Pastor's Blog

Life @ Montrose, Sept. 1, 2010

2010-09-01T21:46:04Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
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!

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.

Life @ Montrose, Aug. 25, 2010

2010-08-25T16:50:26Z

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.

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.

Life @ Montrose, Aug. 19, 2010

2010-08-22T16:18:58Z

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.

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.

Life @ Montrose, Aug. 4, 2010

2010-08-05T15:56:05Z

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.

Life @ Montrose, July 28, 2010

2010-08-05T15:55:19Z

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).

Life @ Montrose, July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T21:10:45Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH
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!).

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.

Life @ Montrose, June 16, 2010

2010-06-18T20:20:34Z

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

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!

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.

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.

Life @ Montrose, June 9, 2010

2010-06-10T05:34:12Z

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.

PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT
"Our mission as the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church is to lovingly lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."

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.

Life @ Montrose, Camp Meeting Special Edition (June 2, 2010)

2010-06-02T17:46:18Z

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

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!

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!!

Life @ Montrose, May 26, 2010

2010-06-02T03:15:55Z

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.

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.

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.

Life @ Montrose, May 13, 2010

2010-05-13T15:49:53Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH

Gunnison (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is speaking on "Headship."*

Montrose (11 AM): Elder Eric Nelson is preaching about "Children of the Promise."**

*There will be a regularly scheduled potluck.

**There will be no potluck this Sabbath.

HABITAT BUILD TODAY

Today is the Habitat for Humanity build that our church is sponsoring. Although the weather is a little bit overcast and cool (which actually makes for a nice environment for hard, manual labor) I believe we will not only have a lot of fun together but this is a great opportunity to make a difference in the community. And we can't have too much help so if just get this message and want to come over for part of the day just to help please give Tavia Wilson a call on her cell phone: (316) 641-6602.

WESTERN SLOPE TOWN HALL MEETING

Please join us on Sabbath afternoon at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church for a Rocky Mountain Conference Town Hall meeting, which begins at 3:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to hear from our conference leaders what is going on and the future direction of our church as a whole all across Colorado, Wyoming, and a small slice of New Mexico. It is also a time if you have questions or concerns for you to have a forum to ask those questions of our church leaders. I would strongly urge all of our church leaders and as many people from our congregation to please come and attend this important meeting.

WESTERN SLOPE CAMP MEETING
This summer's western slope camp meeting will be held from Thursday evening, June 3rd, through all-day Sabbath, June 5th at Spring Creek Adventist School. The meetings will begin with a keynote 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 also be coming out and children's programs are being planned. Please plan to save the date!

CHURCH RETREAT AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK, JULY 9-10

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 don't know how many of you like ice cream, but I sure do! Last night the Adventurers were able to celebrate the closure of another year of fun and learning about Jesus by taking a walk down to Dairy Queen. I had fun hanging out with our young people as they clearly enjoyed the occasion, too.

What does it mean to be a balanced Christian? I think Ellen White personifies the concept of "balance" as she learned and grew in her own Christian experience. As one of the founders of our church she is a prophetic voice who continues to speak to us through her writings. What I love about her is that, I contend, when she is properly understood her writings accomplish two things: (1) they always point us back to the primacy of Scripture in our lives; and (2) she always reminds us of the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. If we don't have these two ideas then I believe that we have the potential to misuse or even abuse her writings in a toxic way. Over the next two months I'm really pleased that we are going to have perhaps the two greatest living experts within the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Ellen White's writings here in Montrose, and if you have questions about how to interpret Ellen White or some question about our Adventist past then I would suggest you make sure you don't miss out on Jim Nix's camp meeting presentations (Elder Nix is the director of the Ellen G. White Estate) or George Knight's church retreat.

Speaking of counsel from the Spirit of Prophecy, I ran across an interesting statement that she wrote that goes along with the recent series on peacemaking: "Evilspeaking should be dealt with as a misdemeanor that is subject to church trial and separation from church membership if persisted in; for the church cannot be set in order in any way" (Ms. 74, 1897). What does that mean for us in practical terms? When a person suggests that the church--either our local church or the conference or denomination as a whole--is backslidden, in apostasy, or by passing around pamphlets in church to that same effect (as happened last Sabbath), such behavior fulfills this criteria. During Ellen White's lifetime she had a variety of persons who suggested that the church was in apostasy--most of the time it was because of others who pointed out the sins in others such as those who did not practice health reform the same way that they did (I'm working on an article right now on how Ellen White dealt with those who declared the church to be in apostasy). Such behavior is reprehensible and a disgrace to our church. When such situations arise the plan is for the pastor and elders to meet with such a person or persons, listen to their concerns, prayerfully consider them, and if such behavior is persisted in we are left no other alternative if such criticisms continue to ask such a person(s) to leave. An important part of peacemaking is that when every other option for peacemaking has been exhausted loving correction must be extended because such an individual (or individuals) is hurting not only themselves but the rest of the church family by pushing themselves away from the fellowship of the church. Such a process is always painful, but it is also necessary because as Mrs. White points out we can not have order any other way. I hate to even bring this up but because this has been publicly agitated in our church family I have to also let you know that the leaders of this church take such situations very seriously.

I was reminded of this dynamic yesterday as I was reviewing some notes on the story of the Minneapolis 1888 General Conference Session. One of the problems that as a denomination that we had was preaching the law and our distinctive beliefs to the exclusion of our Christian beliefs--the fact that we also believe in Christ's saving death on the cross and his righteousness that covers us for our sins. Adventist ministers during those early years were known not only for their Bible acumen but that they would go farther by shaming their opponents because they had the truth. As the 1888 General Conference session neared two young ministers, A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner, reminded our church in what Ellen White termed "a more precious message" of the need to keep Christ at the center of what Adventism is all about. Some present wanted to stand by the "old landmarks" but Mrs. White pushed our leaders to listen to what these two young preachers had to say. Some times we need to be open to the possibility of change and that the Lord wants to open our eyes to see new truths that we may not have seen before. We need to always remember that Christ is the center of what we believe as Seventh-day Adventists!

As you come to church you will notice a new bulletin board. A couple of months ago the church board, in my absence delegated me to pick out a new bulletin board--so I chose something that will hopefully be a little more eye-catching and that will specifically highlight church activities and events that are going on in our congregation.

Last but not least, the school board is interviewing three candidates this evening for the teaching position at our school. We will have some conference officials here, too. Let's pray that the Lord will lead through this process. I know the last few weeks have been difficult with a leadership transition at our school, but I believe the Lord will help us get through this time and help us find just the right person to help lead and build up our school. Adventist education is so critically important! Also, please continue to pray for Ellie Wing who is still in the hospital, Steve's mother who is slowly improving, and John Watson who is undergoing a second round of chemo.

Life @ Montrose, May 5, 2010

2010-05-06T00:57:56Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH

Gunnison (11 AM): Pastor Norman Graham is speaking.*

Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching a Mother's Day message entitled "Brave, Bold, and Beautiful."**

*There will be a regularly scheduled potluck.

**There will be no potluck this Sabbath.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Tomorrow morning there will be a special prayer breakfast to specifically pray for our pastors, local government officials, police, fire officials, businessmen, educators, and many more who are in our community. The prayer breakfast will be at the United Methodist Church from 7 to 8 am, tomorrow (May 6). In addition, there will be a noon prayer service on the Montrose Courthouse steps, across from the Post Office. For more information contact Mary Lou Luttreel (209-9003) or Pastor Campbell (497-9636)

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 now we will look at the doctrinal developments that shaped our church.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD

Next week, on Thursday May 13, our church is sponsoring a Habitat build project on the north side of town. To sign up please contact Tavia Wilson (417-4886 or taviawilson89@yahoo.com). Please come prepared to work hard and make a difference in our community.

THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

One of the highlights for me this past week was to be able to go with our young people, in two separate groups for the lower and upper graders, to Grand Junction to participate in the Messiah Lutheran Church's western slope track and field event. It was a great, Christian event with lots of Christian young people, including quite a few homeschoolers who participated. On Thursday we were going to go up but by the time I made it up to Grand Junction the event had been cancelled due to weather. We made another try on Friday with the upper graders. It was still cold, but a fun time was had by all. Then on Monday we went up with the lower graders. This time I got drafted on the running long jump. I had fun meeting lots of Christian young people, their teachers along with parents, for a really neat day. Four of our young people won ribbons for their hard work. We also had three Adventist schools who came and participated with us.

Sabbath was a special day because I was able to go up early in the morning and lead out in an early morning church service in Gunnison. I always love going up there--not the least of which is because the drive is so relaxing and beautiful, and of course because they are always so friendly and welcoming. I don't think we need to continue to do more to support our Gunnison church family and now that it is warmer I'm looking forward to being able to have regular church services again. I made it back in time to introduce our special guest speaker, Elder Roscoe Howard, president of the Mid-America Union, who preached a powerful, Spirit-filled message entitled "Running on Empty." In case you missed it, you can download the sermon from our church web site at: http://www.montrosesda.org/audio/2010/05/running-on-empty.html (thanks to Scott Nelson for keeping our church web site current!). I especially appreciated his call at the end when we had virtually the entire church come forward in a service of recommitment.

On Sunday morning a real highlight for me was participating in a church leadership brunch retreat at Alice Carpenter's home (who I can tell you certainly has the gift of hospitality!). We've worked on a rough draft of our 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"

We are going to discuss our mission statement and core values further at our next church board meeting and we will continue to circulate drafts as we work on it and revise it over so that everyone in our church family has a chance to give input.

Last but not least, I understand that Steve Wilson's mother has improved but continues to need our prayers, and that Ellie Wing is now out of ICU and has stabilized after her emergency surgery Saturday night. Also please remember to keep them and John Watson who begun a second round of chemotherapy treatments yesterday in your prayers. I'm so thankful that our church family is a praying church!

Life @ Montrose, April 29, 2010

2010-05-05T18:08:31Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH

Gunnison: (9 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on the Great Women of the Bible.
Montrose: (11 AM): Elder Roscoe Howard, MAUC president, is preaching a message entitled "Therefore" from Romans 12:1-2.

***There will be a special potluck after church this week only (NOT next week) because of our special guest speaker followed by a meeting for church members to ask Elder Howard questions.***

CHURCH BOARD LUNCHEON ON SUNDAY MORNING
Our church board over a series of breakfasts over the past six months has been working on identifying core values and prioritizing what is important to the direction of our church. We're moving right along as we make progress on eventually putting all of this into a mission statement. If you are in church leadership please come to the Carpenters on Sunday morning for another wonderful brunch as we work together as church leaders as we not only talk about our priorities as a church but put them into tangible form. Please contact Pastor or Dr. Cooper for more information.

ADVENTIST HERITAGE PRAYER MEETING SERIES
The class is now in its third 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 now we will look at the doctrinal developments that shaped our church.

ABC BOOKMOBILE
On May 9 (next weekend!) from 4 to 6 pm the ABC Bookmobile is coming to our church. Orders can be placed in advance up through April 26 by calling 1-800-765-6955.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

This Sunday afternoon, from 4 to 6 pm, there will be a school open house where our young people will be showing off projects, including some artwork, and other schoolwork. I know that at least for their social studies that the students had "Flat Stanleys" that traveled across the country and they will show just how far they have traveled. Please come and have a look at the hard work of our students by coming out.

THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

This morning was quite the shock to wake up, albeit quite early, to see snow on the ground! Especially after the last few days of spectacular weather. We've been getting the yard ready. And thanks to a church member we had a nice load of manure that I got to haul around to our vegetable and flower gardens. It never ceases to amaze me how stuff that is so smelly can make a vegetable garden grow like nobody else's business! I'm so thankful that God works with the ordinary and common things of our every day lives and makes great things happen when we allow the Lord to do what He is good at doing: transforming lives.

Speaking of transforming lives, this past week I had the opportunity to sit next to a man who started to ask me questions. He shared with me that he had not shared this with anyone else except his wife, but that he had his life providentially spared. He felt impressed to stop the car even though the light was green at an intersection. A few seconds later a car ran a red light zooming through at an exorbitant speed. He believed that God had spared his life. So I talked with Him about having a relationship with Jesus Christ and that the Lord had brought me that day to sit next to him for that purpose. I shared with him about how that morning I had picked up a copy of "Steps to Christ" and that I felt impressed that the Lord wanted him to read that book. Incidentally, he had just read Ben Carson's autobiography, "Gifted Hands" so this book was an opening wedge because I was able to tell him that I am a Seventh-day Adventist like him. So, the Lord gives us opportunities all around us to plant seeds for His kingdom.

This coming Sabbath is a special treat for us because Elder Roscoe Howard, Mid-America Union President, will be our featured speaker. I couldn't believe that our very own MAUC president would be able to fit our church into his busy schedule over a year ago when I first dared to ask. Some people may wonder what a Union president does in our church: they steer the overall direction and policies of all the conferences that make up the union. That includes educational policies (Elder Howard chairs Union College's board), policies for ministers and church employees, guidance on how tithe is distributed and generally helps to trouble shoot any serious problems across the Union. There are a lot of hats that a Union president has so if you have any questions about the overall direction of where our denomination is headed in terms of the Mid-America Union or just in general please stick around after potluck because we will have an informal meet and greet to take advantage of this special privilege that our church has. We would also invite any other church members from the western slope to please join us for this special day, too. Last but not least, my own church members may be interested to know that it was as I was contemplating the decision as to whether to come here to Montrose or not that I gave a series of talks on Ellen White for the Alberta camp meeting three years ago. Elder Howard was the featured evening speaker and I was particularly moved by the stories he told about how God had worked in his own life, and some of those stories were very influential in my own journey in making the decision to come here to be your pastor here in Montrose. At the time Elder Howard as the secretary of the North American Division so neither of us could have guessed at that point that our paths would cross again in this way. So God is good in how He leads in our lives. I'm so thankful I made the decision to come to Montrose and believe the Lord has brought us here for a purpose.

On Wednesday evening I finished up teaching the electricity honor for Pathfinders. We're still looking for a Pathfinder leader for next year. We typically have 12-14 young people and most likely our club will stay at least the same size or grow, but the problem is that unless we have someone willing to step up to the plate to help mentor and train our young people we are seriously looking at closing our Pathfinder club down for next year. But I believe the Lord has providentially allowed our club to start and helped provide a great opportunity to disciple our young people. I believe that the Lord has someone in our church family who the Lord will impress to help pick up the reins to keep our club going. If the Lord is impressing your heart, or if you just have a question about Pathfinders, please don't hesitate to give or Heidi or me a call.

This morning I got up at 5 AM and was at the school in time for us to carpool with our younger church school kids by 6:15 AM in order to get up to Grand Junction for track and field. I'm so thankful for Allison Duncan who helped to organize the event. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was practically in Junction by the time I received word that it was called off. I've now learned that it has been postponed until Monday morning. We're going to take the upper graders tomorrow morning. I'm appreciative of church members such as Gene Swanson who will be going with me to help watch the older kids participate in this Christian athletic event. I'm so thankful for our church members, many of them parents, who help to keep our school going along with such capable staff.

Life @ Montrose, April 23, 2010

2010-05-05T18:07:58Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH

Gunnison (9 AM) and Montrose (11 AM): Pastor Campbell is preaching on Romans 12:20-21 on "Overcoming Evil With Good."

ADVENTIST HERITAGE CLASS
The class will begin--despite delays--next week! Southern Adventist University has asked me to develop their online Adventist heritage class, which I will teach this summer. In preparation for this I am going to teach the class for members in our own congregation. College credit will be available for those willing to pay tuition. For anyone else who is interested in just auditing the class just to learn you are welcome to come, too (the majority of our church members who have college degrees already I suspect may find this class helpful as a review). Classes will begin on Tuesday evening, April 20, and continue weekly on Tuesday nights.

ABC BOOKMOBILE
On May 9 from 4 to 6 pm the ABC Bookmobile is coming to our church. Orders can be placed in advance up through April 26 by calling 1-800-765-6955.

WESTERN SLOPE CAMP MEETING

This summer's western slope camp meeting will be held from Thursday evening, June 3rd, through all-day Sabbath, June 5th at Spring Creek Adventist School. The meetings will begin with a keynote 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 also be coming out and children's programs are being planned. Please plan to save the date!

SCHOOL YARD SALE

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make the school yard sale last Sunday a success. A total of $877 was raised to support our church school.

THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

Spring is one of my favorite times of year as the new blades of grass make their way out of the ground, and as the trees around town are filled with blossoms. The smell of freshness and new life is a wonderful small as well as feeling. It reminds me of the Bible promise: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor. 5:17).

Last week was rather busy between dealing with issues related to our school. As I think all of our church family is aware, due to extenuating circumstances Carlton Mason, our school board chair, announced in church two weeks ago that Ruth Whitlow will be finishing out the school year. We will also be looking for another school teacher for next year so if you know of a potential applicant please let Carlton know.

I had the privilege last Thursday evening to participate in a conference sponsored by the Adventist Theological Society, the same organization that sponsored my participation to go to India last fall, on creationism. My paper was the history of Adventist views on creationism. More information about ATS and the conference is available at: http://www.atsjats.org/article.php?id=73. The Hope Channel filmed the lectures so they will be broadcast some time in the near future.

Then on Sabbath I went with our elders on a sort of elder's retreat down to Farmington, New Mexico, to listen to Dr. Russell Burrill, professor emeritus from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Society at Andrews University, talk about discipleship and church growth. I think all of the elders who were able to go were impressed and one of the key areas that I heard all of our elders share with me is that they would like to see our church work on small groups. Stay tuned for more details.

This past week our family had a personal milestone as our son, David, turned a year old! It is hard to believe that it was just about a year ago that he joined our family and what a joy he has been in our lives. Every day is amazing and reminds me how fortunate we are.

Another highlight this last week was that our school hosted the western slope spelling bee. We had schools from across the western slope (Cortez, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs) who were all here to participate. Also, our church hosted the annual PREACH seminar during which we invited fellow clergy can fellowship and learn how to improve their preaching (http://preach.ministerialassociation.com/). One pastor told me how he started attending these seminars as a pastor in southern California and he is so thankful our church continues to host them.

Despite all of the business I pray that God will richly bless you. I asked the kids this morning during chapel at our school if they were facing any storms in their lives (talking about Jesus rescuing his disciples as told in Matt. 14). The kids all raised their hands. Then I asked them if they knew that Jesus was their friend ready to rescue them. They again all raised their hands. I pray that each of you will remember that Jesus is there for you today, and every day.

Life @ Montrose, April 14, 2010

2010-05-05T18:07:24Z

WORSHIP THIS SABBATH

Gunnison: TBA

Montrose: Don Anderson is preaching a message entitled "Lamb of God."

YOUTH RALLY IN GRAND JUNCTION
On April 17 there will be a full-day youth rally at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church. If you have young people please encourage them to participate. The featured speaker is Jerry Mahn, a dynamic youth speaker from the Kettering Church in Ohio.

ABC BOOKMOBILE
On May 9 from 4 to 6 pm the ABC Bookmobile is coming to our church. Orders can be placed in advance up through April 26 by calling 1-800-765-6955.

IN DORCAS' FOOTSTEPS

Tavia Wilson has put together a community service newsletter that highlights the many ways our church has been and has an opportunity to be involved in our community. Please check your box at church for her newsletter so that you can find out how to make a difference in our own community.

SCHOOL YARD SALE

The spring school yard sale will be on Sunday, April 18. As you do your spring cleaning this month, set aside those items that you don't want anymore and have them ready for this terrific fundraising event. Right now is the time to start sorting and separating and planning--it's a sort of painless way to help the school--and just think you won't have to have your own yard sale!

THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

The past two weeks have been rather busy and fortified with lots of prayer. As I preached last Sabbath we each have an opportunity to press together and to encourage one another. During this time I've really appreciated the many things our church members do to build community and to point people to Jesus:

I really appreciated our deaconesses, especially Judy & Jerilyn, who put together a wonderful meal to host all of the Association of Montrose Clergy pastors who we hosted at our church on April 8.
We have some active young people along with social committee who planned a fun movie night/church social last Saturday night. We had a wonderful vespers where we talked about the spiritual lessons of the movie that we watched.
I met a person in our community who occasionally attends our church, but is not a member, but she told me how much she loves our church and that although she doesn't attend any church regularly she thinks of our church as her home and that she hopes to attend again some time soon.
Our elders the Sabbath before last spent most of their afternoon participating in two anointings for sick church members. I'm grateful for church leaders who are men of prayer and for a church family who continue to pray for others.
I'm thankful for so many of our church members who go way beyond the call of duty each and every day. I think especially of this every time I go to our church school and see how many people help out. During the last two weeks we started a new baptismal class with five of our children at church school that meets each Tuesday afternoon after school.
Last week, each morning I got up early and led out in a week-of-prayer in Grand Junction. The kids were attentive and I'm thankful for the opportunity to share with them. I was really impressed with their church school and the dedicated staff who make that possible. I'm also excited to learn that Maranatha will be helping them put up a daycare center building on their campus.

Whether we realize it or not, God is at work! Let's continue to stay connected to the living vine, Jesus Christ. By beholding we become changed--let's keep out focus on Jesus Christ!