PERSPECTIVES
STATE UNION UPDATE OF THE
Dear Mid-America Church Family,
T
he last time I wrote, the pandemic was just getting started and we were all wondering what was going to happen next. The one thing we knew for sure was that life would change during this strange and stressful time. Where are we now as a union family and what are our plans moving forward? We realize we may have to make future adjustments, but the good news is that the Lord knows the future and He will be with us. Here is a brief update on what I know is happening around our union.
metro area. They are on the front lines of this battle every day, giving incredible care to the communities they serve.
ARE CHURCHES MEETING? Many of our 453 churches have reopened with safety measures in place. I just had the privilege of preaching in Alamosa, Colorado, and enjoyed my time there very much. We couldn’t greet each other the way we normally would or enjoy a great fellowship meal together, and everyone’s smile was covered with a mask. Yet this did not negate the pure joy it was to worship together. Thank you, Pastor HOW ARE OUR McAlpine, for the invitation. MEMBERS DOING? A number of camp meetings A number have contracted were canceled, but some of our the coronavirus. Most have six conferences offered virtual recovered, others have been camp meetings, and Central scarred deeply by this unreStates Conference offered both lenting organism, while a few their camp meeting and VBS others have passed away. What program virtually at the same a huge loss to our churches time. The Dakota Conference this has been! What has been was able to have their camp even tougher is we have litermeeting in person later in the ally not been able to put our summer, which was a blessing. arms around those who have WHAT ABOUT ACS? lost loved ones to comfort The North American Divithem. Let’s continue to pray sion has provided extra fundfor those who are hurting. I want to give a huge shout- ing so our local community out here to our AdventHealth service volunteers can cover hospitals, both in the Kansas the shortages in our food distribution programs. Our New City area and the Denver
4 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG SEPT 2020
extra back-and-forth travel for students.This is the schedule Union College is adopting. All our schools have put excellent safety measures in place and are prepared if there is an Haven Church in Kansas City outbreak of the virus. was featured in the local press as a group who were making HOW’S THE BUDGET a tangible impact during this LOOKING? As you might expect, our pandemic through their food finances have been affected by bank. All our community this pandemic as well. As of service leaders have done so the end of June, our tithe was much to not only help those down 4.28 percent compared currently in need but also with the same time period last prepare for what will come year. Even though it is down, next as we continue to fight this number speaks volumes this virus together. to the heart and graciousness of our members, who WHAT’S HAPPENING although they were unable to WITH OUR YOUNG attend church, supported the PEOPLE? Only two of our nine sum- church through their tithes mer camps were able to bring and offerings. From where I sit, all I can in campers this year. However, do is say “Thank you!” for many conferences still connected with our young people your love and faithfulness for through virtual camp fires and your Savior, your church and its mission. I pray soon we other activities. Most camps will be able to fellowship freely still hired a few staff to work together without restrictions. on special projects that are Until then, please stay safe getting our camping facilities and do all you can to protect in great shape for next year. The NAD also worked with others as well. local youth leaders and turned the VBS program into a virGARY THURBER tual edition for our kids. It is is president of the amazing the response received Mid-America Union. from this outreach. WHAT ABOUT ADVENTIST SCHOOLS? At this point, all of our 78 schools are planning on opening in-person on time. Some of our boarding schools are actually going to start early and finish their first semester by Thanksgiving to avoid
