The Light Issue #4

A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department December 2010

Issue #4

Good Gifts God Gives

T

ge pa 2l 1 nd ia -e ec ar e Sp Ye issu

he church was regally draped in the Jamaican colours of black, green and gold with members presenting themselves in like colours for the Sabbath Service. An altar with an assortment of fruits, vegetables and ground provisions was prepared.

The Gregory Park SDA Church celebrated a weekend of Grand Harvest Thanksgiving celebration from December 17-19, under the theme Good Gifts God Gives, with members bringing gifts from the soil to be presented in thankfulness to God for His blessings.

The three-day programme started with a Friday evening vesper service presented by the always enthralling Male Chorale, under the caption When we Give Gifts to the Lord.

The Sabbath School and the Adventist Youth Services on Sabbath emphasized the amazing health benefits derived from the foods given to us from nature. The Family Life Department, which conducted the morning’s portion of the programme, explained that fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fiber that may help protect from chronic diseases, strokes, cancers and other lifestyle diseases. The Children’s Ministry Department continued the theme in the afternoon service, looking at Go, Grow and Glow Foods.

The Divine Hour sermon was presented by the beloved Pastor Nathan Jackson, who served the circuit from 2002-2006. Pastor Jackson’s presentation centred on the scripture found in Matthew 25: 1-21, which

speaks to the well known parable of the ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom. He exhorted the congregation not to become weary in waiting but to know that the second coming of Jesus is at hand and we must be prepared individually, as the preparation made by one will not suffice to save another.

The Harvest Sunday was indeed a Grand finale to a weekend of thanksgiving and praise. From as early as 7:00 am Sunday morning, the Church courtyard was abuzz with the movements of fresh produce, the setting up of tents and stalls, bounce-a-bout for the children, preparation of cooked meals and the delivery of produce of all kind.

A brief worship service began with a lusty song service by the combined voices of the praise team and the congregation. Guest speaker Elder Valbert Walker from the Waterford SDA Church, reflected on the passage found in James 1: 17-18 which states 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Elder Walker reminded the congregation that it was a tradition of ancient Israel to present to the Lord the first fruit of the harvest; a tradition they anxiously looked forward to in recognition of God’s goodness and mercy to His people. He also noted that God is the only one that can give good gifts as humans in their sinful state cannot give good gifts but anything given by God is indeed good and perfect.

After prayer, the programme was taken outside the sanctuary for the Harvest portion of programme.

The trading of ground provisions, fruits, vegetables, cooked meals, pastry and drinks were intertwined with a steady procession of songs and items from various groups and talents of the Church. Hosted by Lesa-Gail Rose, the festive and attentive gathering was entertained with items from the women’s choir – with a rendition of Carry mi ackee go a Linstead Market as their bandana-print skirts swayed to the rhythm, and an off-key rendition of Silent Night by the ‘chefs’ which proved why their talents where best confined to the kitchen.

Other items were offered by Shantel Livingston, Alex Anderson, Hernando Henry, Kereisha Barrett, Ambiance, Jade McGann, Jeudeen Chambers and Terrence McLaughlin among others.

Pastor Campbell in his Sabbath greetings, as did other presenters throughout the weekend’s programme, acknowledged that this harvest was a mere foretaste of the grand harvest which is to come, when Christ shall return to reap his children for eternity - a glorious day for which we are to prune and prepare ourselves.

Damian Wilson, Communication Director

Page 2

I s s ue # 4

Table of

from the

PASTOR

Blondel CAMPBELL Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of SDA Churches

3

‘TIS THE SEASON?

4

SCENES OF THE QUARTER

6

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY Publications FACEBOOK ADDICTION Adventist name

8

9

7 TIPS FOR MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A VEGETARIAN DIET Ordained for His Service

12

7

WOMEN’S RETREAT WHERE ARE THEY NOW? THE LIGHT ADVENTIST RESOURCES

10

5

11

Harvest 2010 NEWS & NOTES Editorial Committee:

Tashawna Anderson Wayne Harrison Fiona Dyer Wilson

It is my distinct honor and privilege to share in the publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church, “The Light”. What a wonderful vehicle it is in motoring the Everlasting Gospel to a dying world. I must commend the Communication Department and by extension the church for such a brilliant initiative in allowing the Light to be seen.

The Scripture tells us clearly of the condition of man without Jesus in his life: “Dead in trespasses and sin; the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” no soundness in it: we are held fast in the snare of Satan: taken captive by him of his will. (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26). Humanity is in the valley of the shadow of death, thus he is without hope.

Thanks be to God, He sends the Light. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16, 17).

As members of the church we are so privileged to be instrumental in reflecting the Light of salvation to the world. The Lord speaks through His servant Peter to the church: ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praise of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.’ (1 Peter 2:9). The church can only carry forth this mission through the power and presence of Jesus.

The year 2010 is at its close and we are on the threshold of 2011. By the grace of God the church will be revived and mobilized following the method of Jesus - two by two, small groups, two weeks, three weeks reaping programmes, the proclamation of the word at street meetings, friendship evangelism, etc.

I implore us fellow members of the church, and friends of the church, the Light of the world is Jesus and it was given so we may walk therein and be saved – the day is fast approaching when this privilege will be taken from us. Let us embrace it with every fiber of our being, giving our all to Him. God will embrace us with His love and grace.

Michca-Mae Bonner Marjorie Stone Damian Wilson

The Communication Department would like to express its gratitude to Pastor Dudley Mullings for his support, particularly to the Light.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you avail yourself to the service and leadership of His Church.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Act 20:28, NIV)

T he L i g h t

by Fiona DYER-WILSON

Christmas from a Historical Perspective

T

here are thousands of Seventh-day Adventists with mixed feelings at this time of the year. Many dubious and confused, others inundated with guilt wanting to share in the „traditional‟ festivities of the season- gift giving, Santa Claus, Christmas tree and decorative lights.

E. G. White, points out that “there is no divine sanctity resting upon the twenty-fifth of December; and it is not pleasing to God that anything that concerns the salvation of men through the infinite sacrifice made for them, should be so sadly perverted from its professed design. Christ should be the supreme object; but as Christmas has been observed, the glory is turned from Him to mortal man, whose sinful, defective character made it necessary for Him to come to our world.”i Believe it or not, many of the traditions observed during the Christmas holiday season began way before the birth of Christ. The exchanging of gifts, decorating trees, and the burning of the Yule log were all winter traditions that began before Christ was born, but were eventually incorporated into the holiday that became known as Christmas.

The word Christmas comes from the old English "Cristes maesse" meaning Christ's Mass. The exact day of Jesus‟ birth is not known; but it was the early Church Fathers about the 4th century who fixed the day around the old Roman celebration of Saturnalia, a pagan festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of peace and plenty, that ran from the 17th to 24th of December. The choice of December for the celebration of Christ „s birth, also goes well with the mid-winter festivals in ancient Babylon and Egypt, and Germanic fertility festivals which also took place at this time. The birth of the ancient sun-god Attis in Phrygia was celebrated on December 25th, as was the birth of the Persian sun-god, Mithras.ii It is from Scandinavia that most of the Yule log traditions came. Yuletide, meaning the turning of the sun or the winter solstice, has traditionally been a time of extreme importance in Scandinavia - a time when fortunes for the coming year were determined and when the dead were thought to walk the earth.iii For the celebrations of these pagan gods, public gathering places were decorated with flowers; gifts and candles were exchanged and the general population, slaves and masters alike, celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. The pagan traditions are clearly perpetuated in the celebrations of Christmas today.

In fact the first mention of the birthday of Jesus is from the year 354 AD. Gradually all Christian churches, except Armenians who celebrate Christmas on January 6 (the date of the baptism of Jesus as well as the day of the three Magi), accepted the date of December 25th.

In the early church celebration of birthdays- even including that of Christ - was rejected as a pagan tradition by most Christians during the first three hundred years of Christianity. But the matter became increasingly controversial, partly in reaction to the claims by Gnostics that Jesus had not been mortal, Christians began to emphasize the Nativity.

Ellen G. White postulates that December 25th is accepted by the unbelieving world and by the Christian world generally, as the day on which Christ was born. When the world at large celebrates the day, they show no honour to Christ. They refuse to acknowledge Him as their Saviour, to honour Him by

willing obedience to His service. They show preference to the day, but none to the one for whom the day is celebrated, Jesus Christ.

The twenty-fifth of December is supposed to be the day of the birth of Jesus Christ and its observance has become customary and popular, but yet there is no certainty that we are keeping the veritable day of our Saviour's birth. History gives us no certain assurance of this and the Bible does not give us the precise time.

E.G. White contends that, had the Lord deemed this knowledge essential to our salvation, He would have spoken through His prophets and apostles that we might know all about the matter of the date of Christ birth. But the silence of the Scriptures on this point is evidence that it is hidden from us for the wisest purposes. The birth of Christ for the Adventist should be a matter celebrated all year through.

The Protestant Reformation in 16th century Europe was associated with a profound rejection of the Roman Church and a return to scripture as the ultimate source of spiritual authority.

There was no scriptural support to be found for celebration of Christmas, no commandment that Christ's birthday be observed and no date of birth had been given that could be used for the celebration. Martin Luther called Rome a modern "Babylon." Parallels could be drawn with the mother-goddess worship of ancient Babylon. The birthday of Mithras and the festivals of Saturnalia for the celebration of Christ would be symptoms of the paganism upon which the Romans had built the Catholic Church.

In 1583 the Presbyterian Church suppressed the observation of Christmas in Scotland because there are no biblical references to Christmas celebrations or any biblical commandments to celebrate the birthday of Christ. The Church of Scotland continued to discourage the celebration of Christmas, which remained a normal working day in Scotland until 1958.

There are no scriptural/spiritual traditions found in the most common practices of Christmas: 1. In Scandinavia, a period of festivities known as Yule contributed another impetus to celebration, as opposed to spirituality. As Winter ended the growing season, the opportunity of enjoying the Summer's bounty encouraged much feasting and merriment.

2. The Celtic culture of the British Isles revered all green plants, but particularly mistletoe and holly. These were important symbols of fertility and were used for decorating their homes and altars.

3. New Christmas customs appeared in the Middle Ages. The most prominent contribution was the carol, which by the 14th century had become associated with the religious observance of the birth of Christ.

4. In Italy, a tradition developed for re-enacting the birth of Christ and the construction of scenes of the nativity. This is said to have been introduced by Saint Francis as part of his efforts to bring spiritual knowledge to the laity.

5. Saint Days have also contributed to our Christmas celebrations.

A prominent figure in today's Christmas is Saint Nicholas who for centuries has been honoured on December 6th. He was one of the forerunners of Santa Claus.

6. Another popular ritual was the burning of the Yule Log, which is strongly embedded in the pagan worship of vegetation and fire, as well as being associated with magical and spiritual powers.

Continued on page 6

I s s ue # 4

Music Day 2010 (Oct 9) - MELODIES FROM THE HEART. The combined and children‟s choir (top left); Pastor Mullings delivers the message (top right); The group Chosen, from Waterford SDA Church (bottom left); the Gregory Park Youth Choir (centre) and the Male Chorale (bottom right)

Children‟s Day (Oct 16) - Four young persons presented the Divine Hour message: Khalangi Gayle, Shekinah Morgan, Javaun Powell and Abigail Anderson; while the Children‟s Choir delivered one of the day‟s Special Songs

T he L i g h t

Pastor Blondel Campbell with his wife Maxine take the platform for the first time as the Pastor of Gregory Park SDA Church, Nov 6, 2010 Day of the Pastor (Oct 23). Elder Cavan Davis (right) MCs a special programme acknowledging the work of Pastors Dudley Mullings and Waren Muir

Members of the Gregory Park Praise Team conduct song service during the Youth Empowerment Weekend at Waterford SDA Church (Nov. 2. 10)

AY Council Members kick off Youth Month, November 6, 2010

(Harvest 2010) Pastor Nathan Jackson presents the Divine Hour Message

The Chefs leave the kitchen to perform during Harvest 2010

I s s ue # 4

‘Tis the season? (cont‟d from page 3)

Portal of Praise:

Christmas from a Historical Perspective Celebrating Christmas has been controversial since its inception.

Since numerous festivities found their roots in pagan practices, they were greatly frowned upon by conservatives within the Church. The feasting, gift-giving and frequent excesses presented a drastic contrast with the simplicity of the Nativity, and many people throughout the centuries and into the present, condemn such practices as being contrary to the true spirit of Christmas.

In spite of the historical evidence of a strong pagan background to the creation of Christmas, White further points out that at Christmas, “let not the parents take the position that an evergreen placed in the church for the amusement of the Sabbath school scholars is a sin; for it may be made a great blessing.”

She admonishes the older church members to “unite, heart and soul, with their children in their innocent amusement and recreation, in devising ways and means to show true respect to Jesus by bringing to Him gifts and offerings...Let the gifts you have usually bestowed upon one another be placed in the Lord's treasury.” iv Let everything that you do during this season be to the glory of God, rich, pure, holy and acceptable to God. Shall we not have such a season as Heaven can approve? i http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/christmas.html#Christmas is Coming ii http://www.christmas-time.com/cp-hist.htmlarliest iii http://www.ridgenet.org/Szaflik/history.htm iv http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/christmas.html#Christmas is Coming

Start 2011 with these devotional books devoted exclusively to the subject of Bible doctrines. The daily readings are selections from previously published and unpublished writings of Ellen White that relate to the basic truths of Scripture. These devotionals are both inspirational and informative. Make your resolution to have a committed relationship with Jesus each day.

Small Group Ministry

by Elder Wayne Harrison eventh-day Adventists are called to the eternal commission to reach others with the gospel of Christ. Small group evangelism is a not a new approach but a divinely inspired method of evangelism to fulfill the mission given to the Church.

This programme of evangelism was re-introduced to the Gregory Park Church by Pastor Waren Muir who conducted an intense training programme with members of the church. Group leaders were prepared and equipped with the tools to effectively establish and lead these small groups in the various communities served by the Gregory Park Church and have since grown in strength and effectiveness. Here is what the Pen Inspiration has written concerning small group evangelism: ―The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err1. Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church2. The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth3.‖ When we are led by the Spirit of God we can achieve great heights in advancing the mission. Presently, small group evangelism is one of the most effective ways that the church is reaching the community one person at a time. Weekly meetings are conducted in the homes of members of the church and provides a personal setting in which members and prospective believers can share in a structured study of the Bible. The meetings take a one hour format that incorporates bible study, praise and fellowship. Essentially, small groups take the church to the community. God has wrought successes through the small group evangelism effort of the Gregory Park Church. Many persons have been baptized while members are encouraged to remain faithful to their calling. Today, there are approximately nine small group meetings held across the general Gregory Park/Portmore area including Caymanas Gardens, Christian Meadows and Independence City, with an average membership of six persons per group. Meetings are held throughout the week at designated times at the various locations.

There is an extremely important work for God‘s people to do in this time, let us work earnestly and join in the small group evangelistic thrust. Just think of it! If each one of us truly reaches another with the gospel of Christ what a glorious day that will be. Join a small group today and let this be your Portal of Praise.

S

1

Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 21, 22. (ChS 72.2) Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1891. (ChS 72.3) 3 Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 29. (ChS 72.6) 2

*For more information on how you can join a small group in your area, contact Michelle Roper-Carty, Small Group Coordinator; Gregory Park SDA Church

T he L i g h t

Social Networking & Christianity

ADDICTED TO FACEBOOK?

I

n last quarter‘s issue of the Light, we looked at the use of social networking sites, particularly Facebook, their overwhelming growth and popularity of these sites as well as how Christians should approach the use of these sites. In this article we explore an issue raised in the last publication, a possible ‗Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD).‘ The notion of a literal addiction to the site has steadily gained steam, even within the medical/psychological community.

After US psychologists began their probe into a possible FAD, an estimated 350 million users worldwide admitted to being FB addicts.

More than 500 groups for addicts have been created on Facebook, where members joke about their dependence on the site.1 Such persons commonly exhibit the following behavior: (i) a desire to increase usage, (ii) reduction or cessation causes great distress or anxiety (iii) other social interactions and communications are diverted into Facebook and (iv) whenever persons encounter new people they ask if they have a Facebook account, and continue ‗add me there‘ or might say ‗see you on Facebook.‘2 A Huffington Post article lists ten other specific signs that may indicate that you may be addicted to Facebook. These are: 1. Facebook is your home page.

2. You update your status more than twice a day.

3. You have over 500 ‗friends‘ half of whom you‘ve never actually met.

4. As soon as you step away from your computer you‘re on FB on your phone.

5. You are a FB stalker. You qualify as a FB stalker if you

a) click on someone‘s profile more than once a day even if they haven't messaged or tagged you in a photo; or actually go to a place mentioned on someone's page in hopes of seeing them in real life 6. You change your profile picture regularly.

7. You have checked your FB page while reading this article.

8. You clean up your ‗wall‘ so it looks like you spend less time on FB. 9. You are a member of more than 10 groups and respond to every event invitation ‗attending‘ even if you have no intention of going.

10. You change your relationship status just to mess with people.3 One website gives tips on how a self-professed FB addict may address his/her compulsion4. As with most addictions it is necessary that one acknowledges and accepts the problem which may help the individual to monitor his or her usage and set guidelines as to length of use and time of day. One may also consider alternative things that he or she could be doing, and actually do them instead, e.g. exercising, reading a book, studying, cleaning, learning a new language etc.

Finally, if all these fail – if schedules and alternatives are proving difficult to stick to, it may be time to either deactivate your account or delete it completely. It may be the last resort to kicking your FB habit, and therefore very necessary.

The Bible clearly admonishes us against alcohol, drugs and other sexually-related forms of addiction. But other less „dangerous‟ addictions come in various forms. 1 Corinthians 6: 12 says “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful.

“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. Several passages and verses stress that moderation, temperance and self-control are indispensable to the Christian walk. Let this not be the ‗lawful‘ thing to which we become ‗enslaved.‘ - Damian Wilson 1. 350 million people are suffering from Facebook addiction disorder, posted January 28, 2010. http://sickfacebook.com/350million-peoplesuffering-facebook -addiction-disorder-fad/ 2. Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD), signs and symptoms posted April 9, 2010. http://answersto.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/ face book-addiction-disorder-fad-signs-and-symptoms/ 3. Help I‟m addicted to Facebook, posted February 12, 2009 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-stiles/help-im-addicted-to-faceb _b_ 166726.html 4. How to Quit Facebook http://www.wikihow.com/Quit-Facebook

October 1 marked the 150th Anniversary of the ADVENTIST name It was in 1860 that pioneers meeting in Battle Creek, Michigan chose the name for a movement that had about 2,500 adherents in Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Today, that movement has more than 16 million adult baptized members and operates the largest Protestant network of schools and hospitals worldwide.

Regarding the name selection, Adventist Church cofounder Ellen White later wrote, "The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the true features of our faith in front, and will convict the Before they adopted the Seventh-day Adventist name, the first Sabbath-keeping congrega- inquiring mind." „Seventh-day‟ refers to the denomination‟s day of worship, taken from the Fourth Commandment in the book of tion worshiped in this simple white church in Washington, New Hampshire.

Exodus. „Adventist‟ refers to the Second Advent of Jesus, or the Second Coming.

Though the name came to describe the church, it was originally chosen for the early movement's publishing work. In 1860, leaders called a general meeting, which brought together 25 ministers, with church co-founder James White urging the formation of an organization that could legally own a publishing house.

Without a legal name, however, it could accomplish little.

Many favored “Church of God,” including White, but some soon found the name presumptuous. Besides, other movements were already employing the name.

David Hewitt, a Battle Creek resident, then introduced and formally proposed the name „Seventh-day Adventist," which would come to brand not only the publishing work, but the movement itself.

Source: Official Seventh-day Adventist Website www.advenstist.org; Used with permission

I s s ue # 4

at 2010 e r t e R s Women’

T

by Marjorie Stone

he Women’s Ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist church ‘…exists to uphold, encourage and challenge Adventist women in their pilgrimage as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His world church.’ 1 The Women’s Ministries Department of the Gregory Park Seventh -day Adventist church upholds this mission statement in all its activities. As a result its annual retreat has become a milestone event as women, following Jesus’ example, would usually go to a serene, rustic environment for reflection, relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation . From such an experience women are spiritually recharged and empowered to continue ‘uplifting Christ in the church and in the world.’ 1 Women’s retreat 2010 took place at the Hunny Bay Resort, St. Ann from October 17-19. A vibrant mix of youth, adult and senior women left Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist church on Sabbath morning October 16, expectant, joyful and excited. The theme for the weekend was ‘Women on the Mission for Christ’ Devotions were conducted on the bus by Women’s Ministries Director, Elder Janet Able-Simpson. She urged the women to ‘Bloom Where You Are’. After which souls were enraptured by the lusty singing of Sabbath songs and hymns.

We then proceeded into the mission report and lesson study.

The women then shared in the fellowship of the believers at the Ocho Rios Seventh-day Adventist church. Finally we arrived at Hunny Bay Resort where we settled in and prepared for the weekend’s activities.

The first session of the retreat began at 4:30 pm under the caption ‘A Woman after God’s Own Heart’. The presentation, done by Elder Angela Chambers, was incisive and informative. The women came under the conviction that a mediocre Christian walk is no substitute for the rich spiritual experience which is God’s ideal for us. The ensuing presentations on Sunday were equally spirit-filled and thought provoking sessions which were a hallmark of the retreat. Issues addressed included: temperance, being better workers, and how to improve self-image.

Another highlight of the retreat was the banquet held on Sunday night. The talents among us came to the fore as the banquet hall was elaborately decorated, leaving even the proprietor and staff in awe of the transformation. As the ladies strolled in in their banquet attire no one could have predicted the night of entertainment and fun that was in store. Jeudeen, Jolene and Marlene were awesome as they led the night’s

The women are all smiles as Women’s Retreat 2010 winds down

The ‘Golden Girls’ in Action proceedings. The proprietor lingered beyond working hours to join in the festivities, as the women regaled us with some of the ‘senior moments’ they had experienced. The poets, dub poets, songwriters, dramatists, models and a new group ‘the Golden Girls’ all emerged as the night progressed. It was a night of Christian fun and laughter. The lyrics from one of the nights many performances best sum up the sentiment of the group. ….. Women’s retreat 2010 A principles we a defen’ If we stan fi de right God wi gi wi de might Women’s retreat 2010…..

Monday, the day of our departure, was marked by a beautiful sunrise devotional exercise on the beach, led by Sis. Gloria Williams. The retreat’s last session was a panel entitled ‘Better Christians’. In our reflection, as we prepared for departure, it was the general consensus that we had all been blessed. Hunny Bay Resort was an excellent host, providing top-notch service. Above all our spiritual and social objectives had been met. Indeed we had been revived, recharged and empowered to continue on our Mission for Christ.

General Conference's Women's Ministries Department, http://adventistwomensministries.org/

1

T he L i g h t

Where are they

S

Sasha-Shae Shaw

asha-Shae Shaw (there‘s a dose of tongue twists for you), left Jamaica and the Gregory Park SDA Church in 2003 to complete her studies in the United States. There she excelled academically and recently graduated from the prestigious Andrew‘s University in Michigan.

She completed her undergraduate studies in July 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts.

Since migrating, Sasha has remained an active worker for the Lord, joining the fellowship of brethren at Solid Rock Seventhday Adventist Church, Far Rock Away, New York. She has served in a number of offices in her church, including AY Secretary and Assistant Sabbath School Teacher for the Cornerstone class. A former member of the Gregory Park Youth choir, she has continued to sing praises to the Lord at her current church as a member of the youth choir. She was also a member of her University choir.

Recounting her memories of Gregory Park, she says, ―I haven't been back to Jamaica, since leaving, I do keep in touch, however, with friends from the church, like Sherika, Karen, Kajha, Tavia, Terence and Wayne to name a few. I do plan to visit, God's willing when the time and funding will allow.

I absolutely miss the worship experience at Gregory Park. While services here are great, I do miss the GP Youth Choir, the Retreats, the AY programs and overall the fellowship with the members.‖ Sasha maintains that her experiences while studying at University have been memorable and enjoyable. She has started and designed her very own blog, (a shared online journal); this she states is a ‗passionate hobby‘.

The name of the blog site is Afroniquely You (http://afroniquelyyou.com).

Sasha uses this blog to highlight and address topics including lifestyle, natural hair care, and in essence, ways of taking care and

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 also 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

viewing one‘s self in a positive light. ―The response to the blog has been excellent‖ she says. ―What started as just documenting my hair journey has now become a way to share methods, tips and more with others. It's now a community, chock full of information useful not only for hair, but for lifestyle.‖ She also enjoys spending her time volunteering, both in school, church and community projects. ―I have volunteered at my church working with the VBS and other departments, also at school, I volunteered at various benefit concerts/fashion shows, community projects around the area, and ministering in a sign language group,‖ she explains.―What's best about volunteering is that, you get so much back than you give, that is happiness and a deeper appreciation for life, it's the little things in life that counts.‖ In the near future, Sasha-Shae envisions herself establishing community based service projects that would help students who are unable to afford the cost for tertiary education. This is a cause that is dear to her heart as she can relate to her own personal challenge in financing her education but the Lord has seen her through it all and she prays that this vision will become a reality .

In addition to this goal, she continues to strive for excellence in her career field of Visual Arts and Design and of course, you will definitely find her ―blogging‖ on Afroniquely You. Sasha says ―Overall I'd like to be one change in the world that not only gives back something positive, but one who gives all my energies to the cause of Lord to help others be ready as we prepare for His soon return.‖

RESOURCES Below are links to some important sources where you can find information related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Central Jamaica Conference ■ http://www.centralja.org Vibrant Life Health Magazine ■ http://www.vibrantlife.com Advent Source ■ http://adventsource.org Three Angel Global Networking (TAGnet) ■ http://home.tagnet.info Elders Digest Magazine ■ http://eldersdigest.org It is Written Ministries ■ http://itiswritten.com

I s s ue # 4

HEALTH AS A LIFESTYLE

7 Tips for Making the Transition To a Vegetarian Diet

meal Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and then work up from there. Two to three vegetarian weeknight dinners is a great place to start and, as you will discover, is usually not a drastic change. Week by week, as you feel comfortable, you can increase the frequency of vegetarian meals, and in no time you will be eating vegetarian meals every day of the week. No one ever said you have to do it all at once.

My girlfriends and I were having lunch recently, chatting about our husbands and families, when we got into a conversation about vegetarianism. My friends faced a challenge: they knew a vegetarian diet is beneficial for optimal health, is great for the environment, and can add years to your life; but how could they make the transition to a vegetarian diet smooth and painless for their families? .

As we chatted I shared practical suggestions I‘ve learned from personal and professional experience, a few tips to make the process easier:

3. Get the staples. Stocking your pantry with staple items is a must for making a smooth transition. Begin with a variety of beans and legumes. Canned or dried beans (garbanzo, kidney, black, pinto) make a hearty main or side dish for any vegetarian meal. Bulgur wheat, quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, and whole-grain pasta are also convenient, healthy, and hearty musthaves. Your spice cabinet is also extremely important and will add the flair your taste buds need. Who wants boring food? Cumin, coriander, chili powder, curry powder, and turmeric are just a few of the spices that can add flavor to your food. Experiment a little, and the people at your dinner table will be fascinated with an array of exciting dishes that are colorful and flavorful.

In the refrigerator keep a supply of the fruits and vegetables your family likes. As part of the transition, look up new ways to cook those favorites, beyond the usual boiling and frying.

If you keep items that are essential to a vegetarian diet on hand, then it will be much more convenient to prepare meals in a flash.

1. Get support. First things first: if you are attempting the transition to a vegetarian diet, it is best to have a support group. Why go it alone? Recruit your friends, family, or coworkers to help keep you faithful. It‘s much easier to stick to the transition if you have people supporting you. Although your family might not like the idea of switching from a meat-lover‘s pizza to a veggielover‘s, do your best to gain their support.

Reassure them that a vegetarian diet isn‘t just salads and vegetables, but a wide variety of foods that are full of flavor. Once you have recruited a few people, you‘ll be able to offer each other encouragement, 4. Go shopping—for cookbooks. Treat share recipes, and try new foods together. yourself to a few great vegetarian cookbooks. Having the same food every meal 2. Transition slowly. The majority of the will become mundane for your family, so time, change doesn‘t happen overnight. It‘s make it fun and experiment with new foods easy to get discouraged and burned out if and recipes. Order a few books from the you try to change too much too quickly. Internet or ask for recommendations at Often the people who try to go it all at once your local bookstore. If you have vegetarend up quitting because they think it is too ian friends, they will probably be glad to hard.

Begin with eating a vegetarian share a few suggestions—and a few recipes

of their own—as well.

5. Make a plan. Meal planning is one of the most important aspects of transitioning to a vegetarian diet. It‘s important to plan ahead, because when you don‘t know what to make, you‘ll end up not making anything at all, preparing your go-to meat dish, or just eating out. It may not feel natural at first, but schedule a time, perhaps on a Sunday afternoon, to sit down and figure out your meals for the week. Get out the cookbooks, recipes, and magazines and plan four to five weeknight meals. Go grocery shopping that day, and you‘ll be set for a week of scrumptious vegetarian meals.

6. Explore your local market or food vendor. If you are looking for the freshest in-season produce, head to your local market or food vendor. Since there is no packing and shipping involved, the produce at local markets is able to stay on the vine longer and fully mature before being sold.

In contrast, supermarket produce can be picked weeks before it ever ends up on the produce aisle.

Another bonus; you will enjoy your food more if it is fresh and harvested at its peak.

7. Be creative. Being a vegetarian should not be drab. There are more resources available to vegetarians than ever before— so use them! Keep it interesting and exciting by trying new fruits and vegetables, cooking flavorful recipes, and remembering that variety is key.

April Hamilton is an avid vegetarian and cofounder of a nutrition business. She enjoys trying new recipes and writing about health from Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Vibrant Life, Review and Herald Publishing; Posted July 1, 2010 Article and images used with permission

T he L i g h t

FOR HIS The Church Manual states that “the local elder must be one recognized by the church as a strong religious and spiritual leader, and must have a good reputation…and by precept and example must continually seek to lead the church into a deeper and fuller Christian experience.” The Gregory Park SDA Church believes these qualities can be found in these four persons. Sharon Bonner, Angela Chambers, Janet Able-Simpson and Wayne Harrison were ordained as elders in a special Divine Hour service on October 30, 2010.

The ordainees were led into the church after the preliminaries, by an ordained elder currently serving the church. The procession of ordainees was led by Sharon Bonner who was accompanied by Elder Donavon Smiley, followed by Angela Chambers accompanied by Elder Cavan Davis, Janet Able-Simpson escorted by Elder Edward Chambers and Wayne Harrison escorted by Elder Jamsine Stubbs.

Officiating Pastor, Dudley Mullings, presented a charge to the ordainees under the caption, „Keeping the main thing the main thing.‟ He used passages from 1 John 1: 5-7 and Isaiah 61: 1-2, to speak to the responsibilities of elders – maintaining the unity and faith of the church as well as showing concern for the poor and oppressed. Pastor Mullings also added that “the important thing in the meantime, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, is to try and „keep the main thing…the main thing!‟ That is why, in the midst of all our business and confusion, nothing must get in the way of our basic spiritual disciplines as Christian people – daily prayer and Bible study, witnessing and leading the church into greater experience.”

After the message, and prayer of ordination, each Elder was presented with a Certificate of Ordination. They were then (L-R) Newly ordained Elders: Janet Able-Simpson, Wayne Harrison, Angela Chambers and Sharon Bonner (above) warmly welcomed into the fellowship of the Board of Elders, by the ordained elders of the Church, with amorous embrace and words of Pastor Mullings offers the Prayer of Ordination (below) encouragement and congratulations.

The newly-minted Elders also officiated in their first service, joining the Pastor and other elders on the platform where Elder Harrison Elder Janet Able-Simpson led out in the closing song while Elder Able-Simpson offered the Elder Simpson heeded God‟s Call in 1969 and was baptized at the benediction to conclude the service.

Race Course SDA Church in Clarendon. She has however been a member of the Gregory Park congregation since 1995. She has been married to Linton Simpson for over 10 years now. The pasMeet the Elders sage which she holds dear is Matthew 7:12 which reads “Therefore Elder Sharon Bonner all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye Elder Bonner accepted the faith in 1970 through baptism at the even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”. The „Golden Shortwood SDA Church. She has been married for 29 years to Rule‟ she believes is a “guiding principle for good social relationOsphy Bonner and the union has produced one daughter. Her fa- ships.” She also believes that how we treat others enhances our vorite passage, taken from Psalm 46:1 simply says, “God is our walk with God. She has served as Personal Ministries Leader, refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This she says Church Clerk and Vacation Bible School Leader among others posiholds a lot of comfort for her, especially during difficult times. Her tions. areas of church service have included Health Ministries Leader, Elder Wayne Harrison Sabbath School Teacher and Women‟s Ministry Leader.

Elder Harrison has the distinction of being the youngest and lone male of the group. He was baptised in 1988 at the Granville SDA Elder Angela Chambers Elder Chambers was baptized in 1969 at the Gregory Park SDA Church in Montego Bay. Elder Harrison and his family resided in Church but rejoined the congregation in 1991 after relocating to St the United States from 1989-1998 before joining the congregation Ann. She has been married for 25 years to Edward Chambers and he now calls home in 1999. He holds up 1 John 5:4 as his favourhas one child. She gives her favorite passage of scripture as Prov- ite passage of scripture, which states that “For everyone born of erbs 3: 5-6, because she says that „when you acknowledge God God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the and he is leading your life…you can rest assured that he will come world, even our faith”. His areas of service to the church include through for you.” She has served as Adventist Youth Leader, Sab- Adventist Youth Leader, Small Group Ministry Leader, Sabbath bath School Superintendent, Deaconess and Family Life Director.

School Teacher and Assistant Sabbath School Superintendent .

News and Notes Three to serve as Elders in training

Three young persons have been selected to serve the Gregory Park SDA Church as Elders in training. These are Kajha Brown, Jean Mark Davis and Lalford Treasure. All three are also members of the current Adventist Youth Department.

Members turn out in their black, green and gold on Harvest Sabbath

Dr. Thompson Re-elected for a Fifth Consecutive Five-year Term Dr. Herbert Thompson was re-elected president of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) for a fifth consecutive five-year term during a meeting of the University‟s Board of Governors, December 13, 2010. He is the longest serving head of the Seventh-day Adventist owned and operated university. .

“I am pleased, grateful and humbled to have been asked to lead the University for another five-year term,” said Dr. Thompson. “I pledge full commitment to the team of administrators, faculty and staff as we work to enlighten, mold and prepare our students to meet the challenges, which awaits them.” .

Presently, NCU is co-owned and co-operated by the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU) and the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (ACUM), which both came out of a reorganization of the former West Indies Union Conference on November 29, 2010. On that day the various stakeholders of the 104-year-old institution, signed „the NCU Accord‟, formalizing their commitment to its sustainable growth and development.

NCU, the largest Seventh-day Adventist University world-wide, has an enrollment of approximately 6,000 students from 23 countries on six campuses across Jamaica.

Bro. Valbert Walker presents the charge on Harvest Sunday

Source: Nigel Coke, Official JAMU Website. Posted 14 Dec 2010. Used with Permission

New leaders of the Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU) announced at the final quinquenial session of the West Indian Union Conference, November 29, 2010 at the Northern Caribbean University

L-R: Pastor Milton Gregory - Secretary, Pastor Everett Brown - President and Elder Bancroft Barwise - Treasurer Sale time at Harvest 2010