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RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS 2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET; DIANE HARRIS APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … In their final 2020 meeting, December 8, the RMC Executive Committee reviewed church finances and approved the 2021 preliminary budget.
The October YTD financial report was presented by George Crumley, RMC VP for finance, who shared “how even with COVID, the Conference is only down roughly .5% on base tithe after adjusting for the extra Sabbath this year.”
Additionally, Crumley continued, “because of lower expenses and special assistance from the North American Division and the Mid-American Union Conference, we are actually tracking better than the 2020 budget had estimated for this time of the year.” He expressed gratitude to God for the “faithful support of our members in returning their tithes and offerings during these challenging times.”
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SAFETY TOP PRIORITY FOR RMC CHURCHES AS COVID CONTINUES TO WORSEN IN REGION
By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … As COVID cases continue to rise throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference and the world, public health is still at the center of all COVID policies.
In an email to pastors, Eric Nelson, VP of administration stated, “In a web conference with faith leaders on December 7, Governor Polis’ office shared that churches in Colorado are being moved to the status of “Critical” or essential services. This classification changes slightly the limitations on our church attendance from what they have been in the recent past. The lightened restrictions will only apply to worship services–not potlucks, prayer meetings or other gatherings.”
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STRINGS OF THE ROCKIES PROGRAM STRONG AT VISTA RIDGE ACADEMY
By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … At Vista Ridge Academy, arts play a crucial role in building strong minds. In addition to weekly music and art classes, VRA offers opportunities for students to participate in choir and Strings of the Rockies program, funded in part by Avista Adventist Hospital.
The Strings of the Rockies program helps students learn that effort, partnered with perseverance, leads to success. Through training in technique and reading music, students are able to strengthen parts of their brain that would not otherwise be developed.
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“WHY AREN’T WE REOPENING?” – COMMENTARY
By Evgeni Kovachev – Denver, Colorado … Individuals, church leaders, and even courts have been discussing whether churches should open again and if they can be restricted in any way. Recently, in a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with religious groups in a dispute over New York Covid-19 restrictions limiting the number of worshippers. At the same time, The Denver Post reports, Colorado COVID hospitalizations rose by more than 15%.
What do we do?
Who do we listen to?
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JESUS AT THE CENTER OF THE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE TOP PRIORITY FOR HARRIS
RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Diane Harris will become Rocky Mountain Conference director of education effective January 1, 2021. The RMC executive committee meeting on December 8 via Zoom voted unanimously to accept the RMC Administrative Committee’s recommendation of the appointment of Harris to replace Lonnie Hetterle, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving more than 25 years in RMC education.
Harris brings 20 plus years’ experience in education, having served as RMC’s associate superintendent since 2003. Prior to joining the education department, Harris taught second grade at Mile High Academy.
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3.2.1 ACTION – CAMPION STUDENTS INTRODUCED TO FILM MAKING
By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado…When Campion Academy’s Digital Journalism and Communication class heard that Enrollment Director Jessica Rios was holding a contest for videos that would give potential students a glimpse into campus life, they were ready to step up to the challenge.
The class spent the first part of the semester focused on news reporting and other types of writing, so filming and editing was a fresh experience.
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INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DIFFERENT ARE NOT DIFFERENT STUDENTS LEARN
By Abigail Hernandez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Students in second through fourth grades at Springs Adventist Academy are learning about individuals who live with disabilities.
Pupils are engaging in the subject through a series of readings, research, guest speakers, and activities.
In the month of September, they were introduced to Dr. Mary Schlieder, Union College professor, and head of the “Circle of Friends” inclusion program at Lincoln Public Schools. Schlieder expressed that everyone has certain strengths and challenges, pointing out that we are all more alike than we are different.
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MONTROSE CHURCH MEMBERS DONATE BICYCLE FOR MISSION IN ZAMBIA
By Cheré Fisher – Montrose, Colorado … Members of the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church donated funds for a bicycle in support of evangelistic outreach in Zambia, according to Chere’ Fisher, operations officer for the church. The bicycle was purchased for Chabby Alfred Chabala, a lay missionary in Zambia, Africa.
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COUNSELING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
By Claudio and Pamela Consuegra – Columbia, Maryland … Nine months into the pandemic, and with no end in sight, the holidays approach — and with them come the shadows of uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and depression. During a normal year, the holidays are a cheerful, happy time for a lot of us.
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