July 2010 The Latest Word

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

Summer Rest

The Bible

by Pastor Mitch

Most of us know the value of taking time off from our employment to rest. We feel ready to start again with renewed energy and vigor upon returning from a restful period.

Ginny and I are taking a sabbatical from July through September. The concept of sabbatical is grounded on the biblical idea of Sabbath rest. The example of Jesus, who frequently sought out a quiet place where he could meditate and pray, away

from the constant demands of the crowds, is a strong model for a sabbatical. The Bible says, “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray” (Luke 9:28-29, NIV).

Sabbaticals offer a pastor a chance to step away from the long hours of work, to find healing and rest, and then to return refreshed to his church family. The congregation benefits from the pastor’s

sabbatical through the opportunity to hear new voices from the pulpit. In addition, the church family learns to rally together as a community to care for the flock in the pastor’s absence.

Each month, I plan to update you on our sabbatical through the newsletter.

When we return in October, we’ll enter into small groups to experience what it means to be Contagious Christians. continued on page 2

This year our theme will be heroes. We’ll be looking at some of

INSIDE What Kind of Hero Are You? on page 3

Vacation Bible School Join us on July 19th thru the 23rd from 6pm to 8:30pm for Vacation Bible School.

We’ll begin each evening with supper at 6pm. There will be a some great songs, Biblical stories of heroes, crafts, games and more.

“Our Christian experience must agree with the Bible. We will be taught by the Bible and fed by the Bible. But we do not believe in Christ because He is in the Bible: We believe in the Bible because Christ is in us.”

—Claxton Monro

the people in the Bible whose names we don’t know, yet they did some great things.

The children will be learning how they each can be a hero.

Invite some friends who are between the ages of 4 and 14 and join us!

Call the office if you have any questions or need more information. =

Who Is He? My Salvation! part 3 is on page 4 Ginny’s Kitchen on page 5 What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Timing is Everything is on page 7 Our Church Family page 10 Kid’s Page on page 11

THE LATEST WORD Summer Rest (cont. from page 1)

“

”

Plastic is very prevalent in our society. Generally plastic makes our lives a little better. But plastic also has the reputation

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for being un-real, or fake.

Sometimes as Christians we can also be a little fake.

This can happen when we start putting our trust in something other than the real thing. Bill Aumack will bring us a message titled Plastic Jesus on July 31. Come and how learn how we inadvertently can start putting our faith in Plastic Jesus instead of the real deal.

See you when the church gathers. =

The Latest Word V 22 N 07 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

On July 3, Gustavo come to the Lord. Come and video graphic talents.

Ortega is first up with a as you are and let the Lord His message comes from a message called What Came and he will do the rest. heart of love for Jesus.

First Love or Forgiveness?

Elder Vasco Brown is On July 17 we’ve A Pharisee invites invited Elder James Jesus to his house Dok to be our guest for lunch. As news Five different people in speaker. Pastor of Jesus’ invitation the Bible whose names we Dok survived the spreads through don’t even know, did some Khmer Rouge’s the village, a well anti-intellectual, known sinner great things by allowing God 1970s, cleansing decides to attend. to use them in everyday in Cambodia. His Tucked in her robe struggle to survive situations is a her greatest treais chronicled in sure, an alabaster the book entitled, jar of perfume. Through our speaker on July 10.

Salvation in the Killing the course of the meal, her He is the pastor of the Los Fields. His message of interaction with the Lord Angeles Central City and God’s love comes from a prompts him to say about Pomona churches. Pastor heart of rich experiences her: “Therefore, I tell you, Brown and his wife Vivia with the Lord. Elder Doc her many sins have been reside in Carson. Along is the associate pastor at forgiven — for she loved with his pastoral duties, Norwalk as well as the much. But he who has Pastor Brown’s artistic pastor of the Cambodian been forgiven little loves abilities find expression group in Long Beach. little” (Luke 7:47). You through his photographs don’t have to be perfect to Vacation Bible School is July 19-23rd. The children will be learning about some unnamed heroes in the Bible. Five different people in the Bible whose names we don’t even know, did some great things by allowing God to use them in everyday situations. On July 24 Bill Aumack will summarize the stories of these five people and help us all learn how we too can learn to be Ordinary Heroes.

responsible for this

LINDA AUMACK proof reading

LETTY DURAN

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

distributed monthly issue date: July 2010 copyright 1992-2010

July 2010 God, Webster & You

by Linda Bewley

W

ebster says “hero” means “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability ... an illustrious warrior ... a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities ... one that shows great courage ... the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work ... the central figure in an event, period, or movement” (Merriam-Webster Online).

G

od says “Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits.

Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.

If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me.

I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do

What kind of Hero are You? what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things.

These are my trademarks” (Jeremiah 9:23 The Message).

This morning on my way to work, I was thinking about my childhood heroes. The first one that sprang to mind was Mighty Mouse. Each Saturday morning found me watching him on television. In the opening song, he sang “Here I come to save the day!” And

Worship Schedule July 3 Gustavo Ortega

What Came First Love or Forgiveness?

July 10 Vasco Brown

July 17 James Dok July 24 Bill Aumack Ordinary Heroes

July 31 Bill Aumack Plastic Jesus

save the day he did! He was always facing some sort of villain and, without fail, conquering them all. Silly, but it brings back fun and fond memories.

The other heroes that came to mind were The Beatles!

John, Paul, George & Ringo.

Why is it they were always named in that order?! Like any other teenage girl of that era, my record collection, bedroom posters and magazines were all about The Beatles. I could not wait for the latest edition of Teen Beat or other fan magazine each month to see what new stories and pictures they contained. And of course I remember watching their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Although they probably did not deserve it, there is no doubt in my mind The Beatles were elevated to hero status in my life at that time.

How about you, do you have any heroes?

This year at Vacation Bible School, we are going to

be learning about heroes of a different sort. Heroes of faith. Heroes whose lives and actions really tell us more about God than about the people themselves. And here’s something that might be strange to some. These heroes were not people wise or powerful in their own eyes. They knew that their power and wisdom came from God and that He alone was behind all of their success.

You know, I cannot think of anything better to teach our children at VBS or at any other time for that matter.

Children need to know that true heroes are not the people we see in the media. They are not the latest and greatest rock stars; they are not the best-looking actors; nor are they the highest scoring or highest paid sports stars. In fact, true heroes are rarely portrayed in the media at all. The truth that will change the life of a young person and the truth our kids need to know is that God is the Biggest Hero of Them All! H-ER-O, GOD IS MY HERO! H-E-R-O, GOD IS MY HERO! =

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THE LATEST WORD Before the Father

by Linda Fernandez

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 NIV

“How is it that a Christian would have a car like that?

Shouldn’t they be driving an old ‘beater’?”

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Who is He? My Salvation! part 3 The plan of salvation in a nutshell er, um, a Shelby.

My God is such an awesome God! In my current life situation I am not able to ‘go into all the world and preach the gospel’, but He has been providing small windows of opportunity here and there.

Recently, some of my husband’s family members were in town for a short visit. Having lunch together one day, we were having a typical gettogether conversation with topics ranging from aging body ailments to happily awaiting a new arrival to the family. A male cousin went out to the car for something and upon his return promptly asked what John 3:16 meant and why someone would put it on the license plate cover of their restored Shelby! (For our lady readers, Wikipedia says a Shelby is a high performance variant of the Ford Mustang).

Now this was obviously not the time for an in-depth Bible study, or a lengthy sermon, but I was able to share the Plan of Salvation in just a few brief minutes. This is how I broke it down: “John 3:16 is a verse in the Bible. It outlines God’s desire for us and the pur-

pose of the entire Bible in one verse.”

WHO: For God so loved the world: Because God loves us so much…

WHAT: He gave his one and only Son: He was willing to send his only son to die for our sins…

WHY: That whoever believes in

concept of tithing as we entered into a lively back and forth about how the guy may be being blessed for his giving.

D: “Oh, so he gives so he can get stuff?”

L: (With a chuckle): “No! “There is another verse in the Bible which suggests we cannot out give God.” I think God may have been saying, “Hey, I think this guy is trying to out give me, let’s see how he comes back after this!”

D: “But why would he put that on his license plate cover?”

him should not perish: On the condition of believing in His son, one does not have to die for their own sins…WHERE: But have eternal life: But can live in heaven with Him… WHEN: for eternity.

His next question was “How is it that a Christian would have a car like that? Shouldn’t they be driving an old ‘beater’?”

My response was, “God is always looking to bless people, why not Christians?” It was then that I was able to share the

L: “Some Christians are not the in-your-face type, but still want to share their faith with others. This is his way of saying……Believe (not just in anything or in material things) …John 3:16 (but in what really matters.”)

Father: That Shelby guy planted a seed.

Hopefully I was able to water it. May another be a ray of sunshine upon it and yet another reap the harvest. =

July 2010 From Ginny’s Kitchen Strawberry Rhubarb Pie ½ cup Agave syrup (found in Trader Joes, Fresh & Easy or Whole Foods) ¼ cup white sugar 2 T. white sugar (set aside for later) 3 T. corn-starch ¼ t. salt ¼ t. ground fresh nutmeg 1 T. fresh squeezed orange juice 1 T. grated zest of an orange 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed and cut into several times) 3 cups fresh rhubarb (washed and chopped in pieces) 1 T. butter

Favorite pastry crust for double pie crust. (I have used Marie Calendars frozen pastry crust found in the frozen section of Albertsons market.)

3) Place top crust on top of pie filling, flute pie edges. Cut 3 slits into and across the pie.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

4. Sprinkle remaining 2 T. of white sugar over the top. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.

1) In a medium size bowl combine the following: strawberries, rhubarb, Agave, white sugar, corn-starch, salt, ground nutmeg, OJ, and orange zest. Mix together and microwave 1 to 2 minutes.

Stir and set aside.

2) Prepare half of flakey crust into a pie-shell dish. Fill with strawberry rhubarb mixture. Dot with 1 T. butter over top of mixture.

Note from Ginny!

When I was a child growing-up, my grandmother grew rhubarb in her garden. I would break off a piece and It was crunchy and sour. In cooking rhubarb you need to sweeten it to make it palatable.

The trick is how to bring out the sweet-tartness and have a tasty pie. I hope you will enjoy this recipe my family has enjoyed. =

Patriotic Trivia As we celebrate America’s birthday, it’s interesting to note that clergymen wrote both the Pledge of Allegiance and the hymn “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” Rev. Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge in 1892. Rev. Samuel Francis Smith wrote the hymn in 1831.

Both men were Baptist ministers.

The pledge was first used in public schools in 1892 during Columbus Day observances. “My Country ’Tis of Thee” was used as a national song before “The Star-Spangled Banner” was named America’s national anthem in 1931. =

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Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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8:08 pm sunset Visit www.downeychurch.org C.S. - Community Service S.S. - Sabbath School

9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Gustavo Ortega

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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6:30 pm Band Practice

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9 8:07 pm sunset

10 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Vasco Brown

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Office Closed 12

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7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

6:30 pm Band Practice

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16 8:04 pm sunset

10 AM C.S.

17 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship James Dok

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7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

6:30 pm Band Practice

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23 8:00 pm sunset

24 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack Potluck

Vacation Bible School 6:30 to 8 PM 25

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7:55 pm sunset

9:30 AM S.S.

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10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack 7 pm Women’s 6:30 pm Band Prayer Group Practice

July 2010 Stewpot

by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CHES

Timing is Everything

A few years ago, a To his surprise there Because they had spent friend of mind retired after were only four people at the last twenty years faithhis retirement plan was the auction; the banker, fully saving their money fully vested. He and his the auctioneer, one other for their retirement home, wife had carefully planned customer and himself. The when the door of opportheir retirement so they banker asked my friend tunity opened, they were could purchase a comfortif he was interested. He able to purchase a better able home in their chosen replied that if the price fell home than they could ever retirement location. Upon within his price range he have imagined. arriving, they rented a would consider buying.

My friend’s experience home and began to look When the banker heard my demonstrates not only how for the retirement home of friend’s offer he replied, important it is to save, but their dreams. They had the “That amount would barehow timing can be more option of purchasing land ly cover the cost of materisignificant. The wise man and having a builder conals for one these homes, from the Old Testament, struct their dream home. let alone the construction King Solomon, said it This plan would require expenditure.” well in them to do Usually, the best time to: Ecclesiastes a lot of the 3:1, “To work them- ⇒ go banking midweek, approximately thirty minutes everything selves, such after the doors open. there is a as landscap⇒ purchase shoes in the afternoon because your feet season, a ing and have swelled a little and your shoe will fit better. time for painting. Or every purthey could ⇒ go to the supermarket to buy groceries is between pose under purchase mid-morning and mid-afternoon on Tuesday and the heaven.” an older Wednesday. Best because the shelves are full, the Many times home and crowds are minimal, and the departmental managers are we fail to modernize available to answer questions. seize the the areas of right oppor⇒ acquire major home appliances is in the spring and the home tunity or take after Thanksgiving as this is when manufacturers that needed advantage of generally clear out their inventories. improvean important ment. ⇒ fill a pharmacy prescription mid-month, as drugstores moment in are the busiest at the beginning or the end of the month One day time. Not when seniors receive their Social Security checks.2 they noticed because we in the local do not have paper that a residential As my friend turned to a great plan or lack deterbuilder had gone bankrupt leave, the banker called mination, but because we and the local bank was him back and said, “If you move too early or too late. offering a cul-de-sac of can return with a cashier’s The model of the four homes for sale. More out check for that amount of seasons yearly rotation of curiosity than the possi- money, we will accept may assist us in becoming bility of actually purchasyour bid and you may effective in our timing, ing one of these homes, have first choice of any of whether it is for an indihe decided to attend the these cul-de-sac homes.” continued on page 8 auction.

The wise man from the Old Testament, King Solomon, said it well in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven.”

Ultimately, for each of us, the key to making correct decisions, developing purposeful goals and seeing a project through to a successful conclusion, is to understand, discern and utilize each of the four seasons.

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THE LATEST WORD Timing is Everything (cont. from page 7) vidual project or a lifetime goal. In addition, the wonderful biblical story of the courageous Jewish orphan girl, Esther, will clearly illustrate the benefits of seasonal timing.

WINTER PLANNING If you choose to be successful in life or a specific project, winter is the best time to plan and strategize for the spring planting. This is the time when you begin to reflect on your dreams, set your goals, determine your purpose, and make plans to fulfill your objective.

Esther spent many long winter seasons for years in exile with her people before she was elevated to be the Persian Queen. And yet, during that extended period of her life, she had ample time to associate and understand the needs of her Israelite community.

Consequently, when she became queen, she knew the heart and soul of her nation’s people, what they desired and what she was required to do in order to

save them.

SPRING PLANTING The successful individual knows that when spring arrives, it is time to put the plans in motion.

This is not the time to sit back and continue daydreaming. This is the time to sow the seeds for the upcoming harvest. The book of Esther explains that before a Persian Queen could be crowned, Persian law required that she spend twelve months in preparation prior to her appearance before the monarch. It was during this twelve-month period that Esther found favor with the king’s eunuch, who guided and instructed her how to conduct herself throughout this appearance so as to win the king’s favor.

SUMMER PRODUCING When the summer season arrives, it is time to take action and coordinate the inner workings of your

project to see if your plan is on track. In Esther’s case, this was the time for her to go before her husband, the king, and request his presence at a special banquet prepared for him and Haman. Summer is also the time to take calculated risks and venture into uncharted waters.

Mordecai reminded Esther that if she did not take this chance and present a case for the salvation of the children of Israel, her future would be the same as her own people.

FALL PROSPERING For those who have planned, worked hard, taken risks and cultivated their dreams and aspirations, the fall is always the best season. This is when you see the results of your four seasons of work. On the other hand, the outcome can be disenchantment, disillusionment and regret because of missed opportunities and meager preparation. In the story of Esther, the fall season was a time for rejoicing

Church Wide Yard Sale Start getting your junk, oops, your stuff together for a Church Yard Sale on Sunday, August 1. The proceeds will go to help fund the CD the praise band is making.

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when the King of Persia ended Haman’s evil conniving for power and hung him on his own gallows.

Also, the winter plans to save the Jewish people by Mordecai was rewarded when he was promoted to second in command.1 Ultimately, for each of us, the key to making correct decisions, developing purposeful goals and seeing a project through to a successful conclusion, is to understand, discern and utilize each of the four seasons. Remember, timing is everything. = References: 1. John C. Maxwell, The 21 Most Powerful Minutes In A Leader’s Day: Revitalize Your Spirit And Empower Your Leadership, Nelson Business, 2000, Concepts from pp. 317-332.

2. Michael Kaplan, The Best Time to Do Everything, Bottom Line Personal, July 1, 2008, p.

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July 2010

THIS MONTH

July Birthdays Pilar Centeno, Sr. – 7 Bonnie Iversen – 8 Lucille Martinez – 11 Alfie Macias – 18 Susie Munguia – 21 Wayne Lewis – 21 Kristelle Meade – 26 Ethan Morales – 30 If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in.

Upcoming Events 2nd Sunday - 10 a.m. Community Service Thursdays - 7 p.m. Women’s Prayer Group Fridays - 6:30 p.m. Band Practice July July July July

4 - Independence Day 5 - Church Office Closed 19-23 - VBS from 6 to 8:30pm 24 - VBS Closing Program & Potluck

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

If you are looking for a new, fun way to read The Latest Word online, be sure to check out the newest format at http:// issuu.com/downeychurch. Same great content in a richer environment. Be sure to check out all the reading modes. As usual, you can still get read it at our website at www.downeychurch.org.

Coming Soon August 1 - Church Yard Sale 8am August 21 - Hawiian Shirt Day & Summer Beach Party October 9 - Small Groups Series “Contagious Christian”

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THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family Congratulations to our newest members, Joel, Grace, Jocelyn, Geselle, Jasmine & Joel Jr. Huinquez, and Khalil Meade. They were baptized on June 12th. Be sure to welcome them into the family.

Albert Jackson’s family is mourning the loss of some family members in a

your prayers.

We sorrowfully report that Marylene Morris suffered the loss of her sister.

Please remember the entire family in

Congratulations to Letty Duran and Mike Garcia. They were recently engaged.

If you have any Church Family news, please contact the church office so we can get it into the newsletter. =

On the Campbell Soup labels, all that is really needed 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! =

Vacation Time

Making a Difference

Someone has said, “Vacation is what you take when you can’t take what you’ve been taking any longer.”

Rose Mary Hart has been a letter carrier in rural West Virginia since 1969. In an interview for a magazine, she said,

There are good reasons to take a vacation every year: spending time with friends and loved ones, experiencing physical and mental refreshment, enjoying changes in scenery and routine, and preparing for another year of productivity.

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house fire. Please remember them in your prayers.

Thank you to everyone who has been saving Campbell Soup Labels for education and Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreciated.

Please enjoy your vacation! Try to be faithful to the Lord by attending church while you’re away, if you have the opportunity.

Just remember that during vacations and weekend getaways, you’re especially missed by your friends at church. The work of the church suffers because no one can fill your place of responsibility quite like you.

God’s work goes on all summer long. Your presence and gifts are needed to enable the church to be strong and vigorous throughout the entire year. When you’re away, please bring or send your offering before you go.

Have a wonderful summer! =

“For my first seven years as a letter carrier I tried to do the job as efficiently and promptly as I could. But in 1976 I [met Jesus] and now I enter into my work differently.

I have started to listen to people on my route in a new way. I have begun to share their pain and joy. When I listen, I can hear their turmoil inside.

I hear domestic violence.

I’ve even broken up a few fights. I’ve seen latchkey

kids sitting out on their steps in 10 degree weather because they forgot their key. I hear the frustration of working mothers. They come out and talk to me.

Sometimes I don’t even have time to think about a response. But I do what I can, and sometimes word comes to me that something I said was heard. I just walk down the street, but I think I made a difference.” = -Quoted by Bob Olmstead, First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto, Calif.

July 2010

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July 2010

Ponder This... = “Outward as well as inward morality helps to form the idea of a true Christian freedom.”

—Meister Eckhart = “To fly the American flag, then to cheat another citizen — or anyone else — is to make a mockery of patriotism. A true patriot will be a person of integrity and honesty, a quite trustworthy American.”

—Charles Ferrell = “If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody can possibly find fault with, you will not do much.”

—Lewis Carroll

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

DATED MATERIAL Return Service Requested

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