Jan. 2012 The Latest Word by Downey Church

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

Start the Year Looking Up by Pastor Mitch

t is our tradition to dedicate the first Sabbath of the first month of the New Year as a Day of Prayer. On January 7, 2012, our day of prayer will focus on one of God’s many names. Why does God have more than one name? His various names and titles are doors that open into a new and more trusting relationship with him. Our goal is not to have a preaching service but one dedicated to prayer. However, plan to use your Bible as you get

acquainted with El Shaddai (el shad di’). El Shaddai means the One who pours out sustenance and blessing. Thus in this name God is seen to be the all-sufficient and the all-bountiful One. The same El-Shaddai of the Old Testament is the One who in the New Testament “disciplines those he loves” (Heb. 12:6). His purpose is to yield the peaceable fruit of holiness or righteousness. “. . . . that

we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:10b11). When challenged by life, look up and reconnect with the One who is our Father. God’s challenges stimulate trust and hope in him. We are his children and his discipline shapes us into his image. “. . . . We continued on page 1

Without Fail “I was once young and now I am old, but not once have I been witness to God’s failure to supply my need when first I had given for the furtherance of his work. He has never failed in his promise, so I cannot fail in my service to him.” —William Carey

INSIDE

Small Groups - Growing in Jesus

Thanksgiving Antidote is on page 3

At War! is on page 4

ur small groups are starting up again. We will begin on February 4 for our new series called Growing in Jesus. This 6 week series is based on the second half of the book Caught Between Two Worlds by Karl Haffner. If you are not currently in a small group, please sign up in the foyer at church. This series, with its book, will help us all learn how

to keep growing in Jesus. It’s based on II Peter and is full of helpful, God-inspired advice. You won’t want to miss out on this. If you’d like to host a small group, please talk to Bill or Pastor and let them know. Thanks. =

Ginny’s Kitchen on page 5 What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9 I Saw, I Desired, I Took on page 7 Our Church Family page 10 Kid’s Page on page 11

THE LATEST WORD Start the Year Looking Up (cont. from page 1) grandma and grandpa,” said our granddaughter— since they can make up the difference. The Bible says: “Now

with holes in it” (Haggai 1:5-6). On January 14 the message is titled A Money Back Guarantee. Put God first in your life and see how everything changes.

“ El Shaddai means

On January 21 Bill Aumack follows up the Money Back Guarantee with You Want Me to Do What? We are protective our money and assets. So when someone suggests that you should ‘give away’ 10% to the church for tithe AND add some offerings to that, the first response is often - “You Want Me to Do What?” It’s a statement of disbelief. However, you can believe that God knows what he’s doing and there is a good reason for faithfully returning our tithes and offerings.

the One who pours out sustenance and blessing.

We heard about the shopping trip. Our granddaughter came back disappointed for the gift she desired to buy for her brother was beyond her savings. A suggestion was made that it might be wise to invite grandma and grandpa along on the next shopping trip. We were invited and the gift was purchased. “How fun it is to go shopping with

”

this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse

Most of us are familiar with the Rocky movies that feature Rocky Balboa as the underdog boxer who never gives up. “What we admire most about this fictitious boxer is his keep-on attitude. He was beaten and battered and bloodied, but the man just didn’t know how to quit.” (Between Two Worlds, p. 96). The Apostle Peter writes a similar theme in 2nd Peter—keep on. On January 28, is an introduc-

tion to our winter small groups’ study featuring the Bible book of 2nd Peter. The message is aptly titled Keep On. We will be passing out the small group studies that day. However, we’ll use the same book, Between Two Worlds, as we did in our fall small groups’ study. If you’re not in a small group do yourself a favor and try it out. See you when the church gathers. =

The Latest Word V 24 N 01 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

are God’s sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father” (Heb. 12:7b). Our Father’s desire is for us to grow in him and find the joy of daily living in his care. (Adapted from Names of God, Copyright 1944 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.)

responsible for this

LINDA AUMACK copy editor

HATZUKO AISPURO paper distribution

MITCH WILLIAMS 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

January 2012 God, Webster & You by Linda Bewley

ebster says “inspire” means “to influence, move, or guide by divine or exalting natural inspiration. . . to infuse by breathing. . . bring about” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary).

od says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT). Nutrition experts tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I heard a news clip on KTLA on this subject.

Inspiration for the New Year The newscaster, quoting from a survey, shared some staggering statistics about our breakfast habits. The most notable were that only about half of us eat breakfast at all; of those who do, the average time spent is 3 minutes and 15 seconds; some people eat while getting dressed and others while commuting to work. (Oops, I’m guilty of that one!) The survey suggests that these habits are due to our ever-increasing busy schedules. We either choose to sleep later in the morning due to late-night activity or we

Worship Schedule January 7 Mitch Williams Day of Prayer

January 14 Mitch Williams A Money Back Guarantee

January 21 Bill Aumack

You Want Me to Do What?

January 28 Mitch Williams Keep On

focus on getting to work early. Whatever the case, when we neglect having a healthful breakfast, experts tell us it sets the stage for poor nutrition choices during the day. Lots to think about.

Personally, I like to have a little soul food to start my day. The kind of soul food I’m talking about is that which comes from God’s word. There’s no better way to start each day than to sit quietly with God and allow him to speak to you from His Word. Whether you’re in need of courage or encouragement, assurance of forgiveness, wisdom or guidance, an ounce or two of hope, or strength to face a challenge, God’s word contains everything you need. God says, “Listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:2). The New Living Translation puts it this way, “I will

tell you where to get food that is good for the soul.” See what I mean? SOUL food! Spend time with God in His Word, and you strengthen your life. Hide God’s Word in your heart and, like the psalmist says, you’ll have a lamp for your feet and a light for your path. Sacrifice that time and, well, I don’t even want to think about the consequences! As we approach a new year, some of us are thinking about getting a fresh start, implementing new habits or getting rid of old ones. We often call those New Year’s resolutions. That may include things like eating a more healthful breakfast, but perhaps the best resolution we could make is to spend daily, quality time in God’s word. What do you think? If you do make that resolution and find yourself falling off the wagon a day or two like most people, don’t give up! God is always there to help you start again. . . and again. . . and again. Happy New Year! =

THE LATEST WORD Before the Father by Linda Fernandez

Greed or Grace

M For men shall be lovers of self… unthankful… 2 Tim. 3:1-4

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful… Col. 3:2, 15, 16

y son loves all the new electronic gadgets that come out but he came home the other day and said, “Mom, slap me if technology ever becomes more important to me than family.” In response to my surprised look, he told me of having just come from a well known electronics store where people were already lined up for Black Friday. He couldn’t believe so many would forgo time with their families on Thanksgiving to sit in the cold in a tent waiting for a store to open. He shook his head sadly when I later relayed the news story of a shopper having pepper-sprayed others to get the advantage of being first in line. I am currently reading two books, The Lord’s Prayer: Through Primitive Eyes by Gottfried Oosterwal and Made for His Pleasure by Alistair Begg. Oosterwal’s book is about how a stoneage people come to know and understand the Lord’s Prayer. Begg’s takes us back to a purer life and love for Christ. I would like to share with you some of the comparisons I am discovering between the two in this new series. The tribesmen of West New Guinea lived an isolated, nomadic existence.

Almost everything they did was for the benefit of the tribe. They prayed but they knew their prayers were empty and lifeless. The author’s dilemma was how to teach a people who knew nothing of technology, government or even a written language to understand the blessings they sought

would be on the condition of their willingness to be emptied of self and allowing themselves to be filled with God’s power of grace through the Holy Spirit. Begg’s introduction too outlines the need of those in an individual-oriented complex society such as ours to do the same. How do I make God a priority in my life when I have been geared to a me-first mentality? Is it possible in my world where greed causes some to take advantage of the vulnerable, while others protest in the

streets, wanting everything for free? Where does God fit in and how can I begin to focus on pleasing Him rather than myself? In John 8:29 Jesus said, “I always do what pleases Him.” If that was Christ’s focus during his ministry, shouldn’t I follow that same pattern? Perhaps it begins with my own priorities. Do I really need more stuff? Is it necessary to fill up my day so completely that I have no time for God? What does God desire from me? Do you struggle with these same questions? Maybe these authors will help us find the answers. Let’s pray…. Father, give us strength and courage now to live according to your will, not ours. =

January 16th

January 2012 From Ginny’s Kitchen Make Your Own Famous Chili by Bill Aumack

Ginny asked me to share my recipe for Bill’s Famous Chili that won the chili cookoff at the Fall Party. Instead of just giving out the recipe to Bill’s Famous Chili, I thought it would be interesting to show how easy it is to make a great chili. Plus I’ll give some suggestions for personalizing your own version.

1 onion, finely chopped

There are 3 keys to great chili; a variety of beans, corn, and great seasonings. If you get those three things right, you’re well on your way to some great chili. The other thing about this recipe is it’s very easy to increase or decrease. So simply size according to how much you want to make. The amount I’m giving you will make a big pot. So if you want less, just reduce everything appropriately.

2 15oz cans S&W Red Beans

3 or so cloves of garlic (optional) 1 bag of Grillers Crumbles 1 30oz can Sun Vista Pinto Beans 1 30oz can Sun Vista Black Beans 2 15oz cans S&W Chili Beans

2 15oz cans S&W Kidney Beans 1 bag of frozen corn (petite corn stays firmer when cooking) 1 6 oz. can of tomato paste Chili Powder (I would use about 8 TBS for this amount of chili to get a medium spicy chili. Adjust accordingly for your own taste. Add slowly if you’re

not sure how much to add. It will get more intense as it cooks.) ¾ tsp black pepper Other seasonings to taste Sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil. Dump everything in a big pot, including all the liquid in the beans. Mix and bring to a boil and then cover and simmer at least ½ an hour, stirring occasionally. Then uncover and continue to simmer ½ an hour more. Longer is better if you have the time, or use a slow cooker. Long cooking times allows all the flavors, especially the chili, to come to full potential. The above recipe will give you a good basic chili. However, there is

quite a bit that can be done to make it better. Play with the seasonings. Here’s some ideas. Maybe a little cumin. There’s various pre-mixed seasoning packets available to try. Try adding about half a packet. You can always add more. There’s several types of chili powder available. Try different types or even mix different types. If you like tomato sauce in your chili, try adding about 12 oz of tomato juice. Your imagination is the limit. =

The Guide

icture a man stumbling along in a heavy fog, completely disoriented. Then, off in the distance, he sees the light of one small lamp. Its glow is sufficient neither to burn off the fog nor to illuminate the

obstacles that might be on the ground between the man and that lamp. Still, it is a steadily burning lamp. Something within the man prompts him to believe that if he heads toward it, he will be going in the right direction. That

“something” we can call “faith.” While heading toward the lamp, he finds another lost man whose eyesight is so poor he can’t see the lamp. The first man takes the second by the hand and helps him toward

the lamp also. The act of reaching out to another we can call “love.” And the lamp that draws him? It’s called “hope.” —The Wired Word (August 7, 2011)

Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

4:58 pm sunset

7 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

9 AM Pathfinder Meeting

3 PM Pathfinder Meeting

7 pm Band Practice

13 5:04 pm sunset

9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams

10 AM C.S. 7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

7 pm Band Practice

3 PM Adventurer Meeting

9 AM Adventurer Meeting

5:10 pm sunset

21 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

9 AM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

7 pm Band Practice

3 PM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

27 5:17 pm sunset

28 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

7 pm Band Practice

31 Visit www.downeychurch.org S.S. – Sabbath School C.S. – Community Service

January 2012 Stewpot by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CHES.

Begin Anew—With Joy and Laughter

could do your health some good.”

ou probably have never heard of Joy Grimaldi. He kept audiences falling out of their seats with laughter for four decades. The reason you have not heard of him is that he lived in the early 1800s. It is reported he could turn angry crowds into laughing and applauding audiences. The sad truth is that in himself, Joey was very unhappy. His personality joined the workaholic with the perfectionist. Thus, he was never completely satisfied with his routines, tales or sketches, and was forever seeking the brand new perfect one–liner or story for every audience. Later, Grimaldi’s body began to show the ill effects of his self–imposed anxiety and he sought the help of a physician who was also a stranger. At the conclusion of the examination the doctor reported he couldn’t find a medical reason for the illness, except for the signs of anxiety and depression. The physician suggested he take a few days off and relax. Possibly go and see that great comedian Joey Grimaldi he had read much about in the paper. “I understand he’s hilarious and a few laughs

Joey turned to the doctor and said, “You won’t believe this but I am Joey Grimaldi.” Sadly, a few weeks later Joey collapsed and died from exhaustion. The comedian, who could make others laughs, could not bring joy into his own life.1 Daily we hear in the news about record foreclosures, unemployment, bankruptcies, and the soaring national debt. The reports of gloom and doom seem to never end. But life doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. We as Christian stewards need not be sad; we can choose, this New Year, to activate our joy and happiness genes. You might be asking in these hard times why simply laughing more would be helpful? Here are three great reasons.

1. Inner Jogging A good hearty chuckle can enlarge over twelve genes that regulate the natural killer cells, those immunological assassins that destroy unruly cells to

keep the immune system in harmony. According to wellness scientists a good belly laugh causes the inner lining of our blood vessels to expand, increasing the blood flow in our veins and arteries. Mothers who breast–feed have a greater reason to enjoy comedy because it increases the relaxing hormone, melatonin, in breast milk. With high glucose cases, laughter will increase certain proteins that prevent cellular damage in diabetics. Just the hope of joy can work wonders. Blood drawn from individuals just before they watched a delightful movie showed a betaendorphin increase of 27% and a human growth hormone boost of 87%.2 Laughter is so healing Professor William Fry of Stanford University, describes laughter as Stationary Jogging. Another study found when people were asked to show facial expressions of anger and fear, their bodies responded with an increase in heart rate and skin temperature so it made them sweat. But when the same individuals were asked to smile their heart rates settled down and their temperatures dropped so they were no longer perspiring.3 continued on page 8

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing.” — Proverbs 17:22

“Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs – lasts.” — Wilfred A. Peterson

THE LATEST WORD Begin Anew... (cont. from page 7) 2. One Laugh = 5 cents Talk about landing a job. One of the large hotel chains, Holiday Inn, was seeking applicants for five hundred new positions. They interviewed five thousand job seekers. But, here’s the kicker— they automatically disqualified any applicant that smiled less than 4 times during the interview.4 If you are seeking a position in this tight job market, bring a smile and a pleasant attitude to your next job interview. If you are employed maybe an extra smile for your co–workers each day could influence your boss into giving you a raise. At the very least it will have a positive effect on the office atmosphere. In a recent study to determine if wealth increased ones level of happiness, it was found that an annual income of $75,000 was the top level for financial satisfaction. So envying Bill Gate’s and Warren Buffet’s billions did not bring more satisfaction, happiness or life contentment.

3. Smile, You’re on God’s Candid Camera

Far too many folks picture our Heavenly Father as a strict, harsh Deity, a

judgmental God with an unforgiving Spirit. This distortion of God’s character is portrayed so beautifully in an illustration found in Philip Yancy’s book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?

his cheeks added, “That’s better,” and returned to her prayers. . . Suddenly I was angry. It occurred to me the entire world is in tears, and if you’re not, then you’d better get with it. I wanted to grab this

child with the tear–stained “In the church the face close to me and tell other Sunday I was intent him about my God. The on a small child who was happy God. The smiling turning around smiling God. The God who had at everyone. He wasn’t to have a sense of humor gurgling, spitting, humto have crated the likes of ming, kicking, tearing the us. . . .By tradition, one hymnals, or rummaging wears faith with the solemthrough his nity of a mother’s mourner, the handbag. He gravity of a was just smil- “If you don’t mask of traging. Finally, have a sense of edy, and the his mother dedication humor, you probjerked him of a Rotary about and in ably don’t have badge. What a stage whis- any sense at all” a fool, I per that could — C. W. Metcalf, thought. Here be heard in a Reader’s Digest, was a woman little theatre sitting next to off Broadway December the only light said, “Stop left in our that grincivilization— ning! You’re the only hope, our only in church!” With that, miracle—our only promise she gave him a swat and of infinity. If he couldn’t as the tears rolled down

smile in church, where was there left to go?”5 I’m glad that my personal picture of God is, as He sits on His heavenly throne, occasionally leans over to Gabriel and says with a twinkle in His eye, “Did you see what that human being just did!” I like the way the patriarch Job says it, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter.” (Job 8:21 NIV) As we begin 2012, don’t take joy for granted. Determine this New Year to laugh more often at yourself and with others. Give the gift of laughter to all that you met knowing that it will heal bodies, soothe spirits, and mend relationships and above all else, adore our Creator. = References: 1. Osteen, Joel, Every Day a Friday, New York: FaithWords, 2011, pp. 31; 35; 196–7 2. Matthew Hutson, Body of Evidence: Laughing Stock, Psychology Today, May, 2008, p. 53 3. Osteen, Joel, Every Day a Friday, New York: FaithWords, 2011, pp. 31; 35; 196–7 6. Ibid. 5. Philip Yancy, What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Zondervan Publishing, 1997, p. 32

January 2012 THIS MONTH

Upcoming Events January Birthdays Janeth Cuyuch-Perez – 1 Virginia Hinojosa – 4 Irela Molina – 4 Sergio Garcia – 9 Isabel Molina – 13 Becky Duran – 18 Elissa Luna – 19 Alejandro Zamora – 22 Yesenia Molina – 28 Lourdes Ortega – 30 Sara Rivas – 31 If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in.

Thursdays - 7 p.m. Women’s Prayer Group Fridays - 7:00 p.m. Band Practice Jan. 7 - Day of Prayer Jan. 7 - Pathfinder Meeting - 3pm Jan. 8 - Pathfinder Meeting - 9am Jan. 14 - Adventurer Meeting - 3pm Jan. 15 - Adventurer Meeting - 9am Jan. 21 - Pathfinder/Adventurer Meeting 3pm Jan. 22 - Pathfinder/Adventurer Meeting 9am

The Latest Word deadline is the 5th of the month.

Be sure to sign up to be in a Small Group in the foyer.

Coming Soon Feb. 4 - 6 Weeks of Growing in Jesus begins Feb. 25 - Harvey’s Broiler Party Mar. 17 - Celebration Sabbath & Luncheon Apr. 7 - Easter Sabbath

THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family We sorrowfully report the passing of Adelaide Paige. She was a long time member of the Downey Church. She leaves behind a daughter, Denine, and her family.

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! =

The Lighten Up List by Gordon Botting

Cultivate the laughter habit

Take a mini‐ vacation‐laugh

joy and happiness little by little as we grow older.

When was the last time you enjoyed a good belly laugh? Maybe it’s time to redevelop the laughter habit. This is a habit that will not take much time or energy to regain.1

Keep an eye out for those unexpected absurd events that happen on a daily basis that makes you laugh. Maybe call a friend and describe what just happen to you in the most exaggerated manner you possibly can.

Make a joy list

Laugh at yourself Don’t take yourself so seriously, at least that way you can be far more accepting of other’s slipups and mistakes. Taking yourself lightly is not the same as putting yourself down.1

Laugh like you were a child again It is estimated that most children laugh more than two hundreds times daily whereas the average adult laughs no more than seventeen times in a 24– hour period. Obviously, life pressures and more responsibilities steal our

Jot down quotes from magazines, newspapers or books that make you feel great. Add to it statements from great leaders and individuals who have made their mark on this world or biblical texts that lift your spirits higher.

Collect Cartoons I have collected hundreds of humorous cartoons over the years on all sorts of subjects such as religion, finances, politics, etc. and it is fun when you are feeling down to take a few moments and laugh again at history’s humorous situations.

Laugh with God Remember God has a sense of humor. Consider laughter as another gift from heaven and failure to participate in it could be considered poor stewardship.= References: 1. Paul McGhee, Ph.D., “Humor & Health,” Holistic online.com, April 1998

January 2012

Ponder This... = “I love all beginnings, despite their anxiousness and their uncertainty.” —Rainer Maria Rilke = “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” —Leo Tolstoy = “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” —Frederick Buechner

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

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