A new way to keep up with what's going on in the Oregon Conference —without wasting paper.
e Communiqué OCTOBER | 2014 | VOL.NO. 57
ADVENTURER LEADERS MEET
Adventurer leaders met last month for an afternoon chock-full of tips, tricks, and ideas on how to make their clubs better. PAGE 2
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TRAINING
Today's kids learn differently than past generations. Children's ministries are different too. Last month's training focused on just that topic. PAGE 3
WOMEN'S RETREAT IS THIS MONTH
There are four ways to experience this month's women's retreat. Learn which one might work the best for you! PAGE 3
NOTE WORTHY NEWS
Bits of news from around the Conference and around the world that we thought you might find interesting. PAGE 4
God's Miracles through the adventist jewish congregation
D
By Al Reimche, David Cairns, & Alexander "Sasha" Bolotnikov
id you know that the Oregon Conference supports a new congregation in the Vancouver area? This week I talked with two leaders in this new congregation and was blessed with the stories that came from a recent series of meetings that took place at Beit Shalom Balevav. I asked them to write down some experiences and here is that report. “I attended Conservative Synagogues since my childhood! Every Yom Kippur I was making sure that my synagogue dues [were] paid and the fees for the seat during the High Holidays were covered, but I have never heard such a clear Biblical explanation of the Day of Atonement.” It is for people like Jacob, that Beit Shalom Balevav: Jewish-Adventist Congregation (House of Peace in the Heart) conducted a mini-series last week dedicated to Jewish High holidays, Rosh HaShanah (the feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur.
The congregation meets in a rented facility, a simple store front. They moved into this facility last May after Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Bolotnikov conducted the evangelistic program "The Gospel Through the Eyes of a Jew." More than 65 people attended the meetings conducted on Wednesday, Friday and Sabbath each week. Dr. Bolotnikov is an evangelist for the Oregon Conference, and coordinates Jewish ministries in the area. He also directs the Shalom Learning Center, a training center of the North American Division that teaches Adventists how to reach the Jewish people. The mini-series “Shofars of Judgment” which started in September, covers subjects that are not usually discussed in depth at regular evangelistic series or in weekly church services, but are vital for the understanding of the Three Angels’ Message. Topics, such as the pre-advent judgment, the cleansing of the sanctuary, and mystery of atonement, require serious attention to the Biblical text. Nevertheless, these are issues that Jews are thinking about during c o n t i n u e d o n pa g e
Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists • 19800 Oatfield Rd • Gladstone, OR 97027 • 503-850-3500 • www.OregonConference.org
2...
Gary McLain
Jewish Congregations c o n t i n u e d f ro m pa g e
1
the season of the High Holidays. Our miniseries, accompanied by traditional Jewish customs, such as the blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn), and eating apples with honey during potluck and in no way constituted an attempt to literally fulfill the Levitical Law. However, these days of interconnected study and tradition provided many “aha” moments for both Jews and non-Jews alike. Jacob’s wife, Sandy, had been an evangelical Christian all her life. It was an eye-opening experience for her to discover in the Bible the truth that the atonement began at the cross, but will end when Jesus, our High Priest, will finish his intercessory work in the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Temple. She had never heard anything like it in her 50+ years! Carry, a Jewish woman, had been a member of the Adventist church for some time. Unfortunately, the lack of flexibility and understanding of Jewish culture by some Adventist churches and evangelists had driven her away from Adventism and she started to attend a Messianic congregation. “It was divine inspiration that I called the conference last week and talked to Stan Beerman. From him I have learned that the conference supports Jewish ministry, and so I came to your meetings”. Linda began to attend our Beit Shalom Balevav congregation right after the evangelistic program in April. She told Dr. Bolotnikov that for many years she had not attended an Adventist church. Only after this mini-series did she come forward and admit that she left the church right at the height of Ford’s controversy over the doctrine of the sanctuary. She said that nobody could explain to her the Adventist teaching from a Biblical perspective. Linda is happy to admit that now she is able to connect the dots. This exciting report is just a small sample of what God is doing all over our conference. Please join us in praying for the progress of the Jewish Adventist work as well as other evangelistic series happening throughout our conference.
Adventurer Staff Learn how to lead By Gary McLain
The Oregon Conference is the place to be to have fun while you learn!–Especially if you're an Adventurer! The Oregon Conference Children's Ministries Department put on a full afternoon of trainings, seminars, and active learning stations for Adventurer leaders. On September 13, the Adventurer and Master Guide groups started the afternoon together in the Mt. Hood room of the Holden Convention Center on the Gladstone campus. After attendees mingled a bit, Elder Stan Beerman, Ministerial Director at the Oregon Conference, gave a devotional. Then the Adventurer staff remained in the Mt. Hood room while the Master Guide training took place in the Laurelwood Room of the Holden Center.
truth at face value, love stories, and are not hindered by age? They play on computers more than outside, but they respect people and their point of view. So, what does this generation mean to your Adventurer club? The Adventurer group then had a chance to rotate through three twenty-minute sessions taught by experienced Adventurer leaders in the Oregon Conference. Evelyn Hull taught on how to have an Induction service. Erika Garcia explained how she runs an Adventurer Sabbath at her church, Leslie Cairns shared her tricks on how to make an Investiture service a success, and Lisa Jokela concentrated on how she runs field trips and registration.
So what does this generation mean to your Adventurer club?
Elder Beerman stayed on with the Master Guide training and shared a two-part series on communication. Bob Uhrig, pastor at the Gladstone Park church, taught on completing your Master Guide and the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. Pastor Jonathan Russell from the Sunnyside church had a seminar on Children and Youth–Spiritual Gifts. Sherri Uhrig followed up that topic with how to do outreach programming with children and youth. Back in the Mt. Hood Auditorium with the Adventurer staff, Gloria Beerman, Children’s Ministries Administrative Assistant, taught on leadership and organization. Sherri Uhrig explained how to understand the Adventurer Family. She discussed the strengths of the different generational groups: Builders, Boomers, Busters, and Bridgers, and how staff from each group can benefit your Adventurer Club. Did you know that Bridgers are very technically skilled, open to change, no longer accept
Safety measures and planning for success were topics shared just before the group rotated through the three active learning stations where they were able to experience what an active curriculum looks like along with highlighting teaching methods for the Seed and Geology Awards. After a very full afternoon, the Adventurer and Master Guide groups came back to close the evening together.
Children's Ministry training helps leaders keep up with today's kids Simply Kids!...Oregon Conference Children’s Ministry training for people who are passionate about revolutionizing a generation for Jesus! The Oregon Conference Children’s Ministries Conference took place on September 14 at the Holden Convention Center and trained Children’s Sabbath School leaders how to teach age appropriate Sabbath School Classes... But that wasn't all! The majority of the afternoon was spent in breakout sessions specific to the attendees interests. The Children’s Sabbath School demonstrations was taught by veteran Children’s Sabbath School leader, Sara Lausevic. Sara teaches the Beginner Sabbath School class at the Beaverton church. She taught her training class as though the kids were there, but interjected tips and tidbits for the adults who were there to learn. Jaimy Hill and Julie Alvarez from Tillamook Adventist Church led out by demonstrating an actual Kindergarten class, including music and teaching the A.C.T.S. of prayer where kids learn to pray and listen to God. Amy Quinn, Primary Sabbath School teacher from Sandy, demonstrated the following week's lesson and readiness activity, and followed with a lively Q&A. Susan Aldridge teaches Juniors at the Sunnyside Church. “If the kids start to get distracted while you are teaching, just start naming the books of the Bible from memory. Make a mistake or two and they will be digging into their Bibles to tell you how it goes. You could even do the same with memory verses,” says Susan. The second set of breakout sessions that were offered were Teaching Children to Pray, Making Scripture Memory Sticks, Decorating on a Dime, and Bible Learning Activities using Science. All were designed to enhance the Sabbath School experience. As the guests entered Mt. Hood Auditorium for the conclusion of the day they were instructed to enter quietly and reverently… five worship stations were set up where they could experience children’s worship. Simply Kids! Children’s Ministry training was a spiritually uplifting experience for those who are passionate about leading kids to the foot of the cross! See you next year for the 2015 NPUC Children’s Ministry Conference at Double Tree Hotel by the Hilton in Portland, Oregon!
...if you just listen to someone speak you will only retain about 10% of what was said? But incorporating sight, interaction, repeating, and listening can increase that retention to 80%!
Experience Women's retreat one of four ways! There are FOUR WAYS to get in on the blessings of this year’s women’s retreat! • Attend at Eagle Crest! Registration through AdventSource concludes Thursday, October 9. To register, call 800-732-7587 or visit http://bit.ly/1nYN2lB. – Remember, TEENS can attend for only $25! • Host/attend a live-streaming site! There are currently twelve (12) open sites, and five (5) private sites. Find the one closest to you by visiting http://orgcwomen.netadvent.org/livestreaming. • Watch the live stream from anywhere you have internet! Just go to http://orgcwomen.netadvent.org/livestreaming. • See the Sabbath morning program as part of church! Some churches will be offering the Sabbath morning program as their church service on October 18. It will feature Dr. JoAnn Davidson as the speaker and will run from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm. This is free and requires no registration. To learn more about this year's speakers and breakout sessions visit www.OregonConference.org. Still have questions? Contact Cheri Corder (503-8503558 or cheri.corder@oc.npuc.org), or Jane Nicola (503-850-3555 or jane.nicola@oc.npuc.org).
We hope you can join us!
Note Worthy... Alicia Meier Viera Passes Away
Alicia Meier Viera passed away on September 24, 2014 at 7:45 am in the City of Hope Research Hospital in California. She was the mother of Elizabeth Talbot, speaker-director of the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, and wife of Elder Juan Carlos Viera, former director of the Ellen G. White Estate. A memorial service of celebration and thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, November 1 at 4:00 pm at the Alhambra Adventist Church, 220 South Chapel Avenue, Alhambra, Calif.
Day of Prayer Called
for
Ebola
Ted N.C. Wilson, Adventist world church president, is urging church members to join together on October 11 for prayer on behalf of those directly affected by the Ebola epidemic in Africa. Wilson and his family spent nine years serving the church in West Africa. In his remarks this week, Wilson said, "I am urgently imploring all Seventh-day Adventists around this globe to make Sabbath, October 11 a special Day of Prayer for our brothers and sisters in West Africa and for the entire population in that region as they face this virtually unprecedented tragedy." Read more from the Adventist News Network at http://bit.ly/1rftx2E.
Guide Magazine Seeks Stories
Guide magazine is looking for stories and people to write them. Along with regular-length true character-building stories (750–1,300 words), Guide editors currently need some continued stories. These series are typically 3-5 chapters total. While they are open to historical, character-building stories, the current need revolves around stories in contemporary settings, such as school, around the neighborhood, etc. Find more information about submitting stories to Guide magazine online at http://bit.ly/1twmCnj.
Walla Walla Alumnus William Loveless Dies
William A. Loveless, a 1949 Walla Walla University graduate who went on to become a prominent Adventist pastor and administrator, died on September 15 at the age of 86. During his years of service to the denomination, Loveless pastored two of the church’s largest congregations: Sligo Church in Takoma Park, Md., and Loma Linda University Church in Loma Linda, Calif. Early in his ministry he partnered with Winton Beaven, dean of Washington Missionary College, to send, according to many, the first student missionary. His funeral service was held on September 28, at the Loma Linda University Church. Read more online from the Adventist News Network at http://bit.ly/1pMrLqc.
ADRA Joins Ebola Efforts
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) announced this week that it is providing aid and resources to the fight against the spread of Ebola in parts of Africa. It is partnering with GlobalMedic to airlift $50,000 worth of supplies to Waterloo Adventist Hospital located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. ADRA is also partnering with Loma Linda University, Adventist Health International and Adventist Health Ministries to provide $92,000 worth of equipment and supplies to Cooper Adventist Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. Several weeks ago, ADRA implemented an initial $22,000 response that provided protective gear including gloves, goggles and gowns. Read more from ADRA at http://bit.ly/10KOsW8 . Adventist doctor, James Appel, is in the midst of efforts to curb the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. Read excerpts from his blog online at http://bit.ly/1sa3mjf.
Over Half a Million for Positive Life Radio Network
Positive Life Radio (PLR) hosted their annual Fall Fundraiser on September 1618, raising $642,633 over the three-day event. The PLR event included radio affiliates in College Place, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Spokane, Wash., as well as those listening online. Listeners to KEEH 104.9 FM in Spokane, represented more than $300,000 in promised donations, nearly half of the entire PLR total. “We intentionally set a goal that would stretch us, so it would be obvious that if it was reached, all the credit would go to God who gave us the funds to sustain this media ministry for another year,” says Paul Richardson, general manager of the network based in College Place.
WWU Alumnus Had Firsthand View of India Floods
Walla Walla University (WWU) nursing students have traveled to India in recent years to provide immunizations. WWU alumnus Greg Khng traveled with them in 2012, and then returned to film their trip this year. That visit turned into a job offer to teach at Riverside Adventist Academy in Meghalaya, India. One week into his teaching experience, devastating floods hit. The sudden flow of water caused the drowning of another Adventist teacher. Read more online by Adventist News Network at http://bit.ly/10R50vy.
NAD Leaders Address Looming Pastor Shortage
Adventist leaders from the North America Division (NAD) met in September at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., to discuss “Pathways to Effective Pastoral Ministry.” Demographics show that more than 400 pastors across the NAD are at or beyond retirement age, with more joining their ranks each year. Without adequately trained replacements, a shortage of qualified pastors looms. While this summit has no formal authority to implement changes, its recommendations will be passed on to conferences and training institutions. Those recommendations, when complete, will suggest a comprehensive plan for the recruitment and development of effective pastors. For additional news visit http://www.oregonconference.org/news_entries.
Events PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST – WITNESS TRAINING EVENT
CAMERA 101 CERTIFICATION SERIES SESSION 2 - RESCHEDULED
WOMEN'S RETREAT WILL BE LIVE STREAMED AT LENTS CHURCH
When: October 24-25, 2014 Location: Holden Convention Center
When: November 9, 2014 - NEW DATE Location: Holden Convention Center
When: October 17-19, 2014 Location: Lents Adventist Church Activity Center
You are invited to attend Oregon Conference's 2014 witnessing training event – Preparing For The Harvest. This seminar is coming October 24-25 at the Holden Convention Center in Gladstone, Ore. Breakout sessions include Youth Evangelism & Glow Tracts, Reaching Missing Members, Small Groups, Health Evangelism, 21st Century Evangelism, Church Marketing 101, and Making Sabbath School More Evangelistic. This year's speakers will include Jason Worf, Stan Beerman, Rico Hill, Paul & Corleen Johnson, and Dan Linrud. For more information, or to register, visit http://bit.ly/prepare4harvest. VEGETARIAN COOKING 101 FOR GUYS
Attend this class series to become a certified church video camera operator! We will be packing all of the last 3 units into this session. So you will be able to graduate after this class! In this session learn camera man vs director, zoom technics, outdoor camera operation, formats, color correction... This class will be offered November 9, (with lunch provided), from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at the Holden Convention Center. The cost is $10 per person. No experience is necessary to take this certification. If you did not attend the first session you can still get certified if you attend this last session. If you have a video camera or camcorder please bring it and a tripod to this session. Register at http://bit.ly/1mNBtuY.
Attend this year's Oregon Conference Women's Retreat via live stream at the Lents Adventist Church Activity Center. Lents will be hosting the retreat live streamed from Eagle Crest as we did last year. The cost for this local event is only $20 for Friday evening, Sabbath morning & evening, and Sunday morning. Meals will be provided Sabbath lunch & early evening only, but snacks and drinks will be available throughout the weekend. Please register by calling 503-774-7290 and leave your name, number and the number in your party so that we can plan ahead for materials, gifts, and food! There will be an overnight slumber party on Saturday night like last year! We look forward to seeing you! The Lents Activity Center is located at 8815 SE Woodstock Blvd, in Portland.
When: October 28, 6:30 pm Location: Eugene Adventist Church
HEART HEALTHY COOKING CLASS
NPUC SEEKING GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL APPLICANTS
This month's vegetarian cooking class, to be held at the Eugene Adventist Church on Tuesday, October 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm is destined to be very special. This month, our Pastor Greg Middlestetter will be hosting the class, designed for men who want to learn to cook simple, healthy meals on their own. In Vegetarian Cooking 101 for Guys, Pastor Greg will be demonstrating how to cook two dishes: Tater Tot Casserole, and Bean Burrito Casserole. The Eugene Church is located at 1275 Polk Street in Eugene. You can contact Crystal at 541-863-9706 or email her at veggiechefCD@aol.com to learn more.
When: October 12, 1:00 pm Location: Valley View Adventist Church
WOMEN NEEDED FOR SPECIAL SABBATH CHOIR
When: Taking applications now Location: Montana Conference
When: November 15, 2014 Location: Sunnyside Adventist Church Women of the Meadow Glade area, Belle Cantori, and Sunnyside Church are joining together for the worship service at Sunnyside on November 15. We would like to invite other women singers that would like to join us for that special day. For more information, please contact Martha Natiuk, 360-666-9684 or Rosemayne Thompson, 503-730-5317. for more announcement
Heart Healthy Cooking Class, with plant-based holiday roast alternatives! This event will be held at the Valley View Adventist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 3677 South Stage Road in Medford, Ore. Class will begin at 1:00 pm on October 12th. For more information contact the church at 541-773-6097, or visit www.vvsda.org. There is no cost for this event. Donations will, however, be accepted. MONTANA CONFERENCE SEEKS ACCOUNTANT/ASSISTANT TREASURER
Montana Conference is looking for an accountant/ assistant treasurer. Education and experience in accounting field required. Familiarity with AASI, APS, Donation Accounting, Jewel Church and ASM School accounting programs a plus. Responsibilities: general ledger, payroll, remittances, accounts receivable, church financial reviews. Send resume to merlin.knowles@mc.npuc.org.
When: October 27, 2014 Location: North Pacific Union Conference Office The North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) is seeking applicants to fill the position of General Legal Counsel. The full-time position will be at the NPUC office in Ridgefield, Washington and will be available in January 2015. Applicants must be licensed and in good standing in the State of Washington or Oregon, and must be willing to secure licensure in the other jurisdiction. Previous experience in the practice of law is preferred. The position will entail being legal counsel for the NPUC and a legal consultant to the local conferences within its territory. The applicant must be willing to focus in the following areas of law: church administration, charitable estate planning, employment law, private school law, church property law, and church-state issues. For more information about the position, contact David Duncan, NPUC Legal Counsel, by email or phone 360-857-7024. Send résumés for the position to Max Torkelsen at Max.Torkelsen@nw.npuc.org before Oct. 27, 2014. All links are clickable here and elsewhere in the eCommuniqué.
& event information please visit www.oregonconference.org/announcements – this page is updated weekly.
Transitions David Crockett (Veronica) has transitioned to the Upper Columbia Conference from pastoring the Sandy church.
Lee Larson (Erma) is transitioning from his interim position at Silverton/Stayton to Brookings/Gold Beach.
Charles Brown (Marjorie) will be the interim pastor at the Sandy church.
Brian Simmons (Chantelle) is transferring from the Central California Conference and seminary to join the Oregon Conference as the assistant pastor for the Hood View and Estacada churches.
Jose Galvez (Sherry) has transitioned from pastoring the Brookings/Gold Beach churches to Silverton/Stayton.
S u n set Ca l endar Bend Eugene Hood River Longview Medford Newport Portland
Sara Withers (Josh) has returned from seminary at Andrews University and joined the pastoral team at the Beaverton church. Jamie Wyman has resigned his position as moving van driver for the Oregon Conference.
Oct 4
Oct 11
Oct 18
Oct 25
Nov 1
Nov 8
6:42 PM 6:50 PM 6:42 PM 6:48 PM 6:49 PM 6:53 PM 6:47 PM
6:30 PM 6:37 PM 6:29 PM 6:35 PM 6:38 PM 6:40 PM 6:34 PM
6:18 PM 6:25 PM 6:17 PM 6:22 PM 6:26 PM 6:28 PM 6:21 PM
6:07 PM 6:14 PM 6:05 PM 6:10 PM 6:16 PM 6:17 PM 6:10 PM
5:57 PM 6:04 PM 5:54 PM 5:59 PM 6:06 PM 6:06 PM 5:59 PM
4:47 PM 4:55 PM 4:44 PM 4:49 PM 4:57 PM 4:57 PM 4:49 PM
A publication of the Oregon Conference Communication Department • Gary McLain, director • Krissy Barber, communication assistant To submit stories, announcements, or to get in touch with us please email us at krissy.barber@oc.npuc.org or call 503.850.3500 To subscribe to the eCommuniqué visit www.OregonConference.org. Click on the green "Subscribe to the eCommuniqué" button.