September 2014 The Latest Word by Downey Church

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

At the Core

A Day of Rest by Cary Fisher

o you ever feel like you need a break? In order to keep up with the demands of society, we seem to live busier lives today than at any other point in Earth’s history. In the 19th century, our country had its Industrial Revolution which spawned off the need for labor rights, and in 1887, U.S. President Grover Cleveland declared that on every first Monday of September there will be a national holiday called Labor Day. I must say that

I truly appreciate President Cleveland’s declaration as I have often taken full advantage of that day off of work, and have many fond memories because of it. However, Labor Day is a simple gesture from our government to show that it values the efforts of its working people, but a once-a-year holiday certainly was not intended to adequately give us the rest we need from a year’s worth of work. What it does show is that we just can’t keep going on

with life without a periodic break in our daily routine. God has also given us his own version of “Labor Day”, and he has out-done our country’s national day of rest. Instead of oncea-year, God’s labor day is once a week called the Sabbath. The Sabbath is God’s declared holiday which allows his children to have sufficient rest in order for us to have some time in peace. God certainly knows that most of us are continued on page 1

Downey Community Health Fair

oin us on Sunday, Sept. 21 from noon to 5pm as we host the free Downey Community Health Fair. Learn some holistic health principles to improve all areas of your life. It is based on the principles from the C.R.E.A.T.I.O.N. Health Series by Florida Hospital. (CREATION represents Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust,

Prayer is the core of our day. Take prayer out, and the day would collapse, would be pithless, a straw blown in the wind. But how can you pray — really pray, I mean — with one against whom you have a grudge or whom you have been discussing critically with another? Try it. You will find it cannot be done. —Amy Carmichael

INSIDE The Reunion page 3

Interpersonal, Outlook, and Nutrition)

Walls Built to Last page 4

There will be lots of booths and a health van from Glendale Hospital.

Taste & Inspiration on page 5

Invite some friends and join us for this life changing event. =

What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Our Church Family page 7 Parking Lot Party page 8 Kid’s Page on page 9

THE LATEST WORD A Day of Rest (cont. from page 1) tage of God’s plan for rest as we take part in his own “Labor Day” for us.

annual Parking Lot party with a Western theme, so bring your cowboy hat. Also, we are going to host a Downey Community Health Fair using the material from God has also given us Creation Health. This community his own version of “Labor outreach will be on Day”, and he has out- Sunday, September from 12 pm to done country’s national 21st 5 pm.

“

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew ll:28). Isn’t it reassuring that our God desires us to rest as he handles our worries and anxieties? God made us in a way that when we are resting, we are allowing our body, mind and soul to heal, and the Sabbath is one way to do as Jesus told us when he says, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” May it be our goal to take full advan-

day of rest.

September’s Calendar The month of September will be busy for us at the Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church. On September 6th, we will have our

”

September 6th - “Eureka” - Our message for our worship service will have a bit of a Western flavor to go with our “Parking Lot” party. Jesus says this when we come to God, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ...”(John 17:3). We all know that the western gold miners would shout out Eureka as they have found gold, but it is when we find Jesus is when we have truly found something. September 13th Pathfinders’ Sabbath - The Pathfinders will be leading out in our worship service. They will be back from their Oshkosh Camporee trip, and will give highlights from their trip. Eagle Rock’s Pathfinders Director, Steve Clement will be our guest speaker for this Sabbath.

September 20th Communion Sabbath This Sabbath will be one of our quarterly worship

services of the Lord’s Supper and footwashing. This is the time to remember all that Jesus has done for us, and a time to rededicate our lives as we symbolically accept his sacrifice for us. September 27th Living Out God’s Plan - Proverbs 19:21 writes, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” My message will help us see how we can focus on living the life that God wants us to have. See you when the church gathers. =

The Latest Word V 26 N 09 BILL AUMACK

WE DID IT

not only overworked, but emotionally and spiritually we are exhausted from the abuse and the guilt that comes from living in this sinful world.

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

September 2014 The Word & You by Linda Bewley

od’s word says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV). Recently a friend of mine asked me for assistance in locating former classmates. He is looking forward to attending a high school reunion and had been assigned the task of locating a handful of people from his graduating class. The list given to him contained last-known addresses and telephone

The Reunion numbers which were thought to be incorrect. Even though a reunion service had made unsuccessful attempts to locate current information, I heartily accepted the assignment. If you know me well, you know that there is nothing I enjoy more than locating people to reunite them for good purposes. I’ve had the privilege of locating people connected with adoptions and always love that type of work, but for the most part, friends ask me to help find someone from the past with whom they’ve lost contact. My employers also consider me their in-house detective, one aspect of my job I love! With the Internet, it is often quite easy. Easy that is until you run across old addresses and telephone numbers. As far as my friend’s high school

Worship Schedule Sept. 6th Cary Fisher

Sept. 20th Cary Fisher

Sept. 13th Steve Clement

Sept. 27th Cary Fisher

Eureka

Pathfinder Sabbath

Communion

Living Out God’s Plan

classmates are concerned, I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the project but so far I have only been able to find current information for two of them, a very small percentage. That’s been a little frustrating, but I was encouraged when I was able to speak to one person. She was delighted that someone had taken the time to locate her and reach out to her, and she assured me that she would be at the reunion. The Bible reminds us that God is on a mission to search for people who are lost. He is seeking to find people He created but who are not connected to him. I used to be on that list. How about you? Jesus reminded His listeners of the great lengths God goes to find the lost. One illustration He used was that of a lost sheep. I think we can imagine what it would be like to be a shepherd and lose an animal. We might even compare it to the process that happens when a beloved pet is missing. We exhaust every avenue to find our little furry family member. Or what about the illustration He used of the lost coin? I can certainly relate to losing money! It seems, though, that in Jesus’ story, the illustrations of the sheep and coin were appetizers. They prepared the way for His listeners to hear a very touch-

ing story about a father who lost his son to the world. Without retelling that story, I think we can easily relate to that young man. After all the time and energy we spend on other things, we are amazed that God has been there all the time, patiently waiting for us to make a decision to connect with Him. Personally, I find it amazing that He never gives up. Not in the past and not in the present. Regardless of what yesterday was about or the mistakes made, God still searches for ways to restore us to Himself. But here’s something to consider. He’s not done searching for His children. It’s not enough that He found me. Or you. He wants help to actively search for others. We may all have situations which discourage us when trying to tell friends or family members about Jesus. Sometimes it seems that our words go in one ear and out the other. But you never know when one word differently spoken, an invitation extended or a particular event will bring another result. And imagine the delight when someone comes to the Lord as a result. It’s never our work, of course, because we do not have the power to change a heart. But God does. And He asks for our cooperation and assistance as He works to move people from lost to found. =

THE LATEST WORD by Bill Aumack

Walls Built to Last

A Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” 2 Timothy 2:19

They become sort of like a light house that can guide others to safety when they are in their storm.

s horrific as 9/11 was, it could’ve been even worse if not for a 30-year-old engineering feat. Reaching some 70 feet underground, a 3-footthick concrete structure called a “slurry wall” surrounded the base of the World Trade Center complex. Designed to prevent the Hudson River from flooding the basement, this wall prevented New York’s subway system from flooding and countless additional people from dying on September 11, 2001. A slurry wall is constructed by pouring a thick, goopy mixture of powdered clay and water into a deep, narrow trench. The solution coats the sides, preventing water and soil from collapsing the trench. Pipes are then inserted through the slurry, and concrete is pumped into the trench, pushing the slurry up and out. At the WTC, the concrete formed such a strong wall that even two airplanes and the falling towers didn’t fracture it. Part of the slurry wall still stands at the 9/11 Memorial site, a symbol of resilience. Sometimes God uses life’s “slurry” to make us stronger than we ever thought possible. We might wish something yucky hadn’t happened — until we discover it was

part of what sustained us, making us resilient and enabling us to rise out of destruction and death to awe-inspiring new life. There are some times when some really “yucky” things can happen in our lives. Some of these things are truly horrible; the death of a loved one, horrible sickness, disabling injuries, and on and on it goes. Some of the things that happen to us are what we call “first world problems.” They may not really be that serious, but because we live such good lives, a small thing can seem like a big issue.

that this world throws at them. They emerge stronger and yet also more compassionate. They know what it is like in the depths of the storm. They also know what it’s like on the other side of the storm. They know how the Lord has strengthened them and helped them. And they become sort of like a light house that can guide others to safety when they are in their storm. What’s the difference between the two types of people? It’s the firm foundation. It is a foundation built to withstand hardship. It is a foundation built on promises of God. It is a foundation that is built for eternity, not just for a few years here on earth.

These yucky, bad things that happen, big or small, can help us develop into stronger, better people. That is, if we let them. Some people What is your foundapull back away from these tion built on? That’s events. They retreat into a worth pondering about... = shell and sometimes they never come out again. provided by Pathfinders Others seem to develop In appreciation for all the into stronsupport from the church, the ger people Pathfinders will host an after these events. Appreciation Luncheon on They seem September 13th. to be better equipped Everyone is invited! to deal with the struggles

All Church Luncheon

September 2014 Taste & Inspiration 5-Minute Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

ith many of the choices we are offered in the local markets and grocery stores, it’s difficult to resist those food products that are “fast & easy” to prepare. “Quick serve” “brown & serve” or whatever buzz word the package is labeled with sells us on how easy and convenient the item is to prepare for consumption. Today it seems like time, or lack of, and such busy schedules in our life is what challenges most of us from budgeting the necessary time to prepare a fresh, healthy, home cooked meal. Convenience is what we seem to take most in to consideration when preparing our meal menu. This can be dangerous. Dinner, or supper as some refer to it, was THEE meal I remember as a kid that we all, as a family, sat down to the table and shared together. My mom, a stay-at-home housewife, had and took the necessary time to prepare a good, hearty meal for our family. Back then she didn’t have the convenience of a microwave (thank God )or convenient pre-packaged foods available like we so commonly do today. Looking back,

it seems taste was more of a factor with what she prepared than health or convenience. Not that she knowingly cooked unhealthy meals, but I don’t remember healthiness being a factor in menu choices. The closest thing to that I do remember was hearing, “Make sure to eat ALL your vegetables. You don’t want to get scurvy.” I didn’t know what scurvy was but I didn’t like the sound of it and I knew it wasn’t healthy. And if my mom said I don’t want to get it, then certainly I didn’t want to get it. Hey, moms KNOW!! So I deduced, vegetables are healthy. Now, it seems like we, as a society, are exchanging convenience for health in how we plan our menu. With all the chemicals, artificial flavorings and preservatives that so much of the “foods” of convenience we eat contain, it’s no surprise with how unhealthy a lot of us have become. Obesity and diabetes are two of the more dangerous results we face when continuing to fuel our bodies with these kinds of “food”. One of the pieces of criteria I’m trying to incorporate in my healthy diet if what I’m eating isn’t fresh out of the garden is this: When

Pilar & Phillip reading the ingredient and nutrition label on a can, bag or jar of food I’m considering consuming, if I can’t pronounce it, I won’t eat it. There are so many different fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and other foods available the same way now as when they were first created by God himself in how He would have us feed and fuel our magnificent bodies in the most healthy ways. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, ideas or recipes for consideration, feel free to share them with Pilar or myself. God Bless!!

Ingredients: • 2 cups cooked or 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans (BPAfree), preferably organic • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced or pressed • 1 medium tomato, diced • 1/2 medium red onion,

chopped • 2 TBS parsley, chopped • 1 TBS fresh lemon juice • 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil • salt and pepper to taste

Optional: • 1/4 cup feta cheese • 6 sliced kalamata olives • 1 tsp rosemary

Directions: 1. Press or mince garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out its hidden health benefits. 2. Drain liquid from garbanzo beans and rinse under cold running water; this helps prevent intestinal gas. 3. Combine all ingredients with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Serves 2 Enjoy! =

Downey Adventist Church Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

7:12 pm sunset

6 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary

5:30pm Parking Lot Party

7 pm Band Practice

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

12 7:02 pm sunset

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

7 pm Band Practice

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

Pathfinder Sabbath 12:30pm Luncheon provided by Pathfinders

19 6:52 pm sunset

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

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

7 pm Church Board

7 pm Band Practice

26 6:43 pm sunset

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

7 pm Wed. Fellowship

7 pm Band Practice

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

September 2014

Upcoming Events September Birthdays Yazmin Williams – 2 Abraham Guevara – 3 Pilar Centeno, Jr. – 5 Pat Novinski – 6 Destinee Macias – 8 Kean Aispuro – 9 Elora Chavez – 9 Shelby Jackson – 11 David Guerrero – 12 Mario Delgado – 12 Dolores Gamboa – 13 Amber Macias – 15 Mitch Williams – 19 Hector Archila – 21 Enoch Aispuro – 22 Matthew Macias – 22 Patricia Jackson – 23 Eloy Luna – 23 Dessirey Torres – 24 Dennis Navarro – 26

Wednesday - 7 p.m. Wed Fellowship Fridays - 7:00 p.m. Band Practice Sept Sept Sept Sept Sept Sept Sept

If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in.

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.

1 - Labor Day - Office Closed 6 - Parking Lot Party, Western theme 5:30pm 13 - Pathfinder Sabbath 13 - Luncheon provided by Pathfinders 18 - Church Board 7pm 20 - Communion 21 - Health Fair 12pm to 5pm

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

Coming Soon Oct. 11 - Small Groups begin Nov. 22 - Celebration Sabbath Dec. 20 - Christmas program

THE LATEST WORD The Latest About

Our Church Family Pilar Sr. is recovering from knee surgery. Remember her in your prayers. Be sure to ask her about it. Thanks to all the parents and Pathfinder leaders who took our kids to Oshkosh and back. Be sure to ask them about their adventurers.

Check out the pictures in our App.

newsletter. =

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

Parking Lot Party

he party will begin on Sept. 6th at 5:30pm. This year we have a Western theme. Come ready to enjoy the party Western style. There will be food, worship and fun in our parking lot. Show off your artistic side in the pavement drawing contest, or play some pingpong, volleyball or basketball or just hang out by the

fire and enjoy the food and fellowship. Bring some picnic food to share, some lawn chairs to sit in, invite some friends and enjoy the evening with us. =

There’s an App for That These days, there’s a smartphone app for just about everything. But what about spiritual concerns? Where can you turn? • Depressed? Try the joy app. Read Isaiah 51:11. • Tired? Try the renewal app. Read Isaiah 40:30-31. • Unsettled? Try the peace app. Read Philippians 4:7. • Unloved? Try the love app. Read Romans 8:3839. • Worried? Try the refuge app. Read Psalm 46:1.

• Fearful? Try the power app. Read 2 Timothy 1:7. • Guilty? Try the forgiveness app. Read Colossians 1:13-14. • Praying? Try the prayer app. Read 1 John 5:14-15. The Scriptures are God’s storehouse of meaningful applications for what we face every day. Think of the Bible as the iTunes Store of spiritual apps. Best of all, everything’s free! —Timothy Merrill =

September 2014

Ponder This... = “Faith takes God without any ‘ifs.’” —D.L. Moody = “Use what talent you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang best.” —Henry Van Dyke = “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” —Corrie ten Boom

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

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