - Pastor, Beiseker and Airdrie

Subscribe here: albertaadventist.ca/enewssubscribe

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

29

CHURCH NEWS

Bucaya Family’s Spiritual Journey – Testimony

O

ur family spiritual journey was a bittersweet experience as our whole family acquired Covid-19 back in January this year on its 2nd wave. During that time, everybody was terrified of the virus as the 1st dose of vaccine was recently initiated to health care professionals working in acute care and senior home facilities with Covid-19 outbreak. As one of the staff working in a senior home heavily impacted by the Covid-19 cases, I acquired the virus and infected my husband Erick, my 9-year-old son Tutz and my parents, who were part of our household.

My father, who was frail for a year and bed-bound for a few months, needed to be treated in the hospital which my mother joined him in the

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Alberta Adventist News

same unit after three days of his hospital confinement. I was recovering from the virus, both of my parents in the hospital, a husband whom I dropped off to emergency for his worsening symptoms, and a Covid (+) son driving with me to and from the hospital. I had no choice but to be strong for my whole family and no one to rely on but to God, for His divine intervention to heal my family, especially my ill father who was fighting for his life, on the antibiotic course, oxygen, IV, and unable to eat and drink. Hospital doctors have told me multiple times that he may not surpass the virus.

I prayed hard and hoped that God would extend my father's life. I can't let go... I wasn’t ready to give up on my dad yet.

I approached a dear friend struggling with the same pain

DECEMBER 2021

“

We lost my father to Covid-19 on his last day of antibiotic treatment.

We lost him but found a spiritual family. as mine (we work together in the same Covid unit). A friend who happens to be married to a Seventh-day Adventist husband who was admitted to ICU in the same hospital where my parents were for Covid-19 unmanageable symptoms. My friend and I would talk on the phone, both crying about what happened to our families. I seek spiritual support from her husband's Adventist Ministry to extend

CHURCH NEWS their prayers to my dad. Shortly after we talked, I received a call from one of the pastor's wife, and we prayed for my dad, which later became a group zoom prayer with my family with special intention for my dad's healing. The M.E.T.R.O. Filipino Seventh-day Adventist family patiently prayed with us and for us. They treated my parents so dearly and helped my family with all the support we needed. In their exceptional, sincere, and loving way that we had never imagined a complete stranger would do to someone like us. The ministry showered our family with Christ-like kindness and support. Their kind gesture is very much appreciated. We will forever be grateful to God for sending His love to our family thru the M.E.T.R.O. Filipino Adventist ministry.

We felt God’s love thru them. We were in complete darkness, but God sent His light unto our family through the Adventist Community.

We lost my father to Covid-19 on his last day

of antibiotic treatment.

We lost him but found a spiritual family. I once said this testimony in one of our many zoom prayers that our experience in finding our more profound relationship with God the Father, Our Redeemer Jesus Christ, and the Divine Holy Spirit in our lives was when we were in the midst of our storm, that's when we found peace in our lives too. We were at peace of losing dad, knowing that his physical suffering had ended, and the new beginning of our spiritual journey has started with the help of M.E.T.R.O. Filipino Seventh-day Adventist church members. We are forever grateful to each and everyone in the ministry for their Christ-like kindness and love. We are very proud to call them our brothers and sisters in Christ, most especially the day we all celebrated our family's most memorable day when our family officially accepted Christ as our personal Saviour on our baptismal day, September 5, 2021. — Submitted by Karen Perez Bucaya

The Bucaya family joining the Church family.

Frederick "Erick" Bucaya accepting Jesus as his personal Savior.

Frederick Kyle "Tutz" Bucaya.

Karen Perez Bucaya baptized

by Pastor Sam Cadiz.

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

31

CHURCH NEWS

Following the Shepherd through Baptism Baptism is the first step in our spiritual journey and in developing a relationship with God. We can continuously develop that relationship by yielding to the Master and trusting that He is the perfect shepherd.

O

n July 10, 2021, Calgary M.E.T.R.O. Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated the baptism of Hilliary Faythe Tubay and Kin Alexzander Vicedo. They accepted Jesus Christ in their lives.

Testimony: Kin Vicedo Hello, my name is Kin Vicedo.

Before I was baptized, I had an online Bible study with Pastor Sam Cadiz. I learned many things about Jesus and met new friends, and got closer to God. After the Bible study, I got baptized, and I felt happy and new. I will continue to serve God with my talent, like playing the piano for His ministry.

Testimony: Hilliary Faythe My life before baptism was very...How do I put this?

Hopeless? I don't know how to put it into words, but things were depressing for me. I just felt as if there wasn't any hope left in my life. After my baptism, it was like a ray of blessing was shining on my face. I had hope for my future. I am motivated to do everything, and life seemed pretty amazing for once.

Baptism is a gift of new life with Christ. As children of God, we learn of His love which is unshakable and eternal.

On September 5, 2021, the heavenly host rejoiced as we welcomed the Bucaya Family at Calgary M.E.T.R.O. Filipino Adventist Church.

(See pages 28-29) Just as shepherd guard their sheep and care for them day and night, so does God care for us. It paved the way into a new life, made us children of God, heirs to the hope of eternal life.

Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5, NIV. —Submitted by Mona Gumtang – Calgary M.E.T.R.O. Communications Coordinator

Pastor Sam Cadiz with Hilliary Faythe Tubay and Alexzander Kin Vicedo at their baptism; after the ceremony both received flowers from Calgary M.E.T.R.O.

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

CHURCH NEWS

The assembly line. Left to right: Sharon Batsel, Lucy Cazes, Lily Hammel, Penny Benn, Josie Fitterer, Wade Cazes, Pastor Ryan Reeves.

Live music for everyone too! Left to right: Penny Benn, Josie Fitterer, and friend.

Fruit and Veggie Giveaway Thanks to ADRA Canada, the Medicine Hat Seventh-day Adventist church held a Fresh Fruit & Veggie Giveaway for those whom Covid has financially burdened. On July 21 and August 18, we turned our parking lot into a drive-thru! Many volunteers came to serve, providing both physical and spiritual nourishment. While families in need received a large box of fresh fruits and vegetables and a little hope in dire times, they also received either Steps to Christ, Great Controversy, or the Happiness Digest. We found that serving those in need provides a boost to them and provides a boost to uplift and unify our church family. This was the second year we were able to help the community with a Fresh Fruit & Veggie Giveaway. You knew it was appreciated from the mix of heartfelt smiles and the tears of thanks that were shed. In Photos by Wade Cazes

total, 220 family units were served, and many souls were nourished. — Submitted by Ryan Reeves - Pastor, Medicine Hat Adventist Church

The finished product. Each family unit received a box like this.

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

33

CHURCH NEWS

New Life Festival Celebrated by Calgary Parkdale Church Under the Pandemic, we experienced almost everything that has been changing inside and outside God’s church.

However, there is a good change: the transformative change of a human soul. Obviously, Parkdale experiences this wave of change driven by the Holy Spirit when COVID-19 attacks the church community. Following last year, when eight souls were baptized at Barrier Lake in the Rocky Mountains, this year, another six precious, treasured souls decided to follow Jesus Christ in heavenly joy at Newell Lake in Brooks on 7 August, 2021.

These are new disciples of Jesus Christ. Each row, Left to right: Kai Rafael Flores, Nathan Ross Magnaye; Pristine Labador, Aden Joss Ballecer; Roderick James Ballecer, and Jannah Amancio.

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

Humble servant leadership of Parkdale’s elders and parents drew these young hearts to Jesus Christ and motivated them to build their spiritual houses on the Rock in these days of the secular flood. Three days a week for two month, the in-depth Bible study of the 28 fundamental beliefs and the book of Daniel, led by Pastor Jinwook Moses Lee, prompted these six souls come to Jesus Christ as His disciples. We give glory to God, who recreates new hearts and minds in them through this blessed baptism. Parkdale has a bright future by having these 14 new disciples and young leaders. May God continually guide their spiritual growth and lead their journeys. —Submitted by Pastor Jinwook Lee

CHURCH NEWS

From an active Catholic Leader to Adventist

I

am Marilou Luna, 43 years old and happily married to my husband, Jobert Luna. We have two sons, Matthew Jacob and Ezekiel. I will share the story of how I became a Seventhday Adventist.

I was born in a family of Roman Catholics. I grew up in my grandparent's care because my father died when I was two years old. I'm the youngest of 10 siblings. My mother could not take good care of us; that's why my grandfather took me. I grew up feeling incomplete. There were times I envied other kids when I saw them walking outside with their parents. Just

like other Catholic, I go to church every Sunday. The spiritual aspect of my life became more active when I joined the charismatic group.

I was working in Taiwan as a factory worker. I felt I had this spiritual drought.

One day, I saw this group of people going in and out of our dormitory chapel.

I asked what they were doing, and one of them replied that they were having Bible study and invited me to join.

After a month, I joined the charismatic group. They are the group of Catholics

who are active in Bible study, songs, and praise. I felt blessed in that group because that was the start of my spiritual growth.

I love helping others through prayer. I led in organizing religious activities. I felt happy doing it. I realized that you will not get tired if you offer your time to do God's work. I prayed and lifted all my worries to God. Truly God is amazing.

I got engaged to my boyfriend (now my husband). He was a born Seventh-day Adventist. I was happy he wanted to marry me, but at the same time worried

because it meant I needed to make a big decision. I need to change my religion, and for me, that's an immense decision to make. Two months before we got married, his older sister invited me to attend the church service. I said okay without a second thought, and that is the start of my journey of becoming a Seventh-day Adventist. At first, the only reason I want to become a Seventh-day Adventist is for my husband and I to have the same religion. But as I started attending the church service for over a year and finally decided to

Marilou Luna baptized by Pr. Jinwook Look at Okotoks church campground near Fort Macleod.

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

35

CHURCH NEWS

Marilou Luna and Beltran couple (Eleonor and Lemuel) baptized on the same day.

be baptized, that's when I started doing Bible study with brother Jerson Delima. I came to understand more about the Sabbath day, the different kinds of law, and many other things.

I realized I had made the right decision. I'm happy and blessed. Serving God is good, but it's best if we know the Word of God, its Doctrine, Teachings, and Sacraments.

I did another Bible study with Pastor Jinwook Lee before my baptism. I learned many things about history, doctrines, teachings, and ordinances. I learned that when we are broken, we are down because of the problems we are facing.

All we need to do is to go back to our Creator by asking for help through prayers. He is the only one who can help us and cure us. If we rely on our capabilities, sometimes things get worse. I'm a living testimony. If we lift everything to God, He is always there to help us, listen to us. This is my favorite verse in the Bible (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." I was baptized last July 3, 2021. And I'm attending Okotoks Adventist Church here in Alberta. Right now, I continue to do Bible study with Pastor Jinwook Lee. Please include me in your prayers that I may be able to grow in my journey and the day will come that I have the courage to share the word of God with other people. — Submitted by Marilou Luna

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

THE NEW ALBERTA CONFERENCE BRANDING GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE

albertaadventist.ca/branding

SCHOOL FEATURE

Zhoanne, Criszel and Maecy jumping for joy — Terry Fox Run.

The Spirit of Giving

BY MARTHA BOEHNER

O

Head Teacher, South Side Christian School

ne of my favorite seasons has always been Christmas time. I love spending time with my family, doing our Christmas traditions, and reveling in God's peace. For some of us, Christmas is a time to give. Whether volunteering at a food bank, participating in a toy drive, or making a donation to a charitable organization, our hearts are warmed by gifts given to us, so it's easy for us to give gifts to others. While these are great acts of kindness, is this all that God asks for us to do? It broke my heart the other day when a student shared with me that he wishes his mom would go grocery shopping instead of staying at home all day since they have no food in

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Alberta Adventist News

the house. It opened my eyes to the needs around us, and how most of them are unknown. After pondering what I could do right there at this moment, it led me to think about how often we make an effort to go out of our way to help others. Do we have to wait until Christmas to give and share? Do we do it just because we know we will be getting gifts in return? There are people right now, in our community, church, and school that are praying for help and are in need of a miracle.

At South Side Christian School, the teachers and staff try to install a spirit of giving within our students. To support our school, we've given students an active role in raising money,

DECEMBER 2021

bringing in food to help hungry students, and volunteering at school events. In supporting our community, we've taken part in the Terry Fox Run, raised money for the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue, and have made cards for local senior citizens and veterans.

Whether it's giving our time, energy, or money, God sees our efforts. Beyond the school walls, there is more work to be done in leading our children to serve and using their gifts to bless others.

This reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 5. The master entrusted three servants with talents. Two went out and multiplied the reward of their talents. One, however, kept it to himself, with nothing more to

“

Do we have to wait until Christmas to give and share?

Do we do it just because we know we will be getting gifts in return?

There are people right now, in our community, church, and school that are praying for help and are in need of a miracle. give to the master. The two who had multiplied, were told "Well done, good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 5:21). We all have our talents and blessings that can be used to help those around us. When we entrust those talents to Him, we can be a glimpse of Jesus, blessing others around us. God calls us to be faithful in the little things, and not just at Christmas time, not just when it's easy or convenient, but always. It is my hope and prayer that as Christians, as a community, and as a school, we will dedicate ourselves to helping those in need so that one day when we reach the gates of heaven, we will hear our Lord joyfully saying to each one of us "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

Mrs. Elizabeth Knight giving SSCS masks to teachers.

Uriah sharing his talent of reading with Matthew.

Praveeksha ready to give to the world.

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

39

SCHOOL NEWS

Puppy Cuddles at SSCS

W

ow! October flew right by here at South Side Christian School! We had one particular day that stood out to us — Puppy Cuddles Day! A student and his family from the grades 6-9 classroom regularly foster puppies through the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation and thought it would be a wonderful way to spread some cheer throughout the school.

Our SSCS Student Council team decided it would be helpful if we could somehow fundraise for this wonderful organization.

We decided the best way to do this is to have students donate a dollar for puppy cuddles. Word of mouth spread to the Alberta Conference, and by God’s grace, we raised $187! To add a little bit of incentive for fundraising, we

had the opportunity to name one of the puppies. The winning name is Oopsie.

If you feel like you would like to donate, see some of the adoptable pets or foster, please visit pawsandclawsanimalrescue.ca —Submitted by Vanessa Chokka - Grades 6-9 Teacher, South Side Christian School

Did you know that the Alberta Conference offers free Microsoft Office 365 E1 licenses for all church officers?

For more information email helpdesk@albertaadventist.ca Certain limits and exceptions apply. Microsoft E1 Licenses are web-based only Microsoft E3 and E5 licenses are available upon request. Charges will apply.

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DECEMBER 2021

JANUARY 7-9, 2022

PATHFINDERS BASIC STAFF TRAINING CERTIFICATION

The Pathfinder Club Basic Staff Curriculum is designed to develop an awareness in leaders of the fundamentals of the Pathfinder Club and to help the Pathfinder Club staff become familiar with the procedures, policies, and resources necessary to start and maintain an Pathfinder Club Ministry.

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Registration closes December 27, 2021 For more info albertaadventist.ca/pathfinders

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DECEMBER 2021

FFERING SCHEDULE

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERINGS

MARCH

05 Local Church Budget 12 World Budget - Adventist World Radio* (GC) 19 Local Church Budget 26 Local Conference Advance JUNE

04 Local Church Budget 11 Women’s Ministries* (NAD) 18 Local Church Budget 25 Local Conference Advance

Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) March 26 + Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) June 25 + South American Division (SAD) September 24 + South Pacific Division (SPD) December 24 + MISSION INVESTMENT PROJECTS

Mid-America Union + North Pacific Union + * Special Materials Provided + Special Project Development

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2022 OF

SUNSET CALENDAR 2022 5816 Highway 2A Lacombe, AB T4L 2G5 Phone: (403) 342-5044 Fax : (403) 775-4482 info@albertaadventist.ca albertaadventist.ca

JULY

AUGUST

ABAdventist

02 Local Church Budget 09 World Budget* (GC) 16 Local Church Budget 23 Local Conference Advance 30 Local Church Budget

06 Local Church Budget 13 Canadian Christian Record Services* 20 Local Church Budget 27 Local Conference Advance

ABAdventist

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

01 Local Church Budget 08 Local Conference Advance 15 Local Church Budget 22 Conference Advance 29 Burman University*

05 Local Church Budget 12 Annual Sacrifice for Global Mission* 19 Local Church Budget 26 Conference Advance

albertaadventist

This is a publication of the Alberta Conference Communication Department AYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 13 D AND ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

JULY

Friday Sunsets

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

FFERING SCHEDULE THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERINGS

SEPTEMBER

03 Local Church Budget 10 World Budget (Emphasis: Radio Ministries) (GC)* 17 Local Church Budget 24 Canadian Indigenous Ministries* DECEMBER

03 Local Church Budget 10 Adventist Ministries of Compassion Canada* 17 Local Church Budget 24 Conference Advance 31 Canadian French Ministries*

Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) March 26 + Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) June 25 + South American Division (SAD) September 24 + South Pacific Division (SPD) December 24 + MISSION INVESTMENT PROJECTS

Mid-America Union + North Pacific Union + * Special Materials Provided + Special Project Development

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IN MEMORY Allen John Fowler

February 4, 1937 - November 19, 2021

O

n November 19, Allen Fowler passed away peacefully after a brief battle with congestive heart failure. Airlie, his wife of 64 years, was at his side. It was a full circle moment as he had recently been admitted to Sherwood Care, the very institution he established and administered from 1969 to 1986.

Allen and his twin brother Albert were born in 1937 in Salmon Arm, B.C. He attended school in Silver Creek and Salmon Arm. He and Airlie grew up in the same little community of Silver Creek. They began dating as teenagers and were married on Allen’s birthday in 1957.

Allen gave his heart to Jesus and joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1958.

Allen was a member of the B.C. Forest Service and worked cruising timber, eventually becoming an assistant ranger. However, he desired to serve the Lord full time. In 1959 Allen and Airlie packed up their infant daughter, Lorna, and headed to Canadian Union College (now Burman University) in Lacombe, Alberta, where he majored in Theology and minored in Education. It was here in 1960 that their

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

second daughter Barbara was born. Their third daughter Vivian was born in 1962.

In 1965 Allen was invited

by Pastor Lloyd Janzen, his former college classmate, to move to Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to teach at a oneroom Adventist school. Elder Tony Kaytor, President of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, recognized huge potential in the young Allen Fowler and invited him to establish a nursing home in Swift Current and then another in Sherwood Park, Alberta, which opened in 1969. Allen soon became the Administrator and remained so until 1986.

During his administrative years he exercised his leadership ability in a number of organizations including President of the Edmonton Progressive Extended Care Association, President of the Alberta Nursing Home Committee, President of the Edmonton Regional Hospital Conference, President of the Greater Edmonton Long-Term Care Association, and Board Member of the Alberta Hospital Association.

He was appointed by the Minister of Health to the Edmonton & Area Hospital

Advisory Council and served as a member of the Home Care Advisory Committee to the Leduc-Strathcona Health Unit. He was an active member of the Edmonton-Strathcona Rotary Club and was a certified member of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.

After 17 years in Sherwood Park, Allen and Airlie set out on a new adventure when Allen accepted the position of Administrator of Karachi Adventist Hospital. Four years later they moved to Botswana, where Allen was appointed the Administrator of Kanye Adventist Hospital. While leading these two hospitals he demonstrated an ability to provide inspired management through perseverance and a strong faith in God. These traits led ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) to name him the Country Director for Zambia. The need for a tough frugal leader at Mwami Adventist Hospital in northern Zambia gave Allen his last responsibility overseas.

IN MEMORY Another full circle moment in Allen’s life occurred in 1998 when he returned to Saskatchewan, where his Adventist Church service had begun. He served four years as the Administrator of Sunnyside Nursing Home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In all, Allen devoted 37 years to the health care mission of the Adventist Church. The Fowlers retired to Sherwood Park in 2002.

Allen is survived by his wife Airlie, daughters Lorna (Robin Brekkas) of Ft. St. John, B.C., Barbara (Gerald Chipeur) of Calgary, Alberta, and Vivian (David Grinde) of Holden, Alberta, granddaughters Krista, Erica (Derek Broomfield), Stephanie, Lauren (Ryan Russell), Leanne (Jeff Ball), great-grandsons Jettsyn and Kashten Ball, twin brother Alberta Fowler and nephew Stan Fowler.

The distinctive figure of Allen Fowler in a black Stetson will no longer grace this earth as he is asleep in Jesus awaiting the resurrection morning.

A celebration of Allen’s amazing life is planned for a future date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Sherwood Care, the long-term care facility Allen built over 50 years ago in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

—Submitted by Wombold Family Funeral Homes

Abelardo (Billy) Luceno

October 8, 1952 - September 17, 2021

A

belardo was laid to rest on September 17, 2021, at age 68. He was born to Flora and Modesto Luceno on October 8, 1952, in Natividad, Pangasinan. As his family and friends fondly call him, Billy was a thoughtful, generous, and friendly person. He’s got a charming smile and a quiet, peaceful personality. He had many friends. He was helpful and a hard worker. He worked with his family in their small business, making Filipino baked goods to help provide for the family.

He became well known locally for making one of the best pilipit (Filipino crunchy twisted bread).

Family and friends would ask him to make it and even offer to pay him for it. People would encourage him to start selling his pilipit, which led to creating his pilipit, hopia, and donut home business.

Abelardo met his wife Lyneth in December of 1993 in the Philippines.

They got married on July 24, 1994. Afterward, Lyneth joined Billy in Canada, where they raised their three children, Sara, Alvyn, and Ashley.

Billy enjoyed the simplicity of life with his love for playing basketball, biking, motorbiking, watching shows from the food network channel, watching YouTube videos about fishing, camping, and reruns of old boxing matches.

He was well respected by all his family and friends.

Billy found new life and purpose in Christ. He loved the Lord and dedicated his life to him. We look forward to that day where we will be reunited with him again when Jesus comes.

—Submitted by Sara Luceno

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Joyful 40th Wedding Anniversary L en and Sharon (Tataryn) Hudema celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on November 1, 2021.

They have three children: Jennifer (Kyle), Ryan (Cheri), and Jacklyn (Jeff).

They enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren: Lennon, Tucker, and Dylan.

Len and Sharon reside in Ponoka, AB. —Submitted by Jennifer Williams

Time to Celebrate Dolores Birthday

D

olores Proud recently celebrated her 92 birthday. She knows the Lord has blessed her through the trials of COVID, failing health, and three moves in 9 months! Her College Heights church family faithfully sends her letters and cards of encouragement and love, bringing her much joy!

She also appreciates her five children: Bruce (Analyn), Douglas (Terri), Richard, Linda (Roger), and Karli, along with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Dolores says, "Jesus is coming very soon; hang on to your faith and rejoice in the hope of eternal fellowship with Jesus and each other!"

—Submitted by Linda Rudyk

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Alberta Adventist News

DECEMBER 2021

From the moment he wakes up, every day in Pastor Tsholo’s Maskwacis ministry is an adventure.

Sometimes he’s a soccer camp organizer at Ermineskin Arena with kokums cheering on their grandkids and making lunch on the sidelines. Sometimes he’s learning the ukulele alongside elementary kids at MANS. Whatever it is, this pastor isn’t flying “solo” — even if that’s how you say his name.

Always engaging with kids and community, catch the adventures of Tsholo and his Maskwacis Congregation friends in weekly minute-or-less videos from the Res next door.

THE

TSHOLO REPORT 60 SECOND VIDEOS ON THE MOVE IN MASKWACIS

albertaadventist.ca/maskwa-movies

MEANS & MEANING

The Season of Re-Gifting:

An MNP Partner shares his favourite Tips for Charitable Year End Giving Christmas “Re-Gifting” gets a bad rap in some circles, but in the broader perspective of God being the source of all we have received, passing along anything to others is a re-gift!

Since 2014, Darren Swann, CPA, CA, has generously donated his time and expertise at PGTS Camp Meeting seminars, sharing the latest in charitable tax developments and fielding audience questions. It’s been a great gift to all of us who want to “give back” and “give smarter.”

Darren collaborated with Dianne Hayduk, also of MNP, to share their favourite year end giving tips. I re-gift their timely advice to you.

LYNN McDOWELL

C

hristmas is the season for giving, and charities in Canada receive up to 30% of the next year’s budget during “The Season”. Here are some tips to get the most from your year-end giving: 1) Make sure you collect the official receipts Charity receipts can only be used as a successful donation deduction if they are complete, and contain: •

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name, address, of organization and registered charity number

Alberta Adventist News

•

date, eligible amount, and place of receipt

•

full name and address of the donor

•

signature of authorized individual

•

serial number of receipt

•

name and website address of the Canada Revenue Agency

The Canada Revenue Agency website also maintains of all registered charities, through Canada.ca/en/ services/taxes/charities.

DECEMBER 2021

2) Consider giving greater than $200 Additional tax credits are available to individuals who give greater than $200. In Alberta, tax credits of 25% of amounts of $200 or less are available to be deducted against an individual’s taxes payable. However, for donations over $200, the additional credit will qualify for a 50% tax credit, or possibly up to a 54% credit if you’re in the top tax bracket.

3) Give personally rather than corporately In Alberta, it is more tax advantageous to make a

MEANS & MEANING

DID YOU KNOW? Giving in the Alberta Conference happens mostly in the last quarter of the year. Typically, about one third of tithe, offerings and gifts to the Conference are given in November and December, with 25% of the year’s total income in these categories contributed in the month of December. As of October 31, the Conference received approximately $13,280,000 —an increase of 6.3% above last year's COVID- affected numbers.

donation personally then through your corporation.

If you wish to share some of your corporate profits, consider distributing funds to the shareholder(s) to allow him/her to make the donation personally. If you reside in a different province, you should review with your tax advisor which method is more advantageous.

4) Donate publicly- traded shares If shares are donated directly to a registered charity, capital gains relating to those shares are not taxed in the hands of the donor. The charity can issue a tax-receipt for

the fair market value on the donation date of those shares allowing the full amount to be included in calculating the donor’s donation tax credit.

For discussions on other giving scenarios, such as estate donations, donations of life insurance, or shares of private corporations, please contact Lynn McDowell or Darren Swann at MNP LLP Darren.Swann@mnp.ca.

Darren Swann, Tax Partner for MNP’s Central Alberta tax group, is headquartered in Red Deer but travels to Airdrie and Drumheller as well. Darren has extensive experience in charitable

gift planning and in farm succession planning.

Dianne Hayduk is a Tax Manager for MNP’s Manitoba tax group.

Lynn McDowell, JD, CSPG

Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy Alberta Conference (403) 342-5044, ext. 233

DECEMBER 2021

Alberta Adventist News

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