A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department March 2012
Issue #9
51 Visitors, 9 Baptised during ‘Vision 1 Million’ Service
Visitors respond to an altar call made by Pastor Blondel Campbell after presenting the Divine Hour message (left), after which nine members were baptised into the Seventh-day Adventist faith. In the pool with Pastor Campbell are all four members of the Nolan Family (right)
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or many it was their first time worshiping on a Sabbath, while for others it was their first time at the Gregory Park SDA. Fifty-one visitors were recorded on the Sabbath chosen as ‘Vision One Million’ Celebration, March 31, 2012. The evangelistic goal is to enlist one million active committed members through Inter-America's 100,000 small groups to expand the church and impact the community with a message of Hope by the end of 2015, organizers said. Adventist Churches across the InterAmerican Division (IAD) were also filled with visitors as thousands of church members committed to inviting friends and neighbours for the special program. Already, the Vision One Million initiative had mobilized pastors, administrators, directors and members in an orchestrated venture to motivate each believer into a personal spiritual revival through a daily prayerful life and study of the Bible which leads to sharing the good news of salvation in their communities, said Pastor Balvin Braham, associate director of the ministerial association for the church in Inter-America and organizer of
the event. Central Jamaica Conference reported over 4,600 passionate disciples inviting over 5,000 visitors to church with over 280 persons giving their hearts to God in baptism. The Gregory Park Church itself has been engaged in a series of evangelistic campaigns after the “That the World May Know” campaign was launched by head of the World Church, Pastor Ted Wilson on February 4 at Northern Caribbean University. This was followed by the one week Revival and Reformation Series from February 11-18; Youth Week of Prayer, March 17– 22 and Teach Weekend, March 23-25. . The Vision One Million Divine Hour message was presented by Church Pastor Blondel Campbell, under the caption “Walking in the Light.” “Darkness is something abhorred by someone who wants to walk in the Light. When we walk in the darkness we stumble,” he said. “To be out of God is to be in darkness. In spite of how bright or wealthy we think we are, if we are not in Christ we are in the darkness,” he continued. . Pastor Campbell referenced several
biblical texts which illustrated the symbolic light/dark dichotomy including Ephesians 5:8 and Luke 1; 7-9. Jesus he said “is the only way to walk in the Light as we cannot save ourselves in our sinful state. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light. He comes to give life and that we may have it more abundantly.” He appropriately closed with the hymn Trust and Obey which says:
When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey Nine persons accepted the call to walk in that marvellous Light and accepted Christ though baptism. Damian Wilson, Communication Director
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I s s ue # 9
Inside this
From the
Revival & Reformation Publications 3 Scenes from the Quarter 6
Blondel CAMPBELL Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of SDA Churches
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President Wilson Visits Jamaica Teach Weekend
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Vision 1 Million Religious Freedom Congress Where are they Now? 9 The Light Youth Convention
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11 Habits that will Help you Live to 100 Religious News & Notes
Pastor
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hat the World May Know” resonates throughout the Gregory Park SDA Church as we close the first quarter for 2012. The quarter had been an active and productive one for us. In collaboration with our parent organization we sought to carry forward the “Vision One Million” program. The Church was greatly motivated and cooperative in the implementation of this program. Like all other Seventh-day Adventist congregations, we conducted our week of Revival and Reformation. It was spiritually enriching. The month of March, for us at Gregory Park, was captioned ‘Harvesting for Jesus’ – with programs like the Women’s Ministry Day of Prayer, Youth Week of Prayer, Teach Weekend and then the culmination of it all with (Vision One Million) Visitors’ Day. We saw over fifty visitors in attendance on that day and nine precious souls made their commitment to Jesus. I must use this opportunity to extend commendation to every member and each department for their commitment. Special mention must be made of Evangelists McBean and Cunningham who joined us in our ‘Harvesting for Jesus’ campaign. God is good and great. We must praise, honor and adore His high and holy name.
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- B. Campbell
Editorial Committee:
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Calendar of Events
Michca-Mae Bonner Wayne Harrison Fiona Dyer Wilson
Tashawna Harrison Marjorie Stone Damian Wilson
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lthough his Scripture passage of focus spoke of an unwilling messenger, Jonah, Evangelist Vilroy McBean was anything but unwilling. Evangelist McBean boldly and passionately proclaimed the Word of God during the one week Revival and Reformation Series, from February 11-18, 2012 at the Gregory Park SDA Church. The series was the first evangelistic campaign of the year, and a part of the wider Inter-American Division initiative, ‘That the World May Know’ which emphasizes active soul-winning and witnessing by each member of the Adventist Church. Though the story of Jonah and the whale, as told in Jonah 1, is a well-known narrative, the speaker breathed new life into this book of the bible, focusing instead on Jonah 3. Here the call was made a second time for Jonah to go to Nineveh to witness to an errant nation. “The king and the people of Nineveh believed in God, that he could save them. They repented and had faith. Do you believe in Jonah’s God? The Ninevites were saved by faith. They were reformed. The city was spared by the preaching of a half-hearted preacher…God gave the people of Nineveh forty days before the city would be destroyed. As God spoke to Nineveh, so he is speaking to us today,” Evangelist McBean declared. The Revival and Reformation series offered nightly nuggets and focused prayers from the Elders, complemented by heart-warming singing from the church choir, the praise teams, church soloists and groups and guest singers which included Filicia Williams and Carey Sayles. God is beseeching people today as He did through the spoken word during the week of Revival and Reformation; do not run away from being witnesses for Him, Evangelist Vilroy McBean
come to a place of repentance, where all will receive forgiveness.
This volume is a comprehensive selection of Ellen G. White’s published writings from the 1850s, including the author’s conversion experience, the Millerite movement of 18401844, and the early visions that formed the foundation of her theology and ministry. Ellen White’s bold apocalyptic imagery helped to shape a movement centered on the hope of the Second Coming. This volume bears witness that God continues to reveal Himself through dreams and visions to chosen individuals today.
CD Compilation
As technology increases so are the resources now available to the believer. With this comprehensive research edition now you research, read, study the writings of the Sprit of Prophecy from your personal computer. All of Ellen G. White’s published works are included on this single CD-ROM: 385 Ellen G. White titles (75,000+ pages) 6-volume biography
5,000 articles 4-volume Comprehensive Ellen G. White index King James Version Bible with full text search 8 storybooks on Ellen G. White for children
Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary Words of the Adventist Pioneers (100,000+ pages) 7 Historical Reference Work
Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre for these resources and enrich your Christian experience today
Look out for our new feature “The Prophecy Corner” in our next publication of The Light. May God bless you as you read your way into the Kingdom of Heaven.
I s s ue # 9
from the
Church Officers for 2012 recite the Litany of Commitment during Officers Commitment Service, Sabbath January 7, 2012
Zudie-Ann Grant tends to Lamoy Henry during Hair Day Care, organised by the Youth Department (Sunday January 8, 2012)
The Pastor, First Elder and members of the Prayer Brand kneel before the prayer request box during the Fasting and Prayer Service, Sunday January 22, 2012
Pastor Blondel Campbell prepares to baptise Stephen Hamilton on the final The newest members of the Royal Crown Pathfinder Club and club leaders after night of Revival and Reformation, Sunday February 18, 2012 the Pathfinder induction service, Sabbath February 25, 2012
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Terence McLaughlin presents a basket to Bro. Forbes during a visit by the Adventist Youth Council and other members of the Church (Sabbath March 3, 2012)
Tarsha Davis receives a certificate of appreciation from Elder Angela Chambers, elder of the Adventist Youth department. Tarsha was one of the presenters during the youth week of prayer March 17– 22, 2012. (Sabbath March 24, 2012)
Elder Donovan Smiley washes the feet of Bro. Orrett Davis during the foot washing portion of the Communion Service, Sabbath March 10, 2012
Nadeen Campbell-Brown, Director of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at Northern Caribbean University, delivers the divine hour message during Women’s Day of Prayer, Sabbath March 3, 2012
Sis. Merlene Wilson (right) speaks with this young lady in Watson Grove during a walk through the community by members of the Gregory Park Church to invite persons to church services (Sabbath March 17, 2012)
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President Wilson Launches ‘That the World May Know’ in Visit to Jamaica President also visits government leaders
Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller greets Pastor Ted Wilson - Friday February 3, 2012 (photo by Nigel Coke)
President Wilson (right) and Pastor Israel Leito (left) at the launch of That they May Know, February 4, 2012. (photo by Orville Morgan)
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housands of Seventh-day Adventist members islandwide, including scores from the Gregory Park SDA Church, made their way to the Northern Caribbean University campus for the launch of ‘That the World May Know’, Inter-America Division initiative. The two day event held February 3 and 4, was launched by General Conference President, Ted Wilson. “This weekend we have the opportunity of reviving our spirits and our lives in complete dedication, so ‘That the World May Know’, said Pastor Ted Wilson. “When you leave this place, don't let anyone distract you from the true mission of doing God's work. Help the world know that Jesus is coming soon” That the World May Know’ is the third phase of the ‘Revival and Reformation’ Initiative by the Inter-America Division (IAD). The first two phases “Constant in Pray and Heed the Word, emphasizes, daily prayer and bible study respectively. This phase emphasizes discipleship and evangelism. “If we truly believe that Jesus is coming soon, we must do everything with all our might. We must find ways to remain constant in prayer, study [God's] Word and witness,” said Pastor Israel Leito, IAD President. “This is the generation. This is our time. No one can do this for us.” "It is an enormous privilege to be part of the Adventist movement, to be part of this family that stretches across the world,” said Pastor Wilson. "Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for God is calling for us to be revived and reformed corporately but beginning personally," Pastor Wilson added. Church presidents from Inter-America's largest urban areas, along with directors from the Jamaica Union Conference, spoke on the positive impact of ‘Revival and Reformation’ in
their respective territories and reflected on the need to strengthen efforts to reach one million people with the message this year through the Vision One Million programme. Part of That the World May Know will include the launch of evangelistic campaigns throughout the territory and the Vision One Million evangelism satellite event on March 31, 2012. “This is a significant moment in the life of the church," said Pastor Everett Brown, president of the church in Jamaica. "We have embraced this initiative. We have committed ourselves in Vision One Million and have a goal of training 75,000 passionate disciples so ‘That the World May Know'.” While in the island, the World Church president along with his wife Nancy, IAD President Israel Leito and Jamaica Union President Everett Brown made courtesy calls on Governor General, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, Prime Minister the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader, the Honourable Andrew Holness, on Friday February 3, 2012. Pastor Wilson congratulated the government on their 50th anniversary of Independence. Prime Minister Simpson Miller in welcoming Pastor Wilson and his team said, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church plays an important role and has been doing a wonderful job in Jamaica and I commend them and hope they will continue to carry out the work of the master,” making specific reference to its role in education and national development. In his response Pastor Wilson said, “I am grateful that the Seventh-day Adventist Church plays such a dynamic role in the society of Jamaica and I hope that we will always live up to the high Biblical standard of service to others and service to God. We want to be seen as an integral part of society. We want Seventh-day Adventists to be known as people who truly and genuinely fulfill the ministry of Jesus and part of that is through education, health outreach, social programmes and activities; and of course through Spiritual instructions.”
Additional information obtained from the Jamaica Union Conference and Central Jamaica Conference websites
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Evangelist Cunningham implored the congregation that as Christians we should be able to boldly proclaim the name of our Lord and Saviour and be willing to suffer or even die for that belief...
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astor Campbell explained before the first presentation on Friday night, that ‘Teach Weekend’ was conceived by himself and the leadership of the Gregory Park Church as a quarterly programme to ensure that the members of the church and the community were nurtured, energized and watered. The Teach weekend program is a weekend focused on a single topic addressed through a series of presentations. For the first quarter March 23-25, was the weekend designated to examine the topic Christian Commitment, with presenter Elder Denzil Cunningham of the Newlands SDA Church. The members came out on a damp Friday evening to hear the opening message from a speaker the church has grown to know and appreciate for his honest and unadulterated pronouncement of the Word of God. Reading from passages in Matthew: 16:13-18, 1 Peter 4: 12-18 and 2 Timothy 4:16, Evangelist Cunningham implored the congregation that as Christians we should be able to boldly proclaim the name of our Lord and Saviour and be willing to suffer or even die for that belief - all the while rejoicing in our suffering - as prophesied in God’s Word. The opening presentation whet the appetite for Sabbath’s presentation which he captioned ‘Christian Commitment to True Worship.’ Citing Revelation 4: 1-4 and Revelation 5, Elder Cunningham pointed out the majesty and splendour of heaven and the atmosphere of continuous worship and reverence as seen by John in a vision. Members could not help but contemplate how much more awe and reverence earthly human beings should have for Jesus who is depicted in scripture as both a Lion and a Lamb.
Elder Cunningham also reminded members that church is about true and sincere worship and not simply about church programmes. Worship, he said, should always be about praising God and not the glorification of man. The programme continued with a Bible Class PowerPoint Presentation looking at the ‘Latter Rain,’- the promise of outpouring of the Holy Ghost power on the remnant church in the last days. This outpouring will see a revived Church filled with the Holy Spirit working for the Harvest of souls, and the power that will gather people into the Kingdom of God. He read extensively from the writings contained in the Spirit of Prophecy, warning members to be ready for a time of trouble like no other. The Sunday night finale again saw persons turning out in droves to receive the last presentation in the series. This time the Evangelist turned to the passages in Ezekiel 8 and 9. These two passages hold biblical significance to God’s Church, showing that God desires serious and committed worship and that he will not tolerate false or idol worship. He elaborated on the sealing - when the law will be written in the hearts of His people who do His will – those who do not will be destroyed. In closing and thanking Elder Cunningham, First Elder Cavan Davis likened Teach Weekend’s presentation to a drink of coconut water to a thirty soul that finished all too soon, and that the church needed messages such as these at this time. Certainly the church membership would have benefitted as intended from the refreshing and energizing tell-it-as-it-is preacher with a message from God.
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Elder Cavan Davis reads the baptismal vows to the candidates
Pastor Blondel Campbell presents the Divine Hour Message
Also being thirteenth Sabbath, members of the Kindergarten class recite their memory verses with assistance from Sis. Andrea Anderson
Pastor Campbell prepares to baptize one of the nine candidates
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Where are they
Dudley Brown and his wife Sharma on their wedding day
“I enjoyed my worship and fellowship at Gregory Park” are the sentiments expressed by former member, Brother Dudley Brown. Bro. Brown became a member of the Gregory Park SDA church about 1994 when he transferred his membership from the Cross Roads SDA church. He took with him to Gregory Park his passion for service and committed his skills and talents to the Lord as he immersed himself fully in church life. At Gregory Park SDA he served in many capacities including Elder and Chairman of the Building Committee which modified the church building to its present state. He cites the latter as his “most noted achievement” while at Gregory Park. In 2001, “with a sense of sadness,” he migrated to the Jackson SDA church in Sligoville, St. Catherine where his new place of residence was located. However he did not leave Gregory Park empty-handed as he fell in love with and married one of its beautiful members, Sharma Norton. At Jackson he has continued in the Master’s service. He is currently serving as First Elder for the third consecutive year and is also the Personal Ministries Director. He has also served as Religious Liberties Director and Auditor. His wife, Sharma, is no less involved as she is currently the Sabbath School Superintendent and has served for the past two years as Church Clerk. Their fourteen year old son, Daniel, is a baptized member of the church. Another milestone in his life in the Jackson community is that he has been appointed Justice of the Peace for the parish of St. Catherine Bro. Brown continues to practice as an Attorney-atlaw and Company Director but has never neglected the work of the Lord. He says, “Gregory Park has always been a part of my life and on my mind…” and acknowledges that visits from members of the Gregory Park church to Jackson have helped to strengthen his ministry there. His admonition to us is to “strive for the God’s Kingdom” while he and his family continue to “wish the church community God’s richest blessings”.
If you haven’t received last quarter’s issue of The Light via email, email us at the address below. If you are also interested in submitting material to THE LIGHT for publication, you may see any member of the editorial committee or indicate via email. Please send your comments, opinions or feedback to: communications.gpsda@gmail.com
I s sue #9
Health as a Lifestyle
11 Health Habits That Will Help You Live to 100
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ne of the biggest factors that determines how well you age is not your genes but how well you live. Studies have shown that you can cut your risk of having a stroke in half by doing the following four things: being active for 30 minutes a day, eating five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding cigarettes and excess alcohol. While those are some of the obvious steps you can take to age well, researchers have discovered that centenarians tend to share certain traits in how they eat, move about, and deal with stress—things we can emulate to improve our own aging process.
1. Don't retire.
Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement. In the Chianti region of Italy, which has a high percentage of centenarians, after people retire from their jobs, they spend most of the day working on their little farm, cultivating grapes or vegetables. They're never really inactive. If farming isn't for you, you may consider some kind of volunteer service.
2. Floss every day.
That may help keep your arteries healthy. Daily flossing reduces the amount of gum-diseasecausing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease.
the morning, appears to help older folks maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Those who do this have a lower incidence of diabetes, a known accelerator of aging.
5. Get at least six hours of shut-eye.
Instead of skimping on sleep to add more hours to your day, get more to add years to your life. Sleep is one of the most important functions that our body uses to regulate and heal cells. The minimum amount of sleep that older people need is about six hours. Those who reach the century mark make sleep a top priority.
6. Consume whole foods, not supplements.
Strong evidence suggests that people who have high blood levels of certain nutrients—selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E—age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline. Unfortunately, there's no evidence that taking pills with these nutrients provides those antiaging benefits. There are more than 200 different carotenoids and 200 different flavonoids in a single tomato, and these chemicals can all have complex interactions that foster health beyond the single nutrients we know about like lycopene or vitamin C. Avoid nutrient-lacking white foods (breads, flour, sugar) and go for all those colorful fruits and vegetables and dark whole-grain breads and cereals with their host of hidden nutrients.
7. Be less neurotic.
Neurotics may want to find a new way to deal with stress. Centenarians tend not to internalize things or dwell on their troubles. If this inborn trait is hard to overcome, find better 3. Move around. ways to manage when you're stressed: exercise "Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that or just deep breathing for a few minutes are all exists," says Jay Olshansky, a professor of good alternatives. medicine and aging researcher. "It's like the oil and lube job for your car. You don't have to do 8. Live like a Seventh-day Adventist. it, but your car will definitely run better." Stud- Americans who define themselves as Seventhies have documented the benefits of exercise to day Adventists have an average life expectancy improve your mood, mental sharpness, balance, of 89, about a decade longer than the average muscle mass, and bones - with immediate ef- American. One of the basic tenets of the religion fect. Olshansky adds. Don't worry if you're not a is that it's important to cherish the body that's gym rat. Those who see the biggest payoffs are on loan from God, which means no smoking, the ones who go from doing nothing to simply alcohol abuse, or overindulging in sweets. Folwalking around the neighborhood or local mall lowers typically stick to a vegetarian diet based for about 30 minutes a day. on fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts, and get plenty of exercise. They're also very focused on 4. Eat fiber-rich cereal. family and community. Getting a serving of whole-grains, especially in
9. Be a creature of habit.
Centenarians tend to live by strict routines. Eating the same kind of diet and doing the same kinds of activities their whole lives. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is another good habit to keep your body in the steady equilibrium that can be easily disrupted as you get on in years. Your physiology becomes frailer when you get older, and it's harder for your body to bounce back if you, say, miss a few hours of sleep one night or drink too much alcohol. This can weaken immune defenses, leaving you more susceptible to circulating flu viruses or bacterial infections.
10. Stay connected.
Having regular social contacts with friends and loved ones is key to avoiding depression, which can lead to premature death, something that's particularly prevalent in elderly widows and widowers. Some psychologists even think that one of the biggest benefits elderly folks get from exercise is the strong social interactions that come from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class. Having a daily connection with a close friend or family member gives older folks the added benefit of having someone watch their back. They can tell you if they think your memory is going or if you seem more withdrawn and they might push you to see a doctor before you recognize that you need to see one yourself.
11. Be conscientious.
The strongest personality predictor of a long life is conscientiousness—that is, being prudent, persistent, and well organized, according to The Longevity Project. The book describes a study that followed 1,500 children for eight decades, collecting exhaustive details about their personal histories, health, activities, beliefs, attitudes, and families. The children who were prudent and dependable lived the longest, likely because conscientious types are more inclined to follow doctors' orders, take the right medicines at the right doses, and undergo routine checkups. They're also likelier to report happier marriages and more satisfying work lives than their less conscientious peers. By Deborah Kotz, U.S. News & World Report. This
story was originally published on February 20, 2009. It has been updated with additional reporting by Angela Haupt.
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Religious News & Notes Nigeria’s Rising Religious Conflict Takes Toll on Adventist Church
Church attendance in northeast Nigeria has dropped drastically, leading to church closures in some regions where most members are traveling businesspeople who have returned to their homes. In other churches, pastors have left their congregations for fear of being killed. The situation has produced a wave of small-group evangelism, church leaders said. As Nigerian Adventists funnel their efforts to spread the Adventist hope on a smaller scale, church officials in the country are soliciting the prayers and support of the world church family. BY GILBERT WEEH, West-Central Africa Division, reporting from Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Adventist News Network
Jan Paulsen, Past GC President, to receive Norwegian Honor
The SDA Church in Nigeria is seeing a drop in church attendance and some church closures amid worsening religious conflict in the country. An upsurge of attacks against Christian churches by the extremist group Boko Haram beginning late last year has led to ongoing sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian groups in northeastern Nigeria . The country’s government recently eliminated energy subsidies, doubling the price of gasoline and inciting nationwide strikes and demonstrations. News reports indicate that Nigerians are living in fear of continuing unrest. The Adventist Church in the country has devoted recent days to fasting and prayer for the ongoing situation. Church administration in the country is encouraging membership to work in small groups and avoid large public religious gatherings. Open-air evangelism efforts have been put on hold because of a curfew and the fragile security situation, church officials said. According to a report by North East Nigeria Conference president Stephen H. Bindas, the Adventist Church there has not suffered property damage or loss of life. However, some members have had their property looted or burned . “The situation in northern Nigeria shows how a lack of religious freedom can affect the life of churches, and why we must promote and strongly defend this essential freedom before it is too late,” said John Graz, director for the Church’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department.
Paulsen by the Norwegian government, and thank him and Mrs. Paulsen for their many years of dedicated service to God’s church and the good of humanity.” Jan Paulsen began his ministerial service in 1953 in Norway, later serving as a teacher in Ghana and as teacher and college president in Nigeria, at what is now known as Babcock University. From 19761980 he was the principal (or president) of church-run Newbold College in England, which houses the main theological faculty of the Seventh-day Adventist movement in the Trans-European region. For twelve years he served as President of the TransEuropean Division in St. Albans, England, before coming to Silver Spring, Maryland as a general vice president of the Seventhday Adventist Church . Throughout his career Paulsen has shown particular interest in furthering higher education in Africa. His initiative in establishing the humanitarian response of the Adventist Church to the AIDS pandemic was another notable accomplishment. Paulsen was also instrumental in the creation of Adventist World magazine, which in print and online now reaches more than 2 million Adventists worldwide each month, in more than a dozen languages. He was president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from January 1999 to June 2010. BY TOR TJERANSEN, Communication Director, Norwegian Union
Conservative Presbyterians Launch New Denomination
Pastor Jan Paulsen, the immediate past president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has been named a Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, for “meritorious work for the good of humanity.” Paulsen, 77, said. “It warms my heart that the accolade came with the recognition of ‘Service for the good of humanity’, for that is what the life of Christian service is all about,” he added. The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is conferred on foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway. Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, the current General Conference president, congratulated his predecessor, saying, "This is a wonderful demonstration of how God can bring a life of Christian service to the forefront for the world to know of His power. We are grateful for this special recognition of Pastor
Conservative Presbyterians launched a new denomination on January 19, saying that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is too consumed by internal conflicts and bureaucracy to nurture healthy congregations. The creation of the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians ( ECO) follows the Cont’d on next page
T he L i g h t APRIL Evangelism Impact Phase II Sun-Mon 1-30 Launch of Singles Club Mon 2 Pastors’ & Bible Workers’ Meeting (CJC Office) Fri-Mon 6-9 Easter Weekend Thur-Mon 5-9 Youth Convention – Camp Verley Sab 7 Vision One Million Rally (PM) Sab 7 Day of Prayer and Fasting Sab-Sab 7-28 Education Evangelism Mon 9 1st Quarter Reports due at CJC Office Tue 10 1st Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due at CJC Office Tue 10 Licentiate Pastors’ Meeting – CJC Board Room Thur 12 Pastors’ Day of Prayer – CJC Board Room Sab 14 Adventist Mission Emphasis (Offering) Sab 14 Stewardship/Trust Services– Revival and Reformation – St. Catherine Sab 14 Church Membership Count (All Churches) Sab 21 Publishing Day – Spiritual Revival Emphasis Sab 28 Christian Education Day - Spiritual Revival Emphasis Tue-Thur 1-31 Thur-Thur 1-31 Thur 3 Sab 5 Sab 5* Sab 5* Wed 9 Sab 12* Sab 12 Sun 13 Wed 16 Sab 19 Sab 19 Sab 19 Sun 20 Sun 20 Wed 23 Sab 26 Sab 26 Sab 26 Fri 1 Fri-Sab 1-30 Sab 2 Sab 2 Sun 3 Sun 3 Sab 9* Sab 9 Sab 16 Sun 17 Wed 20 Sab 23 Sab 23 Wed 27 Sab 30# Sab 30 Sab 30 Sab-Sun 30-Jul 1
MAY Child’s Month Drug Awareness Month Pastors’ Community Outreach - Manchester Community Services Evangelism Day of Seventh-day Adventist Books Disaster & Famine Relief Emphasis Executive Committee Meeting Tell the World: Big Cities Family Life Educators Graduation (Sydenham - PM) Mothers’ Day Prayer and Heeding the Word Convention – Spanish Town Children’s Convention – Camp Verley Sabbath of Hope Church Membership Count (All Churches) Church Clerks’ Workshop – St. Catherine (Family of God Church) Treasurers/Auditors’ Workshop – St. Catherine (Family of God Church) Labour Day Schools of Prayer in IAD Territory Northern Caribbean University Projects Day CJC Connect – St. Catherine JUNE Emphasis on Family International Men’s Month Bible Correspondence School Emphasis Men’s Day Church Clerks’ Workshop – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Treasurers/Auditors Workshop – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Women’s Ministry Emphasis New Members Convocation – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Adventist Laypersons Service & Industries (ASI) Day Father’s Day Prayer and Heeding the Word Convention – Manchester (Newport Church) Special Offering (District Projects) Deadline for District Bible Bowl Finals Prayer and Heeding the Word Convention – St. Catherine (Bushy Park Church) Vision One Million Baptismal Day 13th Sabbath Offering (Southern Asia-Pacific Division) Book and Nutrition Centre Book Review- during Personal Ministries Time (Conference-wide) Graduation -Willowdene Group of Schools
*Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division +Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division # Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter
Adventist Resources Below are links to important information and resources related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church ►Amazing Discoveries is committed to sharing the truth about God and His promises. http://amazingdiscoveries.org/ ►Prophecy Seminars: Christian insight into Bible prophecies. http://www.prophecyseminars.com/ ►Daily Bible Devotion offers daily devotional readings for adults and children as well as hymns to think about during the day http://www.dailybibledevotion.com/ ►Young Disciple Ministries is conducted by Seventh-day Adventist Christians with a mission to bring young people to the Lord. It includes camps, mission trips, and media production. http://www.youngdisciple.com/ ►Newstart Lifestyle Programme is an 18-day programme which incorporates eight health principles to restoring your health. http://www.newstart.com/ Cont’d from page 11
Religious News & Notes PC(USA)'s church-wide vote last year to lift its longtime ban on gay clergy. Though homosexuality is not mentioned in the ECO's founding documents, its stated commitment to conservative theology and the inerrancy of the Bible indicates that gay clergy will not be tolerated. The ECO also hopes to distinguish itself by creating peer review systems for churches, promoting leadership training, and instituting a less hierarchical form of government than the PC(USA), according to a statement. Several dozen congregations have already started to leave the PC(USA) to join another conservative denomination, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Unlike that denomination, the ECO says it is "fully committed" to allowing female clergy. Though still the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S., the PC(USA) lost more than 500,000 members between 1998 and 2009, according to church statistics, and now has about 2 million members. Incoming congregations will be given the option of pursuing joint membership in both the PC(USA) and the ECO, or joining the ECO as full members, which would require dismissal from the PC(USA). BY DANIEL BURKE; Religion News Service