Current news from across the KS-NE Conference View this email in your browser The Cutting Edge September 2, 2016 Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone! "Last Sabbath we celebrated six baptisms at the Wichita Southeast Hispanic Church," says Pastor David Mesa. "Cintia & Jesus Delgado and his daughter Janeth. Joseph & Jasmine Delgado and Isabela Marie. We praise God that our congregation is growing as we reach out to our community," says Pastor Mesa.
Last Sabbath was a special one at Piedmont Park because we got to celebrate with Lillianna as she was baptized, shares Vanessa Schaecher. It is such a joy to see our young people making the decision to follow Christ and serve Him with their youthful energy! In addition to Lillianna s baptism, a number of our youth and young adults participated in the worship service by sharing their God-given talents, and Pastor Caleb White gave an inspiring sermon on forgiveness, says Vanessa.
Jean Clouzet has accepted our invitation to be the new associate pastor at Wichita South with Pastor Travis Forde. Jean & Tammy have been serving at the Wisconsin Academy Church in Columbus, WI and he holds a Masters of Divinity degree with an emphasis in youth ministries. Jean is fluent in English, Spanish and French and says in any of these languages, "I'm passionate about bringing people to Jesus and guiding them to become effective disciples for the kingdom of heaven." The Clouzets' first Sabbath at Wichita South will be September 17. We welcome them to our pastoral team!
"We hosted a Bible study and evening of fellowship for young adults in Garden City last Saturday evening," says Pastor Ryan Watson. This was the first of what will be a monthly small group gathering." "Omaha Memorial Adventist School had an Open House on Thursday evening for school families and visitors," reports Pastor Delmar Austin. "After a presidential scavenger hunt for all, Principal Linda Glaser shared school information with all the parents," says Pastor Austin.
"Last weekend the churches in Scottsbluff hosted our 6th annual 'God In Shoes' weekend," shares Jeannie Costopoulos. "On Friday about 60 ladies came to a Spa Day at the Valley View School. They enjoyed manicures, facials, massages, and even haircuts. One woman remarked on her registration card, 'It's been a really great day. How often can you go get a hair cut, a gift bag and a pair of shoes and good conversation too? Also, I got a lot of encouragement. God bless you all.' On Sunday we enjoyed our Family Fun Day. Families enjoyed many activities as well as a picnic lunch of hot dogs, chips, and watermelon. Besides the activities, there were drawings for gift baskets every hour. It is certainly a blessing to be able to reach out to our community in such a positive, tangible way. We will never know this side of heaven how many lives this unique ministry has touched," says Jeannie.
"The grand opening for Midland Adventist Academy's new playground took place this week with Principal Dan Kittle cutting the ribbon with a huge paper cutter," says Dave Fairchild. "The new equipment was made possible with generous donations from the MAA Foundation and Home and School. As soon as the ribbon was cut, students from grades K-4 dashed into, over, and around the playground, testing out each piece of red, white, and black construction with great excitement," says Dave.
Youth/Young Adult Director Tim Floyd let me know, "This week I have been working on uploading the remaining images from this summer's camp season at Broken Arrow Ranch. For many parents and campers this picture platform,www.ksneconference.smugmug.com, is brand new. This will enable photo distribution after an event, such as camp meeting, summer camp or camporee, to be much more efficient. Also, because privacy is important to me, I have password protected each photo album so that our children's images are only accessed by the individuals who have our password given to them. If you had a young person attend Broken Arrow Ranch summer camp this summer and would like access to the album please feel free to send me an email (tfloyd@ks-ne.org) and I will share the password so you can access the pictures and videos," says Pastor Tim.
LaDonna McMurtry let me know, "Three year old Joshua Pulido in the tan suit recited John 3:16 and his six year old sister Joselyn in the yellow dress recited the first commandment, John 3:16 and The 23rd Psalms and then they both sang a song for our Special Feature during our church service in Norfolk," reports LaDonna. "The Beatrice Church proudly announces that it has started a new Adventurer club," says Pastor Dean Carlisle. "On Sabbath we hosted an investiture service during the worship service and nine young people and two staff members were invested that morning. Club leader Megan Kopf has been working for months to prepare for our inaugural year. Parents and members from the church and the community have responded with enthusiastic
May this Labor Day Weekend give you a chance to get some much needed physical rest. Jesus offers the ultimate peace and rest! "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 support," says Pastor Dean.
"Last Sunday we had a great time at the SDAKC Swim party!" says Pastor Kyle Smith. "It was such a blessing to me to see all of the youth that came out from many of the different churches in the KC area! They seemed to all have fun, and the weather was perfect for a splash in the pool!" says Pastor Kyle.
FREE complimentary copy of a fantastic new sharing book Hope for a Helpless Planet by Chris Holland. CLICK HERE and send your mailing address before September 15, 2016. Here is a wonderful quote from the book: Whatever your situation may be, Jesus wants to encourage you He wants to give you hope. Are you facing an illness? Jesus says, Don t let your heart be troubled. Are you facing marital challenges? Jesus wants to give you assurance. Are you facing a problem in the work place? Jesus reaches out to encourage you. Whatever you face today, on this hopeless and helpless planet Jesus gives you hope.. By Chris Holland. "The signs are going up around Great Bend for our God in Shoes ministry which begins a week from Sunday," says Sue Carlson, Women's Ministries Director. "A group of people are practicing face painting for our Family Fun Day and the other is a picture of fleece quilts that members made to put in our welcome baby gift baskets. It is exciting to see the commitment of our church members and Great Bend!" says Sue
Wichita Adventist Christian Academy teacher Megan Tidwell let me know, "We are excited to be having this next Monday off! Having so much fun in K-1st!"
"Bright and early last Sunday morning, Midland Adventist Academy connected with the local Shawnee community by serving as the first rest stop on the 27th annual Tour de Shawnee bicycle ride," writes Dave Fairchild. "Students and staff handed out water, grapes, and granola bars to the 200+ riders who stopped, and cheering on the additional riders passing by on Maurer Road. Midland is Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts, Training Hands for Jesus," says Dave.
"After the second week of school at Union College, the Spirit is evident," shares Pastor Rich Carlson. "Many small groups for Bible study and prayer are forming and many are searching for ways to be involved in sharing and growing with Jesus. Thanks for all your prayers. This evening Andrew Peterson will be in concert at 7:30 in the College View Church."
"Last weekend the four Southeastern Kansas churches met at Crawford State Park for their annual district campout," says Pastor Rod Scherencel. "Some folks camp for the weekend and some drive in for various services conducted between Friday and Sunday. Members from each church contribute toward leadership for the weekend. As usual, guests who are not church members and members who do not regularly attend church are heartily welcomed. The weekend was filled with laughter, music, spiritual thoughts, good food and warm fellowship," says Pastor Rod.
"Your photos are needed for the 2017 Conference Calendar. Please share images captured within our Kansas-Nebraska territory," says Publication Director Stephanie Gottfried. Email jpegs to: sgottfried@ksne.org Carol Huenergardt has been elected by the Conference Executive Committee to represent our territory on the North American Division Executive Committee. Carol is a member of the College View Church and has business and church leadership experience. The committee meets annually for several days in October in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Conference office will be closed on Monday in recognition of the Labor Day holiday.
Here's what some from the office are up to this Sabbath: Darin & Stephanie Gottfried (VP for Finance) are spending time with family in Colorado this weekend John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) are looking forward to a hiking weekend get-a-way in the Rocky Mountains. "Great forecast too! We ll be praying for the folks in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Looks like bad weather for them," says John. Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) is home in Topeka and will be taking the Juniors to Echo Cliff Park for a picnic. Sue & I are in Kettering, Ohio visiting two of our grandsons and their parents. We enjoyed watching their great soccer skills!! We will be worshiping at the Kettering Adventist Church in the morning.
**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. Topeka, KS 66614 785-478-4726
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