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Issue 1 | January 2013
Celebration of Creation
Religious Liberty
C e l e bration of Creation is part of the Adventist Church’s renewed emphasis on promoting biblical creation. Adventist world church leaders voted to reaffirm the Adventist fundamental belief in a “literal, recent, six-day creation” they say is recorded in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Leaders are also currently in
During the previous year we had, what many consider ‘most important’ issues being discussed and or implemented. Among them: 1) The Workplace Religious Freedom Act, S-677 and HR 1445. 2) California Workplace ReCC | Page 8 ligious Freedom Act issues: topics in this issue Both of these • Celebration of Creation Acts, and sim• Religious Liberty ilar issues all across • Pastor’s Corner: the nation are on the New Year’s Resolution table and employers • Adventist WORLD may sometimes even • Health Message act on them and curtail • Friendship Evangelism employment or make • Fresh & Nutritious things more difficult, • Animal Encounter just by hearing of it, if • Fun, Family, Faith made into law or not. • Calendar of Events 3) The threat against • From the Editor: being masters of our What are Seventh-Day own conscience, seems Adventists Doing? to me one issue, which
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we must know about and which I shall present today, even though it came out a few years back, but because of the European Major religion, influencing
what our leaders are doing is a fact, we must know about it. 4) As to finding work and a future for our young people especially, things get more and more difficult. You may have to study things out and look for alternatives, develop an interest in being self-employed, for instance.
There are publications and books which can provide many ideas but it takes going to the library, finding them, reading them and getting an idea what choices you have. One way is to find out what people will purchase for a small sum, that you can make, and sell. By all means learn how to produce computer programs - for as long as the Internet may still function, there you have the most contact options. You can explore doing mission work, ADRA, Maranatha, building churches around the world, etc. Learn languages - with two of you together try quizzing each other, like
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Pastor’s Corner New Year ’s Resolution
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n Proverbs 4:7 the bible says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Here it is clear that the bibles counsel is that we aught to first and foremost seek the virtue of WISDOM! Seeking the wisdom of God should be a priority in our lives. Solomon, when placed on the throne to lead Gods people asked God for the wisdom to lead his people with sound judgment and discernment. God was so pleased with Solomon’s appeal that in addition to granting his request he gave him the bonus of wealth and honor. What does the virtue of wisdom do that it would cause God to react in such a positive manner? Wisdom we are told is founded in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 reads, “The fear of
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the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” By fearing God we are able to obtain wisdom! The question then becomes; how do I fear God? In case you’re thinking that this is not of significant importance we need to examine the foundation of our faith. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is founded upon the three angels message of Revelation 14. That message declares that we are to fear God and give glory to Him. Why, because the hour of His Judgment is come. As Adventists the need to fear (respect, revere, reverence) God is framed in the message of God judging the sincerity of our hearts. We need to live soberly and righteously in this present world realizing that we are in the presence of a loving God that desires that none of us be
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lost but that all would be saved (2 Pet. 3:9). How can we live in such a way that we are gaining the benefits of His great love and assurance toward us, apprehending the virtue of wisdom (the fear of God) so that we can prosper for His Kingdom cause? The answer is found in Psalms 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” David helps us to understand that if we’re going to live up to the virtue of wisdom, we must be inclined to number our days. In other words, we must treat each day as though it were our last. Tomorrow is promised to no one. It is of utmost importance that we live out each day with a sober mentality, that grace is only promised for today. We cannot store up enough to last us for tomorrow. When we
cherish life to its fullest and live out each day as though there were no tomorrow, how different our lives might be. Perhaps we would tell our spouses and our children how much we love them, perhaps we would reconcile our strained relationships, perhaps we would return our borrowed treasures, perhaps we would rehearse our most prized memories, perhaps we would smile a bit deeper, love a lot harder and give more abundantly … knowing that tomorrow may not come. As we face the new and upcoming years that lie just ahead, may the appeal of Psalms 90:12 resonate in the core of our being, may it reside in the folds of our temperament, may its theme be true for each passing day. We are allotted not a year but a day to complete our dreams!
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Adventist World: Babcock University Opens Medical School By Lael Caesar Adventist World associate editor and Elizabeth Lechleitner and Ansel Oliver Adventist News Network commitment by Africans to build self-sufficiency in addressing the sweeping public health challenges faced on the continent.
A new Seventh-day Adventist school of medicine in Nigeria is the denomination’s first in Africa. The Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., School of Medicine and Babcock University Teaching Hospital was inaugurated in June 2012 during commencement services at churchowned Babcock University (BU) in Lagos, Nigeria. The launch of a medical school in Nigeria, while not an immediate fix, is “a clear start” toward a “healthcare delivery system yet unrivaled in Africa,” said BU president James Makinde. The School of Medicine operates out of Babcock University College of Health and Medical Sciences, which also includes Schools of Nursing and Public Health. Administrators say Schools of Pharmacy and Dentistry are on the horizon. The school is accredited to grant a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) degree, the first professional degree a medical student can earn studying at a university that follows the British model of post-secondary education. The 37 students currently enrolled in the M.B.B.S. program have been studying since January, when Babwww.facebook.com/southgate.church.1
cock University administrators first requested a public inauguration for the fledgling medical school. But at the time, the official launch was prevented by yet unmet accreditation requirements and unrest after the Nigerian government lifted a gas subsidy, said Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Education Department director for the Adventist world church. “We needed to verify that [accrediting] conditions had been met. They have now been substantially met,” Beardsley-Hardy said. The infrastructure for the medical school is now nearly complete, she added. Education Department officials worked closely with the world church’s Health Ministries Department to set benchmarks for the medical school. Health Ministries Department director Allan Handysides, who has supported medical mission work in
Africa for decades, echoed Beardsley-Hardy’s endorsement. “I have seldom seen such remarkable progress in such short time at any of our other institutions. The team at Babcock has taken the suggestions and guidance given seriously, and the result is outstanding,” Handysides said. Chairing the proceedings was Iheanyichukwu Okoro, BU senior vice president and provost of the College of Health and Medical Sciences, where the School of Medicine resides. Conspicuous among the assembled guests, and honoring the assembly with words of commendation and a commitment to continued partnership, was Kabiyesi Oba Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga, king of Ilishan, the one who donated the land on which
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Seasonal Depression
o the bleak winter months get you down more than you think they should? Maybe you have seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that happens every year at the same time. A rare form of seasonal depression, known as “summer depression,” begins in late spring or early summer and ends in fall. But in general, seasonal affective disorder starts in fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer. What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? There are two seasonal patterns with SAD. One starts in the fall and continues through the winter, and the other starts in late spring or early summer. The fall-onset type of SAD, often referred to as “winter depression,” is better known and easier to recognize -and we know more about it than we know about its counterpart. Hormones manufactured deep in the brain automatically trigger attitudinal changes at certain times of year. Experts believe that SAD is related to these hormonal changes. One theory is that reduced sunlight during fall and winter leads to reduced production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a soothing, calming effect. The result of there not being enough serotonin are feelings of depression along with symptoms of fatigue, carbohydrate craving, and weight gain. Because foods high in carbohydrates (chips, pret-
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zels, cookies) boost serotonin, it is thought that they have a calming, soothing affect on the body and mind. SAD usually starts in young adulthood and is more common in females than in males. Some people with SAD experience very mild symptoms and feel out of sorts or irritable. Others have debilitating symptoms that interfere with relationships and productivity. Because the lack of enough daylight during wintertime is related to SAD, it is seldom found in countries within 30 degrees of the equator, where there is plenty of sunshine year round. What Are the Symptoms of SAD During Winter? People with SAD have many of the normal signs of depression, including: · Decreased levels of energy · Difficulty concentrating · Fatigue · Increase in appetite · Increased desire to be alone · Increased need for sleep · Weight gain Solution · Get out into the daylight as much as you can. · Or use Light Therapy upon awakening in the morning. · Eat a healthy diet, raw fruits and veggies · Exercise · Plenty of water source: webmd.com
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evangelism
friendship In 1937 the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” written by Dale Carnegie became an overnight success. Eventually selling 15 million copies this book became the grandfather of all people-skills publications. What made this book so successful? The basic fundamental need of the human heart is to feel a sense of belonging. We define ourselves by our relationship with others. Without love we lack a sense of personal identity. It is through the gift of friendship that we are able to achieve this very innate need for fellowship through relationships. Friendship Evangelism is the theme of this month’s newsletter. Friendship Evangelism is evangelism that seeks to establish friendships with non-believers as a basis for sharing the gospel. As a
church we ought to become effective at friendship evangelism. Any given Sabbath Southgate Church may have various numbers of guests that choose to visit our church for their worship experience. Many of our guests may be searching to find God seeking to make a full commitment in following the Lord. What better place to practice Friendship Evan-
gelism than in the safe, warm, friendly confines of our own church environment. The latest buzzword in Southgate is M.O.G.A.M.A.F. Mogamaf is an acronym for Meet Our Guest and Make a Friend. In Proverbs 18:24 the Bible says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Jesus was the master of Friendship Evangelism. Ministry of Healing p.143 says, “Christ method alone will bring true success. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good, He showed sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence and bid them to follow Him.” If Jesus was a member of Southgate church He would undoubtedly MOGAMAF every week. Won’t you join the campaign and walk in the shadows of our Savior; the ultimate MOGAMAFFER!
Back on Track Green Monster (Banana Free) Yield: 3 cups Ingredients: 1 cup kale 1 large Gala apple (or other sweet apple), roughly chopped 1 English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
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1/2 tbsp coconut oil Maple syrup, to taste (I used 1/2 tbsp or so) 4-5 Ice cubes Protein powder, water (plain or coconut) optional 1. Place all ingredients except maple syrup and ice
into a high-speed blender and blend on high until very smooth. Blend in ice and maple syrup to taste. 2. Guzzle. 3. Feel amazing.
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recipe taken from www.ohsheglows.com
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Chinese, read, write, and translate, and you can sell things to them, even better, you can present the gospel to them, like pastor Batchelor does. Learn to write good books and how you can produce them yourself. Learn how to plant a sustainable vegetable garden, so you can feed yourself and others. There is much published information on this topic of food. It is important today, and will be imperative in the near future, and for as long as we are free to live in our homes. Keep yourself informed on New World Order (NWO) issues because that is where the rubber meets the road on numerous issues. Religious Liberty issues are a matter of prayer for you and all members, for we know that the Lord wants us to be one with Him in our individual lives and plead for His mercy and guidance among all these events we observe around the world today. Individual members are welcome to contact us if they have a matter of concern on this subject.
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Animal Encounters!
By Regina Davis-West
This year the Adventist Church will promote the biblical account of creation; how it impacts our world view and how it makes us distinctly Adventist. One of the many outcomes of this campaign is the exciting, new, and upcoming television and web series, “Animal Encounters”. With the great popularity of animal and nature programs, Adventists have recognized the lack of one important element ... a Creator God. “Animal Encounters” is about to change all of that by putting God back in creation in this wonderful new production series. In support of this movement, The Southgate Gospel will highlight a monthly animal encounter of its own. This year our animal “expert” is one of the younger members of our church, Evian Byrd. His enthusiasm for animals is elephantine! And his articles are sure to be informative. Enjoy!
Green Green Basilisk Basilisk Lizard, Lizard, By Evian Byrd
The Green Basilisk Lizard lives in the tropical rain forests of Central America where they spend most of there time in the trees. But when danger is lurking they have a special trick they use which is walking on water. Some people actually call these lizards the Jesus Christ Lizard. Every time I think about this lizard it makes me think about how Jesus walked on water. And that’s why I like this lizard. AW
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the medical school now stands. Presenting the full endorsement of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission for BU’s new undertaking was Julius Okojie, executive secretary of the commission. His affirmation was illustrative of BU’s excellent relationship and close cooperation with its various pub-
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AT DEDICATION CEREMONY—Dr. Ben Carson, left, and his wife, Candy, at dedication ceremonies for The Benjamin S. Carson School of Medicine and Babcock University Teaching Hospital outside of Lagos, Nigeria.
lics, further indicated by greetings received from the chair of county local government Femi Adeniyi, the presence of the permanent secretary for the minister of labor and productivity Chief Wogu, as well as representatives of other state and private universities from around the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all across the African continent.
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fun, family, faith! Who are the people in the drawing?
_______________________ and ________________________. Have fun and color in the picture!
Using the word list below, fill in the blanks to complete the verses. “_ _ _ _ _ _ _ is the man that walketh _ _ _ in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is in the law of the _ _ _ _ ; and in his law doth he meditate _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _.” -Psalm 1:1-2 word list: not night
blessed
delight
day
sinners
Lord
How much of the Bible do you know? Match the answers to the questions below. 1. Who said, “I AM THAT I AM”? __________________ Exodus 3:14 2. What did God create on the first day? __________________ Genesis 1:3-5 3. Who built the ark? __________________
Genesis 6:13-14
4. How many sons did Noah have? __________________ Genesis 6:10 www.facebook.com/southgate.church.1
5. What were the names of Noah’s sons? ________________ ________________ ________________ Genesis 6:10 6. Who said, “... Am I my brothers keeper?” __________________ Genesis 4:9 word list: light Shem Moses
six God three
Ham Joseph Noah
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Japheth Cain Sea
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the process of clarifying the church’s doctrinal statement on creation. But beyond doctrine, church leaders say the study of origins resonates with the human need for belonging. “All of us need to know where we came from,” said Williams Costa Jr., Communication director for the Adventist world church. “God created us; we belong to Him.” More details on this exciting topic will be shared in future issues. source: news.adventist.org
Southgate January
19 Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY Convalescent Home Ministry: (All are welcome every 3rd Sabbath) St. Claire’s Nursing Center @ 3:30p 6248 66th Avenue and Saint Francis Senior Residence @ 4p 6254 66th Avenue. 23 Prayer Meeting @ 7p 25 Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) 26 Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY 30 Prayer Meeting @ 7p
February 1 Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) 2 Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY
3 Pathfinders:
Organizational Meeting @ 10a
6 Neighborhood Foodbank Ministry @ 9a-11:30a (Donate or Volunteer) Prayer Meeting @ 7p 8 Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) 9 Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY 10 Snow Trip (Pre-Registration Required) 13 Prayer Meeting @ 7p 15 Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) 16 Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY Convalescent Home Ministry 20 Neighborhood Foodbank Ministry Prayer Meeting @ 7p
What are Seventh-Day Adventists Doing? God for the purpose of gentlemen today. In 2011 every one of us to take reaching out to His people I learned about Maranatha up employment under like Enoch? Do we believe and Sonlight Education. the leadership of our the statement of Romans In 2012 I watched C.F.O. King of Kings, and Lord There is so much 1:16, “For I am not develop, and learned about of Lords. Even if it’s happening in the world ashamed of the gospel of A.M.E.N., the Loma Linda something simple like this of Adventism today. And Christ...”? Do these actions Street Medicine Outreach, month’s theme: Friendship to think ... four years describe you or someone Life+Health, dress reform, Evangelism. ago I didn’t even know you know? Or maybe self-supported ministry, What are Sevenththis church existed. But you’re still wondering colporteuring, Amazing Day Adventists doing? now that I have been how could God possibly Discoveries, Vegan From my perspective, we enlightened, and with the use you? In the coming Paradice (an Adventist are doing a whole lot. The use of computers, tablets, months, we will discuss restaurant) and so much work both abroad and smart phones, and good these thoughts and share more! local is heart-warming. old-fashioned books, I inspiring testimonies as How exciting to see Young, old, rich, poor and can’t get away from it. we actively pursue God’s God’s people go to work! of the various colors of The amount of Adventist call on our lives. And when you investigate the rainbow, Seventhinformation is overflowing! Over the years, I have the humble beginnings of Day Adventists are doing So, with all of this heard many stories of many of these ministries, amazing things; including powerful information, those who have answered they started with simple the exceptional individuals do we hear a personal the call. In 2010 I learned people, like you and me. of Southgate Church. I am call to action? Are we about N.A.P.S., founded This year we will be so proud to be amongst moved to preach a daily by Dr. Anthony D. Paul. taking a closer look at this remnant people. sermon as did Noah with I also discovered Dr. some of these ministries. Keep up the great the arc? Do we meditate Ben Carson, and am still Hopefully they will inspire work! and commune daily with inspired by these two and motivate each and ••• the Southgate GOSPEL ••• www.southgatesda.com www.facebook.com/southgate.church.1
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