Table of Contents
In Every Issue Editorial
p3
Newsline
10
p4
Resource Guide
p17
News & Features Pittsburgh Churches Band Together in Mission Norma Sahlin
p 21
10
More than 500 members, representing 14 Adventist congregations in the greater Pittsburgh area came together for unity and purpose recently. Discover how this group, symbolizing the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative, is preparing to evangelize their vast mission field.
Ministering Behind Bars: A Look at Prison Ministries Ron Tayam
Healing Ministry Newsletters 25 Allegheny East 27 Chesapeake 29 Columbia Union College 31 Mountain View 33 Mt. Vernon Academy 35 New Jersey
12
37 Ohio 39 Pennsylvania 41 Potomac
More than 2 million people in the United States were incarcerated in 2004—which is three times the number of Seventh-day Adventists living in North America. Through Prison Ministries, the Adventist Church is ministering to this special population. Find out what your conference is doing. Also, read a personal testimony from an actual inmate.
43 Spencerville Adventist Academy 45 Takoma Academy
Bulletin Board
Bridgeton Spanish Church: Ministering Through Miracle Bibles and Supermarket Evangelism Iris Argueta-Sibrian
New Jersey’s Bridgeton Spanish church has taken evangelism to new levels and places. See how their Miracle Bibles Project led to more than 300 Bible study requests and 194 baptisms last year.
2
VISITOR
p 52
18 About the Cover:
Illustration by Ralph Butler
Editorial Harold L. Lee Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor Monte Sahlin
■
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. All others—$15 per year. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE President Harold L. Lee Edward Motschiedler Executive Secretary Dowell Chow Treasurer Vice President/Education Hamlet Canosa Vice President/General Counsel Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Asst. to the President/Communication Celeste Ryan Harold Greene Information Technology Curtis Boore Plant Services Trust Services/PARL 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 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awconf.org 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 ■ www.mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131 ■ www.njcsda.org OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665 ■ www.ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331 ■ www.paconference.org POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 ■ www.cuc.edu KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601 ■ www.kcma.edu HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Ray Tetz, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 www.adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association. Volume 110 ■ Issue 6
Why Prison Ministries?
D
Do we have a special love for criminals? I think not. Prison is not a nice place. Prisoners are not nice people. While some may be victims of the justice system, most are among the vilest among humanity, having violated the rights of others. Criminal behavior is not very lovable. It takes a special kind of love to have compassion on those who have caused so much suffering. So why does our Church have In 2003, prison ministries? Jesus gives the answer: “I have not come to call the 6.9 million people righteous, but sinners to repentance” were on probation, (Luke 5:31-32, NIV). Moreover, He says, “This righteousness comes in prison, in jail, from God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is or on parole. no difference, for all of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” Rom. 3:22-24, NIV). Consider the statistics:
Incarceration Rates Soar The prison population in the United States is booming. According to a report in USA Today from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, America’s jails grew at a rate of about 900 inmates each week between mid-2003 and mid-2004, reaching 2.1 million people. By last June 30 there were 48,000, or 2.3 percent more inmates than in 2003; this is in addition to the 34,000 who were locked up in 2002. While the crime rate has fallen over the past decade, the number of people entering the correctional system still outpaced those released. According to the Bureau’s Web site, in 2003, 6.9 million people were under some form of correctional supervision, including probation, prison, jail, or parole. This unfortunate reality has rippling affects. There are nearly 2.2 million children with a parent in prison today. However, experts state that a conservative estimate of over 6 million children today have experienced parental incarceration for some period of time and/or currently have a parent either in jail, on probation, or on parole. Children with a parent in prison are six times more likely to end up in prison themselves someday. More than two-thirds of juveniles in the criminal justice system are family or children of prisoners. Eighty percent of America’s inmate population is composed of high school dropouts. Fifty percent of all adults in federal and state correctional facilities cannot read or write (Public Private Ventures, 2004). Many readers of this magazine know someone in prison—a son, daughter, husband, father, mother, friend. In His final stories about the judgment Jesus said: “I was in prison and you visited me” (Matt. 25:36). For Christ’s sake, local churches, chaplains, and other volunteers go into the front lines armed with Bibles and spiritually edifying Christian literature to bring peace, the joy of Christ, and hope to those society has often written off as incorrigible. The stories of inmates testify of how they have been helped in their walk with Jesus. Because of the hope Christ provides, many families, friends, and prisoners persevere in love. This issue highlights the difference Columbia Union members are making in the lives of prisoners and their families. What can you do? Think about it! Harold L. Lee is president of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Columbia, Md. JUNE 2005
3
Newsline Taskforce on Secondary Education Briefs Executive Committee At the midyear meeting of the Columbia Union Executive Committee, last month, members were given a much-anticipated report from the Secondary Education Governance Taskforce that outlined possibilities for the future of secondary education in the Columbia Union. The ideas presented were developed by educators who spent several months assessing the current educational system and brainstorming possible options for its reorganization. In their visioning process, a number of possibilities were considered, including merging several of the Union’s six boarding academies. The impetus for these brainstorming sessions came from the Union’s 2002 Joint Retreat of Committees and Boards when members and leaders from all eight conference executive committees, both healthcare systems, and the Columbia Union College Board of Trustees gathered for three days to discuss the future of the Columbia Union in terms of governance, education, and mission. Subsequently, the Union Executive Committee voted that a taskforce be established to study current structures and consider other possibilities. The process now in motion comes from a need to deal with the Adventist Church’s antiquated and increasingly challenged educational system. “If we’re going to assure quality education for our young people—now and in the future—we have to begin to explore ways to address the systemic problems we’ve identified,” says Hamlet Canosa, vice president for education and facilitator of the visioning group. The problems that have become realities for Adventist schools across North America include accessibility, affordability, old and poorly maintained buildings, finances, and low enrollment. Boarding school enrollment has steadily declined over the past two decades and a 2004 survey of Columbia Union-based parents indicates that the trend will continue. “Parents are telling us—and showing us—that they want to keep their children closer to home,” says Monte Sahlin, a vice president at the Union who directed the research. “That will continue to contribute to the decline in boarding school enrollment.” 4
VISITOR
The research also identified a need for greater access to Adventist education, which can be provided by community-based day schools. Harold Lee, president of the Columbia Union Conference, says that the main reason for these discussions is our collective responsibility for mission. “Our mission is to provide quality, Adventist Christian education for our young people,” he says. “This is how we disciple and train them for God’s service and the kingdom. But we must find ways to facilitate and adapt to current needs.” Prior to the Executive Committee meeting, the Columbia Union School Administrators Council— composed of academy and conference education administrators—also met to discuss possibilities for delivering Christian education within the Union. According to Edward Motschiedler, Union executive secretary and chair of the Taskforce, the next step in the process is for each of the eight conference executive committees to receive and discuss the report and engage in the brainstorming process. “It’s important that we thoroughly discuss the issues, needs, and alternatives, and explore every possible avenue,” he says. “And we must continue to pray for God’s guidance and direction throughout this process.” The Taskforce will review feedback from conferences and bring another update to the Executive Committee at its next meeting, September 29. The Committee was also briefed on the work of the Columbia Union Reorganization Taskforce (see Newsline, April 2005 Visitor). “The questions we are trying to answer are, ‘Would reorganization add value to the local church?’ and ‘Would it better enable us to fulfill our mission?’” reported Motschiedler, who also chairs that committee.—Celeste Ryan
From the Pulpit “We can find ourselves in the whirlwind of change and never get out of the tornado.” —Caleb Rosado, speaking at April’s departmental directors’ meeting at the Columbia Union Conference
Newsline
Nearly 25 conference departmental ministries leaders met at the Columbia Union headquarters recently for the Columbia Union Departmental Ministries Council. According to Monte Sahlin, Council coordinator and Union vice president for Creative Ministries, the purpose of this annual, three-day gathering is threefold: to provide in-service education for the conference ministries staff, to facilitate an opportunity for networking and collaboration among department directors, and to create a channel for feedback and communication between local conference department directors, union conference administration, and North American Division directors and administration. “The various departments met separately and as a group,” explained Sahlin, who also coordinated the stewardship group. “This gave each director an opportunity to share and network with peers; each peer group was also able to formulate collaborative projects.” Caleb Rosado, Ph.D., presented a professional development seminar on understanding and managing change. Rosado teaches sociology at Eastern University in Philadelphia and once served as a Lake Region Conference departmental director. There was also a general session where the various departmental coordinators gave reports and recommendations were voted. “This kind of in-service education and support is very important to the success of these ministries,” says Sahlin.—LaVerne Henderson
Maryland Governor Salutes Allegheny East Member Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich and Lieutenant Governor Michael S. Steele honored Rocky Twyman during a ceremony at the Annapolis State House last month. Twyman, a bone marrow activist, is a member of the New Life church in Gaithersburg. Since 1992, he has recruited close to 14,000 minority bone marrow donors for The National Bone Marrow registry. He and brother-in-law Columbus Geer received citations. In return, Twyman presented the two elected officials with copies of Steps to Christ. Bone marrow transplants help individuals who suffer with leukemia, sickle cell anemia, rare blood disorders, and Lupus. Twyman plans to secure additional
donors during the General Conference Session in St. Louis because, he says, the healthy lifestyle of Seventh-day Adventists makes them excellent bone marrow matches. —Electa Geer
PHOTO : TIJUANA GRIFFIN
Union Hosts Departmental Council Meeting
Chesapeake Pathfinders Win National Bible Bowl The Atholton Faith Blazers and the Triadelphia Sparks earned first place in the North American Division finals of the Pathfinder Achievement (Bible Bowl) program. The Spencerville Polar Bears placed second. The finals are held annually at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. (See story on page 27.) —LaVerne Henderson
Chesapeake Member Named “Educator of the Year” Ophelia Barizo, the science and mathematics teacher at Highland View Academy (HVA), in Hagerstown, Md., recently won the Washington County Educator of the Year Award in the private school category. Having taught a total of 26 years, the last nine at HVA, Barizo is a topnotch teacher and has introduced several innovative courses into the curriculum. Her grant-writing efforts netted $450,000 for HVA. Barizo received a plaque, a $500 check from the local chamber of commerce, and the use of a new Ford for one year.— Sheri Tydings JUNE 2005
5
Newsline
Allegheny West Officers Re-elected t the 1st Quadrennial and 14th Regular Session A of the Allegheny West Conference (AWC) Constituency last month, President James Lewis, Executive Secretary Carl Rogers, and Treasurer Zenobia Seward were returned to office for second terms. Nearly 350 of the 572 appointed delegates traveled from Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to the Conference’s youth center outside Columbus, to elect leadership, hear reports, and conduct conference business. During his president’s report, Lewis summarized the Conference’s mission statement with three words: evangelize, educate, and empower. He listed “critical issues” facing the Conference, including dying churches, doctrinal division, education, an aging pastoral staff, and limited resources, and suggested members get involved in the mission in a very practical way—friendship evangelism. “We’ve forgotten how to be friends,” Lewis declared. “The longer we’re Adventist, the fewer non-Adventist friends we have. We have to get back to being friendly.” Making friends for Christ is what Rogers emphasized could make a powerful difference for Allegheny West. He reported that while 1,565 people joined the Conference during the last four years (1,147 by baptism), 1,380 others were dropped from membership. “Seventeen of our 55 churches had no growth,” he noted. “If we believe the Lord is coming soon, we must do everything in our power to [reach] individuals who are lost.” Rogers also reported that there are 12,300 AWC members worshipping in 55 churches. He recognized delegates from two newly organized churches and introduced several new pastors, including Andrew Kim (left) of the Ohio Central Korean church in Worthington. Record Tithe In her treasurer’s report, Seward announced that for the first time in the 38-year history of AWC, tithe rose above $6 million. She also rejoiced over the increased working capital and decreased liabilities. “The Lord has really blessed us, and we want to thank you for your assistance,” she told attendees. In addition to electing the officers, session delegates re-elected Donald Burden for Youth Ministries and Kenneth Washington for Children’s, Personal, Health, and Sabbath School/Ushers ministries. They also voted a number of changes to the constitution and bylaws.—Celeste Ryan 6
VISITOR
President James Lewis, Treasurer Zenobia Seward, Executive Secretary Carl Rogers
“If you’re too busy to pray, then you’re just too busy,” preached Roscoe Howard, executive secretary of the North American Division, in his devotional entitled “Running on Empty.”
Nearly 350 delegates, representing 55 churches in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, attended the constituency session.
Newsline
Youth of Baltimore Put Faith Into Action
Photography by Damian “Chip” Dizárd
very fourth Sabbath, over 140 youth from various E Baltimore congregations gather after church to put their faith into action. For example, in April, they collected and distributed food and personal care items at four homeless shelters. “I really enjoyed the homeless ministry because we were changing the lives of hurting people—just like Jesus did,” says Halima Evans, a participant who serves as AYS (Adventist Youth Society) leader at the Cherry Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. In May they visited group homes and orphanages to minister to other young people. These youth are members of the United Youth Service Corps, a partnership between the Youth Ministries departments of nine Baltimore area churches and Baltimore Adventist Community Services (BACS). “This ministry instills the ethic of service and provides youth with practical opportunities to live out their faith,” explains Darriel Hoy (below), a pastor and BACS Executive Director. While a student at the Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich., God ignited within her a vision for training and inspiring a new generation of servant leaders. That vision has become a reality in the city of Baltimore through BACS. Ministers of the Allegheny East Conference organized BACS in 2003 and joined hands with the Chesapeake Conference to impact the city and surrounding counties. “Baltimore Adventist Community Services is a model of collaboration involving local churches, two conferences, the Columbia Union Conference, and North American Division Adventist Community Services (NADACS),” Hoy says. The organization’s ultimate
goal is life transformation—helping people move from economic, mental, physical, and spiritual poverty to fulfilling their God-given potential. On the Move Since its inception two years ago, BACS has been on the move. The agency hosts the annual State of Baltimore Summit, where city officials and service providers share statistics about the most pressing social issues and discuss how churches can be a part of the solution. Through its annual health fairs, BACS partners with churches to offer vital health services to residents who lack health insurance. Fourth Sunday Seminars is another program designed to train church members to respond to the city’s drug epidemic through church-based, substance abuse ministries. Most recently, BACS received a three-year, $60,000 grant from NADACS to launch a jobtraining initiative for the chronically unemployed. “Many people in Baltimore do not have a primary care physician because they can’t afford it,” Hoy reveals. So next on the agenda is the plan to start a mobile health ministry and program called “Dinner With a Doctor” to help community members improve their lifestyles. Pastor Hoy’s vision for BACS is to serve the poor and hurting in Christ’s name. “Our method is Christ’s method,” she notes. “Just as Jesus did, we mingle with the people, showing sympathy for their needs.” So again this month, members of the United Youth Service Corps will be out on the streets of Baltimore, putting their faith into action. This fourth Sabbath they plan to provide health screenings for the homeless. For more information, visit www.abetterbaltimore.org.—Damian “Chip” Dizárd Above: Baltimore youth put their faith into action by distributing food and literature on Sabbath afternoons.
JUNE 2005
7
Newsline
49 Graduate From First Lay Evangelism Program s the men and women lined up in the BaltimoreA White Marsh church lobby for their graduation procession, excited family and friends waiting inside readied cameras and camcorders to capture every moment. “This is not the end,” announced Pastor Tom LeBlanc after all had been seated. “It’s the beginning of your service to the Lord.” Though not a college or academy graduation service, this was just as special because the candidates invested a large portion of time. Each quarter for the past four years, nearly 100 members from Allegheny East, Chesapeake, Pennsylvania, and Potomac conferences traveled to the Columbia Union headquarters to participate in the Lay Minister of Evangelism Training Program. Those who completed homework assignments and weekend courses—taught by Russell Burrill, director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute based at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., and other theology instructors— earned 20 credits. “You are now credentialed ministers of evangelism. The courses you took are the same as those taken by pastors,” said graduation speaker Monte Sahlin (above), vice president for Creative Ministries for the Columbia Union, who gave oversight to this pilot program. He counseled them not to get lost in “theological footnotes,” but to focus on proclaiming the good news. “Use all the tools your teachers have given you and don’t forget to keep learning,” he said. After asking them to cooperate with and offer to help their church pastors, Sahlin thanked the volunteers for their investment. “I want to give you the thanks of your 8
VISITOR
Church. Thank you for what you have become and what you’ll continue to give to your Church,” he said. Giving to his Church is exactly the reason Wayne Hendrickson (below, left) of Pennsylvania’s Harrisburg church enrolled in the program. “I want to see Jesus return,” said the software writer for the Pennsylvania State Police. “I coach churches in church growth, but I wanted to be trained to further God’s work.” He has since felt the call of God and plans to become a pastor. “My family is both excited and a little scared,” he admitted. Carlos Gomez (above) of Potomac’s Germantown Spanish congregation, who took the class so he could learn how to share Jesus with others, is already practicing what he’s learned. “I’m working in the church and [telling] all the members that this is a mission in which we all can participate.” For Francis Grant (below), the new disabilities coordinator for Allegheny East’s Trinity Temple in Newark, N.J., the mission is becoming clear and bringing unforeseen blessings. “I’m coordinating a disabilities fair and have already had 40 agencies ask to be a part of it,” she says. “Because Newark is an underserved area, we want to reach out and meet the basic and heartfelt needs and show people the love of Christ.” Showing the love of Christ is just what conference and Columbia Union administrators hope will keep the new graduates busy. “There are large numbers of men and women in the Columbia Union who need to know the Lord,” says Sahlin. “Our goal is to increase the number of skilled evangelism personnel working in local churches.” See more photos at www.columbiaunion.org.—Celeste Ryan
JUNE 2005
9
Pittsburgh Churches
Band Together in Mission Norma Sahlin
O
n April 30, the 14 Seventh-day Adventist congregations in the greater Pittsburgh area met for “A Day of Seeking the Holy Spirit Together in Mission.” More than 500 people, including members from the Allegheny West and Pennsylvania conferences, converged at Ethnan Temple, the largest Adventist congregation in the area, located in the central business district of Wilkinsburg. This group is the nucleus of what is known as the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative. The morning began with a panel discussion featuring area pastors. Don Schneider, president of the Adventist Church in North America, was the Sabbath speaker. During his sermon, Schneider described his mission to share the transforming love of Jesus with those he meets: “How many people on this very street, not to mention the 2.4 million in this region, need to have transformed lives?” he asked.
Participating Churches The following Seventh-day Adventist congregations participated in the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative’s first Unity Day: East Suburban ■ Ethnan Temple ■ Greensburg ■ Hillcrest ■ Berean ■ Leechburg ■ Mon Valley ■ Uniontown ■ Washington ■ Pittsburgh ■ Richland ■ Rock of Faith ■ Wierton Church ■ Wheeling Church
It’s time to go out and invite others to join us at the Lord’s table.—Yvette Peterson Ethnan Temple’s Chancel Choir, Voices of Faith, and Rachel Joy Jones; Hillcrest’s Youth and Young Adult choirs; Pittsburgh’s choir; and Leechburg’s Charles George provided music. “The most compelling reason for this diverse group to come together is to fulfill our purpose and mission,” stated James Lewis, president of the Allegheny West Conference. “Our mission compels us to come together to be more effective.” Dennis Austin, pastor of the Pittsburgh congregation, added, “Today church members had the opportunity to see that they’re not alone—that others share their hopes and dreams for spreading the gospel.” Seminars were presented by Alvin Kibble, a vice president of the Church in North America; Paul Richardson, executive director of the Center for Creative Ministry; Andrew Clark, a pastor and director of the Adventist Community Services agency in Bridgeville; Bob Tetz, consultant; David Klinedinst, director of Outreach Ministries for Christian Record Services; Jeffrey Baskin, Allegheny West pastor of the Hillcrest and Uniontown churches; and Pennsylvania Conference members Kerry Stahl and Jeff McAuliffe, lay members and church planters. “We learned how simple it is to witness,” said Denise Puskarich, of the Washington church. “Today’s event will strengthen the church because there is power in numbers.” When asked what she considered most significant about the day, Yvette Peterson of the Hillcrest church replied, “People came out of their comfort zones, myths were dispelled, and we learned new things. We’ve been spending too much time inside the house while the fields are empty of workers. It’s time to go out and invite others to join us at the Lord’s table.”
The Mission Field of Pittsburgh The following statistics reveal how vast the mission field of Pittsburgh is: ■
There are 2.4 million people in Pittsburgh and the
surrounding area. ■
Nearly 1 million people, in 167 communities, have no
Adventist living among them. ■
Don Schneider (right), president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, greets young attendees following his Sabbath sermon during the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative gathering.
Of the general population, 42 percent are Catholics
and 19 percent are affiliated with “mainstream” Protestant denominations. ■
Only 4 percent of Pittsburgh’s general public knows
anything specific—such as Sabbath observance,
The gathering was a collaborative effort planned by the Metro Ministries Steering Committee, a taskforce convened by the administrations of both conferences. Committee members include area pastors and key lay leaders from each church. The Columbia Union Conference has provided facilitating and funding for the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative while the North American Division offered matching funds for local and Union contributions. Adventists around the world are also supporting the project this year with Sabbath School Investment offerings. Norma Sahlin writes from Burtonsville, Md.
community service efforts, or the promotion of a healthy lifestyle—about the Adventist Church. ■
There are 1,900 Adventists, which translates into
one member for every 1,263 people (compared to one Adventist for every 316 people in the United States and one for every 403 people worldwide). ■
Two-thirds of the Church’s members are affiliated
with the Allegheny West Conference and one third with the Pennsylvania Conference. ■
The Allegheny West Conference planted a new
church in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood in 2004. ■
The Pennsylvania Conference hired a full-time
director for a pilot project in the Chartiers Valley area, which is a cluster of seven towns with a population of 95,000. Due to widespread flooding last fall, the office of Pennsylvania’s governor relied heavily on the Adventist Community Services.
Anthony Hackett, Columbia Union College sophomore religion major, assisted with children's activities. JUNE 2005
11
Ron Tayam tatistics indicate that more than 2 million people in the United States were incarcerated in 2004. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, through Prison Ministries, concentrates on reaching this special population. Many dedicated members take Matthew 25:36 (NIV)—“I was in prison and you came to visit me”—seriously as they go behind bars to minister to inmates and the families they leave behind. Here is a roundup of Columbia Union efforts:
S
ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE The Allegheny East Prison Ministries Federation has been working in jails, prisons, correctional facilities, detention camps, and youth centers since 1978. In one county, authorities allowed them to bring in a swimming pool and perform multiple, simultaneous baptisms. According to Federation President Aula Sumbry, there were 50 inmate baptisms in 2004, with a strong possibility of topping 100 this year. A total of 860 volunteers conduct visitations, Bible studies, worships, and special services on occasions like Thanksgiving. They are involved with counseling, educational programs, and helping inmates get GEDs. Through Adventist Community Services, these faithful members also follow-up with the families of inmates, including their children in AYS events. In addition, numerous churches, such as Baltimore’s Berea Temple, participate in the “Angel Tree” program and distribute Christmas gifts to these children.
This former inmate recently became a baptized member of the First church in Teaneck, N.J. Allegheny East Prison Ministries Federation President Aula Sumbry worked closely with her. She is now living in Canada.
A former inmate, Sumbry was out on bail in Trenton, N.J., when he heard Pastor Frank Leggett III’s radio program. After taking Bible studies, he was baptized by Leggett and immediately took the message back into the prisons. “I’m a product of this ministry,” Sumbry says. “I was saved for this purpose.”
ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE 15th Annual Adventist Prison Ministries Convention Planned Plan now to attend the Adventist Prison Ministries Association’s 15th Annual Convention, July 27-30, in Dallas, Texas. Look forward to 23 dynamic workshops, morning devotionals, an inspirational Friday night concert and Sabbath worship service, and fellowship with other attendees. For registration information, call (800) 732-7587 or visit www.plusline.org.
J.C. Smith directs and coordinates the efforts to spread the gospel to various correctional facilities within the Allegheny West Conference. “When a man is in prison, he’s in prison,” says Smith. “We try to give them a sense of hope.” There are presently five groups ministering to about 35 inmates via Bible studies and church services. Last year two were baptized and an additional two are scheduled for this year. Smith is equally concerned about inmate recidivism. “Statistics show that 60 percent return to prison, and most of these are teenagers.” He also works with a program called Maleness to Manhood that teaches young incarcerated men how to deal with life and society. LAMB (Love A Mother’s Baby)— another conference-sponsored program—provides food, clothing, toys, and counseling to the children of institutionalized parents. Allegheny West will hold a Prison Ministries convention on July 4 for its north Ohio sector.
JUNE 2005
13
NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE Sannie Penasso and Jackie Vanaman are noted Prison Ministries leaders, according to Conference Director Laffit Cortés. Penasso, from La Victoria church in Perth Amboy, works with 14 volunteers to assist 30 Hispanic inmates with English literacy at Middlesex County Jail. Vanaman’s small group from the Salem church teaches state-mandated prerelease programs to about 60 inmates at Southwood State Prison in Bridgeton.
OHIO CONFERENCE
Willow Brook church member William Spangler (left) and former Pastor Don Clingler (right) prepare to baptize an inmate.
CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE Carl Howe, a 76-year-old retiree at Maryland’s Willow Brook church coordinates 40 Prison Ministries volunteers from four churches. They routinely visit three facilities every week to hold Bible studies, counsel, and pray with a total of 60 inmates. Six were baptized in January. “We are committed to loving them, being consistent, keeping our promises, and pointing them to Jesus Christ,” he says.
MOUNTAIN VIEW CONFERENCE Mountain View Conference President Kingsley Whitsett also directs Prison Ministries. He reports that Parkersburg, W.Va., church coordinator Claire Luckabough and local prison Chaplain George Huggins baptized 20 inmates in January 2005. Their group ministers to 150 inmates at the Noble Correctional Institution via newsletter distribution, correspondence Bibles studies, and counseling. David Richard’s group at the Cumberland (Md.) church holds weekly visitations, video evangelism, and Sabbath School at the Maryland Correctional Institution. They’re projecting 10 baptisms this year. Meanwhile, George and Sharon Arrington’s Lewisburg (W.Va.) group visits 15 female inmates at Albertson General Prison For Women.
This group of inmates from Hagerstown’s Maryland Correctional Institution appreciates being ministered to by local Adventists. 14
VISITOR
According to Conference Clergy Care Director Marwood Hallet, among the Adventist chaplains in Ohio’s prison system are Victor Marshall, Hawkins Correctional Facility; Richard Baldwin, Richland Correctional Institution; and Leonard Hawley, Corrections Medical Center. Because of the state’s rigid policies, preaching is limited to a general platform and chaplains are forbidden to evangelize. However, they are free to discuss doctrine and beliefs during inmate-initiated dialogues. According to Hawley, “Inmates observe chaplains closely, remembering their words and actions. Then they become interested in our faith.” He refers them to ministries like Amazing Facts and Voice Of Prophecy.
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE In keeping with God’s Word, Pennsylvania pastors and members are purposefully reaching out to prisoners. Scranton church Pastor Michael McCabe ministers to four inmates at the Waymart Correctional
Facility. Doug Dickson, head elder and Prison Ministries leader at the New Castle church, visits four inmates at the New Castle County Jail and conducts Bible studies with 12 others via mail. Because New Castle is a temporary holding facility, Dickson tries to maintain contact when prisoners are transferred. One ex-inmate attends church, and he expects two others to be baptized this year. Margie Billig is the coordinator for the Allentown church. Her group counsels inmates and helps them (and their families) obtain free literature.
I was in prison and you visited me ...
Margie Billig (front row, left) coordinates the Allentown church's Prison Ministries team. They minister to inmates at nearby Lehigh County Prison.
POTOMAC CONFERENCE PAPMO (Potomac Adventist Prison Ministry Organization) has eight groups and serves approximately 700 inmates in various facilities. Last year, they trained 55 people to become correctional chaplain assistants, a status equivalent to that of lay pastors. Potomac is the first conference to offer such credentials. “In 2002, there were 1.5 million people incarcerated in the United States,” says PAPMO President Hector Cruz. “That number grew to 2 million in 2003 and 2.1 million in 2004.” The organization offers aftercare programs, in homes and churches, to help ex-inmates adjust to life outside of prison. “In addition, we are working to help people in prison become ‘prison missionaries’ who disciple other prisoners for Jesus,” he explains. “When those prisoners are transferred, they spread the gospel and disciple inmates in their new location.” PAPMO baptized 16 inmates in 2004. This year, they’re expecting 30 to 40.
PAPMO President Hector Cruz (right) greets an ex-inmate who is now receiving Bible studies.
Do you have a family member, or know of an Adventist, who is incarcerated and would like to receive the Visitor? Please submit their name, address, church, and conference information to: Columbia Union Visitor, 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045.
Ron Tayam is a freelance writer from Ledgewood, N.J. JUNE 2005
15
“By God’s Grace” A Prisoner’s Testimony Steven Sanders* y name is Steven Donnell Sanders, better known here as “Bootsey.” I have been incarcerated for nearly 25 years, but I still maintain my innocence. I attend the Little Flock Seventhday Adventist Church, which is located inside of the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown. Fellow prisoners and volunteers often ask me, “How can you do that much time?” “How do you get through each day?” or “How can you just walk around with a smile like it’s nothing?” My answer to these questions is, “By God’s grace and love and through the assistance of prison ministries.” Because of this ministry many prisoners have come to see and accept the truth about God’s Holy words. And it’s not just as a matter of knowledge; we have applied them to our daily walk with Christ. Prison ministries has built many strong men. These gifted men have come and gone. One-time criminals have suddenly turned into spokesmen for God. [That sounds] amazing until you consider the power of God. But there are still many more who need nurturing to make it through each day.
M
A Work Ordained by God The thought of doing prison ministries is uncomfortable, at best, I’m sure. Yet those who have stepped forward found it to be a work ordained by the hands of God. I believe that outside volunteerism is the major component that has ignited the interests of the men here and fostered their growth. The dedicated and faithful Adventist volunteers that come into this prison, week after week, have been a tremendous influence in my life! This is what it means to seek for lost souls, which is our obligation to the Lord. I thank God for my coming to prison because it was here that I accepted Christ as my Savior. When I look back at how the gospel has influenced me, I often think about where I started and where the Lord has brought me. I could not read nor write when I first got here! The Lord has blessed me with the knowledge to do both, and I am more than grateful. The Bible says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The Lord means everything to me. Even if my innocence is never proven, I will continue to live for Jesus because He has given me the peace that passes all understanding. *not pictured
16
VISITOR
Fellow prisoners ask me, “How do you get through each day? How can you just walk around with a smile like it’s nothing?”—Steven Sanders
Resource Guide Norma Sahlin
Eight Ways to Strengthen
Prison Ministries
hile talking about the final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus paints a picture of believers who are busy showing compassion and serving others while awaiting His return. Visiting the imprisoned is one of the examples given. In addition to visits, the incarcerated may need life skills training, reading instruction, and/or emotional support. The following will strengthen local ministries by increasing understanding of issues and providing training options. All resources are available through AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org:
W
Review the Prison Ministry Handbook
1
Nearly 3 million men, women, and teenagers are behind the walls of prisons, jails, and related institutions in the United States and Canada. That number has doubled over the last two decades. The Prison Ministry Handbook ($14.95) is a comprehensive tool for starting or expanding an existing Prison Ministries department.
2
Reach Out to Incarcerated Women
3
Address Painful Issues
In addition to Bible studies and worship services, women in prison need emotional support, life skills training, reading instruction, or even just toiletries. Based on real-life experience, Women in Prison ($5.95) is a practical “how-to” guide to ministering to incarcerated women. The Department of Social Work at Andrews University has prepared a guide for solution-focused, Bible-based action steps to help hurting people. Helping Hurting Members ($9.95) deals with issues such as divorce, depression, loneliness, addiction, and physical and sexual abuse. Each chapter contains an overview, key definitions, intervention strategies, and Biblical references for spiritual encouragement.
4
Build Confidence
Never Good Enough ($10.95) looks at the reasons behind addictive and codependent behaviors. Addiction is a no-fault disease, and the good news is that change is possible. The author draws on a wealth of experiences from her
work as a therapist to provide examples of success, strength, and hope in winning the battle over addictions and codependence.
5
Organize a Tutoring Program
6
Improve Life Skills
7 8
Offer Crises Classes
Utilizing Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, Tutoring—Making Smiles ($9.95) approaches literacy through different pathways: Spatial/Visual, Musical, Interpersonal, Linguistic/Language, Interpersonal, Exercise/Movement and Solving Problems (SMILIES). It contains simple, doable lessons with strategies, games, and songs. The Confident Kids Support Groups curriculum can make your church a place that offers hope and healing to children and families as they deal with issues such as divorce, alcoholism, abuse, or disease. Consider Growing Through Changes ($39.95), Making Wise Choices ($39.95), and Facing My Feelings ($39.95). Facing Family Crises ($14.95) helps family ministries leaders plan a year’s worth of meaningful family-oriented events.
Focus on God
In After the Fire ($9.95), the author illustrates principles for living whole-heartedly for God even after the fires of revival seem to fade through the ups and downs of life.
JUNE 2005
17
Church Profile Iris Argueta-Sibrian
Bridgeton Spanish Church Ministering Through Miracle Bibles Iris Argueta-Sibrian on’t be surprised to see large Bibles on top of pastry or deli counters when you walk into a supermarket in Bridgeton, N.J. It’s all part of the Miracle Bibles Project organized by the Bridgeton Spanish church. “It’s like an explosion,” boasts Elder Vicente Jimenez. “We just display the Bibles in grocery stores, banks, and bakeries and people sign-up for Bible studies.” In 2003, Pastor Joel Soto arrived at this New Jersey Conference church, located at 240 Pear Street, and challenged the congregation to do more out-of-thebox street ministries. “The Adventist Church’s success lies in motivating lay people to use new soul winning initiatives,” says Soto, who holds a doctorate in ministry from Andrews University and a master’s in religion and church growth. In a matter of weeks, the congregation put together a strategic plan for innovative evangelism and began the Miracle Bibles Project. “When people sign-up to win a free large Bible at these local establishments they write their names, addresses, and indicate whether they want Bible studies or prayer. “During the first six weeks, there were more than 300 Bible study requests,” Pastor Soto exclaims. “We baptized 194 people last year.”
D
BUILDING A LEGACY Eight Adventists from Puerto Rico and Mexico launched Bridgeton Spanish in 1992. Jimenez
Elena Matias was one of 194 new members baptized by Pastor Joel Soto.
remembers meeting in the basement of a home. “It was a small group but we continued to grow and were adopted by the Vineland church,” Jimenez explains. “Later we rented a Pentecostal church and outgrew that. Then we held afternoon services at the English-speaking Bridgeton church until we purchased our own building,” he recounts. When Bridgeton Spanish opened its doors more than 12 years ago, the congregation never imagined they would become the leader in Conference baptisms. Miracle Bibles is just one of several outreach ministries. Grizelda Martinez, the church’s 20-year-old youth director, routinely walks the streets of Bridgeton, knocking on doors, with a group of young adults. “We are astonished at how many people want to know more about Christ,” she says. “The last time we went out, we came back with 140 requests for Bible studies.” Martinez believes these efforts have caused a spiri-
Pastor Joel Soto (front row, second from right) poses with newly baptized members of the Bridgeton Spanish church. 18
VISITOR
tual awakening inside the church as well—especially among the 15-35 year olds who make up about 60 percent of the congregation. “Young people are taking part in vigils, praying and preaching to discover their talents so that our church can grow,” she states. “Even former members have come back, and we are getting them involved again.” Another soul-winning method is public evangelism. Bridgeton Spanish holds tent evangelism efforts several times a year. “The community knows us; we’re located on a main street, and they can see our tent right in the parking lot,” says Pastor Soto. “We also promote our activities through radio and TV, which has been very effective.”
TRAINED TO SERVE Bridgeton Spanish has become a center for training laity. Dozens of lay people, including those from nearby Spanish congregations, meet once a month to learn how to give Bible studies, present revelation seminars, launch door-to-door ministries, and begin neighborhood cell groups. “The key to nurturing members, and bringing new people to the feet of Christ, is using various soulwinning methods that appeal to different target audiences,” Soto states. These out-of-the-box initiatives have also increased Bridgeton’s tithe and offerings by more than 40 percent. The church also assists the underserved and disad-
As an evangelism tool, the Bridgeton Spanish church routinely holds Bible giveaways in local stores and offers Bible studies to the winners.
vantaged. Jimenez, who is Sabbath School superintendent and food bank ministries’ director, is often overwhelmed at the number of people in need of a helping hand. “A lot of our visitors are part of the immigrant community and are having a tough time. We’ve set a goal to provide food baskets to about 150 families every month,” he says. These innovative ministries have forced the church to hold two, simultaneous worship services every Sabbath to accommodate the 438-member congregation. When they purchased the structure five years ago, there were only 70 members. “This building used to be a bakery,” explains Jimenez. The owner laughed in our face when we offered him $80,000—he wanted more than $300,000. But José H. Cortés, who was our pastor then, knew we would get that building. God made it happen; we paid $120,000 for it,” he states. The Bridgeton church is now planning to expand the sanctuary to seat 600. Although building permits, zoning variants, and funding continue to be a challenge, they hope to begin the project later this year. “It has been difficult to raise the $300,000 to begin construction, but we trust that God will see us through,” says Pastor Soto. Members are eager to spread the gospel through the streets of their city and beyond in 2005. They hope to surpass 194 baptisms and inspire other congregations to develop unique ways to minister and meet community needs. It’s no wonder that “Bridgeton for Christ” is their slogan this year. Iris Argueta-Sibrian is a freelance journalist who writes from Silver Spring, Md.
JUNE 2005
19
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
■
IN THE
COLUMBIA
UNION
w w w. k m c n e t w o r k . o r g
Appreciating Diversity William G. “Bill” Robertson
I
n a moment of high inspiration, in an impassioned letter written to a church seeking to discover who they were and what God was calling them to be, the apostle Paul delivered what that some scholars have called “the Magna Carta of Humanity.” Galatians 3:28 (NKJV), “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” powerfully illustrates his point. This text has given rise to much debate and discussion over the centuries. In our times, the discussion has mostly centered on the role of women in Christian leadership. I thought of this text as we embarked on our 2nd Annual Adventist HealthCare Mission Conference, April 12-13, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. More than 300 people attended, representing all parts of our organization. There were community leaders, clergy, friends, and family members of diverse ages, genders, races, and faiths.
Different Perspectives, Common Goals The theme was “Appreciating Diversity” and even the speakers had diverse perspectives. Sam Betances spoke with conviction about our precious opportunity to be an inclusive and affirming society. Rabbi Marc Gellman talked about the extraordinary power that comes from relationships that cut across cultural lines and still maintain appreciation for different perspectives. Sister Rosemary Flanigan inspired the audience, with her quiet conviction, that diversity is a great asset to those whose mission is to be helpful and of service. And Pastor Henry Wright reiterated that becoming a community is a difficult, worthy goal that we all seek. The stories from various institutions brought us to tears, and at times to our feet, as we recognized the extraordinary diversity in the way our people and organizations respond to human need. The Music Center was also filled with fantastic music from the Columbia Union College Pro Musica, the Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts Show Choir, and the Washington Community Brass. The “improv” styled theatrical presentations from the troupe of actors from Round House Theatre made us laugh and think.
It is possible for people of great diversity to make their common humanity the basis of their community.
We gathered to talk and think about diversity. The challenge with such a sweeping assertion is that we aren’t all the same to start with, and we don’t particularly want to be the same. I can’t believe that Galatians 3:28 is suggesting that a Christian organization strive to create some kind of homogenized sameness. I think the apostle had a more provocative suggestion—that it is possible for people of great diversity (Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female) to make their common humanity the basis of their community. This means that any policy of exclusion falls short of our calling (and mission). It means that a Mission Conference about diversity is precisely what Adventist HealthCare should be about. Diversity shouldn’t be viewed as a challenge. It is one of our greatest blessings and a catalyst to imagine better ways to understand, appreciate, and work together. There was another bit of scripture running through my mind last week. Well, not scripture exactly. More than once I thought of the lyrics of that old ’60s song: “Come on people, now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together; try to love one another right now. Right now!” William G. “Bill” Robertson is the president of Adventist HealthCare. JUNE 2005
21
HEALING MINISTRY
Adventist HealthCare Mission Conference Ray Tetz
T
he 2nd Annual Adventist Healthcare (AHC) Mission Conference focused on “Appreciating Diversity in Faith-Based Healthcare.” The purpose of the Conference, which took place recently at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md., was to bring together individuals from the community and AHC personnel to better understand the vital partnerships between community and healthcare. Participants discovered how diversity positively impacts our capacity for ministry, the benefits of faith-based healthcare on the surrounding communities, and the relationship between faith and health. Core conference presenters wove together a tapestry of diversity in ministry. Their messages formed the basis for an inspiring evening that focused on how differences are often the building blocks for strong relationships. Samuel Betances (below), one of America’s leading diversity speakers, encouraged the audience to aim high, reject rejection, and embrace one another as powerful team members who are working toward a more prosperous future. Betances merged eloquence and teaching skills to deliver his powerful message with conviction. “It matters less where we are from; what really matters is where we are going,” he stated. “Accept our diversity. Embrace it. Make it work for you. Harness the rainbow.”
Rabbi Marc Gellman (above), of the Beth Torah Synagogue in Melville, N.Y., gave an impassioned presentation and expressed affection for Adventist HealthCare. He encouraged participants to “squeeze” the value out of every relationship, while heading towards understanding of and appreciation for one another. Sister Rosemary Flanigan, Ph.D., spoke of the need to anchor our understanding with the values of respect and integrity. Flanigan is an ethicist who has focused her attention on the role of ethics in healthcare decision-making. Her witty and vibrant presentation brought the audience to their feet in support of her vision of a world where integrity is the basis for community and care. Henry Wright, senior pastor of the Community Praise church in Alexandria, Va., returned to the conference as closing speaker. He exhorted participants to build bridges toward community, despite the difficulties. Always a favorite at AHC events, Pastor Wright combined humor, wit, and firsthand experiences to rally participants to move to new levels of commitment and service.
The Diverse Fabric of Faith A special clergy conference preceded the Adventist HealthCare Mission Conference. This event afforded the faith community leadership an 22
VISITOR
HEALING MINISTRY opportunity to meet one another and become acquainted with Adventist HealthCare services that are available to their constituents. Betances also reminded attendees about the special responsibility that ministry leaders have to demonstrate diversity values to their communities. An interfaith prayer breakfast was another major component of the Mission Conference. The focus was on prayer; for those who work in healthcare, and the communities served. Harold Lee, chairman of the Adventist HealthCare Executive Board; and Bill Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, hosted the breakfast. Participants affirmed the diversity of various communities that make up the great fabric of faith and celebrated the blessings of God’s daily providence. It’s safe to say that everyone benefited from this year’s Adventist HealthCare Mission Conference. However, the chosen topic on the importance of diversity elicited strong, positive responses. “I valued the presentations by Samuel Betances on the implications of cultural diversity and the importance of putting aside prejudices in order to be of service.” “Rabbi Gellman’s presentation was without a doubt the best talk on diversity I’ve heard. He presented profound points with style and humor.” “Sister Rosemary encouraged us to anchor our work in respect; to treat everyone with respect, and to value all cultures. She called on us to practice what we preach.” “We must first accept ourselves before we can accept others was the message I got from Pastor Wright. Then we need to see people through God’s eyes and reach out and share our mission and integration of health and faith with the community.” Even AHC employees affirmed the Conference’s topic of discussion. “We came to hear and learn from individuals representing a mixture of faiths. Everyone came together to share and uphold one another without being preached to or put down. The presentations made me think about my role at AHC, and the overall mission of our organization.”
Mission Conference attendees gathered for an interfaith, early morning Prayer Breakfast where they affirmed the diversity of their various communities.
Accept our diversity. Embrace it. Make it work for you. Harness the rainbow.
Ray Tetz serves as communication consultant for Adventist HealthCare.
Diversity
—Samuel Betances
Matters
HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS
Groundbreaking Launches Expansion of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
S
hady Grove Adventist Hospital (SGAH) recently broke ground for its $99 million expansion project, which will add a four-story tower to the 25-year-old structure. The expansion will also allow the hospital to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community, which has rapidly expanded in recent years. “We are delighted to begin this expansion so that we can serve the healthcare needs of our community today and in the future,” said SGAH President Deborah A. Yancer (left). Several federal, state, and locally elected officials, along with community members, were in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony. United States representatives Chris Van Hollen (Maryland, 8th District) and Roscoe Bartlett (Maryland, District 6); Maryland state senators Patrick J. Hogan (District 39) and Jennie M. Forehand (District 17); Maryland state delegates Nancy King (District 39), Joan Stern (District 39), Herman Taylor (District 14), Carol Petzold (District 19); and Montgomery County Council members Phil Andrews (District 3) and Nancy Floreen (at large) were among the dignitaries. Early this year, Shady Grove received a Certificate of Need from the Maryland Health Care Commission to expand the hospital. Construction began in May and should be completed in the spring 2009. The new, four-story tower will add more than 207,000 square feet of space. Another 52,000 square feet of existing hospital space will be renovated during the four-year project.
Shady Grove Gets New Features
■ A new Surgery Department for inpatient and outpatient cases ■ Dedicated units for oncology, maternity, orthopedics, medicine, and post surgical patients ■ Increased space for the Emergency Department (20 additional beds), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (up to 11 additional beds), and Obstetrics (48 new, private post-partum rooms)
“This is an exciting day for the residents of Montgomery County and the surrounding areas that are served by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital,” noted Yancer. “Our expansion will provide a state-of-the art facility for patients to receive healthcare and for doctors to practice medicine. We are grateful to everyone who supported this project, including employees, medical staff, volunteers, federal, state, and locally elected officials and—most importantly—the community.” Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, a 281-bed, notfor-profit, acute care facility located in Rockville, Md., is committed to delivering excellent healthcare through a ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing. The hospital also operates the only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Montgomery County. For additional information, visit www.adventisthealthcare.com.
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its $99 million expansion project.
The expansion will result in many new and expanded features for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, including: An additional 144 private patient rooms, bringing the hospital’s total to 218 or 84 percent
■
24
VISITOR
For a complete listing of Adventist healthcare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.org/healingministry.html
JUNE 2005
Southwest Philly Celebrates Member’s Return From Iraq or the past year members of the Southwest Philadelphia church have been praying for one of their special sons, Sgt. Rochelle Chavis, who was faithfully serving his country as a member of the 736th Transportation Company in Iraq. During a special Sabbath presentation welcoming him home, Sgt. Chavis shared the many ways God manifested Himself. During his stay in Iraq, his battalion suffered no fatalities, something he attributes to the intercessory prayers of his church. One experience especially stood out in his mind. While on a mission, his company came under enemy attack. He and a few other soldiers got separated from the rest of the company. As a result of the dusty Southwest Philadelphia members environment and fightJanice Jenkins (left) and Hazel ing, they became conMatthias celebrate Sgt. Rochelle Chavis’ return from Iraq. fused and a bit disori-
F
ented. They did not know in which direction they should go in order to reconnect with their company. Chavis recalls being sure they were going to die but was ready to accept God’s will for him and his lost comrades. Suddenly, two muscular “Marines” appeared and motioned for him to lead his men in a certain direction. As the dust and smoke cleared, he looked for them, wanting to make sure that they, too, had reached safety. Upon inquiring, to his surprise, he discovered that no other soldier had seen them, and there were no Marines in the area! Once again, in His providence, God had provided “a ram in the bush.” During his tour of duty, Sgt. Chavis fought valiantly, supported the soldiers in his battalion, conducted many Bible Studies, and was instrumental in converting several Muslims to Christianity. He also received the Bronze Medal for bravery. The Women’s Ministries and youth mime group, under the direction of Casey Brown, received certificates of appreciation for faithful and cooperative support of the military. Two church members, Hazel Matthias and Janice Jenkins, also received certificates of appreciation and the distinguished Army Accommodation Metal of Distinction, which is generally not presented to civilians.—Janice D. Jenkins
Liberty to Evangelize “Jericho” ’Til Walls Come Tumbling Down he Liberty Seventh-day Adventist Church in Randallstown, Md., has taken up where Joshua left off, conquering by faith the enemy’s territory. Under the leadership of Pastor Melvyn Hayden Jr., First Elder Anthony Mathison, area Literature Evangelist Robert Moses, and Personal Ministries Leader Pamela Pinder, church members identified an apartment complex they wished to reach for Christ. For three consecutive Sabbaths in April, they marched silently around their defined Jericho. Then, on the fourth Sabbath, they distributed Discover Bible School lessons. One Sabbath the church hosted Literature Evangelist Day with Allegheny East Conference President Charles Cheatham as the speaker. He also joined the march, calling it “symbolic and very powerful.” This month, the congregation begins a series of evangelistic meetings in the area. “The walls of prejudice will
T
come tumbling down so that the gospel can have full effect on the hearts of our community,” Hayden says. This is just the beginning of many Jericho walks for Liberty as they renew their focus on evangelism. Earlier this year, the congregation engaged in an eight-week evangelism training session. Members took classes on giving Bible studies, knowing and learning church history, building a youth church, and comparative religions. A Discover Bible School has recently been started because requests for lessons are already coming in consistently.—Pam Pinder and Barbara Crawford
JUNE 2005
25
PFA Seniors Embark on Mission Trip to Barbadoes n the night of March 20, the senior class of Pine Forge Academy (PFA) was awake loading buses with bags of donated goods for the people of Barbados. Over 80-plus bags were packed with clothes, toys, shoes, toiletries, bedding, and fax machines for every school in the East Caribbean Conference. We, the Class of 2005, were on a mission to be a blessing to others and as a result God blessed us. Prior to the mission trip, the senior class participated in various fund-raisers to help minimize the cost of the trip, including a benefit concert featuring the PFA Concert Choir in New York, soliciting ads for an advertisement booklet, and a production featuring both the PFA Creative Arts Drama Ministry and the Concert Choir in Philadelphia. After a hectic travel schedule, we finally arrived in Barbados. For the next seven days we lived in the Barbados Seventh-day Students engage kids in fun, learning activities. Adventist Secondary School. There were 17 chaperones accompanying the 57 seniors who made this journey. Each chaperone led out in a ministry, such as Senior Citizen, Construction, Music, Nutrition and Etiquette, Medical, Children, Youth, and Puppet Ministries. Each member of the senior class was responsible for participating in these various
O
Members of PFA's Creative Arts Drama Ministry give a workshop on how to do a puppet ministry.
ministries and projects. The seniors who are members of the Concert Choir performed for the people of Barbados, under the direction of Jason M. Ferdinand. The concert featured special guests Marlin and Lydia Johnson, Reyna Carguill, and Terrence Gooden. The seniors who are members of the Creative Arts Drama Ministry hosted a puppet ministry workshop—under the direction of Pastor Joel Johnson—to teach the people of Barbados how to begin a puppet ministry in their churches. After all of the work was done and it was almost time to say goodbye, the people from the churches and schools joined us for a Saturday night social, Bajan style. By God’s grace we reached all of our mission goals, from renovating the schools to reaching hearts. The people of Barbados were very grateful for the things we donated to them and the spirit of love we shared while we were there. The PFA Class of 2005 is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord, in this way, and wishes to thank those who supported us in the various fund-raisers to make this trip a reality.—Marcia Robinson
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
Students, led by chaperones, paint and refurbish buildings.
26
VISITOR
Pine Forge Academy Phone: (800) 390-9529 ■ www.pineforgeacademy.org e-mail: pfa@pineforgeacademy.org Headmaster, Cynthia Poole-Gibson ■ Principal, Shelly Weeks Channel
JUNE 2005
A Lay Movement ow seriously have you taken the New Testament emphasis concerning the place of the layman in the Christian enterprise? Rightly understood, the Church is a lay movement! She really fulfills her function only when her laymen are active and operative. When Jesus began His public ministry, He did not commission raw recruits—young men uncommitted to vocation or profession. On the contrary, He began with mature men who were settled into a vocation, men for whom life had pretty much gelled, laymen already active in secular pursuits. At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 laymen gathered in the upper room, they went out and witnessed powerfully regarding Christ’s resurrection. Those who responded to their witness were from “every nation under heaven,” and they went back to their homelands to broadcast the gospel. The New Testament pages are full of the names of lay people—men and women—who were the really active force in evangelism. That seems to be the pattern in the New Testament—the rule rather than the exception. Here in Chesapeake, that same pattern continues to emerge. Christian men and women, indispensable to the witness of the Church, work side by side with their pastors in evangelism. Every one of us has a little world we must reach for Christ: the world of our office, home, and neighborhood. In fact, we might be the only “evangelist” the people in “our little worlds” might ever hear. Let us each take up the Chesapeake Challenge to go into all the world (and especially our Neville Harcombe little world) and preach the gospel in word, in witness, and in living the Christ-centered life. President
H
NEWS Frederick Church Hosts “Pastors Night Out” The Frederick church recently treated members of the local ministerial association to a complimentary night on the town. The 42 participants dined at Dutch’s Daughter—the premiere host restaurant in town. Frederick Senior Pastor John Appel is the current president of the ministerial association and planned the event. A Frederick church member underwrote the entire cost of the evening as a gift to the pastors of the area. Frederick member Rose Otis made a presentation on the book The Five Languages of Love. After an informal round of introductions and sharing about their lives, Appel concluded the evening with a dedicatory prayer for the pastors, their families, and ministries.
Two Clubs Take 1st Place in Pathfinder Bible Achievement Program In April, the Atholton Faith Blazers and the Triadelphia Sparks returned from the North American Division finals of the Pathfinder Bible Achievement program at Andrews University with 1st Place awards. It was the second straight year for the Atholton Club. The Pathfinders excelled at answering questions on the Book of Acts. Next year’s focus will be 1 Chronicles 10 through 2 Chronicles 9.
Wilmington Women Get “In Touch” “They came, they socialized, they listened, and they went away inspired,” said Chesapeake Women’s Ministries Coordinator Dee Scalzo. She was referring to the women who attended the spring edition of the quarterly women’s ministry event hosted by the West Wilmington (Del.) church. In March, more than 70 women gathered at the Wilmington school for a delicious meal and devotional presentations. Local member Christina Rollo presented the devotional. The featured speaker was Penny Estes Wheeler, book editor for the Review and Herald Publishing Association, whose topic “My Four Mothers” sparked serious thought. The evening event ended with a book giveaway, compliments of the Review and Herald, and a Women of Spirit giveaway compliments of Chesapeake’s Women’s Minstries Department. Special door prizes were also given to attendees. Women in Touch is a ministry of the West Wilmington church. Carol Kilroy and Eileen Oakley give direction to these quarterly events that encourage women to get in touch with each other, God, and their neighbors.
JUNE 2005
27
Chesapeake Congratulates Lay Minister of Evangelism Graduates n a special service held at the Baltimore-White Marsh church in April, 49 lay leaders from four conferences received Certificates of Graduation from the North American Division Evangelism Institute’s (NADEI) Extension School for Lay Ministers of Evangelism. An additional 21 leaders received a Certificate of Attendance as they have yet to complete all the curriculum requirements. The graduation exercises capped a four-year program that included a field school of evangelism in Baltimore (2003), 10 seminary-level, intensive classes, nearly 200 classroom hours, and 400 hours of additional reading and homework. Those who attended throughout the four-year cycle of classes were treated to one-quarter of the course work that pastors experience while at seminary. These classes included church growth, the ministry of the laity, small group ministry, personal evangelism, the ministry of compassion, mobilizing the laity, public evangelism, cell church ministry, church planting, and church leadership. The idea of a citywide meeting, with NADEI Director Russell Burrill, was first envisioned by White Marsh Pastor Tom LeBlanc. It was enlarged as Chesapeake leaders saw the opportunity to add the training component. As the idea grew and gathered momentum, the Columbia Union jumped in to support and enlarge it until it became a reality with the involvement of four conferences and nearly 100 lay leaders. Chesapeake attendees were enthusiastic about the learning experience. Here is a brief sampling of their impressions:
I
“These classes have truly served to lead me in the direction the Lord has planned for my life. My favorite time in the class was the group prayer vigils.”—Denise Isaac, Baltimore-White Marsh church “These classes helped clarify what I feel is God’s desire for my life. I discovered that God really wanted me to be active in ministry and was giving me the tools to accomplish His will.”—Tina Nipe, Martinsburg (W.Va.) church “The emphasis on personal and public evangelism excited me most. Evangelism has become my passion in life. I have and will continue to be involved.”—Steve Pritchett, Middletown (Del.) church “The classes literally saved my life. I now look forward to a future colored with small groups, cell churches, spiritual gift seminars, ministries of compassion, church planting, and all the rest.”—Suzanne Street, Pocomoke City (Md.) church
Chesapeake Participants +Moses Anderson +Bertha Bourkel *David Clark *John Delaney Godfrey Esochaghi +Althea Gibson +Lionel Gibson Alexander Gonzalez +Ewell Harmon +Rudyard Haughton Alice Charles Hepsey *Prince Iheme +Denise Isaac +Todd Jerman Donald Lowe *Jose Marquez *Allen Massey +Cassey McCall *Allan Morris *Guy Nacchio +Christina Nipe *George Pelote *Geoff Powell +Steven Prichett *Addison Ramlagan Daniel Sanchez Jerry Scherer *Rudy Scott *Eugene Smith *Mitchell Smith +Michael Stango +Dave Stewart +Earl Street +Suzanne Street Stephanie Swecker Rae Tunney + Graduate Certificate * Attendance Certificate
The 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 28
VISITOR
JUNE 2005
Alumnus, Congressman Speaks for Commencement hen I attended CUC it was known as Washington Missionary College. Theofield Weis was the librarian and Dr. B. G. Wilkinson was president. Now they’re buildings,” said U.S. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland’s 6th District, the featured speaker at this year’s Columbia Union College (CUC) commencement exercises, last month. Bartlett graduated with his first two academic degrees, in theology and biology, in 1947. Bartlett’s address was one of the many highlights of the day as nearly 175 students received hard-earned degrees. The College, concluding its centennial celebration, conferred more than 140 traditional baccalaureate degrees, including 61 from the Adult Evening Program, 13 MBA degrees, and 11 associate’s degrees. Ceremonies began on the steps of the Science Building, included the traditional march under the Gateway to Service, and ended in front of a capacity crowd in Takoma Park’s Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church sanctuary. President Randal Wisbey greeted graduates, congratulating them for continuously living out the centennial motto: “Engage, Excel, Explore.” He also challenged them to embrace the opportunities before them and to become inspirational and innovative leaders. Senior class officers presented the College with a number of beautifully framed photos, chronicling the school’s history since 1904. Wisbey received the photos and pledged to hang them in Wilkinson Hall, but only until the new library and learning pavilion are built and a new home for the photos is ready in the planned visitor center.
W
U.S. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, commencement speaker and CUC alumnus (center), poses with College President Randal Wisbey (left) and Vice President Robert Young.
C.E. Bradford was CUC's 2005 Baccalaureate speaker.
Wisbey presented Professor Michael Lee of the Department of Computer Science with the President’s Award as this year’s outstanding instructor. He also presented H. Dean Bouland, a 1975 graduate serving on the school’s Board of Trustees, with the Presidential Ambassador Award. Dionne Whitehall, a 19-year-old magna cum laude graduate in business administration, who gave the class speech, recalled how they experienced the 9/11 terrorist attacks, D.C. sniper shootings, tornado threats, and hurricane Isabel, “as well as surviving English 102 and Probability and Statistics.” She shared the class’s gratitude for lessons learned, thanking parents, faculty, staff, administration, “and above all, God.” Wisbey then introduced Congressman Bartlett as one of CUC’s most distinguished alumni, noting his various careers as a professor, administrator, scientist, inventor (he holds 20 patents for breathing apparatus used by astronauts and firefighters), farmer, homebuilder, husband of 30 years, father of 10 children, and grandfather to 12. Wisbey said that Bartlett has served for 14 years as a citizen-legislator—not a politician— representing the people of northwest Maryland. In his address, Bartlett said that the current, consumer, capitalistic society cannot save itself if it doesn’t find alternative fuels, reverse the disintegrating economy, and preserve civil rights; that today’s graduates must remain faithful and dependant on God for guidance as they face these challenges. “Make sure God is part of your future, that the rights of the individual are guarded, and that you don’t continue to mortgage the future,” Bartlett implored.—Scott Steward JUNE 2005
29
Chaplain Bids Farewell he last chapel service of the school year was particularly poignant as it was the final chapel for Stan Dobias (right), CUC’s beloved chaplain. “I am thankful and consider it an honor to have worked with the Campus Ministries Department and all the students,” Dobias said while sharing his final message. “You guys [taught] me, and that is one of the joys of working with you.” Dobias, who has served as chaplain for only one year, will return to Orlando, Fla., to serve as chaplain for the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. “I think CUC has an incredibly bright future and it is because of the student body,” he said. “They make the campus better. And since this campus is under the control of God, it will be very successful.” President Randal Wisbey and Jean Warden, vice president for Student Life and Retention, made a presentation to Dobias, thanking him for his service and spirit of willingness. In an impromptu outpouring of support, student members of various ministries on campus gathered around him and expressed their appreciation for his willingness to mentor them, the fact that he made himself available to them, and for his constant support for their programs and events.—Randy Preston
T
New CUC Radio Show Touts Service, Advocacy n April, a new program began airing on CUC’s radio station, WGTS, 91.9 FM. The 15-minute program, “Religion in the Public Square,” airs Saturday mornings from 7:45-8 a.m., and is co-hosted by Roy Branson and Stefanie Johnson of CUC’s Center for Law and Public Policy (CLPP). The Center is leading a widerange of religious communities to expand their service and advocacy for others.
I
The purpose of their new program is summarized in each closing, which quotes Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new.” Following a documentary style, it features interviews with religious and faith-based organizations like Frontline Outreach, So Others Might Eat (SOME), and Action in Montgomery (AIM), which work to transform people and politics. The first broadcast featured Attorney Patricia Sosa and her work with
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (www.tobaccofreekids.org). WGTS is now the largest Christian station in the Washington metropolitan area, attracting a quarter million listeners daily. For station information, visit www.wgts.org. For information on the CLPP, call (301) 891-4572.—Krystal Tonstadt
CALENDAR June 3 Summer Session I Ends
June 6 Summer Session II Begins
August 1-18 Capitol Summer Session
Roy Branson co-hosts "Religion in the Public Square" on CUC's radio station WGTS, 91.9 FM. 30
VISITOR
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, Scott Steward
JUNE 2005
From Vigil to Victory recently paid a pastoral visit to Erica Duffield, one of our Mountain View members in Gassaway, W.Va., and she gave a marvelous testimony of God’s protecting care. While returning home from classes, this young college student was forced off an interstate by a reckless driver. Erica’s car flipped over several times, leaving her pinned, unconscious, inside the crushed vehicle. Medical technicians extricated and airlifted her to the trauma unit of a major hospital. Although she suffered head injuries and a broken arm, Erica was back home a few days later. During our visit we talked about the untimeliness of the accident, with just a few weeks of school left. One physician said Erica would be unable able to return to college for an indefinite period and gave her a medical leave for the remainder of the academic year. But this straight “A” student was resolute; “I will finish this year,” she told me. “I’m already moving forward with plans.” This called to mind Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14, encouraging us to continue to “press on” toward the goal of the “high calling.”
I
Goals and Challenges Early last year, due to serious challenges, Mountain View Conference set new goals and formed a plan to strengthen its mission in Appalachia. By the end of the year God’s work was highly evident; evangelism and financial results were better than expected. Paul’s words can be profitably revisited now that we are one year beyond that critical point in 2004. “He (Paul) knows that he who would win must keep the goal and the prize clearly in mind. The contestant must not be turned aside by applause or insult, he must not relax, he must not stumble, he must not stop; he must continually press forward until the goal is gained” (Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 170). In 2005, and beyond, we need to keep “pressing on” and pursuing these goals in order to strengthen our Conference. We need to continue giving sacrificially and being involved in the mission of enlarging God’s kingdom. We must be focused, just as Erica was about finishing the school year. Larry Boggess At press time, Erica had returned to college, finished her coursework, and graduated Secretary with a 4.0 GPA.
Mountain Top Alumnus Serving as Chaplain’s Assistant athan Rodeheaver, a United States Army Soldier and former Mountain Top Adventist School student, recently returned to his Alma Mater to talk with students. They were spellbound, and full of questions, as he talked about his military experience, including Basic Training and his current assignment as a chaplain’s assistant. We are very proud of this Mountain Top alumnus and will keep him, and his family, in our prayers.—Marie Schuberthan
N
Mountain Top Alumnus Nathan Rodeheaver (third from right) recently visited with current students (left to right) Justin Boyd, Nicole Seeders, Destini Dumire, Jacob Boyd, and Steven Seeders.
JUNE 2005
31
Clarksburg Offers Parenting Class od has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and power,” is a verse that has really become meaningful to Barbara Ward and Gilda Allen, coordinators of a parenting class in Clarksburg. Allen was in Clarksburg temporarily, caring for her mother who was under hospice care. During her frequent weekend visits over the past year, she became fast friends with Ward at the Clarksburg church. “There’s a great need for family guidance in this community,” Ward said to Allen. “Let’s organize a parenting class.” “But my mother could die any day,” Allen replied. “Then I’ll return to my home in Washington, D.C., leaving you with all the responsibility.” Despite this, Allen, an environmentalist, and Ward, a retired nurse, took on this joint endeavor with professionalism. They asked members to pray as they planned, announced, and advertised the event. The pair also recruited help for every phase of the program, including childcare and refreshments. Meanwhile, Allen spent some tearful and sleepless nights over
G
her mother’s condition. With Ward’s consolation and encouragement, however, the pair persevered. They found speakers, increased advertising, and appeared on talk radio programs. Their efforts were rewarded with a generous outpouring of money, gifts, food, and volunteer time from community businesses and the 30 or so active Clarksburg members. With the groundwork done, next came worry and the nagging question—“Will anyone come?” Allen dreaded her mother’s impending death. “Your mother will live, and you shall see this program to completion,” Ward assured. Only one person preregistered for the parenting class, but attendance kept increasing throughout the first week. Attendees eagerly plied Ward, Allen, and the other presenters with questions on parenting skills. Kelly Coulter, educator for the Clarksburg Department of Health and a presenter on mother’s health, said, “We hope you will make this a continuing service. Next time we’ll make sure the young mothers we serve know
about this much-needed program.” Graduates of this class will receive certificates from Pastor Bill Clark and City Councilman Jim Hunt. “We must continue to minister to the needs of our new friends and win them to Christ,” said Clark. In answer to the concerted prayers of Clarksburg members, and those from the Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C., Allen’s mother is enjoying markedly improved health.—Gilda Allen
Mountain View
EVENTS June 3-5 Pathfinder Fair (Valley Vista)
June 12 Youth Council (Buckhannon)
June 12-17 Lifeguard Camp (Ages 15 and Up - Valley Vista)
June 17-25 Camp Meeting (Valley Vista)
June 19 Lay Advisory (Valley Vista)
June 26 Executive Committee (Valley Vista)
July 3-10 Summer Camp (Ages 7-11 - Valley Vista)
July 10-17 Summer Camp (Ages 12-16 - Valley Vista)
Participants and presenters of Clarksburg’s parenting seminar pose for a graduation photo. 32
VISITOR
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 ■ www.mtviewconf.org
SpiriT MOUNT VERNON ACADEMY JUNE 2005
Class of 2005—Just Remember very high school graduating class is special to many people and so is Mount Vernon Academy’s (MVA) Class of 2005. They are not the largest class in MVA’s history, but with 33 graduates they are one of the largest in recent years. They may or may not be the smartest class—who knows? Every class claims that distinction. The Class of 2005 has a pretty good basis to make the claim this year, however, with nine graduating with high honors (3.75 GPA or above). In addition, their average composite ACT scores are some of the best we remember. They have worked hard on their academics over the past four years. The average composite percentile score of this class is now nearly double what it was when they started as freshmen; their average scores increased from the 35th percentile to the 67th percentile on a national standardized test given each year. Six members of the Class are second or third generation graduates of MVA (we like traditions at MVA). So far, 100 percent of the graduates are planning to attend college! If that happens, that will make a lot of people happy! But this class is special for other reasons. The Class of 2005 was the first to come to MVA to start the revitalization of our school. They were part of a freshman class with 42 students in 2001, nearly three times the enrollment of the previous freshmen class. They have been an integral part of MVA’s progress. They slept in the dorms 1) before they were remodeled, 2) while they were being remodeled, and 3) after they were completed (they will tell you they like the “after” much better). The Class of 2005 (pictured below) saw the development of MVA’s Dual Credit program and took advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit from Columbia Union College during their junior and senior years. Approximately 75 percent of the Class of 2005 are leaving MVA with a minimum of nine hours of college credit. A few are even transferring over 20 hours of college credit. These graduates were a vital part of revitalizing our music and athletic programs that have renewed the spirit of all our students, parents, and alumni. They were— and are—our best recruiters too. The Class of 2005 is special, too, because they have grown spiritually. Each year we ask our students and their parents if the student has grown spiritually over the past year. Nearly 90 percent of these students responded “Yes,” and their parents’ response is equally favorable. But now the halls are empty. The dressers stand with empty drawers and the classrooms are dark. The Class of 2005 has gone their way, just as we knew would happen. They were ready to go and we were ready to send them on their way. Our wish for them is simply that they remember just some of what they have been taught. We trust that they will remember that God loves them even more than we do. They know enough if they can just remember.
E
Dale Twomley Principal
JUNE 2005
33
SpiriT Rawson Named Distinguished Alumnus obert L. Rawson was named MVA’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2005 and honored during alumni weekend in April. Rawson graduated from Mount Vernon Academy in 1955 and enrolled in Emmanuel Missionary College where he studied business administration. He returned to MVA as treasurer for five years before beginning 18 years of international treasury work for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His work for the Church continued for 44 years when he retired as treasurer for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Rawson’s life exemplifies the accomplishments possible from blending professional abilities with commitment to serving the Church worldwide. Rawson is the third MVA graduate to receive this recently established award.
R
Robert Rawson’s senior class picture was taken in 1955. He was named MVA’s Distinguished Alumnus during April’s alumni weekend.
Keeler Awarded Honorary Diploma VA is proud to present Paul Edward Keeler with an honorary diploma. Keeler, who loves lemon pie and teaches students how to work, practices what he teaches: hard work and a love for teenagers. Since he arrived at MVA in 1968, he has been an important supervisor of student workers. His first job on campus was Paul Keeler, a quiet but effective witness at MVA and the Hill supervising student church for the past 38 years, workers in the Wash was given an honorary diploma Room and other areas during alumni weekend in April. of the City Laundry. He retired 13 years ago, but continues to supervise student workers in the Maintenance and Grounds Department because he loves the students and “misses them whenever they are not here.” When asked about another retirement, he says: “I plan to keep working until I’m 80; then I’ll start winding down.” Keeler has been a quiet, but effective, witness on the MVA campus and at the Hill church for 38 years. One of his ministries is videotaping worship services at the Hill church for “shut-ins” in the area.
M
34
VISITOR
calendar of
events
June 12-18
Faith Fest Ohio Conference Camp Meeting
August 3
MVA Faculty report to work
8-12
RA Training and Sports/Music Camps
14
Registration and S.A. Handshake
15
Classes Begin/Picture Day
20
High Sabbath - Hide-away Day (Closed Weekend)
24
Lake Day
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
JUNE 2005
Thankful for God’s Blessings uring 2004, the Year of Evangelism, God blessed in ways that were beyond our expectations. The year proved, once again, that when God blesses, miraculous things happen. Touched by His Grace, consecrated men and women sought out those with whom they could share the hope that filled their own hearts. As a result, although we prayed that God would bless us with 11,000 members by the end of the year, we had more than we asked—11,100. To reach that goal God blessed us with a new record in the number of precious souls that were baptized in one year. The highest baptisms in the past were 796; but last year 824 new souls were brought to the foot of the cross. In one district, the Holy Spirit did a mighty and wonderful work as the Spirit of God accompanied His workers as they labored for Him. Their pastor was able to baptize 194; this is the highest number of baptisms in New Jersey history for one district (see story on pages 18-19 of this issue). Hearts also yielded to the drawing power of God’s love, for as He blessed them, the return of tithe increased by nearly seven percent over 2003. We all rejoice that God is blessing the faithfulness of His people; this is the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We began this year with record attendance at our fourth Festival of the Laity. Our close walk with God gives us a powerful testimony of our Redeemer’s love and saving grace. It is through humility and submitting to the Holy Spirit that we will be fashioned in the likeness of the Divine LeRoy Finck and thereby draw others to the feet of Jesus. Pray for God’s Spirit to continuously be President manifested in our lives.
D
Elders Retreat Heralded as Inspirational lders from nearly every church and ethnic group in New Jersey recently met for the first time at a retreat center high in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. They prayed and shared together, studied, and became better servants for their Lord and Savior. During inspirational presentations, they were reminded of the biblical significance of being an
E
undershepherd, and the respect God has for the office of elder. Attendees discovered the importance of their duties, ways to support their pastors, and insights into sermon preparation. At the end, it was decided that this must be an annual event. Praise God for His faithful elders!
JUNE 2005
35
Waldwick Student Recognized for Service arlier this year, Carolina Rojas received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award for 2005 in recognition of her services to her school and community. Miss Rojas is a senior at the Waldwick Junior Academy and joined 26 other county high school students chosen based on their good academic standing and community involvement. Miss Rojas is a dynamic leader. She is class president, a library aide volunteer, first violinist in the school’s orchestra, and a “champion” fundraiser. She also organized a “Read It” Program last November for the elementary school that involved prominent members of the Waldwick community. “We are very proud of Carolina’s accomplishments,” states Alipia Gonzalez, school principal. “She is an asset to our school and to the Waldwick community.” The awards were presented in honor of King’s principles of peace and service. The ceremony took place at the Hope Presbyterian Church in Teaneck, N.J., where state and municipal dignitaries convened to salute the young people.—Alipia Gonzalez
E
Mina Gravatt (left), assistant principal for the Waldwick Junior Academy, celebrates with Carolina Rojas, the only Adventist student from Bergen County, New Jersey, to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award for 2005. They are joined by Principal Alipia R. Gonzalez.
Spanish Couples Retreat Draws 47 Couples ecently, 47 couples gathered in Parsippany, N.J., for a Spanish Couples Retreat. The guest speaker was Fernando Zabala, who also led them in renewing vows. Some of the members invited nonmember friends who enjoyed the retreat and are now visiting Adventist churches. The event was coordinated by Pastor Jorge Aguero, director of Spanish Family Life for the New Jersey Conference.
R
June 4
United in Christ Convocation
5
ABC Open 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Adventurer Family Time Out
One of 47 couples listen intently during a recent retreat.
8
Directors’ Advisory
12
ABC Open 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
16
Finance/ABC Committee
21
Hackettstown Senior House Board
23
Association Board Executive Committee
29 – July 9
Participants of the Spanish Couples Retreat renew their wedding vows. 36
VISITOR
General Conference Session
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 ■ www.njcsda.org
JUNE 2005
Mansfield Members Witness At Home and Abroad entists from the Mansfield church recently teamed up with 15 dental students from Loma Linda University to serve the British West Indies Islands of Turks and Caicos. During the week the dentists and dental students treated over 600 people. Much of the dentistry was conducted at the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist High School. Mansfield church members often join together for local missions as well. An “Eight Weeks to Wellness” program was recently completed with each night’s lecture led by a different member.—Sue Staker
D
Dr. Rod Staker works with Loma Linda University dental students Rock Webster, Chad Abby, and Tomas Kutansky.
Amy Staker and three Turks and Caicos students spell O-H-I-O.
Stillwater Dedicates New Church Home 15-year journey of faith reached a major milestone April 9 when the Stillwater church celebrated the opening of its new facility. In 1990, the church, then known as Dayton Far Hills church, under the leadership of Pastor Dave Hutman, undertook serious examination of its mission to the community. With assistance from Monte Sahlin, Columbia Union vice president for Creative Ministries, the congregation determined that God was calling them to a new vision for mission in the north Dayton community of Vandalia. The congregation went through the difficult and painful process of giving up the building that had housed this “mother church” in Dayton for many years. They soon established a ministry about 10 miles north that targeted unchurched people. The church’s mission is stated as follows: Our faith, hope, and trust is in Jesus Christ. Our commission from Him is to be living witnesses to His transforming love, encouraging others to become part of God’s family. Our Ministry is to unchurched families in Vandalia and surrounding communities, providing an
A
environment that fosters life changing worship, warm, vibrant fellowship, growth and maturity in faith, and loving service to others. At the dedication service, Pastor Hutman described the church’s mission by presenting current applications to the biblical story of the Good Samaritan. A stained-glass window prominently portrays Jesus, with outstretched arms, holding out a broken humanity to the church for its care. Also participating in the service were the church’s praise team comprised of young people, its praise band, Sahlin, and Raj Attiken, Ohio Conference president.
JUNE 2005
37
JUNE 2005
Get Ready for Summer Camp s summer is quickly approaching, there is nothing that can quite compare to spending a week at Laurel Lake Camp. Helping develop Christ’s character in the children and youth of our Church is something we believe in strongly. After much hard work and dedication from our summer staff of 2004, we are pleased to be among the camps accredited by the American Camping Association. Laurel Lake Camp strives to be a safe place for the youth of our church to grow and understand how Jesus wants to be a part of all their experiences. That is why our staff members are carefully interviewed, selected, and trained with the highest standards in our church camping ministry. Our collegiate staff are vivacious young Christian adults who have a passion for Jesus Christ and can’t wait to spend time sharing with your children how to form a lasting relationship with Him. Wendy Eberhardt New this year is your ability to register online at www.laurellakecamp.com. Camp Ministries Director
A
Walking In Jesus’ Footsteps n the first day of Adventurer camp this past summer, two 7-year-old cousins came to Laurel Lake Camp with little more than their beautiful shy smiles and the clothes they were wearing. Sponsored by an Adventist woman who runs an inner-city ministry for children, these girls came from an underprivileged background. The camp staff set about to love them like they’d never been loved before. They were starved for attention. The staff took care of their basic needs of clothing and toiletries, while spoiling them with soft, cuddly, stuffed animals. Halfway through the week, however, we discovered that the girls had lice. Several of us spent much of the night treating the whole cabin, combing out little gray eggs, washing countless loads of clothes and bedding, and spraying down new stuffed animals. As I washed one girl’s hair, one of our younger volunteers, Emily, immediately jumped in to help. Emily didn’t see a distasteful job. She saw little girls who needed to be treated with love. She told them how beautiful their hair was, laughing and talking with them, and making them feel like royalty. Emily took care of lice that night, but what she really did was show two little girls the love of the Savior. Jesus spent His ministry in service to others—healing, teaching, and loving. Today, we may not raise the dead, give a blind man his sight, or heal the dying limbs of a leper. But we have the treasured opportunity to bring our young people hope when they’re dying
O
inside, to open their eyes to Christ’s love, and to heal their physical hurts at the same time. He has called us to the work He started—a radical, life-changing service committed to bringing healing to the world’s hurting minds, bodies, and hearts.—Katie Carlson
Following Jesus, the staff of Laurel Lake Camp are passionate about sharing God’s love with campers all summer—through their words and by their actions.
JUNE 2005
39
40
VISITOR
JUNE 2005
Potomac Conference Sponsors Elders Workshops otomac Conference sponsored two elders workshops in March at beautiful Camp Blue Ridge in Virginia. Ruben Ramos, director of Hispanic Ministries, coordinated the Hispanic elders event the first weekend with 190 elders in attendance. Ray Pichette, assistant to the president, coordinated the English elders event the following weekend with 150 in attendance. The main speaker was Community Praise Center Pastor Henry Wright who shared four powerful messages. There were a number of seminars provided: “Worship, When Man Touches God” by Danville and South Boston District Pastor Rick Labate; “The Value of Visioning” and “Role and Function of an Elder” by Glen Altermatt, the Conference’s director of Development; “Visitation, Home, and Hospital” by Pichette; “Sabbath Morning Surprise” by Elders participate in breakout sessions. Altermatt and Pichette; “Conflict Resolution” by Conference President Dave Weigley; and “How to Prepare a Sermon” by Pastor Shane Anderson of the New Market church. There was a tremendous spirit among the elders; God’s presence was truly felt and experienced as evidenced by the comments: “My cup was filled!” “It was a mountaintop experience!” “This was the best ministerium I have ever attended.” “Well organized, inspirational, and effective.” There was also a nice surprise for the camp. Before the elders left, they collected an offering and presented over $1,000 to Director Mark VanArsdale to purchase new padded chairs for the conference room. Praise God!
P
Vienna Adventist Academy Marks 85 Years of Service eventh-day Adventist families in Northern Virginia are blessed by Vienna Adventist Academy, where their children receive a quality, Christian education. This is the school’s 85th consecutive year of service, and students have been busy learning in a variety of ways and contributing to their community. All students are enrolled in a weekly art class taught
S
Vienna Adventist Academy students (left to right) Samantha Levy, Monica Avalos, Joy Lim, and J.P. Gomez-Armas display their homemade Christmas ornaments.
by Nichole Delafield-Bromme. Just before Christmas vacation, they created tree ornaments depicting either U.S. Presidents hailing from Virginia or the cardinal, the state bird. The ornaments, which also carried the school’s name, were used to decorate Christmas trees in various federal buildings. During Christmas break, the tsunami struck with ferocity in Southeast Asia. Led by Principal Elaine Pugh, students solicited relief funds from their neighbors and were able to contribute more than $1,800 to ADRA for tsunami relief. In January, the students gathered in the gymnasium for an evening spelling bee, led by teachers Lesley Beckett, Matt James, and Tasha Park. The firstthrough fourth-graders competed against each other (with grade appropriate words), while the upper graders did the same. First-grader Sarah Lim won the contest for the lower grades—with her sister Joy and Codi Darrikhuma placing second and third, respectively. Amanda Richards took first place in the upper grades, with Henry Reyes and Nick Lipnicky placing second and third, respectively. Families living in Northern Virginia, looking for a friendly, quality Adventist school, are invited to pay a visit to Vienna Adventist Academy.
JUNE 2005
41
Doug Batchelor Visits Arlington Church n March, nearly 200 worshipers gathered at the Arlington Adventist church to welcome Doug Batchelor, director and speaker for Amazing Facts. Pastor Batchelor was in the area to present “The Prophecy Code: Bible Secrets Unlocked” an evangelism series satellite uplinked around the world from the Adventist World Headquarters. The topic of his Sabbath sermon was “The Power of Praise.” Worshipers included Adventist members from Fairfax, Breath of Life, Community Praise Center, and other churches, as well as friends from other denominations. The church was filled and it was truly a blessing to have Bachelor as the guest speaker.—Evelyn Shanko Robinson
I
Members Lead Weeks of Prayer in the Philippines ecently, members from the Potomac Conference conducted two weeks of prayer in the Philippines. The group included Filipino Capitol church pastor, Mars Sigue, and his son Mark who works at the Adventist World Headquarters (GC); Marcellus Crews, another GC employee; Marefil Sigue of Kaiser Permanente Hospital; Beth Sigue from the Adventist Book Center; and Donald Sigue, from the Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla.
R
Students and faculty gather with the team who conducted two weeks of prayer.
Their first stop was the Adventist University of the Philippines Academy in Manila, where they conducted a week of spiritual emphasis and counseling sessions for more than 700 students and faculty. At the conclusion of the week, Mark conducted a communion service, which was followed by the baptism of eight precious souls in the University’s swimming pool. On Friday night before the baptism, one of the candidates received a letter from her father who told her that if she were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she would no longer be welcomed at home and her life would be in danger. Students and 42
VISITOR
faculty spent the night in prayer for her, and in the morning, she decided to go ahead and be baptized. The students continue to pray as her father has disowned her. Baptism The team continued on to Mountain View College in Mindanao, the second largest Adventist educational institution of the Philippines. Here a second week of prayer was conducted for more than 400 theology students. The week concluded with a Sabbath morning service at the Mountain View church with more than 3,000 worshipers. Pastor Sigue and his team praise God for guidance, protection, and health during their mission trip, and for the opportunity to Transportation do His work.
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
JUNE 2005
SAA Bids Farewell to Two Leaders Jacqueline Messenger I have worked with Principal Jacqueline Messenger for the past two years, and it is truly with a heavy heart that we see her go. From the first moment I encountered Jacqueline over the phone I was struck by her vivacious spirit and hearty laugh. I have grown to know her as much more. She has a deeply caring spirit; her dedication to the spiritual wellbeing of our students at Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) is evident. Former students frequently name her as a favorite teacher. This says a lot about the influence Jacqueline has on our young people. Not only does she continually show her love for the students, she is able to truly understand her staff and their needs. When we are called to be at school for evening appointments, she provides supper for us. In faculty meetings she listens to our concerns and seeks our suggestions. These are only a couple of examples of how she makes us feel appreciated. Jacqueline has put in more hours caring, worrying, and working for this school than anyone will ever know. We will greatly miss her.
Brad Durby While I have only worked with Vice Principal Brad Durby for two years, I have known him for 16. He came to be P.E. teacher at John Nevins Andrews School when I was an eighth grader and two years later he followed me to Takoma Academy. What a surprise to see him moving into his office at SAA the same summer I moved into my classroom. It is such a pleasure, especially for the high school teachers to work with Brad. He acts as our advocate and guide. We present visions and changes to him and he always listens to our ideas. He directs us, with the support of Jacqueline, and we are better for it. We have all been impressed with his spiritual honesty and caring for the students. Brad’s recruitment last year fostered a major growth spurt for the high school and we are truly bursting at the seams. His dedication to SAA’s improvement will be missed. Shakespeare says “parting is such sweet sorrow.” It truly is; SAA grieves the loss of these two leaders, but we are excited about the plans God has for them in the future.—Carrie Hess
National Honor Society Inducts New Members he SAA Chapter of the National Honor Society is proud to announce the induction of 15 new members. Total membership has grown to 24, almost a quarter of the total number of high school students presently enrolled. Members are chosen for the excellence they exhibit in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership,
T
and service. Congratulations to the sophomores: Heather Brockett, Kimmie Comeau, Lilly Kawar, Brian Khan, Jarrod Lutz, Ryan Rickenbach, and Grace Shinn; Juniors: Amanda Arthur, Matthew Collett, Brandon Hebard, and Julia Straub; and Seniors: Tammy Mauller, Jordan Petit, Jessica Rojas, and Daisy Wood.—Carrie Hess
The addition of 15 new members in SAA’s National Honor Society brings the total to 24.
JUNE 2005
43
Students Make a Difference in Belize hirty-three teenagers (29 from SAA), 12 adults, 25 suitcases full of supplies, and one rickety school bus is all we needed for our recent mission trip to Belize. Sponsored by the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church Youth Ministries Department, we went to San Ignacio to share the joy of Jesus Christ. We landed in Belize City knowing this trip would be different from others. Exiting the plane we were hit with heat and humidity. The airport was small, and it took us a few minutes to find luggage and get to the waiting area to meet our bus, driven by Ralph Craig. A three-hour drive transported us to our destination: La Loma Luz Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in San Ignacio. We spent our first night settling our luggage, worshipping, and preparing for the next 10 days. The week was eventful; something always needed doing and everyone was busy. We spent four days constructing an addition for the hospital and Bullet Tree School. We mixed cement and laid block. Inside the school, we stretched electrical wires for lights and fans and built stairs outside the classrooms. As much as we enjoyed our “free
T
days,” nothing was more rewarding than the afternoon soccer camp and Vacation Bible School (VBS). After the morning work, we drove to the Bullet Tree Seventh-day Adventist Church to conduct soccer camp for the local children. On the first day, we walked around the village inviting children to come play “futbol.” Our first recruiting attempt netted 25 children; 118 by week’s end. After soccer camp, we took the children across the street to the church for VBS. This was the most enjoyable experience for me. We began with a song service in English and Spanish. The voices of the children were bigger than their bodies and filled the church with the love of Jesus. I know He was
Bullet Tree church members welcomed the group from SAA and inspired them with energetic and inspirational singing.
smiling as He watched His children praise Him. Our first Sabbath in Belize was Easter weekend. It was special for us to take part in communion with members of the Bullet Tree church. Though we spoke different languages, we did not need to understand their words; their passion for Christ was apparent. We left our homes believing that we would help the people of San Ignacio and their children. We thought our talks on HIV/AIDS, VBS classes, and hygiene packets would change them. In the end, it was our hearts and lives that were changed. —Erica Richards, Class of 2006
Students worked tirelessly in heat and humidity to construct an addition to La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital.
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, Heidi Wetmore
44
VISITOR
05 20 NE JU
Treasured by God recently received an interesting e-mail. You know the type—the dreaded “forward.” My finger automatically went to hit the delete key, but I stopped when the title—“Father’s Love Letter”—caught my eye. The letter contained a collection of Bible verses put together to form a beautiful love letter from a Father to His child. It began with Psalm 139:1: “You may not know me, but I know everything about you … ” It continued with verse after verse speaking of how each of us is made in the image of God. It talked about how He fashioned us with His bare hands, of His many desires for our happiness, and of His longing for us to go home with Him. However, the ending of this message is what really caught my attention. It says, “I have always been Father, and will always be Father … ” (Eph. 3:14-15). “My question is … Will you be my child?” (John 1:12-13). “I am waiting for you … ” (Luke 15:11-32). This past year at Takoma Academy (TA), our constant mission has been to share with Ken Knudsen each student that they are treasured and loved children of God. Principal
I
27 Students Join National Honor Society wenty-seven TA students were inducted in the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) in a recent ceremony. Pastor Anthony Medley of the Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C., spoke to the inductees and their families and friends. Each inductee was then “pinned” by a current member. After reciting the NHS pledge, the new members were welcomed into the society by Floyd Murdoch, Ph.D., chair of the NHS faculty council. A reception rounded out the activities.
T
Each of the new members demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, scholarship, character, and service. To be considered for NHS membership, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5, which must be maintained during their years of membership. Members are also required to perform four hours of community service a month on projects of their choice. Last year the TA chapter raised $3,000 for a program called Rebuilding Together. They donated dozens of hours of service to rehabilitate the home of an elderly community resident. This year marks the 40th year since TA joined the National Honor Society; 66 students are presently members.—LouAnn Wood
Twenty-seven students (some pictured) recently joined the ranks of TA’s prestigious National Honor Society chapter.
JUNE 2005
45
Band and Strings Perform Locally and Abroad ince the start of the semester, TA’s band and strings, directed by Timothy Vandeman, have had a hectic schedule of performances. The groups have been working on collections of sacred and secular music. Over the last few months, the band has enhanced worship services at the Seabrook, Metropolitan, Reaching Hearts International, and Takoma Park churches in Maryland. One of the many highlights of the performance season was a spring vespers concert and worship service at Takoma Park church. In conjunction with the drama class, band and strings prepared a concert called “Music + Motion = Praise.” The Lord has richly blessed the groups who, in turn, bless their audiences. The groups also toured New York and, in May, participated in an area band competition at Six Flags America, outside Washington, D.C. This was their first competition in over 10 years. Typical semesters involve the groups learning two different styles of music culminating in two differ-
S
ent styles of concerts. “We try to perform twice a month with a weekend tour once a semester,” Vandeman explains. “We also join in school celebrations like the Parent/Teacher Association Polynesian Luau and graduation.” Through many performances locally and abroad, TA’s music groups also serve as powerful witnesses. One opportunity arose during a tour in Puerto Rico last year. “When we were exiting the aircraft,” Vandeman recalls, “a gentleman turned around and told me how much he was impressed with our students’ behavior. They are energetic but in a joyful way. We witness through our actions and let God use us as He wishes.” Vandeman’s students are positive about their involvement in TA’s musical groups as well. “I enjoy being able to go to churches and be a blessing to others through my music,” says David Byass, principal alto saxophone player. Bassoonist Matthew Johnson offers a similar sentiment: “I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when we learn a
Takoma Academy’s band students enjoy touring. Last year, they performed and witnessed in Puerto Rico.
piece or do well in a performance.” Vandeman’s motto for his band and strings groups is simple: “Work hard, play hard.” Though practices sometimes commence as early as 7:45 in the morning, he sees to it that the students derive real enjoyment from their music experiences. Tours to locations like Puerto Rico and Jamaica provide good rewards.—Wilona Karimabadi
Drama Group Uses Performances to Spread Gospel A’s drama class, under the direction of instructor Myrna Candelaria, uses acting skills and techniques taught in class to spread the gospel. Students perform skits and mimes appropriate for Sabbath School, vespers, and worship services in area churches and schools. They also perform in other venues as opportunities arise. The group recently performed for the Humanim Company in Columbia, Md., at the invitation of Karee Dudley, TA drama alumnus and current Humanim employee. Whether the performance is sacred or secular in nature, the Takoma Academy’s band students drama class aims to bring honor and enjoy touring. Last year, they performed glory to God by rendering a perform- and witnessed in Puerto Rico. ance of excellence. In May the class debuted its version of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a production in the works since early in the semester.—Myrna Candelaria
T
46
VISITOR
TA Events June 8-9
Final Exams
10-12
Graduation Weekend
19
Father’s Day
Have a great summer! See you in August!
TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy ■ 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 ■ Phone: (301) 434-4700 ■ Principal, Ken Knudsen www.ta.edu
JUNE 2005
47
Sligo Church Presents:
New Community Fellowship A Different Way to Worship A Different Way to Praise 7700 Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Every Sabbath 6-7:15 p.m. Everyone Welcome! Call (301) 270-6777, ext.122 www.4fellowship.com Refreshments Served Free Childcare
JUNE 2005
51
BULLETIN BOARD ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Visit our Web site: www.columbiaunion.org Click on News/Visitor, then on Advertising, or contact: Sandra Jones for Classified Advertising sjones@columbiaunion.net Celeste Ryan for Display Advertising cryan@columbiaunion.net or phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR
EMPLOYMENT SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks French Language Professor to begin June 2006. Master's degree required, doctorate preferred. Native or nearnative fluency in French, teaching experience at college level and skilled in technology and current language theory. Preference given to applicants also qualified to teach Italian or any other modern language. Send letter of interest and curriculum vitae to: Dr. Carlos Parra, Chair, Modern Languages Department, Southern Adventist University, Box 370, Collegedale, TN 373150370 or cparra@southern.edu. LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY CHURCH SEEKS A JR. HIGH YOUTH PASTOR to minister to fifth- to eighthgraders and their families through Sabbath Schools, outreach and social activities, and Pathfinders. Must have a heart for working with young people and theological training, M.Div. preferred, and youth pastoral experience. Send resume by e-mail to: dretzer@lluc.org or to 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92354. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY AERONAUTICAL DEPARTMENT seeks Chair beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for academic flight and maintenance programs, including teaching, financial management, advising, research, marketing, and curriculum development. Management of airpark and Certified Repair Station. Master's degree or equivalent. Prefer FAA certificated Flight Instructor and/or Airframe-Powerplants Mechanic certificates with minimum of 3 years of recent aviation experience. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/emp_jobs. html.
52
VISITOR
ANDREWS ACADEMY SEEKS MATH/PHYSICS INSTRUCTOR beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for teaching Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Physics. Class and organization sponsorships. Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Physics required, master’s preferred. NAD Certification required, Michigan State Certification ready. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL seeks Junior High Math Teacher beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for teaching basic and advanced math, conferencing with parents, and being a team player with faculty. Requirements: Adventist Certification, State Certification, Secondary Math Certification, and Fingerprint clearance. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.
PROGRAMMERS JAVA/J2EE DEVELOPERS NEEDED Exciting growing company seeks J2EE developers and project leaders. Stafford and Reston, Va., and Rockville, Md., locations. You can obtain a secret and/or TS Clearance. To apply: recruiting@platinumsolutions.com or call (703) 471-9793 x 215; www.platinumsolutions.com.
ADVENTIST JOBNET is the source for finding jobs or finding employees. Designed for Adventist businesses and professionals, we offer a hiring bonus of up to $500 to applicants hired through us. Geared for all professionalsteachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc. New jobs listed daily. Visit us today at www.AdventistJobNet.com.
COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE seeks professor for undergraduate and post baccalaureate program in education. Qualifications include an earned doctorate and secondary teaching experience (Grades 7-12). Send CV and letter to Jeannette Rogers Dulan, Chair, Department of Education, Columbia Union College, 7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Phone (301) 891-4536; e-mail jdulan@cuc.edu. HEALTHCARE Florida Hospital Memorial Division, located along Florida’s beautiful East Coast, offers a unique combination of career growth and a desirable location. Find out why our three-hospital network has more of what you’ve been looking for! Immediate Florida Opportunities Nursing, Allied Health and Hospice/Home Health • Fun & Affordable Beachside Location Along the Atlantic • Relocation Assistance Available • No State Income Tax • New Pay Grades • 20% Night Diff • Generous Paid Days Off Program • Wellness Program with Health Insurance Discount Visit www.fhmdjobs.com or call (386) 615-4159 for an information packet. Florida Hospital Memorial Division An Affiliate of the Adventist Health System EOE M/F/D/V Drug-free workplace
NEW HOPE CHURCH seeks a half-time Minister for Children to oversee the Sabbath School Department, children’s worship, recruiting, training volunteers, and equipping parents in spiritual development. A bachelor’s degree or significant length of experience is required. If you are interested in this paid, part-time position, please inquire by calling (301) 776-4122. For more information, visit www.lookingforachurch.org. 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 383bed, 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
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION seeks Associate Professor. Responsible for teaching online classes, advising students, maintaining Web site, supervising graduate level research, and maintaining research agenda/publications. Earned doctorate, K-12 experience, research and publishing record, collegial personality and ability to market programs. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. Invest under $100, Mia Bella Gourmet Soy/Veggie Scented Candles. Clean burning, self-leveling, triple scented, double cotton wicks, water soluble. Newest technology in candle making. A healthy alternative to traditional sooty candles. Fast growing company seeks motivated individuals/couples. Serious income potential. Toll-free: (877) MIA-BIZZ; www.bjcandle.scent-team.com; bjking@suscom.net. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY NURSING DEPARTMENT seeks Instructor-Assistant Professor. Responsible for teaching, advising, committees, departmental responsibilities, scholarship through research/publications, and participation in departmental functions. BS in Nursing, MS in Nursing with an expertise in O.B. or Medical Surgical Nursing. Formal teaching experience and current practice in Nursing. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. ACADEMY POSITIONS Small Boarding Academy is Expanding • Teachers • Work Education Supervisor • Communications - Journalism - Video - Radio • Girls’ and Boys’ Dean • Music Ministry and Literature Evangelism Do you want to make a real difference in young lives? Are you flexible, versatile, and dependable? Are you a committed Seventh-day Adventist? Are you interested in pioneering a different kind of academy? Please contact: (304) 266-7794
BULLETIN BOARD LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY CHURCH SEEKS A PASTOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES and Outreach to coordinate ACTS community services and EXCELL mentoring and tutoring. Must have education and experience in the area of social work and/or community service. Theological training and pastoral experience also preferred. Send resume by e-mail to dretzer@lluc.org or to 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92354. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT seeks tenure-track professor beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for teaching, advising, research/publishing, developing new courses, recruiting, establish alliances with industries for co-op/student research opportunities. Doctorate in Engineering, ABD-EE or Computer Engineering preferred. Vision and drive. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. GREENHOUSE MANAGER needed to join growing team at Palouse Hills Christian School, grades 1-8, Moscow, Idaho. 13,000 sq. ft. covered, wholesale operation. Horticulture, greenhouse, and management experience mandatory. For more information, contact Sybil Anderson, ndrsn@hotmail.com or call (208) 882-2440 days, or (208) 835-2347, evenings. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT seeks School Psychology Program Coordinator beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for teaching graduate courses; Coordinating School Psychology Program; Directing University Center for Reading, Learning and Assessment; Advising; Serving on committees; Maintaining research/publications. Earned Doctorate in School Psychology or related field, State or National (NASP) accreditation as school psychologist, experience as school psychologist, and evidence of scholarship through research/publications Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE seeks applicants for teaching position in the School of Theology, beginning September 2005. Master's degree required. See details at www.wwc.edu/services. Contact Dave Thomas, Dean, School of Theology, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. Ph: (509) 527-2194.
LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY CHURCH SEEKS A PASTOR FOR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY to oversee the Sabbath Schools from birth through Grade 4, the Adventurer Club, and minister to their families. Education and experience in child development and age-appropriate programs required. Theological training and pastoral experience also preferred. Send resume by e-mail to: dretzer@lluc.org or to 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92354 FULL-TIME OUTREACH/ CHURCH GROWTH POSITION. The Highland View Academy church in Hagerstown, Md., is looking for an individual with a heart for ministry and the right combination of gifts and skills to develop an outreach and church growth program. Must be enthusiastic, a self-starter, and creative. Accepting resumes now. VladimirC@myactv.net or call (301) 573-0271. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks Director of Development for WSMC Radio. Bachelor's degree required. Must have a proven record of successful sales or fundraising experience. Salary plus commission. Please send resume to Pat Coverdale, Human Resources Director, Southern Adventist University, P O Box 315, Collegedale, TN 37315 or plcoverdale@southern.edu. PHYSICAL THERAPIST NEEDED for thriving home health agency in southwest Virginia. Sign-on bonus and moving allowance. Excellent benefits. Part of a large health system. Several churches and two church schools nearby. Beautiful location in foothills of Blue Ridge near Roanoke. Contact Viki Little, vlittle@carilion.com or (540) 489-6383. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL seeks Assistant Principal beginning July 1, 2005. Responsible for coordinating: curriculum, special education services, substitute teachers, and standardized testing. Act as liaison with public school district. Monitor attendance. MAS degree in education-related field, BA/BS degree in Education. Team Player. Fingerprint clearance. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/emp_jobs. html.
MISCELLANEOUS FREE INSPIRATIONAL CASSETTE TAPE of Bible speaking and piano playing. (Same tape as offered previously.) To request a copy, send your name and address to: Moments of Meditation, P. O. Box 1059, Chicago, IL 60690.
SMALL GROUPS WORK! By growing small groups in your church, you can help new members integrate into the life of your congregation, nurture deeper relationships, and reach out to your community. From It Is Written. www.AdventistSmallGroups.com. MISSION POSSIBLE: Fulfilling the Great Commission requires reaching every soul in one generation. It requires extensive plans. It requires the help of every believer. Discover the explosive combination for helping finish the work: faith, literature, direct mail, and YOU! Call PROJECT: Steps to Christ today and learn how! (800) 728-6872/ ww.projectstc.org. BECKER SUBARU has special pricing for members on new Subaru vehicles and used cars. Choose from 300 new Subarus or 150 used cars. Drop shipment on ordered new cars anywhere in the United States available. Call Becker Subaru (800) 671-3636. Ask for "member sales." PREPAID PHONE CARDS: Multiple types and rates for the Continental United States and international countries. Multiple types ranging from one cent to 1.5 cents per minute (no connection fee). Consider using these for your missionary endeavors, gifts for students, or travel. Call LJ PLUS (770) 441-6022 or toll-free (888) 441-7688.
THE CARRENO CONNECTION Mel & Lisa Carreno, experienced real estate agents with Keller Williams Realty, would be honored to help you buy or sell a home in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia. What is your home worth? Are you ready for a move? Weighing your options? Whether you are thinking of selling, buying, or investing, contact us for a no-obligation consultation. You can also visit our Web site to search properties or to get free home seller or buyer reports at www.carrenoconnection.com
Mel: (301) 237-1650 Lisa: (410) 905-8282 Office: (800) 757-6199 melandlisa@comcast.net Se habla Español
DR. NEDLEY'S DEPRESSION RECOVERY PROGRAM. Break free from the chains of depression! Plan now to attend this special once-a-year, 19-day Nedley Depression Recovery Program, August 7-25, 2005. Receive personal care from Dr. Neil Nedley and the health team at the beautiful Lifestyle Center of America in southern Oklahoma. Call for free information about this life-changing program at (800) 2138955 or visit www.depressionthewayout.org. SHOP FOR USED ADVENTIST BOOKS at The Cedar Reader, a Great Lakes Adventist academy student industry, online at Adventistbooks.org or call (800) 835-1625. Book donations also accepted. GLAA students also finish log furniture sold online at logcabinrustics.com. BOOKS—BUY, SELL, OR PUBLISH. We print, buy, and sell Adventist books. Find out-of-print titles fast. Get your book printed quickly. We do it all. Call (800) 732-2664 for information, or visit our Internet site at www.LNFBOOKS.COM. IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT CHURCH BUILDING or expansion, and want your “sweat" equity to multiply, BARDEN can provide a quality product in a less expensive way. Check out www.bardencbs.com. Contact: Ken Varga (609) 618-8714 or (609) 693-1685.
REAL ESTATE 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. MARYLAND ADVENTIST REALTOR— Marie Petrelis with RE/MAX 100— (866) 219-2498 or e-mail marie@mariep.com. Specializing in Frederick and Washington counties or helping you find an agent to meet your needs. Search MLS in a five-state area at www.mariep.com. 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.
JUNE 2005
53
BULLETIN BOARD HAGERSTOWN/WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND. Relocate to a quality life-style. Experience country living, beautiful historic homes and cities, great golfing and skiing. Convenient to Washington, D.C. Home to the Review & Herald Publishing Association; Highland View Academy, Mt. Aetna Youth Camp, and Adventist churches. Visit www.DraperRealtyGroup.com or call Mike Draper / Century 21 MG Realty / (800) 733-2121 x129. BUYING OR SELLING IN MARYLAND OR D.C.? A home is your most important financial decision. To obtain the best results in this complex, dynamic market requires a knowledgeable and dependable agent. Clyde and Phyllis Kinder/Weichert Realtors offer expertise, knowledge, and experience. FREE Market Analysis. For information without obligation, call (301) 776-3380; e-mail jckinder@mris.com.
SERVICES 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-(301) 317-6800; Greenbelt-(301) 345-5200; or Columbia-(410) 531-6350. ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO'S BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join 55,000+ Christians who share one another's medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywhere in the world. Check out this nonprofit program. For a free guidelines booklet, call (888) 346-7895 or visit www.healthcaregodsway.com. ANGELS-AT-HOME CARE offers our Adventist community home care for recuperating and elderly clients. Our services include Bathing/Dressing Assistance, Personal Care & Hygiene, LHK, Laundry, Meds Reminders, Prep of Daily Meals, Range of Motion Exercises, and Escort Service, etc. For further information, call (301) 933-1534 or www.tagnet.org/ angelsathomecare. 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 assure peace of mind and a cost-effective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative. 54
VISITOR
SINGLES: Introducing Adventists discreetly and confidentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personal ads, plus enlightening and uplifting articles. For 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 or e-mail petmoren@cs.com. MOVE WITH AN AWARDWINNING AGENCY. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for your relocation needs. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy DantĂŠ at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www.apexmoving.com/adventist/. MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland. 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 payers). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management. SINGLE AND OVER 50? The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 50. STAY HOME AND MEET NEW FRIENDS in the United States with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ASO50 or EBONY CHOICE ASO50, 2747 Nonpareil, Sutherlin, OR 97479. FOOT AND ANKLE MEDICAL OFFICE Premier Podiatry Services is eager to help you get "back on your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson, an Adventist podiatrist seeks to provide you with exceptional podiatric care while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Flexible office hours are available. Office location: Largo, Md.; (301) 7731199. CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? Home Study International is the only Christian, accredited 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.
June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 July 1 Baltimore
8:29
8:33
8:36
8:37
8:37
Cincinnati
9:00
9:04
9:07
9:08
9:08
Cleveland
8:56
9:00
9:03
9:04
9:04
Columbus
8:56
9:00
9:03
9:05
9:05
Jersey City
8:23
8:27
8:30
8:31
8:31
Norfolk
8:20
8:24
8:27
8:28
8:28
Parkersburg
8:48
8:52
8:55
8:56
8:56
Philadelphia
8:25
8:29
8:32
8:33
8:33
Pittsburgh
8:46
8:50
8:53
8:54
8:54
Reading
8:29
8:33
8:36
8:38
8:37
Richmond
8:27
8:31
8:33
8:35
8:35
Roanoke
8:36
8:40
8:43
8:44
8:44
Toledo
9:04
9:08
9:11
9:13
9:12
SUNSET CALENDAR CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING .COM FREE 14-day Trial! Join thousands and thousands of active Adventist singles online. FREE chat, search, detailed profiles, and match notifications! Date chat, 2-way compatibility match, 10 photos, and confidential online mail. Witnessing opportunities to the world through articles, friendships, chats, and forums. Since 1993. Adventist owners. Thousands of successful matches. Top ranked. 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, MI; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T. ELDER CARE/ ASSISTED LIVING: Opening for two ladies in private Adventist home on Smith Mt. Lake. Must be ambulatory/healthy and able to handle some stairs (with assistance). Three healthy meals per day, laundry done, taken to appointments/ church/shopping, cable TV, shaded screened porch. $1,200 each per month all inclusive. Call (540) 520-3344 daytime.
TRAVEL/VACATION EFFICIENCY RENTAL ON SMITH MT. LAKE, VIRGINIA: Sleeps four, ground level, swimming pool, boating, fishing, restaurant, three miles from state park. Short term rental May 1-October; longer rentals October 1-April 30. No smoking, drinking, or pets. Small pets allowed during off season. Call (540) 297-4412. Ask for G-5. 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 fencedin 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. 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 www.leesrv.com or e-mail LeesRVs@aol.com.
BULLETIN BOARD ACTIVE ADULTS— Florida Living Retirement Community near Orlando. Garden Court Rental Room. Includes: vegetarian meals, utilities, cable, 3ABN, heated pool, maintenance, grounds care, walk-in Closet, private entrance for $920 per month. Church on grounds. Conference owned and operated. Call Sharon (800) 729-8017. SMcKeeverFLRC@aol.com.
PINE FORGE ACADEMY'S ALUMNI WEEKEND, September 2-4. "We are Family." Friday career fair, Friday vespers—Charles Drake ('65), Sabbath services—MyRon Edmonds ('95). Awards program honoring Louise Hendricks ('50), Ernestine Peoples ('65), Lloyd Mallory ('85), and Lawrance Martin. Spotlight classes: '55, '65, '75, '80, '85, '95, '00, '05. Visit www.pfaalumni.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMINGS AND GOINGS
ALL HERMISTON PATHFINDERS, STAFF, AND SUPPORTERS of the club from 1971-1990 will be celebrating a reunion at Cutsforth Park in Oregon, July 28-August 1, 2005. Come enjoy this special time to renew friendships, share old memories, and make new memories. If you can't make it for the whole time, come when you can. Carolyn Bullock (509-531-6310) or Sue White-Wein (603-434-8207) are eager to provide you with more information—so go ahead, pick up that phone and give one of them a call. Or if you absolutely can’t come, please send scrapbook information (you know—pictures, the true story of your life, etc.) to Harold Harvey: 310 SE 4th St, Hermiston, OR 97838. BALTIMORE JUNIOR ACADEMY'S 90TH ALUMNI WEEKEND— “Putting Together the Pieces for a Brighter Tomorrow"—October 7-9. Friday vespers with current academy students; Sabbath services with Dr. Mark McCleary; Saturday evening banquet featuring Paul Heflin and honoring Ethelind Tilghman Sewell, '42, and Paul Vieney, '37; and Sunday morning Alumni Constituency meeting. Visit www.bjacademy.org. ATTENTION WHITECOATS If you served in the US Army— Operation Whitecoats—the Whitecoat Foundation would like to contact you to let you know of reunions, special recognition received, and other happenings. There will be a reunion in Orlando, Fla.—November 2005. If you served, or know someone who did, AND have not been to a reunion or otherwise contacted, call or e-mail: Joel Craw, Secretary: (360) 666-2706 or WhitecoatJBC@aol.com. 25TH ANNUAL ASDAL CONFERENCE: July 11-16, 2005, at Union College, Lincoln, Neb. Theme: "Christian Librarianship: Occupation, Vocation, or Ministry" Resources pre-session. School librarians concurrent sessions with a post-conference workshop—"Practical Aspects of Library Leadership.” For more information, go to www.asdal.org or contact Linda Mack (mack@Andrews.org or (269) 471-3114.
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE It is with pleasure that we inform you of some staff changes at Reading Junior Academy (RJA) for our upcoming school year. Our former principal, Dave Morgan, has accepted a call to serve Blue Mountain Academy as vice principal. Dave was an RJA alumnus of 10 years and served an additional eight years as principal. A graduate of Blue Mt. Academy in 1981, he continues to follow the educational path of his youth and begins there July 1. In his place, we have hired Lee and Wendy Stahl. Lee has been principal of the Harrisburg Seventh-day Adventist School, and his wife has served there as the 5th- and 6thgrade teacher for the past four years. He and his wife, along with their three children are looking forward to continuing the tradition of quality education at Reading Jr. Academy. For more information please visit our Web site www.educating4eternity.com— Your Friends at RJA! ________ After much diligent prayer and searching, the Pennsylvania Conference Executive Committee has extended a call to Kris Eckenroth to serve as conference Youth Ministry Director. Eckrenroth, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from Blue Mountain Academy, spent many summers working at Laurel Lake Camp, and served as an intern with Pastor David Woodruff at the York and Hanover Adventist churches for one year. For the past three years, he has worked in the recruitment office at Southern Adventist University. While there, he has been instrumental in leading college students in starting a new Sabbath morning church service in the Men’s Residence Hall Chapel that is entirely student led, has fostered midweek Bible group study and worship services, and widened and sponsored student off-campus ministry activities. Eckenroth and his wife Kristie joined the conference staff on June 1. Eckenroth will be the speaker for the Young Adult Sabbath services during camp meeting on June 18 at Blue Mountain Elementary.
OBITUARIES CASE, EUGENE L., born February 20, 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio; died January 2, 2005, in Butler, Pa. He was a member of the Pittsburgh (Pa.) church, where he served as a deacon and elder. He is survived by his wife Roberta Case; son Robert N. (Sharon E.) Case; grandchildren, Robert J. Case, Jordan A. Case, and Kylie S. Case. LOVE, Martha Malin, born Nov. 25, 1944, in Takoma Park, Md.; died March 3, 2005, at Hamot Medical Center, Erie, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Wendell Eugene and Gladys Jacobsen Malin. She graduated from Mercyhurst College in 1980 and taught music for many years. She was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Wendell E. Malin, Jr. Survivors include her husband, Erik B. Love of Silver Spring, Md.; three sons, John H. Love, IV of Tucson, Ariz., Marcus W. Love of Max Meadows, Va., and Erik B. Love of Silver Spring, Md.; two sisters, Joyce Lind and husband Lloyd of California and Donna Sue Malin of Wytheville, Va.; a brother, Donald Malin and wife Carolyn of Wytheville, Va. Memorials may be made to the Lake Erie Seventh-day Adventist School, 190 Hunter Wills Rd., Erie, PA 16509 or the Mercy Center for Arts, Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA 16504.
WOODALL, Hermon Neal, known to many friends as “Woody,” was born Feb. 2, 1910, in Atlanta, Ga.; died Jan. 12, 2005, in Miami, Fla. He attended Southern Junior College and married Irene Pointek in 1936, in Takoma Park, Md., where they were members of the Takoma Park church until they moved to Florida in 1980. He served in the Army for 32 months as a Sergeant in the Medical Corps at Walter Reed Hospital and Crile General Hospital. He was proud to belong to the American Legion in Montgomery County. He returned to Montgomery County after his service and was active in the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, teaching the EMTs and was ready to answer fire calls. September 1945 marked the beginning of 30 years of service at the Review and Herald Publishing Assn., first as a printer, then as property manager until he retired in 1975. Irene died in 1989 and he is survived by his sisters, Coleen Moffitt of High Point, N.C. and Dorothy Pointek of Westlake Village, Calif., and many nieces and nephews.
SLIGO BY THE SEA 2005 June 25 Zdravko Plantak
July 2 Mark Ellmore
July 9 Karpenko Family
July 16 William Johnsson
July 23 Reger Smith Jr.
July 30 John Banks
August 6 Rebecca Brillhart
August 13 Ron Halvorsen
August 20 Stephen Chavez
August 27 Kermit Netteburg
September 3 William Loveless —Services held at— St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. (410) 524-7474 Sabbath School: 10 a.m.—Worship Service: 11 a.m. Casual dress is appropriate.
JUNE 2005
55