WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH PASTOR CAMPBELL
This Sabbath we will conclude our sermon series on the book of Ephesians as we learning about "fighting the powers of darkness" (based on Eph. 6:10-17). We've grown together as we've studied this important epistle by the apostle Paul about church unity. Together we have the opportunity to build one another up as a part of the body of Christ. This summer we will have a number of guest speakers and I will be doing a sermon series about "What Jesus said..." about a variety of different topics.
PREPARE/ENRICH INTEREST MEETING
We're going to have an interest meeting for the Prepare/Enrich marriage enrichment program. This is for all married couples--young couples, couples that have been married for decades. I'm partnering with Sharon Schlue, a Christian counselor here in town who is also certified with the Prepare/Enrich program. The cost will be minimal--the cost of the evaluation which is about $35. If you think this might be something you would like to do please attend our interest meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at 7 pm at the church.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
We were glad to make it home last night (actually early this morning) from a week of family time. I feel personally and spiritually renewed. We spent some time in nature. One of the highlights for me was taking time to read through Steps to Christ by Ellen White. Have you read it? It is a short classic that overviews the Christian walk. If you haven't read it recently I'd like to encourage you to pick up a copy. If you haven't read it, then I'd like to invite you to read it and get to know Jesus as your friend. If you need a copy please let me know and I'll be happy to give one to you.
One the way out for our vacation we met some fellow Adventist church members. They picked up on the fact that I was a pastor and my Adventist polo shirt was a dead give away. We spent the flight together talking about many things we have in common--including mutual friends. You never know who you'll meet when you're traveling. It reminded me a little bit of what heaven will be like because there will be lots of God's children who will be there who we've never met but with whom we will have a lot in common--we're all saved by Jesus Christ.
I'd have to say one of the highlights for me of this family vacation was getting to see Miami-Battle Creek Sanitarium--at least the building that it used to be in. It is now a retirement home. I collect early Adventist postcards and have quite a few of this particular institution. I had the opportunity to walk in the lobby where there still is a picture of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. I was amazed at how much the lobby resembles how it originally looked when it was first built in the 1920s.
I'm also excited because our Bible worker, Jon Gardner, has begun to work on following Bible study leads. He has gone through old leads and spent the past couple of days going door to door in our community asking for prayer requests. I was impressed because last night he baked some cookies to pass out to people he has met. Let's pray for Jon as he seeks providential openings to introduce people to Jesus.
I was also really tickled that our sensitive annuals survived the surprise snow early last week. Everything looks so beautiful around Montrose. It is one of my favorite times of the year as we watch everything around blossom and bud. I praise God for the beautiful world He created for us.
This Sabbath we will conclude our sermon series on the book of Ephesians as we learning about "fighting the powers of darkness" (based on Eph. 6:10-17). We've grown together as we've studied this important epistle by the apostle Paul about church unity. Together we have the opportunity to build one another up as a part of the body of Christ. This summer we will have a number of guest speakers and I will be doing a sermon series about "What Jesus said..." about a variety of different topics.
PREPARE/ENRICH INTEREST MEETING
We're going to have an interest meeting for the Prepare/Enrich marriage enrichment program. This is for all married couples--young couples, couples that have been married for decades. I'm partnering with Sharon Schlue, a Christian counselor here in town who is also certified with the Prepare/Enrich program. The cost will be minimal--the cost of the evaluation which is about $35. If you think this might be something you would like to do please attend our interest meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at 7 pm at the church.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
We were glad to make it home last night (actually early this morning) from a week of family time. I feel personally and spiritually renewed. We spent some time in nature. One of the highlights for me was taking time to read through Steps to Christ by Ellen White. Have you read it? It is a short classic that overviews the Christian walk. If you haven't read it recently I'd like to encourage you to pick up a copy. If you haven't read it, then I'd like to invite you to read it and get to know Jesus as your friend. If you need a copy please let me know and I'll be happy to give one to you.
One the way out for our vacation we met some fellow Adventist church members. They picked up on the fact that I was a pastor and my Adventist polo shirt was a dead give away. We spent the flight together talking about many things we have in common--including mutual friends. You never know who you'll meet when you're traveling. It reminded me a little bit of what heaven will be like because there will be lots of God's children who will be there who we've never met but with whom we will have a lot in common--we're all saved by Jesus Christ.
I'd have to say one of the highlights for me of this family vacation was getting to see Miami-Battle Creek Sanitarium--at least the building that it used to be in. It is now a retirement home. I collect early Adventist postcards and have quite a few of this particular institution. I had the opportunity to walk in the lobby where there still is a picture of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. I was amazed at how much the lobby resembles how it originally looked when it was first built in the 1920s.
I'm also excited because our Bible worker, Jon Gardner, has begun to work on following Bible study leads. He has gone through old leads and spent the past couple of days going door to door in our community asking for prayer requests. I was impressed because last night he baked some cookies to pass out to people he has met. Let's pray for Jon as he seeks providential openings to introduce people to Jesus.
I was also really tickled that our sensitive annuals survived the surprise snow early last week. Everything looks so beautiful around Montrose. It is one of my favorite times of the year as we watch everything around blossom and bud. I praise God for the beautiful world He created for us.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH DAVID SWINYAR
David Swinyar is going to share God's Word with us this Sabbath. I'm especially looking forward to listening to our principal as our school year at Spring Creek Adventist School comes to a close. I would also like to ask you to please pray for Ray Wing who is not feeling well.
JONAH
We're going through the book of Jonah--God's reluctant prophet. This last week we studied about how Jonah ran in the opposite direction once God called Him. God continued to pursue Jonah. What amazes me is that God doesn't give up on us--even when we give up on ourselves. This coming week for prayer meeting we're going to continue studying the life of Jonah as we go through chapter 2.
PLAY GROUP FOR TODDLERS
Heidi Campbell is getting a play group for toddlers started. The group meets on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. at the Campbell home. Contact Heidi at 240-3412 for more information.
HEALTH SEMINAR WITH DR. JOHN CLARK
Dr. John Clark, a Loma Linda University trained physician, will be giving a health emphasis seminar at our church beginning on Friday evening, May 9, at 7:00 pm. He will continue by talking about the health message and the sanctuary Sabbath morning for the worship hour. Then in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (there will be no singing groups this month) he will continue the series by looking at a number of health problems: diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I want to encourage you to attend this special weekend with Dr. Clark so that we can learn how to live lives of wholeness and health.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
What a surprise it was for me to wake up this morning and see snow! I'm thankful that our tomatoes are nice and snugly warm inside their wall-o-waters and their plastic covered raised bed. I learned last night how local farmers have large fans to keep the frost away from their orchards. I'm thankful for the warmth of our home, our church, and how God gives us opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around us.
I was excited yesterday to receive the results of the church survey I passed out several weeks ago. The Natural Church Development (NCD) survey is sponsoed by the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI) that is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. It is a way to measure church health. I was happy to see that our church scored 42 out of 65 possible points (the higher the better); a significant mark of growth from when the survey was last taken seven years ago when our church scored 21. From a pastoral perspective that shows that our church is growing. I praise the Lord for the difference our church members are making the lives of those who attend our congregation, and I furthermore believe that this indicates that our church is prepared to grow even more. I plan to talk about more specific details about the survey at our next church board meeting on May 22.
At the beginning of this year I made a commitment to our young people that I would help our Pathfinder club for the first six months of this year. Now as we reach the conclusion of our first semester together as a club we are going to the Pathfinder Fair in Loveland. Please pray as 25 pathfinders, leaders, and chaperons travel together on Friday through Sunday as we participate with other clubs from across the conference. I believe we are in for a real treat.
Last but not least, I want to alert our church family about our falling checking account balance. At the beginning of the year we had about $31,000 in our account, and now we are down to $14,700. This is a trend that cannot continue, but neither is it a surprise. The largest portion (over $7,000) is a shortfall in our school subsidy that we voted when we accepted the deficit budget for this past school year in September. Fortunately we have voted a more sustainable level of subsidy for next school year based upon current trends, and I expect that our church will be able to reverse this trend since this current school year is almost over. I want to thank our church family for your generosity by supporting our church through your faithful giving. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to let me know.
David Swinyar is going to share God's Word with us this Sabbath. I'm especially looking forward to listening to our principal as our school year at Spring Creek Adventist School comes to a close. I would also like to ask you to please pray for Ray Wing who is not feeling well.
JONAH
We're going through the book of Jonah--God's reluctant prophet. This last week we studied about how Jonah ran in the opposite direction once God called Him. God continued to pursue Jonah. What amazes me is that God doesn't give up on us--even when we give up on ourselves. This coming week for prayer meeting we're going to continue studying the life of Jonah as we go through chapter 2.
PLAY GROUP FOR TODDLERS
Heidi Campbell is getting a play group for toddlers started. The group meets on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. at the Campbell home. Contact Heidi at 240-3412 for more information.
HEALTH SEMINAR WITH DR. JOHN CLARK
Dr. John Clark, a Loma Linda University trained physician, will be giving a health emphasis seminar at our church beginning on Friday evening, May 9, at 7:00 pm. He will continue by talking about the health message and the sanctuary Sabbath morning for the worship hour. Then in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (there will be no singing groups this month) he will continue the series by looking at a number of health problems: diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. I want to encourage you to attend this special weekend with Dr. Clark so that we can learn how to live lives of wholeness and health.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
What a surprise it was for me to wake up this morning and see snow! I'm thankful that our tomatoes are nice and snugly warm inside their wall-o-waters and their plastic covered raised bed. I learned last night how local farmers have large fans to keep the frost away from their orchards. I'm thankful for the warmth of our home, our church, and how God gives us opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around us.
I was excited yesterday to receive the results of the church survey I passed out several weeks ago. The Natural Church Development (NCD) survey is sponsoed by the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI) that is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. It is a way to measure church health. I was happy to see that our church scored 42 out of 65 possible points (the higher the better); a significant mark of growth from when the survey was last taken seven years ago when our church scored 21. From a pastoral perspective that shows that our church is growing. I praise the Lord for the difference our church members are making the lives of those who attend our congregation, and I furthermore believe that this indicates that our church is prepared to grow even more. I plan to talk about more specific details about the survey at our next church board meeting on May 22.
At the beginning of this year I made a commitment to our young people that I would help our Pathfinder club for the first six months of this year. Now as we reach the conclusion of our first semester together as a club we are going to the Pathfinder Fair in Loveland. Please pray as 25 pathfinders, leaders, and chaperons travel together on Friday through Sunday as we participate with other clubs from across the conference. I believe we are in for a real treat.
Last but not least, I want to alert our church family about our falling checking account balance. At the beginning of the year we had about $31,000 in our account, and now we are down to $14,700. This is a trend that cannot continue, but neither is it a surprise. The largest portion (over $7,000) is a shortfall in our school subsidy that we voted when we accepted the deficit budget for this past school year in September. Fortunately we have voted a more sustainable level of subsidy for next school year based upon current trends, and I expect that our church will be able to reverse this trend since this current school year is almost over. I want to thank our church family for your generosity by supporting our church through your faithful giving. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to let me know.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH ROBIN RICHES
This Sabbath Elder Riches will be speaking about "the green-eyed monster"? Have you heard of it before? I hadn't so if you are curious you will have to worship this Sabbath as Elder Riches opens God's Word to us.
JONAH
We're starting a new prayer meeting series that will continue through June on the life of Jonah. The series will begin this coming Tuesday evening.
PLAY GROUP FOR TODDLERS
Heidi Campbell is starting a play group for toddlers. The first meeting will be this coming Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Campbell home. Contact Heidi at 240-3412 for more information.
VEGETARIAN POTLUCK
This Sunday our church is going to host a community-wide vegetarian potluck. This is a follow-up from our recent cooking school that was so well attended. It was well attended by people in our community, and they are asking that our church continue to host something to help encourage a healthy lifestyle on an on-going basis. If you attended the seminar or just want to make a new friend this is a great opportunity to taste delicious vegetarian dishes. Contact Gordon Reichard or Lorena Gladding for more information.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Did you know that our Adventurer Club won an award this past Sunday? I was so excited for our Adventurers and their leaders. We've got a terrific club and I really appreciate the investment our churches places in our young people. Sunday was a particularly busy day because we also had the Vacation Bible School meeting that will take place this coming June. Contact Sharon Holbrook if you'd like to help support this ministry.
On Tuesday this week our church hosted the PREACH seminar. We had six people come so I was glad that we cost host this sattelite broadcast event hosted by our General Conference ministerial department. I've had several people ask if they can see the videos. I've learned that they now have on demand viewing of the seminar which you can watch by visiting the www.ministerialassociation.com web site.
It is finally feeling like Spring! I love all the flowers that are coming up. We have had a lot of fun with a miniature greenhouse next to our house. We've got lettuce, carrots, and even tomatoes. I'm so excited to be able to have a garden. I think Spring time is my favorite time of year because it reminds me how God awakens new life in our hearts each and every day.
This Sabbath Elder Riches will be speaking about "the green-eyed monster"? Have you heard of it before? I hadn't so if you are curious you will have to worship this Sabbath as Elder Riches opens God's Word to us.
JONAH
We're starting a new prayer meeting series that will continue through June on the life of Jonah. The series will begin this coming Tuesday evening.
PLAY GROUP FOR TODDLERS
Heidi Campbell is starting a play group for toddlers. The first meeting will be this coming Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Campbell home. Contact Heidi at 240-3412 for more information.
VEGETARIAN POTLUCK
This Sunday our church is going to host a community-wide vegetarian potluck. This is a follow-up from our recent cooking school that was so well attended. It was well attended by people in our community, and they are asking that our church continue to host something to help encourage a healthy lifestyle on an on-going basis. If you attended the seminar or just want to make a new friend this is a great opportunity to taste delicious vegetarian dishes. Contact Gordon Reichard or Lorena Gladding for more information.
CHURCH CAMPING TRIP
Sign-up sheets are now available in the church for the beginning of an annual church camping trip. A limited number of whitewater rafting spaces are available. Camp sites are $12 per night (for a family); white water rafting is $70 for the Sunday trip. The theme for our camping trip is origins. Dr. Timothy Standish from the Geoscience Research Institute is going to be our speaker.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Did you know that our Adventurer Club won an award this past Sunday? I was so excited for our Adventurers and their leaders. We've got a terrific club and I really appreciate the investment our churches places in our young people. Sunday was a particularly busy day because we also had the Vacation Bible School meeting that will take place this coming June. Contact Sharon Holbrook if you'd like to help support this ministry.
On Tuesday this week our church hosted the PREACH seminar. We had six people come so I was glad that we cost host this sattelite broadcast event hosted by our General Conference ministerial department. I've had several people ask if they can see the videos. I've learned that they now have on demand viewing of the seminar which you can watch by visiting the www.ministerialassociation.com web site.
It is finally feeling like Spring! I love all the flowers that are coming up. We have had a lot of fun with a miniature greenhouse next to our house. We've got lettuce, carrots, and even tomatoes. I'm so excited to be able to have a garden. I think Spring time is my favorite time of year because it reminds me how God awakens new life in our hearts each and every day.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH LONNIE HETTERLE
We are fortunate to have our conference education superintendent, Lonnie Hetterle, to worship with us as he breaks God's word to us. The message, about life in Christ, is based on 1 John 5:11-12. Please come and join us for a Spirit-filled worship service as we worship Jesus together this Sabbath.
RELATIONSHIPS
We're concluding our series on relationships. This past week we talked about resolving conflict. This coming week we're going to look at strengthening our families. This will be the conclusion of our series on relationships. In April 29 we are going to begin a new prayer meeting series. Stay tuned for details.
VEGETARIAN POTLUCK
This Sunday our church is going to host a community-wide vegetarian potluck. This is a follow-up from our recent cooking school. It was well attended by people in our community, and they are asking that our church continue to host something to help encourage a healthy lifestyle on an on-going basis. If you attended the seminar or just want to make a new friend this is a great opportunity to taste delicious vegetarian dishes. Contact Gordon Reichard or Lorena Gladding for more information.
PATHFINDERS
I would like to ask our church members to consider giving a little extra for our Pathfinder club. We used to have a Pathfinder club and funds that the club used to have were absorbed into the mission trip fund or our new Adventurer club. Either way, our club is starting in a deficit because we needed new supplies like banners, equipment, etc. that a club would normally have that are either missing or no longer usable. I know our church has rallied in the past in support of other worthy projects, but now I am appealing to our church family to please invest in our new club. I'm challenging our church to give $2,000 by the end of May so that we have sufficient operating funds and money with which to pay for these extra costs.
I would like to ask our church members to consider giving a little extra for our Pathfinder club. We used to have a Pathfinder club and funds that the club used to have were absorbed into the mission trip fund or our new Adventurer club. Either way, our club is starting in a deficit because we needed new supplies like banners, equipment, etc. that a club would normally have that are either missing or no longer usable. I know our church has rallied in the past in support of other worthy projects, but now I am appealing to our church family to please invest in our new club. I'm challenging our church to give $2,000 by the end of May so that we have sufficient operating funds and money with which to pay for these extra costs.
SCRAPBOOKING
Women's ministries is having their monthly scrapbooking fellowship and fun day this coming Sunday. I know Heidi and a number of ladies in our church enjoying scrapbooking so if you would like to scrapbook or know of someone who does please encourage them to come on Sunday for this fellowship opportunity. Contact Sharon Holbrook for more information.
PREACH SEMINAR
Next Tuesday (April 22) our church is hosting a PREACH seminar hosted by our General Conference ministerial department for helping pastors and lay people learn how to improve their preaching. Would you like to learn how to hone your homiletical skills? Perhaps you know of a pastor in our community who might like to come? I've already got about five pastors signed up so please contact me if you would like to come or know of someone who should come to this event. Our church is going to be one of the host downlink sites for this special seminar. Contact Pastor Campbell for more information.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Yesterday was our day of deliverance. On tax day (an infamous day in our family because a year ago on the same day I received a serious raquetball injury) the back of our fence blew over this year because of the combination of high wind and the lack of dirt to support it due to road construction behind our house. Some of you also know that about six weeks ago I was hit by a car. Unfortunately the police officer lost the witness's name and number, and the other person's insurance had declined my claim. Amazingly enough, the missing namd and number turned up yetserday and as of yesterday afternoon the other driver's insurance had now accepted liability for the claim. Plus, I found out the city is going to put in a retaining wall and either fix or replace our fence. So I'm praising the Lord. Yesterday truly was a day of deliverance for our family. I've really felt the devil has been trying to get us down and discourage us so I want to thank you for your support and prayers.
This summer we're starting a new series about "What Jesus Taught...." on a host of topics. We're going to be studying the gospels to learn more about the life and teachings of Jesus--something that I would like to explore further for our prayer meeting series this fall. I also have a dream that I'd like to share with you. I'd like to see our church host a two week evangelistic series some time this fall to follow up on several church programs and the work of our Bible worker this summer. Would you please join me in prayer as we seek guidance that God will use us to effectively share the gospel here in our own community? I believe that our church is poised to grow. I plan to spend a considerable amount of time with our church leaders over the next couple of weeks and months strategizing about how we can be more intentional in our evangelism.
This past Sunday I presented a paper at Loma Linda University for the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) Committee (it is the highest theological thinktank in our denomination). This 26-page paper was fun to write because it is based on some of my dissertation research. The BRI and White Estate are putting together a book on hermeneutics and my paper will eventually be a chapter in this forthcoming volume. Unfortunately I was not aware that I was supposed to speak at the school event on Saturday evening for vespers so my apologies to those of you who were expecting me there.
This week is a busy week for me because of the added responsibility of being a volunteer chaplain at the hospital. I discover that there are a lot of hurting people in our community--both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While HIPPA and other laws prevent from stating anything about the people with whom I meet with, I just want you to please pray for one annonymous family with whom I visited with yesterday. They need the grace of Jesus Christ in an extra special way right now.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH PASTOR CAMPBELL
This Sabbath we continue our series on Ephesians with part 2 of "Walking in the Light" (based on Ephesains 5:5-21). We are studying about how to live lives full of wisdom from God. Have you ever been in a dark room? Perhaps a cave? Then you know just how important the light is that we take for granted each day. I hope you'll come and worship with us this Sabbath as we seek to learn how God can brighten our lives. Plan to stay after church for a scrumptous potluck and singing over at Valley Manor.
CAMPION VESPERS
This Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. we are in for a real treat. Our constituent academy, Campion Academy, will be here for a special musical program. We are going to have about 35 academy students here for this special evening. Come join us for a real musical treat as we begin the Sabbath together.
SCHOOL YOUTH RALLY
This Sabbath David Swinyar is hosting a youth rally at Spring Creek Adventist School. Pastor Campbell will be speaking for Sabbath School, and Mr. Swinyar has put together a special worship service for our young people. I hope you'll encourage your young people to participate in this special worship opportunity.
RELATIONSHIPS
We're continuing our series on relationships. This past week Heidi shared about what men should know about women (you should ask for a copy of her worksheet if you missed out!). This coming Tuesday we are going to look at how to resolve conflict in marriage. I hope you'll come and learn how you can strengthen your communication skills and your marriage.
VEGETARIAN POTLUCK
A week from this coming weekend our church is going to host a community-wide vegetarian potluck. This is a follow-up from our recent cooking school that was so well attended. It was well attended by people in our community, and they are asking that our church continue to host something to help encourage a healthy lifestyle on an on-going basis. If you attended the seminar or just want to make a new friend this is a great opportunity to taste delicious vegetarian dishes. Contact Gordon Reichard or Lorena Gladding for more information.
PASTOR'S BLOG
I didn't know it was possible to have so many meetings in a week. Despite the late nights I think we've made some real progress. Tonight the emergency constituency meeting will look at the recommendations that the School Board has made based upon Sunday evening's meeting. Part of the urgency is that we need to have registration for our school (April 16-17). It is only an "emergency" meeting in the sense that we have not had the normal two weeks that are required for an ordinary meeting. I want to thank Bridget Cline, Jacque Adragna, and David Swinyar for the great year we have had and I know God is going to continue to bless as our children wrap up the last six weeks of school together.
In the past two days I've had two people call me and ask to start studies with me for possible baptism. We have a growing church so I want you to pray for these two people, and possibly others who would like to have Bible studies. On May 12 Jonathan Gardner will be arriving here for the summer to be our Bible worker. I'm going to be ordering Bible study invitations for us to pass out throughout the community on Sabbath afternoons over the next month. I'd like for us to think of other creative ways to share Jesus Christ with others. My dream is for our church to hold evangelistic meetings in the near future.
Did you have fun at the church social/auction last Saturday night? I know that I sure did. I'm still trying to find out how that one corner struck it rich! I think an important part of church life is not just worship on Sabbath morning (as important as that is so please do not misunderstand me). Our church is about building up one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm pleased because I see our church as a vibrant community committed to lifting up Jesus Christ and strengthening one another.
You may be interested to know that our church is hosting the monthly Montrose Clergy Meeting today for lunch in the fellowship room. We have an active group of clergy both here in Montrose and Gunnison. I think it is a privilege that our church can host this meeting. I want to thank our deaconesses, in particular Alice Carpenter, for providing the meal for our pastors. I know we have some godly men and women across our community who love Jesus, and I appreciate the chance to pray and talk with them about ministry. I think Ellen White was right when she writes about how Adventist pastors should rub shoulders with other faith leaders and this helps people in our community to understand what Adventists believe.
COMMUNION THIS SABBATH WITH PASTOR CAMPBELL
This Sabbath is the beginning of a new quarter (with a new Global Mission feature) and for church we are going to celebrate the ordinances of humility. My sermon, "Communion in Two Worlds" is about what the Lord's supper should mean for us here on earth and our prepratation for the heavenly world to come.
RELATIONSHIPS
We're continuing our series on relationships. This past week I shared about what women should know about men and the role of husbands. This coming week Heidi is going to share in prayer meeting about what men should know about women and the roles of wives/mothers in the family. I hope you'll come. If for no other reason that this is a rare opportunity when Heidi is going to do something like this.
SURVEYS
The Sabbath before last I passed out 30 surveys to various members of our church. So far I've received 19 of them back (thank you!). For those of you who haven't turned in your survey yet, this Sabbath is your last opportunity to do so before I send them in. Our goal as a church is to spread the gospel and a saving relationship with Jesus Christ to others, and we want to see what our greatest areas of strength and weakness are.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
JOHN WATSON PUBLISHES BOOK
For those of you who may have missed it, John Watson has published an autobiographical memoir. He is trying to raise money to build a church overseas. To read the full newspaper article from this week, visit this link:
PASTOR'S BLOG
It's been a busy week. On Sabbath Heidi and I went up to Gunnison to visit our church family up there. I have a lot of fun every time I go up there, and we were especially blessed on the way up to see bighorn sheep and on the way back by the gorgeous sunset. I don't mind the drive. In fact, it is rather relaxing. It also gives us a chance to visit members while we are up there. This summer Nate Cranson is going to be working with the Gunnison Church. I had an opportunity already to listen to his sermon that he preached at Montrose so I know what a blessing he will be up there for them. Incidentally, I also appreciate David Swinyar preaching this past Sabbath at Orchard Valley. We have a lot of talented people who are dedicated to the Lord and I appreciate their willingness to share their love for Jesus with others.
On Sunday afternoon I drove out to Denver for an all day seminar on Monday on pre-marital counseling using the Prepare/Enrich program and the Fisher Relationship Scale. These are great tools to learn how to use. If you are interested in either of these tools please contact me. Monday night I got stuck trying to drive home after the 71 car pile up closed down Interestate 70. I praise the Lord for getting home safe and sound. We should pray for those who have been injured and the family of the person who lost her life in the accident.
In our most recent elder's meeting we voted to support an initiative that Gordon Reichard is leading to develop a prayer list. We're going to include an insert each week that lists our regular prayer requests, and I am looking forward to it because it will be a useful tool to have to use during the week to remember the needs of our church family. Contact Gordon for more information.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH WITH NATHAN CRANSON
This Sabbath we have a special guest speaker, Nathan Cranson, who will be preaching from Matthew 6:19-34 about "Distraction." We have a lot of things that distract us, but the good news is that God calls us to seek the kingdom of God. Jesus is offering to take your burdens and come to Him. I want to invite you to come this Sabbath and be blessed by this young person from Paonia.
COOKING SCHOOL
Would you like to learn how to cook and live a healthier lifestyle? This coming Sunday is the last of our four week series on vegan cooking (thank you Lorena and Gordon!). Each week our church showcases delicious dishes and recipes. Please join us as we learn about how to live and eat more healthfully. Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Did you know that our church raised enough money in our religious liberty campaign to purchase 250 subscriptions? I'm particularly pleased that our church has rallied with support to help raise the collective conscioussness of leaders in our community, state, and elsewhere with a better understanding about religious freedom. A special thank you to Kay Mason for calling our attention to this important part of our church.
This has been a fun week because we have had two friends of ours, Dan & Becky, come out to visit us from Wisconsin. They are close friends of ours from when we lived at Loma Linda. Last night for Pathfinders we had Dan, an avid geocacher, teach the geocaching honor to our Pathfinders. I also had the Pathfinders hold up the 1822 Teal Bible, the same Bible (the actual one she held is in the White Estate) that Ellen White held up in vision. It weighs 18 1/2 pounds and our Pathfinders had fun trying to see how long they could hold it up with outstretched arm. Joey holds the record for our church by holding it for 35 seconds.
Another important item is that our elders voted to invite Jonathan Gardner to be our Bible worker this summer. Jonathan is finishing up his freshman year as he studies theology at Southern Adventist University. He will be starting in mid-May and continuing to help through mid-August. Jonathan is Heidi's cousin so I asked our elders to interview him, and they voted unanimously to have him work at our church this summer. I'm excited because one of my dreams for the Montrose Church is to see our church grow. I believe this is an important step to helping us move in this direction. If you know of anyone who might be interested in Bible studies, please inform me so that we can begin preparing names of people for Jonathan to work with.
Have you enjoyed the warmer weather lately? Our family is excited because several of our flowers are poking their way up through the soil. We have a hydrangia that is starting to bloom. It smells wonderful. Spring is coming. I'm especially looking forward to the bountiful flowers we are going to have this Spring from all the extra snow this winter. I praise God for the beautiful things He has made.
ADVENTURER SABBATH
This Sabbath we are blessed to have our Adventurer Club lead out in worship. Last night I watched them as they rehearsed in preparation for this week's worship service and I know we are in for a real blessing. Staci Nelson will be giving a sermonette about the names of Jesus. Let's learn about Jesus as we learn the many names by which we call Him Lord.
COMMUNITY EASTER SERVICE
This Sunday at the Pavillion at 7:30 a.m. there will be an early-morning Easter Service sponsored by the Association of Montrose Churches. Please come and join in a community wide worship service as we reflect on the death and resurrection of our Lord.
COOKING SCHOOL
Would you like to learn how to cook and live a healthier lifestyle? We're now half way and the first two weeks we had a really terrific attendance by our church family and members of our community. Please join us as we learn about how to live and eat more healthfully. Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
This morning I got up early because our church hosted a community Easter service this morning. We had about 70 people participate. It was really neat to fellowship with believers from across Montrose. I know we had a number of dedicated individuals who love Jesus and who stepped into the doors of an Adventist Church for the first time. One lady said she is going to come this Sabbath and worship with us because of our service this morning. I also learned from David Tabor, our Montrose Clergy president, that our church hosted a similar Easter service in 1977. It was there on the right hand side, fifth pew back, on the end, that Pastor Tabor was sitting in our church when He felt the call of Jesus to go to the mission field. They went. That was the impact our church had from a similar worship service. The same Jesus is at work today and I can't tell you how many people told me how blessed they were by our church's Easter Service program this morning. I want to also take an opportunity to thank our deaconesses, Judy and Jerilyn, who served food. I had so many people come up and compliment the good taste our ladies had in both the presentation and declious food that was served. Thank you, Judy and Jerilyn.
Yesterday I was playing raquetball with our principal, David Swinyar, and another person who lives in our community. We had a great time and before we left we started talking about God. It was really interesting because He is a devout Catholic. In fact, he had studied for the priesthood. Now he is living in the area and we had a common interest in church history. I was encouraged, although we disagreed obviously, to be able to talk to someone about spiritual things. It really is amazing how the Holy Spirit opens opportunities to talk with people about Jesus.
This week I've had a little more time on my hands than usual because I had planned on attending a retreat at Glacier View Ranch, but late Sunday evening I received word that our meeting was canceled. It looks like we will be following up our meeting with another one some time in April. I've managed to keep busy nonetheless. Tomorrow I'm planning to attend the Montrose Police Department's Meth Coalition meeting, and I've been asked to make a pastoral visit to someone who is incarcerated. Plus I've been able to work on a couple of new articles that I'm writing for the Adventist Review and Ministry. God is good and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless our church and community.
This Sabbath we are blessed to have our Adventurer Club lead out in worship. Last night I watched them as they rehearsed in preparation for this week's worship service and I know we are in for a real blessing. Staci Nelson will be giving a sermonette about the names of Jesus. Let's learn about Jesus as we learn the many names by which we call Him Lord.
COMMUNITY EASTER SERVICE
This Sunday at the Pavillion at 7:30 a.m. there will be an early-morning Easter Service sponsored by the Association of Montrose Churches. Please come and join in a community wide worship service as we reflect on the death and resurrection of our Lord.
COOKING SCHOOL
Would you like to learn how to cook and live a healthier lifestyle? We're now half way and the first two weeks we had a really terrific attendance by our church family and members of our community. Please join us as we learn about how to live and eat more healthfully. Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
This morning I got up early because our church hosted a community Easter service this morning. We had about 70 people participate. It was really neat to fellowship with believers from across Montrose. I know we had a number of dedicated individuals who love Jesus and who stepped into the doors of an Adventist Church for the first time. One lady said she is going to come this Sabbath and worship with us because of our service this morning. I also learned from David Tabor, our Montrose Clergy president, that our church hosted a similar Easter service in 1977. It was there on the right hand side, fifth pew back, on the end, that Pastor Tabor was sitting in our church when He felt the call of Jesus to go to the mission field. They went. That was the impact our church had from a similar worship service. The same Jesus is at work today and I can't tell you how many people told me how blessed they were by our church's Easter Service program this morning. I want to also take an opportunity to thank our deaconesses, Judy and Jerilyn, who served food. I had so many people come up and compliment the good taste our ladies had in both the presentation and declious food that was served. Thank you, Judy and Jerilyn.
Yesterday I was playing raquetball with our principal, David Swinyar, and another person who lives in our community. We had a great time and before we left we started talking about God. It was really interesting because He is a devout Catholic. In fact, he had studied for the priesthood. Now he is living in the area and we had a common interest in church history. I was encouraged, although we disagreed obviously, to be able to talk to someone about spiritual things. It really is amazing how the Holy Spirit opens opportunities to talk with people about Jesus.
This week I've had a little more time on my hands than usual because I had planned on attending a retreat at Glacier View Ranch, but late Sunday evening I received word that our meeting was canceled. It looks like we will be following up our meeting with another one some time in April. I've managed to keep busy nonetheless. Tomorrow I'm planning to attend the Montrose Police Department's Meth Coalition meeting, and I've been asked to make a pastoral visit to someone who is incarcerated. Plus I've been able to work on a couple of new articles that I'm writing for the Adventist Review and Ministry. God is good and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless our church and community.
WORSHIP WITH PASTOR CAMPBELL
This Sabbath I finally get to preach on Ephesians 4:17 through 5:4 about how to live in the Spirit (a special "thank you" to Norman Graham for filling in for me two weeks ago when I was sick!). Paul talks about how we are asked to wear new spiritual garments, and specifically calls for five things that the Lord asks of us.
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting is canceled next week (March 18). Students, enjoy Spring Break!
COOKING SCHOOL
I was so delighted to listen to Carol Sikora present last Sunday night about healthful living (and I was glad to see several men from our church in attendance!). We had a good group with a large number of people from our community who participated. I hope that if you are interested in healthful living or know of someone who might benefit from this seminar series that you will invite them to come and join us this Sunday evening at the church. Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
CHURCH WORK BEE
This Sunday we are going to have a church work bee. I want to express my appreciation to our church family for the wonderful job our members each week go the extra mile to keep our facility neat and clean. You can certainly tell that this is a church that cares about its facilities. This is a great opportunity to get those hard to reach areas and do some "spring cleaning" as we continue to take care of God's house.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP. So far I have 3 people signed up who want to go.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Today I am in Minneapolis, Minnesota, attending the Mid-America Union ASI meeting. I'm giving two presentations tomorrow morning about Ellen White and Adventist history before I catch a noon flight home to Grand Junction. I've especially enjoyed the opportunity to spend the day together with my sister and brother-in-law who live out here. I don't get to see them as often as I would like so today was very special (plus we got to visit two National Parks!).
This evening the Minnesota Conference president, Tom Lemon, spoke about the life of Paul and the hierarchy of life. He noted how God wants to use each one of us in ministry for Him. He also expressed his appreciation for the many things that ASI is doing to make a difference across the midwest. I don't know how may of you may have heard of ASI before but it stands for Adventist Services & Industries and is an opportunity for Christian business people to be involved in our church. Collectively ASI raises millions of dollars each year for mission projects both here in the United States and around the world. We have a strong representation from the Rocky Mountain Conference. I saw another pastoral colleague, and Karen Lewis is giving a seminar about witnessing after my talks about Ellen White tomorrow morning.
Next Thursday we are going to be one of five churches in town hosting an Easter week prayer service. It is lay led beginning at 7 AM and lasts about half an hour and will be followed by some light refreshments. I hope you'll come and join one of the prayer services across town, and if you can only make it to one, please come Thursday morning as we fellowship with other Christians during this special time of year when the world reflects upon the Passion of our Lord. I'm also pleased because next month our church is also going to host the monthly Montrose Clergy meeting. One of my strategic goals as the pastor is to increase our visibility within our community.
This Sabbath I finally get to preach on Ephesians 4:17 through 5:4 about how to live in the Spirit (a special "thank you" to Norman Graham for filling in for me two weeks ago when I was sick!). Paul talks about how we are asked to wear new spiritual garments, and specifically calls for five things that the Lord asks of us.
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting is canceled next week (March 18). Students, enjoy Spring Break!
COOKING SCHOOL
I was so delighted to listen to Carol Sikora present last Sunday night about healthful living (and I was glad to see several men from our church in attendance!). We had a good group with a large number of people from our community who participated. I hope that if you are interested in healthful living or know of someone who might benefit from this seminar series that you will invite them to come and join us this Sunday evening at the church. Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
CHURCH WORK BEE
This Sunday we are going to have a church work bee. I want to express my appreciation to our church family for the wonderful job our members each week go the extra mile to keep our facility neat and clean. You can certainly tell that this is a church that cares about its facilities. This is a great opportunity to get those hard to reach areas and do some "spring cleaning" as we continue to take care of God's house.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP. So far I have 3 people signed up who want to go.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
Today I am in Minneapolis, Minnesota, attending the Mid-America Union ASI meeting. I'm giving two presentations tomorrow morning about Ellen White and Adventist history before I catch a noon flight home to Grand Junction. I've especially enjoyed the opportunity to spend the day together with my sister and brother-in-law who live out here. I don't get to see them as often as I would like so today was very special (plus we got to visit two National Parks!).
This evening the Minnesota Conference president, Tom Lemon, spoke about the life of Paul and the hierarchy of life. He noted how God wants to use each one of us in ministry for Him. He also expressed his appreciation for the many things that ASI is doing to make a difference across the midwest. I don't know how may of you may have heard of ASI before but it stands for Adventist Services & Industries and is an opportunity for Christian business people to be involved in our church. Collectively ASI raises millions of dollars each year for mission projects both here in the United States and around the world. We have a strong representation from the Rocky Mountain Conference. I saw another pastoral colleague, and Karen Lewis is giving a seminar about witnessing after my talks about Ellen White tomorrow morning.
Next Thursday we are going to be one of five churches in town hosting an Easter week prayer service. It is lay led beginning at 7 AM and lasts about half an hour and will be followed by some light refreshments. I hope you'll come and join one of the prayer services across town, and if you can only make it to one, please come Thursday morning as we fellowship with other Christians during this special time of year when the world reflects upon the Passion of our Lord. I'm also pleased because next month our church is also going to host the monthly Montrose Clergy meeting. One of my strategic goals as the pastor is to increase our visibility within our community.
WORSHIP WITH DAVID OLSON
This Sabbath we are blessed to have a special guest speaker, David Olson (my father-in-law) who will be speaking about "Heaven is Better Than Disneyland." I want to go to heaven, don't you? I hope you'll come and learn from God's Word about where we want to spend eternity. Are we headed to a better relationship with Jesus Christ? If we're going to spend eternity with Jesus then we need to each have a personal relationship with Him. PLease join us this Sabbath as we learn about heaven as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting is canceled for the next two weeks (March 11 & 18). Students, enjoy Spring Break!
COOKING SCHOOL
Would you like to learn how to cook and live a healthier lifestyle? We're going to launch a cooking school at our church beginning on Sunday, March 9. I hope you'll come and join us for this interactive and spiritual series (which will last four weeks). Come support Lorena Gladding along with the rest of the Personal Ministries team as we create opportunities to better the lives of those who live in our community (as well as in our own church family). Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
CHURCH WORK BEE
Our church board voted to have a church work bee on Sunday, March 16. A special thank you to our deacons and deaconesses who do so much to maintain our facility. But, it isn't enough each week, some times we need to get those hard to reach places we just can't get to all the time. I want to invite our entire church family to come join us as we seek to take care of the wonderful facilities God has blessed us with.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
I'm finally starting to feel better. Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, and an extra special thank you to the person who brought by some soup and corn bread (you were a life saver). It is so nice to experience the love and care of our church family. One of the things that I especially appreciate is what a caring church we have. Thank you for your patience for those of you whom I had hoped to visit and had to cancel--I hope to visit with you soon.
Have you ordered your garden supplies yet? I love gardening and one of the things that I am especially looking forward to is having the space in our yard to plant fruits, vegetables, and flowers. I'm getting the potting soil out and the seeds that we ordered back in January so we can begin to plant the seeds in little pots. Each little seed is a tiny little miracle. As we water it, keep it in a warm place, we know that the seeds will begin to sprout. It gives me hope of life and that there will be an end to winter when life is renewed. What a wonderful God we serve who causes the seeds to sprout.
I'd also like to call your attention for our Religious Liberty campaign which Kay Mason has worked so diligently to call our attention to. This coming Sabbath is the conclusion of our campaign and so far we've raised enough money for 190 subscriptions. Our goal is to raise enough money for 350 subscriptions (a subscription is $6). Would you consider making a difference in the life of one of our thought leaders by donating a subscription? I have a dream that our church will rally in support of religious liberty and reach our church goal.
This Sabbath we are blessed to have a special guest speaker, David Olson (my father-in-law) who will be speaking about "Heaven is Better Than Disneyland." I want to go to heaven, don't you? I hope you'll come and learn from God's Word about where we want to spend eternity. Are we headed to a better relationship with Jesus Christ? If we're going to spend eternity with Jesus then we need to each have a personal relationship with Him. PLease join us this Sabbath as we learn about heaven as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting is canceled for the next two weeks (March 11 & 18). Students, enjoy Spring Break!
COOKING SCHOOL
Would you like to learn how to cook and live a healthier lifestyle? We're going to launch a cooking school at our church beginning on Sunday, March 9. I hope you'll come and join us for this interactive and spiritual series (which will last four weeks). Come support Lorena Gladding along with the rest of the Personal Ministries team as we create opportunities to better the lives of those who live in our community (as well as in our own church family). Contact Lorena Gladding or Gordon Reichard for more information.
CHURCH WORK BEE
Our church board voted to have a church work bee on Sunday, March 16. A special thank you to our deacons and deaconesses who do so much to maintain our facility. But, it isn't enough each week, some times we need to get those hard to reach places we just can't get to all the time. I want to invite our entire church family to come join us as we seek to take care of the wonderful facilities God has blessed us with.
OPERATION ANDREW
A series of training modules will be held this year at Glacier View Ranch (the first meeting is April 4-6). The topics include: dealing with feelings, art of listening, boundaries, crisis theory and practice, caregiving by telephone, ministering to those experiencing grief, how to make a first caring visit, and many more. There is no cost for attending other than for transportation. I'd like to see a group from Montrose sign-up (space is limited!). So if you're interested in please contact me ASAP.
ShareHIM LAY EVANGELISM RALLY
Gordon Reichard is going to take a small group with him to the ShareHIM Lay Evangelism Rally in Phoenix from April 10-12. The only cost for the trip is the cost of your hotel room. Contact Gordon Reichard if you would like to go. The Rocky Mountain Conference is sponsoring a group of pastors this fall to hold evangelistic meetings (through ShareHIM) this October. I'm one of six pastors signed up to go. If you would like to participate in overseas evangelism this would be a really great opportunity to learn more about how you can get involved.
PASTOR'S BLOG
I'm finally starting to feel better. Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, and an extra special thank you to the person who brought by some soup and corn bread (you were a life saver). It is so nice to experience the love and care of our church family. One of the things that I especially appreciate is what a caring church we have. Thank you for your patience for those of you whom I had hoped to visit and had to cancel--I hope to visit with you soon.
Have you ordered your garden supplies yet? I love gardening and one of the things that I am especially looking forward to is having the space in our yard to plant fruits, vegetables, and flowers. I'm getting the potting soil out and the seeds that we ordered back in January so we can begin to plant the seeds in little pots. Each little seed is a tiny little miracle. As we water it, keep it in a warm place, we know that the seeds will begin to sprout. It gives me hope of life and that there will be an end to winter when life is renewed. What a wonderful God we serve who causes the seeds to sprout.
I'd also like to call your attention for our Religious Liberty campaign which Kay Mason has worked so diligently to call our attention to. This coming Sabbath is the conclusion of our campaign and so far we've raised enough money for 190 subscriptions. Our goal is to raise enough money for 350 subscriptions (a subscription is $6). Would you consider making a difference in the life of one of our thought leaders by donating a subscription? I have a dream that our church will rally in support of religious liberty and reach our church goal.
