urrent news from across the KS-NE Conference View this email in your browser The Cutting Edge January 1, 2016 Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone! "I wish you a happy new year. The old year with its burden of record has passed into eternity. Now let every thought, every feeling be that of remembrance of God's love. Let us gather up one token after another...." -- Ellen G. White Written to Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Kellogg, January 1, 1886. Pastor Thure Martinsen let me know, "Last Sabbath I had the privilege of baptizing two young people, Julianna Roth and Garry Boro, into our Golden Hills church. Studying with each of them was a pleasure as they had such an excitement to learn more about Jesus and His word," says Pastor Thure.
"When churches work together, great things happen," shares Pastor Birger Draget. "Almost three years ago Daryl Vickery, elder of my Newton church, and his wife Sharon, began a weekly Bible study with Carolyn Harris. Thanks to their loving concern and weekly travel to Wichita for Bible studies, Carolyn overcame alcohol and prescription drug addictions. Two months ago Carolyn got acquainted with Shannon McClain from the Wichita Three Angels Church. They became very good friends. Shannon went through the Thunder in the Holy Land video series with her in record time, and last Sabbath Carolyn was baptized and joined the Adventist family," says Pastor Draget.
This Sabbath is Pastor Joseph & Raluca Carty's first day in their new district. The Gothenburg, McCook, and North Platte congregations will join together for a special worship/welcome service. Ministerial Director, Virgil Covel, will be present to offer a dedication prayer over the Cartys and the district leaders. Pastor Carty just received his Masters of Divinity degree from the Adventist Seminary at Andrews University. "The Lincoln/Beatrice young adults have stayed very busy during the holidays," says Pastor Dean Carlisle. "They went out twice around the city caroling and sharing baked goods and GLOW tracts. We also gathered on the 31st for vespers and a New Years eve party," says Pastor Dean.
"At the end of each year our College View Church family comes together to remember those who have passed in the last calendar year," shares Pastor Michael Paradise. "Our Reflections Vespers is a great way for grieving families to share memories, and hear a message of hope during the holidays. Our pastoral staff leads out in the event, and it is followed by a cookie reception. People truly appreciate the candlelit program and it is always very well attended," says Pastor Michael.
"Our Harper church hosted their seventh annual Christmas Candle-light music program for the community," shares Linda Enochs. "There were about 130 people who packed our church to enjoy a variety of instrumental selections with the grand piano, organ, classical guitar, euphonium along with vocal duets and solos. The Harper Methodist We have a lot in store for you new projects to start, new ways to get involved, and new success stories because of your support. Stay on top of it all by visiting ADRA.org.
Bell choir also came and performed. Our program was entitled 'From the Cradle to the Cross.' We had the reading of the Christmas story and a narrative of Christ's life and death. The program was followed by a large buffet reception in our new fellowship hall completed in April. God gave us an evening of beautiful weather. A couple has started to attend church for the last 4 weeks now. We were able to have prayer with another family struggling with child illness. Other community friendships were formed and strengthened, says Linda. Teacher Rita Spears let me know, "My students at Hays, KS Maranatha did an experiment called 'Blubber Gloves' to find out why animals that live in cold areas such as the South Pole can stay warm and survive the frigid temperatures. I hope this is not a sign of the winter that lies ahead," shares Rita.
"We also served an Agape Supper to 40 members and visitors on Christmas evening. This was a most beautiful way to celebrate "in remembrance" of our Lord Jesus Christ." "Our Great Bend congregation has been VERY busy these past couple of weeks," shares Doris Kneller. "Our school presented seven scenes from the life of Jesus 'Portraits of Jesus' with Pastor Regan Scherencel narrating. Each scene took place as a framed portrait. The final scene depicted the 2nd Coming of Jesus which really gives us hope in this troubled world," says Doris.
"Our Primary department presented songs and memory verses for 13th Sabbath. They were all depicting Madagascar (their heritage) which was in this 13th Sabbath mission appeal." "Our last 13 SS Lessons were reviewed in a skit written by Dr. Bell Razafindrabe and included eight men from the congregation. It really helped everyone understand the story of Jeremiah in a much clearer picture," says Doris.
"Last Sabbath the 'First Christmas Story from the Birth of Christ' was presented by our Hutchinson church members," says Jan Sexson. "Gay Hume, narrator, & six church members gave monologues of Elizabeth-Jan Sexson, Joseph- Max Wadkins, Wiseman/Larry Hume, Shepherd-Denny Sexson,Innkeeper-Daniel Lawrence, & Mary-Carolyn Wadkins. Music after each monologue was beautifully rendered to the glory of God reminding us of the Gift of Jesus to the world," says Jan.
All our pastors will be meeting in Topeka beginning Monday evening for their annual winter meeting. Ministerial Director, Virgil Covel, has planned an inspiring and practical event. Here's what some of us from the office are up to this weekend. Most everyone is back in Topeka. The office re-opens on Monday. My brother, Rich, & I will be worshiping in our boyhood church tomorrow (Southview Church in Minneapolis). We and our wives are visiting our Mom to welcome 2016. **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 ************************************* Ron Carlson, President Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 3440 Urish Rd.
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