Nov 2011 The Latest Word

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

A Time to Share

Up from Ashes

by Pastor Mitch

T

he Apostle Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Suffering is much more than an abstract idea because suffering is experienced on an individual basis—it’s personal (Caught Between Two Worlds, p 74). My wife, Ginny, spoke with an Egyptian woman recently who commented to her that Egypt was a very dangerous county for Christians. I’ve

read accounts of Christian churches being burned and Christian believers threatened because of their faith.

No one in America is threatening the Christian believers like the brothers and sisters in Egypt are experiencing. Does that mean we’re free from suffering? Not at all, for suffering comes in many shapes and sizes. I think if we surveyed our church family we would discover the myriad forms of suffering.

When writing to the believers, the Apostle Peter said: “. . . . if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16). Suffering is personal. Each of us defines suffering for ourselves for we know it when it happens. The temptation of suffering is to doubt the love of God in our lives.

We are tempted to wonder if God really does care and if he’s aware of what we’re facing. continued on page 2

Celebration Sabbath

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ovember 19th is Celebration Sabbath.

We will be celebrating what God has done during our 6 Weeks of Living in the World series and in our small groups.We look forward to hearing from the groups and how God has been working with each group.

Additionally, there will be a special offering for Evangelism on the 19th. This offering helps our church provide more programs and outreach events to our friends and neighbors. Please don’t think

“Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to him as a love gift. ... Offer the blessing back to him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard a thing for yourself, it will turn into a spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded.

God will never let you hold a spiritual thing for yourself; it has to be given back to him that he may make it a blessing to others.”

—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

INSIDE Thanksgiving Antidote is on page 3

of this as “fund raising”, but as “Faith Raising.” We desire to help as many people as possible develop a relationship with Jesus.

Every celebration needs some good food. Please plan to stay after church for a feast that will be provided by our small groups. It will be a time of fellowship and sharing some food.

Don’t miss it. =

At War! is on page 4 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 Up From the Ashes (cont. from page 1) “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, char-

times, remember that in our own small ways we’re participating in his suffering (1 Peter 4:13) and growing stronger every day in him.

“ The temptation of

suffering is to doubt the love of God in our lives.

The word “rejoice” found in the above scripture is not necessarily gaiety but confidence in the Lord that he is by our sides. The Apostle Paul joins in on the suffering theme by writing:

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acter; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). It is through faith in our Lord that the bomb shells of suffering are transformed into the building blocks of perseverance, character and hope. Next time we’re tempted to think God has left us on our own during those hard and difficult

Don’t miss the message on November 5, Up from Ashes. The morning’s message confronts suffering and reveals God’s plan for us.

The time for the Lord’s coming seems near. Political unrest in many countries, unhappy economic news around the globe and the relentless recession we’re experiencing awakens our hearts to the Second Coming of Christ. While we wait for our Lord, we’re reminded to stay alert for “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The lion metaphor is a warning to be vigilant. Peter cautions us to be watchful, not of an animal, but of our own thoughts and conduct. Our enemy is attempting to discourage and influence us like he did with Adam and Eve in the garden. He wants us to shift our allegiance away from our Savior to a selfdirected life. Peter firmly urges us to “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing

the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:9). The final sermon of 6 Weeks of Living in the World is a “how to” stand firm in the Lord. The message’s title is God’s Care for You on November 12.

November 19 is Celebration Sabbath.

Celebration Sabbath marks the conclusion of the small groups’ study, 6 Weeks of Living in the World. The service is a celebration of God’s goodness and how He is actively working in our lives. One or two individuals from each of the small groups will share their experiences. A luncheon is planned for Celebration Sabbath. The continued on page 5 The Latest Word V 23 N 11 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

Yes, the Lord does know our going out and our coming in. He’s more than aware of our suffering for he is with us. What’s happening to us is like what has happened to Christians throughout history.

We’re not to be discouraged when suffering: “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13).

responsible for this

LINDA AUMACK proof reading

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

distributed monthly issue date: Nov 2011 copyright 1992-2011

November 2011 God, Webster & You

by Linda Bewley

W

ebster says “thanksgiving” means “the act of giving thanks. . . a prayer expressing gratitude. . . a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary).

G

od says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation” (Psalm 100:4 NLT).

It’s the end of a very long and tiring week. I know all weeks have the same number of days, hours and minutes, but why is it some of them seem extra long?! So I

Thanksgiving Antidote woke up this morning feeling extremely happy that it’s Sabbath, knowing that the only thing on my agenda is to go to church.

Ahhhhhh, that’s how you spell relief! Even so, I was having difficulty quieting my mind during my prayer time.

So I decided to use my prayer time to give thanks for the good things in life and not talk about anything else. And guess what?

I very quickly learned that thankfulness was just the antidote I needed to overcome my troubled thoughts this morning!

So I made a short list of

Worship Schedule November 5 Mitch Williams

November 19 Mitch Williams

Up from Ashes Week #5

Celebration Sabbath

November 12 Mitch Williams

November 26 Bill Aumack

God’s Care for You Week #6

Being Thankful in Difficult Times

things for which we can thank God. Here are some of them:

you because of sin, you gave your Son to die for our sins.

• Thank you, Lord, because you know us so well. You know everything about us, what makes

• Thank you, Lord, for your Holy Word which provides wisdom and guidance to us, and through which we hear your voice speaking to our hearts.

• Thank you, Lord, for the comfort and strength of your Holy Spirit.

us tick, the things that trouble us and that which will soothe the troubles.

• Thank you, Lord, because nothing escapes your sight. You know the end from the beginning and just like the old song says, you’ve got the whole world in your hands.

• Thank you, Lord, because you have a plan to get us through every obstacle that comes our way.

• Thank you, Lord, for forgiveness for our many sins, and for your Word which promises that you do not treat us as our sins deserve.

• Thank you, Lord, because when the whole world was separated from

• Thank you, Lord, for your awesome Presence in our lives.

• Thank you, Lord, for hearing and answering our prayers and for allowing us to see you work in response to our prayers.

• Thank you, Lord, for the love and friendship of family and caring friends and for our church family.

• Thank you, Lord, for a time of worship each week and for rest from work.

There’s so much more that could be added to the list. What would you include?

During this season of thanksgiving, for all these things and much more, may we be truly thankful.

Amen. =

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THE LATEST WORD Before the Father

by Linda Fernandez

At War!

A “I press on toward the goal….”

Philippians 3:14

When long and steep the path appears, or heavy is the task, Our Father says, “Press on, my child; one step is all I ask.”

D. DeHaan

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s I continue on down this road of rediscovery, I remember the many times when I became so tired and had lost sight of my goal. I was tempted to give up, turn around and go back to the life I once knew. In a recent Bible reading, I came across a group of people who felt the same way.

In Exodus we are taken along the journey of the Israelites after their remarkable release from Egypt. They had been slaves there; life was not all bad but certainly on the decline as time went by. As God led the way of escape, I found it interesting that He chose not to take them through the Philistine country (though it may have been a shorter route) saying, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” Indeed, as Pharaoh approached after having changed his mind about letting them go, they were terrified and cried out to Moses, “Didn’t we say to you, Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?”

But Moses’ response was “Do not be afraid, Stand firm….” The God whom they had forgotten knew they would need special direction and caring. The rules he provided were not to constrain them, but to

help direct them forward.

I was reading about how the American navy trains and prepares its Special Forces teams for long-term submarine assignments. A dilemma appears with the increased demand for such missions.

It seems that mentally, a sailor can main-

tain his focus and readiness for about six months, but if the deployment is longer, risks begin to become apparent.

There are physical as well as psychological pressures building up. Outside pressures from family add to the emotional demand.

Being acutely aware of the hardships battle can force upon families, Admiral Mike Mullen recently reminded us as a community to reach out and care for military families.

The song I have chosen for this topic is Press

the Battle On by Charles Naylor. The last words of the song give me courage and helps me stay focused as the battle wages on..

“Forward, forward, there’s a crown before, See it shining on that heavn’ly shore?

We shall wear it when the conflict’s o’er, The prize is waiting, press the battle on.”

I think back on the many times I was in danger of putting life in reverse. Despite the many miracles God has done in my life, I longed for that life with no requirements and expectations. But with God’s grace I continue to move ahead walking with Him, looking forward, pressing on.

Yes, we are at war with an enemy, but we are almost home. Let’s pray, Father, thank you for giving us strength in this battle for our souls. =

November 2011 From Ginny’s Kitchen Baked Mini Donuts INGREDIENTS: ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour ½ cup all-purpose flour ¾ t. baking soda ¾ t. baking powder ¼ t. salt 1 egg 6 oz. plain yogurt 1 T. grape seed oil 2 t. lemon juice 1 t. vanilla extract or another flavored extract if you want another taste (like walnut or lemon, etc.).

Preheat oven to 325.

Combine first 5 dry ingredients ; flours and baking soda, baking pow-

der & salt in a medium size bowl, set aside.

Beat egg. Mix egg, yogurt, grape seed oil, lemon juice, and extract all together. Combine flour mixture and blend together. Don’t over mix, you want it lite.

Spray mini donut pan with “Pam”.

Fill donut cup only 3/4 full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Check with a toothpick that it comes out clean.

Cool before removing pan.

DONUT GLAZES OR TOPPINGS: 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 2 T. hot water ½ t. vanilla exact, or almond or walnut extract.

Mix all together and with a tiny knife spread over each donut.

before you add batter and the chips will melt during cooking. =

OR Sprinkle equal amounts of cinnamon and sugar.

OR In each donut cup place chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips, or peanut-butter chips,

Up From the Ashes (cont. from page 2) small groups are preparing their favorite soups with all the trimmings. Bring your appetite to sample the delicious varieties.

Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 6th, as Daylight Saving Time ends.

On November 26, Bill Aumack will bring us the message Being Thankful in Difficult Times. It’s relatively easy for us to be thankful when things are good. It’s a whole different story when we are in the midst of some difficult times. We’ll look at what the Bible says about this

and learn about three attitudes and behaviors that make it hard for us to be thankful in difficult times.

See you when the church gathers. =

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Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

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Thursday

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Saturday

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5:58 pm sunset

5 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams Living in the World 5

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

9 AM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

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3 PM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

7 pm Band Practice

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11 4:53 pm sunset

12 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Mitch Williams Living in the World 6

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

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7 pm Band Practice

18 4:48 pm sunset

19 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Celebration Sabbath 12:30 PM Luncheon

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group

9 AM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

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7 pm Band Practice

3 PM Pathfinder/ Adventurer Meeting

25 4:45 pm sunset

26 9:30 AM S.S. 10:50 AM Worship Bill Aumack

7 pm Band Practice

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30 Visit www.downeychurch.org S.S. - Sabbath School

November 2011 Stewpot

by John Mathews

R

esearch shows that across all wealth categories in post modern culture, religion and wealth are connected.

Lisa Keister, associate professor of sociology, Ohio State University, found in her 2003 study that the median net worth of those devoted to the religious philosophy of Judaism was $150,890 while the conservative Christian’s net worth was only $26,2001.

Why? At first glance, the assumption can be made that conservative Christians anticipate a future, heavenly existence, while Judaism does not emphasize a world beyond. The relationship between religion and money becomes even more entwined and complex within the concept of world progress, which states that as societies speed up they naturally accumulate more and more possessions.

However, the mathematics of world progress cannot fully explain our culture’s exponential growth or the speed at which we accumulate stuff.2 Does having plenty of money make a person happy? In his book Arthur Brooks summarizes the number issue by stating that “my money only makes me happy when I notice that I

I Saw, I Desired, I Took am richer than you. Or that you are poorer than me, of course.”3 In order to stay happy with this mind set I must always get more stuff that requires me to spend more money and that proves that I have more than you do.4 Let’s suppose that you are hopelessly unhappy and there is absolutely nothing that anyone can do to make you happy. Imagine that I come and give you $100,000 with no strings attached, completely free, it’s yours. Research indicates that your happiness would only increase by 3%. In studies people were asked how much more money per month they needed to get by, and regardless of income level, people always felt that they needed about 40% more than what they were making in order to get by. Money proves to be a poor measurement of happiness unless someone perhaps comes from extreme poverty.5 Whether or not you agree with the research findings, the fact remains: money intersects practically

everything we do. We spend most of our day working in exchange for money and then we complain that there is not enough time to spend it. If we have time to spend it then we complain that we don’t have enough money to spend on what we really want. In spite of our complaints most of us do somehow find a way to use our money to provide a comfortable life style and adequate amounts of food.

Plus we do generally have our needs covered and can spend something on our wants too. And if you don’t feel that you have enough the credit card or cards are ever handy to keep the pursuit of the good life going.

An interesting survey of women found that only their concern and interest for the happiness and success of their children was more important to them than having enough money.6 Benjamin Franklin, whose picture adorns our hundred dollar bill, first promulgated the idea that time is money. More recently economics professor Ian Walker has made a mathematical formula for finding out exactly how much your time is worth.7 Some people convert their athletic ability into money by excelling at many different types of continued on page 8

Time is money, and many are wasting precious time which might be used in useful labor, working with their hands the thing that is good.8

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.11

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THE LATEST WORD I Saw, I Desired, I Took (cont. from page 7) sports. Some lawyers can command large fees based on their record of winning case after case. We all play our part in a society that operates and depends on each of us, as consumers, spending money. If the money is not spent the economy slows. There is no denying the power and pleasure that money provides.

Money and the process of making a living, is not in itself wrong. Ellen White states that “time is money, and many are wasting precious time which might be used in useful labor, working with their hands the thing that is good.”8 So it is not money itself or the making of money that is inherently wrong but rather the way that we misuse money or let money making take control of our lives.

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How are we as stewards of God’s possessions influenced by wealth? Here are two biblical examples to remember. Eve made a terrible decision in the Garden of Eden. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”9 For Eve the fall was progressive. She saw, she desired, and she took.

Achan followed the same progression. “When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them

and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”10 Achan saw, he coveted and he took.

The progression taken by

Life’s Objective To seek, trust and glorify God through humble service and continual prayer. To raise-up qualified disciples as quickly as possible. So that someday I might hear God say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’

Steve Scheibner Eve resulted in disaster for humanity and the outcome of Achan’s progression resulted in the loss of his life and his family’s lives.

Eve could not resist the allurement of pleasure and Achan caved in to a beautiful garment and a wedge of silver. This progression of, I saw, I coveted, I took, is a very slippery slope for the Christian steward living in a post modern culture. The progression is so innocent and subtle that the magnitude of the outcome can be overlooked or not perceived. There is no doubt that Eve and Achan were enamored by what they saw.

They wanted it. That desire blurred their judgment and the decision was made to take it. I think of Jack, our pet Goldendoodle, he will pull on his leash so hard that it will start to cut off his air supply, all because he sees and wants the squirrel that I as his master know he cannot catch. Only when I get his attention will he stop pulling. Eve and Achan did not see their progression and the enormity that each step had in the final decision made. The Bible gives us counsel about the things of this world including the desire for wealth and how they can blur our spiritual eyesight. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”11

and someone. In this world money, with its promise of pleasure and wealth, is presented as the way to this happiness, freedom and identity, but the progression to and the acceptance of materialism has far reaching negative results. In God’s way of thinking you cannot obtain happiness, freedom or find your identity by following the progression of, I see, I want, I take. We only find these things when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. As a steward and in our stewardship of God’s possessions, we find happiness not in the money and pleasures of this world but in seeing Jesus, wanting Jesus and partaking with Jesus. =

Many years ago I heard an old gospel song. The names of the author and performer have been forgotten but, I have never forgotten the opening verse because it shows how happiness can be found.

Early Adult Asset Accumulation Social Forces, Volume 82, Number 1, September 2003, pp. 175207 (Article)

Everyone wants to be happy Everyone wants to be free Everyone wants to be someone On this we all can agree But how can I ever be happy How can I ever be free?

I asked myself this question And a voice keeps calling to me.

You will never find complete peace of mind until you find the Lord

6.Make the Most of Your Money, Bottom Line Publications, 2008, p. 25.

We all want and have the desire to be happy, free

References: 1.Keister, Lisa A., Religion and Wealth: The Role of Religious Affiliation and Participation in

2.Dr. Richard Swenson, General Session at 2011 Christian Leadership Alliance Convention, Dallas, TX. 3.Arthur C. Brooks, Gross National Happiness, 2008, p. 120-123.

4.Ibid.

5.Ibid, p. 117-119.

7. http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/ women_want_money.html (Retrieved 7/227, 2011) The formula is: V=(W((100-t)/100))/C, where V is the value of an hour, W is a person’s hourly wage, t is the tax rate and C is the local cost of living. http://articles.cnn.com/ 2002-0529/tech/time.money_1_pence-formula-averagecost?_s=PM:TECH 8.Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 288.

9.Genesis 3:6 (NIV) 10.Joshua 7:21 (NIV) 11.First John 2:16

November 2011 THIS MONTH

Upcoming Events November Birthdays Laura Luna – 3 Sandra Gomez – 3 David Chavez – 4 Juanita Cabrera – 5 Norman Markussen – 6 Kevin Torres – 9 Clarice Murray – 10 Noemi Morales – 10 Esther McPhoy – 10 Mark Pond – 12 Ava Meade – 13 Yolanda Pena – 15 Melissa Archila – 16 Gustavo Ortega – 17 Alex Chavez - 18 Evelyn Vierna – 20 Araceli Sanchez – 21 Mark Toban – 22 Beverly Kauffman – 24 Flor Munguia – 27 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 - 6:30 p.m. Band Practice Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.

5 - Friendship Day 5 - Pathfinder/Adventurer Meeting - 3pm 6 - Pathfinder/Adventurer Meeting - 9am 6 - Set Clocks BACK one hour 19 - Celebration Sabbath 19 - Pathfinder/sAdventurers - 3pm 20 - Pathfinders/Adventurers - 9am 24 - Thanksgiving

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

Coming Soon December 17 - Community Christmas Program Jan. 7 - Day of Prayer Feb. 4 - 6 Weeks of Growing in Jesus begins

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THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family Congratulations to Amber Macias. She gave birth to Matthew Elijah Macias at 9:30 am on Sept. 22.

He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. and he was 19 inches long.

Kauffman who passed away on September 29, 2011. Kenny was cremated and buried at the military cemetery in Riverside on Oct. 11, 2011.

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! =

We sorrowfully report the passing of Kenny

Christmas Food and Toy Collection

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s soon as our Thanksgiving food drive ends, we will start the Christmas Food and Toy drive. We need to get the food and toys to the Downey PTA Helps early so they can get the boxes ready for the families.

Please bring your food donation and an unwrapped present for a teenager

by December 3rd.

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All food and toys will be given to the Downey PTA Helps to help local families. Thank you. =

Giving Thanks for All Things

I

t’s easy to list the bless-

ings in life: good health, family, a satisfying career, a comfortable home. We might even be thankful for things others take for granted such as freedom and clean drinking water, reliable transportation and food enough to eat. Then there are the little things, such as gardens, sunrises, pets and coffee.

But what about life’s storms or unanswered prayers? Should we be

thankful for these? Loss and hardship remind us of our dependence on God. He uses trials to draw us closer to him, to show us that he is our rock and refuge. In misfortune and grief, we discover God’s comfort and strength.

Should we not, then, be thankful for the storms, too? =

November 2011

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November 2011

Ponder This... = “A child of God should be a visible beatitude, for joy and happiness, and a living doxology, for gratitude and adoration.”

—Charles H. Spurgeon = “When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?”

—George Canning = “There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.”

—Celia Thaxter = “Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

—Albert Schweitzer

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

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