For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church
Is Baptism an Option? by Pastor Mitch Jesus our Lord made it clear that baptism is indispensable. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16, NIV). Salvation is a relationship with our Lord. The relationship with the Lord requires that we turn away from selfcentered and sinful lifestyles to follow Jesus and his teachings. Our expression of love and commitment to the Lord is lived out by following his words. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15, NIV). The Lord set the example for us to follow when it comes to being bap-
tized. He went to his cousin, John, who was baptizing in the Jordan River. John was perplexed but Jesus sensing his hesitation said, “. . . ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness’ Then John consented” (Matt 3:15, NIV). Jesus was the sinless One. He never violated even the least of God’s commandments but to “fulfill all righteousness” he was baptized. Jesus gave us the example for us to follow. Let me add that the Lord promised salvation to the thief crucified with him. At the final moments of his life, he accepted our Lord’s appeal of salvation. The Lord’s goodness to the continued on page 2
Baptism & Teacher Dedication There will be a baptismal service on Saturday, August 1. If you would like to be baptized, please talk to Pastor Mitch. We will also be dedicating our teachers for the 2009-2010 school year. So if you a professional teacher or you
work with children, be sure to be at that service. Sabbath School teachers are included too! After the worship service there will a catered fellowship luncheon. You don’t want to miss that. =
A Good and Perfect Gift O Lord, let thyself be found with a good gift to everyone who needs it, that the happy may find courage to accept thy good gifts, that the sorrowful may find courage to accept thy perfect gifts. For to men there is a difference of joy and of sorrow, but for thee, O Lord, there is no difference in these things; everything that comes from thee is a good and perfect gift. -Søren Kierkegaard
I N S I D E
Who Are These Guys on page 3 A Secure Salvation on page 4 Ginny’s Kitchen on page 5 What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Thriving in Recession on page 7 Kid’s Page on page 8 Our Church Family page 10
THE LATEST WORD Baptism... (cont. from page 1)
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ship. Living on 90% is the title of the message set for August 8. The Bible says: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24.NIV). How many people do you know who are stressed out about how to handle their bills and finances in general? Turning from stress to a peaceful financial outlook requires the wisdom that only God can supply. Once we stop trying to figure out how to control our finances and surrender that task to God we trade in stress for God’s peace. On August 15 the second part of the stewardship series is called What about My Stuff? The scriptures are clear. Surrendering self to God and continued on page 5
The Latest Word V 21 N 08
WE DID IT
Baptism is like a birthday. It’s celethief doesn’t establish an alternative brated and remembered each year. to baptism. The illustration of the There are many events in our lives thief simply emphasizes our Lord’s like birthdays, anniversaries and desire that all people who call upon his name will be births of children and saved. The Bible says, the When we can turn grandchildren recall with Lord came to away from focusing on we fond memoseek and to save that which was “stuff,” we find the One ries. Baptism a part lost. who promises to pro- becomes of that list of If you vide all we need. memorable haven’t been events to be baptized, now is recalled each your opportunity to get your quesyear. To help us celebrate those tions answered and be part of those being baptized, plan to stay for the following the Lord in baptism. Call fellowship luncheon. In addition, me at (562) 869-6013. we’re having a teacher dedication for all teachers, whether professional There will be a Baptismal Service on August 1. On that day, a or helping in our Sabbath Schools. number of those giving their hearts In August, Bill Aumack, will preto the Lord will be baptized. sent a two part message on steward-
BILL AUMACK editor
BILL AUMACK layout
LINDA AUMACK proof reading
LETTY DURAN distribution
MITCH WILLIAMS pastor
address mail to: (we like letters!) Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd. Downey, CA 90240 office: 562.869.6013 fax: 562.622.1691 downeychurch@gmail.com www.downeychurch.com distributed monthly issue date: August 2009 copyright 1992-2009
August 2009 God, Webster & You
Who Are These Guys?
by Linda Bewley ebster says Jesus is “the Jewish religious teacher whose life, death, and resurrection as reported by the Evangelists are the basis of the Christian message of salvation - called also Jesus Christ” (Merriam-Webster Online).
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and had escaped so often, that they were amazed when their pursuers tracked their every move. Everywhere Butch and company sought to run, travel or hide, their pursuers were hot on their trail. And every time they realized that their would-be captors were following them, they exclaimed, “Who are these guys?!”
You know how it is when you get something stuck in your mind and you just can’t get rid of it? Sometimes it is a song or a bit of trivia. I guess you could say that is what happened to me last week. I had an oddly familiar question that kept popping into my mind. The line that kept coming to mind was, “Who are these guys?” I knew it was from a movie but could not remember which one. It drove me crazy for several days until it finally hit me. It’s a line from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. Butch and his gang, well known robbers, were so good at what they did
Strangely enough, this all occurred to me while I was thinking about the story of Peter and John (Acts, Chapters 3 and 4). When, by the power of Christ, Peter and John enabled a lame man to walk, they caught the attention of the chief priests and elders. Peter and John were asked to account for their actions. Imagine that. They had not robbed anyone or committed any crime yet they were in trouble. Peter and John were quick to give credit where credit was due by telling all that the lame man had been healed in the
W
od says “What do you say?”
Worship Schedule Aug. 15 Aug. 1 Mitch Williams
Bill Aumack What About My Stuff?
Baptism
Aug. 22 Aug. 8
Tony Parrish
Bill Aumack Living on 90%
Aug. 29 Robert Kooremy
name of Christ and not due to their own abilities. Peter and John were then commanded not to speak of or teach about Jesus and released. But, of course, as soon as they were released, they were teaching and preaching again. This time they were arrested, but in the middle of the night, angels came and released them. They are taken into custody again and when all is said and done, they are flogged before being released. However, they were rejoicing when they left the jail. In my wildest dreams, I cannot envision being joyful after having been beaten. Yet Peter and John were. And that’s when the question came to mind. “Who are these guys?!” The story would imply they were extraordinary men. Yet we know, Peter was an ordinary fisherman before meeting Christ. He even denied Christ before the crucifixion. Perhaps that which made him extraordinary was the fact that he had answered one crucial question. Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, speaking the conviction of his heart, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). So maybe “Who are these guys” is the wrong question. Maybe the better question is the same as the one directed to Peter. “Who do you say Jesus is?” =
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THE LATEST WORD Before the Father
Secure Salvation
by Linda Fernandez “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” Ps. 13: 5, 6
As we begin this journey again together, I thought a good place to start would be with the promises of God. Anytime in our lives is a good time to focus on God’s goodness and grace, but in these trying times especially, holding on to his promises can bring a sense of peace and confidence we will find only as we search his Word.
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I attended a church service recently where the pastor preached about freedom. She spoke about having freedom in Christ, freedom from the guilt of sin, and freedom to come before our God boldly and
without reservation. It was an inspiring message. There was one sad part, however, that I could identify with, but just for a moment. During her message, this pastor reminded the congregation of a recent visit by a guest speaker and how when he had made an altar call for those desiring to give their lives to Jesus and accept salvation in His name, many of them went forward. Her dismay was sincere as she wondered aloud how she could have failed in assuring them of their own salvation as long time members and students of the Bible. There was a time in my life as well, when I was never quite confident of my salvation. A measure of doubt was always in the back of my
mind. After all, I was not/am not sinless by any means, so how could God fully accept me. As we begin to search out God’s promises, it is my prayer that we will not only find the assurance of salvation in Christ our Lord, but also take hold of the freedom to believe it with all of our strength. I like the way the Message Bible puts these verses: “I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms-I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.” Let’s throw ourselves headlong into his arms today, shall we? Let’s take hold of that freedom and assurance he so freely and willingly offers us. Let’s pray:
“Father, we thank you for the promise of salvation through Christ our Savior. Help us take hold of that promise fully and completely. In Jesus name, Amen.” =
Cooler Heads Prevail A woman was often annoyed by a male coworker. One day he had harassed her so much that she was about to explode. She decided to confront him while her blood boiled.
The woman began walking to the man’s desk. Before reaching his cubicle, she saw a packing case with some computer equipment in it. On the side of the box were the
words “Do not get overheated.” That made her stop and think. The woman took those words as a message from God. She calmed herself down and returned to her desk. Later, she told her children that instead of doing something wrong when their anger gets out of control, their prayer should be “O God, remind me that I am a Christian.”
August 2009 With Love From the Kitchen of Ginny Williams Fresh Mint-Agave Nectar Syrup “Lemonade” ½ cup fresh mint leaves, washed 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 6 T. Agave* Nectar Syrup (found online or at Fresh & Easy or Trader Joe’s) 1 large lemon sliced thinly 1 qt. carbonated chilled water Ice cubes *Agave is a low-glycemic natural sweetener (4 X sweeter than sugar).
1). Stir to mix 6 T. of Agave into fresh lemon juice, chill 2. When ready to serve, fill a pitcher ¾ full of ice. Add lemon juice mixture and sliced lemons and fresh mint leaves. Fill pitcher with chilled carbonated water. Stir and serve. =
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Baptism... (cont. from page 2) his ways, opens the door to all we’ve ever wanted or needed. The Bible says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38-39). When the Lord is first in our lives, we find we have all we need and more. Giving is never about “money” but about who we trust. Trusting the Lord to meet our needs opens our eyes to the fact that all things are his. For the Lord said: I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field
are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Psalm 50:9-12 The message’s title, What about My Stuff? is indicative of how we feel about “our” things. When we can turn away from focusing on “stuff,” we find the One who promises to provide all we need. We’ve invited Tony Parrish, our neighbor youth pastor from the Norwalk Adventist Church to share a gospel message on August 22. Pastor Tony is from New Zealand and has a heart of love for the lost. You’ll enjoy his message and be challenged to live closer with Christ. On August 29, Robert Kooremy, the Student literature Ministries Director for the conference, will
share how the Holy Spirit led him to give his heart to the Lord. This young man has a life changing story of God’s love in his life.
See you when the church gathers. =
Downey Adventist Chur ch Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
31 9:30 AM S.S.
7:54 pm sunset
Visit www.downeychurch.org C.S. - Community Service S.S. - Sabbath School
10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams Fellowship Luncheon
6:30 pm Band Practice
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7 7:49 pm sunset
10 AM C.S.
8 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack
7 pm Women’s Prayer Group
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6:30 pm Band Practice
14 7:41 pm sunset
15 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack
7 pm Women’s Prayer Group
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6:30 pm Band Practice
21 7:33 pm sunset
22 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Tony Parrish
7 pm Women’s Prayer Group
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School Begins @ AUS & SGA
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6:30 pm Band Practice
28 7:25 pm sunset
29 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Robert Kooremy
7 pm Women’s Prayer Group
6:30 pm Band Practice
August 2009 Stewpot by Gordon Botting DrPH, CHES
Thriving in this Recession
When my children were of elementary school age and when we had been traveling for a number of hours, they would often ask this
were still employed, compared to 85 to 90 percent today. If you are currently employed and have a roof over your head, you can bow your head and with a “The two top answers to questions grateful heart thank your on success and quality of life were Heavenly Father ‘spending quality time with family’ for the blessings (88%) which was followed closely by of a job, a home, and loved ones. ‘having a good relationship with In the past, you your spouse or partner.’ (86%).” may have had a - Northwestern Mutual Survey long list of things you wantcommon kid question, “Are we there ed, and dream trips and journeys you yet?” I think many of you may be intended to take, but now you find asking that same question now about yourself simply grateful for life, the economy. The best guess by friends, and family. Reflect on the most money management experts is difficulties and problems you may that the economy may turn around have faced in the past, but with by the end of this year or early next God’s blessing and deliberate and year, and it may even take two to purposeful financial planning, you five years before we are really out survived those experiences. In the of this current recession. While we same way, you will outlast this curare in this financial situation, it rent crisis and come out the other might behoove us to tighten our belt side a more astute and prudent perand be more cautious. The goal of son in your money management, as this issue of the Stewpot is to help well as in other aspects of life. you through the next six to twelve months by looking at your household finances and reminding you Be Practical how to “stay the course”!
Be Grateful For the majority of individuals and families in the United States, their homes are not in foreclosure, they have not been placed in receivership or declared bankrupt by the local court, nor have they found themselves in unemployment lines. Even in the Great Depression of the 1930s, over 75 percent of Americans
It’s an excellent time to discover or rediscover the benefits of a household budget. If you don’t like the word “household budget,” call it a “spending plan.” Take out a sheet of paper and list every item you would have in a regular household budget. Like a newspaper reporter, you need to ask the “when, where, why, and how” questions. Begin with the largest dollar items and work down the list to the smallest. Here are a few suggestions:
Mortgage or Rent: o Under the new federal government housing plans, can you reduce the current interest rate on your home? One percentage point might make a difference of $100 to $200 dollars a month. o If you have a spare room, could you rent it to a student or an employed single person? o If you are currently renting, are there apartments listed for much less than you are paying? o In some instances, it may only take a few more dollars to avail yourself or your family of the opportunity to purchase your own apartment or home. o Has your house value dropped sufficiently so you would be able to lower your property taxes and no longer have to pay the mortgage insurance to your loan company? Vehicles: Ask yourself: o Do we really need two or three vehicles? o Is local transportation available? o Could I carpool with a neighbor or coworker? o As a family, are we combining our trips to the doctor or dentist, local grocery store, school sports function, etc.? o Have you compared your current insurance rate with at least five reputable insurance companies? Household Supplies: You can lower expenditures for grocery and other supermarket items by using the following ideas: o Try retail coupons. It is estimated that only four to ten percent of all continued on page 11
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THE LATEST WORD
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August 2009
this month
August Birthdays Zelina Archila - 1 Gabriela Miranda - 5 Flower Munguia - 6 Victor Acuna, Sr. - 7 Gabriel Miranda - 8 Frank Duran Jr. - 8 Armando Paredes - 9 Orlando Archila - 15 Sarah Guerrero - 15 Kenneth Holly - 24 Marylene Morris - 25 Stella Martinez - 25 Kirk Bathgate - 27 Celene Aispuro - 31
Upc oming Even ts 1st Sunday - 10 a.m. Community Service Thursdays - 7 p.m. Women’s Prayer Group Fridays - 6:30 p.m. Band Practice August 1 - Baptism & Teacher Dedication August 1 - Fellowship Luncheon August 24 - Adventist Union School & San Gabriel Academy First Day of School
If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in.
The Latest Word deadline is the 5th of the month.
Coming Soon September 5 - Communion October - Small Groups Start Up
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THE LATEST WORD The Latest About
Our Church Family Congratulations to Christina Haddad who went on the recent NHYI (National Hispanic Youth Initiative) trip to Washington DC. This is for students who are interested in becoming doctors. They stayed at George Washington University. Much of the trip includes visiting museums, labs and libraries. Only 6 students were chosen from Christina’s school and she was one of them.
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Congratulations to the Red Wings who took first place at El Dorado Survivor. Check out the pics on our Facebook Fan page.
A big thank you to our VBS Volunteers who made our Vacation Bible School such a big success. We could not do it without everyone’s help! The children who lead the service for Kids’ Sabbath did an amazing job. Be sure to tell them how much you appreciate them. Pictures of the service are available on our website www.downeychurch.org. Our sympathies to Natalie Michel and her family for the recent loss of Natalie’s Uncle.
A Little Silver Once upon a time, a miserly man visited a minister. The minister led him to a window. “Look out there,” he said, “and tell me what you see.” “I see nothing but some people,” replied the rich man somewhat disdainfully. Then the clergyman led the miser to a full-length mirror. “And what do you see now?” he asked. “I see myself,” answered the rich man, puffing up his chest and admir-
ing his reflection. “That’s the problem!” said the minister. “The window is made of glass, and the mirror is also made of glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little silver. No sooner is a little silver added than we cease to see others and see only ourselves.” =
If you have any Church Family news, please contact the church office so we can get it into the newsletter. =
Thank you to everyone who has been saving Campbell Soup Labels for education and Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreciated. On the Campbell Soup labels, all that is really need is the UPC (the bar code). You don’t have to save the entire label, just the UPC bar code. For the Box Tops for Education, please save the Box Tops coupon. Please give your labels to Linda Aumack. Thank you for your support! =
August 2009 Thriving in Recession (cont. from page 7) coupons are redeemed. If you purchase coupon items when they are on sale, you can often double your savings and occasionally receive items for free. My experience has been that our family has saved approximately $20 to $30 per one hundred dollars purchased. o Acquire items you regularly use in your home on sale, and purchase an adequate amount to last about three months, as most supermarkets or drug stores have a three month sale cycle for merchandise. o Keep in mind that grocery items in a can or package will cost you two
those unused cookbooks and try some new recipes. Make the change today from “housemade” at your favorite restaurant to “homemade” in your own kitchen. o Reduce utility bills by planting shade trees, using different lights, increasing insulation, and switching off the air conditioner when it’s not essential.
Be Frugal
Debt is definitely “out” in today’s money management predicament! o Before you buy anything, ask yourself hard questions, such as, “Will anything “If our grandparents lived through terrible happen to the troubling 1930s and our parents me if I don’t purchase this item survived a major war, we can live today?” or “Is this through this economic hiccup.” really a necessity, Gordon Botting or just a want?” o Cut up unnecessary credit or to ten times the amount when comcharge cards and pay the rest of your pared to purchasing in bulk and debt, charge, and credit cards in full cooking the food product yourself every month. from “scratch.” o Engage in your grandparent’s o Overall, simply rediscover the penny-wise saving principles of merits of being thrifty by using proplacing a few dollars every payday duce that is on sale or seasonally in your Freedom Fund, so you don’t inexpensive, watching for discounthave to rely on a high interest credit ed items, and never purchase clothes card for emergencies. except when on sale. o Begin savings accounts for major items like automobiles, 529 educational savings accounts for college Other suggestions: for your children, and for other o Instead of eating out, crack open
Small Groups Starting Again in October! Our Small Groups will be starting up again in October with a study series called “Footprints & Spirituality.” Watch for an opportunity at church to sign up for a group near you! Let us know if you would like to help facilitate a small group.
dreams, such as your own business or early retirement to serve as a missionary, home side or overseas.
Be CommunityMinded One of the best answers for this current financial meltdown is to recognize that possessing more material things does not make one happy. In my financial seminars, I often point out that though the richest men and women in the world may have a grand mansion and additional homes, drive many luxury automobiles, and enjoy the best culinary cuisine, yet when you boil it down, they can only sleep in one bed at a time, drive one vehicle at a time, and eat only one meal at a time. The real answer to our materialistic lifestyle is enjoying family and friends, spending time with children or grandchildren, and giving back to society through acts of volunteerism. Use whatever dollars or time you can spare to enhance your connection to those you love and care about. Using the above-suggested steps to improved money management will make even this recession a positive experience for you. =
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August 2009
Ponder This... = “You can’t assume that kindness is an inherited trait. It is learned behavior.” -Katie Couric = “When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” -Marcus Aurelius = “Man needs difficulties; they are necessary for health.” -Carl Jung = “When a friend speaks to me, whatever he says is interesting.” -Jean Renoir
Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd., Downey CA 90240
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