A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department September 2010
Issue #3
Pastor Muir Reassigned
Pastor Muir with wife Reniesha & daughters Abigale (1 year old) and
get to know on a personal level. He believes in ―socializing to save‖ as well as the importance of exercise as one of the eight natural laws of health. ―I believe sports activities help me to study especially the young persons and prayerfully devise means of interesting them in Jesus and His Holy Word.‖ He also arranged a few football matches between Waterford and Clear Park churches, and the Gregory Park youth. As Evangelist for God’s Last Call gospel crusade in March 2009, Pastor Muir through the power of the Holy Spirit was instrumental in the growth of the church, as 56 precious souls gave their lives to the Lord during that evangelistic effort (including services before and after the crusade). His work to foster church growth is also evident in the vibrancy of the church‘s small group evangelism and Bible study efforts. He has also held training workshops on Spiritual Gifts, for small group leaders and Literature Evangelism for Bible workers and colporteurs. The young Pastor leaves the church with these words of encouragement, ―Gregory Park youth, children and grown-ups alike, meet Jesus daily through the personal, earnest effort of studying His word in the Bible and instructions in the rich Spirit-of-Prophecy volumes. Meet Jesus through earnest prayer of faith. Pray to love God with all your heart and to love people as you love yourself—especially your church people. God bless you and keep you until we meet again‖. Damian Wilson, Communication Director
Pastor Waren Muir with wife Resha and daughters Abigail and baby Hannah
J
ohn wrote the following: I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14). Pastor Waren Muir has heard and responded accordingly to this call. . Since November 2008, the Gregory Park SDA Church has been blessed by the Ministry of Associate Pastor Waren Muir. Although his time in this part of the vineyard was short, Waren ‗Elijah Powers‘ Muir will be remembered for his powerful, Bible-based messages, his passion for preaching God‘s word and telling about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The mission field has, however, called this young, dynamic preacher and his family to serve the Family of God Circuit as of September 2010. Reflecting on his time at Gregory Park, Pastor Muir said, ―It was most productive, educational and inspirational. I learnt
much there as I love learning even while I teach and impart. My family's time here is irreplaceable. I love you all. You have become family and a great reference point in ministry for me‖. Pastor Muir has made an indelible mark on the Gregory Park Church. Three things he mentioned as things which he tried to embed in the hearts and minds of the members were: the Health Message as the Christian‘s ideal way of life; secondly, the love and study of God's word in both the Bible and Spirit-ofProphecy, and thirdly, ―to understand the whole doctrine, its lesson, and application of righteousness-by-faith to enhance members to live Godly here and in the end to live eternally with each other and especially with God‖. Aside from his Ministry from the pulpit, Pastor Muir had also built a rapport with members of all ages, particularly the youth, with whom he found time to play football and
Inside this Issue: Pastors’ Pen Adventist Resources Publication of the Month
2
Social Networking
3
Vox Pop Scenes from the Quarter
4
Harvest Thanksgiving
5
A Tribute to Graduates Women’s Retreat The GC Experience
6
Portal of Praise Where are they Now?
7
Fourth Quarter Calendar (CJC) 8 News and Notes
I s s ue # 3 I am beginning to look forward to each publication of the Light when published, as it offers a refreshing and enlightening experience to its readers. I have a great burden on my heart as regards to the church Dr. Dudley Mullings and caring for each Senior Pastor, other. Gregory Park Circuit of SDA Churches ―When it hurts and I never meant to‖ best captures the essence of what I will briefly discuss. Every day we pass people who are hurting, some we may know, others we may not know, but when we do have the opportunity to hear the reasons for the hurting we want to reach out, if possible in the effort to make the hurt go away. Jesus spent a lot of time to help those who were hurting even if they had something to do with the cause of the hurt. His ministry was replete with comforting, relieving and offering a sense of well being and good feeling especially in a personal way. We
model Jesus when we become concerned about the well being of others, and should we contribute to someone‘s happiness we have done well. Phil. 2:5 speaks of the need to put others‘ welfare above self. I believe this is the argument the devil uses to counter the good intention of that text. He reminds us that self should not be left for last. As such more of Jesus‘ formula for living is not fully established in the church. Jesus‘ model is left only in books not being read, never in the hearts or minds of those who bear his name, while firmly the works and life philosophy of the adversary is made to grow in the membership of the family of God. We need to care a bit more for one another because after all, the same way we now treat others may be our experience tomorrow. The passing on of unsubstantiated rumours are wrong and will never be right. When a person‘s character is marred as a result of such careless assumptions, we are guilty of character assassination and should be punished as any regular criminal. This is not the work of God. It is a wicked and awful experience to be on the other side of the coin.
Have you asked Him to give for your sins His righteousness? Well my friends, "Holiness unto the Lord" ought to be your pledge. You are living in the "Great Antitypical Day of Atonement!" You are living in a time when God has promised special overcoming power to His subjects. You are living in a time when names will be accepted and names will be rejected from the church list as it relates to eternal life with the reign-of-God. . It is my earnest plea to you then to study the Bible with all prayer, fasting, diligence, and in the search for truth and spirit of surrender. Now is the time to make wrongs right with one another. Now is the time to make wrongs right with God. Now is the time to be overcomers. Now is the time of the righteousness that comes by faith. Now is the time of the early and latter rain. Now is the time to be perfect, not by what you can do or acquire but by what God can do in you. If not now then when and if not in us then in whom?
Tashawna Anderson Michca-Mae Bonner Wayne Harrison Committee: George Mason Marjorie Stone Fiona Dyer Wilson Damian Wilson Editorial
If you haven’t received last quarter’s issue of The Light via email, please see any member of Editorial Committee or email us at the address below. . If you are interested in submitting material to THE LIGHT for publication, you may also contact any member of Editorial Committee or email us. Please send your comments, opinions or feedback to:
communications.gpsda@gmail.com
Adventist Resources
From the
Members yo u are the church. Your corporate church is as strong as you are. Do not make the fatal mistake by looking for some other member to receive the latter rain, or the Waren Muir Former Associate Pastor, early rain, or to be Gregory Park Circuit victorious in Christ of SDA Churches Jesus. Do not wait for some distant future time for God to deal with your sin problem as the least delay in this regard is equivalent to the greatest danger to your growth in Christ. . It is time that you come to grips that really, Jesus is your High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. Also know, that by representation, Satan is your accuser there. Are the things he is saying about you there true? Have you confessed them to Jesus?
The Light
Below are links to some important sources where you can locate information related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventist Book Centre ►http://www.adventistbookcenter.com Adventist Health ►http://www.adventisthealth.org Maranatha Volunteers International ►http://www.maranatha.org Pathfinders Online ►http://pathfindersonline.org Adventist Today Magazine ►http://www.atoday.com Adventist Pioneer Library ►http://www.aplib.org
Publication of the Quarter This quarter’s featured publication is a must read for all Seventhday Adventist youth. In this compilation, Ellen White counsels the youth of the church and invites them to examine their reading, dress, music, and social life. This book also explores subjects such as health, courtship, marriage and encourages the youth to invest in their spiritual growth, seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
T he L i g h t
Social Networking
By Kajha Brown & Tashawna Anderson -Adventist Youth Department
T
he evolution of social networking has irreversibly changed the way friends, family and persons around the world communicate and keep in touch. It has become a hot new topic for all age groups from young to old. However, with this boom of technological communication, comes a greater sense of responsibility, particularly among Christians. Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are the most popular of the social networking sites. Millions of people visit these sites daily to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and keep friends and family in the loop. These web sites are also where relationships are formed… and finished with the click of a mouse! Anyone can become a member of these sites, regardless of hobbies, beliefs, views or status. Once inside this online community, members can create their own network of friends, create a profile with personal information, upload photos and make profile updates as well as comment on photos or updates by others. According to Web Strategy, Facebook has more than 400 million active users and 50% of active users log on to Facebook in any given day. The average user has 130 friends and people spend over 500 billion minutes per month on Facebook. Twitter co-owner Biz Stone revealed that the site now has 105 million registered users and 30,000 people a day are signing up to tweet. The worldwide popularity of these sites is indeed staggering. These figures include millions of Seventh-day Adventists around the world that use these websites for the same reasons. Both young and older members of the church use this avenue for socializing and entertainment. Undoubtedly, these sites provide a glorious medium for keeping in touch with other Adventist Christians, as well as communicating God‘s Word. There are several Adventist churches, ministers and institutions worldwide, including the Central Jamaica Conference to which Gregory Park belongs, which use these sites. However, it is imperative that Seventh-day Adventists utilize these sites carefully and ensure that whatever we do is done to the glory and honour of God. 1 Timothy 4:12 exhorts us, to be ―an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity‖, while Titus 2:12 (NIV) ―teaches us to say ‗No‘ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age‖. As such we should manage our social network pages wisely; being careful of what we place on it, including pictures, videos and comments. Information uploaded or placed online can never be taken back even if it is later deleted by the user. Other persons who view our profile can save or print these words or images, which we may later
regret. Images or content of a lewd, obscene, graphic or profane nature should have no place on a Christian‘s page or profile. Online profiles can ultimately say more about a person than the things he or she professes in words. Your profile can serve to enhance or contradict a public image of holiness and may also taint the perception that non-believers have about the church. In next quarter‘s issue we will look at the notion of Facebook Addiction Disorder and what this means. As Christians, we are encouraged to do all things temperately and moderately. We must be careful of anything that may potentially rob us of spending adequate time with God, having meaningful contact with our family and friends and accomplishing productive endeavours. We must closely monitor the hours we spend on social network sites, not allowing it to distract us from our schoolwork, jobs and other meaningful tasks. We must ensure that nothing robs us of our Christian integrity. As Seventh-day Adventists, we must keep ourselves apart from the things of the world although we are a part of it. When other persons view our profiles or what we portray on these social sites, they should only see Christ reflecting through our pages. Let us be conscious of our calling and be responsible Seventh-day Adventist Christians so that we may fulfill our mission which is to draw others to Christ.
Do you have a Facebook account or with any other social network site and do you think Christians should use these sites any differently from non-Christians? I for one don't have nor would I sign up for a Facebook account as it’s just not my thing and has no real appeal to me. I have seen how social network sites are used and how powerful they are. Technology on a whole is good and can aid in our mission but it can also be used negatively and that is where we need to draw the line. As Christians we need to be focussed and careful - that we don't get sucked in the vortex of "self and the world" and lose out on using some great technologies to win/reach souls in places we could never go or be.
Marlon Roper
Yes, I do have a Facebook account. Facebook and other social network sites are great for socializing with friends and relatives and for meeting new people. As with any good thing, they can be abused by their users. Many persons use them to carry on improper discussions or postings. Christians should use these sites not only as social tools, but also as witnessing agencies. This is a Janet Able-Simpson great way to get the gospel 'into all the world'. Yes, I do have a Facebook account. As Christians we need to be more conscious and aware of the words and images we use as these may reflect negatively on our image as children of God. In this technological world a lot of things can be used positively and negatively. This can be used not only to keep in touch with friends and family, but to spread God’s Word. No, I do not have a Facebook account but with other social network sites and I do think Christians should use these sites differently. Christians should use these sites as a tool to socialise and/or to tell people about God. Some of the things Christians display on these sites go against Christian principles. As Christians these sites should be used to bring people closer to Christ and make positive, social friends.
Lenroy Harriott
Chantau White
I s s ue # 3
Work day
Pastor Muir and Elder Stubbs clear debris from the church yard (left) while Bro. Fearon cleans and reinstalls the fan on the choir loft (centre). Head Deacon Clive Ebanks marshals the kitchen crew, Meachell White and Maxine Spence as a part of the church’s Work Day, July 25, 2010
Elder Donavon Smiley holds little Kizekiel Kirkland Brissett, while his parents Kirkland and Kadrienne bow their heads in prayer (Jul.10.10)
Pastor Emile Maxi and his family in their first visit back to Gregory Park Church since they left in 2000 (Jul.31.10)
These children learn the art of needlework as one of the activities during Vacation Bible School, July 19-29 (left). Abigail Anderson accepts her certificate of participation from Fiona Dyer Wilson, while VBS Director Lincoln Green looks on (centre). The Graduates sing the VBS theme song, ‘Come Meet Jesus’ at their Graduation Ceremony, July 31, 2010. (right)
Couples enjoying a night out at the couples social while the singles play ring games at their social, August 28, 2010
T he L i g h t
Harvest ving Thanksgi Service Sunday December 19, 2010
■ Spiritual, musical & cultural items
■ Sale of fruits, ground provisions & food items
Look for it Pray for it Support it!
For more information see: Members of the Sabbath School Youth classes visit the Mustard Seed Communities, Jerusalem Children’s Village in Spanish Town (Aug. 25.10)
Sis. Hyacinth Hines or Bro. Clive Ebanks
Please contribute in cash and kind
To all our: GSAT Awardees High School & University Graduates CSEC/CXC and CAPE Awardees Other Graduates and Awardees We rejoice with you in your success and pray for God’s continued leading in your academic and professional life Bro. Bonner and Bro. White participate in the foot washing ceremony...
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33
Gregory Park SDA Church Women’s Ministries Presents
WOMEN’S
St. Ann
October 16-18, 2010 Contribution: ...while Bro. Walker serves the Communion wine and Bro. Evans the Communion bread during the sacred service on Sabbath September 4, 2010.
$8000*
* Includes transportation, room and meals
For more information contact Janet Able-Simpson 438-0059 (c) / 740-1990 (h)
I s s ue # 3
Two attendees share their experience at General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia What seemed like millions of people, with a vast spectrum of cultures and ethnicities, all gathered in one place, was the 59th quinquennial General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists. This was a celebration of Adventism, the forum for voting changes to the Church‘s constitution and electing world officers, culminating at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia on June 23-July 3, 2010. From this large gathering, it became evident to me that the Adventist church is truly rich in diversity. I was a bit skeptical about going to the Session because we had been in a motor vehicle accident the Friday before the start of Session and we were planning to drive almost eleven hours from Florida to Georgia. But the Lord wanted us to go and He made a way, and thankfully we arrived in Georgia safely. The Conference started on Wednesday, June 23, but we did not arrive in Atlanta until the following Tuesday night. Sadly, we missed the Inter-American Division Report, which was presented that night. Wednesday morning we ventured out to the Georgia World Congress Center where the exhibitions were held. I think this was where I truly saw the vast diversity in cultures and nationalities. Friday was definitely one evening that was memorable for me. That day we ventured out to North Georgia with the intention of returning home before leaving for evening service at the Dome. Due to the long journey back and forth, and with time against us, we decided to go straight to the Dome, clad in casual clothes. We arrived just in time for the sermon, and realized that we were not the only ones casually attired. It was clear that these persons were not encapsulated in dressing. It became more evident to me that my God truly looks beyond our outward appearances. He is a God of Atlanta is a modern metropolis with old Southern charm. The city, chosen in part because of its merging of every imaginable culture, has experienced unprecedented growth during the past decade, with the metro area population alone jumping a whopping 40 percent, from 2.9 to 4.1 million people. Seventh-day Adventists comprise less than two percent of that number. June 22–July 3 were busy days with activities of the World Church. It was over these days that the delegates in Session elected Pastor Ted Wilson as President for the next five years; - G.T. Ng, Secretary and Robert E. Lemon as Treasurer. Nine General Vice Presidents were also elected. . Atlanta‘s Georgia Dome, with a capacity of over seventy thousand was the main venue for the event. On show were displays from countries representing the areas across the world that Adventism has reached and is established. It was delightful to see and greet many friends not seen in years and speak with brothers and sisters though with different languages and culture, but having the same faith and belief. It was inspiring and motivating just to know God‘s Church, this Church, is doing well. God‘s Church is destined for Heaven!
-Dr. Dudley Mullings
the heart and we, His children, should be like-minded. Coincidentally, the sermon that night was about our ‗status‘ as God‘s children, in spite of our shortcomings, ethnicity, nationality etc. ―We are of one race. We are the race of the redeemed‖. Claude Edwards closed the service with his signature Beulah Land. Sabbath was a grand celebration. I was thrilled when I saw familiar faces from Northern Caribbean University singing on the mass choir. Newly installed GC President Pastor Ted Wilson‘s sermon was squarely centred on Jesus and he even insisted that we say Amen! instead of applauding. President Wilson is a back-to the-Bible leader and I believe he will continue to fulfill the Lord‘s mission, just as his predecessor Pastor Paulsen. The Adventist Youth Programme on Sabbath culminated with The Parade of Nations. The event drew such a huge crowd that the only place we could find seating was behind the stage. It was a heartwarming experience for me when it was time for the Inter-American Division to join the parade. I was ecstatic when I saw our own local President, Pastor Everett Brown, carrying the Jamaican flag. As soon as he was visible on stage, the Dome erupted, as Jamaicans hurrahed out of the joy we all felt from being a part of this great worldwide Church, the remnant Church of God.
-Jeudeen Chambers
Me, Mom and cousin Jewel take a picture with these two ▲ Japanese gentlemen at the General Conference Session in Atlanta
A view from the conference floor where the exhibitions were held. Above is a view of the thousands in the main meeting area of the Georgia Dome ▲
T he L i g h t
Portal of Praise: Visitation
God’s Hands by Maxine Spencer
The church is often referred to as a hospital. Its purpose is to take care of both the spiritually and physically sick. This fact was exemplified in Christ’s life and ministry. Jesus healed the sick and took care of the needs of those with whom He came in contact on a daily basis I became involved in visitation when my aunt and her friends started visiting the shut-ins and class members who were sick, or unable to attend church for various reasons. The frequency of visitation is often based on the need or challenge being faced by the individual. There are times when persons may need periodic visits throughout the week, while some persons may be visited quarterly. During our visits, we may need to physically assist some individuals by bathing and feeding, while some persons may require us to simply pray and sing with them. My experience has taught me that it is never wise to go alone on visitations as you may encounter situations that require a great deal of help and therefore I always go with a team. I also try to prepare myself to do whatever task is necessary and as a part of the team I am always ready to work. Christ has left the example for us to follow and we should seek to help our brothers and sisters that are in need. It is not hard to believe that any of us can find ourselves in situations in which we need the help of our brothers and sisters. When I have done a good deed for my brother or sister it really gives me great joy inside. When I see how they respond and how much they truly appreciate my help, I am happy that I could have done something good for them. Visitation is the best way of reminding these persons, that as a church we still love and care for them. Moreover through our visitation we remind them that God cares for them and will always send help for them in their time of need. God is always looking out for His people.
Daniel, Nicola and Jonathan Clarke
D
aniel and Nicola Clarke left Jamaica in 2002 - mainly for work and study opportunities. They now reside in the South East of England. Since then they have added the handsome Jonathan, who turned seven in July, to their family. The Clarke‘s now enjoy fellowship at the Chatham Seventh-day Adventist church in Chatham, Kent. They also continue to be heavily involved in church service as they were at Gregory Park—where Daniel served as a Deacon and Sabbath School teacher in the children‘s division and Nicola as a Sabbath School superintendent and Youth Choir leader. Nicola or Nicky as she is known by most of her friends, is now a Sabbath School Superintendent as well as a Deaconess and Daniel is an ordained Deacon. One of the things they were known for at Gregory Park was their singing. They continue to sing for the Lord and are a part of a music group named Advent Praise. Professionally, Daniel works as a school caretaker while Nicola is a Sister and Nurse Practitioner in an Accident and Emergency department, having completed a degree in emergency nursing. The Clarkes still have family at the Gregory Park Church, in the Evans‘ and keep in touch with others on Facebook when time permits. ―It does our hearts proud to see the young people of the church as they mature into young adults (tear in my eye!). We have been home on a few occasions since we left, some sad ones, some happy but will hasten to say that there is no place like home.‖ Nicky adds that life is busy there and they miss the crusades and socials as they don‘t have those on a regular basis. ―Worship is a bit different due to cultural differences and things we would frown upon in Jamaica are more acceptable here, but we will bloom where we are planted and learn to adjust under God‖ she proclaims. ―We hope that Gregory Park Church will continue to be a beacon in Christian Pen and will continue to raise up sound young men and women.‖
Calendar of Events and Special Days (4th Quarter) (Central Jamaica Conference)
October 1-31 – Ingathering Emphasis Month 2 – Tell the World: In the Community 2 – 3rd Quarter Sab. Sch. & Personal Min. Report due at CJC Office 2 – Sabbath School Community Guest Day 4 – Pastors‘& Bible Workers‘ Meeting 9 – Day of Kindness & Compassion (Conference-wide) 9 – Spirit of Prophecy Day 9 – Prayer, Praise and Study (Conference-wide, Camp Verley) 10 – 3rd Quarter Churches‘ Statistical Report due at CJC Office 13 – Executive Committee Meeting 16 – Adventist Children‘s Day (Conference-wide) 18 – National Heroes‘ Day 23 – Day of the Pastor 30 – Youth Rally (Clarendon) 30 – Book & Nutrition Centre and Publishing Promotion
November 6 – ‗Back to Church‘ Sabbath 6-13 – Week of Prayer (Conference-wide) 7 – Youth Rally (Manchester) 10 – Executive Committee Meeting 13 – Annual Sacrifice (Offering) 13 – Trust Services Emphasis Day 13 – Investment Day (Conference-wide) 13 – Lay Workers‘ Rally (Clarendon) 20 – Youth Day 26-28 – NCU Homecoming Weekend 27 – HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 27 – Lay Workers‘ Rally (Manchester) 28 – Licentiate Pastors‘& Ministerial Interns‘ Meeting
December 4 – Lay Workers‘ Rally (St. Catherine) 4 – World Stewardship Day 4-5 – Youth Planning Retreat 6 – Annual CJC Youth Rally 15-18 – Camp Meeting and Lay Institute 25 – 13th Sabbath Offering (West-Central Africa Division) 25 – CJC Membership Count (Conference-wide) 30 – Year-end Concert
News and Notes New General Conference President Elected Ted N. C. Wilson, an immediate past vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the son of a former church president, was elected June 25 to serve as president of the 16.3million member global Protestant denomination. Wilson, 60, was appointed by the church's 246-member Nominating Committee and confirmed by the General Conference Session delegation, which is an international body of 2,410 appointed members and the highest governing body in the church. He succeeds Jan Paulsen, who had served as president since 1999. The appointment took place at the church's 59th General Conference Session, in June. Excerpt from ANSEL OLIVER, Adventist News Network, and MARK A. KELLNER, Adventist Review. Reproduced with permission
Everett Brown Re Re--elected CJC President Pastor Everett Brown was re-elected President of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for another four years. This election makes him the first president to be appointed for three consecutive terms. The announcement was made at the Quadrennial Session of the Central Jamaica Conference, held at Camp Verley, Spring Village, July 18-20, 2010.
Elected CJC Officers Secretary: Pastor Levi Johnson ▌ Treasurer: Elder Billy Watson ▌ Communication: Pastor Kemar Douglas ▌ Education and PARL: Pastor Ivor Harry ▌Family Ministry: Pastor Roy Dennis ▌ Women & Health Ministry: Sis. Mary Cole ▌ Youth & Children Ministries: Pastor Howard Grant ▌Publishing Ministry: Elder Linford Farquharson ▌ Ministerial: Pastor Jeff Jefferson ▌ Sabbath School & Personal Ministry: Pastor Nevail Barrett ▌ Stewardship: Pastor Ronnie Henry
Jamaica Union Conference Formed The Adventist Church in Jamaica will become its own Jamaica Union Conference, thereby splitting the current West Indies Union Conference. Jamaica has nearly 250,000 members and is home to one of the highest ratios of Adventist Church members to population. Nearly 1 out of 11 people in Jamaica is a member of the Adventist Church, the largest denomination in Jamaica. . The remaining areas of the former West Indies Union - Bahamas, Cayman Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands - will become part of a newly formed Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission, with about 25,000 members. Source: Adventist News Network; Reproduced with permission