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A MESSAGE FROM RMC LEADERS: LET US MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2021
ED BARNETT, RMC PRESIDENT
Year 2020 helped me confirm that there is no status quo, neither in the world, nor in our church. We see change taking place everywhere around the globe. As we move forward, I believe all of us must take our relationship with Jesus more seriously. We can observe that more of our fellow brothers and sisters are realizing the same truth.
This makes me think that the greatest days for the Seventh-day Adventist Church are right in front of us. Each of us has a part to play in sharing Jesus wherever we go, not only in words, but in the way we live our lives. Some of the long-established values of Christianity need to be visible like never before, be it honesty, kindness, gentleness, genuine love for our neighbors, or being friends who are not trying to win people into the baptismal tank but let them see-–with the help of the Holy Spirit–-what Christ is really like.
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NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION LEADERSHIP RESPONDS TO EVENTS AT THE U.S. CAPITOL
North American Division News – Columbia, Maryland … The events in Washington, D.C., during the past few days have been traumatic for most Americans, and shocking for those around the world. Many of our members are deeply concerned regarding the actions that took place at the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. The leadership of the North American Division affirms the rights of people to respectfully protest, but strongly condemns the reprehensible actions of rioters that show a clear disrespect for the safety of others, the institution of democracy, and the diplomatic and orderly process of the transition of government.
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COMMENTARY — WILL THIS BE THE YEAR?
By Ron Price — I cannot recall ever welcoming a new year more than I do 2021. Somehow, I do not think I am alone in that regard. Someone recently said that 2020 will soon become a common expression in our culture to describe anything tense, unsettling, discouraging, frustrating, etc. I could go on, but please do not be surprised to hear in the coming weeks, months, and years something negative described as a “2020 thing.”
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10 DAYS OF PRAYER 2021 – SEEKING REVIVAL
The Rocky Mountain Conference prayer ministries team would like to invite RMC members to join them over the next 10 days, January 6 – 16, at 6:30 a.m., 12 noon, and 6:30 p.m. for prayer.
Also Mid-America Union Conference will host a virtual inspirational gathering each night at 6:00 p.m.
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CASTLE ROCK CHURCH AND HOSPITAL PROVIDES CHRISTMAS FOR COMMUNITY FAMILIES
By Renae Hamstra – Castle Rock, Colorado … “Presents!” was heard echoing from children throughout the Christmas store set up by Castle Rock church and Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.
Eyes were aglow and hearts were warmed as 36 families received Christmas gifts at Castle Rock’s first Christmas store. Some thirty-five volunteers from the hospital, the hospital foundation, and Castle Rock Adventist Church spent hours planning, purchasing and wrapping hundreds of gifts before the big day.
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YOU SHALL LIVE AND NOT DIE
By Samantha Nelson – Cody, Wyoming … November 1, 2020, found me sick and in pain everywhere. The pain I credited to having a little too much fun with our youth at church on Sabbath and the congestion to allergies due to our walk Sabbath afternoon. A few days later, Steve fell ill, too. This was no ordinary illness for us. I ordered a COVID-19 test and a few days later I received the results: positive.
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ERIC NELSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … In the first Rocky Mountain Conference office staff meeting of 2021 Eric Nelson, vice-president for administration, closed the meeting with a statement that many in the office are still absorbing: “As of April 1, I will be officially retiring from service at RMC.”
Nelson has been serving RMC in ministry for the last 35 years, including many years at Campion and Campion Academy. Prior to his service in RMC, he was youth pastor in Oregon.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FIND SECOND HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Campion Academy Student News – Loveland, Colorado…Even though most of Campion’s international students couldn’t return home due to COVID travel restrictions over the holidays, they were able to find comfort in welcoming host families.
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MHA BUS TAKES FINAL TRIP
By RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … After 27 years, the Mile High Academy bus, which has carried many students and faculty to multiple events, has left campus for the final time.
The bus quit working in August and according to MHA, parts have become non-existent and the knowledgeable service mechanic retired, selling not only his shop but also comparable spare-part busses. Based on the uphill challenge for the bus, the administration decided it was time to sell MHA’s iconic transportation mode.
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BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE ATTRACTS 450 VISITORS TO LITTLETON CHURCH
By Alise Weber – Littleton, Colorado … The Littleton Adventist Church grounds was transformed into the City of Bethlehem on December 19 to welcome the community to experience Bethlehem.
Planning for this event began in March and the scale of the event was changed multiple times due to the ongoing pandemic. What didn’t change was the organizers’ hope to share the Good News and the joy of Christ’s birth with all who attended. The idea of hosting an event like The Bethlehem Experience became more of a mission as many churches were unable to offer traditional religious Christmas activities for their congregation and communities.
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CELEBRATING LONNIE HETTERLE’S SERVICE TO RMC EDUCATION
RMCNews – Littleton, Colorado … On a cold, snowy morning, a small gathering assembled, with others joining virtually, to say farewell to RMC education director Lonnie Hetterle.
Hetterle, who leaves his position on December 31 after spending more than 25 years in RMC education, was at first not keen on having a farewell celebration, but later accepted that many individuals wanted to acknowledge his hard work over the years.
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COVID-19 VACCINES: ADDRESSING CONCERNS, OFFERING COUNSEL
By General Conference Department of Health Ministries, General Conference Biblical Research Institute, and Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health — Silver Spring, Maryland, Loma Linda, California …Seventh-day Adventists look to the coming of Christ as the great culmination of history and an end of all disease, suffering, and death. At the same time, we have been entrusted with the Adventist health message embodied in and expanded upon by the writings of Ellen White, summarizing healthful living through practical and wholistic healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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