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Table of Contents Mid-America Union October 2010

Find individual conference reports on the following pages...

Editorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 "Pastors' Need of Powerful Prayer". . 3 "Great Calling, Great Challenge" . . . 4 "Unappreciated, but Equally Rewarded". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 "Driving Distracted?". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Young Adult Stewardship. . . . . . . . 7 Reflection on Pastoral Challenges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Central States News . . . . . . . . . . 10 Dakota News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Iowa-Missouri News. . . . . . . . . . 14 Kansas-Nebraska News. . . . . . 16 Minnesota News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Rocky Mountain News . . . . . . . 20 Union College News . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adventist Health System. . . . . . 24 ASI 2010 Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Remembering Shirley Burton. . . 27 Farewell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sunset Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Iowa-Missouri Conference

14 Central States 10 Conference

Rocky Mountain Conference

Note: Central States is an ethnically diverse regional conference encompassing the entire Mid-America Union territory.

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Union College 22 Kansas-Nebraska 16 Conference

In This Issue ...

Every October, some churches in Mid-America sponsor a getaway opportunity for their pastoral couples (with round-trip tickets). Pastoral Appreciation Month can be one test of whether a local church is loving and healthy.

But some of us may imagine that only perfect pastors (whatever that means to us personally) should be celebrated.Well, here’s some good news—we won’t have to wait too long for a perfect pastor to come. He will appear in the clouds of that we may not be ready to meet Him, if we have refused to love and pray for our present pastors—

Rex and Ginger Bell have served Brighton English Church in Colorado for 21 years. Rex is senior pastor, and Ginger is women’s ministries director for the church and also for Rocky Mountain Conference.

OUTLOOK, (ISSN 0887-977X) October 2010, Volume 31, Number 9. Outlook is published monthly by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516; Telephone: 402.484.3000; Fax: 402.483.4453; E-mail: info@maucsda.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Outlook, PO Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506. E-mail: outlook@maucsda.org. When possible clip name and address from a previous issue. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Standard postage paid at Nampa, ID. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for non-Mid-America subscribers. ©2010 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All Rights Reserved.

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

despite their imperfections. (Don’t the rest of us have some faults of our own?)

I’m not suggesting that pastors deserve approval for everything they do.When they err, we can and should talk with them. Privately. Pastors whose members dialogue and pray with them have a foundation for successful ministry, and the whole church is blessed.

Please read the following pages with a prayer that God will guide you in knowing how to relate to your pastor.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos are stock photography.

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heaven, surrounded by angels.The bad news is

On the Cover:

Minnesota Conference

Dakota Conference

Martin Weber, editor

Outlook Staff Editor: Martin Weber Managing Editor/Ad Manager: Amy Prindle Layout Designer: Amy Prindle Classifieds/Subscriptions: Chris Smith Copy Editor: Chris Smith News Editors Central States: Roger Bernard Dakota: Jacquie Biloff Iowa-Missouri: Michelle Miracle Kansas-Nebraska: John Treolo Minnesota: Jeff Wines Rocky Mountain: Karen Cress Union College: Ryan Teller

Mid-America Union Conference President: Roscoe J. Howard III VP for Administration: Thomas L. Lemon VP for Finance: Elaine Hagele Associate VP for Finance: Walt Sparks

Local Conferences CENTRAL STATES: 3301 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66104; 913.371.1071 www.central-states.org DAKOTA: P.O. Box 520, 217 North Grand Ave., Pierre, SD 57501; 605.224.8868 www.dakotaadventist.org IOWA-MISSOURI: P.O. Box 65665, 1005 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265; 515.223.1197 www.imsda.org KANSAS-NEBRASKA: 3440 Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614-4601; 785.478.4726 www.ks-ne.org MINNESOTA: 7384 Kirkwood Court, Maple Grove, MN 55369; 763.424.8923 www.mnsda.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN: 2520 S. Downing St., Denver, CO 80210; 303.733.3771 www.rmcsda.org

Editorial Pastors' Need of Powerful Prayer by Thomas L. Lemon

J

oe gripped my hand tightly for several seconds longer than normal, forcing me to slow down and connect. He spoke quietly, with great fervor. “Pastor Lemon, I just want you to know that Donna and me—we pray for you every day.”*

Joe was basically a taciturn man, practical and frugal with words. I was his pastor for five years. Once or twice a year he would assure me of his daily intercession on my behalf. These sincere reminders were certainly welcome. I also found them calming, fortifying me with a great sense that God is always in charge of my life and ministry.

Joe and I did not see eye-to-eye on every issue. Sometimes it was a simple difference on how to interpret a Bible text. Other times it involved something difficult, like a church building project. But through it all he was praying for me! Looking back years later, this is what I remember of Joe. October is Pastoral Appreciation Month for Christians in our culture. I’m wondering... what would happen if we all stopped our tongues the moment a critical thought toward our pastor came to mind? Or if we stopped our tongues from gossip and instead praised God for the pastor? What if we lifted him or her up for Spirit-filled power? Maybe if we just said “thanks.”

What would happen?

It is impossible to sincerely pray for people, praise them or thank them—and then trash them.

It is impossible to sincerely pray for people, praise them or thank them—and then trash them.

Pastors are often teased for only working an hour a week—Sabbath morning, when they are most visible. But a good Sabbath morning experience, including message, music and prayer, never results from mere happenstance. An effective sermon requires 15 to 30 hours of preparation. Often, the anguished pastor prays for the Spirit’s words to both convict and comfort, elicit repentance and rest, reverence and rejoicing. All this is easier for pastors when they can look at their congregation and see the “Joes” out there who are faithfully praying for them.

Growing up a preacher’s kid and then serving for 35 years in pastoral and conference leadership, I know what happens between Sabbaths in your pastor’s life. He or she will visit in the hospital, likely prepare a midweek message, give a number of Bible studies, work with members through their personal or marital struggles, plan for various projects that range from evangelism to the church school to lay training and much more.

Pastors usually shun earthly celebrity. However, I think we should see them as modern heroes. Here is my own testimony:

• A pastor my wife called dropped everything to visit my mother in the emergency room after my father died unexpectedly.

• A pastor prayed for my wife when, as a little girl, she was minutes from death through a blood disorder.

• A church leader fulfilling the pastoral role prayed for my son as he faced delicate surgery near his brain.

• My current pastor regularly nourishes my soul Sabbath mornings.

Pastors are targets of the enemy, much like military officers. Destroy the leader and you weaken the army. Most pastors are stretched among several churches, and those not stretched by miles are challenged in other ways that pastors must endure.

No wonder that the instructor of a two-day workshop I took in 2008 said unequivocally, “Pastoral ministry in the 21st century is documented to be the second most difficult profession in America. Number one is closely related—church planting.”

During this Pastoral Appreciation Month, many Mid-America churches and districts will provide gifts of gratitude to their pastors and families. This is wonderful, and I know that pastors appreciate it more than the church will ever know or slightly imagine.

And even more wonderful is when, along with the gifts, pastors know that their members are praying for them.

Are your prayers lifted to the throne of grace regularly on your pastor’s behalf?

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Would to God that all of Mid-America’s churches could be filled with saints praying for their pastors! What an impact this would have on our world. *Names changed for confidentiality

Thomas L. Lemon is vice president for administration of the Mid-America Union.

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Editorial Great Calling , Great Challenge by Ed Barnett

T

he other day I was reminiscing about my 31 years in ministry. As I’ve reflected way back to my first church, a seven member congregation in Crawfordsville, Indiana (starting at half salary in 1979), and then going through each district in which I have since served, several conclusions come to mind:

• Getting called by God to pastoral ministry is a great honor! To think that He called me to be a spokesman for Him is incredibly humbling.

• When the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognized officially that God had called me and then ordained me on June 9, 1985 in Cicero, Indiana, it was a great moment in my ministry.

• It is an honor to be an ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

• Ministry has become tougher as time has gone by.

• You no longer have instant respect because of your position as a pastor.

• The cynicism and distrust of leadership that is pervasive in our country has crept into churches when it comes to our pastors and administrators.

• It used to be that every church had the same basic service and music. Today, every church has its own unique way of doing worship and other functions in the church.

• It is much harder today to be a well-loved and successful pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

• Our church in North America is a lukewarm church, which is just what the Bible said it would be.

Today I look back and realize that many of my classmates and colleagues in ministry are no longer in pastoral ministry. That saddens me a great deal! Because even though, in many ways, it is tougher in ministry than it used to be, I know that God is still in charge and He still calls men and women into ministry for Him. And as long as you know God called you, I don’t believe you can walk away from that calling.

Paul has some great counsel that he gives Timothy: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word: be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

Pastors, be of good cheer! God has called you to the greatest calling you could have on this earth. Heed that counsel to preach, endure and evangelize. And never let Satan discourage you!

Members, please don’t do the devil’s work and accuse God’s servants who have needed His call to ministry. As a church, we need to do everything we can to work together in finishing God’s work here on this old earth. As our pastors and other brothers and sisters unite in this work called ministry, we will see greater things happen than we ever have in the past.

It is my prayer that every congregation around the great Mid-America Union will determine to do something special for all pastors during the month of October, since this month has been recognized as Pastoral Appreciation Month. Think of something unique that will let your pastor know how much you love and support him or her. Don’t forget the rest of the pastoral family either­—it is tough being a pastor’s kid or a pastor’s spouse. Your church may not have funds to give, yet still can do something that truly lets your pastor know that you care. It will be appreciated more than you will ever know!

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So pastors, remember God has called you to do a special work for Him. Be faithful to that call; you are in our prayers daily!

Ed Barnett is president of the Minnesota Conference.

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Unappreciated, but Equally Rewarded by Martin Weber

P

astors are the first to confess that they can’t do their job alone. Single pastors need special people in their lives for support and accountability. Married pastors already have one person to support them throughout their ministry: their spouse. Since the great majority of Adventist pastors are men, I am addressing their wives here.

In last year’s pastoral appreciation Outlook, Maurice Valentine, Mid-America’s ministerial director, eloquently lauded pastoral wives. I’d like to affirm his efforts by pointing to a Bible story that may illustrate how God values our pastoral wives. My thesis here: they are equally worthy with their husbands for honor on earth and reward in heaven.

No, I haven’t peeked inside God’s record books, and I’m not going to insult you with a superficial proof text. Instead, let’s consider a chapter in the life of King David. First Samuel 30 portrays David leading his army out to war. David wasn’t a king yet, and the ragtag band of ruffians he led wasn’t really an army. But they all gave God the best they had, and heaven blessed them with success. They won their battle against the Amalekites and came home with lots of loot.

Here’s some further background on the story, from which we might derive an application to pastoral wives. Some on David’s team did not fight on the battlefield; instead, they performed another essential role: guarding the army’s possessions and supplies. As the soldiers marched out for battle, these supporters who stayed behind no doubt cheered them on and promised their prayers. And when the weary warriors returned, their homemakers celebrated the victory as truly their own to share.

Which it was. They were the soldiers’ essential home team. Because of these faithful colleagues who maintained an efficient and secure base camp, the soldiers had a place to come after the battle and find a hot meal waiting, have their wounds treated, their kids taken care of and—equally important to restore their tired spirits—find themselves celebrated. In short, they got at home everything they needed to be refreshed and rejuvenated so they could fight the next day’s battle.

I think you are getting the drift of why we should value our pastoral wives. But before we nail that down, let’s notice something else in the story. Something sad.

All that home-base ministry is in addition to many roles pastoral wives perform within the congregation

After a busy and successful day in which everyone served the Lord according to their assignments, joyous unity should have pervaded David’s camp. Instead, the devil started another battle. He sparked a spirit of satanic selfishness among some victorious warriors who announced that only those who fought on the battlefield were worthy of reward.

David refused to enable such selfishness with silence. Courageously confronting the “wicked” who wanted to deny the benefits due the support staff, David declared: “'For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.’ And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day” (1 Sam. 30:24, 25, ESV).

Now, how does all this apply to you who may be a pastoral wife? You are the one who keeps the home fires burning.

Whether a full-time homemaker or one who works in the professional world, during child-raising years you feed the kids and monitor their eagerness to do homework. You keep driving them to their nightly events, even as they are driving you crazy.

(Almost, sometimes.) Having gotten them off to bed, you soothe your husband’s wounded spirit after a heartbreaking board meeting where nobody had the courage or integrity to support his efforts or defend his intentions.

All of that home-base ministry is in addition to the many roles that pastoral wives perform within the congregation. They serve day after day, year after year, often unheralded and unhonored by the church—and sometimes even by their own husbands (and no amount of appreciation from the church could fill that void).

Above it all, the God who ordains each pastoral wife for service knows what she is doing for Him. The same “Well done, good and faithful servant” that awaits her husband will be equally hers as well. “They shall share alike.”

Finally, on that long-awaited day when the trumpet sounds, all of us will see just how fabulous and valuable and rewardable are the wives of our pastors.

But let’s not wait until then to let them know it.

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Martin Weber, DMin, is assistant to the president for the Mid-America Union, communication director and Outlook editor.

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Editorial Driving Distracted? by Maurice R. Valentine II

I

mashed the brake as quickly as I could. I had taken my eyes off the road for just a moment. Though I stood on the pedal, it was too late! Distracted driving led to a crunching crescendo of steel on steel. The vehicle shuddered as I knocked a minivan into a pickup truck on the expressway. I had forgotten how in this city, when the afternoon rush began, everyone might suddenly stop.

To my surprise, as I exchanged information with the two individuals with whom I collided, having learned I was a pastor the gentleman from the pickup truck said, “Listen, don’t worry about the damage. I’m a church leader and I know you pastors have so much to do, it’s easy for this kind of thing to happen.” Then he said words I’ll never forget. “I have a heart for pastors.”

He was right. I was averaging a work day that started at nine and worked many evenings till nine with very few days off, sometimes for months. Not to mention that I was usually up at 4:30 a.m. to spend several hours in personal devotion, sermonic study and an every other day attempt to run three miles—my only way to maintain a modicum of sanity.

Recently, a pastor shared with me that he easily has 40 hours in by Wednesday. Through cell phones, texting and other social networks we now get 24/7 access to pastors, a kind of access we get from no other professional. It’s no surprise that the number of pastors leaving the ministry within the first five years has quadrupled since the 70s. Living without realistic expectations of yourself or under the tyranny of the demands of others will eventually lead you to feel empty and depleted.

That’s how I felt during the aforementioned fender-bender. I had just left the home of a family whose loved one had died.

After spending the morning comforting them, the afternoon was spent buying and serving them a meal. By three that afternoon I was famished. Although I fed them, as their caregiver, it just didn’t feel right to eat myself. As I made my way home, having eaten nothing that day, my driving distraction wasn’t a text message on my cell. It was a message sent up my spinal cord from my stomach to my brain. It was in all caps and it said, "EAT!" I replied, "TTYL" (Talk To You Later), but it replied, "not LOL" (Laughing Out Loud) and again it retorted, "EAT!" In serving the family I had smelled the aroma of food and did my stomach churn. While driving, I reached in the glove compartment hoping to find something, anything! I usually keep a candy bar there in case I’m ever stranded and that’s when it happened. Screeeeeech! Bam! As pastors go, I was quite typical. Paul Vitello, writer for The New York Times, maintains that “many clerics have “boundary issues” — defined as being too easily overtaken by the urgency of other people’s needs.” I wouldn’t change a thing in regard to how I served this grieving family, but other areas of ministry were spinning out of control. The battle with boundaries is rooted in unrealistic expectations on the part of both pastor and congregation. Unclear boundaries for pastors lead to unbelievably long hours and depression rates that are higher than the national norm. Pastors want to excel at everything and churches often expect it in someone who is the consummate teacher, preacher, counselor, administrator, planner, fund-raiser, department booster, evangelizing church growth expert and chaplain—all while maintaining a strong prayer life and visitation program.

However, when you focus on your key strengths you are much more productive and happier, too. But to develop a clear understanding of your gift and skill set requires you to slow down and take time for periodic spiritual retreats of a day or so to reflect on where, by the grace of God, you’ve come from and where you’re going. Jesus worked hard, but He also practiced personal retreat into the Father’s presence. The resulting clarity showed through His “I Am” statements. When you follow His example, not only do you have a clearer understanding of your own key strengths, but you are better suited to develop the gifts of those around you. Lay leaders who are fully engaged in using their gift sets can easily cover what pastors can’t get to and are less inclined to pass things to their pastor they can do. But even if they do, remember how Saul wanted David to fight in his armor, but David understood that God had given him a different gift and skill set than the Israelite king. Thus he refused Saul’s armor. His gift was faith and his skill, using a sling. It’s alright to respectfully say no to unrealistic expectations. Just demonstrate the more excellent way: delegate.

Getting beyond workaholic behavior is not easy. While wearing everyone else’s armor, you may experience an adrenaline rush as you take on the giants that rule the day. But insane schedules produce an attempt to find some cathartic experience that makes up for the sacrifice of self. For me, a satisfying meal at the end of a hard day, no matter how late, was my reward for a sustained effort of moving from one crisis to the next. (Could this possibly be in part why 69 percent of clergy endure a constant struggle with weight control?)

Anticipating the crunch of a stale Payday led to a crunch a driver never wants to hear. Worst yet, the candy bar wasn’t there! It was in my other car. But oh how refreshing it was to hear someone say, “I have a heart for pastors.” His words were apples of gold in a picture of silver. Neither person I hit that day turned in the damage to their insurance company or charged me for what I justly should have paid. The pickup truck driver led by example and the other driver followed his lead. Ultimately, God’s mercy prevailed as neither individual was hurt and their vehicle damage was minimal. Hallelujah! Jesus the Chief Caregiver was merciful to this caregiver.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all developed a heart for pastors? Yes, they are flawed, but so are we. They have accidents, lapses in judgment, but so do we. At times we all drive through life in a distracted fashion. Let’s refocus on the life of

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Radical Reboot!

Mid-America Pastors' Convention May 2-3, 2011

A Conference on Hermeneutics, Ellen White and Evangelism

Christ and not take our eyes off Him, even for a moment. If you haven’t experienced the renewing power of His forgiveness, all you have to do is fall at the foot of the cross, confess your sins and by faith claim it! Once you’ve experienced His mercy, it’s so much easier to pass it on.

Moreover, take the lead. In 1 Corinthians 13 fashion, don’t glory in the pastor’s or anyone else’s faults. Instead, pray for the gift of encouragement. We’re in dire need of a cultural shift in Mid-America to unconditionally love all leaders God has appointed to serve, even to the point of showing occasional tangible appreciation. Most likely you are part of the silent majority that thinks well of your pastor, but kind thoughts if not expressed will Some Invitees: never reach him. Recently, I realized I was a part of the silent majority so I called Ivan Blazen, Richard Choi, Mark & Ernestine my pastor to tell him he’s doing a great job! Have a heart for pastors? Ask your Finley, Dave Gemmell, Jud Lake, George Knight, Craig Newborn, Cindy Tutsch pastor if he is taking time off for himself and his family. Encourage him to take a spiritual retreat. Better yet, set up a time and place for it to happen, a secluded place where he will be uninterrupted as he communes with God. And while he is away, don’t call him. When he returns, he just might look at you and shout Hallelujah!

Plenary sessions, discussion forums and tracks prepared for your enrichment with academicians and practitioners collaborating to resource you with their research and findings

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Maurice R. Valentine II is ministerial director of the Mid-America Union.

CreativeIdeafor YoungAdultStewardship Nede (reverse spelling of Eden, pronounced “need”) is a concept for a potential non-profit organization launched by young adults and primarily for young adults and teens. It would provide them a simple system to impact the world through a new way of financing: text-messaged donations or web-based giving of five dollars a month—about the cost of a Starbucks visit.

Nede’s core concept is to pool these five-dollar contributions (actually, donations of larger amounts would be welcome!) from thousands of young adults and teens who are interested in “growing some good.” Proceeds would be distributed equally among five funds designed to meet people's needs without destroying human dignity.

Specifically, each of the five dollars donated would be invested into five separate funds. The first dollar would provide micro-loans to entrepreneurs in developing “third world” nations to create sustainable employment opportunities, working through ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency). Dollar two would bring emergency food relief to victims of disasters and famines through ADRA. The third of the five dollars would facilitate clean drinking water and sanitation, again through ADRA. Dol-

lar four would fund “One Day Churches” and “One Day Schools” through Maranatha International. The final of the five dollars would go into a discretionary fund set up to handle requests for help received through Nede’s website.

Nede is the brainchild of Chris and Candice McConnell, a husband and wife team in their twenties based in Fort Collins, Colorado. The duo loves entrepreneurship and maintains a freelance web design firm that serves clients across North America.

The McConnells realize that most people their age want to make a real difference in the world but aren’t sure how to make it happen. As they prayed and brainstormed, they sketched out some notes and bounced them off of a trusted friend, Outlook editor Martin Weber. He arranged a meeting with Roscoe Howard, president of the Mid-America Union. Elder Howard provided crucial feedback and support that became the wind beneath Nede’s wings.

Please pray for Nede that God will facilitate a way for young adults and teens to have a technology-friendly way to pool their limited finances and make a real difference as God’s stewards of mercy in this suffering world. For further information, e-mail Chris and Candice at chris@cmcconnell.com.

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Conference Presidents Refle M i d - A m e r i c a U n i o n m i n i s t e r i a l d i r e c t o r M au r i c e R . V a

Ed Barnett Minnesota president

Neil Biloff Dakota president

Dean Coridan Iowa-Missouri president

Charles Drake Central States president

Gary Thurber Rocky Mountain president

John Sweigart Kansas-Nebraska ministerial director*

1. What are the top three challenges pastors face?

Ed: Time management, finding time for their own personal walk with Jesus, and realizing that the position of pastor doesn’t carry the respect it did in the past Neil: Balancing family needs and church expectations, dealing with church conflict and motivating the church to take seriously the gospel mandate of Matthew 28 Dean: Giving leadership that inspires people to participate, living a balanced life between family and ministry, and having a spiritual life of your own Charles: Economic issues, the challenge of church leadership and pastoral family issues Gary: Secular society, contentious members and unity in the churches John: Fragmented members (politically, theologically and socially), the challenges of a postmodern society and Laodicean attitudes, and personal discouragement

2.Which of these challenges do you see as most critical in fulfilling the church’s mission?

Ed: Having that daily walk with Jesus. When pastors place that as priority, the other things seem to fall in place.

Neil: I believe the effectiveness of many churches’ vision and mission has been stopped in its tracks due to internal conflict.

Dean: The most critical is balancing family and ministries. Pastors have to have a happy home to be effective in ministry.

Charles: Church leadership issues Gary: Presenting the Three Angels' Message in a way that touches the hearts and minds of secular society.

John: Pastors must expect resistance to the gospel that fosters church fragmentation and not allow themselves to become discouraged.

3.What specific experience from your own pastoral ministry might relate to that challenge?

Ed: I have to make sure that I keep Jesus first in my life by spending time with Him daily. Then I’m better suited to help pastors make sure that happens in their life as well. When I meet with them, I ask, “Are you spending time with Jesus?”

Neil: Conflict among church members has held churches hostage for generations. Parishioners declare their need for a different pastor, but what usually happens is that each side finds occasion to rehash the same old problems.

What is needed can only come from outside oneself—an invasion of the Holy Spirit that changes hearts.

Dean: Early in my ministry, I worked 80 to 100 hours a week. Then I learned I needed to start delegating. If I couldn’t find someone to join me in conducting a specific ministry, I stopped doing it alone.

Charles: It is frustrating when local church leadership is unwilling to make changes that address the needs of 21st century society. Many churches have become irrelevant in their communities. Change will not occur until church members are ready to change their comfort level.

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ect on Challenges of Pastoring l e n t i n e II i n t e r v i e w s o u r l o c a l c o n f e r e n c e p r e s i d e n t s

Gary: It’s so important to get our young people and young adults engaged in mission—they have an understanding we older members don’t have, plus the ability to relate to the community. Turn them loose and they can be extremely effective.

John: Some members called me liberal and others called me conservative. What helped sustain me was daily exercise, daily study of God’s word, daily prayer, journaling and periodic conversations with counselors for accountability. I held on to Jesus as the heart of my philosophy and theology.

4. How has that experience helped you assist other pastors to navigate through similar challenges?

Ed: I have pastors fill out a workers report. These help me see if they are keeping a good schedule and taking time off.

We’re starting evaluations in the churches. And when I meet with pastors, I ask how their walk with Jesus is going.

Neil: Pastors caught in a conflicted church may become depressed and question their calling to ministry. I encourage them to reread the work and ministry of Moses and Joshua and spend much time in prayer. This has helped me understand how deeply our sinful nature affects us all.

Dean: When we gather pastors together, I tell them not to work more than 45 to 50 hours a week, because their homes will suffer for it. In our pastors’ meetings, I tell them on occasion they may have to work extra hours, but it’s not our expectation that they do.

Charles: Our conference departmental leaders are facilitators for individual congregations. We have changed the S.W.O.T. acronym to "S.O.U.L.S." S.W.O.T. represents strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. S.O.U.L.S represents strength, opportunities, unity of purpose, loving relationships and full-life stewardship.

Gary: As a youth pastor I coordinated a youth meeting. This allowed us to resource them. It taught me the importance of being open to the youth and young adults and their creative ideas.

John: When I visit with pastors and listen as they share their frustrations, challenges and concerns, I try to be sure I hear what they are experiencing and feeling. I affirm their concerns, convictions and commitments. I acknowledge their often anonymous and thankless service. We pray with and for each other.

5. To facilitate a spirit of cooperation between pastor and lay leaders, what advice would you give?

Ed: Pray that our church families will work together with our pastoral families. Take time to plan and strategize to make sure the church runs effectively. There needs to be a coordinated work. Church members must appreciate their pastor and they should emphasize Pastors’ Appreciation Month.

Neil: Love your pastor and his or her family. Discuss ideas with the pastor on how the church might grow. If you have a disagreement with the pastor, talk with him privately. Send your pastor notes of appreciation. Get together as a church and sponsor a getaway weekend for your pastoral couple. Daily lift up the pastor and family in prayer.

Dean: Recognize that every person among us has strengths. We need to stop talking about pastors’ weaknesses and start talking about strengths. Develop a ministry of encouragement to your pastor.

Charles: Lay leaders and members need to remember the mission of the church. We are commissioned to be soul winners, spreading the message of Jesus Christ to the world. Our focus should be reaching out to others as opposed to the maintenance of our own congregations.

Gary: The church must study and take seriously 1 Cor. 13. Ellen White states that we should read that chapter every day. Even if we have correct theology, if there is not love, we are no more than a clanging gong or clashing cymbal.

John: Call your pastors, pray with them and for them. Find a prayer partner in the congregation and pray together for the pastor every day. Volunteer to visit members and church visitors with your pastor. Find ways to serve the church and the community. *Ron Carlson, Kansas-Nebraska Conference president, was unable to be interviewed in time for the publication deadline.

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Mid-America Union News Central States News

Seniors Reflect on Pastoral Ministry by Anita Clay Senior citizens are often called “the backbone of the church.” No other membership segment exceeds their faithfulness, commitment and wisdom. Recently some longtime members gathered to discuss how churches can better support their pastors. This group holds more than 233 years of membership in almost 20 churches.

Following is a summary of their answers to a variety of pastoral questions.

What makes a great pastor?

Surprisingly, no one mentioned exceptional preaching skills. Instead, the number one characteristic was availability. Following closely were personal interest (especially in new members), strong leadership—but with member input, firm foundation in the Word, and skillful, consistent nurturing. Pastors they remember most were shepherds who regarded members as their flock and were attentive to spoken and unspoken needs. The seniors recall major things such as support during crises and smaller things like taking the time to learn members’ full names (beyond a generic “sister” or “brother”).

What do you want from your pastor?

Seniors said that while they usually hate to see a pastor leave, they are always happy to welcome a new pastor because they anticipate new and different ideas and skills. While expecting change, they want pastors to assess congregational needs first, getting to know the people and the climate of the church before arbitrarily instituting big changes. Not that they mind change; in fact, they welcome a plan. If a new pastor’s plan is completely different, they appreciate that leader’s patience and willingness to take smaller steps to ensure successful transition.

What is different about the ministry today than in days gone by?

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“The pastors are younger!” “They’re louder!” “They love their music!” were the initial comments. While wishing for more pastoral visits and personal connection, the seniors acknowledge that the pastor’s job has significantly changed. They realize that pastors today are asked to solve deep-seeded, complex problems often beyond ministerial training, requiring in-depth professional counseling. In contrast, many members are reluctant to welcome pastors into their homes, while still expecting pastors to solve home problems—especially on Sabbath. Changes in the economy force pastors to deal with serious financial problems in the local church as well as the conference. Several seniors remarked that the church used to be the number one priority in members’ lives; now, personal commitment to the church seems lacking. So pastors often have to assume responsibilities that members could easily handle. While recognizing that increased responsibilities limit the availability of pastors, members still long for a closer, personal relationship with them.

What can members do to support their pastor’s leadership?

1. Be proactive—ask what you can do and really mean it.

2. Be supportive—get on board with the pastor’s plan, even if it’s not your plan.

3. Reverence the sanctuary and teach children and new members to do the same.

4. Get off the bench—be willing to work and to mentor young people.

5. Share your testimony and keep the history of the church alive.

What do you miss about the way church used to be like?

Hymns. Friday night vespers. Preparation day. Ingathering—meeting people and passing out literature, hot drinks and sharing experiences. Investment projects and testimonies. Sabbath school reporting and banner classes. Feeling the church was your family.

What is your hope for the church?

Seniors hope that fellow members will fall in love with their church, grow spiritually, accept leadership willingly, encourage diversity and support their pastors. They pray that pastors will preach the Word with excitement and love, train members to serve and nurture veteran members like the new ones.

As these seniors grow older, they long to hear more messages pointing to Christ’s soon return, when God will wipe away every tear. Finally, they pray that every member will put away distractions and unify as a body to prepare for Christ’s coming.

Central States News Ten Reasons "Experience the Hope" Evangelism is Great for St.Louis

by Anita Clay 10. Easy, safe parking on Berean’s beautiful new parking lot 9. Chance to get off Facebook and watch "Experience the Hope 2" streaming live on the Internet 8. Opportunity to hear all five St. Louis area pastors in one location 7. Presentations sparkled with humor and thought-provoking visuals (Think Pastor Thomas drinking six glasses of water, Sunday through Friday, then drinking delicious juice on Sabbath and proclaiming, “Oh, taste and see the Lord is good.”)

6. Undeniable explanations (Pastor Montgomery thundering, “Everybody’s looking for the truth; everybody claims to have the truth; how do you know the truth? John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’")

• Pastor Mann, of Paul and Silas: “If your mind is in heaven, though your legs be chained, nothing can hold you down.”

5. Dion Reid providing a children’s program and Pastor Rolle lighting up the young people 4. Aha moments! Hearing familiar truths in new light (Pastor Ikner speaking of the Holy Ghost: “People talk of finding the Holy Ghost.

How can you find Him when He’s never been lost?”)

• Pastor Thomas reflecting about the lame man at the Gate Beautiful: “Some of us are afraid to try to walk because we have been so long on our backs, we think we may fall—we just lie there, despite having Christ’s power to walk.”

3. Five pastors preaching one message, holding a full congregation spellbound until 3:00 p.m.:

• Pastor Ikner closing: “The whole ‘Experience the Hope' conference is about experiencing a hope in Jesus that is only found in a relationship with Him.”

• Pastor Rolle connecting with computer enthusiasts: “You must download the forgiveness of your sins and upgrade to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit”

2. Five churches standing together, applauding, joining heaven in celebrating candidates for baptism as they marched down the church aisle.

• Pastor Montgomery speaking of Lot’s wife: “She had a heartless hand. She gave the angel her hand but not her heart.”

1. Falling in love with Jesus all over again

Northside Graduates 32 BibleWorkers Under the tutelage of Elder Ronald Smiley, interest/Bible coordinator at St. Louis Northside, 32 members completed an intensive Bible worker course. The 22-week program teaches lay Bible workers the art of collaborating with their pastor to win souls for Christ. The program reviews doctrines and teaches the psychology of guiding someone from initial interest to baptism.

These graduates represent a microcosm of Northside Church, ranging in membership longevity from nine months to 20 years. Twenty graduates are currently conducting studies with baptisms pending.

Another course was scheduled after the St. Louis-wide “Experience the Hope” series.

Elder Smiley has been a Bible worker and served in prison ministry more than 25 years. His goal is to have 100 teams of two members each giving weekly Bible studies.

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Mid-America Union News Dakota News Mission to Motorcyclists in Sturgis by Monte Sahlin

Photo courtesy of Tom Hughes

Photo courtesy of Tom Hughes

About 600,000 people converge at Sturgis, South Dakota each summer for the largest biker gathering in America. Of course, the biker subculture can include a lot of alcohol, immoral sex and drugs as well. But many bikers are just average Americans who love to ride a motorcycle.

They may work in a suit and tie, perhaps as an accountant or a teacher.

A new outreach tool developed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church was introduced this year at Sturgis. The Ride of Your Life is a small, paperback book with a photo of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the cover, published by Review & Herald Publishing Association. Inside is the Ohio Conference biker evangelist Tom Hughes manuscript of Ellen White’s Steps to Christ. gave more. Pastor Clarence McKey motel lobby before Pastor Hughes Bible Biker Ministries is an in- and some members from Rapid intervened! The book includes inforternational outreach of interested City Church also joined in. Pastor mation for those readers who want Adventists directed by Pastor Tom Hughes found Jim Wood, an Adven- to sign up for Bible studies and a Hughes, biker evangelist for the Ohio tist member who has been doing website where more information is Conference and pastor of the New- biker evangelism for 30 years, also available, www.biblebiker.com. ark and Zanesville (Ohio) Churches. in Sturgis.

Divine providence reigned Donors provided the support for him Together, this team put the book throughout the entire mission trip. to make a mission The Connellys trip to Sturgis had seen a report this year, where of Pastor Hughes’ he connected biker evangewith Raylene and lism on the Hope Mike Connelly Channel and (his hosts). Pascontacted him, tor Brad Taxler offering hospitaland the Spearfish ity in their home Church mobiif he would come lized to help with to Sturgis. A dothe project. nor gave funding Pastor Hughes for gasoline and made the 1,300travel expenses— mile journey Left to right: Spearfish Pastor Brad Traxler; Left to right: Rapid City Pastor without any apon his Harley in Linda and Terry, from Yankton, South peal being made.

Clarence McKey, Pastor Tom Hughes, what was 110-de- Dakota; and Pastor Tom Hughes of Ohio Local pastors and Pastor Brad Traxler gree heat on church members some days. A church in Georgia pro- in the hands of more than 600 in- volunteered to get involved as word vided 500 copies of the book to dis- dividuals, including two men who of the project leaked out. tribute, and the publishing house were fighting over the last copy in a Spearfish Church is so excited

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Photo courtesy of Tom Hughes

Dakota News

Raylene and Mike Connelly of Sturgis, South Dakota

those who want to get involved in biker evangelism. The new book is a proven tool, available at modest cost through any Adventist Book Center.

Anyone wishing to support a new frontier of Adventist mission in North America may get involved by contacting Pastor Hughes through the Center for Creative Ministry at 800.272.4664.

about this ministry that they have pledged to begin raising money to purchase more books for next year and make this an annual outreach project.

Motorcycle hobbyists and the biker network total several million Americans. These may not be the people most likely to come to a Revelation Seminar, but some Adventists feel a call to bring them the good news of Jesus and His soon return.

Pastor Hughes has produced a DVD with Hope Channel to train

Monte Sahlin is director of research and development for Ohio Conference.

Nuts for the Road by Jacquie Biloff

Photo by Phyllis Alexander

Selling healthy snacks to raise funds for Rapid City Adventist Elementary School

der. “I see them every year and they have their own motorcycle group. Each morning, they usually hold devotions.”

A Southern Baptist group, whose tees read CHAPLAIN, stopped by the Adventists’ booth each morning to share prayer. They visited hospitals and interacted with bikers along the streets.

Pastor McKey of Rapid City Church was approached four times by people wanting him to be saved! They represented the many local churches involved.

A jar was set on the end of each table under the Nuts for the Road banner with a sign saying, “Donations Welcome… for our Elementary Church School.” Some bikers parked across the street and showed up several times to purchase cashews. Others donated, but didn’t always buy the food.

“Support for this project was overwhelming,” reported Alexander. “More church members volunteered than were needed. Every day brought new experiences meeting people. Swint LED Lighting (next door) went out of their way to make sure our canopy kept us shielded from the hot sun. They even Photo by Phyllis Alexander

Among the many banners at South Dakota’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was a new one from local Adventists: “Nuts for the Road.” Church members offered a variety of dried fruits, dried vegetables and nuts, with proceeds going to Rapid City Adventist Elementary School. A committee of four—Phyllis Alexander, Brent Tungesvik, Charlean Swanson and Debbie Darnell—collaborated to facilitate the project.

According to Alexander, the legendary Sturgis rally is becoming more family oriented each year. Mornings and early afternoons are designated family time, with afternoons and evenings catering to the party crowd. “Many Adventists come to the rally,” said Alexan-

brought a fan attached to a long cord to provide a breeze. That was a life saver!”

Although funds gathered totaled less than anticipated, the booth attracted visitors from as far away as Florida and California. Some requested information about how to duplicate the Nuts for the Road fundraising project.

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Mid-America Union News Iowa-Missouri News An Unlikely Place for Praise by Fred Schlichter Firsthand Testimony of an Iowa-Missouri Member who Attended Last Summer’s General Conference Session in Atlanta

Photo courtesy of Fred Schlichter

The author’s perspective while awaiting a train to the Georgia Dome at the General Conference Session

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abruptly ending our service. People hastily yet politely boarded.

In a tightly packed rail car moving toward the Dome, my thoughts remained back on the platform.

If there had been no formal worship for us that Sabbath day, my heart would have had enough.

The spirit pervading the crowd at that station was a microcosm of Beverly Wombold (left), an Iowa-Missouri GC Delegate, the entire experi- discusses agenda items with Marta Wells of Colorado. ence at the Session. As impressive as was the convocation itself with its organized business and programming, most amazing to me were all Nov. 12-14, 2010, the people of our worldwide church family—wonderfully diverse and full You are invited to share a weekof warmth, energy and a spirit not of end of spiritual encouragement, this world—people yearning to love growth and fellowship. Featured God and serve humanity. speaker will be David Klinedinst, Everywhere Lin and I went, we personal ministries director for quickly and easily made friends. It Christian Record Services. was a small foretaste of what heaven Visit www.imsda.org to downwill be like. And the best experience load the registration form to of all was that unforgettable imsecure your place. promptu song service lighting up the unlikeliest of places: a dim underground train station.

As we await Christ’s coming in the dark tunnel of this present world, let us remember His encouragement: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

May the whole world see the Seventhday Adventist Church shine for Him. Photo by Paul Spradley

The last Sabbath of the General Conference (GC) Session in Atlanta, my wife, Lin, and I took the local Metro train to the Georgia Dome.

Descending into Five Points transfer station, we found ourselves among a throng of Adventists in Sabbath dress also heading for morning worship. There must have been at least 1,000 crowding the platform on both sides of the tracks, awaiting the next train. Many more kept arriving.

Suddenly, somewhere in the midst of that crowd, someone started singing. “Marching to Zion” quickly spread from Adventist to Adventist until nearly everyone was singing, each in their native tongue. The scene at the underground station was simply amazing. Different languages, but one Spirit in one accord.

Following that impromptu song, someone within the crowd quickly started another, and the singing continued. Smiles and laughter shone on hundreds of faces delighting in this wonderful moment.

What a scene! What a sound! What a testimony.

Alas, the train did finally come,

Eighth Annual Men's Retreat

Fred Schlichter is a member of St. Louis Central Church.

Iowa-Missouri News Madge Peterson was honored on May 15 for 50 years of faithful service as treasurer. Peterson, 92, is a member of Centerville Church and accepted the office of treasurer when her sister, Virginia, gave up the job to attend Union College.

When asked what kept her serving for so many years, Madge answered simply, “They just kept putting me in.”

She adds, however, that the office of church treasurer is not easy. “It’s a job nobody wants,” she says. "But I am not one who likes to be up front, so I liked having an office I could do on my own.”

Peterson also continues to bless both church and community by her volunteer work.

Photo by Gwen Simmons

Longtime Treasurer Honored by Gwen Simmons

Madge Peterson with Centerville Pastor Abel Hagan after receiving a certificate honoring her for faithful service as treasurer

Upcoming Town Hall Meetings An important message for all members of Iowa-Missouri Conference from Elder Dean Coridan, president:

Monday, Oct. 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Kansas City Central Church

Meeting Agenda Devotional

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Kansas City Spanish Church

Financial Review Combined Drive Projects/Visioning

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Moberly Church

Evangelistic Outreach Update/ Visioning

Iowa

Conference Constituency Session Time/Place

Thursday, Oct. 28, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Sioux City Church

Q&A

Sunday, Oct. 31, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Davenport Church

Summary Remarks Benediction

Monday, Nov. 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Waterloo Church

Dates/Times/Locations

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Ankeny Church

Missouri Monday, Oct. 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., St. Louis Mid-Rivers Church Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Sullivan Church Wednesday, Oct.20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Nixa Church Thursday, Oct. 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Sedalia Church

Photo by Michelle Miracle

Last fall we held 11 town hall meetings around our conference and this year will do the same. Many of you came out in 2009 to discuss various challenges facing the Adventist Church in these last days. We appreciated your support, the thoughts you shared and your feedback afterward.

Below is a list of dates, times and places for our 2010 town hall meetings. If you did not attend one of them last year, we would love to see you this year. We have moved up the dates to avoid inclement weather, and we rotated church locations to make these meetings as accessible as possible to all members.

Please record at least one of these dates on your calendar and plan to be part of our town hall meetings. If you have questions you would like addressed, please e-mail Elder Robert Peck at ropeck@ucollege.edu. We will do our best to answer them at the meeting.

Dean Coridan giving the devotional at a town hall meeting in Council Bluffs

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Mid-America Union News Kansas-Nebraska News Affirming their call to gospel ministry, pastors Murray Miller and Jim Martin were ordained during inspiring services in their respective districts. John Sweigart, ministerial secretary of Kansas-Nebraska Conference, coordinated both events.

In Chanute, Kansas, Miller invited two of his professors from Union College to participate in his ordination service: Robert Fetrick, theology department chairman, preached the sermon, and Sylvester Case presented Miller for the ordination.

Others participating during this service included Allen Scott (welcome); Sweigart (charge); Ron and Sue Carlson, president and women’s ministries director, respectively, (ordination prayer and welcoming Miller and wife, Marie, to the ministry); and Don Stricker, vice president for administration (benediction).

Serving in the conference since 2006, Miller believes his pastoral role is threefold: “Help people accept

Photo by John Treolo

Ordained for Pastoral Service by John Treolo

Murray Miller (front row, second from left), pastor of the Chanute district, stands with his wife, Marie, the platform participants and ordained pastors in attendance.

Jesus as their Savior, guide them to trust Him to empower their lives and

Photo by John Treolo

Jim Martin (front row, left), pastor of the Great Bend district, and his wife, Melissa, stand with participants at his ordination.

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equip members for service.”

At La Crosse Church in Kansas, Martin invited the one who hired him in 2002 to present him for ministry: Jim Hoehn, now retired from being president of the conference.

Sweigart presented the sermon and charge before Ron and Sue Carlson provided the ordination prayer and welcomed Martin and wife, Melissa, to the ministry.

Others assisting during this service included Dan Sanchez; Travis Sager, conference youth director; Norman Zimmerman, trust service director; and Stricker.

Martin’s vision for ministry is “seeing people make decisions that will change the course of sin in their lives and baptizing searching souls.” Recalling his evangelistic trip to Madagascar, he expressed what a thrill it was to see God work to save souls.

Kansas-Nebraska News Brian Carlson Now Principal of College View Academy

by John Treolo

New Teachers in KansasNebraska include: Nicole Cowgill, Wichita Adventist Christian Academy

Photo courtesy of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference

Brian Carlson, an alumnus of College View Academy (CVA), recently accepted the position of principal at his alma mater. He also serves as principal of Helen Hyatt Elementary School.

After graduating from CVA in 1994, Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, with an emphasis in public relations, from Union College.

He became a public relations intern for Christian Record Services, then had a brief stint at Hawaiian Mission Academy as a task force worker. Returning to CVA in 2000, Carlson served as development director for five years. He then took a year away from this position to earn his teaching degree in English education from Union College. He has taught English at CVA the past four years.

While at Christian Record, Carlson met his future wife, Kendra. They are

Keri Knoles, Topeka Adventist Christian School Dorothy Pearson, Midland Academy Jennifer Ewers, Omaha Memorial School

Brian Carlson, new principal at College View Academy/Helen Hyatt Elementary

Jaime Serrano, Omaha Memorial School

the proud parents of four-year-old twins: Chandler and Cadence.

“It is a humbling responsibility to serve God as principal of College View Academy/Helen Hyatt Elementary,” Carlson says. “I hope that our students and families fall more in love with Jesus because of their interaction with our school.”

Jeannie Costopoulos, Valley View (Scottsbluff) School Lloyd Petersen, Columbus Adventist Christian School Kerrie Schnell, College View Academy

Northside Members Witness at Fair

Scottsbluff Spanish Expansion Report

by John Treolo

Photo by John Treolo

new friends to a Veteran’s Day memorial service (Nov. 13). Women were invited to the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea (March 27).

The fair booth featured free literature and a drawing for a family Bible.

Scottsbluff Spanish members eagerly await completion of a new addition to their church facility, which will provide additional Sabbath school rooms, a fellowship hall and kitchen. Target date is spring of 2011.

Photo by John Treolo

Amid livestock judging and carousel rides, members of Nebraska’s Northside Church in Lincoln sponsored an exhibit booth at Lancaster County Fair in August. They shared God's good news and invited fair-goers to the church’s community events.

Pictured are Victor Penrosa, coordinator of the exhibit, and Robert Martinez, pastor of Northside Church.

Martinez reports that the purpose of having the booth was to befriend their community and invite their

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Mid-America Union News Minnesota News

Photo by Phyllis Alexander

From the President: Elder Ed Barnett’s Heartfelt Vision for Minnesota Adventists Dear Brothers and Sisters of Minnesota Conference: This summer has gone by quickly for my family and me. I was privileged to speak at three camp meetings, which included 10 days with our people in Hutchinson. My summer schedule also included 12 days in Atlanta for the General Conference Session and five days at meetings for local conference presidents of MidAmerica. Then we had the joy of being at our youngest son’s wedding in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s been busy!

Amid all these activities, one item that really has me excited is a decision by our executive committee in June. We voted four specific items to encourage and promote in our conference over the next two years: 1. We want our members to read the Bible through in 2011.

2. We are praying for 100 percent participation in our stewardship responsibilities.

3. We will continue to encourage and promote programs for our young people.

4. We have set a goal to reach 9,000 members by our 2012 camp meeting.

Please ponder each of these initiatives with me, one by one.

Number One: Into the Word Imagine if every member of the Minnesota Conference read through their Bible in 2011! Our entire church must be in the Word. For some time

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now, by reading through the Bible every year, I’ve received tremendous blessing for my daily walk with God. Notice Psalm 119:105, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I believe that if all of our church members, young and old alike, committed themselves to read God’s Word through next year, it would make a big difference in our homes and churches throughout the conference. I challenge you to find a Bible reading program and follow it for the year!

Number Two: Stewardship We want to encourage 100 percent of our members to be faithful in financial stewardship. Currently about 50 percent of our people are tithing. Raising that to 60 percent participation would bring another million dollars into our conference for the purpose of building up our local churches. Instead of cutting positions, we could be adding “laborers in God’s vineyard” around the conference.

Think about what would happen if all of our people were tithing. It certainly would hasten the fulfillment of our task to share the gospel with every lost soul in Minnesota. An impossible dream in these days of widespread financial difficulty? Remember God’s guarantee in Malachi 4:10, “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for

you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’”

What an exciting challenge and promise from God!

Number Three: Young People We will continue to invest our money and efforts in the lives and souls of our young people. They are our most precious resource! We will focus on two specific areas: A. Christian Education We want our kids and teens to receive the benefits of Seventh-day Adventist Christian education. Please participate in our newly developed “M.A.D.E. in Minnesota” education project. Members from all over Minnesota who do not have a local school will be sponsoring children from other churches to attend one of our schools. Please contact your pastor and sign up for this program.

We also encourage you to be a part of our future “School Works” programs.

These will educate our members to be more strategic in helping our schools grow and become all God wants them to be.

B. Youth Ministry We want our young people engaged in the life of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota. Our executive committee has taken a positive step toward this goal by hiring a youth director for the conference: Jeff Wines. Among many other

Minnesota News youth activities, he is in charge of Adventurers, Pathfinders and Master Guides. He also runs our summer camp program at North Star Camp and is facilitating young adult participation in their local churches. We are thrilled with the progress that Jeff has already made, through God’s help, this summer.

North Star Camp (NSC), with all of its programming and facilities for young people, is a wonderful asset to this conference. We have developed a comprehensive master plan for NSC and are excited about having a first class camp for young people.

Number 4: Evangelism We have set a goal to reach 9,000

trict! We also have asked our pastors to do more lay training—and to let us know where this will be happening so we can advertise it around the conference. We want to mentor you in sharing Jesus even more than you do now.

Pastors cannot do this by themselves! We all have to work together as a conference family.

Please pray for the success of these four initiatives throughout Minnesota. God can do great things in this great conference as we all work together!

members by our 2012 camp meeting! After the vote, one of our Hispanic pastors said, “You can count on us for 400 of those baptisms.” One of our African pastors added, “You can count on us for 200 more.” Their fervent commitment encourages me to believe that we can reach our baptismal goal, ambitious as it is. In fact, with God’s help we are hoping to surpass the 8,000 mark yet this year.

You can see we have our work cut out for us!

To facilitate Minnesota Conference evangelism goals, Pastor Devin Locati will devote one weekend a month for lay training throughout our territory. Get him signed up soon to come and speak in your dis-

–Ed Barnett President, Minnesota Conference

most $30,000 for just $9,000.

Members of Spanish churches in the Twin Cities area painted the hallways, gymnasium and music room.

(What a difference a fresh coat of paint makes!)

MCA faulty and staff praise God for His blessings on the new school year. Visitors are invited to meet with them to discuss creative ways to continue support for MCA.

Volunteers at MCA assemble new playground equipment secured at one third of retail cost.

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference

Minnetonka Christian Academy (MCA) was blessed one Sunday in August when more than 20 volunteers met at the school playground— to work. The Home and School Association collaborated with private donors to replace MCA’s aging playground equipment. Dr. Gerald Coy, principal, negotiated a tremendous financial deal, purchasing playground equipment retailing at al-

Photo by Phyllis Alexander

New Playground for Minnetonka

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Rocky Mountain News

Photo by Tim Cress

Rocky Mountain Conference Pastoral Team (a few missing due to scheduling issues)

Thick Skin and Soft Hearts by Al Williams A Tribute to Pastors from the Rocky Mountain Conference Ministerial Director

The Edge church plant’s Pastor Roberto Coronado baptizing Felipe Cordova

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Church records show that their pastoral team, led by Gordon Anic, has baptized 35 so far in 2010. At present, Pastor Roberto Coronado has the highest percentage baptismal gain in the conference: 23 percent. As of July, Rocky Mountain pastors have had 250 baptisms. For this we all can praise the Lord.

I affirm all our pastors for what they are doing. Many aspects of ministry don’t show up on workers’ reports. I think of a pastor who this week told me about getting “beat up” verbally by a church member. His ability to listen and not retaliate was amazing.

As he related the story, I recalled the many reports of church members in spiritual pain who make their pastors bear the burden of their anger.

I pray for church leaders, myself included, to have a thick skin and a soft heart for members and others who lash out hurtfully. Of course, the majority of congregants are gracious people who support their pastor. In that context, I share this quote from Ellen White: Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference

On Aug. 13, I worshiped at Aurora First Church and watched Pastor David Martinez baptize eight people. Every baptism is a victory for Jesus. Arvada

Aurora First’s pastor David Martinez with wife Kathy and sons, Matthew and Mark

Rocky Mountain News have thick skin and soft hearts to deal with all the issues you face.

It’s hard for me to quote this contemporary adaptation of John 13:35, but here is how it reads in many churches: “By this will all men know you are my disciples, if you give each other lots of criticism and pain.” Unfortunately, that is the reality we often live in. Satan works hard to destroy our church. My encouragement to you is that you keep your eyes on Jesus; He will give you the strength to continue to be the shepherds He has called you to be.

Christ appreciates you more than you know, pastors. I hope you will all get the “hugs” you deserve—and not only during Pastoral Appreciation Month.

Photo by Rick Roy

Photo by Rick Roy

Photo by Tim Cress

“THANK YOU, dear pastors in “There is need the Mid-America Union Conof shepherds who, ference, for your patience in under the direccaring for God’s sheep.” tion of the Chief During this Pastoral AppreShepherd, will seek for the lost and straying. This means the bearing of physical discomfort and Gordon Anic, Arvada lead pastor the sacrifice of ease. It means a tender solicitude for the erring, a divine compassion and forbearance. It means an ear that can listen with sympathy to heart-breaking recitals of wrong, of degradation, Milos Tomic (right), assistant pastor at Arvada of despair and misery” (Gospel Workers, p. 184). ciation Month, I boldly declare that After reading that, my prayer: “Lord, Jesus and the great heavenly family help us be those kinds of ministers.” want to encourage you and thank you And then I find myself exclaiming, for your ministry. I pray that you will

Al Williams is ministerial director for Rocky Mountain Conference.

Central Church Loves Its Pastor Members appreciate their pastors for many reasons. Here are some expressions of gratitude for Pastor Mike Maldonado from his Central Church family in Colorado Springs: “I appreciate Pastor Mike’s love for Jesus and his determination to help our church grow.” —Dale Whigham “Pastor Mike is a caring person who shows compassion, empathy, profound respect and a wholesome sense of humor to all ages.” —Marea and Stephen Vigil “We appreciate Pastor Mike and Brenda [his wife] for opening their house for visitors, as well as their fun-loving spirits.” —The Vanderwal family “Pastor Mike is more than just a pastor. He’s also a friend.” —Niko Pinero

“I really enjoy hanging out with Pastor Mike and Brenda not only in church but also outside of church.

So far my favorite thing has been SCUBA diving with them.” —Zach Pinero “We appreciate Pastor Mike becauses he makes church refreshing and rewarding. Through the Holy Spirit, his personality and his messages shine.” —The Bambergers “I appreciate how much Pastor Mike has supported me, and I like his sense of humor.” —Mariah Edwards “I appreciate Pastor Mike for his love and commitment to our military families.” —Anna Edwards And from the entire Colorado Central Church family: “Thank you, Pastor Mike! We appreciate all you do.”

Photo by Anna Edwards

A Tribute to Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike and Brenda Maldonado

Mid-America Outlook

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Mid-America Union News Union College Freshman Walks to College in Nebraska ... From Oregon Many a parent and grandparent has regaled eye-rolling children with tales of walking many miles to school every day (uphill both ways, of course). But few can top Michael Rohm, an incoming freshman at Union College, who made the trip from his home in Oregon—on foot.

Rohm started his two-month journey in early June after enrolling in Union College’s international rescue and relief program (IRR). Michael had just returned from volunteering in Africa and set out on foot because he “wanted to experience the country of my birth firsthand,” he explained. “My parents are very active and we did a lot of hiking and camping growing up.”

For Rohm, the choice to study IRR at Union was easy. After returning from a nine-month stint at Riverside Farms in Zambia, where he helped build nearly 90 Photo by Michael Rohm

Rohm’s walk across five states took him over all types of terrain.

churches in the Southern Africa nation, Rohm knew what he wanted to do with his life. “I want to spend my life overseas,” he said. “I would like to work in refugee camps and orphanages—somewhere with lots of people who need help.”

Union’s international rescue and relief program provides the perfect preparation for such an endeavor by

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Mid-America Outlook

combining medical, survival and rescue training in a baccalaureate degree emphasizing one of four areas: paramedic, project development, premed or pre-physician assistant. The degree program includes a summer session learning rescue techniques in Colorado and a semester providing training and medical care in underserved regions of Central America.

Packing light, Rohm already embodies the survival spirit that IRR students learn during the course of their training. Carrying only a tent, a sleeping bag, a couple of changes of clothes, an extra pair of boots and his cell phone, Rohm stopped at grocery stores along the way to buy fixings for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He occasionally splurged on some fruit or vegetables. “It’s a lot cheaper than buying fast food,” he said.

At night, he left the road and pitched his tent in a field. If he stopped in a town, he usually connected with local law enforcement to get permission to camp in a city park. “Most have been surprised but very supportive,” he said.

Public libraries provided a good place to cool off, check email and charge his cell phone.

Rohm admitted that he didn’t plot his route very well in the beginning.

“My dad was eager to help me plan,” he said. “We planned the first 200 miles to get me through Oregon.” Originally intent on hiking through Wyoming, Michael changed routes when he realized how far he’d have to walk between towns. He opted for mountainous Utah and Colorado instead.

Normally, the car trip from his home in Canby, Oregon to Lincoln is 1600 miles. At 17-25 miles per day, Rohm estimates that he walked nearly 2000 miles by the time he reached Craig, a small town in northwestern Colorado.

Photo by Michael Rohm

by Ryan Teller

Michael Rohm, a freshman at Union College, walked from his home near Portland, Oregon to Lincoln to start college this fall.

He woke up early on a Saturday morning so he could worship at the local Seventh-day Adventist Church. “I always wanted to go to church on Sabbaths during my trip,” he said. “But a lot of times I ended up in a town with no church or in the middle of nowhere.”

Rohm arrived shortly before the worship service and introduced himself to the six people present that day.

“One lady asked me if I could do public speaking,” he recalled. “When I said yes, she asked me to give the sermon.”

After he spoke about his experiences in Africa, the same woman invited him home for lunch. Afterward her husband presented Michael with a gift.

“He gave me a bicycle,” said Rohm.

“He fixed it up for me and got it going.”

Rohm made good time riding his bike across eastern Colorado and Nebraska—arriving in Lincoln three days before freshmen registration. “I accomplished what I set out to do—to meet people and see the country,” he said. “I know this experience will help me in my studies because I had to learn to be self-sufficient, creative and live in tough circumstances—all things that I will have to do in my IRR training.”

Ryan Teller is director of public relations for Union College.

Union College Some students choose a college based on location, while for others it may be academic strength, spiritual life or friends. For Kayla Unsell, freshman international rescue and relief and pre-med major, these all may have weighed into her decision to attend Union College. Yet she also needed a nudge in that direction from a confused GPS reciever.

Upon graduation from Ozark Adventist Academy, Unsell faced the looming decision of where to attend college. “My choice was between Southern Adventist University and Union,” she said. “My sister had gone to Southern and loved it, and students from Ozark typically go there.

It was assumed I would, too.”

As Unsell prepared for the trip to Tennessee, she recalls, she “didn’t feel at peace or completely comfortable with the choice.” With both her parents’ cars packed full, the family turned to their GPS receivers to direct their trip east from their home in Edmund, Oklahoma. But they could not input Southern’s address into her mother’s GPS, so they settled for an address near the university instead. Moving to her father’s car, they successfully entered the school’s address and began their journey with her father in the lead.

“While we drove, my mom mentioned that while sorting through some files she discovered a scholarship Union College had offered me,” Unsell said. “That ignited the undecided part of me that still questioned if I was making the right decision. I had always heard that Union was the friendliest Adventist school, so why wasn’t I going there? Who wouldn’t want to?”

After more than two hours on the road, the two GPS units seemed to share her confusion. “My dad’s GPS was taking us one way, and my mom’s in another,” Unsell explained. “My

Photo by Steve Nazario

Confused GPS Lands New Student at Union by Tiffany Doss

When two different GPS units sent Kayla Unsell off course on her way to another college, she changed directions and headed for Union.

mom and I continued to follow my dad for awhile, until it was obvious we were not headed toward Tennessee.”

The family pulled over at a nearby fast food restaurant. “I told my parents how I had been battling with my choice of colleges, so we prayed,” Unsell said. “Once we said ‘Amen,’ I knew I needed to be at Union.” A quick call to Union confirmed she would still be accepted. “When Union said yes, we headed to Nebraska.” This time, the Unsells had no problem entering the address into either GPS unit. “They both led us right here,” she smiled.

Now enrolled in the IRR program and settling into college life, Unsell has discovered what she had heard about Union’s friendliness to be true. “When I first arrived on campus, two girls offered to help me just because they wanted to,” she said. “Everyone here always smiles and says ‘hi’ when you pass them down a hall or sidewalk. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

How will you get to Union?

Check out Union College in Lincoln for yourself at www.ucollege.edu or call 800.228.4600.

Campus Calendar Oct. 1-3: Parents’ Weekend Oct. 7-10: Preview Days Oct. 21-24: Mid-America Volleyball Tournament Oct. 31–Nov. 2 College Days for Juniors www.ucollege.edu | 800.228.4600

Tiffany Doss is a senior communication major at Union College.

Mid-America Outlook

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23

Adventist Health System Photo courtesy of CMBell Company

Destined for a Calling

in Healthcare

I

t’s likely that Steve Chen’s career path was determined by the time he turned one.

Chen, now chief financial officer at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver, was born in the Philippines. His birth mother had paid the hospital to keep him, but then never returned. So at 10 months of age, when his adopted family met him, he was still there.

Since then in one way or another, Chen’s life seemed interwoven with healthcare. Besides spending his early months in a hospital, he was adopted by a father who was a physician and a mother who is a registered nurse.

Two of his older sisters are also nurses.

“I believe there was a certain reason I was adopted,” says 36-year-old Chen, whose grandfather was an Adventist preacher. “My dad wanted me to go to medical school, but after I took organic chemistry in high school, I knew that wasn’t for me.”

During Chen’s senior year at Southwestern Adventist University in Texas, a professor suggested that he apply for an administrative internship at Florida Hospital.

Chen won the internship and spent five years in the Florida Hospital system before moving on to Hinsdale Hospital outside Chicago and finally to Porter in 2008.

The Rocky Mountain lifestyle suits Chen and his wife, Michelle. A snowboarder since college, Chen returned to

24 October 2010

Steve Chen, CFO at Porter Adventist Hospital

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Mid-America Outlook

the slopes this past winter with his seven-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, daring her to get better than her dad. “That idea really excited her,” says the easy-going Chen.

Although Chen’s office and his work are not at the bedside, the hospital’s mission is never far from mind. “Finance is a necessary component to ensure that we can continue to fulfill our mission,” he says.

He often is reminded of his “real” purpose, such as the recent time when he found a note on his desk summoning him to a patient’s room. “Those are typically never good,” he says with a grimace.

Despite some trepidation, Chen made his way to the fourth-floor joint replacement unit where a nice surprise awaited him. The patient, who had received two knee replacements through the hospital’s free care program led

by Chen, wanted only to thank the hospital.

“He wanted us to know that we had helped him get back on the road to a normal life,” Chen says. “It’s that type of interaction that brings it full circle and reminds us why we need a bottom line to continue to sustain us.”

.

This article was submitted by Stephen King, senior vice president for mission and ministry for Colorado’s Adventist hospitals, and written by CMBell Company.

A Simple

Thank You

by Jessica Wahaus

M

Photo courtesy of Nan Garcia, SMMC

Photo courtesy of Nan Garcia, SMMC

ost of us write thank you notes for wedding, Stephanie O’Sullivan, director of annual programs for birthday and graduation gifts, but the gift of the Foundation. Funds received from the campaign are care physicians provide can sometimes be used to extend SMMC’s mission of improving health taken for granted. Have you written a thank you note to through Christian service and also provide a way for the your physician for ensuring that you are healthy or for Foundation to develsuccessfully treating an illness? op relationships with The "Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Cenphysicians. ter" (SMMC) knows that a simple thank you goes a “This campaign long way. In 2007, the Foundation established National provides a great opDoctor’s Day Campaign which gives patients a way to portunity for us to show physicians the gratitude they feel for care they connect with the docreceived. In February, the Foundation sends donors tors,” said O’Sullivan. and patients a letter telling them about Doctor’s Day, The Foundation has encouraging them also established a proto make a monetary Dr. Kenneth Norton gram called the Whole gift in honor of their Heart Award, based physician. The mailon the same concept ing also includes a of saying thank you to note card to write a caregivers but extendpersonal thank you. ed to nurses and allied Lou Gehring, executive director of About 500 handhealth professionals the Foundation for SMMC written cards from within the hospital. donors and patients The program includes a mailing to inare personally delivdividual patients two weeks after their ered by the Foundadischarge, providing a way to write a tion each year, recogpersonal thank you to those who cared nizing more than 200 for them while at SMMC. A hospital SMMC physicians. stay for some is an emotionally try“It’s a great way to ing time, and SMMC associates aim to make an expression of diffuse the anxiety patients may feel. gratitude to a doctor, The Whole Heart Award recognizes because they typically and thanks nurses and caregivers for don’t hear a lot back the healing, comfort and support they from their patients,” provide each patient. said Lou Gehring, executive director for the foundation.

“SMMC aspires to be more than a place people come Kenneth Norton, MD, appreciates responses from his to receive treatment for an illness. We want to heal the patients. He believes that building a relationship with pa- whole person—body, mind and spirit,” said Gehring. tients is part of success in healthcare. “Satisfaction and For now, National Doctor’s Day Campaign lets phythe bond between physicians and patients is very impor- sicians know the care they give is greatly appreciated. tant to physicians,” said Norton. “It’s difficult to establish “Physicians are essential partners in carrying out the parameters of patient satisfaction without feedback, and mission of whole healing,” Gehring said. “The Foundait is very rewarding to be told we are doing a good job.” tion is honored to facilitate the expression of gratitude The Doctor’s Day Campaign was established by from their patients.”

.

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Mid-America Union News

2010 ASI National Convention

by Conna Bond

26 October 2010

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Mid-America Outlook

Photo by Gerry Chudleigh

Dan Ross, president of DRE Design and Drafting, Eagle, Colorado, introduces speaker, Bill Knott, during Sabbath evening vespers at the 2010 ASI International Convention in Orlando, Florida.

dress, revealing personal ties with ASI that go back to its formation in 1947.

All general sessions and seminars from the convention can be watched or downloaded from the ASI website at www.asiministries.org.

.

Photo by Gerry Chudleigh

Photo by Gerry Chudleigh

N

early 2,000 people gathered in Orlando for the 2010 ASI International Convention, held Aug.4-7.

A diverse mix of church and lay leaders spoke, including James Rafferty, Jeffrey Rosario, Tony Moore, Mark Finley and Adventist Review editor Bill Knott. The official theme was “Inspired to Finish Strong,” with many presenters addressing issues of personal commitment and readiness for Christ’s second coming.

On Friday evening, Jeffrey Rosario challenged the church to recognize the capabilities and responsibilities of youth at earlier ages than is typical in today’s society.

On Sabbath morning, Mark Finley examined the parable of the ten virgins. “We’ve talked about outreach. We’ve talked about soul winning. We’ve talked about evangelism… But Lord, there’s a work to be done in the church, a work to be done in our hearts, a work to be done deep within us,” he prayed.

Each session included energetic testimonies and interviews from ASI members who work on the frontlines of lay evangelism. Five seminar tracks were presented on evangelism, health, spiritual growth, business leadership and ministry fundraising.

Barbara Taylor, president of the Mid-America ASI Chapter, copresented a seminar entitled, “Six Secrets to Success in Business and Beliefs.”

“Attending an ASI convention not only feeds you spiritually, but enriches every asLeasa Hodges of Eden Valley Institute pect of your life, your in Loveland, Colorado, introduces the business and your Friday morning speaker. work,” says Taylor. “It allows you to fellowship together with others who are in similar fields or vocations and who share the same vision for outreach.”

This year’s special projects offering goal was set at $1.2 million to support 39 projects around the world. The offering collected far exceeded the goal, with approximately $1.8 million given or pledged over the coming year.

Special addresses were given by Dan Jackson, new North American Division president, and Nancy Wilson, wife of new world church president Ted Wilson. President Wilson also spoke to the ASI crowd via video ad-

Karlee Leary of Franktown, Colorado, weaves a hat during the primary program with assistance from Stephanie Brown, primary helper.

Remembering Shirley Burton, 1927–2010

by Martin Weber

S

Photo by Abner Aguilar

General Conference president Ted N. hirley Ann Burton, retired General C. Wilson recalls seeing her last February Conference communication direcat the board meeting of Christian Record tor, fell asleep in Jesus Monday eveServices for the Blind. “She still had a ning, Aug. 16. The death of this venerable wonderful smile and attitude about life,” Mid-American is a great loss to the Seventhsaid Wilson, then chairman of the board. day Adventist family around the world.

“Shirley was a precious lady and will be Burton, 83, died of complications followmissed by so many of us who considered ing a massive stroke the previous Friday. ourselves part of her family.”

As reported by Adventist News Network, The afternoon of her stroke, John Treoher denominational service spanned lo, Kansas-Nebraska Conference commore than four decades, including stints munication director, visited Burton and as professor, dean, editor and director of found her in her usual good spirits. They public and media relations before her aphad prayer together, neither of them realpointment in 1988 as communication diizing that this would be their last time they rector for the world church. would see each other until Jesus comes.

Upon retirement in 1994, Burton en“Shirley’s example of selfless service for tered a new phase of ministry as a volun- The last photograph taken of Shirley the Savior and faithful communication to teer communication specialist for ASI and before her passing Weimar Institute. She also served as a consultant for Christian the saints will always be treasured in our memory,” said RosRecord Services, Union College alumni office, Global Mission coe J. Howard III, president of the Mid-America Union.

The funeral was Aug. 22 at Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, Frontline and 3ABN television. Well into the last year of her life, she faithfully served her church family in various capacities.

Nebraska, city of Burton’s birth and also where she passed away.

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Information Farewell Adams, Charles “Gene,” b. July 2, 1928, d. May 27, 2010, in Moberly, MO. Member of Moberly Church.

Survived by daughter, Nikki Lear; and one grandchild.

Bowen, Robert William, b. Sept.

2, 1922, in Atlanta, GA d. July 18, 2010, in Alliance, NE. Member of Alliance Church. Served as a Conference Executive Committee member for first the Nebraska Conference, then continued this service with the KS-NE Conference, for a total of 45 years. Preceded in death by his wife, Clella.

Survied by daughter, Karen; son, Steve; two step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Burton, Shirley Ann, b. May 5, 1927, in Lincoln, NE, d. Aug. 16, 2010, in Lincoln. Member of Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln.

Spanning a career of more than 60 years, Burton served the church at Oak Park Academy, Milo Academy and Laurelwood Academy (OR), then began a communication career where she served the Oregon Conference, Pacific Union Conference and the General Conference.

Retired in 1994, she volunteered as communication specialist for ASI, Weimar Institute and consulted with Christian Record Services, Union College alumni office, Global Mission Frontline and 3ABN. Survived by sister-in-law, Mary Morris; nephew, Marcus Morris; niece, Karen Schroer; half-sister, Jacquie Rallis; and half-brother, James Burton.

Darnell, Carolyn, b. Jan. 3, 1943, d.

June 20, 2010, in Ashburn, MO. Member of Hannibal Church. Survived by sons, James Jr., Tom, Grant, Ralph, John and Russell; daughters, Naomi Maple, Dana Otera and Jackie Trosclair; and one sister.

Fears, Dennis, b. Nov. 4, 1942, in St. Louis, MO, d. Jan. 30, 2010, in St. Louis. Member of Poplar Bluff Church. Survived by wife, Brook; daughter, Dr. Amanda; sons, Jared and Adam; father and step-mother, Charles Sr. and Ruth; sisters, Sharon

Blair, Judith Garrett and Barbara Fears; brother, Charles Jr.

Gomez, Cynthia Jean, b. July 24, 1955, in Pasadena, CA, d. July 2, 2010, in Pueblo, CO. Member of Pueblo First Church. Survived by daughters, Rachel Motley and Sara Decker; brothers, Michael Minkoff and Brad Minkoff; mother, Dorothy Minkoff; and three grandchildren.

Jefferson, Patricia, b. Nov. 28, 1928 in Grant City, MO, d. Aug. 10, 2010, in Gallatin, MO. Member of Three Angels Church in St. Joseph, MO. Survived by husband, Lawrence D. “L.D.”; daughter, Cynthia Fuller; son, Denney; brothers, Donald and Phillip Richmond; six grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Jones, Jackie “Gladys,” b. Feb. 25, 1920, d. May 30, 2010, in Knoxville, IA. Member of Knoxville Church. Survived by son, Kenny Kennedy Jr.; step-daughter, Carolyn Martin; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 10 greatgreat grandchildren.

Lassahn, Eva Mae, b. May 3, 1925, in Shreveport, LA, d. July 2, 2010, in St. Joseph, MO. Member of Three Angels Church in St. Joseph, MO. Survived by daughter, Lydia Thoren Humbolt; three grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Lucero, Virginia Lee, b. Nov. 17, 1935, in Pueblo, CO, d. June 19, 2010, in Pueblo, CO. Member of Pueblo First Church. Survived by sisters, Charlotte Cordova and Sharon Martinez; and brothers, David Martinez, Rick Martinez, Ronald Martinez and Eddie Martinez.

McAdoo, Maxine, b. Jan. 7, 1915, d. May 23, 2010, in Rockwell City, IA. Member of Forth Dodge Church. Survived by sons, David and Daniel; and sisters, Wilma Flink and Phyllis Benner.

Moseanko, Agnes, b. Aug. 8, 1920, in Killdeer, ND, d. July 2, 2010,

28 October 2010 | Mid-America Outlook

in Minot, ND. Member of Butte Church. Preceded in death by husband, John. Survived by sons, Perry, James, and Rich; sister, Stacia Merekle; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Nicks, Alfred, b. Aug.t 11, 1919, d. June 19, 2010, in Union, MO. Member of Bourbon Church. Survived by sons, David, Peter and Paul; sister, Eleanot Pelster; three grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

Petersen, Betty G. (Jensen), b.

Nov 21, 1926, in Burt County, NE, d.

July 29, 2010, in Grand Island, NE. Member of Grand Island Church.

She and her husband worked at Platte Valley Academy. Preceded in death by parents; two sisters;

and son, Ronn. Survived by husband, Martin; son Keith; daughters Joan Bowen and Jeanne Cummings; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Raines, Robert, b. May 6, 1934, in Burlington Junction, MO, d. July 14, 2010 in St. Joseph, MO. Member of Three Angels Church in St. Joseph, MO. Survived by daughters, Christine and Joyce; son, Christopher; brother, Cecil; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Reeder, Merlin Albert, b. March 18, 1933, in Monte Vista, CO, d.

April 12, 2010, in Salt Lake City, UT. Served as principal at Loveland SDA Elementary, taught and served as assistant boy’s dean at Campion Academy, also served

Sunset Calendar Colorado Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Denver 6:42 6:31 6:21 6:11 6:02 Grand Junction 6:57 6:46 6:35 6:26 6:17 Pueblo 6:41 6:31 6:21 6:11 6:02 Iowa Davenport 6:44 6:32 6:21 6:11 6:01 Des Moines 6:56 6:45 6:33 6:23 6:13 Sioux City 7:07 6:55 6:43 6:33 6:23 Kansas Dodge City 7:23 7:13 7:03 6:53 6:45 Goodland 6:29 6:18 6:08 5:58 5:49 Topeka 7:05 6:55 6:44 6:34 6:29 Wichita 7:12 7:02 6:52 6:43 6:34 Minnesota Duluth 6:48 6:35 6:21 6:09 5:57 International Falls 6:53 6:38 6:24 6:11 5:59 Minneapolis 6:54 6:41 6:28 6:16 6:06 Missouri Columbia 6:51 6:41 6:30 6:21 6:12 Kansas City 7:01 6:50 6:40 6:30 6:21 Springfield 6:56 6:46 6:36 6:27 6:19 St. Louis 6:44 6:33 6:23 6:13 6:04 Nebraska Grand Island 7:15 7:04 6:53 6:43 6:33 Lincoln 7:09 6:57 6:46 6:36 6:27 North Platte 7:25 7:13 7:02 6:52 6:42 Scottsbluff 6:36 6:24 6:13 6:02 5:53 North Dakota Bismarck 7:23 7:09 6:56 6:44 6:32 Fargo 7:07 6:53 6:40 6:27 6:16 Williston 7:34 7:19 7:06 6:53 6:40 South Dakota Pierre 7:22 7:09 6:57 6:46 6:35 Rapid City 6:34 6:21 6:09 5:58 5:47 Sioux Falls 7:08 6:55 6:44 6:32 6:22 Wyoming Casper 6:46 6:34 6:23 6:12 6:02 Cheyenne 6:41 6:29 6:18 6:08 5:58 Sheridan 6:48 6:35 6:23 6:11 6:01

Information Information as waterfront director and helped build cabins at Glacier View Ranch, and taught at Salt Lake Junior Academy. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Eugene; and granddaughter, Shawna Romero.

Survived by wife, Arlene Schoening Reeder; sons, Dennis, Gary, Donavan and Steve; three siblings; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Smith, Janice, b. Dec. 15, 1949, d. Aug. 9, 2010, in Bruner, MO. Member of Springfield Church. Survived by husband, Dale Lee Sr.; sons, Dale Jr. and Jason; daughter, Debra Floyd; and 11 grandchildren.

Taiclet, Larry, b. Dec. 21, 1943, in Beaumont, TX, d. July 11, 2010, in Joplin, MO. Member of Joplin Church. Survived by wife, Marilyn Miller; sons, Vincent and Christopher; daughters, Melissa Taiclet and Connie Culbertson; mother, Viola Martin; sister, Jeanne Moreland; and four grandchildren.

Tyler, Marie, b. Feb. 20, 1917, d. June 16, 2010, in Des Moines, IA. Member of Des Moines Church. Survived by daughters, Betty Norris and Kathleen Mathhews.

2010 Convention

Remembering Our Roots, Growing the Future

Underberg, Paul, b. Aug. 7, 1933, in Tesa, SD, d. Aug. 20, 2010, in Sioux Falls, SD. Member of Sioux Falls Church. Preceded in death by wife, Judith; and son, Joseph.

Survived by daughters, Jessica Underberg, Janet DeGroot, and Julie Hesby; son, Jeffrey; three sisters; three brothers; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Valentine, James, b. Nov. 26, 1923, d. Aug. 9, 2010, in Grain Valley, MO. Member of Lee’s Summit Church. Served during WWII. Survived by wife, Patricia; sons, Craig and Bret; and daughter, Holly Jones.

I

c

nteract with students, beginning Rochester, New York communicators and seasoned October 14-16, 2010 professionals who share a passion Hyatt Regency Rochester for all areas of communication 125 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14604 at the Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Convention Highlights in Rochester, New York, this • Keynote Speaker: October 14-16.

Phil Cooke Join us to discover, network • TechTalk Live • Communication Tours and grow your future as a • Day trip to Niagara Falls communicator.

Register Today!

(passport required) • And much more!

adventistcommunicator.org

Mid-America Outlook

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October 2010

29

Information Classifieds Advertising Policy Classified ads must be submitted with approval from your local conference or pastor. Ads may be e-mailed, faxed or typewritten.

Outlook does not accept responsibility for categorical or typographical errors.

Display ad information available at www.midamericaadventist.org or 402.484.3028.

Pricing: Inside Mid-America $25 for first 50 words, 35¢ each additional word.

Outside Mid-America

$35 for first 50 words, 85¢ each additional word.

A box can be added around an ad for $5.

Notices or Announcements Notices of events, alumni weekends, camp meetings, etc., can be printed at no charge if no product or service is involved and no price is listed. Placement is not guaranteed, however, unless the notice is purchased.

Services Adventist Coin Dealer: Silver .900 fine American coins by the roll. Pre-1933 American gold coins. Choice coins, medals and tokens. Free appraisal of individual coin or entire collection. Phone, write or email. Dr. Lawrence J. Lee, World Coins & Medals.

402.488.2646, P.O. Box 6194, Lincoln, NE 68506. lee@athena.csdco.com.

Adventist Lawyer in Colorado: Take care of your family, assets, and business at affordable rates! (1) Estate Planning—advance directives, wills, and trusts. (2) Business Law—Contracts, Entity Formation, and Dispute Resolution. D. White Law, P.C. 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80222.

Contact Derek White at 303.758.9910 or derekw@dwhitelawpc.com

name on any Colorado peak over the web. Registration is free. Choose your own username, so it is safe for your kids and for parents alike. CoMtnRegisters. com is family friendly, designed and hosted by Adventists—everyone is welcome.

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Heritage Singers, Celebrating Their 40th Anniversary, are now taking concert invitations for fundraisers and special church events. Call Max Mace 530.622.9369 to book a 2011 concert while there are still available dates.

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AdventistEvangelism.com, your #1 source for seminar handbills and brochures. If you are considering a community outreach series in your area, we can help you design, print & mail your invitations. Call Color Press toll free at 800.222.2145 and ask for Janet or Lorraine.

AdventistSingles.org Free 14-day Trial! Join thousands of Adventist singles online. Free chat, search, profiles, match notifications! Adventist owners since 1993. Visit www.elliotdylan.com for the Undercover Angels series of novels for Christian teens that build on Biblical principles and reinforce integrity. Great for Sabbath reading, church and home schools, and gifts!

Colorado Mountain Hikers/Climbers—If you enjoy climbing mountains in Colorado, check out this new website: CoMtnRegisters.com. Register your 30 October 2010 | Mid-America Outlook

Phone: 402.502.0883

Move With an Award-winning Agency.

Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocations needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Dante’ at 800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www.apexmoving.com/Adventist.

Need Help with Care? Try Griffin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. SDA family owned & operated. SDA Chaplain. Opening for man, woman or couple. Skilled Care Facility. Quality 24/7 Nursing Care. Odor-free Environment.

Physical, occupational & speech therapy. Medicare & Medicaid approved.

641.842.2187, Knoxville, Iowa. See us online at: www.griffinnrc.com.

Phonecardland.com 10% Discount.

Home of the pinless/rechargeable True Minutes phonecard. True Minutes long distance service is 1.9c/minute including UK and Canada. No tax, no fees, no expiration. Visit www.phonecardland.com and choose the best plan for all your phone calls around

the world. User-friendly, secure.

Email: sales@phonecardland.com. Call 863.216.0160.

Planning an Evangelistic Series or Health Seminar? Have questions?

Need affordable, professionally prepared handbills, brochures, signs, banners and mailing services? Call free, 800.274.0016 and ask for HOPE Customer Service or visit www.hopesource. com. You deserve the best with confidence and peace of mind. Your friends at Hamblin’s HOPE deliver on-time.

RVs! RVs! Motorhomes and trailers! Adventist owned and operated RV dealership has been helping SDAs for nearly 40 years. Huge inventory, courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups. Call Lee Litchfield toll-free 888.933.9300 or email. Lee’s RV Oklahoma City. Visit our website www.leesrv.com or e-mail lee@leesrv.com.

Single and Over 40? The only interracial group for Adventist singles over 40. Stay home and meet new friends in the USA with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For in-

Information Information of teaching philosophy, and three references as e-mail attachments to Greg King, Religion Search Committee Chair; e-mail: gking@southern.edu; phone: 423.236.2975; fax: 423.236.1976.

Southwestern Adventist University seeks Ph.D. prepared Biologists for

ple and cherry trees, grapevines. Three bedroom, two bath. 22X32 basement.

Large garden space with six-foot fence to keep deer out. 32X60 shop with concrete floor. Metal siding, two overhead doors. One sliding door, two walk in doors. $99,000.00 Macon County MO. 660.768.5596

Spring 2011. Looking for talented, committed S.D.A. creationist who is able to inspire students in classroom and in research. Teaching assignments are negotiable in a five-person department. Contact Dr. Suzanne Phillips, Chair, Biology.

SWAU, Keene, TX 817.202.6274 or suzannephillips@swau.edu

Books—More than 250,000 new and used Adventist books in stock at www.LNFBooks.com. Looking for a publisher? Free review of your manuscript. Call 1.800.367.1844 or visit www.

TEACHServices.com.

Rentals/Travel

2.6 acre lot with water and power, in beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota near Mt. Rushmore. $65,000. Other lots available. Call 800.658.5433 or email, janet@bhhec.org

Steamboat Springs, CO: Exhilarating year-round vacation spot. World-class skiing, summer fishing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting. Kids under 12 ski free. Large condo, sleeps 9-11. Two bedroom loft/two bath. Fully furnished, fireplace, hot tubs, pool. Call 763.506.0436. E-mail: rdleach@aol.com.

For Sale Ten Acres on blacktop, county water,

For Sale: Land Adjacent to Black Hills Health & Education Center,

Events DAA Alumni Weekend, Oct. 1-2, 2010!

Honor Classes are 1941, ‘46, ‘51, ‘56, ‘61, ‘71, ‘81, ‘86, 2001, ‘06. For more information call 701.258.9000 ext 236 or visit www.dakotaadventistacademy. org/alumni/alumnievents

17 miles from three SDA churches. Apformation, send large, self-addressed, stamped envelope to ASO 40; 2747 Nonpareil; Sutherlin, OR 97479.

als apply at: www.andrews.edu/hr/ emp_jobs_hourly.cgi .

Employment is looking for an experienced Prep Cook. Must be a quick learner, efficient worker, and able to multi-task. Interested candidates may apply at: www. andrews.edu/HR/emp_jobs_hourly.cgi .

available in Andrews University’s Physical Therapy department. Ideal candidate will be a Physical Therapist with a doctorate degree and experience in research, teaching, and cardiopulmonary. For more details and to apply please visit: www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs_faculty.cgi.

Andrews University is in need of a

Small Company Needs Relief Driver.

Andrews University’s Dining Services

qualified HVAC technician. Duties will include maintaining, repairing, and installing H.V.A.C. and refrigeration equipment on the University campus. Refrigeration Recovery license required. Interested candidates please apply at: www.andrews.edu/HR/admin/jobs_view.cgi.

Assistant Herdsman Needed at Andrews University. Opportunity includes managing the milking parlor on a 650 cow commercial dairy, ensuring proper milking, cow handling, cow treatments, calving assistance, etc…Candidate must have degree in Dairy Science or related field and minimum two years dairy experience. Interested individu-

Research Coordinator opportunity

Ideal for a person with flexible schedule or retired. Must be able to lift between 25-75 lbs. Have current Class A CDL and Medical Card. Located in Lincoln, NE. Please call 800.843.7780 or send resume to Kuehl’s Midwest Distrubutors, 3401 S 7th St, Lincoln NE 68502

Southern Adventist University’s School of Religion seeks professor for winter semester 2011. A Ph.D. or D. Min., developed skills in evangelism, and ministerial training required. Candidate must manifest contagious love for Jesus, strong commitment to authority of Scripture, and deep passion for SDA message and mission. Ability to engage students in the classroom is essential. Send résumé, statement

Mid-America Outlook

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October 2010

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