Columbia Union Visitor--February 2004

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

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Newsline

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School Profile p10 Ottley Music School

News & Features

History & Heritage

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New Jersey

Allegheny West Women:

Opening the Door

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Sherry English The Allegheny West Conference Women’s Ministries Department developed a four-pronged strategy to win souls for the kingdom. Find out how they surpassed their goal and about the impact made on the lives of several women.

Newsletters 15 Allegheny East 17 Allegheny West 19 Chesapeake 21 Columbia Union College

Home Sweet Homeschooling

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A Look at a Growing Trend Ansel Oliver Homeschooling is a steadily growing education trend across the nation. Within the Columbia Union, the Home Sweet Home School Co-op includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Read why some parents choose this approach and how the co-op provides social interation.

Letting the Light Shine The History of the Adventist Church in New Jersey

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23 Mountain View 25 Mt. Vernon Academy 27 New Jersey 29 Ohio 31 Pennsylvania 33 Potomac 35 Spencerville Adventist Academy 37 Takoma Academy

Healing Ministry

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Alan Hecht With nine adults and six children, the Seventhday Adventist Church in New Jersey began its journey in 1874. Learn how the early pioneers endured opposition and physical threats to evangelize the state and spread the gospel. This is the first in a series of articles about the history of Adventist work in the Columbia Union’s eight conferences.

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Bulletin Board

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About the Cover: Illustration by Brandon Reese

Editorial Frank Perez Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Wilona Karimabadi ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor Monte Sahlin

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Publisher

Publishing Board: Harold L. Lee (chair), Celeste Ryan (secretary), Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler, Monte Sahlin, Dave Weigley, Kingsley Whitsett MISSION STATEMENT The Visitor provides news and information, resources for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help people celebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (301) 596-0800 or (888) 4-VISITOR http://www.columbiaunion.org Free to Columbia Union members. Nonmembers—$15 per year.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE President Harold L. Lee Edward Motschiedler Executive Secretary Dowell Chow Treasurer Vice President/Education Hamlet Canosa Robert Patterson Vice President/General Counsel Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Asst. to the President/Communication Celeste Ryan Harold Greene Director/Information Technology Curtis Boore Director/Plant Services Trust Services/PARL Robert Patterson Peggy Lee Revolving Fund Carol Wright Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548.

Tel. (610) 326-4610 ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.

Tel. (614) 252-5271 CHESAPEAKE: Neville Harcombe, President; Rob Vandeman, Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.

Tel. (410) 995-1910 MOUNTAIN VIEW: Kingsley Whitsett, President; Brian Jones, Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101.

Tel. (304) 422-4581 NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648.

Tel. (609) 392-7131 OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Tel. (740) 397-4665 PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611.

Tel. (610) 374-8331 POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401.

Tel. (540) 886-0771 COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429.

Tel. (937) 395-8601 HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Robert Jepson, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.

Volume 109 ■ Issue 2

40 Years of Care … and Counting This is a particularly exciting year for Kettering Adventist HealthCare as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Charles F. Kettering Memorial Hospital, the flagship of our 48 facilities. Our growth from a single, 254-bed hospital in 1964 to a flourishing healthcare network where 6,800 employees serve more than half a million patients annually, is a testimony about the goodness of the Lord.

Our beginnings stem from Charles F. Kettering, an inventor and manufacturer from the Dayton area, whose list of inventions fills volumes. When he died in 1958, he was second only to Thomas Edison in number of patents held. His son and daughter-in-law, Eugene and Virginia, dreamed of building a hospital as a living memorial to his lifetime of work and inspiration. Impressed by the treatment polio patients received at a hospital operated by Seventh-day Adventists, the Ketterings believed the Church’s philosophy of healing and Christian-based compassion was the perfect foundation for a new community-based hospital in honor of their father. In time, they raised $2 million from community businesses and leaders, hired George Nelson to develop the project, and broke ground in July of 1961. After two-and-a-half years of design and construction, Kettering Memorial Hospital was officially dedicated on February 14, 1964. Nine patients were served that day, and more than 22,000 people toured the facility. After six months the hospital had 650 employees and cared for 3,000 patients. The Ketterings’ plan also called for a school on the hospital grounds. In 1967, Kettering College of Medical Arts opened as a junior college offering two-year associate degrees. It was the first program of its kind offered by an Adventist school and soon became known as a leading training ground for medical professionals. Currently, more than 670 students are enrolled in the four-year college.

By the time of Eugene’s death, the Kettering family had given more than $10 million to the medical center and college. Over the decades, the hospital continued to thrive, adding numerous services and facilities. Today it is a network of 48 quality healthcare facilities that serve nine Ohio counties with cardiac care, research in neuroscience, sports medicine, PET scanning, electrophysiology studies, reproductive care, community clinics, outreach projects at home and abroad, and more.

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Good to Great So how do we continue to build on the wonderful dream and legacy of the Ketterings? It has been said, “If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind.” We know the harbor we seek.

Commitment to our faith-based mission, vision, values, and strategies has brought us this far. And the Key Result Areas where we’ll continue to focus—quality outcomes, financial strength, customer satisfaction, and business growth—will move us forward into our next 40 years.

Pray for us as we continue to follow in the way of Jesus, the Great Healer, who helped the sick and changed the lives of everyone He met. May the same be said of Kettering today.

Frank Perez is president and CEO of Kettering Adventist HealthCare, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. News from Kettering is printed in the Visitor every other month in the Healing Ministry section. Next issue: March F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 4

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Newsline Columbia Union Church Wins Web Site of the Year Award The Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in Brinklow, Md., was recently presented the 2003 eChurch of the Year Award by Kermit Netteburg, assistant to the president for communication in the North American Division, and Celeste Ryan, communication director for the Columbia Union Conference. Emmanuel-Brinklow member Don Wood developed the Web site. He and Lynette, his wife, serve as the church’s communication team.

Wood thanked members for their “encouragement and ideas for keeping the site functioning and up-to-date.” To generate a sense of Web site excellence among North American Adventist churches, the eChurch awards were created in January 2003. Each month an entry was designated “Outstanding Web site of the Month” and given special recognition. The 12 monthly winners were further rated by three criteria to determine which church had the best Web site of the year. Judges ranked user friendliness, currentness, and the ability to keep members and visitors connected, according to Netteburg.

Columbia Union churches made a strong impression in 2003 and are off to a good start in 2004:

2003 Winners January – Emmanuel, Brinklow, Md. (Allegheny East) June – Southeast, Cleveland, Ohio (Allegheny West) October – Pisgah, Bryans Rd., Md. (Allegheny East)

2004 Winner January – Miracle Temple, Baltimore, Md. (Allegheny East) Entering Web sites must pass the following criteria: Is contact information available? Are meeting and worship times clearly posted? Do the colors and overall design complement each other? Does the site include an evangelism component? Is the content easy to read? and, Does the site eliminate confusion by avoiding the abbreviation, "SDA?" The goal is to encourage churches with Web sites to give careful thought to their Internet presence and witness. As more people turn to the Internet for information, churches have a golden opportunity to create positive “first impressions” through “virtual real estate” when visitors stop by. To enter your church’s Web site, visit www.plusline.org and click on eChurch awards.—LaVerne Henderson 4

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Changes in the Visitor This year, the Visitor will be published monthly. Also, there will be a new section— History & Heritage, which looks at how Adventist work was established in each conference. Finally, you’ll notice two new additions to the newsletter section. Watch for the Mount Vernon Academy Spirit and the Spencerville Adventist Academy Spotlight.—Celeste Ryan

Adventist Radio Stations Proclaim the Gospel There are three Columbia Union radio stations dedicated to spreading the gospel through religious programming. WGTS (91.9 FM) serves the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area through “Family Friendly” Christian music. This listener supported, noncommercial radio station is a subsidiary of Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Md. Listen live at www.wgts.org.

Two other stations—WJHE (98.7 FM) in Heath, Ohio, and W220 (91.9 FM) in Carbondale, Pa.—are part of the LifeTalk Radio network’s 22 stations in the United States. These stations incorporate Christ-centered programming with inspirational music.

Kermit Netteburg, assistant to the president for communication in the North American Division, is LifeTalk Radio’s president and the host of a program called TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday). “We continue to hear from people who say LifeTalk Radio is their oasis in busy days and that they appreciate being able to hear about God’s love,” says Netteburg. “The combination of music and talk has produced very loyal listeners—both here in the Columbia Union and around the world—including people in Japan, South Africa, and Belgium who listen via the Internet. We’ve focused closely on our mission of ‘Connecting People with Christ’ and have, consequently, signed up many people for Bible studies.” In addition to its radio ministry, LifeTalk utilizes active prayer and Web ministries to connect people with Christ. Comments are accepted on (800) 775-HOPE (4673) or visit www.lifetalk.net for more information.

Most recently, an animation about the Second Coming of Jesus on the LifeTalk Radio Web site has resulted in over 100,000 visits and, more importantly, thousands of Bible study requests. Before this animation, LifeTalk processed an average of 50 Bible study students each month, now the numbers exceed 50 per day. The movie has been circulated on the Internet and pastors of various denominations sought permission to use it in their churches. Visit www.lifetalk.net/2ndcoming/ee.html to view the movie.—LaVerne Henderson

pening O theDoor ALLEGHENY WEST WOMEN

Sherry English

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ommy, I want to go to church. I want to visit God,” said Kiehiere, the 7-year-old son of recently reclaimed Seventh-day Adventist Babbett Blackford. He repeated this request daily as they passed the Ephesus church in Columbus, Ohio, on his way to and from school. “To satisfy him, one Saturday I got up, went to church, and I’ve been here ever since,” says Blackford. “God used my son to get me to do the right thing.” Blackford is one of 63 women baptized in 2003 because of Allegheny West Conference (AWC) Women’s Ministries (WM).

Shirley Benton (pictured left), AWC Women’s Ministries director, met with her leaders early last year to discuss goals.

Out of that meeting came a four-pronged strategy: spiritual enrichment focusing on rest, renewal, re-commitment and soul-winning; educational and scholarship support; developing a young women’s reclaiming ministry to win 18- to 35-year-olds who feel disconnected; and friendship evangelism ministries, Bible studies, and outreach endeavors.

Of the four, the group agreed that friendship evangelism had to be the central thrust of their efforts. With a goal of 50 souls, conference WM departments enthusiastically developed strategies to reach, and surpass, this objective. “Friendship evangelism and letting people know we care has been the key to our efforts,” said Benton. “It’s about getting to know our neighbors— apart from an evangelistic series or church event.”

The Many Faces of Friendship Evangelism To reach the greatest number of individuals, the women at the Ephesus church collaborated with Adventist Community Services (ACS) and took to the streets. “We went out with food, blankets, and water to reach women and their families,” Benton says. Shirley Rogers, ACS director, was vital to this effort. She worked hard to discover needs and connected individuals with appropriate assistance agencies. Two homeless women found housing, got their lives back on track,

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and had the seed of Christ planted in their hearts.

A variety of programs were developed and implemented throughout AWC. The Bethel (Va.) church held a Vacation Bible School for 70 children and their families. A spiritual journaling workshop took place in Columbus. Weeks of prayer, run by women, were held in Columbus and Cleveland. Benton addressed the Shepherdess Retreat and provided an opportunity to share goals, tear down walls, and build bridges connecting women at all levels of the church.

Retreats in AWC’s four quadrants resulted in 15 young women rededicating their lives to Christ.

Ties That Bind “Friendship evangelism is about connecting with friends and family by modeling Christ,” Benton explains. That’s how Loretta Ransom of Columbus joined the Adventist Church in July 2003. A Christian, she had attended Pentecostal and Presbyterian churches. “I now realize that God was clearing the slate to get me to Ephesus,” she reasons.

Invited by a friend to a summer evangelistic meeting, this third-grade teacher was hooked from the first night. “Once I heard the Word, I knew it was right

Newly baptized members (left to right) Loretta Ransom, Babbett Blackford, Lillian Sullivan, and Brenda Martin have new lives with Christ.

“We all have a past. It is important that all women—even those who come with earrings, tattoos, babies born out of wedlock, or a past—feel loved and accepted.” —Babbett Blackford and made the commitment to obey God,” she says.

“I’m loved, supported, and encouraged by a new church family that makes me feel like I’ve always been a part of the family. That’s important for any new person coming into the faith.”

Providing a supportive atmosphere is a critical aspect of friendship evangelism. “We all have a past,” says Blackford, who was baptized in August. “It is important that all women—even those who come with earrings, tattoos, babies out of wedlock, or a past—feel loved and accepted. One of the most important things I learned in my journey is that you can go to church and still not have a relationship with God. But if you keep God at the center, everything else will fall into place.”

Juliann Brookshire’s daughter and granddaughter were instrumental in introducing her to the Adventist faith. Her granddaughter was living in an Adventist foster home and attending church. When her daughter began attending the same church, Brookshire joined them and they eventually landed at Hillcrest. “I attended Hillcrest off and on and took Bible studies for seven or eight years,” says Brookshire, who was raised in the Baptist faith. The turning point was in 2003 when she hosted a Bible study group in her home. “I got a chance to read the Word and found the answers I needed,” she remembers.

Brookshire was baptized in August 2003 and now looks forward to Sabbath and attending

church. “I come away with happiness deep in my heart,” she says.

Brenda Martin is another reclaimed member who was baptized in August. “I attended the Columbus Hilltop Church, but stopped going,” she says. Martin eventually began worshipping at a Sunday church, however her sister never stopped reminding her of the Adventist faith or the Sabbath. After months of invitations, Martin agreed to visit an Adventist church and was hooked. She now uses the car her sister gave her to bring visitors to church. Sometimes she has so many guests that there isn’t room for everyone! “I try to get past the stereotypes and confusion about Adventists and focus on making others aware of the good we do,” she says.

With a goal to baptize over 100 women, the AWC Women’s Ministries Department will continue this aim throughout 2004-05. Also in the works is a program called My Sister’s Closet, a boutique where low-income or recently incarcerated women can receive training, clothing, and job interviewing skills. “Our longterm goal is to conduct a community evangelism effort run by women,” says Benton. “For now we must continue to be consistent and faithful in our efforts to reach out to women everywhere through visits, prayers, and conversations. Then, when the time is right, the Lord will open the door.”

Sherry English writes from Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Home Sweet Homeschooling A Look at a Growing Trend

Ansel Oliver

he trend for education at home is on the rise in North America. Since it became legal in all 50 states 10 years ago, homeschooling has been steadily gaining popularity. Today, there are 1 million homeschooled students.

According to Dave Smith, deputy director of the Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators, Seventh-day Adventists laid much of the groundwork with the establishment of Home

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Study International, the Church’s distance-learning institution.

Why homeschool? Joyce Royster, associate superintendent for Allegheny East Conference, says it is sometimes the best option for students who fall behind in a subject or two. Carol Smith, education director for the Chesapeake Conference, offers other reasons parents make this decision. There are families who travel and require the flexibility that homeschooling offers she explains. Acknowledging the homeschooling pockets in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia’s rural areas, Smith says, “We are aware of and affected by this trend. There are about 800 homeschoolers [in that region] and 100 of them are Adventist.”

In that region, where the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Co-op members enjoy art, choir and outdoor activities.

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Virginia borders meet, a group of moms, dads, and homeschooled students come together every two weeks for learning activities, projects, field trips, and socialization.

They are called the Home Sweet Home School Co-op and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Williamsport, Md., serves as their base. The group started three years ago with five families. Today there are 22 participating families— including one from the community—and 63 children ages 2 to 16.

They offer their own reasons for choosing this educational alternative.

“You really get to know your kids and see their development,” says Cherri Wuerstlin of Hagerstown, Md., a mother of five kids. Her youngest—6, 9, and 11—are participating homeschoolers. “Each child has more individual attention. I haven’t noticed any disadvantages at this point. They have interaction with other kids through church, Adventurers, friends, and family,” she explains. Wuerstlin is active in the co-op and teaches physical education to the younger children.

Al Montanaro of Martinsburg, W.Va., has four homeschoolers, ages 16, 14, 12, and 7. He and his wife didn’t know much about it, but they learned. After a while, people started asking questions of them. Montanaro says homeschooled students get more guidance. “They learn to be more mature and can converse easily with adults. Also, the parents get to learn too,” he adds.

In homeschooling, states provide guidelines that outline the

Interaction is Key Banks, who helped establish the co-op, says the biweekly meetings give the kids a chance to build relationships with peers and do more interactive things, like play games, sing in a choir, etc. “It is very helpful to have a church to host us,” she says. “Bringing the kids together is crucial, so they aren’t stuck at home all the time.”

The myth that homeschooled students miss out on “socialization,” has not been confirmed by research.

In fact, according to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), which is based in Salem, Ore., many homeschooled adults are more content with life compared to the general population.

“I don’t think they’re missing out on much,” says Banks. She concedes, however, that maybe there isn’t the everyday closeness with peers that school kids have.

“Many of our kids go to school for activities, though,” she explains.

These “umbrella programs,” where students do most of their studying at home but join a school for art, science labs, drama, physical education, and field trips, are also increasing in popularity.

Banks encourages all parents in her co-op to become involved.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANSEL OLIVER

number of hours and subjects that should be covered at each grade level. Some students take classes by computer (distance-learning), while others complete lessons obtained from companies who specialize in producing curriculums.

Parents who teach the students must keep records of all quizzes, tests, and activities as they are completed. Some states require periodic evaluation of the student’s work by a certified teacher before they matriculate to a higher grade and eventually graduate.

“There’s a lot of accountability,” says Debra Banks of Waynesboro, Pa., who homeschools her three kids, ages 8, 6, and 4. “Some people might expect me to be easier on my kids, but I’m actually harder on them because I want them to do well.”

“One person can’t do all the work,” she stresses. “Besides, everyone has different talents.”

She’d like to see the group organize weekend outings, camping trips, pool parties, and more activities to help the children bond.

Montanaro’s daughter, 16-yearold 10th-grader Alina, teaches art to the older kids in the co-op. While the younger ones are banging away with hammers and nails making bird feeders in the next room, she is instructing older kids as they paint.

Aware that negative influences are a disadvantage at regular schools, she confesses that it would be nice to be in an atmosphere with other kids. Like her nationally homeschooled comrades, who—according to NHERI—are more likely to attend college classes, Alina has her sights on college.

Despite the fact that the growth of homeschool doesn’t help Adventist schools, Smith indicates that Adventist educators make every effort to work with parents who choose that route and may have questions or need assistance.

“Homeschooling is for a parent who says, ‘My child is extremely important to me, and I’m willing to sacrifice a portion of my life to tailor a program to my kid instead of tailoring my kid to a program.’”

It’s important to remember that homeschoolers must meet state regulations, and as Banks notes, it requires self-motivation by parents and students. Learn more about homeschooling from Home Study International at www.hsi.edu.

Ansel Oliver is the editorial assistant for the Adventist News Network in Silver Spring, Md.

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School Profile Faith Griffiths Hunter

The Ottley N

estled in a large, commercial building across from Prince Georges Plaza, in Maryland, are two very important doors. Whoever walks through these doors will begin a life-transforming journey from the mundane to the magical, from everyday to excellent. They are the doors of the Ottley Music School (OMS).

Nevilla Ottley-Adjahoe, B.Mus.Ed., M.A., M.Mus., (pictured left) established the Ottley Music School in 1973.

It began in her living room and in 2000 moved to its current location in Hyattsville.

OMS is a non-degree granting community school, offering private music lessons in voice, piano, organ, most band and orchestral instruments, percussion—including the steel drums—and all strings. Classes are also available for preschoolers (Kindermusik and Music for Little Mozarts) and ensemble performance. Ottley is the principal and her husband, Edgar Adjahoe, is the chief administrator.

OMS’s mission statement indicates that the school provides instruction to all persons regardless of age, race, creed, national origin, or musical goals.

With approximately 200 students (ranging in age TM

Saxophone student Antonio Carter practices while teacher Christopher Nichols observes.

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from 18 months to 80 years) who form a potpourri of ethnicities, races, and cultures—that mission has been accomplished.

This broad age range is perhaps most evident in the keyboard orchestra, where preschoolers and senior citizens often share the same stage during recitals. This group was created to give piano students the ensemble experience that most other instrumentalists enjoy.

Keyboards, instead of pianos, are used because they are smaller and easier to transport. During a performance there may be up to 60 keyboards on stage, with several registering the sounds of other instruments, and each performer playing one of four parts—resulting in a beautiful harmony. One Little Mozart member recently shared the same keyboard with an older student. It is this feeling of inclusion and family that makes the Ottley Music School special.

High on Ottley-Adjahoe’s wish list are the formation of a steel band and the expansion of the school’s community-based University Park Symphony Orchestra from its current 37 members to the maximum 105.

A World Class Education “Nevilla is like a mother to me,” says former student Nicole Green who is now the receptionist and a substitute teacher at the school. “You don’t often find teachers like her,” said Green, who delivered a sterling performance at a recent concert. “She has knowledge of music history, theory, the lives of various composers, and how music relates to the real world.

It’s an education beyond expectations.”

OMS provides a comprehensive education by enlightening its students about the diversity existent in the history of music. For example, there are many who consider the classics and a lot of religious music to be exclusively European. “The music is European,” reports Ottley-Adjahoe, “because it came out of Europe; however, there were many races, including Africans, living in Europe. This is especially important for young musicians of all races to know, so that they don’t feel limited to one kind, or style of music.”

This wide range of musical styles draws students like Dianne Bradley who, along with her entire family, is enrolled in classes. “I’ve noticed that the students, especially the younger ones, are allowed to challenge

A Legacy of Excellence

Music School Music and Ministry

The Keyboard Orchestra has 60-plus players.

themselves. They are never told you can’t do this or that,” she says. OMS exposes students to modern-day musicians and composers as well, including the school’s staff. “Good musicianship is not only taught but modeled,” Bradley observes. At OMS the teachers perform, along with students, at the recitals.

While many music schools hold recitals once or twice per year, OMS conducts monthly and end-ofterm recitals, which are held at the school and open to the public. Other venues may include local churches and university recital halls. This allows students to become comfortable with various audiences and settings. In addition to recitals, OMS students have performed at community events like the National Cancer Survivors’ Day at the Washington Hospital Center, the Taste of (Washington) D.C., the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission celebration, and a host of local church programs.

For financially disadvantaged students desirous of obtaining a music education, there are two programs to help make that possible. Symphony Kids, sponsored by the Prince Georges Philharmonic, is one option. Students apply directly to this program and, upon approval, are referred to the school of their choice. OMS currently has six Symphony Kids enrolled. The other is the Laurel Fund, which is based on music teacher referrals.

OMS is owned and operated by Seventh-day Adventists and 30 percent of the students fall into this category. Ottley-Adjahoe would like to see more Adventists become a part of music ministry.

The majority of students are from other Christian denominations or the Muslim faith. Witnessing, therefore, is an integral part of the school’s mission.

The inspirational book, The Prayer of Jabez, is circulated among parents and/or students. OMS also features a gift shop where gifts, books, and musical mementos are available.

When students apply to the OMS they are encouraged to write down their personal goals. These vary from personal enrichment, a desire to play for church services like Sabbath School or prayer meeting, and parents wanting to inspire their children. Regardless, OMS students are challenged to achieve their personal best. After all, to become a student at the OMS is to become a part of a living legacy of excellence.

For more information, visit the Ottley Music School at 6525 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville, Md., call (301) 454-0991, or visit ww.ottleymusic.org.

Faith Griffiths Hunter lives in Beltsville, Md., with her husband, two sons, and one daughter.

Offerings OTTLEY MUSIC

SCHOOL

Private Instruction Piano Piano Ensemble Voice (in English, Italian, French, German) Strings Woodwinds Brass Percussion ■

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Preschool Classes Music for Little Mozarts (4- to 6-year-olds) Kindermusik (18-months to 5-year-olds) ■

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History & Heritage Alan Hecht

Letting the

Light

Shine

The History of the Adventist Church in New Jersey

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eventh-day Adventist activity in New Jersey dates back to 1874, very early in the denomination’s history. Nahum Orcutt (1824-1897) organized a group of nine adults and six children in South Vineland who pledged to support the church through the “systematic benevolence” of regular tithing.

Unfortunately, groups of non-Sabbatarian Adventists had a significant presence in New Jersey during this time and were strongly antagonistic to Seventh-day Adventists. Orcutt held public meetings for the purpose of dispelling the prejudice among these groups and the general public. As a result, he succeeded in laying the groundwork for the first Seventh-day Adventist congregation in New Jersey, consisting of 14 members. This small church requested and received affiliation with the New England Conference in June 1874.

The Vineland congregation remained strong and stable, spawning a smaller group in Camden. Once again, the church in New Jersey faced daunting challenges and obstacles from other religious bodies, and growth slowed. Adventist pioneer Isaac Sanborn (1822-1913) visited the Camden area in 1879, and was dismayed to discover that the group of believers was in a state of disarray and conflict.

Through Sanborn’s efforts, and support from the Vineland congregation, the Camden group succeeded in attaining status as a company, then a church. It

Students pose on the porch of the Babcock Building, located on the North Plainfield Academy campus, for their 1934-35 school photo.

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was after this—and the inclusion of New Jersey in the newly formed Atlantic Union Conference in 1889— that the Seventh-day Adventist movement in New Jersey seemed to achieve staying power.

Pastors and evangelists held well-attended meetings in Pleasantville, Paulsboro, and Jersey City.

Consequently, the Jersey City church consisted of 47 baptized members, with Sabbath attendance reaching 100 and above. In 1895, this church split into two companies, which later became full-fledged churches.

New Jersey’s first camp meeting took place in 1891 in Mount Holly. By 1902 there were 14 churches, two pastors, and 386 active, dedicated members statewide. The first Seventh-day Adventist school followed in 1910, in Bridgeton. Affiliation with the Atlantic Union Conference, under President J.E. Jayne, lasted until 1907, when the state became part of the Columbia Union Conference. As of 2002, there were 10,120 members in 86 congregations in the New Jersey Conference.

A Diverse Church Due to its proximity to many East Coast entry points for immigrants, the New Jersey Conference has always been host to one of the more diverse Adventist populations. At the turn of the 20th century, a significant minority of the membership belonged to churches in which the first language was not English. This continues today, with several major languages represented among New Jersey congregations.

Recent years have seen the New Jersey church become more active and dynamic. “Most of the people who come from different parts of the world have a different philosophy of what it means to be part of the church. … They believe it is important to share their faith with others, and they actively work to make that happen,” says New Jersey Conference President LeRoy Finck.

The Adventist Church in New Jersey survives, thrives, and shines despite sometimes overwhelming prospects. Because of this history, it has an even brighter future.

Alan Hecht is the librarian at the Rebok Memorial Library at the Adventist World Headquarters.

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FEBRUARY 2004

Allegheny East Member Wins Education Award illiam Gallon of the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glassboro, N.J., is the recipient of the Gloucester County Governor’s Teacher of the Year award. Gallon is a teacher at Glassboro High School. In the past, Gallon has also won awards in the local school district for being an outstanding teacher during the 1991-1992, 1994-1995, and 1995-1996 school years.

Gallon, a Vietnam-era veteran, graduated from Gloucester County College with two degrees in marketing/management and general applied science. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a minor in marketing from Glassboro State College. In addition, he secured six teaching certificates in television/radio technology, English, data processing, bookkeeping, business law, and accounting.

Gallon began his career in education at Glassboro High School in 1978. At that time, he spearheaded the television/technology program at the school. He has been involved in various aspects of William Gallon is the recipient of the student life—sponsoring clubs, coaching, and serving on peer mediation Gloucester County Governor’s Teacher of groups. Gallon currently serves on the Glassboro Unity Day Committee, the Year award.

Glassboro Municipal Alliance Committee, and Glassboro High School technology, graduation, and expo committees. He also keeps busy teaching a college level program in film and television production at the Camden County Technical Institute.

Gallon is active in his community as well, and serves on the Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs. This organization fosters mentoring for youth and raises scholarship money for college.

Gallon is the founder and host of the Gospel Truth Radio Ministry show, which can be heard on WNJC 1360 AM. The program airs every Thursday from 7-7:30 p.m. He serves the First church as assistant superintendent of Sabbath School programs, communication director, chairperson of the church building program, and as first elder.

Gallon is the devoted husband of Grace, a registered nurse at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., and the proud father of Kristy, Danielle, Jasmine, and Noel. He is also grandfather to Myles David.

In his spare time, Gallon enjoys golfing, reading, researching the Bible, camping, and is actively working toward getting his private pilot’s license for single propeller planes.

Allegheny East Conference congratulates Gallon on his achievement!

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Billingy Installed as New Bladensburg Senior Pastor renda Billingy, former associate pastor of the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hyattsville, Md., was installed as the new senior pastor of the Bladensburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, also in Maryland. She assumed her new post on January 3. Prior to her time at the Metropolitan church, Billingy served as the director of finanical aid for Columbia Union College. Billingy is thrilled to join the nearly 400-member congregation, whose commitment to service in their surrounding community is noteworthy.

She replaces former senior pastor Curtis Crider.

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Looking For a Few Good Men and Women n keeping with our strategic plan for Pine Forge Academy (PFA)—that maps a future state of operational excellence, financial stability, academic performance, and our major capital fund-raising campaign—we are putting out a clarion call “looking for a few good men and women” to be a part of one of seven action teams. The teams are as follows: student life enrichment action team; fund development action team; curriculum enrichment action team; capital planning action team; public relations, marketing, and recruitment action team; personnel and leadership development action team; and strategic planning action team.

These seven areas are critical to the success of PFA. If you have expertise, passion, and/or creativity in these areas, professionally or otherwise, we solicit your help.

To be a part of an exciting opportunity by joining an action team, please contace me. The bottom-line investment is about saving our children! Invest today!

For additional information, or to join an action team, contact Dr. George E. Thornton, George E. Thornton, Sr., at Pine Forge Academy, (610) 326-5800, or gthornton@pineforgeacademy.org. The Sr., D.Min. deadline to sign-up for action teams is March 1.

Principal

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PFA Students Share the Gospel—One Skit at a Time ll great organizations start from just a simple idea. In 1992, a small group of PFA students would come together to present dramatic presentations for the Friday night programs under the leadership of school Chaplain, Joel Johnson. These skits were used to stimulate discussion on topics to develop spiritual growth.

Performing on a Friday night became a regular activity for the group, and they even ventured out to perform a special play for the Valentine’s banquet.

News got out about the group’s work, and soon invitations started coming in for them to come perform at various churches. With the students putting so much work and effort into these skits and plays, Pastor Johnson took the idea to the school’s curriculum committee in the summer of 1993 to see if a class to learn and cultivate dramatic talent could be added to PFA’s Fine Arts Department offerings.

Almost 12 years later, Creative Arts is still in full swing under the direction of Pastor Johnson and the management of his wife, Alicia, school librarian. Their repertoire has expanded and grown to include puppet

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ministries, which has become much sought after for children’s programs. The group has been privileged to perform for the South Caribbean Camp Meeting, in Trinidad; the United Youth Congresses, in St. Louis and Indianapolis; the Pennsylvania Conference Adventurers’ Camporee; Kingsway College in Oshawa, Canada; and the Sherben Center in Barbados, West Indies. Creative Arts serves as a blessing not only to their audiences but also to the students who are in the group. “My greatest joy and sense of fulfillment comes from the audience’s response to our programs,” says Naomi Israel, senior and Creative Arts member. “Nothing feels better than knowing that I’ve shared God with others, and have left a spiritual mark on their hearts.”

For more information regarding this group, please call (610) 326-5800, ext. 19.

—Tiffany S. Taylor Allegheny East Conference PO Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 ■ Phone: (610) 326-4610 www.myalleghenyeast.com ■ President, Charles L. Cheatham Communication Director, Robert Booker

Creative Arts students perform frequently for various functions.

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Pine Forge Academy (800) 390-9529 ■ www.pineforgeacademy.org e-mail: pfa@pineforgeacademy.org Public Relations Director, Tiffany S. Taylor

FEBRUARY 2004

Ministerial Association Holds Annual Elders’ Convention sing as its theme, “In Preparation for The Return of the Prodigal,” the Allegheny West Conference held its fifth annual local elders’ convention. The meetings were held at the luxurious Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio. This year’s convention also included deacons and deaconesses.

The weekend opened Friday evening with a very moving agape feast followed by the ordinance of humility and celebration of the Lord’s supper. St. Clare Phipps, former ministerial director of the Allegheny East Conference, led out. He also conducted workshops on caring.

Sabbath morning, breakfast and fellowship continued the spiritual tone set by Friday night’s agape feast. T. Marshall Kelly delivered a powerful sermon pointing out that just as a lack of love drives people away, showing love will win them back. He followed up his message with practical insights during his workshop called “Winning Them Back.”

The vesper hour, as always, was enjoyed by all. During this time, three local elders chosen earlier in the year, preached during the time slot captioned, “If I Had 10 Minutes to Preach.” This T. Marshall Kelly delivered a year’s speakers were Frank Baldwin, Lorain, powerful sermon pointing out that just as a lack of love Ohio; Lucille Colbert, Uniontown, Pa.; and drives people away—showing George Evans, Danville, Va. love will win them back.

The day was capped off with a presentation on physical fitness. Joseph Turner, fitness instructor, and local elder from Charlottesville, Va., lectured and led out in a robust exercise routine.

St. Clare Phipps, former ministerial Sunday morning following a delicious breakfast, director for Allegheny East Conference, Tecora Rogers, adjunct professor at Ohio State led a workshop on caring.

University, and wife of the ministerial director, led out in a most informative session on hydrotherapy entitled, “Water, Water, Everywhere,” stressing the benefits of drug-free treatment and the healing power of water.

The weekend that started on a high note ended the same way, as Harcourt King conducted the annual Preaching 101 session. In his workshop entitled “Simple Sermons with Powerful Results,” King pointing out different types of sermons, showed how to approach sermon preparation, and then demonstrated how to deliver scripture. Woven throughout his presentation, was a stirring challenge to preach the Word and make all sermons scripturally sound and Christ-centered.

The entire weekend was also seasoned with the sweet incense of music rendered by T. Marshall Kelly, John Reynolds, George Turner, Beverly Moore, Richard Smith, Yvette Scott, and John Word.

At the conclusion of the weekend, everyone left rejoicing—praising God for a wonderful time and looking forward to the next retreat.

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Executive Secretary C.R. Rogers presents an award to T. Marshall Kelly and his wife.

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Waynesboro Church Sponsors Nutrition and Health Classes he Waynesboro North Seventh-day Adventist Church in Waynesboro, Va., recently sponsored a nutrition and health class. The classes also proved to be a wonderful experience for the eight newly baptized members of the Waynesboro church.

The classes on diet, diabetes, and the importance of exercise, water, and fresh air had a great impact on the new believers. Yvonne Mussington, recently returned from Wildwood Health Center, and Janet Turner, presented extensive information—along with pamphlets and handouts.

Sharon Pergerson, Shadana Thompson, Felicia Brutus, and Joan Shelto conducted cooking demonstrations with a wide variety of dishes. After each session, all were invited to taste each dish. Among

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Class attendees enjoy a presentation by Yvonne Mussington.

the samples were fresh fruit, fruit juices, tofu mayonnaise, tofu scrambled eggs, smoothies, puddings, whole grain breads, and cookies. All the dishes were made without sugar, eggs, cheese, or milk products. Many were amazed at how delicious and wholesome food can be. More classes are being scheduled for the spring.

—Joan Reynolds Shelto

Felicia Brutus blends a tasty treat!

Sharon Pergerson, left, and Felicia Brutus, were two of the cooking class presenters.

Participants listen to seminars on good health principles.

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Catch the Vision is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference 1339 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 Phone: (614) 252-5271 ■ President, James L. Lewis Editor, Robert C. Lewis

FEBRUARY 2004

Organized for Mission or early Christians, the church was organized to fulfill its mission. Time, talent, and treasure were utilized for this accomplishment. The structure of the church was not developed, and then the mission crafted to complement it. When the structure was actually built, its purpose was then to facilitate the mission. It was no different for early Adventists. Once the mission was understood, the organizational structure was developed to enable the church to accomplish its mission.

Our early leaders saw the need for organization very quickly, as it was essential, and nothing could be accomplished without it. However, over the course of time, it is possible that the mission can grow dim and the organization continues on, sometimes existing to merely perpetuate itself. Therefore, it is essential for churches to periodically examine their structures to determine if they are embracing and enhancing the mission of Christ. Seventh-day Adventists have long understood that no organizational structure is continually perfect; adjustments should be made to keep the church in tune with, and relevant to, its era.

Sometimes we become slaves to perpetuating the past. “We’ve never done it that way before,” is heard far too often and in too many of our churches. Is your church organized to fulfill its mission, or are things being done simply because they have always been done that way? Is your church bound by tradition or, like our early pioneers, is structural change occurring when it is needed, in order to better support the mission? I am not advocating change for change’s sake. I am asking that we organize effectively and efficiently to finish the work Neville Harcombe President God has called us to do. That is one of Chesapeake’s greatest challenges!

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NEWS Evangelism Rally Held at Baltimore First James Cress, ministerial secretary for the General Conference, was the featured presenter at a January evangelism rally conducted at the Baltimore First church in Ellicott City, Md. The rally was the culmination of a week-long emphasis on global evangelism, as the church participated in the week of prayer for the Year of World Evangelism.

Pastors Commit to Growing Healthy Churches At their annual January meeting, Chesapeake pastors learned about the Natural Church Development (NCD) process. They enjoyed personalized instruction from Lyle and Runette Litzenberger, directors of the NCD process for the North American Division Evangelism Institute. The pastors were given application blanks for their churches to participate in the 2004 NCD project. Those churches approved for the project will send representatives to an introductory event at the conference office on February 29. The full implementation weekend will be held May 21-22 at Mt. Aetna Camp.

Atholton Hosts “Wellness” Seminar On January 29, the Atholton church began an Eight Weeks to Wellness—Lifestyle Empowerment Seminar.

The seminar is being conducted by Dr. Jim Sharps on Thursday evenings from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.—through March 18—at the Hawthorne Center, in Hickory Ridge Village in Columbia, Md.

Frederick Church Gives Gift to Community The Frederick church has developed a community concert series for their friends in the community.

The series includes a variety of musical performances—from individual artists to large groups—both instrumental and vocal. The two remaining concerts of the season feature Luciana Cecille, soprano, and Mark Willey, organist—on February 14 at 4 p.m.—and the Pro Arts International Choir under the direction of Francisco De Araujo—April 2 at 7:30 p.m. The church’s senior pastor, John Appel, reports that the series has been well received with community guests outnumbering members in attendance by a ratio of 3:1.

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Spencerville Girls Hold “Spiritual Sleepover” wenty-five high-school-aged girls participated in a “spiritual sleepover” at the Christian Family Outreach Center in Sykesville, Md. Organized by Spencerville’s women’s ministry team, the weekend event featured a variety of spiritual activities and inspirational speakers.

Janet Lutz spoke Friday evening about dating and relationships. She advised the girls not to settle for less than what God had planned for them. She encouraged them to join the No No Sisterhood—a sorority for young girls choosing to remain sexually pure before marriage. Each girl who signed the no-sex-before-marriage agreement, received their own certificate and a special scented candle that they could burn in remembrance of their promise to remain pure.

Erica Richards, left, celebrates her 16th On Sabbath morning, pastors Rebecca Brillhart, from the Sligo church, and birthday during Spencerville's "spiritual sleepover" for high school girls. Photo by Charlotte McClure from Spencerville, shared their perspectives on real beauty Danielle Kemerer. and purity. The afternoon provided opportunities for a question and answer session on issues ranging from music, dating, and family, to personal spirituality.

Before the girls headed for home, they were assigned a mentor. Some of the mentors were able to stop by the retreat center on Sabbath afternoon to get better acquainted with those they would be mentoring. Plans are already developing to make this an annual fall event.

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Conference Treasurer Assists in Cuba Crusade onference Treasurer Ramon Chow spent 10 days in Cuba this past December, assisting in an evangelistic crusade in the city of Camaguey. He was there as a part of the Columbia Union’s Missions Abroad initiative—a joint mission venture with Maranatha Volunteers International. Maranatha representatives were on-site in Camaguey to dedicate the church annex project that had been recently completed.

By the time the reaping series was concluded, over 20 people had been baptized and 120 more had made decisions to join the church. The church is healthy in spite of the challenges faced in a repressive society. The gospel of freedom in Christ is a

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Back row, left to right: Paul Wipple, Roger Hatch, Dowell and Ramon Chow. Front row, left to right; Nidia Delgado, Helen Wipple, Zoraida Lopez, and Eli Hatch. Nidia and Zoraida are sisters of Eli who live in Cuba. Zoraida was baptized during the meetings.

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welcomed message to people who have known few personal freedoms in decades. Every evening people flocked to the church to hear the gospel being preached. Union Treasurer, Dowell Chow, right, Chow’s brother, prepares to deliver the Sabbath sermon.

Columbia Union Treasurer Dowell Chow, preached. Ramon Chow stepped in to fill a need by conducting a youth meeting each evening for upwards of 70 young people.

The Cuban Union has a membership approaching 24,000 and is comprised of three conferences/delegations. Camaguey, the third largest city in Cuba, is located in the union’s central delegation and lies 550 kilometers to the east of Havana.

Freedom is spreading in Cuba as faithful church members and dedicated volunteers from Maranatha and the Columbia Union work together to bring hope to the people of this island country.

Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference ■ 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ Editor, Rob Vandeman Editorial Assistant, Barbara-Lee Boyd

FEBRUARY 2004

Columbia Union College Establishes New Strategic Plan aculty and staff recently met, to work on the next step in Columbia Union College’s (CUC) new strategic fiveyear plan. When finished, the plan will be submitted to the college’s board of trustees for approval, and will serve as a road map to direct the college’s future.

“In addition, the strategic plan will serve to inform all the college’s main constituencies—from potential students and their parents, to the on-campus community, from the college’s surrounding area residents, to alumni around the world—about what the school is doing and why,” said President Randal Wisbey.

The strategic planning committee has worked diligently since February’s first session with Joanne Soliday of Performa, Inc., a strategic planning consultant for major colleges and universities.

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Chapel 4U Provides Varied Worship Experience n fostering a stronger spiritual atmosphere on campus, CUC holds a campus-wide chapel service every Wednesday morning. This service is usually held in the sanctuary of the Sligo Adventist Church, but with Sligo in the midst of remodeling, the college has created a menu of offerings for students, faculty, and staff to get a taste of the gospel in many flavors.

On some weeks the chapel service is divided into four different services at various locations on campus and named Chapel 4U. “Our theme is to build community based on the small group dynamic,” explains Chaplain Sabine Vatel.

“The goals are for students to talk about their faith and experiences, for them to find a niche where they can be ministered to, and to increase faculty and staff involvement,” she says.

Students have a choice of The Stained Glass Experience; Soul Food; Share, Praise, and Pray; and Reel Life.

The Stained Glass Experience, in Richards Hall chapel, is akin to a more formal, meditative/contemplative service with emphasis on liturgy. Soul Food, in the

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“From our work earlier this year, the committee came up with six strategic themes, each with specific imperatives leading to step-by-step goals,” added Wisbey. “The themes address the encouragement of a dynamic faith, the engaging and valuing of people, the creation of a distinctive and distinguished learning culture, making the most of our location by the nation’s capital, transforming the physical campus, and expanding and strengthening our financial resources.”

The session was marked with small group brainstorming for ways to specifically engage each of the imperatives. A final draft of the plan will be delivered to the board of trustees by March.

“This will become the instrument that best captures what we do and identifies what’s important to Columbia Union College so that all our constituencies will have the same understanding and confidence in our direction, as we do,” said Wisbey.

Centennial Snapshot Normal Hall Constructed in 1939 for the elementary school and teacher education program—the first brick building on campus—had room for 180 elementary school children, student teacher's observation rooms, a library, gymnasium, cafeteria, and offices.

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Home for the Normal School until the late 1950s when several grades moved to Takoma Academy.

Sligo Elementary School was built in 1964.

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Later changed name from Normal Hall to Education Hall and became exclusive home to the growing teacher education program. It was remodeled to accommodate more classrooms.

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Changed name to H.M.S. Richards Hall in early 1960s in honor of the CUC graduate who founded The Voice of Prophecy radio program.

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Today houses Department of Religion, Department of History, the Center for Metropolitan Ministries, the Center for Law and Public Policy, and one of the college's three chapels.

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Web Site Gets Overhaul, Information More Accessible UC revamped its Web site to give prospective students, alumni, Columbia Union members, and CUC’s local community, better access to campus news and information.

Visitors to the new www.cuc.edu will find that the front page of the site changes nearly every day, providing news updates in four main areas— academic life, student life, spiritual life, and alumni information. The academic life page is the front page of the site during regular school days.

During evening hours and on Sundays, the home page changes to student life. And during Sabbath hours, visitors will first encounter the spiritual life of the College.

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The menu on the left side of each page has links to different areas related to that particular section. For example, on the student life page, the menu on the left has information on campus activities, the student association, clubs and groups, athletics, performing arts, honor societies, and residence halls. Prospective students will find online applications and enrollment information on the academic life section. Alumni will find information on future alumni gatherings and giving opportunities in their section.

“It’s still a work in progress,” says Angela Abraham, director of public relations, “but visitors will find much more relevant information quicker and easier than before.”

“Each section of the site will be constantly updated. Both academic and service departments are enthusiastically working to keep pages upto-date, our campus news bureau is striving to have a new story on each of the four main pages each day, and CUC’s redesigned Web site.

(Chapel 4U, cont.)

Morrison Hall chapel, is a new offering for spring semester. “The athletic department has put together a series focusing on physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s a great approach to our faith and is off to a good start,” says Vatel.

Share, Praise, and Pray, in the newly renovated Halcyon Hall chapel, is primarily student-led and very popular. Students give a 10- to 15-minute message and arrange for the music. “I really enjoy the worship in Halcyon Hall,” says sophomore Edward Crowde. “The message deals with my daily life.”

Reel Life, held in Weinstein Auditorium, is oriented toward those who respond to media.

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Here students gather to watch and converse about film clips dealing with the morals and ethics of Christian living.

Once a month the whole campus community gathers together in a traditional chapel service that focuses on CUC, its identity and mission, and incorporates elements from each of the other services into one. Vatel says the presenters have been fantastic. Overall, Chapel 4U has gained a lot of positive reviews around campus.

“It’s much more personal and easy to relate to,” says Kyle VanNoy, a junior. “I want them to keep doing it next year, even when the renovation [at Sligo] is done.”

our marketing department is constantly improving the accessibility of information for prospective students,” adds Abraham.

“We’re excited by the work public relations has accomplished in improving the site,” says Randal Wisbey, CUC president. “The new site is clean, professional, easier to navigate, and keeps people up-todate on what’s happening here on campus.”

CALENDAR February 4

Adult Evening Program Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, registration

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Black Student Union Gospel Concert

7-14

Black History Week

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LSAT testing

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Band Festival

14-16

48-Hour Film Festival

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Presidents’ Day— no classes; offices and library closed

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Adult Evening Program Bachelor of Science, Information Systems, registration

March 1-4

Midterm Exams

5-14

Spring Break, Mission trip to Mexico

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Special Columbia Union Conference offering for CUC

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Career Fair

19-21

Parents’ Weekend

Gateway is published in the Visitor by the Columbia Union College 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (800) 835-4212 ■ www.cuc.edu Randal Wisbey, President ■ PR Director, Angela Abraham

F E B R U A RY 2004

Ambassadors for Him ast December, a small group representing the Columbia Union visited India. One indelible memory is that of driving through Mumbai (formerly Bombay) among thousands of people—many on foot; many riding bicycles and motor scooters; in rickshaws; stuffed inside and on top of buses; or in cars weaving within inches of each other. We were constantly honking horns and dodging ever-present beggars and “sacred” cattle meandering across the busy roads.

One type of car, the Ambassador, looked like it was from the 1950s. You couldn’t tell a new Ambassador from an old one since the design hasn’t changed in the past 50 years! The reason for this is that the car has been most functional just the way it has been for years, so there isn’t any need to change it.

Do we need to constantly invent new methods of outreach and evangelism to involve our people in effective soul-winning or simply follow the usual tried and proven methods?

Part of the “Your World to Win” initiative, launched at camp meeting, is to distribute 200,000 leaflets and follow-up on Bible study requests that are returned. We are excited that during the last six months of 2003, our members distributed nearly 65,000 leaflets with Bible enrollment cards, about 1,600 Bible studies are now in progress! As we continue to be faithful witnesses, we can look forward to a harvest of souls as each church in Mountain View is involved in Kingsley Whitsett President evangelism during 2004.

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Moorefield Church Members Participate in Nigerian Crusade our members of the Moorefield church participated in an evangelistic crusade sponsored by global evangelism, held in Aba, Nigeria. Pastor Stewart Pepper and his wife, Kathy, along with Howard and Phyllis Jeffers, were in in Nigeria from November 11 to December 2. More than 200 were baptized from the Peppers’ and Jeffers' campaign sites.

But the total experience was about more than baptisms. Kathy Pepper gave health talks, and team members distributed many Bibles to those who had never owned one. The sights, sounds, and smells of entrenched privation and poverty defy description. Phyllis Jeffers said, "It was somewhat like Jesus trying to describe heaven to His disciples, only in reverse. You simply cannot understand people’s needs and suffering until you've been there."

And you cannot understand the electric feeling that comes from being used by God unless you've done this. "Watching people give their lives to Jesus," says Kathy and Stewart Pepper, left, with newfound Nigerian friends.

Howard Jeffers,

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Members after evangelism effort in Okpuhie, Nigeria.

"makes you want to do more back home." And those aren't just idle words. Our plans to reach out into the Moorefield area in new ways are already in process.

Our more than 200 baptisms are a small but infinitely precious sample of the final harvest. And the fervent decision these new brothers and sisters in Christ have made infects us with a fever for which we seek no relief—a fever whose chief symptom is an insatiable hunger and thirst to make Christ known to others.

—Pastor Stewart Pepper F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 4

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Glenville and Spencer Youth Enjoy Social en Adventist young people from the Glenville and Spencer churches, enjoyed a lively social evening baking cookies and giftwrapping copies of Steps to Christ with Bible study enrollment cards for friends and neighbors. The evening’s activity began with a vespers program, where Melissa and Patricia Sweeny, and Heather Lawaty led a song service. Lawaty presented a devotional study on true conversion, after which a parent read a compelling missionary

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story from Yvonne Davy’s Sunrise Over Africa.

The next day Pastor Jones visited a retired Methodist minister for prayer. There he met a mother and four daughters, who all sat spellbound before a raging war movie. As he left, he felt strongly prompted to go to his car and bring five of the gift-wrapped copies of Steps to Christ back to this mother and her daughters. So with a prayer in his heart, Jones returned to the door just moments after bidding

Mountain View Responds to Richwood Flood orrential rains brought heavy flooding to various parts of West Virginia recently. Dozens of homes situated on the banks of the South Fork of the Cherry River in Richwood, W.Va., were engulfed in turbid waters that ruined furniture, clothing, carpets, appliances, and other household possessions.

A disaster response team from the conference was also on-site to help. John Ridpath, disaster relief coordinator for Mountain View Conference, and Doc Michael, pastor of the Richwood church, purchased and delivered a wide array of cleaning supplies for up to a 100 homes in the area.

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Police Chief Larry Tinney, expressed warm thanks on behalf of the victims for the church’s aid.

A few months previous, Mountain View disaster relief forces delivered blankets and personal care kits to BerkeleyCounty in West Virginia, where high winds inflicted major structural damage to dozens of houses.

Our disaster relief efforts in Mountain View are substantially funded by donations received during our annual Campaign for Community program. We are especially grateful to The Greenbrier Better Living Center, for its gift of $500 for flood relief in Richwood.

Kester Erskine, founder and director of the center and a member of the Lewisburg Adventist Church, presented the cash gift. This spirit of civic-mindedness in the Mountain View church family, gives impetus and heightened effectiveness to our humanitarian aid efforts in Appalachia, where poverty is common and natural disasters are all too frequent.

Left to right: Larry Tinney, Richwood police chief; Edrick Goad; Bobby, a city worker; John Ridpath; and Robert Michael.

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—John Ridpath

Heather Lawaty and Patricia Sweeny lead song service at youth social.

everyone goodbye. The astonished mother let him back in. She and her daughters all expressed gratitude and delight at each receiving their own copy of the book. Glenville and Spencer members are praying that the seeds sown in the distribution of their gift literature, will yield an abundant harvest of conversions for God’s kingdom.

Mountain View

EVENTS February 13-15 Marriage Enrichment Valley Vista

February 15-18 Teachers' Retreat (No School)

February 16 Holiday (Office closed)

February 29 “100 Miles in 100 Days"

March 7 Mtn. View Board of Education

March 8 Annual Financial Review

March 20 Music Festival (Summersville)

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ■ Phone: (304) 422-4581 President, Kingsley Whitsett Editor, Brian Jones

SpiriT MOUNT VERNON ACADEMY FEBRUARY 2004

What a Deal! n a hurry to get into college? Sorry, we can’t help you. In a hurry to get out of college? Yes, we can help you with that! Want all of your expenses paid while you go to academy? Sorry, we can’t help you, but … do you want to save enough money to repay all four years of your academy expenses? We can definitely help you with that.

Repaying $40,000 of expenses is worth your time, right? You can actually make money by attending Mount Vernon Academy (MVA). Let me explain.

You see, at MVA, you can earn college credits during your junior and senior years—you can actually complete up to 24 hours of college general education courses in your last two years. Entering college with 24 hours of college credit under your belt will enable you to enroll as a sophomore, making it possible for you to graduate from college in just three years.

Okay, here’s the math lesson: If you save one year of college, you save approximately $20,000, right? If you graduate from college in three years, you can get into the job market one year sooner. If your starting salary after college is $30,000 per year, add it all up. You just saved $20K and earned an extra $30K— that’s $50,000! That’s more than the cost to attend MVA for four full years!

Check us out. This is for real! The college credits earned at MVA are granted by Columbia Union College to be used at their college, or transferred to another college of your choice.

And now the small print: You have to have good grades (a minimum 3.0 GPA) and you have to score 20 or better on the ACT Exam. You also have to pay extra for the college textbooks and a little extra tuition for the college credits.

If you find a better deal to get a quality Christian secondary education, take it!

Dale E. Twomley Principal Discover Christ … Discover yourself … at Mount Vernon Academy.

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Student Plays Ball Without Sabbath Conflicts ’m a senior at MVA and I’m from Columbus, Ohio. I attended Columbus Alternative High School, but played basketball for my home school, South High. I made varsity my freshman year and was excited to be on the team. Then I realized that the games were on Friday night and as a Seventh-day Adventist, I would be breaking the Sabbath. My parents let me

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make the decision and I chose to play, knowing that I was not respecting the Sabbath.

I did really well and became the fourth-ranked freshmen point guard in Ohio and Michigan. I was ranked fifth, my sophomore year. I was doing well in basketball, but I didn’t feel right inside and I knew why.

Then Joe Perrone, MVA basketball coach, called me about coming to MVA. I didn’t want to go to a private boarding school. But after thinking about it with my parents, I decided to go. This is my second year at MVA. I’ve had a lot of fun and I had a great basketball season last year. I was ranked seventh-best junior point guard in Ohio and Michigan.

At MVA, everybody around me believes in the same God I believe in. I can play basketball and not break the Sabbath. I am so glad I made this move.

Marcus C. Adams Senior

Marcus Adams excels in basketball at MVA without Sabbath conflicts.

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SpiriT Academy Days to Provide Amazing Experience cademy Days is just around the corner! Every year MVA invites students in seventh -grade or above, to attend a fun-filled, action-packed weekend geared to showing students what academy life is all about.

On Sunday, our visitors will be able to join students in shortened classes where they’ll participate in exciting activities. MVA will also give out $25,000 in music and sports scholarships to guests in grades 8–11. Students can try out for these scholarships and the money will be applied toward tuition the following year at MVA. Students can also fill out applications for student aid.

Academy Days is April 16-18. Everything is free of charge—so mark your calendars and plan to attend! Get ready to be amazed at how much fun you can have attending Mount Vernon Academy!

Margaret Sutton, Office Manager

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MVA Education Makes Jesus Top Priority VA makes spiritual growth our number one priority.

The students of MVA are motivated by a vision to serve God and a desire to grow in a relationship with Him. To help make that vision a reality, we have five chaplains on campus.

Alden Ho is the head chaplain and is responsible for overseeing all spiritual functions. He provides much of the overall vision for growth in Jesus.

Todd Curtis teaches junior Bible and is the fulltime, on-campus chaplain. His special areas of interest are community service projects, outreach, and Sabbath afternoon activities.

Tim Soper teaches sophomore Bible and is the director and pastor of the Mount Vernon City church project.

Brooke Osborne is chaplain in the girls’ dorm.

Anthony Hackett is chaplain in the boys’ dorm.

Together, they also direct a midweek spiritual renewal called “Surge.”

There are lots of exciting opportunities this year.

The “Wired@2” Sabbath afternoon programs, are action-packed. Every Sabbath, students get to choose between three or four “wired” activities that begin at 2 p.m. There is always a community service activity, a nature or creative activity, and a Bible activity.

In addition, at the Mount Vernon City church, the students get to organize their own church, and lead and direct the worship service from beginning to end, with minimal adult

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Chaplains clockwise from center: Alden Ho, Todd Curtis, Anthony Hackett, Brooke Osborne, and Tim Soper.

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interference. These activities are only a small foretaste of what we have planned. Next year will bring even more opportunities to witness of our love for God. Todd Curtis MVA On-Campus Chaplain

calendar of

events

February 6-17 Winter Break

February 8-17 Mission Trips to Guyana and Miami

February 21 National Honor Society Induction

March 19-28 Spring Break

April 1-2 Sophomore Bible Trip to Battle Creek, Mich.

April 4 Junior/Senior Banquet

April 13-17 Spring Week of Prayer

April 9-12 Easter Break

April 16-18 Academy Days

April 23-24 Alumni Weekend

Spirit is published in the Visitor by Mount Vernon Academy 525 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 ■ Phone: (740) 397-5411 ■ Principal, Dale Twomley ■ www.mvacademy.org

F E B R U A RY 2004

Two Storms, One God ou know the story: winds howling, waves crashing, Christ sleeping. But do you remember that upon awakening, Christ knew it was the demons at work—not a natural weather event with a high- and low-pressure disturbance. And without hesitation, He put the demons in their place, showing His power over them while demonstrating His love for His friends. I like to think that first He spoke to the demons, telling them to leave His friends in "peace." Then He spoke to the elements and said, "Shh, 'be still,' my friends need some quiet time."

You know the story: winds howling, waves crashing, Christ watching. But do you remember the part about Him getting into the boat while it was still tossing? This time apparently, the storm was from natural causes—normal everyday living elements. And my favorite part of this story is that He did not still the storm until after He sat down beside His frantic friends. I just love that!

The first storm tells us that many situations crashing all around us are demon oriented. The second storm depicts everyday consequences of life. Both stories are great, but the first story demonstrates traumas brought on by the demons. However, in this we at least have the peace that we were not responsible; we didn't bring on the problems through carelessness, like not checking the weather before going out in the boat.

But the second storm, well, for me, it doesn't get much better than that. Life threatens, and sinkholes appear. Finances toss us for a loop, family problems turn us upside down, and time rises and falls erratically. I cannot escape them. They are a natural consequence of my humanness. I sit, huddled in the boat of life, nauseated, and weak. But then He enters my tossing boat, and sits down beside me while the storm rages. In the midst of my less than LeRoy Finck tranquil world, undaunted by the chaos, He enters—and before the storm ceases—He President sits with me. And I am calm.

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Atlantic County Congregation Dedicates New Facility ecember 13 was a great day for the Atlantic County Seventhday Adventist Church with the dedication of a recently acquired, church property in Northfield. For the last 22 years, the congregation has been renting a Presbyterian church on Chelsea Avenue in Atlantic City. While appreciative of the use of that facility, the church felt the frustration of the church building being available only on Friday evening and Sabbath—all other church meetings and events had to be held elsewhere.

The church spent many years praying, looking, and collecting money for their own church. In 2001, the Lord led a person in the neighborhood of the church building to communicate with a friend, a member of the Atlantic County church, that the church building was The Atlantic County Seventh-day Adventist not being used. When the owners were contacted they replied that Church recently dedicated a new facility. they would consider selling the property. In time, negotiations yielded a sales agreement.

The structure was originally a Faith Tabernacle church built in1910. The current church building was completed in 1936, after the original building burnt down in 1935. In 1962, an addition was added on to the rear of the church to house a church school. In spite of the long history of the church—local ordinances required a process including legal actions as well as community input before the property could be sold and used as a church.

Obstacles kept arising—but one by one—the Lord worked the process through until, the transaction was completed October 20. The Lord had already blessed the fund-raising efforts so much that the congregation was able to pay cash for the property. On December 13 the church was dedicated debt free. The congregation solicits your prayers as they undertake this endeavor.

Andy Wittenburg

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Miracle Occurs for New Jersey Baby t has been over a year since we learned that our unborn grandson had Down syndrome and a complete atrial ventricular canal defect (confirmed by a fetal echocardiogram). This heart defect is very typical in Down syndrome babies and requires surgery after birth. Unfortunately, it does not correct itself. I opened my Bible one morning and read in Ps. 34:18, "The Lord is especially close to those who are brokenhearted.”

I began to pray for a miracle. I said, “Jesus, when you were on earth you performed so many miracles. I don't understand why sometimes there are miracles and sometimes there aren't, but I know it would be nothing for you to heal our baby. I know you have heard my prayer and if somehow it is not in your plan to heal him, then I will accept it.” After I prayed that prayer I had peace in my heart.

One morning, I read Ps. 22:24, 25 (The Clear Word) and it said, “He has not turned His face away but listened to their cry for help.

Before the great assembly I will praise You for what You have done.” I began to get very February excited. “Lord, am Atlantic Union Adventurers 1 I really going to be Coordinators praising You for what You have ABC Open—9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. done.” Then AY Federation Meeting-North I read Ps. 64:9: Treasurer's Workshop “Everyone will 5 Principal's Council stand in awe when they see what 7 Festival of the Laity-South Jaden Riley McAuliffe is a miracle baby.

God has done.”

8 ABC Open—9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Every day for five AY Friendship Banquet-North months, I read verses that were directly in answer to my thoughts and prayers. I know God speaks to us through His Word. I had a 10 Pastors’ Meeting strong feeling that God was going to perform a miracle.

13-15 Young Adult Retreat Ideally, a baby should weigh at least 8 lbs. before undergoing this 13-16 Atlantic Union Conference corrective heart surgery. Little Jaden weighed in at 5 lbs. 10 oz.

14 Master Guide Training-South Shortly after birth, an echocardiogram was done. As my daughter and son-in-law watched in anticipation, the doctor came over to them and 15 AY Friendship Banquet-South said, “Good news! The heart is normal!” The doctors had no explana16 Presidents’ Day— tion. One said, “I guess the good Lord just fixed it.”

ABC and Office closed Two days before the baby was born, my son-in-law was looking up 19 K-12 Board of Education— the meaning of names on the computer. His wife liked the name Jaden.

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And when he found the meaning, he learned it meant God has heard.

19-22 NAD Pathfinders’/Adventurers’ Jaden had a blood test which confirmed that he has Down synLeadership Convention drome. It's interesting to hear the theories people have as to why God did not take that away too. But our minds are not capable of 28 Festival of the Laity-North thinking like God. I only know that my questions will be answered Day of Prayer when I get to heaven.

29 Ski Trip-Jack Frost Jaden is doing remarkably well and he is the joy of our lives.

Miracles do happen and are still evident in his life.

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—Janet Shiroma

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New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 ■ President, LeRoy Finck ■ Editor, Aura Garcia

FEBRUARY 2004

Ohio Pastors Use Unique Channels for Evangelism helvan Arunan, pastor of the Warren and Youngstown Boardman Adventist Churches, is a native of Sri Lanka, where Christian churches learned to work together while believers were being rounded up and executed. When the government put out an execution order on Arunan, and the soldiers were closing in, it was a Catholic priest who disguised him, and the Catholic Church that smuggled him out of the country.

Today, in addition to pastoring, Arunan hosts a Christian television program called, Evidence. He asks people who love the Lord to share how their lives have been changed. “I’m a strong believer that Jesus gives hope and healing. I like to see people from the community telling their own story. Within all churches, there is a remnant who reflect the true character of Christ,” shares Arunan.

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Shelvan Arunan, right, and his wife, Rajee, who is a big part of his ministry.

Dan Millen is the bi-vocational pastor of the Athens Adventist Church. He has gone from Alaska fisherman, to city cab driver, to soap opera star, to preacher and radio disc jockey. Following his conversion, Dan started memorizing Scripture and uses the story of Paul to inspire others in his dramatic portrayal of the apostle. Dan is a DJ weekdays from 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Recently, he opened the doors of the Athens church from 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily, inviting residents of the Athens community to come in for prayer or to just talk. “It’s just prayer,” he states. “Nobody is going to try to talk you into joining the church—I just want to reach out to the community as a house of prayer. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have, both individually, and as a society.”

Dan Millen in his dramatic portrayal of the apostle Paul.

While attending Loma Linda University, Polly Dengel, M.D., attended a class called Medical Mission, where doctors offer Bible studies in their office lobbies.

Dengel states, “After 9/ll, I noted a real need for spiritual food among my patients, and asked my medical director if I could put up signs in the practice rooms offering a class in spirituality and healing.” Sixteen people came the first Sabbath afternoon. After an eight-week study using the book, “The Faith Factor” by Dr. Dale Matthews, she invited the group to meet in her home.

Four people in the group decided they wanted to read the Bible through together, and Dengel started a class at the Christ Our Righteousness Church on Sabbath mornings. One patient told Polly, “If someone had told me two years ago that I’d be getting up early Saturday morning to come to a Bible study, I’d have told them they were crazy! We actually go to great lengths to arrange our schedules to be here! It’s changed our lives.” Polly says, “I’m not anticipating baptisms, but I can definitely see that these folks have grown in their understanding and love for their Creator. They think of friends they’d like to share this with. I pray they share it in their own churches!”

Polly Dengel, M.D., seeks to provide spiritual care to her patients.

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Greater Columbus Students Hold Special Program he Greater Columbus Christian School recently invited grandparents to attend a special program, a picnic on the lawn, and games and activities. Each class presented a program to begin the day, concluding with students and grandparents participating in games together.

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Akron First Church Celebrates 25th Anniversary n November 22, Akron First Adventist Church celebrated 25 years at its location on Waterloo Road in Akron. Former pastors Norman Meager, Marwood Hallett, Ted Bartter, and our present pastor, Abner Castanon, had parts in the service.

Many musical numbers, with a Thanksgiving theme, were enjoyed along with a video of events of our past 25 years. Pastor Meager, who helped plan and build the church, also brought back memories by showing slides of the church in various stages of completion.

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The front of the church, decorated for fall (above), displayed foods donated by the congregation. Later in the day, 12 Thanksgiving baskets were packed and delivered to needy families in the area.

The well-attended lunch after the service, filled the fellowship hall and two classrooms with members and guests. We enjoyed time to visit with former pastors and members. What an ideal time of year to celebrate our thankfulness for God’s many blessings.

—Sue Kirschbaum Pastor Norman Meager and his wife greet visitors attending the celebration.

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 ■ President, Raj Attiken Editor, Bette Toscano

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F E B R U A RY 2004

Your Mission Field is Around You ight now, some of our Pennsylvania Adventist pastors and lay members are conducting evangelistic meetings in Nigeria, Africa. They are experiencing the joy of sharing God's good news and seeing people give their hearts to Jesus and follow Him in baptism. When our members return from Nigeria, they won't be leaving the mission field. They will re-enter our mission field, given especially to us, right here in Pennsylvania.

Your neighborhood, your school, your workplace, your community—this is your mission field.

God is calling us to connect with the people we meet each day. We can develop friendships and then, as trust grows in those friendships, share the joy of our best friend—Jesus. Our culture is different from that of an emerging country. We may think it is hard to reach people here, but Jeremiah 32:17 reminds us, "Ah, Lord God … there is nothing too hard for you." God will enable us to connect with people in our modern culture.

In this issue, you'll see one church's unique effort to connect with people. You’ll also read about our Spring Into Mission training at Laurel Lake in March. Join us this spring and Ray Hartwell President invite God to give you a mission here in the Pennsylvania mission field.

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Healthy Lives Take First Place he Reading Hampden Heights church has a commitment to teaching people how to live a healthy, balanced life. While they have held many different cooking schools and health programs, their current First Place program, a faith-based weight-loss plan, supported and endorsed by physicians and nutritionists, has been the most successful in changing people’s lives.

First Place is a Christ-centered, total health program with an emphasis on weight management. Based on Matthew 6:33, the tremendous success of First Place is due to its biblical approach, which puts Christ first and emphasizes a balanced lifestyle in all four areas of life—spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional.

By following the First Place program, Hampden Heights participants have collectively lost over 250 pounds in three, 13-week sessions. Not only has the program attracted more of their own members than any other health ministry events held at Hampden, but it has also attracted nonbelievers, members of other faiths, and members of area Adventist churches. And it continues to grow. The initial session had 15 participants— currently 30 participants are meeting in two groups.

The health ministry team has found that, while most people join for weight loss, a larger percentage stay for the spiritual gains and the positive life-changing features of the program. By meeting in weekly support groups, members follow a fitness and Bible study program centered around the First Place nine commitments, which include regular attendance, daily prayer, regular scripture reading, scripture memory, daily Bible study,

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While many participants join First Place because of the weight loss aspect, the spiritual emphasis of Bible study and prayer is important to those attending.

healthy eating, accountability, fellowship, and exercise.

These commitments help First Place members learn to be victorious over poor health habits and to commit their minds, and ultimately their bodies, to God. First Place is more than a weight loss program—it’s a catalyst for lifestyle change. It moves you to make daily decisions, asking God to fill your life with His Word. As one member shares, “It helps make Christianity real and practical in everyday life.”

—Lilly Tryon F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 4

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Pennsylvania Springs Into Mission ver 200 people from across Pennsylvania participated in the first year of Mission Training Station (MTS) as we learned to treat Pennsylvania as a mission field. Designed to train and equip church members to reach out to their communities, MTS has already certified two mission pastors and one evangelist specialist, with another two dozen people currently working on field projects.

MTS will kick off 2004 with John Kent, director of training and church planting consultant at Adventist Frontiers Mission (AFM), as the featured speaker for Spring Into Mission, which will be held at Laurel Lake Camp, March 12-13. It will also be held at Blue Mountain Academy, April 16-17. Spring Into Mission challenges participants to see Pennsylvania as a mission field and live an evangelistic life, giving practical ideas and resources. For more information, contact the MTS office at missiontrainingstation@yahoo.com or (717) 442-9685.

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AFM Director of Training John Kent has a heart for missions, having spent eight years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, and will share how to be a missionary in Pennsylvania at the upcoming Spring Into Mission.

Pennsylvania Conference Web Site Launched ou can now visit the Pennsylvania Conference on the Internet. Visitors to www.paconference.org can read current news articles, find local churches, and learn about the different ministries of the conference.

The ministries page features each of the departments and ministries of the conference. Besides sharing the vision and resources of each ministry, the page includes information on upcoming events like Mission Training Station’s (MTS) Spring into Mission or the women’s ministries spring retreat.

On the “organizations” page, people will be able to learn more about Laurel Lake Camp, the Adventist Book Center, and find links to Adventist Whole Health Network. You can check out dates for summer camp or the latest sale

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at the ABC. The Arise and Build page includes pictures of our latest Arise and Build church with details on how churches can become the next Arise and Build church. Learn more about Mission Training Station and upcoming seminars and training events by clicking the MTS icon. Links to receive free Voice of Prophecy Bible studies, the latest news from the General Conference site, and the Columbia Union church locator, help to provide resources for visitors to the site.

“While we want to provide information and news, we also want the site to clearly promote the mission of our conference and be another opportunity for sharing the gospel with seekers who visit—revealing a God who is active, alive, forgiving, and loving,” states Tamyra Horst, communication director. In the future people will be able to download retreat and camp meeting applications, share prayer requests and contact staff members through the site.

February 27–29 Couples’ Retreat with Willie and Elaine Oliver Paradise

March 5-7 Pathfinder Leadership/Honors Weekend

March 5-6 Elementary Music Festival Blue Mountain Elementary

March 9–23 Missions Abroad Mission Trip

March 12–13 Spring into Mission, with John Kent Laurel Lake Camp

March 19–21 Women’s Retreat with Cheri Peters Gettysburg

April 16–17 Spring Into Mission, with John Kent Blue Mountain Academy

April 23–25 Blue Mountain Academy Alumni Weekend

April 23-25 Adventurers Family Picnic

June 11–19 Camp Meeting

Visit the new Pennsylvania Conference Web site at www.paconference.org.

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Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 President, Ray Hartwell ■ Editor, Tamyra Horst ■ Secretary, Daisy Lopez

FEBRUARY 2004

Potomac Pastors, Administrators Hold Argentine Series ith the theme “La Esperanza es Jesus”—“The Hope is Jesus,” 16 Potomac Conference pastors and the three conference administrators: Dave Weigley, president; Roger Weiss, executive secretary; and Kurt Allen, treasurer; held an evangelistic series in the city of Cordoba, Argentina.

The city of Cordoba, located in the Central Argentine Conference, has 1.5 million inhabitants. It is an educational center, with several universities and thousands of foreign students. Cordoba is one of the most difficult cities in Latin America for the preaching of the gospel. Part of the strategy, between Potomac and the Central Argentine Conference, was to use a number of Bible instructors to prepare the field prior to the meetings.

Then the pastors in 16 different churches held a series of harvest Potomac team participates in Sabbath program. meetings. Attendance went far beyond expectations with over 500 nonmembers and 3,000 members.

With great emotion, the visiting pastors as well as with local administrators and pastors, participated on Sabbath, November 15, with the baptism of 100 persons. During the week, 236 persons were baptized and another 250 are studying for future baptism. “This evangelistic experience,” in the words of Central Argentine President Anibal Espada, “has been the best in Adventist history for the city of Cordoba.”

We praise God for the tremendous experience for our Potomac team as well as for the hundreds who have been baptized for the Central Argentine Conference, enriching God’s worldwide family.

José Esposito

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Dave Weigley and Potomac team take part in Sabbath mass baptism.

Evangelist POTOMAC CONFERENCE

Manassas Spanish Church Celebrates New Facility ecently the Hispanic congregation of Manassas celebrated the official opening of the facility they have acquired. After months of hard work painting, repairing, and even building some partitions, they had the joy of officially opening the doors of their church. Kurt Allen, treasurer, preached a very meaningful sermon challenging the congregation to keep pursuing God s way in their efforts to build their community of believers. David Weigley, president, and Roger Weiss, executive secretary, were also present to celebrate this special event.

We gave thanks to the Lord for leading us in purchasing the property. Let us also express our thankfulness to the congregation and its pastor, Luis Begle, for their loving dedication and hard work.

Once more we see that the only way to expand and grow the kingdom of God is by loving sacrifice and pioneer dedication!

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Manassas Spanish members worked hard to prepare their new facility for worship.

Ruben A. Ramos Hispanic Ministries Director POTOMAC CONFERENCE

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Member Celebrates 103rd Birthday and Receives Key to the City arie Creggar celebrated her 103rd birthday recently at the Berkshire Health Care Center in Vinton, Va., with family and friends. She was presented the “Key to the City” by the Honorable Donald L. Davis, mayor of Vinton. Marie is a charter member of the North Valley Adventist church in Roanoke, Va. She has served her church well for many years as a deaconess and a community service worker. May God continue to shower His blessings upon her.

—Jean Wills

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Marie Creggar, left, pictured with the Honorable Donald L. Davis, mayor of Vinton, Va.

Insights to Revelation Seminar Leads to Baptisms Takoma Park Pastor Aims to Reach Pastors of Other he North Valley Adventist Church in Roanoke, Va., Thosted Insights to Revelation with Pastor Ron and Denominations Cheryl Rogers. It was encouraging to see the number of visitors who came night after night to hear the Christcentered presentations of our fundamental beliefs.

A member of the Memorial Avenue church in Roanoke invited her two sisters and a friend to attend the meetings with her. They attended almost every night and two of them were baptized on the final Sabbath of the meetings.

This is another example of “friendship evangelism.”

The church family shared in the excitement on Sabbath, when eight precious souls joined the fellowship of God’s remnant church.

Church members, new members, and others who attended the meetings but were not yet ready to join the church fellowship are attending a Revelation seminar conducted by Jeff Turner and his wife, Ginger, to follow-up the evangelistic meetings. Please remember them in your prayers.

Cheryl Rogers

Evangelism Assistant POTOMAC CONFERENCE

was once a Sundaykeeping pastor and someone was nice enough to share some literature with me.

Because of it, I am now a Seventh-day Adventist pastor,” states Tony Mavrakos, pastor for discipleship for Takoma Park Adventist Church. My goal is to get a copy of the magazine Remember to every Sundaykeeping pastor in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia by the year 2005. “When you reach the shepherds, you will also reach the sheep.”

My change to become a Sabbathkeeper wasn’t something that took place overnight. In fact, it took me almost four years before I made my decision, but the seed was sown,” says Mavrakos.

We are all called to plant the seed. God will bring the increase. If you are interested in learning more about Operation Remember Sabbath, please contact me at the Takoma Park Adventist Church (202) 8294800, ext. 15.

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Tony Mavrakos TAKOMA

Precious souls: back row, evangelist Ron Rogers; Pastor John McGraw; and Lay Pastor Mike Hewitt. Front row: Paul Cawley, Mary Jones, Mikey Lester, Cecilia Keesling, Joyce Brown, Louise Novia, Virginia Bradley, and James Baker.

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Pastor for Discipleship PARK ADVENTIST CHURCH

Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference ■ 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org ■ President, Dave Weigley ■ Editor, Janet Olsyne

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F E B R U A RY 2004

Spencerville Adventist Academy Grows pencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) has experienced spiritual, academic, and social growth. Our goal has been to develop an atmosphere in which students, parents, and teachers are working in unison, to ensure the moments we share at SAA are wholesome and memorable.

We started our year with a spiritual retreat for the entire high school. We loaded everyone into a bus and several vans, and headed for Harper’s Ferry where we shared in a few mixer games followed by a devotional by Mr. Silie. The students and staff took advantage of the time to grow closer to God—and to each other.

A few weeks later, our high school and junior high school student associations launched two student-run vespers programs. Both programs were spiritually moving and inspired many of our students of all ages to share their spiritual talents. Our prayer is that all who seek God will find Him at SAA. Our athletic program has also experienced growth this year. Our volleyball team only lost two matches and four of our ladies received all-conference awards. Our soccer team won their first conference tournament game, and posted three players on the all-conference teams. Our gymnastics team was able to go to Acro-Fest, which was held at Southwestern Adventist University. All of our teams have been involved in community service events in an effort to share God with our community.

Our annual Grandparents’ Day was the perfect beginning to alumni weekend. Our choir and band programs were featured throughout the weekend. Grandparents and Spencerville church were blessed with tremendous performances from both groups.

We are proud of our high school program, which was helpful to Ebony Frazier—Class of 2003— who received a full, academic scholarship to Syracuse University. We have bolstered our academic offerings for our high school students by working with Columbia Union College (CUC). Our qualified high school students now have the opportunity to receive college credit while they are still in high school. We are excited about the opportunity to work with CUC to better serve our students’ needs.

Brad Durby SAA will continue to search for new ways to assure that our young people will be able Vice Principal to receive the best Christ-centered experience possible.

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NEWS Spencerville Awarded Governor’s Citation

SAA Welcomes New Vice Principal to Faculty

Recently, SAA held its annual Alumni Sabbath at the Spencerville church. During the service, Elisha Pulivarti, executive director of the State of Maryland Governor’s Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs,presented Jacqueline Messenger, principal of SAA, with a citation for outstanding community service.

Spencerville Adventist Academy welcomed Brad Durby as vice principal this year. Durby graduated from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. In his 16 years of teaching, he has been on the faculty of Bass Memorial Academy, John Nevins Andrews Elementary School, Takoma Academy, and Columbia Union College.

As vice principal, Durby stated that his main goal is to “enhance the spiritual growth of our children.” He also plans to focus on growing the high school program at SAA.

Elisha Pulivarti, left, presents the citation to Jacqueline Messenger.

New Fund-raising Program Created to Ease Tuition Costs SAA has developed a car donation program.

The paperwork for this program only takes about 15 minutes to complete. Your car can be picked up at your house, and will be delivered directly to the auction center. For information, please call us at (301) 421-9101.

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SPOTLIGHT Students Share Their Love for Spencerville Katelyn Kilby, Class of 2004 SAA is my school.

It’s been my home for the past seven years and I’ve made such great friendKatelyn Kilby ships with the students, as well as the teachers. I couldn’t imagine gong anywhere else. I don’t think I could go somewhere where there’s thousands of high-schoolers and where things aren’t as personal as they are here.

Kara Turpen, Class of 2007 I attend SAA because it’s a day academy and I don’t want to live away from home. This is my first year at SAA Kara Turpen and I enjoy being on the basketball team and making new friends. I also like participating in the choir and bell choir.

Tammy Mauller, Class of 2005 SAA is a wonderful, Christian school. I have attended since kindergarten and have enjoyed every Tammy Mauller year. Because SAA is small, one is capable of knowing everyone. I can see Christ working in most of the lives of the students that attend SAA. The Christian atmosphere is strong! There is friendliness between faculty and students. The school is great in letting students lead out in worships and other activities.

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Greg Macalinao, Class of 2005 I enjoy the Christian atmosphere at SAA that you don’t find in public schools. I have been attending Greg Macalinao SAA since second grade and have made many friends. I appreciate the good relationship I have with the faculty. Many of them are fun and exciting to hang-out with.

Brandon Robertson, Class of 2004 I think SAA has some great teachers. I love the drama department.

Brandon Practicing for the play is the best part Robertson of my school week.

I also think the gymnastics team is great. I appreciate all the classes you can take at Spencerville.

Seniors can even take college classes at a discount.

Kevin Quimby, Class of 2007 I think SAA is a nice, Christian environment. I like all the wonderful teachers who are Kevin Quimby willing to help me throughout the day.

I especially enjoy Mr. Durby, the vice principal, because he is funny and helps me a lot. I love SAA!

ca l e n da r FEBRUARY 9

Fruit Pick Up

16

No School

21

Home and School Family Night

28

Talent Show

MARCH 1-5

Home and School Reading Week

2

Kindergarten/PreFirst Open House

9

Pops Concert

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Academy Day

APRIL 1

Academy Parent Night

5

Fruit Pick Up

5-9

Week of Prayer

17-25

Annual Drama Performance: The King and I

MAY 6

Registration for 2004/2005 school year

13

Education Fair

16

Strawberry Festival

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8th Grade Graduation

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Senior Graduation

Spotlight is published in the Visitor by the Spencerville Adventist Academy 15930 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20905 ■ Phone: (301) 421-9101 www.spencervilleacademy.org Principal, Jacqueline Messenger Editor, Carla Starr

04 20 RY UA BR FE

Culture of Learning: A Secret of Success? hat works in schools? That’s a question in debate all over the country—in public and private schools. Is there an answer we can use in the Seventh-day Adventist school systems? Is there a pearl of wisdom to help direct what happens at Takoma Academy (TA)?

In an editorial of the November 24, 2003, issue of U.S. News & World Report, the author looks at the recent book by researchers Abigail and Stephan Thernstrom—No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning.

According to the Thernstroms, there exists a “culture of learning”… which they define as students’ attitude toward school. The Thernstroms compare … students who approach school with the kind of outlook the two researchers believe is necessary to suceed—students focus on effort rather than innate ability. When they attend inferior schools, they outperform classmates—same teachers, same schools, different results. Cultural paradigms, the Thernstroms found, “are better predictors of academic success than being rich, having an intact family, or just about anything else.” This “culture of success” leans heavily on parents, family, friends, teachers, and, I would add, the corporate church.

What can schools do? We can instill a “culture of success” in learning. We can place high expectations on learning. We can ask for sacrifices by parents and students to meet these expectations. We can emphasize a content-rich curriculum taught by carefully selected and trained teachers, and we can stress traditional values like morals, responsibility, and respect for authority.

These are already values we own. We need, with God’s help and guidance, as families, teachers, schools, and as a church, to have the expectation to reach these things.

Ken Knudsen It needs to be our secret of success.

Principal

W

NEWS TA Forms Ladies’ Chorus TA has formed a Ladies’ Chorus under the direction of professor of music Gylchris Sprauve.

Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church warmly received their first performance.

TA Introduces Student Council Members TA’s student council members recently attended the fall spiritual leadership training sponsored by the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education. Student leaders enjoyed meeting their peers from other schools and the specialized training they received. Listed below are the members for the 2003-2004 school year.

Takoma Academy Ladies’ Chorus pictured with their director, Gylchris Sprauve.

Ankit Rastogi Excels Senior Ankit Rastogi received a perfect Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score in mathematics—800. Rastogi has taken classes all four years from Professor David Hooker.

Congratulations!

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Chaplain Sergeant at Arms Sponsor

Aminta Bullard Sara Toth Ankit Rastogi Vanessa Bula Liz Hines Katie Brillhart Professor David Hooker

Aminta Bullard

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Students Journey to Ground Zero enise Barclay, TA guidance counselor and senior Bible teacher, together with Ken Wilson, professor of science, went on a field trip to Ground Zero, the site of the terrorist disaster which destroyed the World Trade Center towers in New York City.

Two students, Brandon Thompson and Simone Washington, spoke about their experience.

Washington said it surprised her to feel like paying respect, at the site, as if it were a cemetery. She didn’t know she would have such strong feelings. Thompson was impressed that the students got to really get out and walk and see everything that was going on. The giant hole in the ground was amazing.

While traveling to Ground Zero the students watched a video that gave them a sense of solemnity.

Denise Barclay’s senior Bible class gathers at Battery Park in It allowed them to see things from the perspective of Manhattan after visiting Ground Zero. the firemen involved in the disaster.

One of the saddest things for Washington was seeing all the names. The thought that everyone had family who cared for them, “It was sobering,” she said, “thinking that that could have been someone you knew.” Again, her feelings were overwhelmingly solemn and humbling.

For Thompson, his emotions were “sad and [at the] same time angry thinking [about the] people taking lives and who they [the terrorists] were.”

What Thompson found interesting about this class and this particular field trip was learning about varied world views and religions. He learned about spiritual things and applied that to the Ground Zero experience. He had a hard time believing that there are people whose faith would lead them to killing people.

Washington enjoyed learning about life philosophy, and a peson’s religious base. “It is amazing to have March 26-April 4 faith in God but not Spring Break be based in truth,” April 8 she said.

D

TA Events Academy Day

This cross was left over from the charred remains of the World Trade Centers.

April 15 Prospective Parent Dinner

April 23, 24 Alumni Weekend

April 24-28

Make plans to attend

Alumni Weekend!

April 23 and 24

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Senior Trip

Looking Ahead ...

June 11-13 Graduation Weekend TA Today is published in the Visitor

by Takoma Academy ■ 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 ■ Phone: (301) 739-4700 ■ Principal, Ken Knudsen

H

Y

EALING MINISTR A

NEWSLETTER

ABOUT

ADVENTIST

HEALTHCARE

w w w. a d v e n t i s t h e a l t h c a r e . c o m

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IN

THE

COLUMBIA

UNION

w w w. k m c n e t w o r k . o r g

The Lanterns WILLIAM G. ROBERTSON

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he short days of winter are inching toward longer periods of sunlight, a seasonal change I greatly welcome. The increasingly longer stretches of daylight remind me of a story about light and worship I’d like to share with you.

One evening, an American tourist was traveling through a rural part of Germany and came upon a small parish church. A carefully lettered sign announced that there was to be a vespers service in the church that evening, so he decided to stay for the program.

As the time for the vespers approached, no one came to open the church or turn on the lights.

Since no one else had shown up and the chapel was dark, he thought the service had been cancelled, so he decided to continue his journey. As he was leaving, he noticed a light coming up the path. Then he saw the flicker of another light on another path, and then other little lights moving down through the village, coming from all directions, all heading toward the chapel.

As he watched, several dozen worshippers came into the church and hung the lanterns they carried on hooks lining the wall. Their lanterns filled the place with light. Vespers soon began. After the service, the man was greeted by one of the worshippers from the village. He couldn’t hide his curiosity and asked the origin of the whole tradition of the lanterns on the wall.

“It may seem strange to you in this age of instant light from the electric switch,” said the village worshipper, as he pulled his lantern off the hook and started to leave the church, “but when this little church was founded a long time ago, there was no money to buy candles to light the chapel for vespers.

So our ancestors agreed to each bring their own lantern to light the service.

The greatest light we can create is when we each bring the light we have and contribute it to the rest.

“Eventually they put hooks on the walls to hang the lanterns. Even though we can now afford lights, we’ve been doing it this way for many generations, and nobody wants to give up the tradition.

“Because—in addition to lighting the chapel— when even one of our members is not here, we can honestly say, ‘We missed your light and our worship was not as bright without it.’”

Whether at church, at work, or with our family, each of us has an opportunity to share our light. The common light of a group is diminished when even one is missing, and the greatest light we can create is when we each bring the light we have and contribute it to the rest.

William G. Robertson is president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare in Rockville, Md.

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HEALING MINISTRY

Adventist HealthCare: Educating and LORI RYPKA AND BILL WEBER

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onsistent with its founding mission and the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s philosophy on health, Adventist HealthCare invests considerable resources to help individuals, in the communities it serves, learn and maintain important principles of healthy living. The prevention and wellness initiatives are focused in the Maryland suburban region served by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Washington Adventist Hospital, and in the northwest New Jersey communities served by Hackettstown Community Hospital. (The health promotion efforts for Washington Adventist and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals are provided through the Prevention and Wellness Department, while the health promotion efforts provided by Hackettstown Community Hospital are offered through the hospital’s Center for Healthier Living.)

More than 100 Adventist HealthCare employees work to provide health education classes, support group meetings, community health screenings, employer health programs, physician lectures, flu shots, health ministry programs, and other services that help individuals enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Some health activities are provided year round, such as support group meetings, exercise and childbirth classes, youth education programs, CPR, and smoking cessation. Other programs are seasonal in nature. For example, late in 2003 the Prevention and Wellness Department of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and

Katty Joseph (right), Cancer Outreach coordinator, and Irene Buadoo, M.D. (behind), medical director of the Montgomery County Cigarette Restitution Fund, assist a Cancer Screening Days participant.

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Irene Buadoo, M.D., and Candy Shoobridge, Parish Nurse coordinator, discuss some Cancer Screening Days results taken at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

Washington Adventist Hospital provided more than 9,000 free or low cost flu vaccinations for businesses, faith groups, and individuals in the community.

Prevention and Wellness in Maryland: A Quick Test Tells Volumes Two of the Prevention and Wellness Department’s more successful screening programs are those targeted for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and various forms of cancer, including prostate, bladder, colorectal, skin, and oral.

The screening program for PVD is known as “Legs for Life.” Blood pressure readings are taken in both arms and legs with a Doppler ultrasound to check for blockages. This screening is offered at no cost to the community and if PVD is detected, the person is referred to their physician for follow-up. In 2003, nearly 200 people were screened at Washington Adventist and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.

Roughly the same number of people took advantage of the cancer program in 2003, with more than 600 actual screenings performed. “There is a significant push for colorectal screening in the state of Maryland,” says Judy Lichty, regional director of the Prevention and Wellness Department. The department, on behalf of the hospitals, is currently working with Montgomery County (Maryland) Health and Human Services to offer a colon cancer-screening program. This is a state-funded effort with a dual focus: help uninsured and low-income residents get tested,

HEALING MINISTRY

Healing for Life and educate all county residents on the importance of screening. The general guideline is that screenings should be done on anyone age 50 or over, or younger if one has a family history of colon cancer.

Although the number has been declining due to early detection, the State of Maryland surprisingly has some of the highest rates of cancer in the country.

While environment and genetics are major factors, people must also consider their diet and stress levels, says Lichty. “It’s important to consider what we do or don’t put into our bodies.”

Smoking cessation, a mainstay of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health care ministry, also remains an important part of the Prevention and Wellness Department’s work. For example, at Washington Adventist Hospital, up to 120 inpatients per month currently receive counseling about smoking cessation, and follow-up calls to former patients found that there has been about a 50 percent success rate in smoking cessation.

able to help their kids realize that healthful eating can indeed be enjoyable eating.

Hackettstown Community Hospital hopes that with the introduction of these two new programs, parents will not only get a wellness wake-up call with respect to their children’s health, but that they’ll join with their children in eating sensibly and exercising regularly.

Chervenak expands on the biblical admonition by stating, “Train up your children in the way they should go and while they grow older they will enjoy a healthier, happier life.”

More information about health education programs offered by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Washington Adventist Hospital is available at www.adventisthealthcare.com. Information about health education programs offered by Hackettstown Community Hospital is available at www.hch.org.

Lori Rypka is the communications manager for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, and Bill Weber is the public relations manager for Hackettstown Community Hospital.

New Jersey’s Center for Healthier Living Focuses on Children Childhood obesity has become an increasingly serious health concern in America. In response, Hackettstown Community Hospital’s Center for Healthier Living is developing two new programs— one for children, the other for parents.

“Fit Kids” will provide boys and girls, ages 7 through 10, an enjoyable way to improve their weight and fitness levels. The Center for Healthier Living will be offering the program in conjunction with the Therapy Center, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:30, over a six-week period. The hour-long sessions will be limited to 10 children.

The program will include supervised and structured fitness games. Athletic ability won’t be required, as the staff will place emphasis on accomplishing and finishing tasks more than on competition. “The goal will be to provide children with a fun fitness experience they will want to continue as they grow older,” says Maria Chervenak, Center for Healthier Living manager.

The second new program is titled “Teaching Children to Make Healthy Food Choices.” The evening class will provide parents with one-and-a-half hours of intensive instruction on teaching their children how to turn nutrition knowledge into smart eating.

The hospital’s dietitian will join Center for Healthier Living staff in educating parents on how to guide their children in applying the principles of balance, variety, and moderation when making food choices. In a simple, understandable way they’ll be

Karen Neel, RN, draws the blood of Takoma Park resident Mike Tabor for a prostate-screening test at Washington Adventist Hospital.

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HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS Shady Grove Receives Achievement Award The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce honored Shady Grove Adventist Hospital with a Corporate Achievement Award during its annual business awards program recently, honoring the hospital for its outstanding service to the Montgomery County community.

Shady Grove Adventist Hospital President Deborah A. Yancer, who assumed her current position in the year 2000, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital, its employees, volunteers, and physicians. She told the assembled business and community leaders that the hospital is privileged to serve the community through a commitment to quality patient care.

Founded in 1979, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is a 274-bed acute care hospital that serves as a healthcare resource for more than 250,000 local residents. The hospital employs nearly 2,000 people and has a medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. The hospital delivers more than 4,500 babies, treats some 85,000 emergency patients each year, and is part of the Adventist HealthCare system.

Adventist Home Health Celebrates Anniversaries More than 100 employees, friends, and community leaders participated in a special program held recently to honor the 30th anniversary of Adventist Home Health and the 20th anniversary of Adventist Home Assistance.

Founded in 1973, Adventist Home Health provides skilled, home care services including adult, pediatric, and specialty nursing; physical, speech and occupational therapy; maternal and child care; and nutrition counseling, among other services. Established in 1983, Adventist 42

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Pictured above, from left to right, are Keith Ballenger, vice president of Adventist Home Health; Bill Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare; Montgomery County (Maryland) Council President Steve Silverman; Maryland State Delegate Herman Taylor; and Charles Benner, M.D., medical director of Adventist Home Health.

Home Assistance is a Marylandlicensed, private-duty nursing agency that offers housekeeping, bathing assistance, meal preparation, housekeeping, companion services, medication assistance and other services.

Washington Adventist Conducts Clinical Study Doctors at Washington Adventist Hospital are participating in a unique clinical research trial designed to improve mobility for patients who suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a serious, often debilitating condition, which can make walking difficult.

Patients with PAD have restricted blood flow to the legs caused by hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Some 7 million people in North America suffer from the disease, and it’s estimated that 80,000 patients each year will require an amputation. Patients with PAD also have three times the risk for heart attack and stroke.

In moderate and severe forms, PAD can make walking even

short distances extremely painful, drastically impacting an individual’s quality of life. The clinical study, known as the SIMPADICO Phase III pivotal trial, is testing the efficacy of a special treatment designed to reduce inflammation in the legs, an underlying condition associated with atherosclerosis. This inflammation makes walking and other activities extremely painful.

“Peripheral arterial disease is often under recognized and untreated compared to other medical conditions, but it can have a crippling, life-altering impact for millions of individuals,” said Mark Turco, M.D., director of the Center for Cardiac and Vascular Research at Washington Adventist Hospital and the hospital’s lead investigator on this project. “This treatment offers hope, and initial results show that patients are able to walk much further without pain after receiving the treatment.”

The Center for Cardiac and Vascular Research (CCVR) at Washington Adventist Hospital is dedicated to the pursuit of advances that improve the quality of life for patients coping with cardiovascular disease. Physicians are pursuing studies that range from arrhythmia treatments, to heart failure therapies, to therapies for the treatment of angina and heart attacks. Such prestigious organizations as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and industry fund the clinical studies conducted by CCVR.

For a complete listing of Adventist HealthCare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.net/ healingministries.

BULLETIN BOARD ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Visit our Web site: www.columbiaunion.org Click on News/Visitor, then on Advertising or contact: Classified Advertising: Sandra Jones sjones@columbiaunion.net Display Advertising: Wilona Karimabadi wkarimabadi@columbiaunion.net

or phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR

EMPLOYMENT HUNTINGDON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IS SEEKING A K-10 PRINCIPAL for the 2004-2005 school year.

A master’s degree and experience required. Team building, curriculum planning, supervision of staff, and strategic planning skills are desired.

Contact Wayne Wentland, VicePresident for Education, 720 Museum Rd, Reading, PA 19611; e-mail waynewayne@nni.com; (610) 374-8331, ext. 213.

NANNY WANTED: Family with one child in Mitchellville, Md., seeks day nanny with significant infant-care experience. February 2004. Must have a reliable car and strong English skills. Family will provide tax withholding. Send resume, salary requirements, and three references to Karen at nannyapps@comcast.net or fax to (301) 883-9222.

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST NEEDED (CRT or RRT) for busy HomeCare Co. located in Reading, Pa. Escape the stress of the hospital and join a Christian-owned business. Full-time position with every third weekend on-call. Must have one year of experience working with ventilators. Call Manny at (610) 775-8885, or e-mail Manny@MannyEsh.com.

ACADEMY SEEKS PRINCIPAL. Growth-minded Delaware junior academy looking for an innovative and energetic educator to provide leadership in expanding the school to the community. Academy is being supported by outside funds and is seeking to continue growth and expansion of existing programs. For information contact David Bolton at (302) 998-0530.

MAINTENANCE/BUILDER: Person with general skills needed for newly re-opened, self-supporting academy on country campus.

Able to work with students and assist with industry. Financial and benefit package. Contact Pastor J. Julies, (304) 782-4095.

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COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE SEEKS A FULL-TIME WOMEN'S RESIDENCE HALL DEAN. Master's degree and experience required. Position available July 1, 2004. Submit CV and letter to Human Resources, Columbia Union College, 7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912; e-mail hr@cuc.edu; fax (301) 891-4020.

LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY SEEKS ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT SERVICES. Requirements: Adventist; five years experience in higher education student services; good communication skills; supportive of personnel, higher education, or relevant field. Application deadline March 15, 2004, or until position filled.

Submit nominations or application package including cover letter, CV, and three professional references. Send to Dr. Lisa Beardsley, Search Committee, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, or e-mail lbeardsley@llu.edu.

ADVANCEMENT VICE PRESIDENT—Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, seeks seasoned development professional to lead and manage staff in alumni relations, annual giving, major and planned gifts, and corporate and foundation relations. Master's degree required.

Contact President Don Sahly, (817) 645-3921, ext. 201.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), a Seventh-day Adventist community service, has a variety of openings for healthcare professionals interested in immediate placement. SMMC is a 383-bed, acute care facility located in beautiful Johnson County, Kansas. This family-friendly community offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere, high quality schools, and easy access to museums, cultural arts, and professional sports teams.

Please contact the job line: (800) 845-6212 or click on Employment: www.shawneemission.org for a listing of open positions.

For more information, contact: Brad Hoffman, Administrative Director of Human Resources, (913) 676-2020 Resumes may be faxed to (913) 676-2019.

MISCELLANEOUS BARLEYGREEN/BARLEYLIFE: The greatest source of nutrition on the earth today! Doctorrecommended for its preventive value. Give your cells the food needed for a healthier you. Ask about Herbal Fiberblend Colon Cleanse and our wholesale, money-back guarantee. Improve the quality of your life: (301) 292-3397 or (800) 325-6452.

PUBLISH YOUR BOOK! Authors call for our publishing and marketing information. We publish and distribute to Adventist Book Centers, health food stores, and Christian booksellers worldwide.

Call (800) 367-1844 or visit our Web site: www.tsibooks.com.

DON'T THROW OUT THOSE BOOKS! We buy and sell Adventist books written by, published by, or about Adventists.

Missing a volume? Looking for an old favorite? Call (800) 732-2664 for information sheet or visit our Web site: www.lnfbooks.com.

SOY MILK MAKERS. Big discount on new machines rated best by Intsoy Research, University of Illinois. Stainless steel pitcher/filter. No work— fully automatic. Delicious strained milk in 15 minutes for less than 15 cents/quart. Makes rice, almond, and other milks. We accept credit cards. (800) 500-7342; (909) 796-8501; www.outdooreduquip.com; e-mail: lenandmiriam@earthlink.net.

HEALTH EVANGELISM MADE EASY: PROJECT: Steps to Christ introduces PROJECT: Steps to Health, four easy steps to reaching your community with the Adventist health message. Program includes health evangelism booklet mailing, Web site: www.projectsth.org and free health video/DVD. Call (800) 728-6872 to learn how you can sponsor a mailing in your area.

2004 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY Cool summers at almost 3,000 feet! Looking for energetic retired or not retired couple to manage quiet campground in the Laurel highlands of western Pa., near Frostburg, Md., May through October. Lodging provided. Call (301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555.

RV experience a plus.

CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? Home Study International is the only Christianaccredited, course provider for preschool through college. All courses can be taken individually or as a total curriculum. Earn a high school diploma or finish a college degree.

Home Study International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; (800) 782-4769; www.hsi.edu.

REAL ESTATE

THEFUTUREEVENT.COM—a new Christian Web site on key last day events and very important artifacts concerning Christ's second coming. Please check it out!

Then share with friends and relatives, www.TheFutureEvent.com.

Thank you and God bless!

55 OR OVER? Be part of our Florida Living Retirement Community. $859 per month for Garden Court rental room, near Orlando. Includes three vegetarian meals daily, utilities, cable, 3ABN, and activities. Heated pool, church on grounds. Close to camp meeting and shopping. Conference owned and operated. Call Sharon: (800) 729-8017 or e-mail SMcKeeverFLRC@aol.com.

SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES—Mt. Aetna Camp is currently recruiting summer camp staff for 2004.

We are looking for positive, Christ-centered youth that have a passion to share the gospel with young people. We are located in the gorgeous mountain areas of Hagerstown, Md. For more information, please call (410) 995-1910, or e-mail areynolds@chesconfsda.org.

PHYLLIS NEWMAN SELLS MARYLAND REAL ESTATE ... for both buyers and sellers. Call (800) 586-4669 Re/Max Realty Center, Inc. See our Web site at: www.homesdatabase.com/ realestate. This site gives you MLS access by state, county, zip code, price range, bedrooms/bathrooms, etc. Call me or e-mail phyllisnewman@realtor.com.

SELLING OR BUYING ... Clyde and Phyllis Kinder are on your side!

We know Adventists; we know Maryland; we know real estate.

(301) 776-3380.

HOUSE FOR SALE in N.E. Washington, D.C., Michigan Park area: 2 bedrooms, family room, 1.5 baths, 2 kitchens, hardwood floors, one-car garage. $200,000 Call (301) 855-9556.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY RELOCATION SERVICES! Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? Relocating to the New Market area in Virginia? Kids coming to SVA? If so, let me help you with your real estate needs.

Call Florin at (800) 701-3176 or (540) 335-8330. Visit www.yourvirginiahome.com for more information.

FOR SALE: MOVING TO FLORIDA? Beautiful home, Avon Park. 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, large walk-in-closets, large kitchen, heated pool, 2-car garage.

1 block to Adventist church, 2 blocks to Adventist school, 5 miles to Adventist hospital, 45 miles to attractions. Asking $199,000. Call Andrea (407) 886-0833.

BULLETIN BOARD QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOMES ARE STILL AVAILABLE in Hagerstown/Washington County, Maryland. Close to Review & Herald Publishing Association, Highland View Academy, Mt. Aetna Youth Camp, and Adventist churches.

Visit www.draperrealtygroup.com for community information, school reports, and available homes for sale. Mike Draper / Century 21 MG Realty / (800) 733-2121, ext. 129.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced, and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc.

Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals. Laurel, Md.— (301) 317-6800; Greenbelt, Md.— (301) 345-5200; or Columbia, Md.—(410) 531-6350.

SERVICES

SINGLES SERVICE: Introducing Adventists discreetly and confidentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personal ads, plus enlightening and uplifting articles. If you desire information on obtaining friendship, fellowship, or companionship, mail a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: DISCOVER, 15550 Burnt Store Road, #153, Punta Gorda, FL 33955.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Md. He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants.

For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third party payors). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

WWW.PHONECARDUNLIMITED. COM, connecting you to the world at unbelievably low rates. Say goodbye to phone bills. At home or away, remember— www.PhoneCardUnlimited.com— whenever you want to reach a loved one. Go to— www.PhoneCardUnlimited.com.

They will answer.

CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING. COM, FREE 14-day trial! Join thousands and thousands of Adventist Singles online. FREE chat, search, detailed profiles, match notifications! Date chat, 2-way compatibility match, 10 photos in your album, voice profiles, confidential online mail.

Love, penpals, marriage, dating, articles, surveys, resources, weblinks. Matching Adventists since 1993! Adventist owned and operated.

FREE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS 300,000 plus private sector scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students at accredited colleges in the United States regardless of GPA, finances, age, or citizenship. No repayment. Send a $5 money order for application payable to: Scholarship Service, 29435 Dorsey Street, Sun City, CA 92586. E-mail willett@mchsi.com; www.sdamall.com/fundcollege.

ARE YOU MOVING SOON? Before you rent a U-Haul and do it yourself, check our price and save yourself the hassle. Plan ahead now and reserve a time slot. Fast, direct, and economical. Contact Gary Erhard, Erhard Furniture, 6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, Mich. Phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T.

MOVING? Special Adventist rates and guarantees! Air Van northAmerican is a nationwide mover. Whether you're moving a few items or a truckload, don't move before calling Air Van. It will insure peace of mind and a costeffective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHOSE BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join over 50,000 Christians who share one another’s medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywhere in the world.

Check out nonprofit, Christian Care Medi-Share. For a free Guidelines booklet, call toll-free (888) 346-7895.

ELTERNHAUS, INC.—Adventist Care for Adventist Seniors. We are thankful for the past, living in the present, preparing for the future. Come join us in the journey. We are an assisted living, Adventist family with a medical component, believing in lifelong care. For information, call Diane Crane: (410) 707-7071 or (443) 535-8881.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT: Income tax preparation, accounting, auditing, small business services, corporations, and nonprofits. Located in Columbia, Md. Contact Bernetta L. Taylor, CPA, (410) 730-1427.

FOOT AND ANKLE MEDICAL OFFICE: Premier Podiatry Services is eager to help you get "back on your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson, an Adventist podiatrist and graduate of Oakwood College, seeks to provide you with the finest podiatric care, while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Office location: Largo, Md. (301) 773-1199.

ADVENTIST CHILD CARE HOME: Located one mile from the General Conference World Headquarters. Opening available for age 2 years to 4 years. Busy Bee Christian Child Care is a licensed, warm, loving home that offers structured activities and purposeful play for learning. Owner/ operator certified in basic first aid and CPR. Contact Amber Mayer (301) 890-5920 (Lic.# 15-101243).

TRAVEL/VACATION VACATIONERS—Motel room at Florida Living Retirement Community near Orlando. Twin beds, refrigerator, microwave, TV, heated pool, (no phone).

Vegetarian meals available. Church on grounds. Shopping and camp meeting within walking distance.

Occupants must be 35 or older.

No pets. Owned by Florida Conference. Call Sharon for reservation: (800) 729-8017 or e-mail SMcKeeveFLRC@aol.com RV'S!! Adventist owned and operated RV dealership has been helping Adventists for over 30 years.

Huge inventory. Courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups.

Satisfied Adventist customer list available. Call toll-free (888) 933-9300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our Web site at www.leesrv.com or, e-mail LeesRVs@aol.com.

10-DAY SCANDINAVIA/ RUSSIA CRUISE for health professionals, families/friends— July 12-22, 2004. Includes Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Earn 10 hours continuing education credit from LLU Schools of Medicine/ Dentistry. Daily devotions with Dr. Randy Roberts. CME credit: (909) 558-4968; CDE Credit: (909) 558-4685; cruise only, call University Travel: (800) 362-3389 or utravel@carlsontravel.com.

ADVENTIST GROUP VACATIONS! 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise sailing August 1, 2004; 12-day New England Eastern Canada cruise on new Queen Mary 2, hosted by Lonnie and Jeannie Melashanko, 9/17/04; 7-day Hawaiian Islands cruise, hosted by Dan and Betsy Matthews, 1/9/05. Mert Allen, Mt. Tabor Cruise. (800) 950-9234, (503) 256-7919, mallen@renpdx.com.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

ADVENTIST CONTACT P.O. Box 5419 Takoma Park, MD 20913 (301) 589-4440

CAPE COD VACATION: An Adventist family will rent weekly, biweekly, etc., their lovely, fairly new, spacious, and semi-contemporary vacation home on beautiful Cape Cod, MA. Three bedrooms, one and one-half baths, jacuzzi tub, washer/dryer, cable TV, dishwasher, microwave, and a great room with a cathedral beam ceiling and skylights, an outdoor shower, a huge deck and fenced-in back yard with a small swing set, and a sandbox on one-half acre just 900 feet from a great beach. Call (301) 596-9311.

LEGAL NOTICES New Jersey Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Special Constituency Meeting Notice is hereby given of a special constituency session of the New Jersey Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It will convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the Meadow View Seventh-day Adventist School, 241 Bordentown-Chesterfield Rd., Rt. 528 (Chesterfield Township), Trenton, N.J. The purpose of this meeting is to take action on the recommendation, voted at the 37th Regular Constituency Meeting on March 23, 2003. The purpose of this meeting is also to consider all options, including dissolution of existing school, if necessary, and transact such other educational-related business that may properly come before the constituency at this time.

Each church is entitled to one delegate for its organization and one additional delegate for each 50 members or major fraction thereof. The delegates-at-large shall be composed of the conference executive committee members, the credentialed and licensed employees of the conference, and members of the executive committees of the Columbia Union Conference and the General Conference who may be present.

LEROY FINCK, President JOSÉ H. CORTÉS, Secretary

Mountain View Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Special Constituency Meeting A Special Session of the Mountain View Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, 2004, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Brushy Fork Road, Buckhannon, W.Va. The principal purpose of this specially called meeting is to give consideration to the recommendation of the Conference Executive Committee to relocate the Mountain View Conference office.

KINGSLEY WHITSETT, President LARRY BOGGESS, Secretary

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BULLETIN BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS UNION COLLEGE HOMECOMING WEEKEND, April 1-4, 2004. All alumni, friends, and former faculty are invited to “The Light Still Shines” Homecoming 2004. Honor classes are 1934, 1944, 1949, 1954,1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 1994. For reservations or more information, contact the Union College Alumni Office at 3800 S. 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68506; phone (402) 486-2503; e-mail alumni@ucollege.edu.

PARADISE ADVENTIST ACADEMY (Paradise, Calif.) is holding its annual Alumni Weekend—March 5-7, 2004.

Jim Retzer, former PAA principal, is the guest speaker for the weekend. Memories Vespers Friday evening features Dave Vixie. Pancake Breakfast Sunday morning. Honors classes are 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and classes ending in '9 and '4.

We invite you to come home to Paradise! Contact Cheryl Bair, director of development, for information. Phone: (530) 877-6540; www.paradiseadventistacademy. com.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP TRAINING: March 25-27, 2004, will mark the first annual Andrews University Music and Worship Conference, sponsored by the University’s Department of Music and Center for Youth Evangelism.

Hosted on the University campus, this conference is a training event for professional and volunteer church musicians, pastors, and lay leaders. Participants will have access to a variety of seminars, workshops, and concerts. For more information, contact Nicholas Zork at nickz@andrews.edu; (800) YOUTH.2.U., ext. 3; or visit www.musicconference.andrews.edu SPRING MISSION TRIPS: Looking for an affordable domestic mission trip for your youth group, Pathfinder club, or senior class?

Contact WE CARE Domestic Mission Trips for information on their 2004 spring and summer project sites. For more information, visit www.adventistyouth.org/wecare, or phone toll-free (800) YOUTH.2.U, ext. 3.

SHALOM LEARNING CENTER GRAND OPENING, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 21, 9 a.m.sunset. Location: 9250 Sterling Road, Hollywood, Fla. Guest speakers: Richard Elofer, president, Israel Field, Jerusalem; and Jacques Doukhan, professor, Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis, and director, Institute of Jewish-Christian Studies, Andrews University Theological Seminary, Berrien Springs, Mich. Details: (954) 432-5681 or (754) 244-5400.

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VISITOR

ATTENTION: SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY ALUMNI—Homecoming Weekend, April 16-18, 2004. Jeff Brown, Class of '74, is the featured speaker. Honor classes are '74, '79, '84, '89, '94 & '99. For more information, check our Web site at www.springvalleyacademy.org, call (937) 433-0790, or e-mail dahill@sva.pvt.k12.oh.us.

IT’S YOUR MONEY seminar is being held at the Atholton Seventh-day Adventist Church Friday, February 20, 7 p.m., and Saturday, February 28, 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. This seminar will be presented by Ed Reid, stewardship director for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and will cover the biblical principles of personal money management. There will be no charge for the seminar. All are welcome. A fellowship luncheon will be provided.

LASIERRA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING WEEKEND, February 26-28, 2004. All alumni, former faculty, and friends invited.

Honor classes include 1994, 1984, 1979 (25 year), 1974, 1964, 1954 (50 year), and 51+ years. For more details or reservations, contact the LSU Alumni office at (909) 7852LSU; write to: 4700 Pierce Street, Riverside, CA 92515; or e-mail alumni@lasierra.edu.

CEDAR LAKE ACADEMY ALUMNI AND STUDENTS: If you are a CLA alumnus of 1954 or earlier, or were a student in attendance then or previously, this announcement is for you. The second annual post-CLA reunion will take place on the campus of Great Lakes Adventist Academy (formerly CLA) on the weekend of June 10-13, 2004. Honor classes will be 1934, 1944, and 1954. For information, call the GLAA Alumni office at (989) 427-5181, or visit GLAA's Web site: www.GLAA.net.

JOE PEARLES, ADVENTIST RECORDING ARTIST, from Nashville, Tenn., is on concert tour in our area February through May. He is known for his easy listening, gospel music with a “touch of country.” For more information and to preview his music online, go to www.joepearles.com.

Concert schedule: Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Norfolk Adventist Church,1099 Kempsville Rd., Norfolk, Va.—Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Park Adventist Church, 31525 John Deere Drive, Salisbury, Md.— Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Dover First Adventist Church, 647 Wyoming Ave., Dover, Del.— Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Baltimore First Adventist Church, 3291 N. St. John’s Lane, Ellicott City, Md.— and May 1, 7:30 p.m., Bucyrus Adventist Church, 1980 Stezer Rd., Bucyrus, Ohio.

Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Jersey City Norfolk Parkersburg Philadelphia Pittsburgh Reading Richmond Roanoke Toledo Trenton Wash., D.C.

Feb. 6 5:32 6:04 5:48 5:57 5:19 5:35 5:52 5:25 5:44 5:28 5:39 5:49 5:56 5:23 5:35

Feb. 13 5:40 6:12 5:57 6:05 5:28 5:43 6:00 5:33 5:52 5:36 5:46 5:57 6:04 5:32 5:43

Feb. 20 5:48 6:20 6:06 6:13 5:36 5:50 6:08 5:42 6:00 5:44 5:54 6:04 6:13 5:40 5:51

Feb. 27 5:56 6:28 6:14 6:21 5:45 5:57 6:16 5:50 6:08 5:52 6:01 6:11 6:22 5:48 5:58

March 5 6:04 6:35 6:22 6:29 5:53 6:04 6:23 5:57 6:16 6:00 6:08 6:18 6:30 5:56 6:05

SUNSET CALENDAR OBITUARIES DIMMETTE, Freda, born April 24, 1906; died November 12, 2003, in Alexandria, Va. She was a member of the Arlington (Va.) church. Freda was a very quiet person and was never without a smile. She loved the Lord, and the Arlington church meant much to her, although she was unable to attend the last several years. She has no surviving relatives.

GILL, Jayne R., born February 26, 1916, in Harrison, W.Va.; died October 29, 2003, in Burnsville, W.Va. She was a member of the Summersville church. Survivors: a son, David Salisbury; a brother, Allen Ramsey; sisters Ella Legg and Alma Rush; grandchildren, Bruce, Glenn, Stephen, David, Thomas, and Kathy Salisbury; 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

HOKE, Roy Edward, born Aug. 22, 1929, in Millersburg, Pa.; died Nov. 1, 2003, in Harrisburg, Pa. He was a member of the Pleasant View church. He served as investment secretary, Sabbath School superintendent, and deacon for many years. His wife of 43 years, Kathryn Martha (Scheib) Hoke, preceded him in death. Survivors: three daughters, Kim Elaine Collins of Lenhartsville, Pa., Rene Eileen Hoke of Harrisburg, Pa., and Lorri Ann Harner of Danville, Pa.; three sons, Kevin Hoke of Millersburg, Pa., Roy Edgar Hoke of Hershey, Pa., and Lynn Edward Hoke of Millersburg, Pa.; five sisters, Delphia Enders, Mable Graff, Sarah Feidt, Dorothy Hoke, Carrie Buffington, all of Millersburg, Pa.; two brothers, Howard (Peanut) Hoke of Millersburg, Pa., and William (Billy) Hoke of Elizabethville, Pa.; nine grandchildren; a step-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

JACKSON, Forest H., born April 28, 1931, in Organ Cave, W.Va.; died Oct. 19, 2003, in Fort Spring, W.Va. He was a member of the Lewisburg church, and served as a literature evangelist in Indiana for several years.

Survivors: daughters, Ina Mae Quick, Delores Smith, Sarah Schulrud, and Michelle Lauck; sons, Hassel Jackson, Rickie Jackson; sisters, Ruth Richardson, Betty Hoke, and Hazel Wilcox; a brother, Frank Jackson; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

KASER, Clifford Fred, born Oct. 30, 1948, in Shreve, Ohio; died Jan. 12, 2004, in Shreve, Ohio. He was a member of the Millersburg (Ohio) church. Survivors: brothers, Louis, Victor, and Richard Kaser; a sister, Susan Ellen Farber; numerous nieces and nephews; and a fiancée, Judy Adams.

KOLMAN, Louis E., born Oct. 21, 1925, in Youngstown, Ohio; died Nov. 30, 2003, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was a member of the Boardman (Ohio) church. He is survived by his wife, Rosa C. (Martinez) Kolman; a son, Ronald L. Kolman of Ashland, Ohio; four stepsons, Gustavo A., Dennis, Ishmael, and Luis Martinez of Austintown, Ohio; brothers George Kolman of Youngstown, Ohio, and Frank Kolman of Campbell, Ohio. A sister, Caroline Slave, preceded him in death.

OBITUARY SUBMISSION Please call (888) 4-VISITOR or e-mail sjones@columbiaunion.net and a form will be sent to you for completion. Obituaries are printed in the order they are received on a space-available basis.

BULLETIN BOARD OBITUARIES CONT.

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KOWITZ, Lorraine, born Dec. 18, 1914, in Pocono Pines, Pa.; died Dec. 30, 2003, in Easton, Pa. She was a member of the Stroudsburg (Pa.) church. Survivors: two sons, Robert and Gerald Mostellar of East Stroudsburg, Pa.; brothers, Chester Miller of Henryville, Pa., Paul Miller of Reeders, Pa., and Isaac Miller of Mt. Pocono, Pa.; sisters, Naomi Bush of Coudersport, Pa., and Roberta Hilliard of East Stroudsburg, Pa.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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STEVENS, Joseph B., born in 1912, a retired professor from Columbia Union College (CUC), died in Calistoga, Calif., on Dec.14, 2003. His entire career was in education, having served as principal of Adventist schools in Miami, Fla., and Denver, Colo., as well as serving at CUC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma.

WILLIAMS, James Otis, born July 18, 1922, in Savannah, Ga.; died Dec. 3, 2003, in Deltona, Ga. He was a member of the Seabrook (Md.) church and served in many capacities until he and his wife Adele moved to Fla., for full retirement. Survivors: a son, James G. Williams of N.Y.; a daughter, Laurie of Hyattsville, Md.; and five grandchildren.

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