January 2014 The Latest Word

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

Second Chance

A Prayer for the New Year

by Cary Fisher

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et me first start by saying Happy New Year to all the friends and members of the Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church. I pray that all of you are able to reflect on 2013 with positive memories, and I hope that 2014 will be a great year for you and for our church as well.

When a new year arrives, it certainly comes with much excitement and hope. Just because the calendar has turned, we make

it a time for new a beginning or a fresh start on life.

We make our resolutions to change certain habits, we set up new goals that will hopefully determine our future and put to bed all the things of the past we wish to forget.

The Psalmist writes, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the

joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me”(Psalm 51:1012). These are beautiful words written by David when he desperately needed a new start or a second chance. It was impossible for David to fix these problems on his own, so he went to God as his only hope for change.

Do you need a second chance or a new beginning? We all do in some way, but I believe change

Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to thee, to be thine forever. Fill me and seal me with thy Holy Spirit. Use me as thou wilt. Send me where thou wilt, and work out thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever.

Amen.

—Betty Scott Stam

continued on page 1

Sabbath School Restart

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e believe Sabbath School is an important part in the Adventist Christian’s spiritual walk. Unfortunately, we haven’t done a great job of conveying the importance of Sabbath School, and attendance has languished. So Pastor is going to teach the adult Sabbath School class for a season.

This will help accomplish a couple of things. One, we hope to stress the importance of Sabbath School and show it’s value to those who might not be currently attending. Secondly, it

will give pastor an opportunity to get to know the individuals of the church better.

Eventually, we’ll go back to having separate adult classes.

To kick off this new Sabbath School Restart, we will have a pancake breakfast on Sabbath, January 18th. Between 8:30 and 9:30 we will be serving pancakes in the fellowship hall. Come and join us and see what difference Sabbath School can make in your spiritual walk. =

INSIDE Improve My Steering page 3 Love or ? 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 Second Chance (cont. from page 1)

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On January 25th, my message is titled “Gaining through Generosity“. This sermon will be a reminder that God has a unique way of blessing us as we give to Him and His children.

After all, Proverbs 11:24 writes, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”

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For the January’s calendar of events, we are reformatting our adult Sabbath School program starting on the 18th. We believe Sabbath School is

an integral part of a person’s spiritual growth, and to promote that for church, I am going to lead out in a church-wide Sabbath School. We are also kicking off this event with a pancake breakfast starting at 9 am. I challenge all of you to make it to this church family event. My new year’s goal is for us to make Sabbath School a weekly habit for as many of us as possible.

See you when the church gathers. =

The Latest Word V 26 N 01 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

doesn’t happen by our Should I Pray?” Most doubt God has been generown determination or will of us have been told we ous to us. Mercy, grace, power at least any kind of should pray in the morning everlasting life – it’s hard lasting change. We can’t and the evening as well as to be generous compared make ourselves new, but before we eat. But is that to that. But we aren’t comGod can. Whisper peting with God, to yourself those few we are supposed verses for the next to be following his month or so, and example. This mesGod will be more than sage will help us God will be more than willing to renew willing to renew your understand some of your heart, restore the ways we can be heart your joy and give extravagantly generyou a willing spirit ous. to do what is right.

On January 18th, For January’s sermon my sermon will be called it? Are there other times calendar, Bill Aumack “Living by the Light.” when we should pray too? will be giving the message The way we live is truly Fortunately James chapfor the first two Sabbaths. our testimony to the world ter 5 gives us some good Our church is certainly as Psalm 97:11 writes, guidelines about when we blessed to have such a “Light is shed upon the should pray. dedicated and gifted elder righteous and joy on the among us.

“Extravagant upright in heart.” I will Generosity” is the mesask the question if the life The message on sage Bill will bring us on we live truly shine the January 4th is “When January 11th. There is no light of Jesus, or does it just reflect the world that we live in.

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

distributed monthly issue date: Jan. 2014 copyright 1992-2014

January 2014 The Word & You

by Linda Bewley

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od’s word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5 ).

I hear that verse quoted quite often when someone is talking about trusting God. But the second half of the verse came to mind a few days ago when I was thinking about some problematic areas in my life. Maybe you understand how I feel when I tell you that there are times when I feel like the Apostle Paul when he says

Improving My Steering “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7.)

While thinking of that, God spoke this to my heart: when I seem to be caught in persistent thought patterns, negative emotions or habits, why not acknowledge them before God and ask him to straighten out my path according to the promise in his word. That seems such a simple answer, doesn’t it?! So I wondered to myself, what would that look like? Since the word “path” reminds me of traveling, some of the thoughts that came to mind involve driving. And while you may question my sanity, here’s what I started to think. If God straightened my path: • There would be no left

Worship Schedule January 4 Bill Aumack

January 18 Cary Fisher

When Should I Pray?

Living by the Light

January 11 Bill Aumack

January 25 Cary Fisher

Extravagant Generosity

Gaining through Generosity

turns onto Worry Way. Instead, I would remember that my heavenly Father knows what I need and he promises, if I seek him and his righteousness, all things will be provided to me.

• I would steer clear of the place named Grudge Resort.

Instead, I would extend grace and forgiveness to everyone just as God does to me.

• I would know better than to take Short Cut Tunnel or Procrastination Highway. Instead, whatever I do, I would work at it with all my heart as working for the Lord.

• My tires would never be weighted down with chains of anger. Instead of “Goodyear,” the words “Good News of Peace” might be displayed on each of my tires for the world to see. And, moreover, my actions would always match the slogan!

• I would never look back,

unless it is to take note of how far I’ve come. I would keep my eyes on Jesus and keep pressing on toward the goal to which God has called me.

I find it interesting that in almost all situations, stopping to see God’s way and claim his promises is the resolution.

Seeking to take all my thoughts captive and obedient to God is a cure. And, since I’m unable to do this on my own, asking God for the desire and strength to do so is the key. Maybe that’s what Paul meant when he concludes his thought in Romans 7 and says, “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

I don’t make New Years’ resolutions, but I hope for the year 2014, as in any other year, that I will be doing my best to let God make all my ways straight and pleasing to him. Happy New Year! =

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THE LATEST WORD

by Bill Aumack

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

“It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends.

But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.”

- Gandhi

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Love or ?

Before the Father is on hiatus while Linda fights cancer. Your prayers on her behalf are appreciated.

S

amuel Stokes, a missionary who worked with lepers in India in the early 1900s, walked through the Punjab region with only a water bottle and a blanket. He depended wholly on the hospitality of the region’s residents.

In one village, Stokes received a particularly hostile reception. Village leaders sat in chairs in a circle, leaving Stokes sitting on the floor the entire evening. When he asked if he might teach them and nurse their sick, they hurled insults at him.

Stokes offered no reply.

Finally, the men gave the missionary some stale bread crusts in a dirty bowl. Stokes thanked them and ate. This scene repeated itself for two days. But then on the third day, the top village official laid his turban at Stokes’ feet as a sign of respect. “We’d heard that Jesus’ disciples were commanded to love their enemies,” the man said, “and we decided to put you to the test.”

Having seen Jesus’ love in action through Stokes, the amazed villagers found him credible.

They served him a rich

feast and listened eagerly to his teachings.

Would your Christian example stand up to such a test? I wonder if mine would. We are not naturally inclined to love people who treat us poorly. I know that is difficult for me. I’d much rather be around people who are kind and loving. I’m sure that most of us prefer that.

But Jesus doesn’t tell us just love those who love us. We are supposed to love our enemies. That may be the toughest thing Jesus asks us to do. If it’s not the hardest, it’s right near the top of the list.

We know that hate brings more hate. We know that love produces more love. But sometimes when we don’t want to love someone, we rationalize and think, ‘I won’t hate that person. I’ll just ignore them or stay away from them.’ But God is asking us to love - everyone. One has to wonder why?

One day as Napoleon came toward the end of his career and looked back across the years—the

great Napoleon that at a very early age had all but conquered the world...

That same Napoleon one day stood back and looked across the years, and said: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have built great empires.

But upon what did they depend? They depended upon force. But long ago Jesus started an empire that depended on love, and even to this day millions will die for him.”1 Napolean figured it out. So did Martin Luther King Jr. and a few others through the years. Love is the most powerful force on the planet. It can change people. It can turn enemies into friends and allies.

Love can help someone who is far from God get back on the path of moving toward God. It’s not easy and it’s something I still struggle with. But it’s something I strive for, with God’s help. = 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. from a sermon, Loving Your Enemies, delivered November 17, 1957.

January 2014 Taste & Inspiration Vegetables with Chickpea Curry

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s we continue in the book of Genesis 43, Judah offers to be sent back to Egypt with his youngest brother Benjamin to prove to the governor (which unknowing to them is their brother Joseph) that they’re not spies as well as to secure the release of their brother Simeon and purchase more grain. Israel, their father sent them off with honey, balm, pistachios, almonds and spices. These were considered to be some of the very finest products of the land. It doesn’t specify what the exact spices were but I believe curry was one of them.

This month’s recipe contains just that, curry powder. Along with a plethora of vegetables that are simple to prepare and will create a very healthy, hearty meal. We’re talkin’

crock pot simple!! Good warm comfort food this time of year. We hope you enjoy it and continue to encourage our church family to eat healthy.

Pilar & Phillip

Ingredients 1 TBLS olive oil 1 1/2 cups diced onion 1 cup carrot slices. 1/4 inch thick 1 TBLS curry powder 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves minced 1 Serrano chile ( seeded & minced) 3 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) 1 1/2 cups cubed peeled russet potato 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 cup cut green beans 1 inch 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/8 tsp ground red pepper 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) 1 (14 oz) can vegetable broth 3 cups fresh baby spinach 1 cup light coconut milk

Preparation Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrot & stir. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender.

Add curry powder, sugar ginger garlic and chile.

Cook 1 minute constantly stirring. Transfer to a 5 qt. electric slow cooker. Stir in chickpeas then add next 8 ingredients. Stir then cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender. Add spinach & coconut milk then stir until spinach wilts.

Enjoy! =

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.

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Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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4:57 pm sunset Visit www.downeychurch.org S.S. – Sabbath School C.S. – Community Service

9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Bill Aumack

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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3 pm Pathfinders/ Adventures

7 pm Band Practice

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10 5:03 pm sunset

9 am Pathfinders/ Adventures

11 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Bill Aumack

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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7 pm Band Practice

17 5:10 pm sunset

18 9:00 am Breakfast 9:30 am S.S. Restart 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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7 pm Band Practice

24 5:17 pm sunset

9 am Pathfinders

3 pm Pathfinders

25 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship

7 pm Church Board 7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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Pastor Cary 7 pm Band Practice

31 5:24 pm sunset

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

7 pm Band Practice

January 2014

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. 1 - New Year’s Day Jan. 4 - Pathfinders / Adventurers @ 3pm Jan. 5 - Pathfinders / Adventurers @ 9am Jan. 18 - Pancake breakfast Jan. 18 - Sabbath School Restart Jan. 18 - Pathfinders @ 3pm Jan 19 - Pathfinders @ 9am Jan. 23 - Church Board @ 7pm

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

Coming Soon Feb - Small Group Series Mar 2 - Celebration Sabbath Mar 30 - Easter Sabbath

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THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family The Pathfinders would like to thank everyone who helped with their Formal Winter Concert.

Special thanks to Maggie and Evelyn who were the driving force behind the event.

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! =

If you have any Church Family news, please

Where’s your Ebenezer?

T

he words of the wellknown hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” were written in 1757 by pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson.

While most of the lines resonate with singers and listeners, the reference to “Ebenezer” may prove confusing: Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by thy great help I’ve come.

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In 1 Samuel 7:12, Ebenezer, Hebrew for “stone of help,” is what Samuel names a stone memorial he erects to God after Israel wins a battle against the Philistines.

(Similarly, the name Eliezer appears several times in scripture, meaning “My God, [my] help.”)

If you were to “raise [your] Ebenezer” in memory of a place where God helped you, where might it stand? Maybe it’s at the scene of a car accident you survived, or on a college campus where your faith was challenged or molded.

Maybe it’s a peaceful spot in nature where you sensed the Spirit’s presence. Or maybe it’s simply in your heart, where a figurative Ebenezer monument can remind you of the Lord’s constant care and love. =

T

he New Year is a time for starting over.

Sometimes we make resolutions to help us improve various areas of our lives.

While we each might have different things to work on in our lives, one thing we have in common is our church family.

If you are interested in being involved in ministry please come talk to Pastor or another ministry leader. We are always looking for help.

From children’s Sabbath

School, to Pathfinders and Adventurers, to music ministry, to maintenance around the church, there’s no end of opportunities to serve. You may have an idea for a ministry that we haven’t even started yet.

We believe that God gifts his followers for service. So start using the gifts he has generously given you in 2014.

Call the office or Pastor Cary today! =

January 2014

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January 2014

Ponder This... = “If you want to be holy, be kind.”

—Frederick Buechner = “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

—Martin Luther King Jr. = “It gives me a deep, comforting sense that ‘things seen are temporal and things unseen are eternal.’”

—Helen Keller = “This is God’s universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.”

—John Piper

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

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