WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison: Pastor Ted Williams will be preaching about "Passoniate Patience."
Montrose: Pastor Campbell is speaking about "Sacred Rhythms: Prayer."
Gunnison: Pastor Ted Williams will be preaching about "Passoniate Patience."
Montrose: Pastor Campbell is speaking about "Sacred Rhythms: Prayer."
DISCIPLESHIP NIGHTS ARE EVERY WEDNESDAY!
Tonight we have three options of things that are going on at the church:
- For adults we have a prayer meeting series beginning on the book of Revelation with Pastor Campbell.
- For children in grades 5-8 a new year of Pathfinders is beginning.
- For children in grades 1-4 there will be Adventurers, and for younger children there will also be a "Busy Bees" program.
MONTROSE CHURCH BOARD ON SEPT. 2
For those on church board the next church board meeting is this Thursday evening, 7 pm, at the church. If you have agenda items please contact our church board chair, Dr. Wes Cooper (249-5823).
NEW PROPOSED NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR 2011
Beginning this Sabbath we have the first reading for the new, proposed nominating committee that our church family elected this past Sabbath. I was pleased that we had so many individuals cast ballots. The proposed nominating committee is as follows: Pastor Campbell, ex officio; Alice Carpenter, Joyce Corley; Lance Daniel; Jenny Enoch; Norman Graham; Dan Pierce; Debbie Short; Tom Watson; and Steve Wilson.
GUNNISON CHURCH MEETING NOW ON SEPT. 12
After a fun day of paintball this last Sunday we've pushed back our evening church business meeting on Sept. 12, 7 pm for pizza and afterward some games and other fun activities. Please plan to save the date!
After a fun day of paintball this last Sunday we've pushed back our evening church business meeting on Sept. 12, 7 pm for pizza and afterward some games and other fun activities. Please plan to save the date!
LA VIDA MISSION SUPPLIES
On Monday, Nov. 1st, at 8 AM we will have the community services coordinator for the conference, Cathy Kissner, coming by with a truck to collect supplies from across the conference for La Vida Mission. For a list of things that are needed please see the church bulletin board. For more information feel free to contact Neal Kelley.
WOMEN'S MINISTRIES RETREAT
Judy Kelley and Jerilyn Pester are planning a women's ministries retreat for our local church the weekend of Sept. 10-11 at the Kelley cabin. If you are interested in participating please contact either Judy (596-8512) or Jerilyn (209-5101).
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
We were so pleased this past week to have some family come through Montrose. Heidi's aunt and uncle, Ronnie and Kermit Netteburg, were on their way back from Loma Linda University Medical Center where he just finished proton treatment for cancer. I'm so thankful to see him looking well and that he has been able to have such fine care. We listened in particular as he shared with me about providential opportunities he had to witness to other patients while they were going through the program together. I truly believe the Lord, if we listen to His voice, sends us Divine appointments. I know that Pastor Steve Gillham, from Cortez, also completed the same program. I'm so thankful for such a fine medical witness that we have through LLUMC and for the prayers of our church family for these two pastors.
I've talked with a number of church members who are eager to see small groups begin as we start the new school year. I think that this is one of the most important things that we can do as a church is to encourage people to study God's Word. There is power, as I preached last Sabbath, in the Word. Recently I came across some prayer journals that use a method called SOAP: S stands for Scripture; O for observation; A for application; and P for a specific prayer request. If you're looking for a great way to get into the Word I recommend that you try a Life Journal. If you want one you can order it online at: http://www.lifejournal.cc/ Also, by the way, several of you asked what was the name of the computer software for studying the Bible that I recommended this past Sabbath. It is "Bibleworks" and you can find out more about it athttp://www.bibleworks.com/.
Over the next two weekends (Sept. 11 and 18) I am going to host two forums at our church to review our church mission statement. The church board has spent time crafting this document, which reflects the direction of our church. If you would like to contribute and be a part of this process this is your chance! The more feedback we have from as many people as possible will help to make this the very best thing that we can for giving overall guidance as to what our priorities are as a church family.
I should also mention that Sunday was a busy day: we had a fun time with our Gunnison church family playing paintball. Everyone played very nicely, and a fun time was had by all. For those who didn't want to play we had a barbeque so that everyone could enjoy some fellowship. Then later on I was able to catch the tail end of the school corn roast. I've heard so much good feedback about how well things are going at the school. I'm so thankful that our school has had such a great start to the new school year. Let's please continue to pray for our young people, and especially, our teachers: Michelle Caviness and Allison Duncan.
Last but not least, please pray for Georgia Freeman, whose health is failing fast and is not expected to live long. I know that when I visited with her last that she solicited your prayers, and I ask that you please keep her and her family in your prayers during this time.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison: Pastor Norman Graham is preaching.
Montrose: Pastor Campbell is speaking about "Sacred Rhythms: Bible Study"
SCHOOL CORN ROAST
You won't want to miss out on the annual school corn roast on Sunday, Aug. 29, starting at 4 pm. For more information contact Judy Kelley with home and school.
YARD SALE REPORT
Thanks to a lot of hard work I'm pleased to report from Jerilyn Pester that Home & School has raised $1,731.35 from the yard sale on Sunday! A special thank you to Judy and Jerilyn who are leading out with home and school and for the many volunteers who helped to make this possible!
GUNNISON CHURCH MEETING
This Sunday we are having a church social in Gunnison beginning with paintball in the afternoon for those who are interested (Pastor Seth will be joining us) and a church business meeting in the evening. Please plan to be at the church for the usual pizza as we discuss church matters.
PATHFINDER SNOWSHOEING HONOR APPROVED
I want to congratulate our Pathfinders in our Pathfinder club. Yesterday I receive the very good news that our club's snowshoeing honor was officially approved with all of the requirements. A special thanks to everyone who helped make this possible (especially to Eleazar who drew up the honor patch). Details are listed on the church bulletin board.
CROPWALK REPORT
I received the following report from Jennifer McPhail thanking quite a number of our church members who were involved in this year's first annual Cropwalk event. I especially want to share my appreciation with our church family for being involved in our community:
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank you all for the time and effort that was put in by each of you to make this CROP Walk successful! I am currently working on thank you letters to each congregation that participated. I will send them to each of you and perhaps you could share them during announcement time.
Thank you all again so very much! As soon as we have some final numbers for money raised I will forward that information to you so that you can share with your congregations. I believe number wise – including all supporters and walkers we hit around 55 participants – GREAT for a first year.
Be Well! --Jennifer
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
I'm so grateful for some rest from last week with a few extra days off for family time. We all need some "down time" once in a while and this was a window of opportunity for our family to do just that.
I'm so grateful for some rest from last week with a few extra days off for family time. We all need some "down time" once in a while and this was a window of opportunity for our family to do just that.
On Sunday and Monday I had my annual board meeting with Adventist Heritage Ministry, a group that works to preserve Adventist heritage sites. Some important decisions were made that will help to only preserve the physical sites and to create more awareness about them, but I believe that the sole purpose for doing this is to provide opportunities for what I call "heritage evangelism"--nurturing faith in those who visit and create a desire to learn more about what Adventists believe. For example, at the Bates home (the site committee which I chair) we look for opportunity to share with visitors how the discovery of the seventh-day Sabbath by Bates is a beautiful truth that tells us about a loving, Creator-God who cares so much for us and wants us to spend time with Him.
I always find it interesting when I travel the people who I meet. No sooner had I sat down on the airplane on my way out then the lady next me wanted to talk. This time I was tired so I would have preferred, I have to confess, to be able to sleep, but it was clear she wanted to talk. When I told her I was a pastor we had a lengthy conversation about her own spiritual journey which resulted in me giving her a copy of "Steps to Christ" to both her as well as for the teenager from France who was traveling home on the other side of me, too. On my journey home I was charging up my laptop by the gate. The pilot walked up to me and asked if he could plug in his iPhone. I told him "sure" after which he asked me if I was an Adventist pastor. I told him "yes," and we discovered that his older brother was a classmate of mine at Southern Adventist University back in the late 90s. Once on the plane I got paged by the stewardess that the captain wanted to see me, and so he invited me to sit up in the cockpit with him and we were able to talk some more about his own spiritual journey. Although he was raised an Adventist, he left the church in his early 20s. It was quite a lengthy story, but he shared with me that he would like to come back to the Adventist Church (he is now attending a non-denominational church), but that he would like to find an Adventist congregation where he could worship safely and not be judged. When he found such a congregation he would come back to the Adventist church in a heartbeat. I believe that circumstances like these are providential appointments where God brings people into our lives.
A personal highlight for me was being able to cross over the board on Monday afternoon into Ontario, Canada, to visit Upper Canada Village--a site that I've wanted to see for many years now. Jim Nix, director of the White Estate, has told me this is the single best living history museum anywhere in the world. We had a good visit, got ideas for Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Michigan, and learned so much more about what it was like to live in the 19th-century. A personal favorite was going to an exhibit that featured how to make cheese back then. I can better understand why Ellen White cautioned against eating the substance at a time when there was very poor sanitation. It all makes so much more sense when you understand the historical context.
Last but not least, we're launching our new fall sermon series starting this past Sabbath entitled "Sacred Rhythms"--aspects of the Christian life. We began with the Sabbath and I'm looking forward to this week's message on "Bible Study" because I will be sharing some practical tips on how to make your reading of Scripture more meaningful in your Christian walk with the Lord.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison: Michelle Crawford is speaking
Montrose: Pastor Campbell is preaching about "Sacred Rhythms: Sabbath" (from Ezekiel 20:12)
SCHOOL CORN ROAST
You won't want to miss out on the annual school corn roast on Sunday, Aug. 29, starting at 4 pm. For more information contact Judy Kelley with home and school.
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
This week's note will be short since I'm taking a few days of extra vacation time that I am going to lose if I don't use it! As the end of the summer draws to a close it is my prayer that the Lord will bless each of you. I know many of our students at school our quite eager to start the new school year.
This week's note will be short since I'm taking a few days of extra vacation time that I am going to lose if I don't use it! As the end of the summer draws to a close it is my prayer that the Lord will bless each of you. I know many of our students at school our quite eager to start the new school year.
I was grateful for the creativity of our school and church board chairs who did a combined church and school board meeting last week, which was very efficient. We've got lots going on. Some notable things you should be aware of:
- School this year will be a 4-day school week.
- Adventurers and Pathfinders are gearing up for the new year. Make sure you get your children signed up!
- Prayer meeting will start back up on Wednesday evening, 7 pm, Sept. 1
- Pathfinders will now be using the Sabbath School rooms in the hallway adjacent to Pastor Campbell's office.
This week we start a new sermon series entitled "Sacred Rhythms" which will look at a variety of aspects of the Christian walk. We will be incorporating a number of speakers from our own congregation, as well as messages that I will continue to preach, as a part of the series. Stay tuned for more details.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison (11 AM): Norman Graham is the featured speaker.
Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on "Learning to Listen from Lamentations."
NEW SCHOOL WEB SITE
A special thank you to Staci Nelson who thanks to her hard work our church school is blessed with a new web site: www.springcreekadventist.org. The web site looks up to date and classy! For those of you online I would strongly encourage you to stop by for a virtual visit.
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
Yesterday I sat in our local Rotary club meeting for a state-of-the-school report for the Montrose County School District. It was interesting to learn that public education is the number one expense for our local tax dollars, and that for every dollar we spend we get two dollars of federal funding. It also takes 750 contracted employees to educate the 6,311 students over the 1,121 square miles that make up our county. The total cost? A $63,000,000 school budget. Amazing. This year through attrition due to budget costs they are letting go of some 40 school employees which translates to more students per teacher in the classroom. I know that for our church family that times have been tight, and it is nice to know that we aren't the only ones who have had to cut back to make ends meet. It also tells me that our community cares for our kids. What is even more important is that I know because of the sacrifice of our church members that our church cares for our students at Spring Creek Adventist School! Although over the past couple of years we've had to do some cutting back I am encouraged that we have all the students and a waiting list for our church school, which starts here in just a few weeks. Plus with new leadership on our board and staff I believe our school is going to grow and blossom.
Speaking of which I was so encouraged to see the significant facelift that has occurred at our facility. The trim around the building looks neat and sharp. Yesterday I caught Dan Carpenter working with Mike to start the new staircase at the entrance. They are going to pour the cement on Friday. And, to top it all off, there is a new sign by the road that looks really sharp. Now I don't have to worry about driving past the school anymore! I know that it has been a lot of our church members who have worked together to make this all happen. Praise the Lord!
This week I've done a lot of reflection on the life and ministry of Elisha. God's call to him, which took him by surprise. Yet he chose to leave family behind and humbly served Elijah. In Patriarchs and Prophets one of my favorite authors comments on this experience: "success depends not so much on talent as on energy and willingness. It is not hte possession of splendid talents that enables us to render acceptable service, but the conscientious performance of daily duties, the contented spirit, and unaffected, sincere interest in the welfare of others." That is the kind of leader that I want to be more like, how about you? As a church we can strive to truly be servant leaders like Elisha by taking the time genuinely show that we care for other people. Perhaps this might be a phone call to a church member who hasn't come to church in a while, or it might be to someone who the Lord impresses you to stop by their home for a visit just to encourage them. I know the Lord will impress you with how you can serve Him.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is going to be preaching a message from the book of Lamentations entitled "Learning to Listen: A Challenge of Compassion."
Montrose (11 AM): Please come for a sacred musical concert for our worship service led by "Simply His"--a musical group led by Don Mohl.
GUNNISON CHURCH SOCIAL THIS SABBATH
Rebecca Grice wanted me to let everyone know that if you're up in Gunnison this Sabbath that you're invited over to their cabin for Sabbath afternoon. Please bring your own portable chair, and in the evening there will be a hot dog roast. They will provide a nice camp fire and condiments--you just need to bring the veggie burgers or hot dogs to go between the buns! A fun time will be had by all so please plan to come for this fun church activity.
NEW SCHOOL WEB SITE
A special thank you to Staci Nelson who thanks to her hard work our church school is blessed with a new web site: www.springcreekadventist.org. The web site looks up to date and classy! For those of you online I would strongly encourage you to stop by for a virtual visit.
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
This week I've been blessed to be able to minister to the church members in Hope, British, Columbia, who have gathered here for their camp meeting. It certainly has to be one of the most beautiful camp meeting sites in North America (rivaling the Redwoods campground for those church members living in northern California). I've never had the privilege of being here before so I'm so thankful for the invitation to be here to share. They've been working me hard. In addition to a daily two-hour seminar on Ellen White I've also done one of the early morning worker's meetings, and this morning I filled in at the Junior tent with a devotional message for the kids there, too. It's such a blessing to be able to be here.
On a personal note I was able to visit with my great-aunt and great-uncle, who love near Penticton, on the eastern side of British Columbia. They are church members. It was only after my grandparents passed away some years ago that are family discovered that we have a whole wing of Adventist relatives who are a part of this wonderful Advent movement! Last night we went out for supper, learned new stories about her family, and on the way back stopped by to visit some additional relatives who I didn't know I even had. They had a family tree that filled in some gaps for me as I learned about our family's past. We've had a very colorful history with great villains as well as other people who have made significant contributions (I'll try to focus on the more positive angle though!). I was proud to learn that some of my family were famous in Russia for their ability to ride horses.
Genealogy is important--it reminds us of who we are and where we have come from. I'm thinking that must be why the Bible has long lists of genealogies. They appear at first to be rather mundane and boring, but I think that really they tell us stories that our Savior, in particular, was a real person just like us. He had some "shady characters" in the closet as well as some notable individuals such as King David (who even his career wasn't exactly untarnished you might say), eh? (I couldn't resist throwing that in there!).
I'm thankful for those of you who were able to help out at the school (while I was flying to camp meeting) this past Sunday. Although we changed the date for school registration we still had at least 11 young people register for school this year, which is a great start. If you weren't able to get your child registered you will want to make sure that you call Michelle Caviness at the school (249-5500). Also, right now is the time to register your child for either Adventurers (call Staci at 275-3705) or Pathfinders (call Tavia at 417-4886).
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison (9 AM) & Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on "Finding Faith from Old Faithful"
Gunnison (9 AM) & Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on "Finding Faith from Old Faithful"
SCHOOL/ADVENTURER/PATHFINDER REGISTRATION
This coming Sunday (July 25) from noon until 4 pm there is school, Adventurer, and Pathfinder registration for this coming school year. I would like to strongly encourage you if you have a young person to contact our new principal, Michelle Caviness, to make sure that your young person is able to get an Adventist education. It looks like more than likely we will have to have a waiting list so sign up today!
NEW SCHOOL WEB SITE
A special thank you to Staci Nelson who thanks to her hard work our church school is blessed with a new web site: www.springcreekadventist.org. The web site looks up to date and classy! For those of you online I would strongly encourage you to stop by for a virtual visit.
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
I'm so thankful for the refreshing rain that we've been experiencing last night and today. It reminds me of the showers of blessing that we experience as we receive blessings from the Lord. The Lord has so many blessings that He wants to pour out on us. It was so nice to be able to turn off the sprinklers in our yard and just let nature water our lawn and garden (and give us a break on our water bill, too!).
I'm so thankful for the refreshing rain that we've been experiencing last night and today. It reminds me of the showers of blessing that we experience as we receive blessings from the Lord. The Lord has so many blessings that He wants to pour out on us. It was so nice to be able to turn off the sprinklers in our yard and just let nature water our lawn and garden (and give us a break on our water bill, too!).
This morning, some of the blessings I am thankful for are our new teacher, Michelle Caviness, along with her children: Kaelibeth, Grant, Caleb, and Luke. While I was over at the school I was amazed at how much work is going on over there: the outside metal surrounding the roof was off, the tiles are coming up, and the room downstairs was completely redone. There is also a new sign for the school that is getting ready to be put out in front of the school. Clearly our school is right in the midst of receiving a facelift! I'm really excited and looking forward to an exciting new school year.
The last few weeks have been sort of a "breather" for our family. Although attending GC Session was really a work trip for me--it was a really intense schedule--the trip was really rewarding and it was nice to have a different kind of things to do such as writing articles and learning more about how our world church works. I really loved the discussions (believe it or not!) about the Church Manual. The whole things just makes more sense when you see how it is put together and voted on. I also really enjoyed getting to meet lots of new people as well as see old friends. For example, a good buddy of mine, I discovered from school days is now the president of the Botswana Conference and invited me to come speak for their camp meeting.
The other really important thing about GC Session is that it shows that I am a part of something bigger than just myself, my local church, or even my local conference. It is only in a place like GC Session that you truly sense the pulse of the worldwide church as God's church--a collective entity committed to spreading the Three Angel's Messages to the world. Although the church is feeble and defective, as the Lord's messenger says, He will bring His church safely into port. Our job is to do our best in our look part of the world to faithfully proclaim His truth. When I was younger I thought that such big meetings were just a waste of money, but now after having attending one I see that there is a real reason and purpose to it, and that the investment, time, and travel are all worth it in the spiritual good and unity that it brings about.
Last but not least, we were home for a week, and then gone last week for a camping trip. We were thankful for some "R&R" as we had some family time in nature. God was really good and we were able to see lots of wildlife, too. None of us are invincable. And for me, I am able to gain renewed strength and courage by spending time with God in nature (and in His Word). To have both of His books, to spend time in prayer, is such a wonderful blessing. If you haven't taken some time for a spiritual retreat with the Lord I would strongly encourage you to do so.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison (9 AM) & Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on "What does it mean to be a Seventh-day Adventist?"
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School is "On the Sea with Jesus" that will take place at the Montrose Adventist Church from July 5-9. For more information please contact Allison Duncan at 209-5336.
PRAYER MEETING
Gunnison (9 AM) & Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on "What does it mean to be a Seventh-day Adventist?"
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School is "On the Sea with Jesus" that will take place at the Montrose Adventist Church from July 5-9. For more information please contact Allison Duncan at 209-5336.
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting will resume again in August.
CHURCH RETREAT AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK, JULY 9-10
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT
"Our mission as the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church is to lovingly lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
"We seek to accomplish this through:
Inspiring worship services
Quality Adventist education
Contagious evangelism and outreach
Selfless community service
Family activities that appeal to all ages
Fellowship and small groups"
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
Since last week our church has received some good news: the school will receive $5,000 in insurance money from the damage it sustained. Praise the Lord! I know at our school board meeting I was really happy to hear about all of the projects that Carlton is planning to give the school a face life. I'm also thankful for three of our school board members who are just finishing up their two-year terms (W. D. Hess, John Short, and Tom Watson) along with new board members (Celia Georgia, Wes Cooper, and Lance Daniel)--subject to a church vote this Sabbath. We're so thankful for their service and all that they do for our church family.
Since last week our church has received some good news: the school will receive $5,000 in insurance money from the damage it sustained. Praise the Lord! I know at our school board meeting I was really happy to hear about all of the projects that Carlton is planning to give the school a face life. I'm also thankful for three of our school board members who are just finishing up their two-year terms (W. D. Hess, John Short, and Tom Watson) along with new board members (Celia Georgia, Wes Cooper, and Lance Daniel)--subject to a church vote this Sabbath. We're so thankful for their service and all that they do for our church family.
I was thankful that when a family this week called I was able to refer them quickly to our very able community service's director, Tavia Wilson, who by the way is looking for someone to pick up the reins of leadership as she transitions to Pathfinders. The family was very appreciative of a food basket from our church family. The task--other than for requests that arise from time to time--is chiefly focused on a few major community events such as the cropwalk in August and Sharefest in September. If you are interested in helping out with community services please feel free to give Tavia a call or feel free to contact me.
This morning I listened to a presentation at Heidi's Deli by the founder of Samaritan Aviation. What a neat group! I was invited by a friend who gets together community leaders to discuss topics of interest. I was so glad to hear of this great ministry. And it was all started only about ten years ago by a college student, and I was amazed to hear how God has blessed them.
I was happy to meet a lady last week who came to church on Sabbath: she is looking for a safe place to be able to come back to church. I was so delighted to see so many different people welcome her and include her as a part of our church familiy. She wants to start coming back to church. As our church fulfills its commitment to make our church a safe place I believe we will see our church grow. It is a part and parcel of the Great Commission: our job is to point others to Jesus Christ!
Yesterday we had a phone conference call to work on plans for next year. I'm really delighted that we've firmed up the dates for camp meeting, June 16-18, 2011, and the location for the entire time will be the Montrose Pavillion. By the end of the summer we hope to have our speakers lined up. I'm especially appreciative of several of our church members who shared ideas for speakers and themes, which I was able to share yesterday, with the rest of the group. We're moving ahead and we are planning to have another terrific camp meeting so please plan to save the date.
It is my prayer that we will be sensitive and alert to the Holy Spirit speaking to each of us in our lives. Let's continue to press together to advance the work of Jesus Christ.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison: TBA
Montrose: Pastor Campbell is speaking.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School is "On the Sea with Jesus" that will take place at the Montrose Adventist Church from July 5-9. For more information please contact Allison Duncan at 209-5336.
HERITAGE CLASS/PRAYER MEETING
We're wrapping things up for this year with two more classes left--next Tuesday evening by special request I am doing a lecture on the history of Shepherd's Rod and the Branch Davidians (postponed from last week). If you would like to learn more about this divergent group in Adventist history please come and we'll have a fun time learning together.
CHURCH RETREAT AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK, JULY 9-10
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT
"Our mission as the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church is to lovingly lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
"We seek to accomplish this through:
Inspiring worship services
Quality Adventist education
Contagious evangelism and outreach
Selfless community service
Family activities that appeal to all ages
Fellowship and small groups"
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
I've heard nothing but overwhelmingly positive feedback about our 2010 Western Slope Camp Meeting. A few people have even suggested that they don't think we can do better than we did this year, but I believe with the Lord's help we can continue to keep this up. From my perspective camp meetings aren't about information--they are about transformation! Also, if you have positive suggestions about how to improve camp meeting for next year please let me know. I let one thing slip and that was getting a survey passed out on Saturday night about ideas and suggestions for next year. So I'm doing this through this e-mail. If you have a speaker you would like to see come, a topic discussed, or some logistical aspect that you would like to have the camp meeting planning consider (basically all of the western slope pastors in conjunction with our conference leaders) please let me know and I will be happy to share your idea(s).
This week I am the hospital chaplain. I always find my visits with various individuals so meaningful. Yesterday I listened to a lady talk about her life--she eventually broke down and cried. "I didn't think anyone cared anymore," she said. We then had a season of prayer. Today when I went back the person was sleeping so being at the hospital gives me an opportunity to share Jesus with others, and some times people even ask what church I'm from so I get to tell them and it leaves them with a positive (I hope by God's grace!) impression of Adventism.
I was especially appreciative of Lloyd Wenzel and Ted Dickerson taking me as their guest to the weekly Rotary club meeting. While there I heard an update from Sue Montgomery who manages The Dolphin House (www.dolphinhousecolorado.com). For those of you who may not be aware it is a place where victims of sexual abuse can go to be interviewed by law enforcement and other agencies. It is intended to be a safe place. She said that statistically this year that they believe they will have a record yet (how sad!) of victims at their center--over 200 for our community at the rate things are going for this year. They are looking for 200 people to make a commitment of $25 a month for a year to help support this agency. The $25 per month over the course of the year covers the approximate cost that it takes to interview and take care of one child who comes in. I was also surprised at several other people who I've gotten to know in town who are members of Rotary.
We're especially appreciative of LD Mechanical, which this month is installing a new heating system at church. Several people have asked what is going on so if you see pipes or noises during the week there is a good chance that these men are working at the church so please be careful not to trip over anything!
I had to cancel prayer meeting last night because of several emergencies: among them was the fact that Eulah Hawk's younger sister committed suicide earlier this week. Please pray for her and Sam and the rest of their family (per their request). We have other families in our church who continue to need our prayers as well.
Last but not least I received a letter from the conference auditors who checked our church books, and we can thank Dick Walters once again for all of his hard work! We're really blessed with some talented individuals and being treasurer is one of those thankless jobs that we don't take the time to always say "thank you" so if you get a chance give him a phone call or drop him a card to express your appreciation.
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison & Montrose: Church services will be held in conjunction with the Western Slope Camp Meeting. Please check the program schedule for specific details.
Potluck lunch: We will have a potluck lunch for those who are interested in the River Bottom (Baldridge) Park. There is a large shelter that we've reserved for all day on Friday and Sabbath for those who would like a quiet place to have lunch (with lots of extra picnic tables and shady spots in the trees). For members of Gunnison & Montrose please plan on a potluck lunch at the park and please bring a comfortable lawn chair.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School is "On the Sea with Jesus" that will take place at the Montrose Adventist Church from July 5-9. For more information please contact Allison Duncan at 209-5336.
HERITAGE CLASS/PRAYER MEETING
We're wrapping things up for this year with two more classes left--next Tuesday evening by special request I am doing a lecture on the history of Shepherd's Rod and the Branch Davidians. If you would like to learn more about this divergent group in Adventist history please come and we'll have a fun time learning together.
CHURCH BOARD ON SUNDAY
Due to a scheduling conflict this is just to remind those of you on church board that church board will not be this Thursday evening--because camp meeting starts that same night--and instead it will be on Sunday evening at 7 pm. See you there!
CHURCH RETREAT AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK, JULY 9-10
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT
"Our mission as the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church is to lovingly lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
"We see to accomplish this through:
Inspiring worship services
Quality Adventist education
Contagious evangelism and outreach
Selfless community service
Family activities that appeal to all ages
Fellowship and small groups"
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
I'm so thankful for the large number of church members who showed up to show love and support to the Watson family after the passing of Ann last week. I really appreciate our church family. The same Sabbath I was up at Gunnison and we had 30 people show up for church. The church felt rather full with twice the number of people who are usually there! Last week we had family here so on Thursday afternoon and Friday I was finally able to squeeze some time off to do some fun things with my in-laws while they were still here. We decided to take them down to Mesa Verde National Park. What a neat place to visit and to see and learn about an ancient people from here in the southwest.
Most of my time this week has been abosrbed into two things: last minute things that come up related to camp meeting and I am beginning to teach my class for Southern Adventist University. I have 35 students--usually they cap out the class at 25--but so many teachers need to work on their denominational certification that SAU expanded the class for more people to take it. Already it has been a lot of fun as students discuss various facets of Adventist history. I've got a wide range of students--everybody from an automechanic student, several business and nursing majors, to about half the class which is made up of teachers who are either working on their denominational teaching credentials or trying to keep them up-to-date. It is a lot of fun for me. Last night until I woke up this morning there were 86 posts on the online class discussion bulletin board.
I'm really pleased at how well things are coming together for camp meeting. We've had so many people come and pitch in. It is a wonder to me that we never went with the Pavilion to begin with--it is costing us about $1,100 to use the facility and we have a budget of about $3,000. So we are stretching every dollar, but if this year goes really well and we receive a generous enough offering (to expand camp meeting we need to receive at least $2,000 in offering this Sabbath in addition to the $2,000 we receive from Rocky Mountain Conference). If we receive that amount we should be able to expand camp meeting so that we can have all of the children's programs at the Pavillion next year. We've already tentatively reserved the dates, June 16-18, 2011. If you have ideas for a theme and speakers for 2011 please let me know because we'll be getting the pastors who are here together some time this weekend to lay out plans for a year from now. I'm especially grateful how everyone has really pitched in from a variety of churches to put together the music for this weekend.
I've got to head out the door to make it to our bi-monthly hospital chaplain's meeting. My next week as the hospital chaplain is next week and it is always good to rub shoulders with my colleagues in ministry. Speaking of the hospital, that reminds me that Steve Wilson fell off a ladder as he was working on a treehouse for his kids on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers as he is pretty bruised up and they are doing tests on him today to make sure that he is OK. Last but definitely not least: we extend congratulations to Jacque and Jason Adragna who gave birth to Jamison on Monday evening (8:53 pm). He weighed in at a wopping 9 pounds, 11.7 ounces and measured 21 3/4 inches. We congratulate Jacque and Jason for taking seriously their part in helping to literally grow our church family! Congratulations!!
WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
Gunnison (11 AM): David Olson is preaching.*
Montrose: (11 AM): Gordon Reichard is speaking about "Self-deception."**
*There will be a regularly scheduled potluck.
**Potluck has been cancelled due to the Watson funeral.
FUNERAL FOR ANN WATSON
We were all deeply saddened by the passing away of Ann Watson this past Sunday afternoon. Our prayers go out to their entire family. Tom shared with me last night that the funeral will be this Sabbath afternoon at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction at 3:00 p.m. (if you need directions go to: http://www.callahan-edfast.com/ ). Pleaes continue to keep the Watson family in your prayers.
SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH MICHELLE CAVINESS
This Sunday morning there will be a special breakfast at the school. Carlton and I are going to have fun making pancakes together so come on out for a bite to eat and a chance to talk with our new school teacher, Michelle Caviness. She arrives this week in Denver and will be coming out here to do some house hunting among other things. So please extend to her the same warmth that you extended to us when we first moved here, and if you have any questions about next school year or perhaps just want to get acquainted this is the perfect opportunity for parents and church members to come on out for a nice time of fellowship.
ADVENTIST HERITAGE PRAYER MEETING SERIES
The class is now in its fourth week but it is not too late to join us for inspirational stories from our Adventist past. So far we've covered the background and rise of the Adventist movement, the life and work of William Miller, and the development of Adventist beliefs and organization. Next week we will be covering the saga of the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference Session.
The class is now in its fourth week but it is not too late to join us for inspirational stories from our Adventist past. So far we've covered the background and rise of the Adventist movement, the life and work of William Miller, and the development of Adventist beliefs and organization. Next week we will be covering the saga of the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference Session.
WESTERN SLOPE CAMP MEETING
Due to problems with flooding at the school we will now have western slope camp meeting at the Montrose Pavilion. Children's and youth programs will be at the Montrose Adventist Church. The rest of the programming will remain the same beginning with a keynote address by our conference president, Elder Gary Thurber, on Thursday evening. On Friday there will be seminars and presentations by our two featured speakers for the weekend, Elder Jim Nix, director of the Ellen G. White Estate, and Gary Gibbs, the associate director of The Hope Channel. Andrea Jacobsen, a highly desired youth speaker from Andrews University, will be with the youth in the youth tent. The ABC will set up and sell books in the lobby of the Pavillion.
Due to problems with flooding at the school we will now have western slope camp meeting at the Montrose Pavilion. Children's and youth programs will be at the Montrose Adventist Church. The rest of the programming will remain the same beginning with a keynote address by our conference president, Elder Gary Thurber, on Thursday evening. On Friday there will be seminars and presentations by our two featured speakers for the weekend, Elder Jim Nix, director of the Ellen G. White Estate, and Gary Gibbs, the associate director of The Hope Channel. Andrea Jacobsen, a highly desired youth speaker from Andrews University, will be with the youth in the youth tent. The ABC will set up and sell books in the lobby of the Pavillion.
CHURCH RETREAT AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK, JULY 9-10
Dr. George R. Knight, professor emeritus of church history from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, is our featured speaker for our church retreat at Ridgway State Park. We have rented both sides of the pavilion so you are welcome to bring your friends and family for this exciting weekend. We will begin with a Friday (July 9) evening hotdog roast/bonfire followed by a vespers program with Dr. Knight. We will continue with church service at the Pavilion the next morning (July 10), some time for afternoon fun and hiking after a potluck lunch, and then another evening vespers with Dr. Knight. This promises to be a fun weekend where we will learn from one of the best-known writers and speakers in the denomination. Please plan to make sure you are there and if you have friends from out-of-town be sure to invite them to come visit!
PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT
"Our mission as the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church is to lovingly lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
"We see to accomplish this through:
- Inspiring worship services
- Quality Adventist education
- Contagious evangelism and outreach
- Selfless community service
- Family activities that appeal to all ages
- Fellowship and small groups"
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
The last few weeks have been a special delight as we have had both sets of our parents out here in Montrose visiting us (and more likely, I suspect, visiting their grandchildren!). What is family? I think it is more than just having a common set of DNA. It is a collective set of memories, shared values, and a common love and commitment for one another. The dictionary even defines it is as a "social unit." But even more than that, family is a group who we know love us and whom we trust. That love and trust is foundational. And I believe the same things extends to us as a church family. We can only be a healthy church family so much as we take the time to learn to love and trust one another. My dream for our church family--if you please--is that we are a safe place so that no matter where you are at you can come and know that you are in the right place and while you are here that together we will all keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!
I can't believe it is already the end of the school year. I'm so thankful for the many individuals who made this past year a success. We had a wonderful graduation program on Sunday evening to celebrate the achievements of Karly and Chad. On Friday morning I finished up my last chapel with the kids until next year. I'm so thankful for so many church members who have helped us get through this school year. I'm also excited about where our school is headed. Carlton Mason is trying to raise $5,000 to do a facelife at the school and already has $2,000 raised. We were also so delighted last week to get the news that Michelle Caviness has accepted the teaching position here. Please pray for her and her family during this transition time.
Yesterday I was in Denver for Conference Committee. I'm grateful that tithe for the year is up 5.87 percent across the Rocky Mountain Conference, which is a tremendous blessing. Things have been very tight for quite a while so for the moment we praise the Lord. The other thing, in addition to lots of other business that the committee considers, is some intentional plan to begin working toward a church planting strategy that will help to identify in an intentional way where our conference is headed and so that we can also help to avoid church splits. The bottom line is that if we are going to be serious about sharing the Adventist message here where the Lord has given us we have to stop fighting with one another and focus on our mission: sharing the good news of the gospel, the everlasting gospel, to the world. I'm also grateful to hear about how God is blessing in other parts of our conference, and I am reminded of the potential we have to do the same thing here in Montrose.
Some times we are so focused on being right about lifestyle issues that we miss the mission for why we are here. Mrs. White certainly wasn't dogmatic like that. She gave counsel and applied principles to particular situations, but she was also all to keenly aware of how some people would misuse these counsels, too. For example, she wrote: "There are many whose religion consists in criticizing habits of dress and manners. They want to bring every one to their own measure. They desire to lengthen out those who seem too short for their standard, and to cut down others who seem too long. They ahve lost hte love of God out of their hearts; but they think they have a spirit of discernment. They think it is their prerogative to criticise, and pronounce judgement; but they should repent of their error, and turn away from their sins. . . . Let us love one naother. Let us have harmony and union throughout our ranks. Let us have our hearts sanctified to God. Let us look upon the light that abides for us in Jesus. Let us remember how forbearing and patient He was with the erring children of men. We should be in a wretched state if the God of heaven were like one of us, and treated us as we are inclined to treat one another" (RH, Aug. 27, 1889).
The bottom line is that when we are family we don't criticize--we build each other up. That is my prayer today for each member of our congregation. I'm here to serve, listen, and do everything I can so that each church member has the tools that they need to fulfill God's mission for your life. And I pray that we will continue to press together as a church family.
