A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department June 2011
Issue #6
Reaping the Harvest
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he Bible and other sacred writings are replete with references which parallel the sowing and reaping of crops to the witnessing and the saving of sinners. The eternal commission calls us to preach the message of salvation that ultimately souls can be reaped for the Kingdom of God. Harvest Thanksgiving 2011 was held at the Gregory Park SDA Church, June 24 to 26, under the theme Bountiful Fields: Reaping Time. The church was transformed with fabric of black, green and gold; accented with bankra baskets and an altar of banana, coconut, thyme, pepper, water melon, jackfruit and other fruits and vegetables. The weekend programme began with vesper service lead by the Youth Choir and guest speaker Pastor Dudley Mullings. The former Pastor of Gregory Park church spoke on the need for God’s people to adopt a character of Thanksgiving to God. He supported this with passages from Ephesians 5: 19, 20 – which tells Christians to ‘speak to one another with psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’ and 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 which says ‘Be joyful, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.’ .” Sabbath Service began with Sabbath School under the direction of the children’s division Director and Superintendent Reginald Evans. Education and Stewardship Director of Central Jamaica Conference, Pastor Wayne Palmer, presented the divine hour message under the caption ‘Sow Thy Seed and Withhold not Thy Hand.’ The key text, taken from Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 reads - ‘Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap…Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.’ Pastor Palmer encouraged the congregation not only to plant seeds for physical nourishment but spiritual food that will take us into eter-
nity. He urged members to plant seeds of: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith and meekness. Sunday’s programme was the main event of the weekend, where talent and food stuff were on full display. A mid-day devotional service, with a special presentation from Pastor Blondel Campbell, was held to start the day’s proceedings, to again recognise God’s providing love. Later, attention was turned to the outside, where an assortment of fruits, vegetables, ground provision, cooked meals and other items were available. As persons milled around and made their purchases under tents and tarpaulins in the midst of the radiating summer sun, they were kept entertained by a steady procession of performers. Damian Wilson, Communication Director
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I s s ue # 6
Table of
From the
Pastor
Blondel
Harvest 2011 Publications Scenes from the Quarter Scenes Union in Bahamas KJV Celebrates 400 Years Depression and Suicide Youth Retreat 2011 CJC Calendar of Events If you haven’t received last quarter’s issue of The Light via email, email us at the address below. If you are also interested in submitting material to THE LIGHT for publication, you may see any member of the editorial committee or indicate via email. Please send your comments, opinions or feedback to: communications.gpsda@gmail.com
CAMPBELL
O
Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of SDA Churches
nce again we share through this medium, The Light, with our fellow believers and friends of the Church. The Lord has been good and great to us during the Second Quarter of 2011. As a church, we saw all departments fulfilling their calendar of events and activities with good success. I commend all our leaders and team members for their hard-work and faithfulness. Our theme for the year is predicated on the unforgettable fact that ‘Jesus is the Way’. We continue to hope and pray that everyone will develop a growing relationship with Jesus and as such reflect Him perfectly to the world. As we look forward to our evangelistic series commencing mid-July; let us give ourselves to God without reservation so that He will use us to His name’s honour and glory. The year 2011 is a significant one for the Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist Church as we celebrate over 70 years of existence. Also significant is the fact that we are the first Seventh-day Adventist Church to be established in the Portmore area. We are looking forward to praising and honouring God in our celebration service. As we continue to carry forward the commission given to us by Jesus, let us be consoled by the great hope of the soon return of our Lord. . May the good Lord be with us as together we continue the warfare.
Adventist Resource
A new website from the SDA General Conference Featuring: Devotionals, stories, and a host of resources
revivalandreformation.org Editorial Committee: Tashawna Anderson Wayne Harrison Fiona Dyer Wilson
Michca-Mae Bonner Marjorie Stone Damian Wilson
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Sis. Davis enjoying a water coconut during Harvest Sunday
The Youth Choir blends their voices after Pastor Dudley Mulling (back) presented the charge, during Friday’s Harvest Vesper service.
Combined Choir singing Field of Souls
Sis. Roper packages a meal for sale
The theme of the smart dating seminar, A Guide to Successful Dating, is prevention–preventing common dating mistakes, hurtful breakups, premarital sex and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. This series presents dating know-how along with how to live a pure life in the midst of a sexual jungle. . In Effective Marriage, the world-renowned family life expert Nancy Van Pelt gives her top tips for a successful marriage. Nancy Van Pelt is a best-selling author, certified life educator and a certified family and consumer science professional. Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre for these resources and enrich your Christian experience today
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from the
Members of the Willowdene Group of Schools and the Prep School Choir Conduct the Education Day Service on Sabbath May 7, 2011
Divine Hour speakers, Shavoy Maye, Abigail White and Zachary Davis speak during Children’s Day, May 28, under the theme, Children Militant
Dr. Newton Cleghorn, Dean of the School of Religion and Theology, Northern Caribbean University, presents the divine Hour message during Men’s Day, April 30, 2011, 2011
Morning Fasting and Prayer Service — May 29, 2011
Nadine McIntosh reads the passage of meditation during Women’s Day, June 11. Also on the platform (from left to right) are Ceraphia Roper, Lesa-Gail Rose and the day’s speaker Rose-Marie Lewis
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Pastor Campbell prepares to baptise these candidates, Sabbath June 18, 2011
Pastor Dudley Mullings offers prayer during the blessing of babies, on Sabbath June 18, 2011.
Patrick Smith, Associate VP at Northern Caribbean University, makes a point, as guest speaker during Officers’ Consultation, June 19, 2011.
Bahamas Parliament Recognizes New Adventist Union During a parliament meeting in May, Bahamas' national leader said the Caribbean island nation welcomes the Seventh-day Adventist Church's emphasis on health, strong families and education. "Your faith ministry and social outreach programs resonate with significant numbers of our citizens," said Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, introducing a bill to recognize the church's newly established Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission as a legal entity of the church in the Bahamas. Parliament unanimously voted to approve the legislation. Church leaders first created the union mission when they split the former 104-year-old West Indies Union Conference into two administrative regions: the Jamaica Union Conference; and the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission, which includes the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands and serves some 25,000 church members. The reorganization recognized membership growth in the region. As well as granting official recognition, passage of the May 9 bill gives church administration in the Bahamas the authority to transact business and fulfill legal obligations, said Leonard Johnson, Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission president. Speaking in favor of the bill, Parliamentarian Tommy Turnquest said the Adventist church in Bahamas should be proud of its role in the community, specifically its outreach to young people. Parliamentarian Fred Mitchell commended the church's humanitarian work on the island, citing food distribution and home repair projects. "I would like to thank them for it," Mitchell said. Other parliamentarians pointed out the church's high standards of education and outreach programmes. The Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission was inaugurated in January and comprises three conferences, one mission and six primary and secondary schools in the region. It also owns and operates with the Jamaica Union Conference the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica. Source: Adventist News Network, Nigel Coke/ACUM/ANN staff http://news.adventist.org/2011/05/in-bahamas-parliamen.html
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n 1611, a convergence of circumstances and developments resulted in the publication of one of the English language‘s most pre-eminent books – the King James Version of the Bible. The year 2011 sees the 400th anniversary of the KJV, thought to be May 2, 2011. Though it wasn‘t the first English Bible by any means or even the most popular version at the time, its style of language together with research of Bible manuscripts and their original languages (mainly Hebrew and Greek), discoveries of new documents and the combined effect of the Renaissance and Reformation – not just in England but across Europe, together with the dramatic development of printing, brought into being the renowned Bible version we have to this day. Modern versions have built upon this Bible version, updating its language and knowledge to bring an understanding of the Word of God to an ‗everyday‘ audience. Pre-Reformation, most Bibles were in Latin or Greek, as these were the scholarly languages. Ecclesiastically, Latin was the language of use, which precluded ordinary people‘s understanding hence their reliance on priests to interpret the scriptures for them, otherwise through religious plays and oral traditions, to hear the Bible rather than to read it for themselves. There were some attempts to bring the Bible into the language of ordinary people, but these were limited in scope and given the cost and the time, were rare. There were several key events that led to the KJV: A revival of learning and education in the Renaissance period, allowed for an increase in knowledge and understanding of Hebrew and Greek scriptural texts. This came about partly from additional original manuscripts becoming available to western scholars so that existing western texts could be compared with others; the circulation of printed material – papers, pamphlets and books on a scale never seen before, resulting in greater access to Bible documents. This was allied to a great explosion of literary work across the arts and sciences in papers, prose, plays, literature of all types made available to ordinary people. An entirely new translation of the New Testament into Greek in the early 1500s by an eminent Greek scholar named Erasmus, who spent some time in England with English scholars as well as King Henry VIII This was used and followed by the work of William Tyndale, translating the New Testament into English Following the English Reformation and the split from Rome,
a new Bible – the Great Bible – was ordered to be placed in every English church; and the language of Christian worship became English rather than Latin to reinforce this separation from the Catholic church In 1604, King James I convened the Hampton Court conference and a decision was made to provide an entirely new translation from the original scriptural languages, to take advantage of yet more available manuscripts and increased scholarship over the years. The work started properly in 1607 and the first draft was available in 1609, to be redrafted the following year and finally completed for publication in 1611 – an incredible achievement really! It was a work that effectively had been in development in various guises for nearly 100 years, building upon previous work and research. No further revision was made to it for an amazing 270 years although it was realised that there were translation errors, so some amendments were introduced in the 1700s. A full revision, known as the Revised Version, was published in 1881. Since that time many, different versions have come into being. A number of them can be seen as milestones in the further development of the English Bible, each having their own nuances or slant depending on the objectives and make-up of their project groups. Many are in use in some form and will continue to be revised themselves as language develops and research emerges. The New English Bible and Revised Standard Bible (and subsequent revisions) are good examples, and of course the New King James Version itself. But our celebration is that of the King James Version of 1611 and we will content ourselves in these pages in that version that has so affected and remained in our language for so long. The KJV of 1611 became an enduring work. It influenced person‘s lives, their attitudes, their actions – from the highest in the land to the lowliest man or woman. Its language and terminology may seem archaic today but it was the everyday parlance of ordinary people and its language became entwined into English literature over many generations, not just in England but wherever the Bible was carried into what has become the Englishspeaking world and is with us today. Source: The King James Version 400th Anniversary 1611-2011 http://kjv400.co.uk/bible-background.php
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and by Hortense Brown
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n the past few months, the cases of suicide and murder suicide, have turned the spotlight on depression and suicide in Jamaica, particularly among the nation‘s youth. Between April and June, there were a series of reported cases of suicide across the island, including cases involving teenaged high school girls, a farmer, a carpenter and two cases of murder suicide involving a police officer and a former police officer . According to The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), a survey conducted among Jamaican students in grades seven to twelve, between April and June 2010 showed that a large number of high school students are undergoing stress, show suicidal tendencies, are bullied, smoke and drink, are obese, and lonely - and their parents, for the most . part, are unaware.1 The results said that over the period of the survey, one out of five students admitted to considering taking their own lives and that the rate of suicidal thoughts is higher among girls — 25.7 per cent — compared to boys at 19.8 per cent. For those who actually attempted suicide the numbers are almost even — 23 per cent girls and 21 per cent boys.1 Depression is a term that is used to describe an emotional state in which an individual feels hopeless and sad. Everyone at some point or another feels sad and hopeless; this may be termed as a depressed mood. In fact some women may be in a depressed mood immediately before their menses or after childbirth. However if depressive symp-
toms occur for more than two weeks and interfere with the normal course of an individual‘s daily life, then he/she may be termed to be depressed. Depression may also lead to suicidal ideation. That is, the individual may feel that he/she is so far gone that the best alternative is to take his or her life. Depression may not be an objective view of an individual‘s reality; but a state of being that one creates. For example, a very bright student confronted by the weight of the expectations of his relatives may feel like a failure. This may lead to a depressed mood which in turn may lead to suicide or suicidal thoughts. It is important to note that depression is as real in children and adolescents as it is in adults. Though the causes of depression are not fully known, it is felt that it may be due to an imbalance in hormones in the brain due to heredity or to the sudden imposition of certain life events such as: death of a loved one, divorce, separation from loved ones, family dysfunction, loss of income/unemployment, sexual abuse or rape, academic failure, physical or emotional abuse, guilt, inferiority complex, embarrassment, hypersensitivity and sudden illness especially terminal illness. It is important to reiterate that depression is not just merely feeling sad or hopeless. The symptoms must also occur over a period of time, and interfere with one‘s normal activities. Also, a single symptom cannot indicate depression but a cluster of at least two of the following symptoms occurring at the same time over a period of at least two weeks: a feeling of hopelessness/helplessness, inability to sleep or oversleep, lack of appetite or overeating, frequent headaches, irritability, unexplained anger, social withdrawal, suicidal ideation, forgetfulness, feelings of guilt, loss of sexual drive (particularly in men), excessive need to be alone, clinginess in children and frequent crying or inexplicable changes in mood. Usually depression is diagnosed based on the report given by the individual or a significant person in his or her life. Where these symptoms are noticed in persons, especially someone who has undergone a significant life event, it is important to consult a mental health practitioner such as a counsellor or psychologist. A depressed person may harbour thoughts of suicide to gain attention or of ending his/her feelings of depression. Suicide may often come as a shock to friends
and family members, however there are certain warning signs which should not be overlooked or taken lightly. These include: a sudden display of positive emotion after a period of withdrawal, a calmness after a period of indecision or lack of interest, a suggestion that life would be better off without him/her, distributing possessions and money, saying goodbye to friends/family, reconciling with others or even making funeral plans and giving ‗final instructions‘ without explanation. If one or more of these signs are observed in someone, report this to a pastor or mental health practitioner. It is also important that these persons are kept under constant surveillance with little opportunity to be alone, and that he or she is affirmed and importance to the family or circle of friends reinforced. Depression is usually treated with a mixture of medicine and psychotherapy. The medications are usually to control the hormones which may be out of balance in the brain. Psychotherapy includes cognitive therapy which addresses the thought processes of the individual and behavioural therapy which addresses the specific behaviours displayed. Neither medical nor psychological therapy can be short term, especially based on the intensity of the depression being experienced. Nevertheless, there are certain nontherapeutic measures which can be taken to combat depression such as a balanced diet including a blend of fruits and vegetables; and exercise which provides an avenue for the release of pent up emotions. It is also important that persons surround themselves with a group of positive individuals who will affirm and support their aspirations and dreams and with whom they can share their problems. If there is no such person, a trusted mental health professional is a good alternative. Above all, Jesus Christ is the greatest counsellor and He bids us: ―Come unto me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest‖ (Matt 11:28). Let us follow the divine injunction as ―there is no problem too big that God cannot solve it.‖ If we maintain the practice of taking our burdens to Jesus in full assurance that He will take care of them, the plague of depression will be lessened if not eliminated. 1
Overload - Hotline for troubled students flooded with calls. Jamaica Observer, April 27, 2011. Hortense Brown is a trained and practicing counselling psychologist
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Bro. Clive Ebanks
Youth Retreat 2011
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he Youth of Gregory Park Church set out on this year’s Retreat, looking for more than just fun and relaxation. They sought to recommit to living a Christ-centred life, loving each other and praising God with heart and soul; hence the theme: Live, Love Praise: I Want it all Back. Youth Retreat 2011, May 21-23, took place at the Morgan’s Harbour Hotel and Marina in the historical town of Port Royal. After a short bus ride and arriving at the retreat site, the 47-strong group walked through the streets of the old pirate town, distributing Adventist literature, while stopping periodically to raise songs and offer prayer. They then visited the quaint and welcoming Port Royal SDA Church to share in the Sabbath school lesson study. After lesson study the group returned to the hotel’s conference room for Divine Hour worship. Adventist Youth Sponsor and divine hour speaker, Bro. Clive Ebanks captioned his presentation after the weekend’s theme, dissecting what it truly means to live, love and praise - the way God intended. The AY Service was conducted by Pastor Howard Grant, Youth and Children’s Ministries Director of Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Under the title, ‘Beyond the Obvious’, Pastor Grant spoke to the need to have a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. He also took time to answer a range of questions from the captivated and inquiring congregation. Church Pastor Blondel Campbell and his wife Maxine were also present for the afternoon session, where Pastor Campbell introduced the guest speaker
and even strummed a song from his guitar. This retreat provided a complete Christian experience of strong spiritual programming along with socializing, exercise and relaxation. During the open session on demonic signs and symbols in pop culture, the youth pledged to cleanse themselves of those things which were unlike Christ, specifically music and other media. Saturday night’s social included ring games and retreat favorite board games Taboo and Pictionary. Sunday began with a cardiovascular workout under the instruction of Nurse and now drill instructor, Michelle Roper-Carty. The Sunday night banquet featured the usual fashionable and creative flair in drama and singing. This year’s staging incorporated a retro-theme including music and fashion. The memorable outfits included Shellion’s classic princess flare dress, Shantel’s polka-dot outfit, Francine’s fishnet leggings, and Marcia’s afro-puffs. On Monday there was a ‘Retreat Challenge’ with four teams, red, blue, green and yellow, competing in a range of events including jump-rope, minute-to-win-it, a medley relay and a treasure hunt. Throughout the weekend the group dined on the outdoor wooden deck overlooking the Harbour with rows of boats docked, the occasional jet skier zipping by and row boats rippling through the water. Retreaters also toured one of the large three tier boats on the dock. It was a wonderful weekend where the youth reaffirmed their commitment to living, loving and praising God: deciding it was time to get it all back!
Pastor Blondel Campbell
Pastor Howard Grant
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►1. Retreaters distribute literature in Port Royal ►2. Lesson Study at the Port Royal SDA Church ►3. The ladies have the time of their life during Sunday night’s banquet ►4. The banquet’s best dressed ►5. Pool Time ►6. Whitley, Kelly-Kay, Rajah and Shantel (left-right) about to enjoy lunch on the deck ►7. Drill instructor Michelle Roper-Carty lead Sunday morning’s exercise ►8. ‘Taboo’ during Saturday night Social ►9. The 100 meter dash ►10. The winning blue team at the ‘Retreat Challenge’
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AUGUST (cont”d)
JULY Sab 2 Sab 2 Sab 2
Elementary/Academy Promotion Day Small Group Ministries Emphasis (Conference-wide) Spiritual Revival and Renewal/Prayers and Fasting (Conference-wide) Sun 3 Elders‘ Certification – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Tue 5 2nd Quarter Sab. Sch. & Personal Ministries Report Wed 6 Prayer Leaders‘ Network Service- Manchester (Mandeville Church) Sab 9+ World Mission Budget Sab 9* Tell the Word: Media Ministry Sab 9 New Members‘ Convocation - Clarendon (May Pen Church) Sab 9 Text a Text – Hebrews 12:2 Sun 10 2nd Quarter Churches‘ Statistical Report Sun 10 Health Fair (H. S. Walters) Tue-Tue 12-19 Summer Camp – Juniors‘ (Camp Verley) Wed 13 Executive Committee Meeting Sab-Sab 16*-23 Consolidation Emphasis: Church History Week Sun 17 Elders‘ Certification- Manchester & Clarendon (May Pen) Tue-Tue 19-26 Summer Camp – Teen (Camp Verley) Sab 23 Bible and Church Heritage Day (Conference-wide) Sab 23 ‗Instant in Prayer‘ Festival of Praise and Gratitude Sun 24 Elders‘ Certification – St. Catherine (Conference office) Tue-Tue 26-Aug 2 Summer Camp – Senior (Camp Verley) Thur 28 Pastors‘ Community Outreach – Clarendon Fri-Sun 29-31 Couples‘ Retreat Sab 30 Stewardship Day (Conference-wide) Sab 30 Book & Nutrition Centre Book Promotion (Conferencewide) Sab 30 Spiritual Revival Emphasis AUGUST Mon 1 Emancipation Day Mon-Wed 1-31 Vacation Bible School Mon-Wed 1-31 Couples‘ Club Launch Sab 6 Global Mission Evangelism Sab 6 Personal Ministries Sabbath (Conference-wide) Sab 6 Independence Day (Day of Prayer for the Nation) Sab 6 Children‘s Ministries Emphasis Day Sab 6 Text a Text – John 8:36
Wed 10 Executive Committee Meeting Wed-Sab 17-20 IAD ASI Convention, Jamaica Sab 20 Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day Sun 21 CJC Sports Day Sab 27 CJC Connect (Clarendon) Sab 27 Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day Sun 28 Elders‘ Certification Examination (Willowdene Group of Schools Auditorium) SEPTEMBER
Sab 3 Sun 4
Personal Ministries Sabbath Adventist Songwriters Auditions – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Mon 5 Workers‘ Meeting (Spanish Town Church) Wed 7 Prayer Leaders‘ Network Service- Clarendon (May Pen Church) Sab 10* Family Togetherness Day Sab 10*+ Adventist Mission Emphasis (Offering) Sab 10 Youth Spiritual Commitment Celebration (Southern Hemisphere) Sab 10 New Members‘ Anniversary Convocation (St. Cath erine) Sab 10 Family Togetherness Day Sun 11* CJC Constituency Meeting/Leaders‘ Council (Camp Verley) Wed 14 Executive Committee Meeting Sab 17 International Pathfinders‘ Day (Conference wide) Sab-Sab 17-24 Health Emphasis Week Sun 18 Adventist Songwriters Auditions – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Wed 21 Willowdene Group of Schools Field Day Sab 24 Elders‘ Certification Graduation (May Pen Church) Sab 24 13th Sabbath Offering Sab 24 Membership Count (Conference wide) Sun 25 Family Life Education Certification Sun 25 Adventist Songwriters Auditions – St. Catherine (Family of God Church) Mon 26 SDA Club in Government Schools - Launch *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