A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department December 2013
Issue #16
Gregory Park Celebrates a ‘HARVEST of Praise’
H
arvest at Gregory Park Church has become one the most anticipated items on the local church calendar over the past few years. This year’s staging once again validated that anticipation, as the Church was treated to another spiritual and festal experience. This year’s theme was ‘Bountiful Blessings: Harvest of Praise’. The weekend started with Vesper Service on the Friday night, November 29. The fair size congregation entered into a transformed edifice, complete with Jamaican coloured fabric and bandana drapery as the backdrop, sorrel stems affixed to the benches and an altar of hearty looking fruits, vegetables and produce of all shapes, colour and sizes. The various choirs of the Church were on full praise as they raised Hymns befitting the Glory of the Father of Creation – while Pastor Blondel Campbell offered the evening’s charge. Sabbath’s Worship Service continued the momentum of the night before. Bro Omar Bernard, Superintendent
(left) Pastor Damian Chambers of the Clear Park SDA Circuit delivers the Divine Hour Message, while Pastor Campbell looks on. On the right, the Combined Choir blend their voice in Praises to God.
of the morning’s Sabbath School, reminded the congregation that everything is created and provided by nature for the total nourishment and wellness of mankind. A highlight of the morning service was the welcome by Bro. Neville Harriott. Dressed in full famer’s garb, ‘Uncle Neville’ made all the visitors feel right at home – even offering june plums as a treat to visitors. This was after he did a demonstration of a homemade ‘sugarless’ smoothie made of banana, pineapple, dates, sunflower seeds, Lasoy, crushed ice and even avocado - and providing a taste test to seal the deal. The speaker for Divine Hour was Damian Chambers, Pastor of the Clear Park District of Churches. Pastor Chambers reminded the congregation exactly why it is necessary for us to give all glory and honour to God for all his goodness towards us. Sunday was the culmination of Harvest celebration, where members could lay claim to the produce they had laid their eyes on over the past two days.
Pastor Lascelles James, who offered the homily during the worship service, likened God’s people to fruits that have overcome the storms and other forces of life to reach a point of maturity and fitness. Afterwards, under the green tent shading from the midday sun was a procession of performers keeping the Churchyard buzzing as persons bought, ate, laughed, sang, drank and bought again. Cooked meals, pastry, natural juices, ground produce, fruits, vegetables—it was all available, and the brethren partook, all to the benefit of the Gregory Park SDA Church. . See images from Harvest 2013 on page 9 Damian Wilson Communication Department
Page 2
I s s ue # 1 6
3
From the Pastor
4
Week of Prayer/Prayer-thon
5
Letter to the Church6 Did You Know?
6
Women’s Retreat
7
Women of Influence
8
Scenes from the Quarter
9
Harvest 2013 Scenes
10
Meet your Officers ADRA Aids Typhoon Victims
11
Where are they Now? Revived by His Word
12
Publications
13
Adventist Resources The Light
14-15
Health as a Lifestyle
16-17
Church News
18
Church Calendar
T he L i g h t
A BLONDEL Campbell Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of Churches
“This year the SDA Church in Jamaica will embark on MM14 – Metro Mission 2014, targeting the major towns and cities for evangelism.”
s we welcome the dawn of a new year and the close of another, we are reminded of God’s goodness towards us for allowing this to be so. It also reminds us that we are one year closer to His coming. Let us individually and collectively pledge in our hearts to draw even closer to the Creator this year, through prayer, study and worship. Thanks to all officers and departments who executed their various programmes and special days during the quarter. We are indeed grateful for your stewardship over your department and the way as officers, you have led out in the services of the Gregory Park Church. Special thanks and commendation also to those who have answered the call to service as officers for the year 2014. Do all things through the power and might of our Lord. Thanks to the Church at large for supporting the harvest ingathering in October. We are reminded that the work of the church needs financial support as well. Congratulations to the Pastor, members and officers of the Greater Portmore Church which was organized as the newest Church in the area and Conference. We look forward to working together in an effort to save souls for the Kingdom.
I must also extend special appreciation to Pastor Lascelles James for his work at the Gregory Park Church over the last few months. Your brief tenure with us has truly been memorable and rewarding for the Gregory Park Church. Continue to allow the Lord to use you in a mighty way as you carry on the work elsewhere. Thanks to all who supported and in particular the planning committee for the Harvest Celebrations in December and made it a success. Special thanks to Sis Claudia Bailey for her participation in Week of Prayer and Preach-a-Thon. As a Church, we acknowledge the passing of Nelson Mandela and the work he did as a liberator and defender of the rights of black people in South Africa. Let his life remind us to not be afraid to stand up against injustice in any form. This year the SDA Church in Jamaica will embark on MM14 – Metro Mission 2014, targeting the major towns and cities for evangelism. Let us pray for it and support it in whatever way we can as we continue to carry out the gospel commission. Thank you all and God’s richest blessings for 2014.
I s s ue # 1 6
T
closes out YEAR OF THE LAITY
his year’s Week of Prayer took on an added dimension when the customary one week series was expanded into a second week dubbed ‘Preach-a-thon,’ running from November 2-16. This was the final initiative of the Central Jamaica Conference in keeping with its Year of the Laity focus. Called to bring the Divine Gospel to the Gregory Park SDA Church was Sis Claudia Bailey, Prayer Ministry Coordinator of the Central Jamaica Conference. Sis Bailey delivered God’s Word with power, assurance, and precision, night after night and for three consecutive Sabbaths. She implored those within the hearing of her voice that Holy Spirit has the power to transform lives positively but the only way to tap into that power was to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. She also stressed the importance of Prayer as the medium to Heaven.
Of course this was also during the traditional youth month in November where the young people of the Church were allowed to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the operation of different departments of the Church. Week of Prayer/Preach-a-thon was the last of a series of evangelistic programmes for the year by the Church in collaboration with the Conference. March 16-21 saw a week of Revival by Pastor Dwayne Scott; April 5-14 - the REACH Programme with Pastor Noel Rose, in June it was time for the Prophecy Unveiled Seminar by Pastor Blondel Campbell and September 21-27 witnessed the ‘Sharing the Joy of the Harvest’ Series with Pastor Alan Hush. The week of Prayer/Preach-a-Thon would close a year of preaching, teaching and worshiping God with the goal of calling persons to His Kingdom through the work of Lay men and women.
Preach-a-thon culminated on the afternoon of Sabbath November 16, with the Church, along with other Adventist Churches in the area, congregating at the Portmore SDA Church to close the programme. . It was reported that across the Conference, some one-hundred and twenty-one (121) persons from the fifteen zones in Central Jamaica Conference were baptised. . In commenting on the initiative, Pastor Nevail Barrett, Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Director for CJC, stated that “The objectives were met. We set out to engage the participation of certified Lay Preachers and Bible Workers, including those newly trained in IICM training programme, during the Year of the Laity. We also wanted to increase evangelistic activities in churches which have been underevangelized over the years.”
T he L i g h t
From Pastor Everett Smith, President - Jamaica Union
I
greet you warmly, and trust you are enjoying the blessing of the Lord as we live and work in His vineyard. In 2014, the Jamaica Union will embark on a major evangelist initiative that will see the five conferences in Jamaica targeting the major cities and towns during the first quarter of 2014. This initiative is in keeping with the General Conference and the Inter-American Division’s focus on targeting the major cities of the world. Kingston being our capital and largest city in Jamaica, has been designated as the major city of emphasis for the Jamaica Union. This initiative requires the full support of every member of the church to join us in praying for the success of this programme, and to participate in the mission to the cities and towns by making a special contribution to defray the expenses of
conducting the initative. Therefore, on Sabbath, December 7 and Sabbath December, 28, we are inviting each member to give a sacrificial offering which will be collected on those dates. If for any reason you are unable to make your contributuion on any of these two days, please feel free to put it in an envelop marked “MM14”, and place the envelope in the offering receptacle on any Sabbath. We are not only soliciting your prayers and financial support, but we ask that you pray for, study with, and/or invite someone to attend one of these evangelistic series across the island. We believe thousands of persons will respond to the gospel during this initiative, and we thank you for your support in fulfilment of the mission to which God has called us. Yours in His Service Everett E. Brown (Pastor)
The Adventist Church membership has passed the 18 million member mark! There were 18,028,796 Seventh-day Adventists worldwide as of September 30, 2013 according to the Church’s Office of Archives, Statistics and Research. An estimated 25 to 30 million men, women & children attend weekly Adventist worship services.
Did You Know?
►On
any given day, 3,052 people join the church. ► Every hour 127 people are baptized. ► Every minute, two individuals are baptized
I s s ue # 1 6
Reflect, Release, Rejoice!
A few members of the Gregory Park contingent
O
ver the years, Women’s Retreat has served as a time when the women of the church heeded the Lord’s command to ‘come apart’ to be challenged, motivated and inspired for greater service to the Lord. A decision was taken to have an ‘All-Portmore’ SDA Women’s Retreat supported by sister churches Braeton, Greater Portmore, Newlands and Tent City, with women attending from as far afield as Kingston and Spanish Town. Retreat 2013 was another opportunity to experience anew God’s healing and renewing love. The theme, ‘Reflect, Release, Rejoice!’, proved to be a fitting caption for the powerful spiritual experience which unfolded over the weekend of November 1–3, 2013 at Jewels Resort in St. Ann. On the morning of Friday, November 1, 50 women journeyed to Jewels Resort to begin a weekend of reflection, prayer and praise in peaceful surroundings away from their regular daily activities. Having settled in at the Resort, the main focus of Friday evening’s vesper service was REFLECT. The admonition in Psalm 139: 23-24 seemed to be the prayer on every sister’s heart as the service got underway. The main presenter on Friday evening was Sis Christine Shand. Sabbath morning, November 2 was no ordinary Sabbath. A stirring Sabbath School and lesson review was followed by an inspiring Divine Hour with Sis. Sackeria Hinds of Northern Caribbean University as Divine Hour Speaker. The focus of the day was RELEASE and the sisters were led on a spiritual journey through the spoken word and song to surrender all to Jesus and allow Him to set them free. ‘This feels like when I just got baptized’, was the sentiment expressed by one of the attendees from Kingston. Prayer was an integral part of the retreat and the power of prayer was felt at every stage of the process from planning through to implementation. Sabbath, November 2, however, will be forever held dear in the memories of the sisters as the power of prayer was manifested in a marked way during the Sabbath service. A sister entered the Sabbath School in such obvious physical pain that it moved many hearts. She had great difficulty walking and had been unsuccessful in finding her pain medication. The prayer sessions throughout the retreat were very intense and personal as the sisters poured out their hearts to God in total surrender. God moved in a miraculous way as sister after sister found release and it was a climactic anthem of praise that went up to God when the Sister was released from her pain, demonstrating repeatedly that she had been miracu-
This Sister rejoices after experiencing God’s healing power
lously healed by God from her physical pain. She walked, jumped, skipped and danced through the rest of the weekend. The testimonies were powerful as everyone began to REJOICE and praise the Lord for the victories won. REJOICE, the last part of the theme, was the focus of Sunday, the final day of the Retreat. Sis. Mary Cole led out with a prayer walk on the beach, assisted by her daughter, Sister Montaque, who presented a short devotional reading. The women then prayed and wrote in the sand, names of persons they were interceding for with a desire to see them in the Kingdom. It was no ordinary prayer session! As the women prayed and shared, there was no mistaking the distinct sense of God’s presence moving among the group. There was hardly a dry eye and much rejoicing as the testimonies came freely and as the prayer partners prayed. One of the most rewarding elements of the retreat was the number of non-Adventists or former Adventists impacted for the Lord. This included the bus driver, Chris who Sis. Mary Cole witnessed to from the time she entered the bus and throughout the journey. He was also prayed for during the weekend. When it was time for the return journey, he committed to going back to church, a promise he has since kept. In the dining area Sis. Cole met a couple. Upon seeing Sis Cole’s prayer button, the male, perhaps jokingly requested prayer. However, Sister Cole was serious about her mission for the Lord. As she conversed with them in preparation for prayer, the young man came under conviction. He had once walked with the Lord and it was time to return to Him! He proposed to his female companion and plans were made for the requisite counseling, to be followed by marriage and baptism. Another individual, a former member who had been somewhat distant during the weekend, at the very end re-dedicated her life to the Lord in that same dining room and committed to start attending church once again. All the victories were won through prayer, through servants of God who allowed God to use them mightily on this special weekend retreat. By November 3, REFLECT, RELEASE, REJOICE had become more than the mere words of a theme. The words had now become the experience of the participants on the retreat. Prayer partners continue to pray together and the rich spiritual encounter with God challenged every participant to a deeper spiritual walk with God. - Marjorie Stone
T he L i g h t
S Women’s Dinner
he opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (Proverb 31:26). As the year 2013 drew to its close, the Women’s Ministry Department implemented its final major activity for the year. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the women had had a successful year and it was only fitting that the year -end activity be a meaningful one. Sis. Janet Gordon, Women’s Ministry Director, and her committee organized an evening of prayer, relaxation and fun under the theme ‘Women of Influence’. The evening was to reinforce the influence of women, to affirm each other and ensure that by God’s grace the influence they wield in every sphere of life would be positive and Godly. The evening of casual elegance began at approximately 5:30 pm with the arrival of the beautifully attired ladies at Sunrise Crescent, Kingston. The ambience created was breathtaking. The front lawns were converted into an enthrallingly beautiful setting as the white tables and chairs nestled among the lush, green vegetation with sparkling lights and background music set the tone for a wonderful evening. Sis. Gordon welcomed the ladies and had a heart-toheart talk with them. The most important activity of the evening was an intense devotional exercise and prayer in which the ladies poured out their hearts to God in intercessory prayer. The ladies also sought to affirm each other by speaking positively about the person whose name they had selected at the beginning of the proceedings. Sis Ceraphia Roper, the Master of Ceremonies, did an excellent job of guiding the evening’s proceedings. The main address to the Women came from the guest speaker, Sis. Dornarey Taffe. She reminded the women how valuable they are and that they should take time out to care and make a difference. She was a riveting speaker who made it clear that matter or substance is more important than mere form. Dinner was a delectable affair and the women were graciously served by Brother Mboya Gordon and Elder Edward Chambers who were both dapperly attired in black and white. They served well and the women dined in style, feasting on a delicious three course meal prepared by the gifted Sis. Paulette Rowe. The evening’s activities culminated with an hour of fun of games spearheaded by Sisters Hortense Brown and Ceraphia Roper. The women laughed and played together vying for spot prizes and discovering the lighter side of each other. When the activities were finally brought to a close, everyone was fully satisfied that it was an evening well spent both spiritually and socially. - Marjorie Stone
I s s ue # 1 6
1 - Sis. Joan Pusey and daughter Kaydene PuseyBernard hold hands as they prepare to pray during the Week of Prayer 2 - Sis Michelle Roper-Carty carries a basket of corn on her head during Harvest, Sunday December 1, 2013 3 - First Elder, Cavan Davis speaks with a member of the community during tract distribution, Sabbath October 19, 2013 4 - Bro. Hernando Henry, Jean-Mark Davis and Devroy Peart (left to right), form the Praise Team during Week of Prayer Service 5 - Bro. Clive Ebanks serves the Communion wine during Communion Service, Sabbath December 14, 2013
T he L i g h t
I s s ue # 1 6
Old faces in
Places
A new slate of officers have been selected through the Churches nomination and selection process to lead the Church and the various departments through the year 2014. Many are familiar names who have served in different departments over the years. Some are new to the particular department, while other are returning after a long hiatus. Below are a few old faces in new places among the major departments.
Orrett Davis No stranger to the position of Church Treasurer, Bro Orrett Davis returns to the position he held many years ago, following 13 consecutive years in the position by Sis Hyacinth Hines. Bro Davis will once again take responsibility for the management of the Church’s finances.
Janet Able-Simpson Having held many difference offices over the years, the ordained elder, former Church Clerk and Sabbath School Superintendent now takes on the task of Personal Ministries Leader, a position, which drives evangelism in and around the church.
Marjorie Stone
Ceraphia Roper A relative newcomer to the Gregory Park Church after moving her membership and relocating to the St. Catherine area a few years ago, Sis Ceraphia takes on the task as Adventist Youth Leader, of leading the Church’s young and young at heart – and leading the Sabbath afternoon’s programme.
A former Education Director, Health Minister's Leader & current Worship Committee Chair, Sis. Stone is the new Church Clerk. Among the myriad of administrative responsibilities, she will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient management of the Church’s records
ADRA Aids Thousands of Families in the Philippines The Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA) responded immediately to Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated portions of Southeast Asia, most notably the Philippines in early November. . ADRA provided more than 3,500 families with emergency food kits in Cebu and Iloilo and an additional 2,400 to families in Roxas. ADRA was the first NGO on the ground to provide food for the survivors in those areas. . In addition, ADRA's emergency response team distributed 5,000 emergency shelter tarps in affected areas. . ADRA's primary hub of emergency response activity was moved from Cebu to Roxas City in Capiz Province, where the water supply and the ability to pump water was disrupted due to loss of electricity. The ADRA team also installed four water purification systems. They also provided 15,000 liters of drinkable water for 3,000 people each day. Safe drinking water was transported to surrounding communities near Roxas, and to the District Hospital, which treated 100 to 150 outpatients and 50 inpatients daily. . Typhoon Haiyan is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,069 people in that country. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed. Scenes of the destruction and devastation on the Philippines left by Typhoon Haiyan
Source: Natalia López-Thismón, ADRA International
T he L i g h t
In this Where are they Now? year-end edition, four of our past members or members living elsewhere share a brief year-end greeting Christine Rose
▐
Warm holiday greetings to my favorite home church… GPSDA! As we embrace the joy, peace and happiness of the season, may we use it as an opportune time to share God's goodness, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and most importantly, His bountiful love. My thoughts and prayers for a safe and blessed holiday and a prosperous and Spirit-filled New Year 2014.
Tavia McLaughlin
▐
In this cycle we call ‘life’ we meet people and many times our cycle part. We leave with things attached to our cycles called ‘memories’ which help to shape our lives and direct the future. May the memories we have as a church family never die, may we hold fast to the promises Jesus left us. And wherever our cycles take us, may we stand firm and confident in the assurance of God's mercy and love. Happy Holidays Gregory Park Church. May you be drawn closer to Christ and closer to each other.
Kelly-Kay Brown
▐
Happy holidays to my friends and family at Gregory Park. I pray that the Lord will bless you twice as much in the upcoming year as he did in 2013. Please continue praying for me as I do the same for my Church family.
Jeudeen Chambers
▐
Happy New Year to my church family. God has been good to me throughout this past year; I'm grateful for all He has done. For this new year all we need to do is remain faithful, He will see us through to the end. Thanks for all your prayers and support and please continue to do so.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Melissa Brown Marjorie Stone Fiona Dyer Wilson Damian Wilson
I s sue #15
PUBLICATIONS of the Quarter
DESCRIPTION Is there a place where you can TRULY find the meaning of life and the path to eternity? Is there a message that contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
DESCRIPTION Inspiration for each day of the year At the end of the 365 readings you will have learned how to have better health. You will also have learned to be a better parent, a better mother, a better daughter or son, a better friend, and a better citizen.
This book turns to thousands of pages of the Bible, from which so many people have found answers to their most profound questions. The Scripture, the most widely distributed book of all time, continues to be as true today as when it was written, and as vital for our generation as for those past. To get copies of these and other SDA Christian Literature:
Speak with your local Publishing Director
Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre Kingston, 74 Constant Spring Road. Spanish Town, 58 Brunswick Ave Mandeville, 5 1/2 Annex Drive, Ocho Rios, Native Plaza, 58 Main Street Montego Bay, 30 Church Street Savana-la-mar, 6 Rose Street
Visit the Inter-American Division Book Store Website at http://store.iadpa.org/ Or any other online book store such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Reflections that will help strengthen your spiritual sensitivity and help you to achieve spiritual peace. Filled with practical advice, inspiring experiences, and interesting information. A different, inspiring, convenient treasury of wisdom; an easy and enjoyable read of immense value, within the reach of every budget.
T he Li ght
Did you miss an issue of THE LIGHT?
Resources
Issuu now features The LIGHT
While this quarter’s resource is not specific to or created by the Adventist Church, it certainly will be of value of all Christians who want to introduce their Children to Bible stories at an early age
See & read all 16 issues from your browser or mobile device by visiting
http://issuu.com/gp_light
Bible for Kids
ISSUU is the leading digital publishing platform delivering exceptional reading experiences of magazines, catalogs, and newspapers.
Description The Bible App for Kids is the newest member of the YouVersion family of apps. Available now for Android smartphones and tablets for free download. Through interactive adventures and beautiful animations, kids explore the big stories of the Bible. The Bible App for Kids is a delight-filled experience designed to encourage kids to return again and again. It’s the beginning of a lifelong love of God’s Word. ►Easy, kid-friendly navigation ► Colourful illustrations ► Touch-activated animations ► Engaging, interactive content that brings the Bible to life ► Fun facts and activities designed to help kids remember what they learn ► Special challenges that let kids earn rewards App Screenshot
You can the download on Issuu app e or your phon tablet
You may subscribe to The Light on Issuu by clicking the SUBSCRIBE icon to be notified of new publications To be added to the mailing list or request back issues, please send an email to the address below.
communications.gpsda@gmail.com
I s s ue # 1 6
Health as a Lifestyle
Ways to Improve Your Day in Just 5 Minutes Five minutes. It's only a little bit of time. But it's long enough for you to do one thing that could make your whole day better.
When you get hungry later in the afternoon, you'll be ready!
5. Sniff a lemon.
3. Clear your desk.
That's a great return on your time investment! So take five minutes and try one of these 10 simple ways to lower stress, boost your mood, and get more energy. It might give you that extra spark you need to meet the challenges of the day. 1.
Make your bed.
This isn't about being a clean freak. It's a small ritual that can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom -and a soothing bedroom is part of "sleep hygiene" -- little habits that can help you sleep better. Author Gretchen Rubin recommends making your bed as a daily habit in her book, The Happiness Project. Do it first thing in the morning, and you've got one less thing to worry about for the rest of the day. 2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in the morning, prep a healthy snack to take with you. Ideas include fruit, unsalted nuts, and low-fat cheese or yogurt.
From stray papers to scattered tea mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curb productivity. Declutter your outer environment and you may feel more organized and better able to concentrate on the task at hand.
For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to an underrated sense -- your sense of smell. Japanese researchers found that linalool; a substance found in lemons, may turn down the classic "flight-or-fight" stress response. Not into lemons? Try basil, juniper, or lavender -- those scents have also been found to lower stress.
4. Pump up the music.
6. Stretch.
Several studies have found that listening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost mood. The right music has the power to change your attitude. So load up your MP3 player and create a playlist that will make you smile -whether you're working or working out. As long as you don't blast it (bad for your hearing), this is a safe, healthy way to make your day more enjoyable.
No need to put on your yoga pants or get all bendy. Just a few easy moves will do. Stretch your arms overhead. Raise and lower your shoulders a couple of times. Stretch your legs as you lean your torso against a wall. Be gentle, so you don't overdo it. Stretching can help improve your circulation and flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that come with
T he L i g h t
Health as a Lifestyle stress. 7. Deep breathing. It's easier than you may think. Here's how: Settle into a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Then follow your breath -- in, out - for a few minutes. Thoughts are bound to bubble up in your mind -- no problem. Just let them float by and turn your attention back to your breath. Doing this daily, even just for a few minutes, may help tame stress.
Among the awardees for 2013 prestigious Golden Torch Award were two members of the Gregory Park SDA church. The annual award, instituted in 1993, is given to teachers who have given long, distinguished ser vice to the public education system. The church extends congratulations to these two stalwarts, Sister Vivette Mclaughlin and Sister Janet AbleSimpson. We laud their achievement and pray for further success as they continue to serve faithfully.
8. Keep a gratitude diary. Take a minute every day to write down what you're thankful for -- big or small. It's easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining brings negative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make you appreciate all the positives in your life. 9. Turn off your electronics.
Take a little break, already, from all your gadgets. Staring at computer screens and electronics all day long can zap your energy and encourage inactivity. So log off -- of everything -- every now and then. This is especially important to allow you to unwind and relax before bed. Just because the world is on, 24-7, you don't have to be!
â–˛ Sis Vivette McLaughlin receives the Golden Torch Award
10. Prioritize. Give yourself permission to admit that you can't do everything, all at once. Instead, you can nibble away at your to-do list, and feel more satisfied, by setting some priorities. So make a list, figure out what really matters, what can wait, and what you can skip. Work your way down the list, handling your top priorities first. Bit by bit, you'll get there! WebMD Feature By Jennifer Soong Reviewed by: Michael W Smith, MD
Ruth-Anne White
The Church extends heartiest congratulations to Sis Audrey White and her daughter, Ruth-Anne White. Sister Audrey White, a member of the Greg ory Park SDA, is thankful to God for His leading in her daughter’s life. The church family rejoices with Sister White and Ruth-Anne who earned 10 grade ones in the CSEC examinations. Ruth -Anne is a member of the Portmore SDA church and was recently identified as the student who earned the highest mark in the entire Caribbean region for CSEC English Language. Ruth-Anne has made Jamaica proud! We laud this stellar achievement and pray for her continued success.
I s s ue # 1 6
The Light shares the following news stories on religion from across the world, for the information of readers. Opinions expressed in these reports/stories do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Light, the Gregory Park SDA Church or the Seventh-day Adventist Church and power of God.” . The Honourable Arnaldo Brown, Member of Parliament for East Central St. Catherine,lauded the church for its growth and impact in the Portmore region. “The Adventist Church has had a significant effect in the Portmore region and Jamaica especially in the areas of health and education. As we move forward we seek to find ways in strengthening those areas in this region as there is no greater partner to have in helping to impact the community for good than the church. We look forward to the continued development of this church.” Source: Central Jamaica Conference A section of congregation gathered for the organization of the Greater Portmore Adventist Church on November 23, 2013. [photo: Kemar T. J. Douglas]
Greater Portmore Church Organised
Website: centralja.org
Leaders look at reality of church exodus at first Retention Summit
T
he Greater Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church became the 188th organized church in Central Jamaica Conference after the ceremony was conducted on November 23, 2013. The service was held on the lawns of the Ascot High School, with the church meeting hall, the school auditorium, as a part of the backdrop. . Before the organization of the church, the group of over 110 believers worshiping in the school’s auditorium was known as the Ascot Church, but as Pastor Kevan Barnaby, senior pastor for the Braeton District explained that the original name was linked to horse racing.” ” Pastor Barnaby went on to say that, “We are proud to be known as the Greater Portmore Church and we look forward to doing greater things. We have come a long way and we know that the Lord will be with us because He has been with us every step of the way.” Pastor Levi Johnson, President of CJC, commended the brethren for the sterling growth of the church and the initiative of the Braeton Seventh-day Adventist Church which started in 2010. “It was always the intention of the Conference to have another church planted in the Portmore region and we are happy that the Braeton Church spear-headed this venture, under the then leadership of Pastor Mullings,” Pastor Johnson indicated. In bringing greetings Pastor Jonathan Miller, pastor of the Tent City District of Adventist Churches, explained that, “when I joined the conference over 30 years ago there was only one or two churches in the Portmore region and now they are nine. It wasn't through our strength, but by the will
The first global summit focusing on Seventh-day Adventist Church membership retention is revealing the rate and reasons members slip out the back door. It’s the first time the matter has been spotlighted in such a major way. The Adventist world church, now with nearly 18 million members, has lost at least 1 in 3 Seventh-day Adventist members in the last 50 years, according to summit organizers. Also, in this century, the ratio of people lost versus new converts is 43 per 100. . “These figures are too high,” said David Trim, director of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research. “There’s a theological point to this and it’s that God’s mission is to seek the lost.” . For three days in November, 100 attendees from six continents gathered at the denomination’s world headquarters for the Summit on Nurture and Retention to examine data, which offered a clearer picture of trends beyond longContinued on next page
T he L i g h t
held assumptions gained from anecdotal evidence. . Veteran Adventist Church researcher Monte Sahlin said the reasons people drop out of church often have less to do with what the church does and its doctrines than with problems people experience in their personal lives—marital conflict or unemployment, for example. What the church does that contributes to the problem, he said, is not helping people through their tough life experiences. . “The notion of people dropping out because of something the church does or a doctrinal disagreement is not apparent in the data,” Sahlin said. “It’s been shown that a member of a church board is just as likely to disagree with one of the church’s 28 Fundamental Beliefs as someone who’s been disfellowshiped.” .
Adventist President offers condolences at passing of Mandela
More Divisions Make Recommendations to Ordination Committee More of the Seventhday Adventist Church’s 13 world divisions are preparing their recommendation to the world church’s Theology of Ordination Study Committee. . The denomination is in the midst of a five-year process of studying the biblical foundation of theology as it relates to gender and its implications if women were to be ordained. The Adventist world church does not ordain women as ministers. . It was previously reported that the North American Division at its Year-End Meeting recommended that women be ordained as ministers. Now, more divisions are reporting their recommendation: : The Inter-European Division, based in Berne, Switzerland, released a statement saying it will recommend to the committee that there is room for the church to ordain women. A spokesman for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, based in Pretoria, South Africa, said in an email to ANN: “The action taken by the [division’s committee] supported the position against the ordination of women to the gospel ministry” and “in the absence of clear biblical revelation, the established model and practice of ministry should be upheld.” . The Trans-European Division, based in St. Albans, England, reported it would recommend an inclusive ministry without gender distinction. . The South Pacific Division, based in Waroonga, New South Wales, Australia, said it does not see any scriptural principle that would be an impediment to women being ordained.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) Seventh-day Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson released the following statement regarding the passing of statesman Nelson Mandela: “The global Seventhday Adventist Church joins the people of South Africa and the world in mourning the loss of Nelson Mandela”, wrote Seventhday Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson in a statement released December, 7, regarding the passing of statesman Nelson Mandela. “His life of forgiveness and reconciliation served as a light in a world that too often lives in the shadow of reprisal, anger and malice. May all reflect on his important efforts to bring people together in peace. What a joy that we can also be part of that process as we are reconciled to God and each other by the grace of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. We offer our sympathy and condolences to the Mandela family and the citizens of South Africa.” Source: Adventist News Network
Did you know: Mandela enrolled his two children in a Seventh-day Adventist School outside of Johannesburg and his administration was supportive of Seventh-day Adventism in South Africa.
I s s ue # 1 6
First Quarter 2014 January Wed-Fri 1-31 Wed-Fri 1-31 Wed 1 Thurs 2 Sab 4 Sab 4 Sab 4 Sab 4 Sab-Sab 4-25 Sun-Wed 5-8 Wed 8 Wed-Sab 8-18 Fri 10 Sab 11 Sab 11 Sab 11 Sun 12 Tue-Wed 14-15 Thur 16 Sab 18 Sab 18 Sab 18 Sab 18 Sab 18 Sun 19 Sab 25 Sab 25 Sab 25 **Sab 25 Sun 26
Bible Boom and Oratorical Competition Launch Bible Year/Encounter Series Promotion New Year’s Day Workers Meeting (Spanish Town Church) Soul-Winning Commitment Vision One Million – Prayer and Fasting Vision One Million Rally – Prayer Emphasis (P.M.) Personal Ministries Day Volunteer Counselors Group Practicum JAMU Pastors’ Prayer Retreat – Camp Verley JAMU Pan Jamaica Pastors’ Meeting Ten Days of Prayer 4th Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due at CJC Office Tell the World: Spiritual Growth CJC Connect – Clarendon Vision One Million Rally – Frankfield (P.M.) CONVENTION – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Pastors’ Retreat – Camp Verley Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Day of Spiritual Revival Health Ministries Day New Believers Convention – Portmore Zone CJC Connect – Manchester Vision One Million Rally – Mandeville Church (P.M.) CONVENTION – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Religious Liberty day CJC Connect – St. Catherine Vision One Million Rally – Portmore/Spanish Town/ Rose Hall All Night Prayer Meeting at Frankfield Church for Big City/Town Outreach CONVENTION – St. Catherine (Camp Verley)
February Sab 1 Sab 1 Sab 1 Sab-Fri 1-28 *Sab 1 Sun-Sun 2-Mar 2 *Sab-Sab 1-8* Tue 4 Wed 5 **Sab 8 Wed 12 Sab 15 Sab 15 Sab 15 Sab 15 Sun 16 Sun 16
Children’s Ministries Coordinators’ Final Training Day of Prayer for the Family Youth Mission Rally - Frankfield Launch of Couples Club Tell the World: Church Planting Sabbath – At least one new church planted Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Frank field Christian Home and Marriage University Day, Northern Caribbean University Elders’ Meeting – Manchester (Mandeville Church) All Night Prayer Meeting at Rose Hall Church for Big City/Town Outreach Executive Committee Meeting Youth Temperance Emphasis Day Pathfinder & Adventurer AY Programme Stewardship Rally – St. Catherine (North) Stewardship Rally – St. Catherine (North) Launch of IICM Programme (Manchester) Youth Advisory – CJC Office
Sun-Sun 16-Mar16 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Linstead Wed 19 Elders’ Meeting - Clarendon (May Pen Church) Thurs 20 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Fri-Sab 21-22 PLA Training Senior Youth Leader Training – Camp Verley Sab 22 Day of the Elder/Virtual Council for Elders Sab 22 Health and Temperance Magazine Sab 22 Health and Temperance Magazines Sab 22 Stewardship Rally – Manchester (Mandeville Church) **Sab 22 All Night Prayer Meeting at Mandeville Church for Big City/Town Outreach Sab 22 Religious Liberty Rally - Frankfield Sun 23 Prayer Coordinator Meeting – CJC Office Sun 23 Commencement of IICM Training (St. Catherine) Wed 26 Elders’ Meeting – St. Catherine (Family of God Church)
March Sab 1 Sab 1* Sab 1*+ Sun 2 Sun-Sun 2-30
Children’s Ministries Coordinators’ Final Training Women’s Day of Prayer Adventist World Radio Launch of IICM Programme – May Pen Church Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Mandeville Fri 7 Day of Prayer (Educational Institutions) Sab 8* Tell the World: Personal Outreach Sab 8 Religious Liberty Rally - Linstead Sab 8 Stewardship Rally – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Sun 9 Spirit of Prophecy Summit Wed 12 Executive Committee Meeting Wed 12 Licentiate Minister’s Training Camp – CJC Board Room Sab 15 Vision One Million Decision Day Sab 15 Global Youth Day Sab 15 Youth Mission Rally - Linstead Sab 15 Religious Liberty Rally - Mandeville Sab-Sab 15-22 Youth Week of Prayer Sun 16 5th Biannual Psychological Conference – Family Life Thur 20 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day Sab 22 Sabbath School Community Relations Day Sab 22 Graduation – Breathe-Free Participants Sab 22 I Dream of A City – CJC Music Celebration – Span ish Town **Sab 22 All Night Prayer Meeting at Spanish Town Church for Big City/Town Outreach Tue-Wed 25-26 Virtual Pastoral Evangelism Council Sab 29 13th Sabbath Offering (West-Central Africa Division) Sab 29 One Day Rally – Manchester Fri-Sun 28-30 Prayer Coordinators’ Training (Camp Verley) Sab-Sab 29-April 5 Vision One Million Evangelistic Campaign Sun-Sun 30-Apr 20 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach – Spanish Town *Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division +Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division # Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter