December 2014 The Latest Word by Downey Church

For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church

Merry Christmas! This Christmas Season you can help spread the Good News of Jesus. So many people need to hear some Good News. Invite them to join us for our Community Christmas Program on Dec. 20th. May Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing be on you and yours this Christmas Season.

THE LATEST WORD Gifts from God by Cary Fisher

e have just finished everyday, and our job is be able to provide you our small groups to live our lives knowing what you really need. It is series on the book of when these gifts appear. really a matter of desire, James, and because of Sometimes God’s God’s gifts may not be this study, I have what we think we developed a deeper want, but his gifts appreciation for Some gifts from God will be greater than our church. I was may first seem to be a anything this world impressed on how has to offer. May negative event in your God give us the sincere you were in going through this life, but in time, we were wisdom to see and challenging book of to accept his gifts as blessed by those the Bible. While we they occur. moments can gain tremendous amounts of wisdom December’s all through the book of gifts can be easily recogJames, my favorite verse nized like being loved by Sermon just might be found in the the people that care about Calendar very first chapter, “Every you, or his gifts may be good and perfect gift is more subtle such as a December 6th - The from above, coming down smile from a stranger or Value of One - Elder from the Father of the a beautiful sunrise during Gerard Kiemeney will be heavenly lights, who does your morning commute. preaching this Sabbath. not change like shifting Some gifts from God may Dr. Kiemeney is the LA shadows” (James 1:17). first seem to be a negative Metro Region Director of Certainly, a central part event in your life, but in the Southern California of Christmas is the givtime, we were blessed by Conference, and his mesing and receiving of gifts. those moments because of sage will be on the impact Everyone loves to open how much we have grown that one person can have presents that we get from through those experiences. when sent by God. our friends and family. To Whatever God’s gift December 13th demonstrate how much we may be, we do know that Pathfinder Sabbath. Our love gifts, our country will it will be perfect for us Pathfinder club will lead spend over 5.2 billion dolmeaning that it will be the worship service on this lars on holiday spending exactly what we need. Sabbath. this year alone. However, Paul writes, “my God let us be reminded that December 20th will meet all your needs Christmas is not really Christmas Program according to the riches of about the gifts that we give - This Sabbath will be his glory in Christ Jesus” to each other, but rather, our Christmas celebration (Philippians 4:19). If you it is about the gifts that service. We will spend are ever feeling anxious God has given us. While time singing our favorite or lacking in anyway, the birth of Jesus is God’s Christmas hymns, and we maybe all that you need greatest gift, James alludes will have a narrated drama is a change of perspecto a multitude of gifts that that is centered around tive. You might be lookcome from God. the birth of Jesus. This ing for things that don’t I believe that God gives come from God to fulfill continued on page 3 us “good and perfect gifts” you when they will never

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INSIDE Gifts from God page 2 Can Debt be Immoral? page 4 Taste & Inspiration on page 5 What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Our Church Family page 7 Kid’s Page on page 9

The Latest Word V 26 N 12 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

responsible for this

LINDA AUMACK copy editor

LAURA LUNA

paper distribution

CARY FISHER pastor

address mail to: Downey Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd. Downey, CA 90240 office: 562.869.6013 fax: 562.622.1691

downeychurch@gmail.com www.downeychurch.com

December 2014 Gifts (continued...) service is always a special program as we recognize the unbelievable story of God’s son coming to Earth. December 27th - The Shepherd’s Reaction - This sermon focuses on the shepherds after they witnessed the birth of Christ. According to Luke, “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20). This sermon gives us a perspective of life after Christmas. See you when the church gathers. =

Stewpot by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CHES, CFC

growing number of financial educators and economists are concerned that the number one debt problem in our country is student loans. In the past, the number one consumer debt was credit cards or vehicle loans. In recent years, student loans have risen to the top with the average student currently owing over $30,000. This student loan problem has affected not only the twenty-year-olds but many in their retirement years who are still paying on loans they received in their forties for masters and doctoral programs. Student debt is also a major barrier to those who desire to minister in the mission field. In a recent article, Katherine Burgess describes a graduate from Bethel University in St.

Worship Schedule Dec 6th Gerard Kiemeney The Value of One

Dec 13th Pathfinder Sabbath

Dec 20th Cary Fisher

Community Christmas Program

Dec 27th Cary Fisher

The Shepherd’s Reaction

Can Debt be Immoral? Paul, Minnesota, who debt crisis is a moral believes she is called to dilemma with which serve God in Japan. She is Christian colleges and still struggling to pay off universities must struggle. $43,000 in student loans There is, however, a larger after graduating two years immoral issue that we as ago. Like a nation need to many othface. Our federal ers, she is “If saving government has caught in money is an annual defiunfortucit of more than wrong, I don’t nate quan$1 trillion and dary. Most want to be a national debt church exceeding over right.” and mis$17 trillion a year sion agen- —Anonymous or approximately cies will $60,000 per U.S. not accept graduates with citizen. significant student loans. First, is the borBecause of this crisis, a rowing itself immoral? number of schools and Not according to the universities are beginning Scriptures. In fact, the to enhance loan repayment Bible does not call debt programs for students who a sin. However, it does feel called to serve overseas. Examples of these are San Diego Christian College, offering loanforgiveness programs for missionary pilots, and remind us that borrowing Southwestern Medical has negative consequencClinic Foundation, for es. In Proverbs 22:7, the medical missionaries. One Bible reminds us of these college director of develconsequences when we opment puts it this way, allow a creditor to have “Our goal is to make sure power over us. This same anyone who truly feels borrowing as a nation for called to the mission field short-term needs can lead can follow that call of God to a long-term decline and on their heart without worthe enslavement of the rying about student debt whole nation (Nehemiah they may have incurred.” 1 5:3-5). On the other hand, continued on page 4 This current student

THE LATEST WORD Can Debt be Immoral? (continued)

some would argue how ment, “Accruing debt itself could continuing to borrow is not immoral, but a culbe wrong when ture of debt Washington’s most certain“Thrift is of annual deficit ly is. Debt is smaller now great revenue.” has be-come than it was five the American years ago and –Marcus Tullius way of life, our accumuone that Cicero lated federal threatens debt as a percentage of our our flourishing and that of gross domestic product is future generations. In our only half of what it was personal lives, we make at the end of the Second daily budget decisions. World War?2 Many choose to take on debt for expensive items Second, is it wrong to deemed give assistance to those worthy less-fortunate than ourinvestments selves both at home and or necesoverseas? As a super sities—the power, is it a mistake for purchase America to generously of a home, lend and give debt forreplacing a giveness to other smaller leaky roof, nations? The Scriptures loans to defray the expense call for generous lending of college tuition. Such and debt forgiveness both borrowing seems prudent. individually and nationalOn the other hand, many ly. However, a government Americans accrue debt that develops a pattern to artificially maintain an of spending considerably extravagant lifestyle or more than what it raises accumulate beyond what behaves both un-wisely they can ever pay. Such and immorally. Further, practices violate the princiwe must be careful not ple of wise stewardship.”4 to carry this concept of American generosity too Finally, being in debt far, or we will become is a sign of moral failure if the beggar nation. All the budget—household or Christians, whatever their national—ensures future political persuasion, must instability. The path to petition their government moral responsibility is to to be fiscally responsible.3 remind each of us of the Biblical principles of pruThird, is the debt dent stewardship and colimmoral or is it the deficit lective sacrifice. lifestyle? Amy Black puts it succinctly in this state-

How To Avoid Christmas Debt Develop a budget Start with a budget by sitting down with your spouse and figuring out what your family can afford to spend on gifts and other Christmas items without accumulating a credit card debt. Make it your goal to stay within your budget realizing that this is the most important step you and your family can do to control your holiday spending.

Make a list Sit around the family table and write down every person you would like to include on the Christmas list and what amount you want to spend on them. Remember, for some people a simple picture of your family or a plate of homemade cookies is sufficient.

Have a limit Having a limit is important for two reasons—the first is how much you

choose to spend on a particular individual, and the second is how many presents you will purchase particularly for your children and especially those wonderful grandchildren.

Develop a strategy Be a great listener during the months of November and December. Pay attention to those casual comments such as when your spouse says, “I wish I had that tool” or “That’s exactly what I need to complete my kitchen or tool set.” Write them down and when a sale comes up in those last two months of the year you can get what your loved ones desire. When it comes to Christmas debt, keep this in mind—gifts are quickly forgotten but credit card debt seems to go on forever. = References: 1 Katherine Burgess, “End Missionary Debt,” Christianity Today, April 2014, p. 22. 2 David P. Gushee, et. al., “Three Views: Is the $17 Trillion Federal Debt Immoral?” Christianity Today, January/ February 2014, pp. 26, 27. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid.

December 2014 Taste & Inspiration Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients • 0.5 cups plain breadcrumbs • 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese divided

• 2.0 tablespoons flour • 1.0 teaspoons garlic salt • 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, coarse ground • 1.25 cups milk

• 2.0 tablespoons butter melted

• 2.0 ounces cream cheese cubed

• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided

Directions

• 16.0 ounces frozen broccoli florets thawed • 16.0 ounces cauliflower florets thawed • 2.0 tablespoons butter • 1.0 large onions chopped 1 cup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning in small bowl. Set aside. Cut up any large broccoli or cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces.

Pilar & Phillip Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic salt and pepper. Add milk; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; cook

and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add vegetables; toss gently to coat. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle top evenly with crumb mixture. Bake 40 minutes or until heated through and top is lightly browned. Enjoy! =

Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

4:43 pm sunset

6 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Gerard Kiemeney

9 am Pathfinders/ Adventures

3 pm Pathfinders/ Adventures

7 pm Band Practice

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

12 4:45 pm sunset

13 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pathfinder Sabbath

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

7 pm Band Practice

19 4:47 pm sunset

20 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship

Community Christmas Program 7 pm Band Practice

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

3 pm Pathfinders

26 4:51 pm sunset

27 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary

7 pm Band Practice

Visit www.downeychurch.org S.S. – Sabbath School C.S. – Community Service 7 pm Wed. Fellowship

7 pm Agape Communion

December 2014

Upcoming Events Dec Birthdays Brenda Guillen – 2 Von Pond – 5 Yesenia Molina – 8 Ray Fernandez – 10 Johnny Macias, III – 12 Alonso Ortega – 16 Genesis Huinquez – 16 Eduardo Lozano – 17 Lourdes Centeno – 17 Eddie Rivas – 18 Ricky Gonzalez – 19 Claudia Aponte – 23 Jocelyn Huinquez – 30

Thursdays - 7 p.m. Women’s Prayer Group Fridays - 7:00 p.m. Band Practice Dec 13 - Pathfinder Sabbath Dec. 20 - Community Christmas Program Dec. 21 - Downey Master Chorale Concert 2:30pm Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Dec 24-26 - Office Closed

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 Be sure to keep up with the latest news by signing up for the Wednesday email. You can sign up here www.downeychurch.org/Signups.html or send us an email at DowneyChurch at gmail dot com and we’ll add you.

Jan 2 - Agape Communion - 7pm

THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family Congratulations to Antonio, Raquel, Johanna and Noemilyn Luna. They recently transferred their membership to Downey. Welcome them if you haven’t already. If you have a student who is doing well in school (honor roll, special

award, etc.), please let us know so we can all celebrate their success. 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 Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreciated. For the Box Tops for Education, please save the Box Tops coupon. Please give your labels to Linda Aumack. Thank you for your support! =

Praying in the Bad Downey Master Times by Sarah Guerrero Chorale Concert

ost people deny it, but sometimes people forget to even pray during the bad times. But they’re just that, times that are bad, not a bad life. We should always remember that because our God is great and sees everything. He sees all the struggles and hardships and tears just as he also sees our smiles and laughter and he is always there with us. He will always be with us. Psalms 116 verse 1-2, “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me. I

will call on him as long as I live.” Personally, I love this verse because I know that God does hear us. He hears every thought, every wish, every silent prayer, especially during the hard times. But I believe that is when we should be most thankful. Just as the song Blessings goes, “What if your blessings come through rain drops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re near? What if trials of this life, are your mercies in disguise?” =

he newly formed DOWNEY MASTER CHORALE will present its Christmas concert entitled “Hark the Herald Angels” on Sunday, December 21st, 2:30pm in the lovely sanctuary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 9820 Lakewood Blvd. in Downey. The concert will feature “The Seven Joys of Christmas” by Kirke Mechem, and “Christmas Cantata” by Daniel Pinkham. Unusual arrangements of favorite carols plus some interest-

ing surprises will add to the delight of all present. Come, celebrate and support Downey’s very own quality choral group. ADMISSION General: $20; Students and seniors: $15. Group rate (10 or more purchased before 12/15) 10% discount CONTACT FOR TICKETS: Downey Church: (562) 869-6013, info@downeymasterchorale.org. (310) 941-3042 =

December 2014

Ponder This... = “In the depth of every mystery, Jesus put a Face.” —Nathan M. Pusey = “Jesus did not come to make God’s love possible, but to make God’s love visible.” —Author unknown = “The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young.” —Phillips Brooks

Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd., Downey CA 90240

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