The Cutting Edge. August 25, Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone!

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1 Current news from across the KS-NE Conference View this in your browser The Cutting Edge August 25, 2017 Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone! "We had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of two people who have been a part of our Chapel Oaks church family for some time," shares Reba Lucky. "Paula Hunter attended a series of meetings 11 years ago and has attended intermittently since that time. She recently responded to the Spirit s leading and had Bible studies with Pastor Mike Fenton, then made her decision commit her life fully to Jesus as expressed by her baptism. Dan Armour has been a part of Chapel Oaks since his family moved to this area. He has been involved with Pathfinders and helps his wife,

2 Melissa with the Adventurers Club. Dan has sang in the Christmas cantata. He started studying with Pastor Mike two years ago and on Sabbath made public his desire to follow Jesus by his baptism. Pastor Anthony Whitlow welcomed Paula, Dan and Michael Bourne, who was recently baptized at New Haven into fellowship at Chapel Oaks. Each one was presented a book by local elder, Drew Hickman. We know all heaven was rejoicing with us as these precious souls took their stand for Jesus," says Reba.

3 After a year of studies with me, my wife Maria, and daughter Hannah, Jaylynn, Shaylene, and Ryan Frazier were baptized at the Lincoln Northside church," says Pastor John Abbott. "Their joy was clearly evident as they came out of the water, rejoicing in their love for Jesus. The middle child, Shaylene, told the church of a time when she wandered off as a little girl while their family visited a church member's home. She had no idea where she was as she got further from the member's home. She prayed, asking God to guider her, then knocked at a random person's door. He father was called and when he picked her up, they discovered the father knew the woman. That experience reminded her that God always has His caring eyes on her and He knew how to lead her to Jesus!" says Pastor John.

4 "This week the New Haven Church hosted many people from our church and community during the "God is in Control" series," shares Pastor Ruth Rivera. "Seven precious souls have decided to surrender their lives to Jesus. Two of them will be baptized this Sabbath while the others will continue studying the Bible. Additionally, nine new guests are now expressing their desire to be visited, prayed with, and be part of New Haven future events. As the topics presented have shown a picture of a long-suffering God who wouldn't want any one to perish, one of our attendants expressed 'How inspiring to see how God takes care of us... This is giving me a totally different perspective of the God I've heard about before.' We are thankful for every volunteer involved in the teams making possible this outreach event in preparation for Reach KC in 2018," says Pastor Ruth.

5 "The Great Bend Churchwelcomed their new teacher, Steven Smith, to their church last Sabbath with a dedicatory prayer and a fellowship dinner to provide a time for the members to meet him," says Doris Reile-Kneller. "Our school has started with an enrollment of eight students. We are very excited about this new school year," says Doris. Pastor Delmar Austin let me know, "'Sister to Sister, Heart to Heart,' was the theme for a one-day Women's Ministry retreat in Omaha last Sunday. 54 ladies

6 attended this event, sponsored by the Omaha Memorial Church. Dr. Linda Becker was the featured speaker," says Pastor Austin. "This week we had our final baptismal class of the summer!" says Pastor Kyle Smith. "Nine of these guys have decided they want to follow Jesus! I can't wait to baptize them and see how they grow in their faith!" says Pastor Kyle.

7 Pastor Jim & Andi Nichols have worked in our Conference since 1984 and have served many congregations over that time. Tomorrow is Jim's final Sabbath as a full-time, paid pastor as they enter their retirement years. Jim & Andi are known for their love for people and their transparent faith. They will be staying in Sidney, NE and look forward to more time to travel and relax a bit more. We are grateful for their faithful service and know they will be missed.

8 Photo by Jonathan Burt A special plaque was awarded to Jim & Andi at our Pastors' Meetings in Omaha earlier this month recognizing their 32 years of faithful service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They are currently serving the Alliance, Bridgeport, Ogallala and Sidney congregations in western Nebraska.

9 "Last Sabbath the Primary class at Chapel Oaks invited the Junior class to join them because they had a special visitor," says Reba Lucky. "Umesh Pokharel, president of the Nepal Conference, came to give them a special mission report. He gave them information about the work that is being done to tell the people of Nepal about Jesus. Everyone was very surprised to learn that the baptisms in Nepal must take place in secret because it is against the law to attempt to convert a person. Pastor Pokharel was very pleased when the children sang a song for him in Nepali," says Reba.

10 "This week I had the opportunity to hang out with College View Academy for their beginning of the year High School Retreat at Broken Arrow Ranch," says Young & Young Adult Director Tim Floyd. "The school focused on Elevateas their theme for the school year. The students and staff focused on leadership lessons through activities and Pastor Jean-Marcel (Wichita South) shared inspirational thoughts that challenged the students and staff to Elevate every aspect of their lives for their service for Christ," says Pastor Tim.

11 "I took a picture with some of my students on Monday," says Wichita Adventist Christian Academy teacher Megan Tidwell. "We had a great time with our Solar Eclipse party. We made hats and learned about the every special event!" says Megan

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13 "Each year our Adventist Christian Fellowship group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln sets up a photo booth at the new student orientation," says Pastor Michael Paradise. "We met hundreds of new people and had a great time. Each year, we have a few students come up and say, 'I am an Adventist, and I didn't know we had a club here for us!' It is a great way to get contact info for people who want to be involved in campus ministry and Bible studies throughout the year," says Pastor Michael.

14 "The 13 students of Platte Valley Elementary along with their teacher Mr. Peterson were excited to welcome a very special guest on Eclipse Day," shares Cindy Kiefer. "Allen Manuel from the US Dept. of Energy in Washington DC came and visited the school, giving a special demonstration of how an eclipse works. Mr. Manuel is one of a few Adventists who work in the White House. The students also worked on a temperature testing experiment, which resulted in the finding that the temperature dropped 20 degrees during the eclipse," says Cindy.

15 Piedmont Park happily welcomed our new Student Pastor last Sabbath, shares Vanessa Schaecher. Elizabeth McDonald is a senior theology major at Union College and will be with us at Piedmont for the next year. She told a great children s story last week, and at announcement time our elders gathered around her as Pastor Michael prayed a prayer of dedication. Tomorrow she will preach her first sermon at Piedmont! We look forward to getting to know Pastor Elizabeth better and will keep her in our prayers as she completes her class work at Union and learns at Piedmont through hands-on experience, says Vanessa.

16 Associate Pastor Caleb White, Student Pastor Elizabeth McDonald, Lead Pastor Michael Halfhill "What a great first week of school at Union College with an amazing group of students," says Pastor Rich Carlson. "Last weekend we celebrated Sabbath with our new students as they completed their orientation. Then Monday officially began our first day with classes shortened by five minutes so we could all enjoy the eclipse. What an amazing experience!! Now we're heavy into classwork with plans for tomorrow, our first official Sabbath together as a whole school family. God is good and He has blessed us with His children that He has called us to guide through this

17 time of their young adult lives. Please pray for us as we offer ourselves in His service," asks Pastor Rich.

18 "George Stone and Omaha MemorialAdventist Schools joined to observe the solar eclipse at the Simpson home, a perfect setting for viewing in their personally designed tee shirts and safety masks, trying cereal box and other viewers, enjoying lunch together and baking "solar s'mores," says Jenienne Kriegelstein. "Students enjoyed the horses, who went to the barn, noticed the quietness of birds and insects, and were awed at the 360 degree sunset. Thanks to Mrs. Simpson from George Stone and her son, Mr. Simpson, from Omaha Memorial for welcoming us all to the family home," says Jenienne.

19 "We had 24 in attendance for opening night of the Depression and Anxiety Recovery Seminar at Capitol View Church this week," says Pastor Dean Carlisle. "The first time we did this seminar we had just four come out and only one came til

20 the end. But we felt there was a need in our community so we did it again. That time we had 10 regulars. Now we are at 24 with more planning to come on night two!" says Pastor Dean. "Students from the Omaha Memorial Adventist School joined with those from the George Stone School, at Jackie Simpson's home south of Lincoln, to view the solar eclipse on Monday," says Pastor Delmar Austin.."Clouds interfered with the few moments of total eclipse, but the students were able to see and experience much of the event."

21 I was in Lincoln several days this week as part of the North American Division Children's Ministries workshop," says Sue Carlson (Children's Ministries Director). "We were challenged to help our congregations minister to children through Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School and other creative means. There were excellent speakers and very helpful discussion and breakouts. I'm reminded of Ellen White's counsel, 'Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training of children. The lessons that the child learns during the first seven years of life have more to do with forming his character than all that it learns in future years.' I ran into some very dear friends from past years also involved in Children's Ministries!," says Sue. Sherri Uhrig (NAD), Sue Carlson (KS-NE), Patty Marsh (Upper Columbia)

22 Sedan member Carlotta Munson let me know, "Dorothy Taylor was honored by family and friends for her 90th birthday August 21. She was the youngest child of Charley and Enid Day, longtime residents of Sedan, Kansas. Dorothy and her family have been charter members and continuous supporters of the Adventist Church in Sedan. Present for the occasion were daughters Linda, Terry, and Jane. Her son David was also present. Son Paul sent his best wishes. Also present were 4 nieces, a sister-in-law, a granddaughter, and two great-granddaughters. We all wish Dorothy much happiness into her 10th decade," says Carlotta.

23 Those of us who were in the office on Monday took some time to gaze at the eclipse (with proper eyewear). We invited some friends, too, and had a great time being amazed at God's awesome greatness and realizing how tiny we actually are.

24 The designated offering this Sabbath is for the KS-NE Advance. This regular offering supports ministries that impact our entire Conference such as youth & young adult, Adventist Education, and evangelism. "A circus athlete made his living showing great feats of strength to the crowds. To close his act, he usually got an orange and squeezed it with one hand until all the juice came out of it and just the skin was left." Read more... Jerome Lang, long time member of the College View Church and member of the Conference Executive Committee for over 20 years, passed away on Tuesday, August 15. A celebration of Jerome's life will be held this Sabbath at the College View Church at 5:00 p.m. with a video tribute of his life shown at 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Union College for the Jerome and Ramona Lang Scholarship. Here's what some from the office are up to:. Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) will be home in Topeka this Sabbath where he'll be teaching Junior Sabbath School. It's also his birthday tomorrow. Far too many candles to count! Darin & Stephanie Gottfried (VP for Finance) are hiking and relaxing in the warm Utah sun.

25 Norm & Jan Zimmerman (Trust Services Director) will be in North Platte this Sabbath where Norm will speak and Jan will have special music. John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) are headed to Great Bend for a District Unity Rally. "The five Anglo and Hispanic churches of central Kansas under the leadership of Pastors Willy Vazquez and Regan Scherencel will gather for Bible study, worship, lunch, a concert and a health presentation at the Great Bend United Methodist Church this Sabbath. Representatives from all of the churches will lead or participate in the various aspects of the program. I have the privilege of preaching a message I ve called Community in Christ from Colossians 3:12-17," says John. Sue & I will be enjoying a more relaxed, outdoor Sabbath with Pastor Rod Scherencel's congregations (Fort Scott, Galena, Hepler, Pittsburg) at the Southeast Kansas District Campout at Crawford Lake. I will be sharing a message Sabbath morning and Sue will be providing music. "No suits or ties allowed," says Pastor Rod.

26 **If you know something that you think would be of interest to other Kansas-Nebraska Adventists, please let me know. I am trying to keep everyone on the "cutting edge" by sending this out each Friday. Have a wonderful Sabbath! ************************************* Ron Carlson, President Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 3440 Urish Rd. Topeka, KS ************************************** Copyright 2017 Kansas - Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, All rights reserved. You or someone else subscribed you to The Cutting Edge Our mailing address is: Kansas - Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 3440 Urish Rd. Topeka, KS Add us to your address book SUBSCRIBE unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences

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