http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:04 -0400 MyBB http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3373 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:03:09 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3373
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Dear%20Jesus/index.htm]]>
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Dear%20Jesus/index.htm]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3372 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:02:08 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3372
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and
leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the
whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays
of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out
for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a
man.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience,
because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The Boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of
noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe
even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the
grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat there,
never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way
he could become a man.

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he
removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered
his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been
at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it,
our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the
stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do
is reach out to Him.

Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not
there.]]>
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and
leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the
whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays
of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out
for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a
man.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience,
because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The Boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of
noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe
even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the
grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat there,
never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way
he could become a man.

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he
removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered
his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been
at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it,
our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the
stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do
is reach out to Him.

Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not
there.]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3371 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:34:53 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3371 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3370 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:31:30 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3370
The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times.
***************************

A young lad one day very happily held a string in his hands. An elderly gentleman, passing near the field in which the boy played, asked him what he was doing with the string. The lad answered enthusiastically: “I have a kite on the end of this string.”
The stranger looked upward intently. Low clouds hung overhead. “I can’t see any kite,” he protested.
“Well, come over here and take hold of this string,” the lad invited.
The gentleman crossed over to the boy and took hold of the string, and, as he did so, he felt the pull of the unseen kite as it surged and tugged, borne on the air currents far above the ground. The gentleman could make no further protest. There was a kite on the end of the string.
It is even so with God. We cannot see God. And yet, a thousand times and in a thousand ways we have felt His tugging at our heartstrings, drawing us to Him with tender cords of love and whispering in our wayward ears: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.—By Benjamin Maxson, Signs of the Times, January 31, 1939.

Quote: “Stars may be seen from the bottom of a deep well when they cannot be discerned from the top of a mountain. So are many things learned in adversity which the prosperous man dreams not of.”—Charles Spurgeon, Signs of the Times, January 10, 1939.

***************************
Don't miss the August 2009 issue of Signs of the Times: “How the World Will End”, “What is God Like?”, “Miracles: How to tell the True from the False”, “The Book That Saved a Nation” and other great articles.

To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or online at http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com
***************************

An elderly woman going through a forest came to a crossroads. She stopped and threw her walking cane up into the air several times. A man with a wagon was traveling behind her. He saw the woman standing there throwing her cane up in the air. Finally she took the road to the right.
After a while the man with the wagon caught up with the old woman. He invited her to ride with him, and she stepped up into his wagon. After a little while he told her that he had seen her standing at the crossroads throwing her cane up in the air, and he wondered what the purpose of that exercise had been.
The woman confided to him that in her walking through the forest she often came to crossroads. Inasmuch as she did not always know which road she should take, she divined the right course by throwing her cane up into the air. In whatever direction the head of her cane pointed when it came down, that road, she said, she took. Then she added quickly, “But sometimes I have to do it more than once.” She had already made up her mind which road to take, and kept on throwing her cane until it pointed in her chosen direction. To individuals with predetermined decisions God does not unveil His will.
God is eager to guide His committed servants, even in the minutiae of life. He is willing to direct you and me, not only in the big decisions of life, but also in the small ones.—By Arnold V. Wallenkampf, These Times, April 1970.

Quote: “Christ and His apostles taught the people in the tongue that was best known to them. Why should men not do so now?”—By John Wycliffe (1320-1384)—first translator of our complete English Bible, These Times, August 1980.

***************************
NEW from Pacific Press—Mayday Over the Arctic! by Dorothy N. Nelson. This is the moving story of one woman’s discovery of expanding horizons and unlimited challenges—including the dramatic retelling of an emergency landing in the Arctic—that demonstrates God’s providence and leading in our lives.

Read the first chapter of this book online at http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/olink...0816322910 Order online or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955.
***************************

A school teacher was giving a lesson in fractions. “Johnny, suppose there were seven in your family: five children, plus mother and father—a total of seven. And suppose there was pie for dessert. What fraction of the pie would you get?”
Johnny answered, “One sixth.”
“But you don’t understand,” replied the teacher. “Don’t you know about fractions?”
“I know about fractions and I know about mothers, too,” remarked Johnny. “Mother would say she didn’t want any!”

Quote: “If God has called you to be a missionary, I would hate to see you shrivel down to be a king.”—By Spurgeon, These Times, August 1961.

***************************
Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Signs is attractive and EFFECTIVE. Each year thousands request Bible studies after reading its life changing articles. Bring a friend or neighbor one step closer to Jesus by getting them into the Word! Order today by calling: 1-800-765-6955 or online at: http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com
***************************

Dwight L. Moody, one of the most prolific evangelists of modern times, always had an eagerness to learn, to progress, to grow.
During one long preaching tour, he was traveling by train with a singer named Towner. In their car, a drunk with a badly bruised eye recognized Moody and started bawling out hymns. Not wanting to deal with the man, Moody said, “Let’s get out of here.” But Towner told him all the other cars were full.
Then a conductor came down the aisle. Moody, still irritated, stopped him and pointed out the drunk. The conductor first gently quieted the man. Then he bathed and bandaged the man’s eye, and finally, he led him back to a seat—where the man fell asleep.
After reflecting on what had happened, Moody told his companion, “This has been a terrible rebuke to me.” The conductor had acted like the good Samaritan, Moody said, while he, on the other hand, had responded like an indifferent Pharisee. During the rest of that preaching tour, Moody included this story in his sermons.—By Mark Finley, Signs of the Times, August 1995.

Quote: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.”—By Emerson, Signs of the Times, June 23, 1953.

***************************
Read articles from past issues of Signs of the Times at: http://www.SignsTimes.org
***************************
There are certain truths that are never obsolete. There is a very old story of a sailing ship that was crossing an ocean. The captain asked a younger sailor to take the wheel for a few hours while he slept. The captain’s instructions were, “Keep in line with the North Star.”
Several hours later, the captain returned to the bridge to find the vessel off course. He asked the young man, “Where’s the North Star?”
The sailor replied, “We passed that long ago.”
There are some fixed points in human experience. God, Christ, the Bible, and the destiny of man are among these “absolutes.”—By Norval F. Pease, These Times, September 1971.

Quote: “Someone told a reformed alcoholic, ‘I see you have the mastery of the devil at last.’ ‘No,’ came the quiet answer, ‘but I do have the Master of the devil.’ “—By Leighton Ford, These Times, January 1966.

***************************

Little Things

We should mind little things—little courtesies in life, little matters of personal appearance, little extravagances, little minutes of wasted time, little details in our work.
The first hint Newton had leading to his most important optical discoveries was derived from a child’s soap bubble.
The art of printing was suggested by a man cutting letters in the bark of a tree.
The telescope was the outcome of a boy’s amusement with two glasses in his father’s shop.
Goodyear neglected his skillet until it was red hot, and the accident guided him to the manufacture of vulcanized rubber.
The web of a spider suggested to Captain Brown the idea of a suspension bridge.
Henry Ford’s idea about a perfect watch plant gave him a plan for his giant motor industry.
J. L. Kraft’s idea to put cheese in a sanitary package was the start of his enormous business.
Watching a spider weave its web gave Robert Bruce the courage to try again.
Little things! Every one a little thing. Yet how important they proved to be to the man who had the wit to correlate these little things with the idea in his head.—Church and Home, Signs of the Times, November 10, 1953.

***************************
Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.]]>
The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times.
***************************

A young lad one day very happily held a string in his hands. An elderly gentleman, passing near the field in which the boy played, asked him what he was doing with the string. The lad answered enthusiastically: “I have a kite on the end of this string.”
The stranger looked upward intently. Low clouds hung overhead. “I can’t see any kite,” he protested.
“Well, come over here and take hold of this string,” the lad invited.
The gentleman crossed over to the boy and took hold of the string, and, as he did so, he felt the pull of the unseen kite as it surged and tugged, borne on the air currents far above the ground. The gentleman could make no further protest. There was a kite on the end of the string.
It is even so with God. We cannot see God. And yet, a thousand times and in a thousand ways we have felt His tugging at our heartstrings, drawing us to Him with tender cords of love and whispering in our wayward ears: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.—By Benjamin Maxson, Signs of the Times, January 31, 1939.

Quote: “Stars may be seen from the bottom of a deep well when they cannot be discerned from the top of a mountain. So are many things learned in adversity which the prosperous man dreams not of.”—Charles Spurgeon, Signs of the Times, January 10, 1939.

***************************
Don't miss the August 2009 issue of Signs of the Times: “How the World Will End”, “What is God Like?”, “Miracles: How to tell the True from the False”, “The Book That Saved a Nation” and other great articles.

To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or online at http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com
***************************

An elderly woman going through a forest came to a crossroads. She stopped and threw her walking cane up into the air several times. A man with a wagon was traveling behind her. He saw the woman standing there throwing her cane up in the air. Finally she took the road to the right.
After a while the man with the wagon caught up with the old woman. He invited her to ride with him, and she stepped up into his wagon. After a little while he told her that he had seen her standing at the crossroads throwing her cane up in the air, and he wondered what the purpose of that exercise had been.
The woman confided to him that in her walking through the forest she often came to crossroads. Inasmuch as she did not always know which road she should take, she divined the right course by throwing her cane up into the air. In whatever direction the head of her cane pointed when it came down, that road, she said, she took. Then she added quickly, “But sometimes I have to do it more than once.” She had already made up her mind which road to take, and kept on throwing her cane until it pointed in her chosen direction. To individuals with predetermined decisions God does not unveil His will.
God is eager to guide His committed servants, even in the minutiae of life. He is willing to direct you and me, not only in the big decisions of life, but also in the small ones.—By Arnold V. Wallenkampf, These Times, April 1970.

Quote: “Christ and His apostles taught the people in the tongue that was best known to them. Why should men not do so now?”—By John Wycliffe (1320-1384)—first translator of our complete English Bible, These Times, August 1980.

***************************
NEW from Pacific Press—Mayday Over the Arctic! by Dorothy N. Nelson. This is the moving story of one woman’s discovery of expanding horizons and unlimited challenges—including the dramatic retelling of an emergency landing in the Arctic—that demonstrates God’s providence and leading in our lives.

Read the first chapter of this book online at http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/olink...0816322910 Order online or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955.
***************************

A school teacher was giving a lesson in fractions. “Johnny, suppose there were seven in your family: five children, plus mother and father—a total of seven. And suppose there was pie for dessert. What fraction of the pie would you get?”
Johnny answered, “One sixth.”
“But you don’t understand,” replied the teacher. “Don’t you know about fractions?”
“I know about fractions and I know about mothers, too,” remarked Johnny. “Mother would say she didn’t want any!”

Quote: “If God has called you to be a missionary, I would hate to see you shrivel down to be a king.”—By Spurgeon, These Times, August 1961.

***************************
Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Signs is attractive and EFFECTIVE. Each year thousands request Bible studies after reading its life changing articles. Bring a friend or neighbor one step closer to Jesus by getting them into the Word! Order today by calling: 1-800-765-6955 or online at: http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com
***************************

Dwight L. Moody, one of the most prolific evangelists of modern times, always had an eagerness to learn, to progress, to grow.
During one long preaching tour, he was traveling by train with a singer named Towner. In their car, a drunk with a badly bruised eye recognized Moody and started bawling out hymns. Not wanting to deal with the man, Moody said, “Let’s get out of here.” But Towner told him all the other cars were full.
Then a conductor came down the aisle. Moody, still irritated, stopped him and pointed out the drunk. The conductor first gently quieted the man. Then he bathed and bandaged the man’s eye, and finally, he led him back to a seat—where the man fell asleep.
After reflecting on what had happened, Moody told his companion, “This has been a terrible rebuke to me.” The conductor had acted like the good Samaritan, Moody said, while he, on the other hand, had responded like an indifferent Pharisee. During the rest of that preaching tour, Moody included this story in his sermons.—By Mark Finley, Signs of the Times, August 1995.

Quote: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.”—By Emerson, Signs of the Times, June 23, 1953.

***************************
Read articles from past issues of Signs of the Times at: http://www.SignsTimes.org
***************************
There are certain truths that are never obsolete. There is a very old story of a sailing ship that was crossing an ocean. The captain asked a younger sailor to take the wheel for a few hours while he slept. The captain’s instructions were, “Keep in line with the North Star.”
Several hours later, the captain returned to the bridge to find the vessel off course. He asked the young man, “Where’s the North Star?”
The sailor replied, “We passed that long ago.”
There are some fixed points in human experience. God, Christ, the Bible, and the destiny of man are among these “absolutes.”—By Norval F. Pease, These Times, September 1971.

Quote: “Someone told a reformed alcoholic, ‘I see you have the mastery of the devil at last.’ ‘No,’ came the quiet answer, ‘but I do have the Master of the devil.’ “—By Leighton Ford, These Times, January 1966.

***************************

Little Things

We should mind little things—little courtesies in life, little matters of personal appearance, little extravagances, little minutes of wasted time, little details in our work.
The first hint Newton had leading to his most important optical discoveries was derived from a child’s soap bubble.
The art of printing was suggested by a man cutting letters in the bark of a tree.
The telescope was the outcome of a boy’s amusement with two glasses in his father’s shop.
Goodyear neglected his skillet until it was red hot, and the accident guided him to the manufacture of vulcanized rubber.
The web of a spider suggested to Captain Brown the idea of a suspension bridge.
Henry Ford’s idea about a perfect watch plant gave him a plan for his giant motor industry.
J. L. Kraft’s idea to put cheese in a sanitary package was the start of his enormous business.
Watching a spider weave its web gave Robert Bruce the courage to try again.
Little things! Every one a little thing. Yet how important they proved to be to the man who had the wit to correlate these little things with the idea in his head.—Church and Home, Signs of the Times, November 10, 1953.

***************************
Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3369 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:17:12 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3369 June 30, 2009

In This Issue:

________________________________

Adventists join public health, faith groups in commending U.S. anti-smoking bill Legislation aims to curb underage smoking

German church Twitters sermons live during service
Goal to create "close relationship with God"

Church Chat: Wagner on the state of philanthropy in Adventist institutions Fundraising should be ongoing, part of organization's complete package
________________________________


Adventists join public health, faith groups in commending U.S. anti-smoking bill

Legislation aims to curb underage smoking

30 Jun 2009, Washington, D.C., United States
Elizabeth Lechleitner/ANN

Seventh-day Adventist anti-smoking advocates are among more than a thousand public health, faith and other non-governmental groups applauding a new bill heralded as the strongest action ever taken by the United States government to reduce tobacco use.

President Barack Obama speaks at a bill signing ceremony for sweeping new anti-tobacco legislation last week in the White House Rose Garden. Anti-smoking advocates are praising the bill, which gives the nation's Food and Drug Administration broad authority to restrict tobacco use. [photo: DeWitt S. Williams/ANN]

Signed into law last week by U.S. President Barack Obama, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is expected to give unprecedented authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to restrict tobacco manufacture and marketing, with particular focus on keeping kids smoke-free, anti-smoking activists say.

The bill, which comes 45 years after the U.S. Surgeon General first linked smoking and lung cancer, will impose higher taxes on cigarettes, further restrict tobacco advertising and ban what the White House calls "misleading" claims, such as "light" or "low-tar." It also aims to halt illegal sales of tobacco products to children, ban candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes and allow the FDA to lower the amount of nicotine in tobacco products.

Following years of relative inaction from the government on the issue of tobaccos, the bill is a "step in the right direction," said Peter Landless, associate director for the Adventist world church's department of Health Ministries.

The Adventist Church, whose Five Day Stop Smoking Plan was one of the first smoking cessation programs, now largely partners with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart and Lung Associations.

"We commend them for leading the way on this legislation," said DeWitt S. Williams, director of Health Ministries for the church's North American region and a member of Faith United Against Tobacco, a coalition of anti-smoking denominational leaders.

Williams, who was present during the bill signing ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, said he shared Mr. Obama's hope that the bill will better protect children from tobacco addiction.

"It's good to see Adventists getting active again," Williams said, citing the many letters written and calls made by church members urging their Congressional representatives to vote for the bill.

________________________________


German church Twitters sermons live during service
Goal to create "close relationship with God"

25 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Megan Brauner/ANN

A group of Adventists in Germany spend their Sabbath mornings on Twitter, but instead of zoning out in church they are posting the sermon 140 characters at a time.

Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Germany are sharing sermons live using the microblogging service Twitter. The Twitter sermons are the first of their kind in country, according to German newspaper Bild.

Twitter, a microblogging and social networking service, is used for everything from sharing what someone had for breakfast to breaking the latest news. For Martin Haase, Twitter is a tool for sharing God.

Haase, former communication director for the Euro-Africa region of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, said in today's culture it's normal to be on the Internet all day long, wherever you are.

"With Twitter you can [bring] people up to date with the gospel while [they are] sitting in a coffee shop or waiting at a subway station," Haase said.

Haase has been heavily involved in creating and promoting the Schlosskirche Twitter account. The Twitter sermons are the first of their kind in the country, according to German newspaper Bild.

Ultimately, Haase hopes to have a group of church members and up to four pastors involved in the Tweeting process. A whole sermon consists of between 120 to 140 tweets.

Right now, 66 people are following Schlosskirche (Castle Church) on Twitter. Haase said most of the followers are not members of the Adventist church.

"Twitter will train us church members to use and understand the digital communication of postmodern society," Haase said. "You have to translate our traditional church language into 140 [character] phrases."

The Bergisch Gladbach Adventist Church and staonline, a German Adventist media outreach organization, are also assisting the Twitter sermons.

To follow the Castle Church on Twitter, search for Schlosskirche. Visit schlosskirche.org for more information.
________________________________


Church Chat: Wagner on the state of philanthropy in Adventist institutions Fundraising should be ongoing, part of organization's complete package

25 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN

Fundraiser Lilya Wagner dreads "those calls." A pastor phones to say his congregation just built a church and now he wants to know how to pay for it. Another caller wants to know how to reduce debt at a school on the brink of closing. In fact, too many calls, she says, show a lack of understanding about how and why to raise money.

"I don't think this is good use of God's resources or the intellect He's given us," says Wagner, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Philanthropic Services for Institutions.

First of all, she says, a significant number of Seventh-day Adventist institutions don't understand what "philanthropy" is.

The word was nearly unheard of a few years ago. Today, it's commonplace, appearing regularly in the Wall Street Journal and People magazine. To boot, a new show premiered last night on NBC titled The Philanthropist.

In 1973, PSI launched with the aim of promoting the profession of fundraising and making healthcare institutions more financially stable. Initially, its founder, Milton Murray, had a tough time convincing church leaders that the department was necessary.

PSI has since expanded to offer assistance to any church organization in North America. Yesterday, PSI launched a revamped Web site to offer resources and training opportunities for fundraising.

Wagner, originally from Estonia, is the author of several books on fundraising. She still works 25 percent of her time as a faculty member for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, largely considered the nation's premier program for philanthropy. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska, a master's of music from Andrews University and a doctorate in education.

At the helm of PSI for a year now, Wagner recently granted an interview at her office at the church's North American headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. She discussed common misunderstandings about philanthropy and why pastors and church administrators need to understand why it should be a key part of a nonprofit organizational structure. Excerpts:

Adventist News Network: What is philanthropy?

Lilya Wagner: It's caring for others in a community. Unfortunately, too many people -- positively or negatively -- put the emphasis on the money. Fundraising is exciting for one major reason -- it's not about the money. It's about what the money will accomplish. If it's going to have one Adventist student go to a denominational school at any level; if it's going to provide mission services anywhere in the world; if it's going to help offer someone healthcare...that's what it's about. The money is just the price tag for something very valuable.

ANN: How has giving been affected since the economic slide in October?

Wagner: Data are mixed, but here are some generalizations: for the most part people haven't stopped giving, but they're giving less. Right now, some people are saying that 10,000 to 100,000 non-profits [in North America] will go under. Well we don't know that. What we do know is that those organizations that haven't had ongoing, sustainable fundraising programs that work are the ones that are the most vulnerable.

ANN: What are some of your goals?

Wagner: We'd like to increase the knowledge that pastors have about using resources wisely. I think [Adventists] have a good organization, a good system. But with anything good I believe the Lord gives us wisdom to take that which is best of the advances, such as technology. Also, we just completed a massive survey. A lot of organizations who could be our clients don't know we even exist. Hopefully, our new Web site will offer them information on resources, like our fundraising courses and conference.

ANN: Several Adventist academies, and even a couple colleges, are struggling to survive. Is a strong philanthropic program the answer?

Wagner: Let me answer that with one little cliché: Why would you put deck chairs on the Titanic? When you're going under is not the time to raise funds. That's why I keep talking about sustainable, ongoing, organizational context. That's not to say that fundraising couldn't rescue an organization. But how many fundraisers have been hung out to dry because an organization said, "Oops, we've got a debt," or "Oops, our major donor died," or "Our government funding died -- hire a fundraiser."

ANN: So where does philanthropy fit within an organization?

Wagner: It's very much intertwined with the functioning of the overall organization, both externally and internally. And there are organiations that realize that to be as excellent as we'd like to think Adventist organizations are, or can be, that they have to take these steps seriously. Fundraising is not a solo performance, it's very much being part of a choir.

ANN: Does hiring a fundraiser pay for itself?

Wagner: When you hire a faculty member, when you hire a PR person, you don't say "are they going to earn their salary?" It's part of the whole picture. What you're doing is diminishing the role and value of the fundraiser to the organization. You wouldn't say that to a financial officer. It's really totally unfair to see a fundraiser like that.

ANN: Indiana University's Fund Raising School lists the "six rights." What are they?

Wagner: The right person asking the right prospect for the right cause in the right way at the right time for the right amount.

ANN: Who's the right type of person for a fundraising role?

Wagner: Technically speaking, many people could learn to be good fundraisers. But I would like to see the church really get more professional people on board. Sometimes we're pulling in anybody who could possibly fit the bill.

ANN: Isn't philanthropy already built into the church's tithe structure?

Wagner: We sometimes say, "I gave my tithes and offerings, what more do you want?" Just about every religion I know has an expectation or even a mandate to be generous. Most Protestant denominations don't have a mandate but a very strong suggestion. I think that the matter of generosity, which Jesus certainly exemplified, is something that at times we don't take seriously enough.

ANN: Where does the commitment to philanthropy start? Is it at the church's division level or the conferences or the seminary?

Wagner: Everywhere. Certainly this office wouldn't have continued so long without the North American division's commitment. I think we still have plenty of room to grow with its awareness and the role it plays in the denomination. But the church, and even the rest of society has made progress. A few years ago philanthropy was unheard of. Now its got its own TV show.

________________________________

news.adventist.org]]> June 30, 2009

In This Issue:

________________________________

Adventists join public health, faith groups in commending U.S. anti-smoking bill Legislation aims to curb underage smoking

German church Twitters sermons live during service
Goal to create "close relationship with God"

Church Chat: Wagner on the state of philanthropy in Adventist institutions Fundraising should be ongoing, part of organization's complete package
________________________________


Adventists join public health, faith groups in commending U.S. anti-smoking bill

Legislation aims to curb underage smoking

30 Jun 2009, Washington, D.C., United States
Elizabeth Lechleitner/ANN

Seventh-day Adventist anti-smoking advocates are among more than a thousand public health, faith and other non-governmental groups applauding a new bill heralded as the strongest action ever taken by the United States government to reduce tobacco use.

President Barack Obama speaks at a bill signing ceremony for sweeping new anti-tobacco legislation last week in the White House Rose Garden. Anti-smoking advocates are praising the bill, which gives the nation's Food and Drug Administration broad authority to restrict tobacco use. [photo: DeWitt S. Williams/ANN]

Signed into law last week by U.S. President Barack Obama, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is expected to give unprecedented authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to restrict tobacco manufacture and marketing, with particular focus on keeping kids smoke-free, anti-smoking activists say.

The bill, which comes 45 years after the U.S. Surgeon General first linked smoking and lung cancer, will impose higher taxes on cigarettes, further restrict tobacco advertising and ban what the White House calls "misleading" claims, such as "light" or "low-tar." It also aims to halt illegal sales of tobacco products to children, ban candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes and allow the FDA to lower the amount of nicotine in tobacco products.

Following years of relative inaction from the government on the issue of tobaccos, the bill is a "step in the right direction," said Peter Landless, associate director for the Adventist world church's department of Health Ministries.

The Adventist Church, whose Five Day Stop Smoking Plan was one of the first smoking cessation programs, now largely partners with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart and Lung Associations.

"We commend them for leading the way on this legislation," said DeWitt S. Williams, director of Health Ministries for the church's North American region and a member of Faith United Against Tobacco, a coalition of anti-smoking denominational leaders.

Williams, who was present during the bill signing ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, said he shared Mr. Obama's hope that the bill will better protect children from tobacco addiction.

"It's good to see Adventists getting active again," Williams said, citing the many letters written and calls made by church members urging their Congressional representatives to vote for the bill.

________________________________


German church Twitters sermons live during service
Goal to create "close relationship with God"

25 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Megan Brauner/ANN

A group of Adventists in Germany spend their Sabbath mornings on Twitter, but instead of zoning out in church they are posting the sermon 140 characters at a time.

Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Germany are sharing sermons live using the microblogging service Twitter. The Twitter sermons are the first of their kind in country, according to German newspaper Bild.

Twitter, a microblogging and social networking service, is used for everything from sharing what someone had for breakfast to breaking the latest news. For Martin Haase, Twitter is a tool for sharing God.

Haase, former communication director for the Euro-Africa region of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, said in today's culture it's normal to be on the Internet all day long, wherever you are.

"With Twitter you can [bring] people up to date with the gospel while [they are] sitting in a coffee shop or waiting at a subway station," Haase said.

Haase has been heavily involved in creating and promoting the Schlosskirche Twitter account. The Twitter sermons are the first of their kind in the country, according to German newspaper Bild.

Ultimately, Haase hopes to have a group of church members and up to four pastors involved in the Tweeting process. A whole sermon consists of between 120 to 140 tweets.

Right now, 66 people are following Schlosskirche (Castle Church) on Twitter. Haase said most of the followers are not members of the Adventist church.

"Twitter will train us church members to use and understand the digital communication of postmodern society," Haase said. "You have to translate our traditional church language into 140 [character] phrases."

The Bergisch Gladbach Adventist Church and staonline, a German Adventist media outreach organization, are also assisting the Twitter sermons.

To follow the Castle Church on Twitter, search for Schlosskirche. Visit schlosskirche.org for more information.
________________________________


Church Chat: Wagner on the state of philanthropy in Adventist institutions Fundraising should be ongoing, part of organization's complete package

25 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN

Fundraiser Lilya Wagner dreads "those calls." A pastor phones to say his congregation just built a church and now he wants to know how to pay for it. Another caller wants to know how to reduce debt at a school on the brink of closing. In fact, too many calls, she says, show a lack of understanding about how and why to raise money.

"I don't think this is good use of God's resources or the intellect He's given us," says Wagner, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Philanthropic Services for Institutions.

First of all, she says, a significant number of Seventh-day Adventist institutions don't understand what "philanthropy" is.

The word was nearly unheard of a few years ago. Today, it's commonplace, appearing regularly in the Wall Street Journal and People magazine. To boot, a new show premiered last night on NBC titled The Philanthropist.

In 1973, PSI launched with the aim of promoting the profession of fundraising and making healthcare institutions more financially stable. Initially, its founder, Milton Murray, had a tough time convincing church leaders that the department was necessary.

PSI has since expanded to offer assistance to any church organization in North America. Yesterday, PSI launched a revamped Web site to offer resources and training opportunities for fundraising.

Wagner, originally from Estonia, is the author of several books on fundraising. She still works 25 percent of her time as a faculty member for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, largely considered the nation's premier program for philanthropy. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska, a master's of music from Andrews University and a doctorate in education.

At the helm of PSI for a year now, Wagner recently granted an interview at her office at the church's North American headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. She discussed common misunderstandings about philanthropy and why pastors and church administrators need to understand why it should be a key part of a nonprofit organizational structure. Excerpts:

Adventist News Network: What is philanthropy?

Lilya Wagner: It's caring for others in a community. Unfortunately, too many people -- positively or negatively -- put the emphasis on the money. Fundraising is exciting for one major reason -- it's not about the money. It's about what the money will accomplish. If it's going to have one Adventist student go to a denominational school at any level; if it's going to provide mission services anywhere in the world; if it's going to help offer someone healthcare...that's what it's about. The money is just the price tag for something very valuable.

ANN: How has giving been affected since the economic slide in October?

Wagner: Data are mixed, but here are some generalizations: for the most part people haven't stopped giving, but they're giving less. Right now, some people are saying that 10,000 to 100,000 non-profits [in North America] will go under. Well we don't know that. What we do know is that those organizations that haven't had ongoing, sustainable fundraising programs that work are the ones that are the most vulnerable.

ANN: What are some of your goals?

Wagner: We'd like to increase the knowledge that pastors have about using resources wisely. I think [Adventists] have a good organization, a good system. But with anything good I believe the Lord gives us wisdom to take that which is best of the advances, such as technology. Also, we just completed a massive survey. A lot of organizations who could be our clients don't know we even exist. Hopefully, our new Web site will offer them information on resources, like our fundraising courses and conference.

ANN: Several Adventist academies, and even a couple colleges, are struggling to survive. Is a strong philanthropic program the answer?

Wagner: Let me answer that with one little cliché: Why would you put deck chairs on the Titanic? When you're going under is not the time to raise funds. That's why I keep talking about sustainable, ongoing, organizational context. That's not to say that fundraising couldn't rescue an organization. But how many fundraisers have been hung out to dry because an organization said, "Oops, we've got a debt," or "Oops, our major donor died," or "Our government funding died -- hire a fundraiser."

ANN: So where does philanthropy fit within an organization?

Wagner: It's very much intertwined with the functioning of the overall organization, both externally and internally. And there are organiations that realize that to be as excellent as we'd like to think Adventist organizations are, or can be, that they have to take these steps seriously. Fundraising is not a solo performance, it's very much being part of a choir.

ANN: Does hiring a fundraiser pay for itself?

Wagner: When you hire a faculty member, when you hire a PR person, you don't say "are they going to earn their salary?" It's part of the whole picture. What you're doing is diminishing the role and value of the fundraiser to the organization. You wouldn't say that to a financial officer. It's really totally unfair to see a fundraiser like that.

ANN: Indiana University's Fund Raising School lists the "six rights." What are they?

Wagner: The right person asking the right prospect for the right cause in the right way at the right time for the right amount.

ANN: Who's the right type of person for a fundraising role?

Wagner: Technically speaking, many people could learn to be good fundraisers. But I would like to see the church really get more professional people on board. Sometimes we're pulling in anybody who could possibly fit the bill.

ANN: Isn't philanthropy already built into the church's tithe structure?

Wagner: We sometimes say, "I gave my tithes and offerings, what more do you want?" Just about every religion I know has an expectation or even a mandate to be generous. Most Protestant denominations don't have a mandate but a very strong suggestion. I think that the matter of generosity, which Jesus certainly exemplified, is something that at times we don't take seriously enough.

ANN: Where does the commitment to philanthropy start? Is it at the church's division level or the conferences or the seminary?

Wagner: Everywhere. Certainly this office wouldn't have continued so long without the North American division's commitment. I think we still have plenty of room to grow with its awareness and the role it plays in the denomination. But the church, and even the rest of society has made progress. A few years ago philanthropy was unheard of. Now its got its own TV show.

________________________________

news.adventist.org]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3368 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:49:17 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3368
We'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on this topic or any other in the forum....]]>
We'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on this topic or any other in the forum....]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3366 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:46:30 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3366
http://www.singles.ag.org/]]>
http://www.singles.ag.org/]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3365 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:38:00 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3365
We will also be doing a PowerPoint presentation one evening (not sure which yet). The presentation will be on our Revelstoke and Fort St John Church Renovations Projects. I have most of the pictures and now need to write the script. People will be interested in hearing more about these two projects. Both were good ones and well attended.]]>
We will also be doing a PowerPoint presentation one evening (not sure which yet). The presentation will be on our Revelstoke and Fort St John Church Renovations Projects. I have most of the pictures and now need to write the script. People will be interested in hearing more about these two projects. Both were good ones and well attended.]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3364 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:56:17 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3364

An elderly man in Louisiana had owned a large farm for several years.

He had a large pond in the back.

It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables,
horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over.

He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, 'we're not coming out until you leave!'

The old man frowned, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked.'

Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm just here to feed the alligator.'

Some old men can still think fast.]]>

An elderly man in Louisiana had owned a large farm for several years.

He had a large pond in the back.

It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables,
horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over.

He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, 'we're not coming out until you leave!'

The old man frowned, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked.'

Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm just here to feed the alligator.'

Some old men can still think fast.]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3363 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:51:06 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3363
So all you Canadians out there, have a great July 1st! We have a wonderful country in which to live! We are truly blessed.]]>
So all you Canadians out there, have a great July 1st! We have a wonderful country in which to live! We are truly blessed.]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3362 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:07:24 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3362
YOU CAN CHOOSE 3]]>
YOU CAN CHOOSE 3]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3361 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:05:33 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3361
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY or JULY 4th

hope all have a good day


dgrimm60]]>
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY or JULY 4th

hope all have a good day


dgrimm60]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3360 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:59:41 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3360
welcome to this forum hope you meet new friends here

hope you feel comfortable in posting your comments
and your thoughts

again welcome


dgrimm60]]>
welcome to this forum hope you meet new friends here

hope you feel comfortable in posting your comments
and your thoughts

again welcome


dgrimm60]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3359 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:42:48 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3359 A News and Information Service for Leaders in North America


IN THIS ISSUE —

■ Attend PSI’s “Planned Giving: Getting the Proper Start” Course
■ Changes for The Adventist Channel Banner on Your Website
■ Share the Hope Together Webinar, Online Seminars
■ Walla Walla University Introduces “Homebase”
■ Hope Church Channel Help Line
■ Take Worship Services to a New Level
■ Upcoming Events

RESOURCES —

■ MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTEND “PLANNED GIVING: Getting the Proper Start.” PSI is offering this course Sept 21-23 at Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. It is open to all fund raising and planned giving personnel and also would enhance the knowledge of leaders of nonprofit organizations, including pastors, academy principals, ministry leaders, conference and union treasurers.

Contact: http://www.plusline.org/eventdetail.php?id=10178 for more information and to register. Early bird rate ends June 25.

■ CHANGE THE ADVENTIST CHANNEL BANNER ON YOUR WEBSITE — The code has changed for The Adventist Channel Mini Launcher in order to make it better. If the one on your website is no longer working it is easy to fix. Just go to http://www.TheAdventistChannel.org and click on the "Put TAC on your website!" tab at the bottom of the channel guide. You will see 4 different player options, two for TAC, one for Esperanza TV and one for VOP Radio. Click the “Get & Share” tab at the bottom of the player of your choice. Then click the "Copy Code" button at the bottom of the pop-up, then paste the code into your website.

■ SHARE THE HOPE TOGETHER WEBINAR, JULY 8 — Need help planning for September 11 evangelism? Are you wondering what your handbill should say? Need to find a printer? Do you have questions that need answers?

Contact: http://www.sharethehope2009.com during the last week of June for links to the webinar which will be July 8 at 2 pm, ET. Even more importantly, tune into the Share the Hope Together classes hosted by Gary Gibbs. He and his experienced guest evangelists will walk you through the planning process.

While at the site, check out the 28 seminars on various facets of evangelism, available in video as recorded at the Adventist Ministries Convention.

■ WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY IS INTRODUCING HOMEBASE, a new residential life and discipleship program for students who wish to be part of WWU’s socially vibrant and spiritually rich campus community while pursuing selected areas of study at Walla Walla Community College.

“Homebase is a creative collaboration option that will allow many students to realize their educational and social goals,” says Ken Rogers, WWU vice president for student life. "Our goal is to provide a spiritually and socially stimulating on-campus environment at rates competitive with what the average community college student may pay for rent and living expenses on their own.”

Contact: http://npuc.createsend3.com/t/r/l/irdilu/uiukhuld/t for more information.

■ FOR HOPE CHURCH CHANNEL HELP, call 888-4-HOPE-TV.

■ TAKE WORSHIP SERVICES TO A NEW LEVEL — Vervent is holding Worship Conferences across the country. So far they have been in Los Angeles, Washington DC and Berrien Springs. If you missed these, there is one left – the UCAA Vervent Music and Worship Conference, Sept 17-19 in Atlanta, GA.

Contact: http://www.ucaaonline.org for information and to register.

In the meantime, you can watch many of the Worship Conference presentations and find many more resources for worship, at http://www.vervent.org. The presentations are broken
down by topic and are outlined for easy reference. Click the "View Channels" button for an index to all of the presentations. Then select the "Worship Conferences" for videos of presentations made at recent worship conferences. More are being added all the time.


UPCOMING EVENTS —

For a more complete list of upcoming events go to http://www.nadadventist.org/article.php?id=350

• Adventist Single Adult Ministries (ASAM) Convention, July 2-4, Newport Beach, California - http://www.adventistsingleadultministries.org & http://www.focusnyc.org

• Family Celebration Sabbath, July 17-19, Berrien Springs, MI – http://www.adventistfamilyministries.com

• ASI Convention, Aug 5-8, Phoenix, AZ - http://www.asiministries.org

• Pathfinder "Courage to Stand" Camporee, Aug 11-15 - Oshkosh WI – http://www.camporee.org

• Adventist Correction Chaplains Conference, Aug 26-29, New England Denominational History Tour

• Adventist Urban Congress, Aug 30-Sept 2, Dallas, TX – http://www.plusline.org

• GIEN Internet Ministries Conference, Sept 9-12, Orlando, FL – http://www.plusline.org

• Youth & Young Adult Ministries Leadership Training/Chicago, Sept 11-12, Hinsdale, IL -- http://www.innovations2009.com

• Children's Ministries Training, Sept 11-13, Orlando, FL – http://www.childmin.com

• K.I.D. University, Sept 13-16, Collegedale, TN - http://www.KidsInDiscipleship.org

• UCAA Worship Conference, Sept 18-19, Nashville, TN - http://www.ucaaonline.org

• Women’s Ministry Convention, Sept 25-27, Dallas, TX – http://www.nadwm.org

• "From This Day Forward" Marriage Conference, Sept 26, Minneapolis, MN – http://www.adventistfamilyministries.com


ÈÈÈ

Managing Editor – Lynetta Murdoch]]> A News and Information Service for Leaders in North America


IN THIS ISSUE —

■ Attend PSI’s “Planned Giving: Getting the Proper Start” Course
■ Changes for The Adventist Channel Banner on Your Website
■ Share the Hope Together Webinar, Online Seminars
■ Walla Walla University Introduces “Homebase”
■ Hope Church Channel Help Line
■ Take Worship Services to a New Level
■ Upcoming Events

RESOURCES —

■ MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTEND “PLANNED GIVING: Getting the Proper Start.” PSI is offering this course Sept 21-23 at Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. It is open to all fund raising and planned giving personnel and also would enhance the knowledge of leaders of nonprofit organizations, including pastors, academy principals, ministry leaders, conference and union treasurers.

Contact: http://www.plusline.org/eventdetail.php?id=10178 for more information and to register. Early bird rate ends June 25.

■ CHANGE THE ADVENTIST CHANNEL BANNER ON YOUR WEBSITE — The code has changed for The Adventist Channel Mini Launcher in order to make it better. If the one on your website is no longer working it is easy to fix. Just go to http://www.TheAdventistChannel.org and click on the "Put TAC on your website!" tab at the bottom of the channel guide. You will see 4 different player options, two for TAC, one for Esperanza TV and one for VOP Radio. Click the “Get & Share” tab at the bottom of the player of your choice. Then click the "Copy Code" button at the bottom of the pop-up, then paste the code into your website.

■ SHARE THE HOPE TOGETHER WEBINAR, JULY 8 — Need help planning for September 11 evangelism? Are you wondering what your handbill should say? Need to find a printer? Do you have questions that need answers?

Contact: http://www.sharethehope2009.com during the last week of June for links to the webinar which will be July 8 at 2 pm, ET. Even more importantly, tune into the Share the Hope Together classes hosted by Gary Gibbs. He and his experienced guest evangelists will walk you through the planning process.

While at the site, check out the 28 seminars on various facets of evangelism, available in video as recorded at the Adventist Ministries Convention.

■ WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY IS INTRODUCING HOMEBASE, a new residential life and discipleship program for students who wish to be part of WWU’s socially vibrant and spiritually rich campus community while pursuing selected areas of study at Walla Walla Community College.

“Homebase is a creative collaboration option that will allow many students to realize their educational and social goals,” says Ken Rogers, WWU vice president for student life. "Our goal is to provide a spiritually and socially stimulating on-campus environment at rates competitive with what the average community college student may pay for rent and living expenses on their own.”

Contact: http://npuc.createsend3.com/t/r/l/irdilu/uiukhuld/t for more information.

■ FOR HOPE CHURCH CHANNEL HELP, call 888-4-HOPE-TV.

■ TAKE WORSHIP SERVICES TO A NEW LEVEL — Vervent is holding Worship Conferences across the country. So far they have been in Los Angeles, Washington DC and Berrien Springs. If you missed these, there is one left – the UCAA Vervent Music and Worship Conference, Sept 17-19 in Atlanta, GA.

Contact: http://www.ucaaonline.org for information and to register.

In the meantime, you can watch many of the Worship Conference presentations and find many more resources for worship, at http://www.vervent.org. The presentations are broken
down by topic and are outlined for easy reference. Click the "View Channels" button for an index to all of the presentations. Then select the "Worship Conferences" for videos of presentations made at recent worship conferences. More are being added all the time.


UPCOMING EVENTS —

For a more complete list of upcoming events go to http://www.nadadventist.org/article.php?id=350

• Adventist Single Adult Ministries (ASAM) Convention, July 2-4, Newport Beach, California - http://www.adventistsingleadultministries.org & http://www.focusnyc.org

• Family Celebration Sabbath, July 17-19, Berrien Springs, MI – http://www.adventistfamilyministries.com

• ASI Convention, Aug 5-8, Phoenix, AZ - http://www.asiministries.org

• Pathfinder "Courage to Stand" Camporee, Aug 11-15 - Oshkosh WI – http://www.camporee.org

• Adventist Correction Chaplains Conference, Aug 26-29, New England Denominational History Tour

• Adventist Urban Congress, Aug 30-Sept 2, Dallas, TX – http://www.plusline.org

• GIEN Internet Ministries Conference, Sept 9-12, Orlando, FL – http://www.plusline.org

• Youth & Young Adult Ministries Leadership Training/Chicago, Sept 11-12, Hinsdale, IL -- http://www.innovations2009.com

• Children's Ministries Training, Sept 11-13, Orlando, FL – http://www.childmin.com

• K.I.D. University, Sept 13-16, Collegedale, TN - http://www.KidsInDiscipleship.org

• UCAA Worship Conference, Sept 18-19, Nashville, TN - http://www.ucaaonline.org

• Women’s Ministry Convention, Sept 25-27, Dallas, TX – http://www.nadwm.org

• "From This Day Forward" Marriage Conference, Sept 26, Minneapolis, MN – http://www.adventistfamilyministries.com


ÈÈÈ

Managing Editor – Lynetta Murdoch]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3358 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:04:17 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3358

What is your oppinion...?]]>

What is your oppinion...?]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3357 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:01:58 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3357
I think there are many things that I like to do alone such as:

Stamp collecting, computer, vocal practise, birding.

What about you?]]>
I think there are many things that I like to do alone such as:

Stamp collecting, computer, vocal practise, birding.

What about you?]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3356 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:48:24 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3356
Actually the Lord has really blessed us to live in a place where we are free to worship as He would want us to. We do know that in the end just before Jesus returns we are probably not going to be able to say that but....for the time being we can Praise Him for this wonderful place in which to live. :shy:]]>
Actually the Lord has really blessed us to live in a place where we are free to worship as He would want us to. We do know that in the end just before Jesus returns we are probably not going to be able to say that but....for the time being we can Praise Him for this wonderful place in which to live. :shy:]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3355 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:18:14 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3355 June 23, 2009

In This Issue:
________________________________________

Paulsen speaks on issue of origins
Adventist position on creation affirmed by church president

Continued activism urged at annual religious liberty forum in Washington Congressman Cleaver calls for focus on commonalities instead of differences
________________________________________
Paulsen speaks on issue of origins
Adventist position on creation affirmed by church president
19 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
ANN staff

Responding to ongoing discussions in the church, the president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church urged Adventists to look to scripture as the validity of their faith as it relates to origins.
In a statement released today, Pastor Jan Paulsen appealed to church administrators, ministers, teachers and writers to articulate and reflect the church's stand on creation.

"We must not allow ourselves to come adrift from the Bible in defining our values and in stating what we hold," Paulsen said.
Paulsen referred to the church's position on creation, which was affirmed by the General Conference Executive Committee in October of 2004.

Paulsen said that his appeal came with respect for integrity and professional skills from educators, ministers and writers.
Read Paulsen's full statement here
________________________________________
Continued activism urged at annual religious liberty forum in Washington Congressman Cleaver calls for focus on commonalities instead of differences
19 Jun 2009, Washington, D.C., United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN


A United States congressman told religious freedom proponents in Washington D.C. yesterday that while much has been done to further religious freedom, more needs to be done.

Emanuel Cleaver II, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, said religious liberty violations are often committed unintentionally by governments fearful of losing control and actively exercising power.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, yet persecutions and atrocities are still taking place," Cleaver told some 300 attendees of a religious freedom forum.

His remarks at the 7th Annual Religious Liberty Dinner in Washington D.C. underscored the case of hundreds of millions of people still mistreated because of their faith now more than 60 years after Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some experts estimate there are more than 300 people around the world persecuted for their faith, ranging from prohibition of conversion to cases of workplace discrimination.

"The choice to privately or publicly practice a religious belief or the choice to abstain from a religious belief or the choice to change one's own religious beliefs is unmistakably fundamental to human rights," Cleaver said.

Political differences were set aside for the evening. An ordained United Methodist Minister and a democrat, Cleaver implored religious leaders focus on commonalities instead of differences. He also mentioned that last year's speaker, Trent Franks, a republican and also a member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus is in Cleaver's opposing party. But [he] and I are twins when it comes to religious freedom," Cleaver said.

Other past speakers include Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was the time a senator from New York, as well as Senators John Kerry and John McCain.

The annual event is sponsored by the North American Religious Liberty Association, Liberty magazine and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Freedom of conscience supporters use the forum as an opportunity to meet the key people in Washington and those able to influence policy in other countries.

The dinner was also an opportunity for sponsoring organizations to share reports on current religious freedom work. Since 2005, the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) has held 20 worldwide festivals to recognize countries where religious freedom is guaranteed and practiced. The organization's secretary-general, John Graz, said that while true religious freedom is non-existent in too many countries, religious freedom exists in more than 150 countries.

Several religious liberty proponents were also recognized for their work.

The recipient of the Religious Liberty Dinner's International Award, Denton Lotz, is the former general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. He currently serves as the IRLA president.

"We're here tonight as coreligionists of all different traditions because we believe that religious freedom is an inherent right for all humanity," Lotz said. "We believe that where religious freedom is denied, all other freedoms are denied."

Rabbi David Saperstein received the National Award for his work as director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. He also serves on the White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

This year's A.T. Jones medal was awarded to Alan J. Reinach, president of the North American Religious Liberty Association--West. The attorney and Seventh-day Adventist minister represents employees who have suffered religious discrimination.

________________________________________
news.adventist.org]]> June 23, 2009

In This Issue:
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Paulsen speaks on issue of origins
Adventist position on creation affirmed by church president

Continued activism urged at annual religious liberty forum in Washington Congressman Cleaver calls for focus on commonalities instead of differences
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Paulsen speaks on issue of origins
Adventist position on creation affirmed by church president
19 Jun 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
ANN staff

Responding to ongoing discussions in the church, the president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church urged Adventists to look to scripture as the validity of their faith as it relates to origins.
In a statement released today, Pastor Jan Paulsen appealed to church administrators, ministers, teachers and writers to articulate and reflect the church's stand on creation.

"We must not allow ourselves to come adrift from the Bible in defining our values and in stating what we hold," Paulsen said.
Paulsen referred to the church's position on creation, which was affirmed by the General Conference Executive Committee in October of 2004.

Paulsen said that his appeal came with respect for integrity and professional skills from educators, ministers and writers.
Read Paulsen's full statement here
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Continued activism urged at annual religious liberty forum in Washington Congressman Cleaver calls for focus on commonalities instead of differences
19 Jun 2009, Washington, D.C., United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN


A United States congressman told religious freedom proponents in Washington D.C. yesterday that while much has been done to further religious freedom, more needs to be done.

Emanuel Cleaver II, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, said religious liberty violations are often committed unintentionally by governments fearful of losing control and actively exercising power.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, yet persecutions and atrocities are still taking place," Cleaver told some 300 attendees of a religious freedom forum.

His remarks at the 7th Annual Religious Liberty Dinner in Washington D.C. underscored the case of hundreds of millions of people still mistreated because of their faith now more than 60 years after Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some experts estimate there are more than 300 people around the world persecuted for their faith, ranging from prohibition of conversion to cases of workplace discrimination.

"The choice to privately or publicly practice a religious belief or the choice to abstain from a religious belief or the choice to change one's own religious beliefs is unmistakably fundamental to human rights," Cleaver said.

Political differences were set aside for the evening. An ordained United Methodist Minister and a democrat, Cleaver implored religious leaders focus on commonalities instead of differences. He also mentioned that last year's speaker, Trent Franks, a republican and also a member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus is in Cleaver's opposing party. But [he] and I are twins when it comes to religious freedom," Cleaver said.

Other past speakers include Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was the time a senator from New York, as well as Senators John Kerry and John McCain.

The annual event is sponsored by the North American Religious Liberty Association, Liberty magazine and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Freedom of conscience supporters use the forum as an opportunity to meet the key people in Washington and those able to influence policy in other countries.

The dinner was also an opportunity for sponsoring organizations to share reports on current religious freedom work. Since 2005, the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) has held 20 worldwide festivals to recognize countries where religious freedom is guaranteed and practiced. The organization's secretary-general, John Graz, said that while true religious freedom is non-existent in too many countries, religious freedom exists in more than 150 countries.

Several religious liberty proponents were also recognized for their work.

The recipient of the Religious Liberty Dinner's International Award, Denton Lotz, is the former general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. He currently serves as the IRLA president.

"We're here tonight as coreligionists of all different traditions because we believe that religious freedom is an inherent right for all humanity," Lotz said. "We believe that where religious freedom is denied, all other freedoms are denied."

Rabbi David Saperstein received the National Award for his work as director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. He also serves on the White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

This year's A.T. Jones medal was awarded to Alan J. Reinach, president of the North American Religious Liberty Association--West. The attorney and Seventh-day Adventist minister represents employees who have suffered religious discrimination.

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news.adventist.org]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3354 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:44:18 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3354
I WILL be gone all this week I WILL be helping a
friend in another state....

so i hope this forum will make it ok


dgrimm60]]>
I WILL be gone all this week I WILL be helping a
friend in another state....

so i hope this forum will make it ok


dgrimm60]]> http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3353 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:00:33 -0400 http://www.adventistsam.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3353