For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church. Merry Christmas!

Transcription

1 For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church Merry Christmas! This Christmas Season you can help spread the Good News of Jesus. So many people need to hear some Good News. Invite them to join us for our Community Christmas Program on Dec. 20th. May God s blessing be on you and yours this Christmas Season.

2 2 THE LATEST WORD Gifts from God by Cary Fisher We have just finished our small groups series on the book of James, and because of this study, I have developed a deeper appreciation for our church. I was impressed on how sincere you were in going through this challenging book of the Bible. While we can gain tremendous amounts of wisdom all through the book of James, my favorite verse just might be found in the very first chapter, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). Certainly, a central part of Christmas is the giving and receiving of gifts. Everyone loves to open presents that we get from our friends and family. To demonstrate how much we love gifts, our country will spend over 5.2 billion dollars on holiday spending this year alone. However, let us be reminded that Christmas is not really about the gifts that we give to each other, but rather, it is about the gifts that God has given us. While the birth of Jesus is God s greatest gift, James alludes to a multitude of gifts that come from God. I believe that God gives us good and perfect gifts everyday, and our job is to live our lives knowing when these gifts appear. Sometimes God s Some gifts from God may first seem to be a negative event in your life, but in time, we were blessed by those moments gifts can be easily recognized like being loved by the people that care about you, or his gifts may be more subtle such as a smile from a stranger or a beautiful sunrise during your morning commute. Some gifts from God may first seem to be a negative event in your life, but in time, we were blessed by those moments because of how much we have grown through those experiences. Whatever God s gift may be, we do know that it will be perfect for us meaning that it will be exactly what we need. Paul writes, my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If you are ever feeling anxious or lacking in anyway, maybe all that you need is a change of perspective. You might be looking for things that don t come from God to fulfill you when they will never be able to provide you what you really need. It is really a matter of desire, God s gifts may not be what we think we want, but his gifts will be greater than anything this world has to offer. May God give us the wisdom to see and to accept his gifts as they occur. December s Sermon Calendar December 6th - The Value of One - Elder Gerard Kiemeney will be preaching this Sabbath. Dr. Kiemeney is the LA Metro Region Director of the Southern California Conference, and his message will be on the impact that one person can have when sent by God. December 13th - Pathfinder Sabbath. Our Pathfinder club will lead the worship service on this Sabbath. December 20th - Christmas Program - This Sabbath will be our Christmas celebration service. We will spend time singing our favorite Christmas hymns, and we will have a narrated drama that is centered around the birth of Jesus. This continued on page 3 WE DID IT INSIDE Gifts from God page 2 Can Debt be Immoral? page 4 Taste & Inspiration on page 5 What s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Our Church Family page 7 Kid s Page on page 9 The Latest Word V 26 N 12 BILL AUMACK responsible for this LINDA AUMACK copy editor LAURA LUNA paper distribution CARY FISHER pastor address mail to: Downey Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd. Downey, CA office: fax: downeychurch@gmail.com distributed monthly issue date: Dec copyright

3 December 2014 Gifts (continued...) service is always a special program as we recognize the unbelievable story of God s son coming to Earth. December 27th - The Shepherd s Reaction - This sermon focuses on the shepherds after they witnessed the birth of Christ. According to Luke, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (Luke 2:20). This sermon gives us a perspective of life after Christmas. See you when the church gathers. = Stewpot by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CHES, CFC growing number of A financial educators and economists are concerned that the number one debt problem in our country is student loans. In the past, the number one consumer debt was credit cards or vehicle loans. In recent years, student loans have risen to the top with the average student currently owing over $30,000. This student loan problem has affected not only the twenty-year-olds but many in their retirement years who are still paying on loans they received in their forties for masters and doctoral programs. Student debt is also a major barrier to those who desire to minister in the mission field. In a recent article, Katherine Burgess describes a graduate from Bethel University in St. Worship Schedule Dec 6th Gerard Kiemeney The Value of One Dec 13th Pathfinder Sabbath Dec 20th Cary Fisher Community Christmas Program Dec 27th Cary Fisher The Shepherd s Reaction Can Debt be Immoral? Paul, Minnesota, who believes she is called to serve God in Japan. She is still struggling to pay off $43,000 in student loans after graduating two years ago. Like many others, she is caught in unfortunate quandary. Most church and mission agencies will If saving money is wrong, I don t want to be right. Anonymous not accept graduates with significant student loans. Because of this crisis, a number of schools and universities are beginning to enhance loan repayment programs for students who feel called to serve overseas. Examples of these are San Diego Christian College, offering loanforgiveness programs for missionary pilots, and Southwestern Medical Clinic Foundation, for medical missionaries. One college director of development puts it this way, Our goal is to make sure anyone who truly feels called to the mission field can follow that call of God on their heart without worrying about student debt they may have incurred. 1 This current student citizen. debt crisis is a moral dilemma with which Christian colleges and universities must struggle. There is, however, a larger immoral issue that we as a nation need to face. Our federal government has an annual deficit of more than $1 trillion and a national debt exceeding over $17 trillion a year or approximately $60,000 per U.S. First, is the borrowing itself immoral? Not according to the Scriptures. In fact, the Bible does not call debt a sin. However, it does remind us that borrowing has negative consequences. In Proverbs 22:7, the Bible reminds us of these consequences when we allow a creditor to have power over us. This same borrowing as a nation for short-term needs can lead to a long-term decline and the enslavement of the whole nation (Nehemiah 5:3-5). On the other hand, continued on page 4 3

4 THE LATEST WORD Can Debt be Immoral? (continued) 4 some would argue how could continuing to borrow be wrong when Washington s annual deficit is smaller now than it was five years ago and our accumulated federal debt as a percentage of our gross domestic product is only half of what it was at the end of the Second World War? 2 Second, is it wrong to give assistance to those less-fortunate than ourselves both at home and overseas? As a super power, is it a mistake for America to generously lend and give debt forgiveness to other smaller nations? The Scriptures call for generous lending and debt forgiveness both individually and nationally. However, a government that develops a pattern of spending considerably more than what it raises behaves both un-wisely and immorally. Further, we must be careful not to carry this concept of American generosity too far, or we will become the beggar nation. All Christians, whatever their political persuasion, must petition their government to be fiscally responsible. 3 Third, is the debt immoral or is it the deficit lifestyle? Amy Black puts it succinctly in this statement, Accruing debt itself is not immoral, but a culture of debt most certainly is. Debt has be-come the American way of life, one that threatens our flourishing and that of future generations. In our personal lives, we make daily budget decisions. Many choose to take on debt for expensive items deemed worthy investments or necessities the purchase of a home, replacing a leaky roof, loans to defray the expense of college tuition. Such borrowing seems prudent. On the other hand, many Americans accrue debt to artificially maintain an extravagant lifestyle or accumulate beyond what they can ever pay. Such practices violate the principle of wise stewardship. 4 Thrift is of great revenue. Marcus Tullius Cicero Finally, being in debt is a sign of moral failure if the budget household or national ensures future instability. The path to moral responsibility is to remind each of us of the Biblical principles of prudent stewardship and collective sacrifice. How To Avoid Christmas Debt Develop a budget Start with a budget by sitting down with your spouse and figuring out what your family can afford to spend on gifts and other Christmas items without accumulating a credit card debt. Make it your goal to stay within your budget realizing that this is the most important step you and your family can do to control your holiday spending. Make a list Sit around the family table and write down every person you would like to include on the Christmas list and what amount you want to spend on them. Remember, for some people a simple picture of your family or a plate of homemade cookies is sufficient. Have a limit Having a limit is important for two reasons the first is how much you choose to spend on a particular individual, and the second is how many presents you will purchase particularly for your children and especially those wonderful grandchildren. Develop a strategy Be a great listener during the months of November and December. Pay attention to those casual comments such as when your spouse says, I wish I had that tool or That s exactly what I need to complete my kitchen or tool set. Write them down and when a sale comes up in those last two months of the year you can get what your loved ones desire. When it comes to Christmas debt, keep this in mind gifts are quickly forgotten but credit card debt seems to go on forever. = References: 1 Katherine Burgess, End Missionary Debt, Christianity Today, April 2014, p David P. Gushee, et. al., Three Views: Is the $17 Trillion Federal Debt Immoral? Christianity Today, January/ February 2014, pp. 26, Ibid. 4 Ibid.

5 Taste & Inspiration December 2014 Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients 0.5 cups plain breadcrumbs 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese divided 2.0 tablespoons flour 1.0 teaspoons garlic salt 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, coarse ground 1.25 cups milk 2.0 tablespoons butter melted 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided 16.0 ounces frozen broccoli florets thawed 16.0 ounces cauliflower florets thawed 2.0 tablespoons butter 1.0 large onions chopped 1 cup 2.0 ounces cream cheese cubed Directions Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning in small bowl. Set aside. Cut up any large broccoli or cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic salt and pepper. Add milk; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; cook Pilar & Phillip and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add vegetables; toss gently to coat. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle top evenly with crumb mixture. Bake 40 minutes or until heated through and top is lightly browned. Enjoy! = 5

6 Downey Adventist Church Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :43 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Gerard Kiemeney 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Band Practice 3 pm Pathfinders/ Adventures 9 am Pathfinders/ Adventures :45 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pathfinder Sabbath 14 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Band Practice :47 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Community Christmas Program 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Band Practice 3 pm Pathfinders :51 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 7 pm Band Practice Visit S.S. Sabbath School C.S. Community Service 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Agape Communion

7 December 2014 Upcoming Events Dec Birthdays Brenda Guillen 2 Von Pond 5 Yesenia Molina 8 Ray Fernandez 10 Johnny Macias, III 12 Alonso Ortega 16 Genesis Huinquez 16 Eduardo Lozano 17 Lourdes Centeno 17 Eddie Rivas 18 Ricky Gonzalez 19 Claudia Aponte 23 Jocelyn Huinquez 30 If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in. Thursdays - 7 p.m. Women s Prayer Group Fridays - 7:00 p.m. Band Practice Dec 13 - Pathfinder Sabbath Dec Community Christmas Program Dec Downey Master Chorale Concert 2:30pm Dec Christmas Day Dec Office Closed The Latest Word deadline is the 5th of the month. Be sure to keep up with the latest news by signing up for the Wednesday . You can sign up here or send us an at DowneyChurch at gmail dot com and we ll add you. Coming Soon Jan 2 - Agape Communion - 7pm 7

8 THE LATEST WORD The Latest About Our Church Family Congratulations to Antonio, Raquel, Johanna and Noemilyn Luna. They recently transferred their membership to Downey. Welcome them if you haven t already. If you have a student who is doing well in school (honor roll, special award, etc.), please let us know so we can all celebrate their success. If you have any Church Family news, please contact the church office so we can get it into the newsletter. = Thank you to everyone who has been saving Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreciated. For the Box Tops for Education, please save the Box Tops coupon. Please give your labels to Linda Aumack. Thank you for your support! = 8 Praying in the Bad Times by Sarah Guerrero Most people deny it, but sometimes people forget to even pray during the bad times. But they re just that, times that are bad, not a bad life. We should always remember that because our God is great and sees everything. He sees all the struggles and hardships and tears just as he also sees our smiles and laughter and he is always there with us. He will always be with us. Psalms 116 verse 1-2, I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me. I will call on him as long as I live. Personally, I love this verse because I know that God does hear us. He hears every thought, every wish, every silent prayer, especially during the hard times. But I believe that is when we should be most thankful. Just as the song Blessings goes, What if your blessings come through rain drops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you re near? What if trials of this life, are your mercies in disguise? = Downey Master Chorale Concert The newly formed DOWNEY MASTER CHORALE will present its Christmas concert entitled Hark the Herald Angels on Sunday, December 21st, 2:30pm in the lovely sanctuary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 9820 Lakewood Blvd. in Downey. The concert will feature The Seven Joys of Christmas by Kirke Mechem, and Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham. Unusual arrangements of favorite carols plus some interesting surprises will add to the delight of all present. Come, celebrate and support Downey s very own quality choral group. ADMISSION General: $20; Students and seniors: $15. Group rate (10 or more purchased before 12/15) 10% discount CONTACT FOR TICKETS: Downey Church: (562) , info@downeymasterchorale.org. (310) =

9 December

10 December 2014 Ponder This... = In the depth of every mystery, Jesus put a Face. Nathan M. Pusey = Jesus did not come to make God s love possible, but to make God s love visible. Author unknown = The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young. Phillips Brooks Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd., Downey CA DATED MATERIAL Return Service Requested 10