July 2009 Archives

Gunnison: Pastor Campbell is preaching from Romans 1 about the power of the gospel.*

Montrose: Gordon Reichard is sharing about how if we know that Jesus is Lord Over All we will have hope, joy and full assurance of salvation in life.**

*Stay by for our weekly potluck.

**Please plan to come for our weekly summer picnic in the park.

Just a quick reminder that if you are on school board there is a meeting at the church this evening at 7 pm, and next Thursday evening (Aug. 6) we have our regular church board meeting at the church, also at 7 pm.

This is just a quick reminder that school registration will take place on Sunday, August 2, from 3 to 5 pm (followed by a corn roast). Please plan to register your children on that day (which includes registration for Adventurers and Pathfinder, too). Contact Bridget Cline for more information (596-7599 or bridgetsline@yahoo.com).

Two weeks ago I met with our school financial aid committee as we reviewed requests for financial assistance. Would you consider helping to sponsor one or more students at our school? You can help make it possible for a young person to be able to attend Spring Creek Adventist School. I ask for you to please pray about and consider making Adventist education possible. Please contact Pastor Campbell (497-9636) for more information or to make your pledge.

The past week has been extremely intense with lots going on in our church, our conference, and our community. I was deeply saddened to learn of Sergeant Kinterknecht's death, and the wounding of two of his colleagues, that occurred. We mourn his passing and pray for all of our law enforcement officers who risk their lives each and every day so that we can be safe. I pray especially for his two daughters. I only met Sergeant Kinterknecht a couple of times with community activities, but he is someone who I want to honor by attending tomorrow's memorial service at the Montrose High School. Since I know you are a praying church family I ask that you pray especially for the family right now as they prepare to say their good byes.

On Sunday we had a much happier event--Heidi's cousin got married in Boulder. Emma was the flower girl. It was a beautiful ceremony with lots of family around. On Monday, our usual day for a family day, we went and did some fun things in the Boulder area. One of the highlights was visiting the Celestial Seasonings factory and headquarters just on the north side of Boulder. It was an aromatic experience. If you've never been there you need to make sure you go on their free tour (you won't want to miss the mint room!). My favorite tea is "sleepy time" so I learned that this is by far their biggest product (so apparently I'm not allowed) by a factor of 3 to 4 times any other tea they make. It also reminded me of how God asks us to live our lives in a way that is like herbal tea: we permeate everything around us with God's love. So, the next time you get out some hot water and a tea bag remember to let the love of Jesus shine in your hearts. We are to be aromatic Christians--people should be able to "smell" the sweet fragrance of how Jesus helps us to become more loving and lovable Christians.

Then on Tuesday we stayed over for conference committee. It was our first meeting with our new president, Elder Gary Thurber (who will be now joining us, due to a schedule change, in late September here in Montrose). I was thankful for his devotional that morning that set a spiritual tone for the entire day. Although I can already see there are important issues to be discussed, I also know that we have a great group of leaders who I am looking forward to serving with--people who are just as passionate about speaking caringly as they are candidly, and at several points during the day we stopped to pray. So I ask that you please pray for our conference administration as they wrestle with important issues that affect the entire sisterhood of churches here in Colorado and Wyoming.

Today we have the privilege of hosting our western and southwestern Colorado pastors for our monthly "cluster group." We're discussing George Knight's new book, The Neutering of Adventism, followed by lunch together. I'm always thankful for opportunities to share and learn.