tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30604011273399615052024-02-21T09:05:56.010-08:00Journeys in MinistryA diary of ministry in the
Pacific Union ConferenceBradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-21102977166703419422014-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:002014-07-20T22:03:25.706-07:00Adventist WestPoint 2014 Free Audio Downloads Available Now<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBEV8KuKSPfBn3TqCevmdpgp7MyQUy5lgFEO5-tyVgBxx2vbKPlr5Cn4lieuKSRqYYVtXdoISGWbUyoXbx8bZeGG4se-BqXSwUpuZUX1GVhq5tbaFvk_gYJ5SnDX0yUCwN4PjCEtlYUFg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBEV8KuKSPfBn3TqCevmdpgp7MyQUy5lgFEO5-tyVgBxx2vbKPlr5Cn4lieuKSRqYYVtXdoISGWbUyoXbx8bZeGG4se-BqXSwUpuZUX1GVhq5tbaFvk_gYJ5SnDX0yUCwN4PjCEtlYUFg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Adventist WestPoint in Mesa, Arizona</td></tr>
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Adventist WestPoint 2014 (April 20-23) was truly the best-ever of our annual series. Every year I'm just thrilled at the way God uses AWP to bring pastors, church members, and conference leaders together for creative thinking about growing the work of God in the Pacific Union and around the North American Division.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oUAkdTR-f9vVSggL3JXZlYsLrWoSzEK6QI6epWxrZhDqbmlTMuvrC06G_Bb5RrGOXs9K4wLA9JD2urwmLbG_Iwc3c381KE0nlW89QayatIfAo3zbNP35DxN8P6FbZ1gfSZyLmz27dz2B/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oUAkdTR-f9vVSggL3JXZlYsLrWoSzEK6QI6epWxrZhDqbmlTMuvrC06G_Bb5RrGOXs9K4wLA9JD2urwmLbG_Iwc3c381KE0nlW89QayatIfAo3zbNP35DxN8P6FbZ1gfSZyLmz27dz2B/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sponsors Hall</td></tr>
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We met at the beautiful Arizona Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona and were blessed with fantastic speakers, music, and seminars. <b>We recorded the morning and evening presentations and you can download them all for <u>FREE </u>at our website. </b><br />
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Go to <a href="http://www.adventistwestpoint.org/" target="_blank"><b>www.AdventistWestPoint.org</b></a> and select the "Archives" tab to capture these six amazing messages. By the way, you can also download the audio of the presentations from Adventist WestPoint 2013 aboard the Queen Mary at the same location. And, look for Gerry Chudleigh's pictures of our participates at the "Archives" section as well.<br />
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If you haven't yet come to an Adventist WestPoint it's worth your review (of course, I'm a little biased). At our website you will see that we're meeting <b> April 5-8, 2015 at the Mission Valley Marriott in San Diego</b>. Registration opens this Fall. <br />
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Best of all you can enjoy meeting friendly folks like these three good friends of mine that help make Adventist WestPoint a "go-to" event every year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo85M-3lt0BS-QfBqEz39R1l0aGZi-xG4BRVwFU-jOoBE6Kdqj79ExnIA-OgdI6hyphenhyphen2pdXIpZqBEGgSEF53GerZtNue3lFRxxXiC7p3dLgKf6tdPC_ddJPG5OBQQKYsT8P6ldvmztjxGzzI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo85M-3lt0BS-QfBqEz39R1l0aGZi-xG4BRVwFU-jOoBE6Kdqj79ExnIA-OgdI6hyphenhyphen2pdXIpZqBEGgSEF53GerZtNue3lFRxxXiC7p3dLgKf6tdPC_ddJPG5OBQQKYsT8P6ldvmztjxGzzI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured left to right: <br />
Larry Witzel (SermonView)<br />
Ernie Furness (Southeastern California Conference)<br />
Kingsley Palmer (Arizona Conference)</td></tr>
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<br />Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-16824648185722169792010-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:002014-07-20T21:02:11.626-07:00West Point 2010--It's a Good ThingIt's been almost 11 months since I began the planning for West Point 2010 which goes from December 5-8 at the Agoura Hills Renaissance Hotel.<br />
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Now that it is drawing nearer I'm reflecting upon the possibilities that can come for everyone--including myself--who will attend.<br />
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First, there has been much prayer that has attended the planning process. I believe that this has resulted in the combining of the talents of diverse people into the ad hoc faculty that will make up our West Point 2010 workshop presenters and plenary speakers. (If you want to check out the program in detail check out our link at: <a href="http://paucministerial.adventistfaith.org/WestPoint">West Point 2010</a>.)<br />
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Second, the venue at which we will deploy this experience is ideally suited to our mission. Tucked up against the Malibu hills, the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/photo-tours.mi?marshaCode=laxag&pageID=HWHOM&imageID=0">Agoura Hills Renaissance Hotel </a>is a quiet setting in a metropolitan location. We have lots of room to spread out for seminars, prayer time, worship, and exhibits. The staff has been preparing for us to arrive and are excited that we are using their facilitiy.<br />
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Third, I'm really grateful for the ministry partners that want to be a part of West Point. The Pacific Union Conference, The Voice of Prophecy,AdventSource, Amazing Facts, Andrews University Press, Faith for Today, It Is Written, and The Quiet Hour are providing financial support, personnel, and exhibit booths. And, each of them are sponsoring the two luncheons that will be provided on Monday and Tuesday.<br />
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Fourth, I've had wonderful partners in the planning and execution of the West Point 2010 plan. There is no large staff or committee that is making West Point 2010 a reality. My assistant, Vivienne, has worked hard on emails, program production, and logistical support that is awesome. My wife, Jennifer, has been my constant partner in every aspect of the planning and execution of this event. I couldn't do any of this without her! We've done an amazing preparation for a great program with a minimal "staff." So, this has really been a "God-thing" to put this size of program together.<br />
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My objective for West Point 2010 has been to start a process of pastoral support, inspiration, and instruction for our Pacific Union. This is just a start and it will continue to evolve into the most meaningful kind of event that will meet the needs of pastors and motivated lay members.<br />
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I'll let you know how it all goes. For now, say a prayer for every one who comes out December 5-8. See you there.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-74464829409381856492010-07-04T20:24:00.000-07:002010-07-10T22:32:17.914-07:00GC #3: Church Manual, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCkIYZvnrcvYSlAhWvlRXJaEt7QDLYIp-cW1998J4hSiHuF9hkLj5MltqKcZ4qffc-6ivdKSDHF1aWC0DkSO_h_FbtyiV_CF4caQlcbPWcTdpg0yxcKlB73KLb5ZkUHBfmhEP9S2YAHZx/s1600/bbook_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCkIYZvnrcvYSlAhWvlRXJaEt7QDLYIp-cW1998J4hSiHuF9hkLj5MltqKcZ4qffc-6ivdKSDHF1aWC0DkSO_h_FbtyiV_CF4caQlcbPWcTdpg0yxcKlB73KLb5ZkUHBfmhEP9S2YAHZx/s320/bbook_01.jpg" /></a></div>The 59th General Conference Session completely reorganized the Church Manual of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For several days of the business sessions the delegates worked through 95 proposed changes that had percolated through the church's committee procedure. Because this single volume is the world-wide application of structure and practice for the entire denomination I paid special attention to each part of the discussion. In the end it was an exercise in cross-cultrual understanding in how to make a world-wide church work in harmony.<br />
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There were some significant changes--some of which were, to me, milestones in how we view leadership in the local church. First, the most revolutionary in my eyes:<br />
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<b>Gender-referenced ordination enters the World Church for the first time.</b> The previous editions of the Church Manual provided for an ordination service for elders and deacons. Please note that "elders" is a gender-neutral office. In North America, Australia, and Europe there are both women and men who are elected as elders and through that election are eligible for ordination. But this gender-neutrality allows churches in places such as the African continent to bypass the whole discussion whether to ordain women elders--they just don't appoint elders who are female. And, of course, deacons are males by definition. The ordination issue for women is moot. But what about the deaconess?<br />
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The previous Church Manual designated an "induction" service for deaconesses elected to this church office. However, the practice of "laying hands of ordination" on deaconesses is increasingly practiced on an ad hoc basis in various parts of the world church. The debate on the delegate floor at this General Conference was whether to officially authorize the ordination of deaconesses in the Church Manual. The actual proposal that came from the General Conference Executive Committee would have allowed the 13 World Divisions to apply this individually--thus leaving it open for cultural application. As you can imagine, this whole topic elicited an intense debate. Various amendments were offered, debated, and defeated. <br />
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In the end, the language voted into the Manual was even stronger than the original proposal. I had a sense that some of the delegates really didn't appreciate how powerful this final action turned out to be. A service of ordination <b><i>should </i></b>be conducted for deacons <b><i>and </i></b>deaconesses without any wiggle-room for the various divisions to opt out of it. Granted, "should" is a middle ground between "may" (optional) and "must" (no choice). But it does do something that has never been done before--the world church has gender-specific ordination for a female. This is monumental, especially in Divisions of the world church that see "ordination" of elders, deacons, and pastors as identical in quality with the only difference being the functions of the office.<br />
Sure, this is a small step but that is the nature of change when you're seeking to move 13 World Divisions together. And the vote came with a surprisingly clear majority.<br />
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I was thankful as we raised our yellow voting cards for progress in equipping every member of the church for service--especially the 60% of the membership who are women.<br />
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But wait....there's more! See GC #4: Church Manual, Part II.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-47991033887680123692010-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:002010-06-27T17:25:24.935-07:00GC #2: What's It All About?Why General Conference Session? The Constitution and Bylaws of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists gives official reasons--election of leadership, revision and adoption of our Church Manual (a HUGE project this session with 95 separate items to vote!), receiving of reports from the world divisions of the Church, and setting strategy for mission into the next five years.<br />
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</div><div>But I know the core reason for this gathering in my estimation. Let me illustrate through the lives of two people in Atlanta. One is retiring and the other was elected today (June 27). Both impacted me at significant points on my life's journey. </div><div><br />
</div><div>"Mark" had the daunting assignment of taking Seminary students from the theological seminary at Andrews University and molding them into an evangelistic force in the city of Chicago. The Lake Union Soul Winning Institute was the practical training for us eager young ministers-to-be on the cusp of embarking into full-time employment in a church. Day upon day, Mark (as he was called with friendship and respect by all his students) taught classes on giving Bible studies, leading people to decisions for Christ and the Bible, conducting door-to-door religious surveys, and how to answer difficult Scriptural passages. Then at night he modeled for the school "how to do the work." Mark was a friend to all. Warm, kind, patient with our questions, and a master at discipling. (It was always amazing to be able to conduct evangelistic visits with him.) We graduated and took our notes to our churches. I still have these in my files at the office. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt_0I1P4fbyeDImAPyfkvBUrYpTY4ZpLYqpJvM7L_TIUyYhDgN3o04an-Tw2epVgige2MIXzWFBZWlz94wPCWrUf4lHebqFQSHggGxOpiyi87ojmfviVgfCu4dP6qJ_lZgdl6NxN99a6_/s1600/Mark_Finley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt_0I1P4fbyeDImAPyfkvBUrYpTY4ZpLYqpJvM7L_TIUyYhDgN3o04an-Tw2epVgige2MIXzWFBZWlz94wPCWrUf4lHebqFQSHggGxOpiyi87ojmfviVgfCu4dP6qJ_lZgdl6NxN99a6_/s200/Mark_Finley.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><div>"Mark" went on to become "Pastor Mark Finley" of It Is Written, then "International Evangelist Mark Finley", and ultimately "General Vice President of the General Conference Elder Mark Finley." But he always remains a leader and role model who loves pastors desiring to win people for Jesus. His influence in my life was profound at the threshold of my ministry. As he retires this Session I've been watching him around the delegate floor moving with energy. I blink and then he's back again to 30 years ago standing on the lighted stage of the Yugoslav Hall in South Chicago giving the appeal for the Sabbath--still showing us how its done. Mark made a difference in my life!</div><div><br />
</div><div>When "Ben" arrived at the Downers Grove, IL Church in 1973 he was fresh from the theological seminary and assigned as the assistant to Pastor Gunnar Sjoren. Ben worked with the youth, preached, and towards the end of his short internship at the church conducted an evangelistic series in the nearby community of Bolingbrook. A public high school freshman who had just moved with his family from Orange, CA responded to an appeal at church to help with the meetings. On Wednesday nights this young man helped the young pastor set up the room and then sat in rapt attention as Pastor Ben Schoun took the class through his own unique materials on the book of Revelation. The young pastor was encouraging to the high school student. He modeled what a pastor could be to a young person. At the close of the meetings, I reviewed the lessons and began to imagine what it would be like to help people know about God and the Bible like Pastor Ben. He modeled a professional ministry to me that persists to this day.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb5Mwj8ND5NNNGmY1XeICxUJEhRzjlELdyboKaRlNCX4L2g4lMHks-P70qXlM5l3s_JOe8U8RiXIG7d9pljh7peXGSZO6XMPKtF3c80P5BstU9W0Dldl-nocEoIF-8HXprkiQedhAxFdg/s1600/Benjamin_Schoun_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb5Mwj8ND5NNNGmY1XeICxUJEhRzjlELdyboKaRlNCX4L2g4lMHks-P70qXlM5l3s_JOe8U8RiXIG7d9pljh7peXGSZO6XMPKtF3c80P5BstU9W0Dldl-nocEoIF-8HXprkiQedhAxFdg/s200/Benjamin_Schoun_medium.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><div>Pastor Ben Schoun went on to serve a district that I would also begin my ministry in 10 years later. The town of Bolingbrook where we had those Revelation classes would 20 years later become my district. Often I would pass the elementary school where I sat and listened to the truth of Revelation. Through the years "Ben" served at the Seminary, was elected Atlantic Union President, and President of Adventist World Radio (how fun to read my youth pastor talk about sharing God's love through radio around the world by shortwave). My heart was thrilled when today (June 27) my youth pastor was elected one of the General Vice Presidents of the General Conference. I was proud and thankful that a man who loves God and models genuine Christianity was today one of our world leaders. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My friend, the cynical among us think that the General Conference Session is about politics and unrelated to the "real mission" of the church. Well, I certainly don't know everything and everyone. But I know "Mark" and "Ben." General Conference is about this core thing--people who love God and who He uses for the Great Good of His Kingdom. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This is Why General Conference. This is why I'm thankful to be a Seventh-day Adventist.</div><div><br />
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</div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-30225216198297784742010-06-23T19:45:00.000-07:002010-06-23T19:45:54.070-07:00GC #1: We Made It Through the RainThe metaphor for our first day in Atlanta, GA for the 59th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was our journey to get there. Flying at 39,000 feet over the clouds, inside the Southwest Boeing 737 jet, I put my mind yet again into the question, "What does this General Conference session mean for me spiritually?" I had been praying about this matter for some days as this trip came closer. <br />
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Clarity came as we faced our traveling environment.<br />
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First, as we winged over Arizona the smoke of the huge fire that had been burning for several days rose up to meet us. The pilot informed us that the elements of this fire cloud had reached all the way to Chicago. Certainly life can become like a cloud of smoke--impossible to see through and seemingly choking off the friendly light of the sunshine. My desire for this General Conference session is to rise above the daily "smoke" and experience the inspiration that comes from worshipping together with believers from over 200 countries.<br />
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Second, periodically we heard our pilot share information about our progress towards the airport. Time of arrival, weather at our destination, and sites along the way. As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian it gives me enduring hope and meaning on life's journey to have the Pilot of our Church give us his Word as we wing to our ultimate spiritual destination. At General Conference Session in Atlanta I will be sitting with hundreds of delegates who, with me, both rejoice and cherish the "truth that sets us free." I shook hands and visited with the undertreasurer from one of the Unions in Africa. Our language, culture, and nationality differ. But the object of our faith is the same--my brother in Africa trusts the same Pilot as his brother in the United States.<br />
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Finally, as we drove into Atlanta on Tuesday night we literally ran into the worst thunderstorm we'd experienced in many years. Visibility was near zero. It lasted for mile after mile. What gave me encouragement in the storm was my wife, Jennifer, who calmly talked along with me and kept another set of eyes on the semi-trucks passing us by. It was just we two--but we were a little community going through a trial--albeit a short one. General Conference Session in Atlanta is the tangible evidence that we are a church community that spans continents and culture. Together with the Lord we can make it through the storms.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-71914844555536432592010-06-13T21:18:00.000-07:002010-06-15T08:53:53.334-07:00Made in the Shade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLGpJBUwAcztqee0KG8sIEdiz843lzGsYYlq6oIFvQdftnKWDj4YpyNwSdmZ_v3ggAyvbQevMpRjI_j5zCZISFPjKekz1pR-lvED3_MVwseeTauOkECvUTVYYxaGQarcbTU0yjOgn012v/s1600/2010-06-13+10.20.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLGpJBUwAcztqee0KG8sIEdiz843lzGsYYlq6oIFvQdftnKWDj4YpyNwSdmZ_v3ggAyvbQevMpRjI_j5zCZISFPjKekz1pR-lvED3_MVwseeTauOkECvUTVYYxaGQarcbTU0yjOgn012v/s200/2010-06-13+10.20.46.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The grove at Pacific Union College holds graduation memories of me. Our daughter Amanda in 2006 and son Tyler and his wife, Kristin in 2008. As I donned my regalia again on Sunday and had Jennifer drop me off at the airport parking area it was a happy stroll to the marching area. <br />
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</div><div>Some things have changed since 2008 when I last marched as a Board of Trustee member. Dr. Heather Knight is now the President of the college and is just shy of completing her first year. Her enthusiasm for Adventist higher education is contagious and her mantra of "Good to Great" forms the context of everything she does with students, faculty, board, and community. Her husband, Dr. Norman Knight, is a gifted speaker and teacher. (We'll be utilizing his skills at WestPoint in December!) A great team for Pacific Union College.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Other things are quite the same. Familiar faculty and staff faces mill around prior to graduation. Another bit of sameness is the excitement of graduates and their families. I only know a couple of the names personally that are read by Dr. Nancy LeCourt (VP for Academic Affairs) as the diplomas are distributed but the singular scenes of accomplishment are readily recognizable to any parent who has been there with one of their own.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lUiU8eIKldoEdot_nX1pKHSTVDNN5f34AbNFmnCpAot_mbG_udn-WuSlmdy7J8Gp9R0TdFrhvZRRJ462FeKL91Qbfs9Ec9GvSOPJsgQYgcgAJ4B99S68Y3V5dakCR4ZTJS0QfMUbN7SS/s1600/2010-06-13+10.20.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lUiU8eIKldoEdot_nX1pKHSTVDNN5f34AbNFmnCpAot_mbG_udn-WuSlmdy7J8Gp9R0TdFrhvZRRJ462FeKL91Qbfs9Ec9GvSOPJsgQYgcgAJ4B99S68Y3V5dakCR4ZTJS0QfMUbN7SS/s200/2010-06-13+10.20.05.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><div>I was happy to see the theology majors that I had interviewed in February. One in particular, Brad Gienger, was a young church member in Simi Valley when we pastored there in the 90's. When I saw him following graduation he told me that 15 minutes before the ceremony had commenced his cell phone rang with the news that the Dakota Conference was offering him a job--either a small district of churches or sponsorship to Andrews University Theological Seminary. I rejoiced with him.</div><div><br />
</div><div>College is a lifetime ago for me now--literally 30 years this June when I finished my B.A. in Theology at Andrews. Now I watch hundreds of newly minted graduates--clutching their green PUC diploma covers--disperse from the grounds on this late Sunday morning in June. They are covered with the glow of promise and possibility. And with them I see grandparents, cousins, uncles, and siblings who could be thinking, It's never too late to embrace the joy of a limitless tomorrow. </div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-56150256110377649032010-03-22T19:39:00.000-07:002010-03-30T20:05:54.733-07:00Returning to Mt. ZionTwenty years ago my family and I vacationed in Kissimmee, Florida. On the Sabbath we attended a small church in town that met in an unremarkable building but was filled with extraordinary people. One of the things I remember was that they had the potluck catered by a church members. We had a blessed Sabbath but never thought we'd be back again. Little did we know.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlP_SUk0W4Osemm0BZKV1p2xxHbUWBM7mSp93VUPKBeB3-2mbNRS_YMNjjc0pc2OFhXNf-bgvnLE3Dj_DcgYOrsT_cGtwNPUYUlLNSbL4R3qu65CrNy4BDkq4MhpXdg6iwLBT3rJ1-swt/s1600/Mt.+Zion+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlP_SUk0W4Osemm0BZKV1p2xxHbUWBM7mSp93VUPKBeB3-2mbNRS_YMNjjc0pc2OFhXNf-bgvnLE3Dj_DcgYOrsT_cGtwNPUYUlLNSbL4R3qu65CrNy4BDkq4MhpXdg6iwLBT3rJ1-swt/s200/Mt.+Zion+Sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We returned to Mt. Zion Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, March 20. We would've missed the church if not for the sign (a new one since 20 years ago). The church we worshiped in was still there but the congregation was gathered in a beautiful multi-purpose facility. Instead of about 75 people in church there were three-times that number. What happened?<br />
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I noticed some things: They are using media in their service like few congregations I have seen. All the announcements are locally produced video-shorts with members doing it all. What a great idea. And, most importantly, they involve the youth and young adults in the church at every step. In addition, they are active in community service in the city. No wonder they have grown. They're doing what Jesus asks us to do: "GO!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZ7Tqkf71-zA_FAAOIzv_6Vt8YBYQkbnKBAHil9L4xbep4ZbHIIJu8I1J41jCNcn38Qb7OeQCim3l_WTFC-U1pit-_t1dvfMgFKglutEXte4HtoMMO3S6YIVeppcmEsFWPA0cA0yYp1H/s1600/Emil+Peeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZ7Tqkf71-zA_FAAOIzv_6Vt8YBYQkbnKBAHil9L4xbep4ZbHIIJu8I1J41jCNcn38Qb7OeQCim3l_WTFC-U1pit-_t1dvfMgFKglutEXte4HtoMMO3S6YIVeppcmEsFWPA0cA0yYp1H/s200/Emil+Peeler.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>A special surprise was the speaker of the hour--our friend from the Southeastern California Conference, Dr. Emil Peeler. (You can get a taste of Dr. Peeler's preaching at <a href="http://vodpod.com/watch/2544721-dr-emil-peeler">http://vodpod.com/watch/2544721-dr-emil-peeler</a>) We were blessed by a spirit-filled message, uplifting music, and wonderful fellowship. As we departed our prayer was that another 20 years would not need to pass before we would meet again in the New Earth. <br />
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God is at work in Kissimmee, FL through the Mt. Zion Church. Check them out on the web at, <a href="http://www.mtzionsda.org/">http://www.mtzionsda.org</a>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-72243444926820809342010-03-14T19:07:00.000-07:002010-03-30T19:38:43.558-07:00Come Apart and Pray....Really?It was the end of a long week of meetings that tackled some of the proverbial "big issues" that we grapple with as a church. I had been away from home for a week and would've much preferred to just go home and rest. But...how do you argue with the notion that we should stay together for another day and a half to pray together, right!?<br />
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That's how I entered into a first for Pacific Union administrators (at least to my meager knowledge!) Conference presidents, Union officers, and a few others were going to spend Friday night and all day Sabbath in prayer and reflection. How do you do <b><i>that</i></b>? We typically move quickly from one meeting to another with little time for any corporate spirituality except for perhaps the Sabbath.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0ewaxAlEcNf0F9ThLVflUfdceIp0XUiEPjzGY9SV_Yb1V7WiU2bXs_3r1hCrM9rqFJwJu-Vo8G7pZGARP70ZhthXZRryha91sfTkkzGFEapDuHLMKIh4Oj4-0S83BjlQ1ljkryf-X_rd/s1600/prayer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0ewaxAlEcNf0F9ThLVflUfdceIp0XUiEPjzGY9SV_Yb1V7WiU2bXs_3r1hCrM9rqFJwJu-Vo8G7pZGARP70ZhthXZRryha91sfTkkzGFEapDuHLMKIh4Oj4-0S83BjlQ1ljkryf-X_rd/s200/prayer1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I really didn't know what to expect since this was a first for me as a church administrator. Spending extended time with colleagues to pray was something I had done as a pastor with other pastors. But as we gathered in the West Building of the Union headquarters for the celebration of the Lord's Supper on Friday evening, March 12, I uttered the prayer, "Well, Lord, I'm open to what you'd like to do with me."<br />
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As it turned out, by Saturday night I concluded that this was the best thing we possibly could've done as church leaders. This WAS NOT another church committee meeting <i>masquerading </i>as a prayer session. THIS was the REAL DEAL. We actually prayed together, sang, reflected upon selected Bible and Spirit of Prophecy selections and did what we always talk about doing. We sought the Lord. There we were no sermons. Nobody was the center of attention. We sought the Lord together and cared for each other spiritually!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx7Mklm12zxEEl5VEHlYAHPVrBNZLP2Vn2kV3DrJnuIPGntbNuI4R9chEEEg6k6ANjFeCKWJT6ED0g6t40VdjaavqeRfarBSbq0yptjf6Nwzi-EtGBwMmihQamSz0dYQxI9X61L0EX2c8/s1600/prayer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx7Mklm12zxEEl5VEHlYAHPVrBNZLP2Vn2kV3DrJnuIPGntbNuI4R9chEEEg6k6ANjFeCKWJT6ED0g6t40VdjaavqeRfarBSbq0yptjf6Nwzi-EtGBwMmihQamSz0dYQxI9X61L0EX2c8/s200/prayer2.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>I know that this may surprise some of our members but the people gathered in that upper room in the West Building (yes, its actually on the second floor) love God supremely, struggle with human frailty, love the church, and really long for Jesus to come. This was the Church at its best because we were the New Testament Church at its core. <br />
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I was refreshed. It's really true that Jesus gives you a renewal in His presence that no nap or mindless television viewing can come close to match. And, I'm glad that we came apart to pray. Really! I hope we do it again!Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-19507929838363503032010-03-10T18:03:00.000-08:002010-03-30T19:05:44.139-07:00Ministers'-in-WaitingIn the Spring of 1980 a group of serious looking men in black suits gathered in the Indiana Room of the Andrews University cafeteria. There to meet them were the graduating theology seniors--including a skinny guy from Illinois. I will always remember these Conference President's and Ministerial Directors from the Lake Union territory meeting, greeting, and interviewing the earnest group of "minister's-in-waiting." It was with a grateful heart that I received a call from the Illinois Conference to go to the Seminary (I wasn't married yet!!--a requisite to pastoring in those years.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislnh7DNqQh5dY7ltHtS5XhLk6VDzL8WHOJr3h5BhQIngp4s3Al03LTgnXSjb1WJ3NYewBcdbs64zjzXiQpTrquAsre0mpbtqLo5XVkFUWeZICuyDbYIauBr3bV__gxRzr1I-nqFtBsJ1t/s1600/PUC+Seniors+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislnh7DNqQh5dY7ltHtS5XhLk6VDzL8WHOJr3h5BhQIngp4s3Al03LTgnXSjb1WJ3NYewBcdbs64zjzXiQpTrquAsre0mpbtqLo5XVkFUWeZICuyDbYIauBr3bV__gxRzr1I-nqFtBsJ1t/s200/PUC+Seniors+2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As I hosted the Theology Senior Interviews for the Pacific Union Conference at Pacific Union College (February 28) and La Sierra University (March 8) the circle was coming around. And, I know that each of us who interviewed these soon-to-be graduates were mindful that we had been there before. Since 2005 this annual gathering has been the highlight of my year. It is the ultimate faith-affirming experience to dialogue with young men and women who have heard the call of Jesus for service. <br />
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Our two higher education institutions have designed their theology programs to maximize the exposure of young minds to both the Biblical and practical aspects of ministry. The students that reach their senior year have benefited from an intentionally designed curriculum which promotes personal reflection upon God's call in their life for a life of ministry. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAvveyiAk4rKcAY6SP1c4tq_eCIYr8JSGiGE15S6SUWe6zU_QxDFmIhl0PyrFXGiGNwfn-hsAYzQSDCLDfZyUk2Uw1qD1BqJzGdSY1TipwZ_B_qylljboIHhNq8oNUYpVKVALTH9qVpN-/s1600/LSU+Seniors+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAvveyiAk4rKcAY6SP1c4tq_eCIYr8JSGiGE15S6SUWe6zU_QxDFmIhl0PyrFXGiGNwfn-hsAYzQSDCLDfZyUk2Uw1qD1BqJzGdSY1TipwZ_B_qylljboIHhNq8oNUYpVKVALTH9qVpN-/s200/LSU+Seniors+2010.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>Each of these students spends about 30 minutes with each Conference leadership team for a personal interview followed by a luncheon together. The goal is for each graduate to find a place in the "vineyard of ministry." Even in tough financial times it is my conviction that we need to utilize these committed young people in some aspect of ministry in every conference territory. <br />
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As we parted company with these ministers-in-waiting I expected to see them engaged soon in serving the Lord of the Harvest. They are the pledge of God that His work will be finished and we will soon be home with Him.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-68037996602243297802010-02-11T14:58:00.000-08:002010-02-13T15:20:49.006-08:00"What I Believe...."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9ccPuqYgl-JQhVaUXHHCcYG_f3kdQiNsJCl3aC5Uk5YvuG5cYXLBGyYjHpQXIbbU8PiAitiMbg84oFcz8OBpP0RrqFzNOL9YD74UclH0F8UExFcv_qwhASQFbugEK4adu5nnbYhFzR5K/s1600-h/2010-02-10+13+55+31-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9ccPuqYgl-JQhVaUXHHCcYG_f3kdQiNsJCl3aC5Uk5YvuG5cYXLBGyYjHpQXIbbU8PiAitiMbg84oFcz8OBpP0RrqFzNOL9YD74UclH0F8UExFcv_qwhASQFbugEK4adu5nnbYhFzR5K/s200/2010-02-10+13+55+31-1.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>I walked into the La Sierra University Church and almost took a worship credit slip from the student at the door. (We had a nice visit--she is a theology senior who I will be interviewing along with other local conference leaders on March 8 when I return to the campus.) I recalled years earlier the need for worship credit as a student at Andrews University.<br />
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I wasn't getting worship credit but I certainly was enjoying my seat at the front of church for the Week of Spiritual Emphasis at La Sierra University. The students took their seats, sang with gusto as the student life department led the praise songs, and listened attentively as the two professors gave their testimony about "What I Believe..."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj981Ues0ETCFPuXOLAyEwsRe_P-3qtCaXt5i9BBSCbjD90EYsogOHQApPyRfM7IWPSff2n1jnHR1sxy0vcCcCwZjgfbg_U0WdyTjtL6cTQ_WN5JGlvqntlll0J94TM6AMzw2tVAipnLK6F/s1600-h/2010-02-10+11+08+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj981Ues0ETCFPuXOLAyEwsRe_P-3qtCaXt5i9BBSCbjD90EYsogOHQApPyRfM7IWPSff2n1jnHR1sxy0vcCcCwZjgfbg_U0WdyTjtL6cTQ_WN5JGlvqntlll0J94TM6AMzw2tVAipnLK6F/s200/2010-02-10+11+08+53.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>Both of the faculty speakers were scientists (one from biology and the other from physics) and each gave a personally compelling sermonette about God's direction in our lives as Creator. I thought that either one would do very well as a revival speaker for a local church or camp meeting.<br />
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Amidst my meetings with faculty, student life staff, and Board of Trustees, this event was a reminder of why Seventh-day Adventist higher education makes a unique difference in the spiritual formation of young adult learners.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-31387842584255353232010-02-08T19:00:00.000-08:002010-02-09T14:35:02.695-08:00Witnesses at the California Capitol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIbWZkQO6TcE4ARv1HItg71riFhSxu4g3btm97kXuT3U9yQ2I9fPMbaXiGnxVReGj9j8xyb4F21rliWtFn78CEJ6-WB6PuWUJVUrJeOJQ9kElXLp8tOB-s9ntaa_hnOzs1OZDwi26CsGT/s1600-h/P2080529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIbWZkQO6TcE4ARv1HItg71riFhSxu4g3btm97kXuT3U9yQ2I9fPMbaXiGnxVReGj9j8xyb4F21rliWtFn78CEJ6-WB6PuWUJVUrJeOJQ9kElXLp8tOB-s9ntaa_hnOzs1OZDwi26CsGT/s200/P2080529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>My life changed in 1999 when I was called to serve as Government Relations Director for the Pacific Union. Our office in Sacramento became my base of operations and a staging point for some of the most amazing ministry I had experienced to that point in my life.<br />
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Today, there are two special people who are leading the work of the Church State Council office (the separately designated entity of the Pacific Union's work for religious liberty) located at 1228 N Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA. At the end of this posting you can see on the map what an ideal location this is for our work in the State Capitol.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLILuuSj-r5fcIjK602BbcO_8HAHE4da-Oi31x3W1UqAthY-SoOeLqYsCetzueC9aOFUymL8aNDhJPQVRhKE2RHJ31PWaUhOcQfyh40OBXQXFOtlVOvaR2JMtDB_0RKFrbwqxR-UU-H55/s1600-h/P2080532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLILuuSj-r5fcIjK602BbcO_8HAHE4da-Oi31x3W1UqAthY-SoOeLqYsCetzueC9aOFUymL8aNDhJPQVRhKE2RHJ31PWaUhOcQfyh40OBXQXFOtlVOvaR2JMtDB_0RKFrbwqxR-UU-H55/s200/P2080532.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Ed Fargusson is the newly elected director of this office. Together we visited about the work at the Council office and the opportunities that God is opening up for our work in this pivotal place. From his rich background as a pastor and church administrator, Elder Fargusson shared, "I feel that I am exactly where God wants me to be." Indeed, this is a calling to a special work. <br />
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Ed and I walked through the State Capitol building and talked over the strategy we use to meet and reach people with the message of religious liberty. Rather than be embroiled in the culture war battles of the day, we are focused upon the great Gospel principles that have guided this Church's work since the pioneering days of Ellen G. White and A.T. Jones (our church's first congressional representative in the 1880's). <br />
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Our message focuses upon the bedrock foundation signified by proclamations such as:<br />
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<ul><li>"God does not coerce the conscience", </li>
<li>"In matters of conscience the majority has no power",</li>
<li>"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." </li>
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</div><div>As we prayed together and I departed the Thayer Building I thought of the 5 years I had devoted to the work of religious liberty in this very spot. I began to hum as I walked down the street, "To God be the Glory" and thought, "We're in good hands in Sacramento." <br />
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<b><i>By the way, if you have any need of help to have Sabbath hours off of work or any other religious liberty question don't hesitate to call the office at 916-446-2552 or visit the website at www.churchstate.org.</i></b><br />
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<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1228+N+Street,+Sacramento,+ca&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1228+N+St,+Sacramento,+California+95814&gl=us&ei=ittxS_-nDIHsswPksZmdCA&ved=0CAgQ8gEwAA&ll=38.574563,-121.491784&spn=0.002768,0.005681&z=18&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-81885340645297999382010-02-07T13:39:00.000-08:002010-02-09T13:58:41.108-08:00Chico on Sabbath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTe66_YpcAMm3EZ_rL8fWOOiWE8a37jEklXcTbaFT041fxQY-10eRC0nKOk-tbuxBVvjzyAoeiyaVlU_Yc1uBMbSSOv5HjSv7xmUw2Vw_wzLRLwuLpC5wKuqRbBl_ih6ILpPeEaEueKkF/s1600-h/P2060520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTe66_YpcAMm3EZ_rL8fWOOiWE8a37jEklXcTbaFT041fxQY-10eRC0nKOk-tbuxBVvjzyAoeiyaVlU_Yc1uBMbSSOv5HjSv7xmUw2Vw_wzLRLwuLpC5wKuqRbBl_ih6ILpPeEaEueKkF/s200/P2060520.JPG" width="200" /></a>Jennifer and I enjoyed seeing our friends (and former pastor when we attended Carmichael Church) Dave and Judy Osborne. Walking onto the campus of the Chico church (<a href="http://chico.adventistfaith.org/">http://chico.adventistfaith.org</a>) one immediately notices the care and concern that is given to the physical plant--landscaping, buildings, and the school. The congregation takes special efforts to have the worship facility be a quality one which is attractive to the community. This fits quite well with Pastor Osborne's friendly and open spirit that makes everyone feel welcome.<br />
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During the worship service we were especially blessed by the double-piano duet that lifted my spirits as I prepared to preach. (So much so that I forgot myself and bounded to the pulpit before the local elder could read the Scripture reading! He fulfilled his duty as I stood by his side). You can hear my sermon thanks to the church at <a href="http://chico.adventistfaith.org/podcasts">http://chico.adventistfaith.org/podcasts</a>.<br />
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It is a wonderful thing to talk with the members at the door which in the case of the Chico church included Elder Larry Caviness' uncles. Potluck dinner included an interesting conversation with a member who became a Seventh-day Adventist after some years of spiritual searching. "God led me" was his witness. <br />
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What a joy to know He does this for each of us!Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-83264210095414191902010-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:002010-02-09T13:39:01.131-08:00What Is WestPoint 2010?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCmrgO1LNf0ss9qmVhK-mXSIrvwR_VVyp_wsEX9eB8d6HuNAPHOOjr7_vhpuRDwOo2JFkLRK4JuV09b-tBwEV4fYDq34vp3LqX3sbonkSic9Jk3nOCXbfEsXY47K9yzACmVFQoFvd-57h/s1600-h/evangelism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCmrgO1LNf0ss9qmVhK-mXSIrvwR_VVyp_wsEX9eB8d6HuNAPHOOjr7_vhpuRDwOo2JFkLRK4JuV09b-tBwEV4fYDq34vp3LqX3sbonkSic9Jk3nOCXbfEsXY47K9yzACmVFQoFvd-57h/s200/evangelism.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Implementing p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">rograms is a part of leadership. But what happens when you become responsible for an existing program? This was my jumping off point as the new Ministerial Director for the Pacific Union. My first thought was, What about Westpoint of Evangelism?</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The logical course was gathering the Westpoint stake holders into one room and asking the big questions. Thursday morning, January 14, at the Union headquarters the process began. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Four core assumptions guided our conversation: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">First, we must win people to Jesus Christ and His message.</span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The Seventh-day Adventist church is called by God to share the Gospel in the context of the Three Angels’ messages. Like Ford Motor Company used to say, “It’s Job One!”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Second, we must grow these new members as active disciples. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> If we baptize people and then leave them we have committed ministry malpractice. Nurturing and growing the spiritual experience of members is crucial to our mission.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Third, the primary place for this activity is the local church. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are indeed blessed as a church community with wonderful schools, hospitals, media ministries, and church organizational structures. However, none exists as an end in itself. Each serves the mission of the Body of Christ manifested principally in the local congregation. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fourth, pastors along with trained members are the primary persons used by God to accomplish this work. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Over a quarter-century of ministry in local churches and administration teaches me that the local church typically does not rise above the level of its spiritual leader. Yet the pastor cannot act alone. It is the team of pastor-membership which creates a growing local church culture. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Critical outcomes emerged for Westpoint 2010. These include some new elements:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Westpoint will no longer be an event but a process.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> December 5-9, 2010 will be the major gathering but the Westpoint project will continue throughout the year. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our Westpoint 2010 curriculum will include tracks of seminars designed for Local Church Pastor/Member Teams.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> These trained and mobilized leaders will return to the scene of but will be supported throughout the coming year by Westpoint consultants. Through Webcasting, Facebook, and a YouTube Channel (to name a few), the Westpoint experience will continue through the year for Westpoint Ministry Teams in the local church.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A Spanish language track of seminars will debut in 2010</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. The fastest growing portion of our membership in the Pacific Union will have training events in Westpoint designed specifically for them. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am truly exhilarated by the synergy that is coming about from our strategic examination of the future of Westpoint. More is coming. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Westpoint: Inspire, Instruct, Mobilize."</span></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</div></span></span></span></div><div></div></div></div></span>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-52439999074695497662009-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:22:51.873-08:00New Year. New Decade. How Long?How quickly the year 2009 ended. My journey in ministry since October felt like the bullet train moving through the days towards the just completed holiday season. <div><br /></div><div>The North American Division Year-end meetings in early November were highlighted by the "Year of Evangelism" reports which showed a marked increase in soul-winning endeavors. (It will be telling to see the final numbers on baptisms given the surge in spending for meetings.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Jennifer and I were blessed to be with our friend Elder Jan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaatz</span> for the 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> anniversary of the Burbank Church on November 21. Jan and I served together at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Simi</span> Valley Church in </div><div>Southern California Conference and he has really taken the challenge of turning a declining congregation in a new direction of growth and mission. Nice presentations were make by local civic officials and the leadership of the Conference.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKuRHRrobi7HbZ-IL28fK536mqx12Hi7rpH-_6nImnh4tCYD-aBKSlwrGNM_XEGqZQbw37tySZDszzaCEl5t42nPHEmBgQp7Rbk6KYx-VeLuuCX9imH1Z57000paBPObZyYRhY6y-exLS/s200/PC050070.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432630168723278514" /><div>The El Monte <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Vietnamese</span> Church was quite an eye-opening experience. As I preached for two services (traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vietnamese</span> and a youth service in English) on December 5 the challenge and opportunity of Pastor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Vinah</span> Nguyen who has served this church for 13 years. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is truly a missionary church that is not only serving the transitioning population of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Vietnamese</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> people in Los Angeles but also the world field with a printing press ministry. I didn't need to understand the language to comprehend the wide-ranging impact of this congregation. </span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>A highlight for these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">waning</span> weeks of the year was the Ordination service which I conducted with Elder Ivan Williams on December 12. The five evangelists serving the Amazing Facts ministry that were set aside by the laying on of hands brought back happy memories of my own ordination in 1988. Preaching for the morning service at the Granite Bay church was an inspiring experience <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">particularly</span> because so many in the audience were folks interested in the Adventist Church or new members. At the close I gave a hand-raising appeal for committing our lives to Christ and His teachings.</div><div><br /></div><div>The end of the decade. How long until we shall see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven? We don't know the day nor the hour but we can "work until Jesus comes." I'm thinking and praying about how 2010 can become a year of breakthroughs for Jesus in my life and yours.</div><div><br /></div><div>God bless you in the Year to Come!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-1975884658719985432009-10-09T20:34:00.000-07:002010-01-30T12:37:06.243-08:00Would You Like To Get Away?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Quiet spaces promote reflection.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUYEieuYOmWIMNJMeh7BDrHr-yuU6ZvkWYp8WN9187dicXOp1NfEQEjDIHW0Ftf1KGLuqbew_Sh5dByn4wpw-IY8_Lbu7eHDb2BXq0bJ5Zln2KYSADGpi8omEMB7BQTSuUG30EO8r1eCA/s1600-h/PA040006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUYEieuYOmWIMNJMeh7BDrHr-yuU6ZvkWYp8WN9187dicXOp1NfEQEjDIHW0Ftf1KGLuqbew_Sh5dByn4wpw-IY8_Lbu7eHDb2BXq0bJ5Zln2KYSADGpi8omEMB7BQTSuUG30EO8r1eCA/s200/PA040006.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nestled along the coast of Mendocino County, CA sits Albion Field Station operated by Pacific Union College. This was the destination for our 2nd Annual Board of Trustees Strategic Retreat. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gibby Muth (retired professor) and Larry Provonsha (board member for 28 years) have devoted tremendous effort to the refurbishing of the property. The results speak for themselves. Brightly appointed rooms, private baths, wireless internet, and comfortable meeting rooms. These improvements have greatly enhanced the experience of students, staff, professors, community and church groups, and...the Board!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-XxtblJJE4vGVBvx7a0mqaN2qaD8J7wnlp8ytGB_wI0dCcEa5_-W_WwUdGZOvP_Cys4JpqhecHMsPEECjser72w2MpzNVz13FVgLrIo4Z-taXhTA4h3jmKIEVj0KUn_4GU54yLAR6g_Y/s1600-h/PA050012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-XxtblJJE4vGVBvx7a0mqaN2qaD8J7wnlp8ytGB_wI0dCcEa5_-W_WwUdGZOvP_Cys4JpqhecHMsPEECjser72w2MpzNVz13FVgLrIo4Z-taXhTA4h3jmKIEVj0KUn_4GU54yLAR6g_Y/s200/PA050012.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Our time was divided between learning more about board governance, socializing as members, conducting important business, and simply benefiting from the soul-renewing setting. It was particularly wonderful to meet the new "First Couple" of our College-Dr. Heather Knight, President, and her husband Elder Norman Knight. Her enthusiasm, vision, and remarkable qualifications were all on display as she shared goals for the future with us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm already looking forward to our next meeting in the Fall of 2010. Until then remember Pacific Union College in your prayers. And by the way, the Albion Field Station is available for your use any time. Check their website at</span></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-80122829213781464762009-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:002009-10-09T20:33:54.668-07:00Keep on Shining<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwhx-23S_Fk6agU3e954vRixgjF8Uw2NFCUff7uEJXx8cA071T6JOJkZGagJf6PUl0qaz3OKBXXCx-0lI5NOAm3YYuJyd59HDuGi-QRA_eUKgIU9W4WHwKpxqSTMO56Y2PE7p-9zj-j2O/s1600-h/PA020031.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwhx-23S_Fk6agU3e954vRixgjF8Uw2NFCUff7uEJXx8cA071T6JOJkZGagJf6PUl0qaz3OKBXXCx-0lI5NOAm3YYuJyd59HDuGi-QRA_eUKgIU9W4WHwKpxqSTMO56Y2PE7p-9zj-j2O/s200/PA020031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390807169253639826" /></a>Since 1897, people in Provo, UT have been making friends with Jesus Christ through the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Today was a defining moment for the community that gathered in the newly-completed Community Center of this historic congregation.<div><br /></div><div>As Jennifer and I walked into the Center the smell of paint still lingered in the air. Over 200 chairs were readied for the crowd that would assemble to dedicate this space to the Lord's service at 11:00 a.m. As we toured the offices, classrooms, and large gymnasium I recalled just a few months before when it was a dirt parking lot, unfinished walls, and exposed electrical and duct work that greeted the eye. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zqeV2CzRngM2wnHIALkhj0NsAeXbt3SuNLX576U0axmar4kbjWnWRNKL8JNxztjXRw4hL3pL-Ljq-tIzAy9TtVE0FEc8Lv4ITbwUXe8KWE8WEmcU9huk_5yrMJp4koUf-tP4P0PccM7D/s200/PA020010.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390800855758888018" /><div>Transformation occurred quickly! And not only the physical space but also in the paradigm of purpose for this new location on the church grounds. What makes this project unique in my eyes is that the church is not hoarding this space exclusively for its own use. The Red Cross, the Utah Bell Choir, the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, and many others will use this as the gathering place for service.</div><div><br /></div><div>By church time every seat was occupied. Special guests included the mayor and all the contractors that made this facility possible. It was evident from all the community friends that joined in this hour of dedication that this was truly an event that had captured city-wide attention. We sang, I offered a dedication meditation and prayer, local elder Brad Walton presented a gracious biblical message, and Linda Walton recognized the contributions of the people who had made this day come to reality. This joyous day ended with food--lots of it!</div><div><br /></div><div>As we departed Provo Church it occurred to us that rather than an end this was truly a new</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnG_TcFxvMvGnln6dpknxwPzDVDGnPo64TtYmIYTfxx_D1pkboCwKomqWo9Nkt_f8ZMjlnEgC24m2KhXjSwW05abMElXXh07u5mNJ_txVQV9Vcs7ccNiQ1EQyeI1_AfGJGEMzN4k8Px-J/s200/PA020028.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390807885828153426" /><div>beginning. The spirit of service that brought the first Adventist evangelist to Provo, UT in 1897 will continue to light the way for this special congregation. Driving off to our next appointment the words of Jesus came to mind, "Let your light shine before men that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven."</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep shining, Provo Church!</div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-82842096716936790952009-09-26T17:30:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:04:43.770-07:00Tinsletown Gospel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqudlckm56TSIGdZGWgMToV5UJ5VuJTqzy4dsVK6cf7naL8h4ireKyg6m8bWdTjCnXdQE1cfQ_98XZO3eC1mkvV8FtuG3INbk5g4-81L0CxB8RB3Cv_4AjcpCTbN3OgrDk2r1bC3zZ8AK/s1600-h/IMG_4971.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqudlckm56TSIGdZGWgMToV5UJ5VuJTqzy4dsVK6cf7naL8h4ireKyg6m8bWdTjCnXdQE1cfQ_98XZO3eC1mkvV8FtuG3INbk5g4-81L0CxB8RB3Cv_4AjcpCTbN3OgrDk2r1bC3zZ8AK/s200/IMG_4971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386935150942210978" /></a>As I walked the neighborhood around the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath afternoon it occurred to me how differently things would've looked decades ago. There are still quaint little homes along Van Ness that hearken to a less sprawling period of this section of Los Angeles. One of the members reminded me that Elder Lloyd Wyman was the pastor who helped build this church. (Not surprising since Elder Wyman has had a part in so many parts of Southern California Conference's development and leadership over his many years of service).<div><br /></div><div>The Hollywood community has changed and the church has changed with it. Visiting with</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUMLIAl3D2dJr7UtCg_pAZg_Sq05EgevNiV7F2rG3njrF5oOuGuT1cVgLxwLO7cdKD9rtlRW4FJ3MPb6QXFDGVNseYtBKAoFUStENI7i4ekcL4u_99bFDcRy7DkuBwWrmPPXcA-uRC3mr/s200/IMG_4962.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386935512781280178" /><div> members between Sabbath School and Church the long-ago emergence of diversity was reflected in the faces of the people. Together they are the Body of Christ reaching out to a uniquely challenging city of souls.</div><div><br /></div><div>Together we raised our voices in worship, prayer, and praise to the Lord who saves us by His grace. My sermon on the meaning of Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan (it was not told merely to remind us to be nice to the needy!) spoke to the contemporary challenge of this church and their sincere response to Jesus' call to be salt and light in the heart of the</div><div>entertainment industry. It was encouraging to share "a word" with a full church of listeners who listened and responded to the words of Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>But its not tycoons and moguls that populate the streets of this city. Homelessness, mental illness, and people simply in need of someone to care is the reality of life in Hollywood. It is these--"the least of them"--that the Hollywood church is particularly intentional in serving in the Master's name. I was particularly impressed with the announcement by one leader that they would be "walking the neighborhood" later in the week just meeting and talking with people. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9L-TASBH5JD3Vclxdxh_PotwS1jYVtedXXenIbKwmuPhU2BEmfL1d79TxOdmXfqZRG7b8n-4dV2h9VZz_cdHBzMMsDwsYG4lMQPWXMjdf8Td3g3eJgUFKWQdJZAUKveGVNYl5KI9LDXR/s200/IMG_4978.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386935828636796914" /><div>In the afternoon it was a special privilege for me to listen as my wife, Jennifer, teach her seminar, "The Ten Commandments of Christian Finance." Like no other presentation I have ever heard, she shows Biblically faithful principles of money as they relate to each command of the Decalogue. Her class of listeners responded with questions and she stayed by for some time answering individual questions. I expect she will be back again to teach the the budgeting and money management workshop that adds specificity and practicality to these spiritual lessons.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am reminded again of the work of Jesus that we are called to do in His name--ministry to all, for all, in all, by all.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-41775376906210535562009-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:002009-09-25T10:37:44.329-07:00Beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsSaMq_5h4spiGx-sWWR28SaMSefKr9kbXivPFDqQBRXywGzuvtEx3M8gyW-Qkc3GWcdDc-u2QV7Yi2LOJAkaFl8V6IOTzyflTGD_AVE8m-hDXO3o_EGvXIbEJL3ZtU3t4ZLfDw8uOFtE/s1600-h/img184.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsSaMq_5h4spiGx-sWWR28SaMSefKr9kbXivPFDqQBRXywGzuvtEx3M8gyW-Qkc3GWcdDc-u2QV7Yi2LOJAkaFl8V6IOTzyflTGD_AVE8m-hDXO3o_EGvXIbEJL3ZtU3t4ZLfDw8uOFtE/s200/img184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385459038830921250" /></a>I strode down the aisle of the La Sierra University Church in my blue and gold trustee robe. The organ music filled the church and the students and staff filled the pews. <div><br /></div><div>Academic Convocation for the 2009-2010 school year at LSU commenced with the faculty, staff, and trustees (just me, actually!) joining the platform party for the spiritual dedication of the University. President Randal Wisbey would issue the challenge, "We Shall Be the Light of the World."</div><div><br /></div><div>I am always drawn to the music of such an event. "Now Thank We All Our God" swelling from the church organ, a skillful violin solo by Jason Uyeyama, and the moving rendering of "This Little Light of Mine" by the LSU Chamber singers. </div><div><br /></div><div>For this reason I was particularly inspired by a special hymn set to Beethoven's well-known tune, "Ode to Joy" (used for Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal #12, "Joyful, joyful, We Adore Thee"). Entitled "Praise the Source of Faith and Learning" and written by Thomas H. Troeger, it is a beautiful lyric describing the aspirations of Seventh-day Adventist higher education. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can sing along by going to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPtuREcjl1M&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPtuREcjl1M&feature=related</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Praise the Source of Faith and Learning</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">Praise the source of faith and learning</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">Who has sparked and stoked the mind</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-size:medium;">With a passion for discerning</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">How the world has been designed.</span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;">Let the sense of wonder flowing</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the wonders we survey</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep our faith forever growing</div><div style="text-align: center;">And renew our need to pray:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God of wisdom, we acknowledge</div><div style="text-align: center;">That our science and our art</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the breadth of human knowledge</div><div style="text-align: center;">Only partial truth impart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Far beyond our calculation</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lies a depth we cannot sound</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where your purpose for creation</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the pulse of life are found.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">May our faith redeem the blunder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of believing that our thought</div><div style="text-align: center;">Has displaced the grounds for wonder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which the ancient prophets taught.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May our learning curb the error</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which unthinking faith can breed</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lest we justify some terror</div><div style="text-align: center;">With an antiquated creed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As two currents in a river</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fight each others’ undertow</div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Til converging they deliver</div><div style="text-align: center;">One coherent steady flow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blend, O God, our faith and learning</div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Til they carve a single course</div><div style="text-align: center;">While they join as one returning</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise and thanks to you their source.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for minds to probe the heavens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for strength to breathe the air,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for all that beauty leavens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for silence, music, prayer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for justice and compassion</div><div style="text-align: center;">And for strangers, neighbors, friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for hearts and lips to fashion,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for love that never ends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-63089007321108459252009-09-12T21:00:00.000-07:002009-09-22T10:44:38.719-07:00A Return<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnOro1nLJOQYPLKtbJsyAz_IlFz6ztc8H5yXf0Mdnqim51vLEe5K8vs2jCbosd6d3MkfPwicilBUJlwXFL0827ouxyNMzFmd_9N3rN8ujrM_c4uwqZd6EOAF-YWmvi0CzHG-rUYuMS2do/s1600-h/P9110012.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnOro1nLJOQYPLKtbJsyAz_IlFz6ztc8H5yXf0Mdnqim51vLEe5K8vs2jCbosd6d3MkfPwicilBUJlwXFL0827ouxyNMzFmd_9N3rN8ujrM_c4uwqZd6EOAF-YWmvi0CzHG-rUYuMS2do/s200/P9110012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384348601374561746" /></a>It was a nostalgic return for Jennifer and I when we stepped into the fellowship hall. Faces and voices not seen or heard for 20 years greeted us for the beginning of the Burr Ridge Church 30th Anniversary celebration. It was in this congregational family that I was ordained as a Seventh-day Adventist minister in 1988 so this weekend was particularly meaningful for me.<div><br /></div><div>Sabbath morning I taught the Sabbath School lesson on the themes of 1 John. But as I never forgot when I was the pastor of this congregation from 1987-1989, my audience was again populated by bright minds that find it easy to express their views. Beginning my favorite</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYMBRFAS-qj-Vbl2c3kcgZjw5lfoKuST1TZ6vUIn7GCPHJR_Bds4QuyHhlI8XdI4LysiddXD0dB78IAWXTwPsBiZp5gyieQhQN5Qvwe9I8L4bzx3B4mMsvFGYUNtG_I4Sxi1xHaCLu2IX/s200/P9110007.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384348014328990978" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJH1YcD-IbJ0yZxY5nAs2tC6lhlhwJuTESr26-GENFqYyy1zwJijVp9jsd9J41dA80b5Q7zt5dblO4isk-HPelotc0gLywtiO7iVTqFCGmsFbOjqDBLWDFTrLvH2FD6tyaZKlcJ8ZUQcZ/s200/P9110023.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384348298839719298" /><div>passage of the epistle--1 John 3:1-2, I talked about my own spiritual journey and then invited the class to work through 3 questions in sequence--"How has your picture of God impacted your life?", "How does this picture of God affect our congregational life?", and "How does our view of God impact our outreach in the community?" With microphone in hand I hosted the ongoing discussion. It was fun and inspiring.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdrIch5Bm-O9YeLo8VzXWZ89bYNFyHzzzemui1AjwYkvVSrxpF5gFevio2L7ut0XUWVpjMUri5ZWGL74M44oEtDrfoCLYyS8tPUOD9ffzh49B9C2oqCbFRlU-b7ks5o-dSvT1lnG4tquK/s200/P9120038.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384348847108019602" /><div>Sabbath worship included two beautiful anthems by the choir and a thoughtful sermon by Dr. Darrel Ward, one of the 4 men who pastored this congregation. My contribution to the worship hour was calling for the offering--"Fall Mission Appeal." Our friends, Ken and Pat Denslow (Illinois Conference President) were in the audience and we enjoyed a nice visit during the nice luncheon that followed. A panel discussion with the 4 pastors who have served this church gave us each the opportunity to share our journeys since the Burr Ridge days as well as reflect on the current challenge of the congregation to purchased their own building. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a wonderful time of fellowship and reminded us how quickly this earthly life passes by but how "blessed is the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love."</div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-49204074557961529302009-09-09T14:29:00.001-07:002009-09-09T14:49:07.063-07:00Our Father who art in Los AngelesI'm sitting in a small guest office room in the administrative suite of the White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, CA at the moment. As a member of the Operating Board of this historical Adventist hospital for the past 18 months I have been learning anew why Adventist health care remains "the right arm of the church."<br /><br />In my past life, I've served as a hospital chaplain, board member, ethics committee member, and visited scores of members over my ministry in hospitals. My mother-in-law is a nurse, my wife has worked in physicians offices, hospitals, at Adventist Health headquarters, and is in health care consulting today. And my children both are employed at Glendale Adventist Medical Center today.<br /><br />So, I know a bit about Adventist hospitals.<br /><br />But something simple moved me today. That simple something reminded me why we do this health care thing all around the world as well in a needy area in East Los Angeles.<br /><br />At Noon I joined the Medical Executive Committee at the White for their meeting. As a board member I was invited at a previous meeting and really wanted to take them up on their offer. The physicians heading each hospital medical department were gathered around a very plain set of tables next to the cafeteria. The President of the Medical Staff opened the meeting. Food was sitting nearby ready to eat. And then, very matter-of-factly and obviously as a natural part of every meeting the President of the Staff said, "Let's begin with prayer."<br /><br />Now, at church meetings this is quite expected. We're all Seventh-day Adventists. Most of the circles I sit in these days, we're all administrative leaders. So praying is just a normal agenda item. <br /><br />But today I was looking at the circle that was ready to pray. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jewish, and the non-religious together at this table bowed their heads as the prayer began, "Our Father in heaven...." What followed was a beautifully simple and earnest prayer from the chair of the OB-GYN department. My heart was touched. These are men and women who want to help people fine health and they have come to an Adventist Hospital that leads them to pray together as the everyday mission of extending the caring of Jesus is administered to a community that needs us.<br /><br />I'm getting ready to head to the Operating Board Meeting now. We'll talk about safety, hear budget reports, and yes...start with prayer. Prayer. It's not just for church anymore! It's for everyday life in a hospital that ministers to others in Jesus name. Amen!Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-72208166975395991772009-09-05T19:45:00.000-07:002009-09-09T14:28:58.567-07:00esprit de corpsIn 2004 I was introduced to my first Nevada-Utah Regional Convocation in Salt Lake City, UT when I had been President of the Conference for just a few months. Still getting to know people around my field, I was impressed with the warmth and esprit de corps that exuded this gathering. <br /><br />This Sabbath Jennifer and I returned for my 5th Convocation, this time in Sparks, NV. Pastor Kingsley Palmer has organized these events each time I have attended and has been used by the Lord to create an inspirational environment for members to draw closer to one another and to Jesus.<br /><br />The music and preaching for the Sabbath worship hour was rich. Following lunch we adjourned to the neighboring Y.M.C.A. for the "Bible Bowl"--yours truly was drafted as one of the "judges." How exciting to see these young people energized by their knowledge of the Scriptures.<br /><br />After a change of clothes following the setting of the sun the evening was devoted to a friendly basketball round-robin tournament. I insisted that "the union office is officially neutral" about which region of the field won. Jennifer enjoyed holding the babies and little kids on her lap while we clapped for our favorite players. Trophies were presented to every team as we shut down the place at 12:15 a.m. Sunday morning.<br /><br />What a great way to start the week! It was a blessed Sabbath fellowship with our brothers and sisters.Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-61058118445348522002009-08-29T14:00:00.000-07:002009-09-04T21:04:09.114-07:00Tahoe Baptism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLoJfGNOJZEYRoflWDDheHzmwxU0aCJsvJoh6FaugNqXi8Ou0xxhHOymsb7P3COGxezSYn0OkWTQvceMVxpjL0VL82iUmQ3NH2cMR5RmUO4AHGLPtdp6l5Uvlq3Ritd_Vcxx-LgoDUBX-/s1600-h/P8290005.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLoJfGNOJZEYRoflWDDheHzmwxU0aCJsvJoh6FaugNqXi8Ou0xxhHOymsb7P3COGxezSYn0OkWTQvceMVxpjL0VL82iUmQ3NH2cMR5RmUO4AHGLPtdp6l5Uvlq3Ritd_Vcxx-LgoDUBX-/s200/P8290005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377826997726488146" /></a><div><i>"As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"</i> (Acts 8:36)</div><div><br /></div>As we walked down the wooden stairs to the sand of a boulder-strewn beach at Lake Tahoe it occurred to me that this was the way baptisms would've been done in the early years of the Christian Church. "They came to some water..." writes Dr. Luke in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official. Today this passage again came to reality as Phyllis and Roy were taking this important step in their spiritual lives--the former to be baptized for the first time and the later to recommit his life to Christ.<div><div><br /></div><div>As we waded out into the cool waters of the lake I saw about 100 people who would be the</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjvOIQepwfebtHND5qs1eXBxoC067aL0VpPNQeruwEnEkZFS45Xh_kBYpx26O7KMkAFZo21aTUmHMUFBO1BklZOr3TzJxPhYMaPleRpdymyl3pTSb-tm8gqTVpvG2LDSM3IM5305W-pTs/s200/BAPTISM+1.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 172px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377827253730334626" /><div> impromptu witnesses to this important day. About 30 yards from the shore the water was about waist deep and just right to fulfill the example of Jesus, "baptism--the immersion." No sprinkling here at Lake Tahoe. Down into what the old evangelists called "the watery grave" went our two disciples. Each rose with a quick inhalation of breath from the cold water on their faces. It was as if each was coming to life again.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNTQUzZqTMAJ1llrMiRqNBNS4-Fp8KBU-qKUCUfZNq3WkOJV43A_cgA_s0naol7ziWjgVnhUq8ck25cftjs_70u87Z_8g0J9k34JaMTzUIoXp_ld98cUq3VOxrdWlQAbOhhiPBgx_cbLq/s200/P8290022.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377828255142674114" /><div>My wife Jennifer later recounted to</div><div> us a conversation between several onlookers as I raised my hand for the blessing and then submerged each candidate into the water. "Hey look, that's a baptism going on out there. I was baptized as a Christian." And then a beat later added, "I'm not practicing it right now, though." (Reflecting later I considered that if possessed of more of the boldness of Peter or Philip I would've leaped onto the boulders and made a call for baptism to the beach crowd.)</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcJmCETQ3SCdkdz93lytG6cqaxo75dtxVGatRvWuk8tw4JxIZ9uFnzeLws0_JG8C69MHKK90o6rg70jf16OZ-K6h-bIv906DZQ2wveabDO5dIc-oB9S6-NZPtkJzQNS6p5ZANVfE5OVNT/s200/P8290023.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377828605145885890" /><div><br /></div><div>Coming out of the water I wasn't a bit chilly. The warmth of that moment drove away any thought of wind or wave. What happiness came in baptizing two fine people on this sunny day at Lake Tahoe. The Sabbath is a day celebrating the Creator of all life. And today we also lived Paul's promise in 2 Corinthians 5:17--<i>"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-17737977420031562572009-08-18T16:46:00.000-07:002009-08-18T17:23:59.135-07:00The Lesson of Oshkosh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aE6iQRVvQBAOWGEp4CipmbcDooWQS2pT2GaCV6NH4kZ3m2ZauOUQuU9dQdNrq4mIQZv1J2IhE6nsZk4T5hEvL7QfJ9xjtk7emEGyRPNojEQhyWQh0KxiOG8qTNnvLgHaz-2Bm7PgvpbA/s1600-h/P8130033.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aE6iQRVvQBAOWGEp4CipmbcDooWQS2pT2GaCV6NH4kZ3m2ZauOUQuU9dQdNrq4mIQZv1J2IhE6nsZk4T5hEvL7QfJ9xjtk7emEGyRPNojEQhyWQh0KxiOG8qTNnvLgHaz-2Bm7PgvpbA/s200/P8130033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463054507941602" /></a>I look behind me to see 35,000 young people singing, praying, clapping, worshipping. <div><br /></div><div>My eyes turn back to a stage that brought the story of Esther to life every night. Holding the rapt attention of Pathfinders from around the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next to me sits a young man from Mexico who, with sparkling joy on his face, explains how</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUjtYGdBixSyBopV-ygJM94k2KylUUJ0FMBLjqzGyqlT50CXK8YBcXvJrVcBuJbtxiddz0NJIjLoJuN0uO6HnwzSE74CXzx8Et497GHyO6v4DRQwgW0vphuuYUlXTLm5Rk6jUHu24Mc_w/s200/P8130035.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371462209832410754" /><div>wonderful it is to sit on a camp chair in the middle of an airfield in Oshkosh, WI with Seventh-day Adventists his own age who are excited about Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZiyayIi6brY_zhNJ9Qo3lmx1m9FZcia1pl_ex5kDiM1fAf3w6R7Yk4-AezP2Pa2BliqzWqF6EPZO-0XWHVMLB2L-Owp39ZFq1bQTNxCOMAy71y_8DOGbElcwN228OgwrGzpYmpKNHKAW/s200/P8130039.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463308102170610" /><div>My heart stirs with admiration and pride as thousands upon thousands of young Adventists march in parade formation past Jennifer and me. The sounds of the drums may drown out all other sounds but the smiles on the faces of children from every point of the North American compass speak volumes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pathfinder honors earned. Club pins exchanged. Community service projects engaged in. Wal-Mart running out of bottled water by Friday night. Camporee is like nothing else I've ever been to--including several General Conference sessions.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUplPRRhvPgyiufqpTDjfQxV-YBHg55FABqhLMLs_3fMrDYF_WPGMY7sYFP9ISrTxJMnFEhFKLlSEuVqDbPmmSZ2cABdo8sYuCyYKLLz_-qhK-g1GrtLSrM1zByXXuxHCDPMRfNRm0kdn6/s200/P8140095.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371462751531671650" /><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAuBJ3V6QuJkSEGifQWLVx_w1eJzFq8RMRmqiOWa_XZ5gOsyQinFOjz31LchBPBkrYGgxWNMVCO57W-bGX9AjS5VHG7vn05cUPHiXvh_1VQhAYpLE1nhFQekXvux7ttu4N30889e5is5A/s200/P8140080.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463920478822802" /><div>I leave the campground after several days feeling light, encouraged, and inspired.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>The youth of our church are indeed ready and able to lead the mission of this church. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">These 35,000 Pathfinders--</span></i></b></div><div>along with their dedicated volunteer directors, counselors, and supporters--taught me this lesson in Oshkosh, WI. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-76389309805647087152009-07-29T10:32:00.000-07:002009-07-29T11:05:40.316-07:00The beautiful campus of Pacific Union College was the setting for the annual Hispanic Pastor's Meeting again this year. Elder Jorge Soria, our Union Director for Hispanic ministry invited me to join them on Monday, July 27th and give the 11:00 a.m. message.<div><br /></div><div>It was a joy to see some of the pastors that I worked with from the Nevada-Utah Conference--Armando Juarez and David Valesquez as well as colleagues from the other conferences I have had the opportunity to work with over the past years I've served in the Pacific Union territory.</div><div><br /></div><div>The work among the Spanish-speaking people in our Union is a fast-growing and challenging work for our pastors. They work very hard and often face challenges uniquely their own as compared with what we in the English work typically cope with. </div><div><br /></div><div>With this in mind I was praying and contemplating what message would be encouraging to them during their retreat time. I had a particular message prepared but as I sat in the audience and interacted with some of my brothers I felt a strong impression to change my topic. (Nothing new for you pastors who follow this blog.) I chose my text as Ephesians 2:8-10 focusing on the phrases of Paul regarding God's workmanship in us and his preparation for us to do good works beforehand. The illustration of this text--and the bulk of my message--was my personal testimony of coming to Jesus Christ and the journey of my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>The faces in the audience radiated recognition--we've all been there and can give our own testimony to His leading. As we closed our worship time together it was my prayer for these fellow pastors that they sense anew that every one of us is a unique workmanship of the Master builder of souls. Thank God for his leading in each of our lives.</div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060401127339961505.post-84094758486422551782009-06-05T20:22:00.000-07:002009-06-05T22:10:33.342-07:00Friday Sunset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1rtMgv50URW5UqSn-EDoVwDFNU5jxM0ol14-ZnqzFM7IsQo0LnsBfpOeOOE85pf4ofIvRkWBzm9z7XomE2VVBq3KNqubZ8aHNBW5gCAT0p1tGnmNaHqMtOgwsbO60HM9J-Z6fkDqjkx7/s1600-h/sunset+in+nevada.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344076605259671058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1rtMgv50URW5UqSn-EDoVwDFNU5jxM0ol14-ZnqzFM7IsQo0LnsBfpOeOOE85pf4ofIvRkWBzm9z7XomE2VVBq3KNqubZ8aHNBW5gCAT0p1tGnmNaHqMtOgwsbO60HM9J-Z6fkDqjkx7/s200/sunset+in+nevada.bmp" border="0" /></a>As the sun sets in the Cold Springs Valley north of Reno, NV, I am praising the Lord for the gift of the Sabbath. This 24-hour "temple in time" draws my thoughts to the One who calls me His child and offer the invitation, "Come apart of rest awhile." <div><div></div><br /><div>The realization that every person springs from the loving hand of the Creator God brings a sublime joy and recurring meaning to my life. Genesis 1 and 2 describe the world as God designed it to be in from the outset. Perfect in form and function from the smallest microbe to the greatest mammal. And the crowning act of this loving Designer was humanity--created "a little lower than the angels" says the Psalmist--to be the steward of it all.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Sin has marred the perfection of God's creation but all is not lost. As Paul observes in Romans 1:19-20: "Since what may be known about God is plain...for since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." Death has come because of sin and the curse of its consequences are on display. But even through this gauze we may still perceive the intention of what was. And more importantly a promise of what is to come!</div><div></div><div><br /><br />The Sabbath also reminds me of the Creator who redeems my lostness. The Divine Architect died and then rose again from death for His children. Even me...even you! Wonderfully, His promise is that what once was will return in perfection again when He speaks and the earth is again perfection. Revelation 21:5 records these insistent words of the Creator: "I am making everything new!" </div><div></div><br /><div>The Sabbath makes me think of...long for...plan for...my Creator's return appearance to do what He promised.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1GRVoC18KiFn0hWNdcitsoin8Hgc0gXEsZ3n7oADecIOM98TbBFkiSKlgLqrDGQD5euaD40eX7eb-LKiCSG30iflNt2AHzSMGpumQXapvl5PJ6FATdIx67OG1TmKPYHDyBkcQVE8v6W/s1600-h/Lilacs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344075535057895810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1GRVoC18KiFn0hWNdcitsoin8Hgc0gXEsZ3n7oADecIOM98TbBFkiSKlgLqrDGQD5euaD40eX7eb-LKiCSG30iflNt2AHzSMGpumQXapvl5PJ6FATdIx67OG1TmKPYHDyBkcQVE8v6W/s200/Lilacs.jpg" border="0" /></a>Until then I'll drink in the rich scent of the lilac flowers cut from my garden and enjoy another Sabbath. Both gifts from Jesus, my Friend.</div></div>Bradford C. Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298553764941244813noreply@blogger.com0