President’s Blog
January 20, 2010
Typical Administrative Committee work
Between Conference Executive Committee meetings, there are a number of weekly and monthly activities and issues that need to be addressed. Your Conference Officers are charged with leading out in the every-day and routine items that need decisions to be made and implemented, along with giving the vision and direction for the Mission of Jesus through our Conference. Our Executive Committee has been charged by the Constituency with the governance and broad direction for the Conference, setting or approving policy, approving the Conference funding and Pastor Personnel hiring and placement.
I have listed below, this week’s agenda for ADCOM, as just an example of what might be on a typical ADCOM discussion with some items voted for action. All ADCOM actions are recorded and then the minutes are presented to the Conference Executive Committee for their vote to approve each ADCOM meeting minutes.
If you should have any curiosity or question about this week’s ADCOM agenda, feel free to contact me.
ADCOM
January 20, 2010
1. Prayer
2. Lori Landa
a. Minutes review by ADCOM Officers – new software process to use
3. Columbia Union Haiti relief update
a. Suggested: Offering from Conference reserves.
b. Special appeal to all churches to help rebuild churches, schools,
university, hospital. Make recommendation to Conference Executive Committee
4. French books for Darnel Marius Part Time pastor of Lancaster Haitian Church. Evangelism funds to provide
5. Additional rent assistance request – short term
6. Women in Ministry update
7. Camp Keystone summer use request
8. 3 youth Share Him overseas travel expense budgets for Adult Evangelism Coaches
9. 2010 Conference Budget update
10. Assistant to the President for Mission update
11. LLC report to Executive Committee
12. Mission Intentional Church – York update
13. Marriage, Homosexuality and the Church
a. International Religious Liberty Conference at Andrews University CD recordings available
14. Columbia Union Mission Funding to Conferences. 2010 Allocation update.
15. Arise and Build. Future direction for this activity
16. HVCA update
17. Camp Meeting 2012
a. Concept for future of camp meeting
b. Hispanic camp meeting
18. Discuss annual member age survey in each church
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
El Camino Church Organization
President’s Blog
January 16, 2010
El Camino Church Organization
Today Elder Ron Christman, Elder Juan Lopez, his wife Daisy and I had the joy and privilege of celebrating the organization of a new Pennsylvania Conference Church in Easton, PA.
The El Camino SDA Church begin just a few years ago as a mission group. Now they have been organized, and already, some of the members are dreaming and talking about planting another SDA Church in the Easton region. Members shared with me that this is the only Hispanic church of any kind in this part of Easton, where there is a sizable Hispanic population. In just a week or so, the El Camino SDA Church will be having the graduation of the 3rd English as a Second Language (ESL) Class they have provided for community benefit and church outreach.
Elder Ron Christman, who speaks fluent Spanish, presented the summary of the Adventist beliefs. Elder Lopez, who also speaks fluent Spanish, pronounce the Conference blessing, declared the church to be officially organized in the SDA World Church as part of the PA Conference and had the official prayer. Although I only speak fluent English and just a few words of Spanish, I led the organizing serviced and the voting of the charter members.
Answering our appeal for any to take their stand for Jesus Christ and the Biblical beliefs of the Adventist Church, was a man who had been attending but was not a member. He came forward and pledged his desire to prepare for baptism.
At lunch following the worship service, Elder Christman and I were seated at a table with mostly young people. I visited with a young man who attended the Junior High a couple of blocks from the rented Lutheran church our Adventist Church family meets in. Elder Christman visited with his father in Spanish, as his English as not very strong. We learned that both father and son had walked into this church off the street for the 1st time this Sabbath, having never visited this church or been invited by anyone. As I visited with the son in English, he asked me if I knew anyone who could help his father learn to speak English better. So I introduced the father to Mrs. Brown, the lay person who was teaching the ESL classes. Elder Christman learned from the father, that he had several Adventist relatives, and he would be interested in considering becoming a Seventh-day Adventist himself.
God is at work across Pennsylvania! As we pray, seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and make ourselves available anywhere, anytime, with anyone, God can do mighty things for His work.
The Easton El Camino Church plant is the result of a number of layperson deciding to step out in faith and answer God’s call to be a missionary for Jesus. They were also lead and assisted by Pastor Montesinos, District Pastor Gabriel Montalvo, and Pastor Saud Elias who recently conducted and evangelistic reaping series of meetings there. Also Adventist members from Bethlehem Spanish and Lehigh Valley Spanish assisted.
January 16, 2010
El Camino Church Organization
Today Elder Ron Christman, Elder Juan Lopez, his wife Daisy and I had the joy and privilege of celebrating the organization of a new Pennsylvania Conference Church in Easton, PA.
The El Camino SDA Church begin just a few years ago as a mission group. Now they have been organized, and already, some of the members are dreaming and talking about planting another SDA Church in the Easton region. Members shared with me that this is the only Hispanic church of any kind in this part of Easton, where there is a sizable Hispanic population. In just a week or so, the El Camino SDA Church will be having the graduation of the 3rd English as a Second Language (ESL) Class they have provided for community benefit and church outreach.
Elder Ron Christman, who speaks fluent Spanish, presented the summary of the Adventist beliefs. Elder Lopez, who also speaks fluent Spanish, pronounce the Conference blessing, declared the church to be officially organized in the SDA World Church as part of the PA Conference and had the official prayer. Although I only speak fluent English and just a few words of Spanish, I led the organizing serviced and the voting of the charter members.
Answering our appeal for any to take their stand for Jesus Christ and the Biblical beliefs of the Adventist Church, was a man who had been attending but was not a member. He came forward and pledged his desire to prepare for baptism.
At lunch following the worship service, Elder Christman and I were seated at a table with mostly young people. I visited with a young man who attended the Junior High a couple of blocks from the rented Lutheran church our Adventist Church family meets in. Elder Christman visited with his father in Spanish, as his English as not very strong. We learned that both father and son had walked into this church off the street for the 1st time this Sabbath, having never visited this church or been invited by anyone. As I visited with the son in English, he asked me if I knew anyone who could help his father learn to speak English better. So I introduced the father to Mrs. Brown, the lay person who was teaching the ESL classes. Elder Christman learned from the father, that he had several Adventist relatives, and he would be interested in considering becoming a Seventh-day Adventist himself.
God is at work across Pennsylvania! As we pray, seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and make ourselves available anywhere, anytime, with anyone, God can do mighty things for His work.
The Easton El Camino Church plant is the result of a number of layperson deciding to step out in faith and answer God’s call to be a missionary for Jesus. They were also lead and assisted by Pastor Montesinos, District Pastor Gabriel Montalvo, and Pastor Saud Elias who recently conducted and evangelistic reaping series of meetings there. Also Adventist members from Bethlehem Spanish and Lehigh Valley Spanish assisted.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Witnessing LocationI Never Thought was Ideal
I’ve never been a fan of air travel evangelism. Maybe like me, you have heard speakers tell of traveling to some location, and while traveling on an airliner, they were seated next to another traveler. Striking up a conversation with them, they had the opportunity to witness and share some aspect of Christianity. At the end of the trip, they got off the plane, rejoicing to have made a difference in someone’s life.
It always struck me that a better approach to witnessing would be to share your faith in your own neighborhood, town or church area of influence instead of on an airliner. Then you could be used by God to do more than have a “hit and run” conversation. You could actually help disciple someone over time. That “ought” to be the way to do personal evangelism.
Besides, the few times I get on an air flight, I usually have a list of projects or reading I need to do and I need the time away from phone calls, office duties and drop-in visitors to give it full attention in a quiet setting. And then, I am not a naturally out-going sanguine personality who just loves to strike up deep meaningful conversations with every stranger I meet. If someone takes the initiative to speak to me or ask questions, I am willing to walk right in to a spiritual conversation.
So I’m about to share that God really does have a sense of humor. On a Wednesday, last October 7, I was flying to a Christian Leadership Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. While on the plane I shared my free newspaper with the man next to me. He eventually started chatting and I just asked him some open-ended questions about himself, his work, his tour of duty in the Air Force, his experience at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and his family. In course of my listening to his experience, he spoke of his upbringing by Christian parents and the values he was seeking to establish in his own home. At this point I asked if he and his family attended church. He said he did. Then he mentioned the role of pastors of large churches and the wish he had that some of these pastors would better serve the needs of the community instead of just building up a big church and a big salary. Then, I believe the Holy Spirit jumped in and “pushed” me. I shared with him how the Biblical model is that every Christian is a minister. We don’t have to wait to see the mega-church pastor “get it right,” we are personally called by Christ to minister in His name, wherever we are. We are the minister. So we chatted about that for a couple of minutes. Then I shared with him how God could even use him to minister through his business/work. I urged him to get a copy of the book, Show and Then Tell: Presenting the Gospel Through Everyday Encounters. He thought that sounded good. Then after a little reflection and very general comments on the coming of Christ together, he said to me, “You know, I remember reading a book by Hal Lindsey a while ago about the end of time and the coming of Christ. I ought to get it out read it again.” Then I sensed the Holy Spirit jumping in and pushing me again. I just responded directly, “You know, I have read a book that is much more accurate than Hal Lindsey. There are many things Hal Lindsey doesn’t have just right. But there is this book entitled, ‘Great Controversy’ which carefully and scripturally takes all the issues from the time of Christ, through the early church, the medieval times, the reformation, down to our time and to the times just when Jesus comes. I have found it to be so much more accurate on this topic. You need to get this book and read it.” I gave him directions for finding the Great Controversy online through the Adventist Book Center. He expressed a good interest in this book. Before we left the plan, we exchanged business cards with e-mail addresses. Later, I e-mailed him and mentioned visiting with him. I didn’t mention the book, just that I enjoyed visiting with him. He e-mailed right back and said he was definitely getting the Great Controversy..
Incredible and sobering! I had an actual assignment I had to get done on that 2 hour flight to Atlanta. But God had a different assignment. And you know, I liked the substitute assignment much better. Even if it was airline evangelism!!
Then on the way home, guess what happened on that 2 hour flight. I sat next to a gracious man from southern Virginia. Since it was Friday night, in the plane I got out my Bible and Sabbath School Quarterly. After I finished my SS lesson, he commented to me about some spiritual things. Then he asked me about what Jesus meant about the desolation of the holy place spoken of by Daniel the prophet. So I briefly shared from Matthew 24 on the signs of the times. Then, since the Holy Spirit had jumped in and pushed me just 2 days earlier, I knew the Holy Spirit was ready to go this time. So I went on and said, There is a great book entitled, ‘Great Controversy,’ which is the most accurate description of the issues of the last days before Jesus comes. He asked about the author and I gave him my business card with the name of the book and the Adventist Book Center so he could Google it and order it. Again, he showed an interest in this book. If we are willing for God to work through us, He has the capacity to surprise us, and use us in ways we may not find natural. But once God opens the way, and once we are fully willing for Him to work His will in us, then whatever way God chooses, it becomes exciting and natural! Here is a powerful thought that I think encourages each of us.
“There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in. {AA 109.1}
An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts. The angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the Ethiopian, but this is not God's way of working. It is His plan that men are to work for their fellow men. {AA 109.2}
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. God's faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service.” {AA 109.3}
It always struck me that a better approach to witnessing would be to share your faith in your own neighborhood, town or church area of influence instead of on an airliner. Then you could be used by God to do more than have a “hit and run” conversation. You could actually help disciple someone over time. That “ought” to be the way to do personal evangelism.
Besides, the few times I get on an air flight, I usually have a list of projects or reading I need to do and I need the time away from phone calls, office duties and drop-in visitors to give it full attention in a quiet setting. And then, I am not a naturally out-going sanguine personality who just loves to strike up deep meaningful conversations with every stranger I meet. If someone takes the initiative to speak to me or ask questions, I am willing to walk right in to a spiritual conversation.
So I’m about to share that God really does have a sense of humor. On a Wednesday, last October 7, I was flying to a Christian Leadership Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. While on the plane I shared my free newspaper with the man next to me. He eventually started chatting and I just asked him some open-ended questions about himself, his work, his tour of duty in the Air Force, his experience at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and his family. In course of my listening to his experience, he spoke of his upbringing by Christian parents and the values he was seeking to establish in his own home. At this point I asked if he and his family attended church. He said he did. Then he mentioned the role of pastors of large churches and the wish he had that some of these pastors would better serve the needs of the community instead of just building up a big church and a big salary. Then, I believe the Holy Spirit jumped in and “pushed” me. I shared with him how the Biblical model is that every Christian is a minister. We don’t have to wait to see the mega-church pastor “get it right,” we are personally called by Christ to minister in His name, wherever we are. We are the minister. So we chatted about that for a couple of minutes. Then I shared with him how God could even use him to minister through his business/work. I urged him to get a copy of the book, Show and Then Tell: Presenting the Gospel Through Everyday Encounters. He thought that sounded good. Then after a little reflection and very general comments on the coming of Christ together, he said to me, “You know, I remember reading a book by Hal Lindsey a while ago about the end of time and the coming of Christ. I ought to get it out read it again.” Then I sensed the Holy Spirit jumping in and pushing me again. I just responded directly, “You know, I have read a book that is much more accurate than Hal Lindsey. There are many things Hal Lindsey doesn’t have just right. But there is this book entitled, ‘Great Controversy’ which carefully and scripturally takes all the issues from the time of Christ, through the early church, the medieval times, the reformation, down to our time and to the times just when Jesus comes. I have found it to be so much more accurate on this topic. You need to get this book and read it.” I gave him directions for finding the Great Controversy online through the Adventist Book Center. He expressed a good interest in this book. Before we left the plan, we exchanged business cards with e-mail addresses. Later, I e-mailed him and mentioned visiting with him. I didn’t mention the book, just that I enjoyed visiting with him. He e-mailed right back and said he was definitely getting the Great Controversy..
Incredible and sobering! I had an actual assignment I had to get done on that 2 hour flight to Atlanta. But God had a different assignment. And you know, I liked the substitute assignment much better. Even if it was airline evangelism!!
Then on the way home, guess what happened on that 2 hour flight. I sat next to a gracious man from southern Virginia. Since it was Friday night, in the plane I got out my Bible and Sabbath School Quarterly. After I finished my SS lesson, he commented to me about some spiritual things. Then he asked me about what Jesus meant about the desolation of the holy place spoken of by Daniel the prophet. So I briefly shared from Matthew 24 on the signs of the times. Then, since the Holy Spirit had jumped in and pushed me just 2 days earlier, I knew the Holy Spirit was ready to go this time. So I went on and said, There is a great book entitled, ‘Great Controversy,’ which is the most accurate description of the issues of the last days before Jesus comes. He asked about the author and I gave him my business card with the name of the book and the Adventist Book Center so he could Google it and order it. Again, he showed an interest in this book. If we are willing for God to work through us, He has the capacity to surprise us, and use us in ways we may not find natural. But once God opens the way, and once we are fully willing for Him to work His will in us, then whatever way God chooses, it becomes exciting and natural! Here is a powerful thought that I think encourages each of us.
“There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in. {AA 109.1}
An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts. The angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the Ethiopian, but this is not God's way of working. It is His plan that men are to work for their fellow men. {AA 109.2}
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. God's faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service.” {AA 109.3}
Friday, December 4, 2009
Leadership Lessons from Chuck Swindoll
When at the Catalyst Leadership Conference in Atlanta in October, 2009, I had the privilege to listen to Chuck Swindoll. He was presented with a lifetime achievement award at this convention.
Then Chuck gave a presentation from his 50 years in Christian leadership.
Here are some random notes/thoughts that I took, which I will continue to touch base on from time to time. You may find them valuable also.
“When God wants to do an impossible job, He chooses a person and crushes him.” -- Pastor Allen Redpath, Moody Memorial Church.
Leave room in your life for the crushing. Very few people will tell you about it. But it is part of God’s curriculum for a leader.
10 Lessons of Leadership
1. It is lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions.
2. It is dangerous to succeed.
3. It is hardest at home.
4. It is essential to be real. “Be who ye iz, cauz if you ain’t who you iz, you is who you ain’t.” (sic)
5. It is painful to obey. You will be giving up your way for the way of the Cross.
6. Brokenness and failure are necessary. “Everything I have learned is through affliction, not abundance…” -- Malcom Muckeridge
7. My attitude is more important than my actions.
8. Integrity eclipses image. The best things you do are not upfront. They are what you do behind the scenes.
9. God’s way is better than my way. God cannot pour His blessings into hands already full.
10. Christ’s likeness begins and ends in humility.
2 Corinthians 4:5, Not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God… (NASB)
Vs. 7, We have this treasure in earthen vessels.
“We must be willing to leave the familiar methods without disturbing the Biblical message.” -- Principle that was practiced by the First Century Christian church.
Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.
Traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.
3 Observations
1. With every ministry a special mercy is needed. 2 Corinthians 4:1
2. In every ministry the same things must be renounced and rejected. 2 Cor. 4:2
Shameful -- hiding things
Deceitful -- do things
Corrupting -- Truthful things
3. Through every ministry a unique style is to be pursued. 2. Cor. 4:5-7
a. We do not promote ourselves. It isn’t about me.
b. We declare Christ as Lord. It is all about Him.
c. We see ourselves as bondservants for Jesus sake.
d. We never forget what we are…and who He is.
5 Statements from my 50 years in leadership – worth remembering:
1. Do more with others and less all alone. Accountability.
2. Whenever you do it, emphasize quality, not quantity.
3. Wherever you go, do it the same as if among those who know you best.
4. Whoever may respond, keep a level head.
5. However long you lead, keep on dripping with gratitude and grace.
Then Chuck gave a presentation from his 50 years in Christian leadership.
Here are some random notes/thoughts that I took, which I will continue to touch base on from time to time. You may find them valuable also.
“When God wants to do an impossible job, He chooses a person and crushes him.” -- Pastor Allen Redpath, Moody Memorial Church.
Leave room in your life for the crushing. Very few people will tell you about it. But it is part of God’s curriculum for a leader.
10 Lessons of Leadership
1. It is lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions.
2. It is dangerous to succeed.
3. It is hardest at home.
4. It is essential to be real. “Be who ye iz, cauz if you ain’t who you iz, you is who you ain’t.” (sic)
5. It is painful to obey. You will be giving up your way for the way of the Cross.
6. Brokenness and failure are necessary. “Everything I have learned is through affliction, not abundance…” -- Malcom Muckeridge
7. My attitude is more important than my actions.
8. Integrity eclipses image. The best things you do are not upfront. They are what you do behind the scenes.
9. God’s way is better than my way. God cannot pour His blessings into hands already full.
10. Christ’s likeness begins and ends in humility.
2 Corinthians 4:5, Not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God… (NASB)
Vs. 7, We have this treasure in earthen vessels.
“We must be willing to leave the familiar methods without disturbing the Biblical message.” -- Principle that was practiced by the First Century Christian church.
Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.
Traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.
3 Observations
1. With every ministry a special mercy is needed. 2 Corinthians 4:1
2. In every ministry the same things must be renounced and rejected. 2 Cor. 4:2
Shameful -- hiding things
Deceitful -- do things
Corrupting -- Truthful things
3. Through every ministry a unique style is to be pursued. 2. Cor. 4:5-7
a. We do not promote ourselves. It isn’t about me.
b. We declare Christ as Lord. It is all about Him.
c. We see ourselves as bondservants for Jesus sake.
d. We never forget what we are…and who He is.
5 Statements from my 50 years in leadership – worth remembering:
1. Do more with others and less all alone. Accountability.
2. Whenever you do it, emphasize quality, not quantity.
3. Wherever you go, do it the same as if among those who know you best.
4. Whoever may respond, keep a level head.
5. However long you lead, keep on dripping with gratitude and grace.
Monday, November 23, 2009
My Earth Day at Laurel Lake Camp
November 23, 2009
“Earth Day” for me took place on November 22, 2009. I was out at Laurel Lake Camp and Retreat center conducting a Spiritual Retreat for the PA Conference Educators. We practiced focused Bible study, prayer, journaling and a discipline of silence for 14 hours each day, in order to come apart from the press of the world, and listen for the leading of God through prayer and meditation. (See chapter 38 in Desire of Ages, “Come Rest Awhile”)
During the morning while observing silence, I would walk 2-4 miles. Sunday morning I decided as I walked the road along LLC, that I would take 2 large garbage bags and pick up the trash along the side of the road on LLC’s property.
While doing that, I came to an amazing discovery! Alcohol drinkers have to be the worst litter bugs of all! Through a scientific process, I found there to be more discards from alcohol drinkers than any other type of trash. That was rated by quantity, volume and weight. Even when you factor in the junk tire I found, the beer bottles, cans and six pack carriers took up more space and weight in my bags that all other trash combined.
While helping to clean up the roadside for LLC, I wondered why there are more beer garbage items than even plastic soda bottles.
What if just some of the energy dedicated to greenhouse gasses and global warming also included factoring in the amount of energy and waste that goes into making glass beer bottles and aluminum beer cans that are then thrown out alongside of the highways and polluter our ecology?
It also made me think that as Seventh-day Adventists, we could be among those who are committed to responsible garbage management and reasonable environment issues. As children of God, as wise stewards of God’s world, as those who recognized that “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof…” we could be intentional about caring for God’s world and using the best wise management of its resources.
One day soon, Jesus will come and take us from this sin-filled world. The fact that we are soon to leave this world, does not mean we can leave off wise and proper environmental actions, just because we are about to leave the world. This world is a training ground for living throughout eternity with the Lord. And in a world re-created by the Savior, we want to bring habits of care and trust. Can God trust us to properly appreciate the beauty and inter-connectedness of His creation, His natural world? Will we treat the earth made new any better than we are currently treating the handiwork of God here in this world?
It was great to pick up LLC’s roadways and “spruce up” our camp.
What will I do at home? What might you do in God’s home that He has entrusted us with?
“Earth Day” for me took place on November 22, 2009. I was out at Laurel Lake Camp and Retreat center conducting a Spiritual Retreat for the PA Conference Educators. We practiced focused Bible study, prayer, journaling and a discipline of silence for 14 hours each day, in order to come apart from the press of the world, and listen for the leading of God through prayer and meditation. (See chapter 38 in Desire of Ages, “Come Rest Awhile”)
During the morning while observing silence, I would walk 2-4 miles. Sunday morning I decided as I walked the road along LLC, that I would take 2 large garbage bags and pick up the trash along the side of the road on LLC’s property.
While doing that, I came to an amazing discovery! Alcohol drinkers have to be the worst litter bugs of all! Through a scientific process, I found there to be more discards from alcohol drinkers than any other type of trash. That was rated by quantity, volume and weight. Even when you factor in the junk tire I found, the beer bottles, cans and six pack carriers took up more space and weight in my bags that all other trash combined.
While helping to clean up the roadside for LLC, I wondered why there are more beer garbage items than even plastic soda bottles.
What if just some of the energy dedicated to greenhouse gasses and global warming also included factoring in the amount of energy and waste that goes into making glass beer bottles and aluminum beer cans that are then thrown out alongside of the highways and polluter our ecology?
It also made me think that as Seventh-day Adventists, we could be among those who are committed to responsible garbage management and reasonable environment issues. As children of God, as wise stewards of God’s world, as those who recognized that “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof…” we could be intentional about caring for God’s world and using the best wise management of its resources.
One day soon, Jesus will come and take us from this sin-filled world. The fact that we are soon to leave this world, does not mean we can leave off wise and proper environmental actions, just because we are about to leave the world. This world is a training ground for living throughout eternity with the Lord. And in a world re-created by the Savior, we want to bring habits of care and trust. Can God trust us to properly appreciate the beauty and inter-connectedness of His creation, His natural world? Will we treat the earth made new any better than we are currently treating the handiwork of God here in this world?
It was great to pick up LLC’s roadways and “spruce up” our camp.
What will I do at home? What might you do in God’s home that He has entrusted us with?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
PA Educator's Spiritual Retreat
PRESIDENT’S BLOG
November 22, 2009
This weekend I spent with a group of our PA Conference Educators at Laurel Lake Camp and Retreat center conducting a Spiritual Retreat. What a great group of people! We are privileged to have them caring for our young people’s Christian Education.
We practiced focused Bible study, prayer, journaling and a discipline of silence for 14 hours each day, in order to come apart from the press of the world, and listen for the leading of God through prayer and meditation. (See chapter 38 in Desire of Ages, “Come Rest Awhile”)
There is something profound about stopping all the routine activities, all the motions and actions, all the sounds and duties. Something freeing about letting go of anxieties, cares and concerns, and just being still in the presence of God. Jesus invited His disciples to do that, and He encourages us to do the same.
While at the retreat, we read the entire Chapter 38 from Desire of Ages, as a group, each person reading a paragraph out loud to the rest of the group, and then meditating and/or commenting on it.
We also focused our attention over the 3 day span on John 15:1-17, going over and over that passage, seeking new insights, or listening carefully to catch each message and meaning.
We had the delight of having Missi with us, who is a young lady from the Church Plant in Carnegie, PA She accompanied Mayda Clark, who is planting with her husband, Andres. Missi is not a Seventh-day Adventist. Her home has not included attending church more than just once in a while. Yet she has a heart for God and a desire to share what she is learning about Jesus. You might think that a teenager would find this kind of retreat boring. But she participated fully and gave some wonderful spiritual insights during our group times with the Bible.
Several teacher spouses attended, and they found the time just as enriching and fulfilling.
I myself, found the blessing of walking quietly in nature, sitting still to pray and reflect, and reading the scriptures followed by journaling the thoughts God brought to mind to be a watering of my soul.
Next year, we are planning another Spiritual Retreat. One for pastors on a Sunday-Tuesday schedule, and another for educators on a Friday-Sunday time.
NAD Meetings -- November 2009
PRESIDENT’S BLOG
November 11, 2009
Over this past week I attended the North American Division Year End meetings. They began with 2 days of meetings conducting by Adventist Risk Management. We received reports on employee health insurance and property casualty and prevention. During the employee health insurance, it looks like the NAD health insurance is moving to an employee wellness plan, much like the one pioneered by the Pennsylvania Conference.
Over the weekend we met at the General Conference Building and heard reports from the various departments of the NAD, and discussed and voted different policies. From the NAD Ministerial Department, we heard that the growth rate for the NAD is 15% growth rate for this time ending in 2009. The year of pastoral evangelism has greatly assisted that.
We also considered the cost of living issue, and voted to have no cost of living for the 2010-2011 year. This is totally appropriate, considering the tithe increase or rather decrease for most conferences, and the condition of the national economy. Also the employment and financial issues of many of our church members.
One of the thrilling stories to come from the NAD meetings involves HOPE TV. Just recently HOPE TV approached the satellite TV company, DIRECT TV with an application to be added to their TV channel offerings. DIRECT TV already had 250 non-profit agencies requesting to be added to DIRECT TV ahead of our request. The Board of DIRECT TV had Brad Thorpe, Candice Thorpe, Mark Finley and Fred Kinsey visit with them to present our proposal. While they were presenting, one of the top officials came into the meeting, sat down, listened for a while and then said, you are what we want and need on this satellite. So they approved the placement of HOPE TV on one of the largest TV Satellite companies with millions of subscribers. HOPE TV is now on Channel 368 on DIRECT TV. There is a special subscription rate for new subscribers who mention HOPE TV. Our pastors will be receiving this information in January.
I am dropping my subscription to Comcast Cable and have already had DIRECT TV installed so I can get HOPE TV at the house.
I had the opportunity to share lunch and an extended conversation with Bill Knott, editor of the Adventist Review and a long-time personal friend. I am really impressed with the changes and the quality of the Adventist Review.
November 11, 2009
Over this past week I attended the North American Division Year End meetings. They began with 2 days of meetings conducting by Adventist Risk Management. We received reports on employee health insurance and property casualty and prevention. During the employee health insurance, it looks like the NAD health insurance is moving to an employee wellness plan, much like the one pioneered by the Pennsylvania Conference.
Over the weekend we met at the General Conference Building and heard reports from the various departments of the NAD, and discussed and voted different policies. From the NAD Ministerial Department, we heard that the growth rate for the NAD is 15% growth rate for this time ending in 2009. The year of pastoral evangelism has greatly assisted that.
We also considered the cost of living issue, and voted to have no cost of living for the 2010-2011 year. This is totally appropriate, considering the tithe increase or rather decrease for most conferences, and the condition of the national economy. Also the employment and financial issues of many of our church members.
One of the thrilling stories to come from the NAD meetings involves HOPE TV. Just recently HOPE TV approached the satellite TV company, DIRECT TV with an application to be added to their TV channel offerings. DIRECT TV already had 250 non-profit agencies requesting to be added to DIRECT TV ahead of our request. The Board of DIRECT TV had Brad Thorpe, Candice Thorpe, Mark Finley and Fred Kinsey visit with them to present our proposal. While they were presenting, one of the top officials came into the meeting, sat down, listened for a while and then said, you are what we want and need on this satellite. So they approved the placement of HOPE TV on one of the largest TV Satellite companies with millions of subscribers. HOPE TV is now on Channel 368 on DIRECT TV. There is a special subscription rate for new subscribers who mention HOPE TV. Our pastors will be receiving this information in January.
I am dropping my subscription to Comcast Cable and have already had DIRECT TV installed so I can get HOPE TV at the house.
I had the opportunity to share lunch and an extended conversation with Bill Knott, editor of the Adventist Review and a long-time personal friend. I am really impressed with the changes and the quality of the Adventist Review.
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