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The Conference Crier
Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada
Monday, August 7, 2000
Return to West Virginia
Seventh Day Baptists from Cali to Rhody have converged on the campus of
West Virginia Wesleyan College for the third time in six years for the
annual meeting of the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference. More than 650
registered delegates will meet for five days of discussion of issues facing
our denomination. The Wesley Chapel, already filled during evening
services, is expected to seat more than a thousand worshippers on Sabbath
morning
South Carolina Pastor, W.E. Winborne, Challenges Delegates with Anecdotal
Keynote Address
Sunday evening's worship service was led by Conference President John
Camenga. The Daytona Beach choir sang two inspirational pieces, led by
Garry Snyder, who is also the Conference pianist, and the director of the
Daytona choir. Brett Greene, eighteen year-old organist of the First
Seventh Day Baptist Church of Columbus, Ohio, may be the youngest Conference
organist in history. Pastor Ray Winborne, of Charleston, South Carolina,
inspired many an Amen from the congre gation as he shared experiences and
challenges overcoming bigotry and intolerance in his own life. Harmony
means becoming more inclusive, and the effort must begin with each of us.
S.C.S.C.
Thirteen churches across the continent were sites for SCSC projects this
summer. Watch for summaries of some of the work undertaken by these
ambitious young Christians. Paula Reynolds of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was
a member of Team Soteria, which means Salvation in Greek. Together with
Miriam Lawton of Little Genesee, New York, and Steve Graffius of Lakewood,
Colorado, her team served in Riverside, California, under the guidance of
project director, Pastor Eric Davis. Team Soteria served as counselors and
teachers at both Primary and Junior Camp at Pacific Pines in the San
Bernardino Mountains. Vacation Bible School became HolyWord Studios
producing a musical presentation for Sabbath morning worship in the
Riverside Church. God's Amazing Story was the theme of the week long Bible
School. Backyard Bible Club, during the last week of the project, used
Veggie Tales videos to bring the message of Christ to a dozen neighborhood
children. The team presented testimonies, special music, and children's
messages for the church. Then on Sabbath afternoon, the team led a youth
fellowship field trip to Corona del Mar to enjoy a rocky view of the Pacific
Ocean. Several young people got into the water despite the rocky cove
setting.Paula says that a high point of her experience was the morning
devotions with team members. There was so much work to do that we really
needed that time together with the Lord. We also enjoyed sharing meals in
the homes of church members, and we had fun going to Mexico for a day with
Vickie Burdick. Don't miss the SCSC presentation in Wesley Chapel at 3:00
P.M. Tuesday.
CONFERENCE BUSINESS
The first business session of the 188th meet ing of the General
Conference of Seventh Day Baptists was called to order today by President
John Camenga. He noted that this year marks the 198th anniversary of the
conference. We will celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2002. The
report of the General Council reviewed accomplishments of the past year.
The report of the Obituary Committee celebrated the lives and contributions
of church leaders. Executive Secretary, Dr. Pete May reported on his vision
for individual service and healing.
Stained Glass Opens Conference With Singing
by Nadine Lawton
For this road-weary traveler, the Sunday evening informal praise service was
refreshing. It was also a time of renewal, and a time when peace replaced
the anxiety of traveling. Stained Glass led the congregation in songs of
worship and praise. Many in the pews added to the music with rhythm
instruments, and even a recorder. I'm thankful that these informal praise
times are now included as part of the conference schedule. Not only are
they refreshing, renewing, and peaceful, they are less fattening than the
refreshments in the dining hall.
Youth Pre-Con Retreat Rings with Harmonyby Julie Sias and Jessica Goodson
Fifty campers and ten staff convened at Camp Joy in Berea, West Virginia
(beautiful, beautiful WV) for more than four days of fun, frolicking, Bible
study, praise and worship. Pastor David Taylor directed the camp, Pastor
Matt Olson led the Bible studies, and Pastor Dave and Christina Thorngate
led the music. John Nagle, Marjorie Patrick, Margaret Taylor, and several
others provided nutritious and delicious cuisine. A highlight of the
retreat was the Evening Vespers with worshipful singing, scripture reading,
devotional readings, testimonies, and prayer. The Bible studies, centered
mainly in John 15 and 16, were about the Peace that Passes all
Understanding. It is the gift of peace that one experiences when you have a
personal relationship with Christ. When we went to vespers, it all seemed
to click and we felt it. Another highlight was the Volleyball
Tournament. The six teams were comprised of the five work crews and the
counselor group. Team 4, Jessie's team (nana nana nana), won the
tournament. It was great just to be with our friends again and have
fellowship.
2001 Calendars!
Get'em while they're hot! Help Support the Salem Youth and the Salem
Building Fund. Available in the dining hall exhibit space.
Interest Committees Address Issues
If you haven�t attended an Interest Com mit tee meeting today, it's not too
late to get involved. Each committee will be meeting at 10:30 and 1:00
tomorrow. Find a meeting room and contribute to the discussion. Our
denomination depends on the active participation of individuals. We need to
hear from many to have a broad, inclusive program.
________________________________________________________________________
The Conference Crier
Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada
Tuesday, August 8, 2000
Dulcet Tones of Spiritual Harmony Quartet Highlight Monday Evening Worship
by Ruthanne Cain
Worship leader, Pastor Alvin Bernard of Miami, Florida shared an original
poem dealing with the conflict between flesh and spirit. Patrick London of
Toronto, sang Lead Me Home. The Conference choir, under the direction of
Pastor Paul Green, sang Help Us to Accept Each Other by Beck. SCSC worker
Stephanie Ritchie shared her testimony about finding the Seventh Day Baptist
Church. The Wesley Chapel was drawn into a silent meditation by the
acapella quartet from Toronto. They encouraged us to be silent and listen
for the whisper of God. Pastor Eric Davis, of Riverside, California, gave
the evening talk on being sympathetic. He opened with Galatians 6:1-10
regarding carrying your brother's burdens. Pain is easier to bear when it
is shared. Problems are a fact of life, and they are easier to cope with if
someone else helps. He also challenged us to remember that all sin is
equal. Try to restore someone who is in sin, but in humility. The service
ended with the congregation singing What A Friend We Have in Jesus.
Council on Ministry Tells of Pastors' Studies
By Jane Lewis
Director of Pastoral Services, Gabriel Bejjani, of Riverside, California
shared about the several pastors who are pursuing extended studies in order
to improve their skills in ministry. Pastor L.B. Lee, of Colorado Springs,
told his story of responding to the call to ministry, and how Pastor Alton
Wheeler encouraged him. L.B. has completed the T.I.M.E. program, initiated
by former Director of Pastoral Services, Rod Henry. Harold Smith and Kory
Geske continue their study in the T.I.M.E. program. Pastor Ken Chroniger was
recognized for his progress toward a doctoral degree. Matthew Berg, Scott
Smith, Herlitz Condison, and Joann Kandel are currently engaged in seminary
studies.
Do You Know the Rules of the Game?
by Raakeli Watt
Pastor Christian King of Charleston, South Carolina had a unique approach to
her subject in the Tuesday morning Bible study. Love as Brothers, up close
and personal. We are divided into groups by interests, yet are united as
children of the King.
We have been commanded to love each other. Using stick pins and sponges
as examples, she showed us how we can love through the Holy Spirit. Pastor
King tossed out several balls and gave us 30 seconds to play the game, but
what game? It's hard to play if we don't know the rules. We know the rules
of love - in the Bible - but we may not follow them. Love is a
responsibility. When we are called to love, it must be unconditional. Love
is a debt that we owe to Christ for the price He paid for us.
SCSC Presentation Focuses on Themes of Summer Experience
by Angi Neher
The SCSC 2000 team concept was called Righteousness. Each team took its
name from one of the letters.
Renewed : Angi Neher and Holly Davis
Israel : Sharai Fyffe and Nicole
Grace: Stephanie Ritchie and Jamaal Fyffe
Honey: Jenny Butler and Keith Ashley
Treasure:Tameka Edwards and Omari Rhoden
Everlasting: Jodie McQueen and Mindy Barnes
Overjoyed: Marissa Van Horn and Taryn Wylie
Unashamed: Nathaneal Lawton, Kris Bonser and Angie Petty
Soteria: Paula Reynolds, Steve Graffius, and Miriam Lawton
Noble: Cathy Rogers Camenga and Jennifer Martin
Enriched: Steven Pimple and Karlene Neher
Steadfast: Megan Clark and Patrick London
Sanctified: Andrea Davis and Jeff Sinclair
The amazing thing is that 28 individual summer experiences across the United
States, resulted in God teaching us the same lessons. During evaluation
sessions at Camp Joy, we realized that this summer we learned about patience
in His timing, and waiting on the Lord for direction about how we should
approach our tasks. We saw His awesomeness even in the little things.
Each team selected a scripture to relate to their team identity. Stephanie
Ritchie of Team Grace reports that she and Jamaal Fyffe of Toronto, selected
Ephesians 2:8 as their team verse, For it is by grace you are saved, through
faith - and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. They served in
Boulder, Colorado in three camps and some street witnessing. The church
welcomed them and God touched their lives and taught them that His plan is
better than anything one might have planned alone.
SDB Conference Quiet Hours
10:00 P.M. - 7:00 A.M.
Please whisper in the halls and close doors quietly.
Takin' Care of Business
By Peter Fox
The youth of the SDB Conference of 2000 have been takin' care of business!
Each afternoon for the past few days, Omari Rhoden (who sang at the Monday
night worship service) and Karlene Neher have led the youth in discussion.
So far the youth have expressed interest in youth mission trips, and given
suggestions for the leaders and locations of the next year-end youth
retreat. The youth are hard at work determining their future!
Dear Conference Crier Editor,
Oh my, I know that at this time, lots of people are travelling to this
year's General Conference in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia. I wish so much
that I could be there with you. Already, I'm missing the excitement of
seeing old friends that you haven't seen in a year to two years. My body
may be here in Zambia, but my heart is in West Virginia this week.
We're going to be having General Conference here in Zambia in a couple of
weeks. It's a little different from the accomodations you all have in WV,
but it's the people and Jesus who make Conference what it is. I hope that
you guys have as much fun as we'll have here in Zambia.
I want to thank Dr. Ron Davis for his kind heart to set up a book table that
will raise money for my project and the Pearsons' project in Malawi.
Everyone reading this message should visit his table! I do have a
suggestion for what to do with the books left over at the end of the week.
There's a lot of people here in Zambia who would like a Bible or a Christian
book. How about sending the leftovers here?
Love you all,
Jeff Wishing He Were in WV Hazen
P.S. Hey John Mark and Cathy Camenga! I wore a suit yesterday in honor of
your wedding! The card's in the mail.
Children's Conference
Hi! Our names are Jessica Patterson and Rebekah Mattison. We are both 10
years old. We are best friends and like to hang out with each other when we
can. I'm from Pennsylvania and Rebekah is from Nebraska now. I have one
sister and she has one sister and one brother who has Downs Syndrome.
We really like it at SDB Conference. Children's conference is fun. Both of
us have a speaking part and a duet in the play on Sabbath morning. In
crafts, we are making bags, book marks, and fruity picture frames. We
really like our teachers.
Vespers and Informal Praise Lighten the Heart
By Nadine Lawton
It's been said that Seventh Day Baptists do two things very well, eating and
singing. Monday evening was filled with singing. It started with Youth
Pre-Con presenting a musical. The informal praise time was led by Pastor
Don Chroniger with his lovely wife Charlotte as accompanist. Pastor Don led
us in many familiar hymns. He shared stories about how some of the hymns
were written, stories about how a hymn saved a life, either physically or
spiritually. These stories added to the specialness of the hymns.
Just a Note
As of Tuesday evening there were 690 people registered for Conference and
620 already here. Praise the Lord.
________________________________________________________________________
The Conference Crier Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada Wednesday, August 9, 2000 Be Compassionate by Victoria Burdick Wednesday's Bible study began with a flute meditation and a real-life example of compassion. Rev. Charlotte Chroniger pointed out instances in the Old Testament where God showed believers patience and forgiveness. Isaiah 40 reminds us that God treats us as lambs in His arms. Mrs. Chroniger told us of personal experiences of uncontrollable anger which negate all compassion for fellow humankind. She then reviewed the New Testament examples of Jesus calling us to compassion and of healing through His own love. We were blessed with a flute solo by Bethany Chroniger which led into a sharing of experiences in SDB churches and communities where we can show Christ's compassion in times of crisis. Rev. Chroniger closed with Luke 6, another example of Christ's compassion. Owen Probasco sang Bill Gaither's wonderful hymn "He Touched Me." Service of Restoration Planned for Thursday Night by Robert Van Horn I've been asked, "What is that?" Well, it's a service that will seek to help with the Christian's ability to live more abundantly. (John 10:10) This kind of service is sometimes given names such as Healing or Hope and Healing. Our particular Service of Restoration will deal with the healing of the mind and spirit, as well as prayer for healing of physical needs. The Bible tells us that the truth shall set you free. Satan is the father of lies. Satan seeks to destroy us by causing us to question the truth of the Bible. II Corinthians 10:4-5 tells of the weapons of our warfare...through God to the pulling down of strongholds...and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.... Strongholds are those areas which have not come under the influence of the truth. Many times these areas include unforgiveness, rebellion, and pride, which may manifest themselves in anger, sexual immorality, and even physical illness or disability. The scripture says that the body of Christ is to be in unity. I invite you to ask the Lord if you ought to come to Thursday's Service of Restoration following the evening worship in Wesley Chapel. Prayer partners will be available to pray for particular needs. Missions International by Dorotha Shettel The Interest Commitee on International Missions showed much interest in the need for various kinds of aid in developing nations, especially in Africa, Indonesia, Haiti, and Jamaica. We are heartened to learn of the efforts of dedicated volunteers who are helping to construct buildings, provide medical expertise and supplies, help establish new churches, and generally encourage the local people. Some assistance has been in unraveling the red tape in order for new churches to gain recognition. The need for supplies and aid can often be met through monetary assistance, which can be sent quickly and safely via the Missionary Board. Funds are often sent electronically. For more information, as well as pictures, be sure to see the display in the Benedum Dining Hall. Another SCSC Project Report by Nathanael Lawton Team Unashamed, comprised of Nathanael Lawton, Angela Petty, and Kris Bonser spent four weeks in North Loup, Nebraska. The first week was mostly preparation and getting to know the church folks. We cleaned a lady's yard, planned Youth Sabbath, and spent time with the youth group. Then camping season began at Camp Riverview, about seven miles outside of town along the North Loup River. Intermediate Camp was directed by Pastor Chris Mattison with the theme Bobbin' for Water in the Desert of Life. We built boats capable of carrying two or three campers, and floated them down the river. Four campers were baptised on Sabbath when the members of the North Loup church traveled out to camp. The next week, we conducted Day Camp for primary grades. We met at church and took the kids to camp each day, returning to the North Loup Pool, where parents picked up their children in the late afternoon. We had another week of camp for juniors, with Heather Looper directing. We used Gospel Light materials with a science theme, culminating in a musical presentation attended by the church again. A very important part of our experience was sharing mealtimes with local church members. Sometimes we met at the North Loup Cafe. My reflection on the experience is that God works out His plans, and oftentimes the wonderful things that happened weren't even on my mind beforehand. Miami Hosts Team Treasure by Omari Rhoden Our main goal (Tameka Edwards and Omari Rhoden) was to influence the youth in the church to consider Christian service in the future. We tried to develop good relationships through the camping season, Vacation Bible School, a crusade, and lots of social activities. Deep South Camp is located in Ocala, Florida. We had 46 campers in one camp, with campers ranging in age from 7 to 17. What I thought was really interesting about the camp was that everyone really had a good time and the older kids made sure that the younger kids had a really good time. I remember that one of the younger kids who wasn't participating at the beginning of the week, was standing up in front helping John Mark and me lead music by the end of the week. It was a real blessing to see such growth. Young Organist Inspires Conference by Jane Lewis Brett Greene is 18 years old and a senior in high school at Northwestern High in West Salem, Ohio. He has been taking piano lessons since first grade and began playing the organ at age twelve. Two years ago, at Conference, Brett was invited by Lannette Calhoun to play an organ prelude for the Sabbath morning worship service. Brett felt excited and surprisingly relaxed in front of the congregation. He was inspired to hope that one day he might be able to be the conference organist. He never imagined it would happen so soon. Since President John Camenga asked Brett last year to play for this annual meeting, it's been exciting to collect and prepare music. Brett is the son of Martha and Wesley Greene of the Columbus SDB Church. After high school, Brett plans to major in organ performance. He's still seeking a college and a scholarship to help him accomplish his vocational goal. Board of Christian Education Reports Awards and Resources Pastor Gordon Lawton described The Helping Hand as an ideal opportunity to introduce people to the SDB denominational philosophies. The Helping Hand is written by a variety of individuals within the denomination. Executive Director Andrew Camenga of Alfred Station, New York, presented certificates to the churches for individual members who completed the scripture memorization program. Many churches were represented, and three churches had significant representation. The Boulder, Colorado SDB Church had 28 members who received certificates, and both the New York City Church, Brooklyn, and the Toronto First SDB Church, Ontario, Canada, were each awarded 53 certificates of achievement. Andrew said that we should attend the Sabbath awards ceremony to find out how the tie would be broken. The Mary G. Claire Award will be presented to the church with the greatest participation in the scripture memorization program. The tie-breaker should be most memorable, indeed. Pastor Matthew Olson introduced us to a book, The Teaching Leader, by Ernest K. Bee, Jr. Matt describes Dr. Bee as a major influence on his pastoral philosophies. Olson says the book is an effective tool for teaching others how to lead, and presents his own church as an example of a growing organization where every member is taught to minister to one another, each according to his gifts. The Young Adult Committee falls under the umbrella of the Board of Christian Education. Melissa Noel said the committee encourages young adults to find their place in the denomination, and seeks ways in which young adults can fit into and participate in the General Conference. The BOCE constantly searches for ways to be more effective in teaching SDBs to grow in Christ. The Board invites everyone with an interest to visit their new web site: WWW.EducatingChristians.ORG, and a new e-mail address: [email protected]. Dear Conference Crier Editor, Oh my, I know that at this time, lots of people are travelling to this year's General Conference in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia. I wish so much that I could be there with you. Already, I'm missing the excitement of seeing old friends that I haven't seen in a year to two years. My body may be here in Zambia, but my heart is in West Virginia this week. We're going to be having General Conference here in Zambia in a couple of weeks. The conference site is a little different from the accomodations you all have in WV, but it's the people and Jesus who make Conference what it is. I hope that you guys have as much fun as we'll have here in Zambia. I want to thank Dr. Ron Davis for his kind heart to set up a book table that'll raise money for my project and the Pearsons' project in Malawi. Everyone reading this message should visit his table! I do have a suggestion for what to do with the books left over at the end of the week. There's a lot of people here in Zambia who'd like a Bible or a Christian book. How about sending the leftovers here? Love you all, Jeff "Wishing He Were in WV" Hazen P.S. Hey John Mark and Cathy Camenga! I wore a suit yesterday in honor of your wedding! The card's in the mail. Finding Joy in Hard Work Taryn Wiley and Marissa Van Horn served in New Auburn, Wisconsin with project director Genny Pederson, and also in Dodge Center, Minnesota for a week with Pastor Dale Rood.. Team Overjoyed chose I Peter 4:13 as their inspirational scripture, "Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." In an interview with Taryn, she said, "In New Auburn, we directed a program called Fun in the Son, a Bible school that met two mornings per week for a whole month. We also visited nursing homes, and painted the church shed. We also painted the church nursery and nursery furniture. We were happy to help out in a church that needed more hands to help. We also spent time with the youth, river rafting, water skiing, and picnicking. During Sabbath worship, we played the piano, sang, gave children's sermons, and shared our testimonies. In Dodge Center, we worked at the county fair in the church-sponsored booth, making balloon animals, performing puppet shows, and handing out tracts. The purpose of these activities was to attract children in order to share the good news of Christ. Overall, we learned a lot about patience and continued faith in God." Jr. High Conference Creates Publication for Conference by Taryn Wiley The Jr. High Conference class has about twenty-two members who are working on a newsletter to be distributed on Friday evening. Submissions for the publications include poems, drawings, a comic strip, interviews, reviews of conference activities, and personal stories. The class will vote today on a title for their newsletter. Conference Choir Inspires Joyful Celebration Under the direction of Pastor Paul Green of Milton, Wisconsin, seventy singers representing many churches, raised their voices in praise. SDB History Illuminates Faith by Thomas Goodson On Wednesday morning the members of the SDB Historical Society: Don Sanford, Ken Davis, Janet Thorngate, Norma Rudert and Paul Green, presented reasons to study church history and the uses to which it can be put. Paraphrased, from Mark Noll's book, From Turning Points in the History of Christianity, the study of Christian history provides concrete demonstrations concerning the character of the Christian faith, and provides perspective on the interpretation of Scripture. Church history also provides a caution on those interpretations which are fraught with distortions. It can serve as a laboratory for examining Christian interaction with surrounding culture and can be useful in shaping proper Christian attitudes. The study of history can be used by SDB's in outreach and witness to others. The members provided examples of ways in which SDB history has been used in this way. A high point of the presentation was the singing of a hymn from the first SDB hymn book, published by the General Conference in 1826, written by Joseph Stennett, born in 1663. The Historical Society believes that one of their responsibilities is to both claim and proclaim Seventh Day Baptist contributions to Baptist history as a whole. The Society continues to share our distinction, the Sabbath, and our rich heritage with others, and should be commended for their efforts. How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Andrea Davis My summer in SCSC 2000 is filled with great memories. I spent the summer where the north begins and pure waters flow - White Cloud, Michigan. I was blessed to be able to spend it with a wonderful partner, Jeff Sinclair, and a project director who treated us like her own, Margie Worley (a.k.a. mama). The Wethingtons were our hosts who made us feel like a part of their family, and the loving church family welcomed us and fed us like kings. God is so good! Jeff and I worked as mentors at the Teen Center every weekday from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. and led Chat Room (a.k.a. God Talk) from 10 to 11 P.M. In the afternoons, I had administrative work to do while Jeff had a basketball ministry. On Sabbaths, we were responsible for Special Music and the Children's Message for church and Sabbath Delights in the afternoons. Although we were kept very busy, it was a wonderful time. I looked forward to going to the Teen Center each day. It was so neat to see these teens responding in a positive way to God's word. It was an awesome realization that God can use even me to share the Good News to those who need it so badly. Informal Praise: Tuesday Night by Nadine Lawton At last night's Informal Praise I stepped outside of my comfort zone, music-wise. Having been raised in a somewhat conservative family and church, I'm not completely comfortable with the style of contemporary gospel. But like being served a new food, I was willing to give it a try. Pastor Andy and Kay Samuels, along with several brothers and sisters, led the time of worship and praise. With this energetic, spirit-filled group, we sang some familiar songs in a style a little different from what some of us are used to, and yet, it was worshipful. Pastor Andy closed the praise time with the opportunity to pray for one another. If my dad were here, I'm sure he would join me tonight at the Country-Western Informal Praise. How about you? If you already know which seminar you will attend on Thursday, then read no further. However, if you need help choosing, please consider the following statement: Do not, under any circumstances, miss Dale Rood's seminar entitled "Grief: Experiencing Loss." When you come out of there, you'll thank God for this advertisement. Conference Crier Staff 2000 Editor: Jane Lewis Production Manager: Tom Goodson Production Engineers: Calvin and Meleta Babcock Circulation Dept.: Josh Sias, Chuck Metherell, Gabe Graffius Contributors: Nadine Lawton, Peter Fox, Leora Pinder, Andrea Davis, Jessica Patterson, Robert Van Horn, Raakeli Watt, Victoria Burdick, Angi Neher, Berwin Monroe, Ruthanne Cain, Taryn Wiley, Aubrey Appel, Dorotha Shettel, Jeff Hazen, Butch Hibbard, Julie Sias, Jessie Goodson, Myron McPherson, Nathanael Lawton, Omari Rhoden ________________________________________________________________________
The Conference Crier
Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada
Thursday, August 10, 2000
The Genesis Solution
by Peter Fox, age 17, Guest Editor
During the Conference Workshops on Wednesday and Thursday, Irving Seager
led a workshop entitled The Genesis Solution. Participants watched a video
of Creation scientist Ken Ham�s seminar of the same name. The general idea
of the seminar was to tell of the great role of Genesis in Christianity.
Main point presented: Biblical Doctrines are based in Genesis. Ham argued
that throughout the Bible, all concepts are founded either directly or
indirectly in the book of Genesis. Many of the quotations in the Bible are
from Genesis. Belief in Creationism is the foundation of Christianity.
Belief in Creationism constitutes a belief in the existence of God, which is
a necessary foundation for Christians. A firm belief in Evolution promotes a
non-belief in God and therefore is the foundation for Secular Humanism. To
combat the evils of the World, we must attack the root of the problem - not
the individual issues. The belief in evolution fuels racism. Ham states that
�Social Darwinism� is an unfortunate side of the belief in Evolution. When
one culture believes itself to be superior and more evolved than any other,
and then acts on this social form of survival of the fittest, the effects
are quite unfortunate. The idea of a superior and more evolved race is a
dangerous thought, as illustrated by colonial imperialism, enslavement of
native Africans, shooting-on-sight of Australian Aborigines, and
extermination of European Jews.
Man without God is a primitive culture. All of humankind is descended from
Adam and Eve, however some civilizations have forgotten God along the way.
Man did not evolve from primitive cultures, but rather digressed to these
states when they became cut off from God. A primitive society can form in
just one generation if the new members do not know about God. People must
be taught at an early stage of development the Biblical truths of Genesis. A
person�s life must be based upon the Biblical principles of Genesis to
maintain a strong Christian life. Ken Ham�s lecture reminds one that Genesis
means literally the beginning.
From Jeff Hazen:
Dear Editor,
Well, if tradition holds out again this year, Thursday night will be
the Youth Banquet. I thought I'd show you what kinds of banquet food is
eaten in Zambia. Actually, this food is eaten all the time... nshema! It's
basically corn porridge mixed thick, so that you can pick it up with your
hands. It's that white glob on the plates in the picture. To eat it, first
you wash your hands, then take a glob of nshema, pack it in your hand, and
then dip it in vegetables, meat, or some sauce. My favorite is nshema with
Italian sausage and cassava leaves!
Speaking about Youth Banquets, I have a challenge for the youth at
Conference. How about making this Conference stand out from the rest? This
year, try dating only Jesus. That relationship will last much longer than a
week, you don't have to buy plane tickets to visit him, and you don't have
to worry about getting caught dancing with Him. :) Take advantage of the
opportunity to get closer to the One who loves you most.
Jeff "Just Give me Jesus" Hazen
Effective Outreach to Jews and Gentiles
by Victoria Burdick
This workshop, led by Rev. Charles Graffius, was an open discussion on the
history, horticulture and geography of Abram/Abraham and how it applies to
evangelism today. First, we agreed that Ur and Babylon were pagan and close
together.
We then read in Genesis 12 that Abram was told to leave his city for
an unknown destination; just go and God will lead. We studied that Abram
continued to question God about direction, choices and even his heirs, until
finally, in Genesis 15:6, �he believed God.� According to Paul in Galatians
3:8, Abraham had discovered the gospel.
Romans 11 shows us that the early Church was entirely composed of Jews
with the Gentiles grafted in as the unproductive, or dead wood was cut off.
The most important point being that both Jews and Gentiles are fed by the
same source, the Messiah.
What we must realize is that only by wounding the branch can new life
be grafted in with the existing, evangelizing Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Recreation Adventures!
by Dorothy Noel, age 9
We were supposed to go to the Wildlife Center for recreation, but when we
got there one of the vans had to be pushed down the hill to the parking lot.
At first we walked down the hill and saw the other. Then the wind started
to blow and the rain poured. Everybody ran off the path and to the vans.
The van I was in was locked, and the van that had been broken was still
being jumped. Finally we left. On the way back, two cars broke down. When
we got back to campus it had stopped raining. We went down the the first
floor of the chapel and watched movies for the rest of the recreation time.
At least we got to see an animal!
Spending Time with God
by Aubrey Appel, age 17
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 �Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you
today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk
about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you
lie down and when you get up.�
It is one of my favorite things to do. I have a place in my mind that I
travel to so I can be alone with God and just enjoy His company. Taking a
walk with God through a beautiful grove of trees, sitting in His lap rocking
back and forth, talking to Jesus over a cup of cocoa in our kitchen. Just
enjoying God�s presence daily and listening to what He has to say to me is
one of the most wonderful things.
For the majority of my life, I have learned as much as is known about God.
A popular recurring theme has been �God is always with you, no matter where
you go, or what you are doing.� This fact was usually illustrated by
various takes on �Jonah and the Big Fish.� I knew that God has always been
with me just like I have always known that chicken tasted good and water is
wet.
But this Pre-con and Conference, God has dug his majestic almighty hand
inside my mind, reached around through my sooty thoughts, and shoved the
fact of His omnipresence towards the front. During Pre-con, I remember
feeling God with me. Sometimes I didn�t feel like singing or listening to
the speaker, but just thinking about God holding me in His arms.
Concentrating on God�s presence and deep, deep love for me makes me feel
such peace and comfort and warmth.
During this conference I have also been realizing God is with me. During
the weirdest times, God will just let me know that He is with me and He
loves me. But I have also realized that I have to reciprocate and cry out
to God. I must let God enter my thoughts and have lots of influence over my
actions. If I close my ears to God�s gently calling voice, I will miss so
much. Diving into the Word each day and praying really helps me to hear
God�s words.
I hate to admit it, but sadly, I am human. I am rather lazy and slow and
stupid when it comes to my daily walk. But I am trying to spend more and
more time with God everyday through prayer, reading my Bible, and just
enjoying his presence. And the best part is that God helps me through
because He wants to be close to me. He loves me. And He loves you. That
is what I wanted to share with my fellow Christians this week and that I am
still working on my relationship with Him all the time because He never
stops working on me. Take a minute if you can and spend quiet time with
God, just feeling His infinite love surround you and His amazing words give
you peace.
Wedding Anniversaries Today
Ralph and Dede Mackintosh, 25 years
Paul and Duska Davis, 26 years
Let Your Heart Be Broken with Compassion
by Melissa Thorpe, age 17
For the majority of Conference-goers, this is the only week in the
year that they attend church every evening. It�s a real privilege to have
this opportunity.
Organist Brett Greene set those goose-bump muscles to work with his
prelude, A Chorale Prelude on Passion Chorale, arranged by Edward Broughten.
Worship leader Jeanne Yurke led the congregation in hymns and prayers
before introducing the special music, Fill Us With Your Love, performed by
the Conference choir. The music provided a moving introduction to Pastor
Russell Johnson, who enlightened the audience on how to �Be Compassionate.�
To lead into his testimony, Pastor Johnson directed the church to Luke 15:11
- the parable of the Lost Son. As one example of compassion, the father
forgave his sinful son and welcomed him with open arms home from his
squandering. The father had a heart of compassion, just like we as
Christians should.
Pastor Johnson used a few analogies in his sermon to help describe
compassion. Compassion is not a church program, but part of an
individual�s personality. The story in Acts 3 is about Peter and John
acting immediately to help a lame man. He encouraged everyone here at
Conference seeking guidance to �wrap each other in the arms of compassion
and love.� Be the means through which the Lord reveals his grace, was
encouraged in the final hymn, Let Your Heart Be Broken. The message was
wrapped up with this final thought on compassion.
Old-Fashioned Gospel
Wednesday night�s informal praise was old-fashioned gospel music. Fred
Zinn,of the Salem, WV SDB Church, was joined by family and friends with
voices, guitars, and violin. Betty Perry has played violin with Fred�s
group for 25 years. Howard Powell plays lead guitar, and Archie Edgell
plays bass. Venita Zinn, Duska Davis, and Jennifer Martin shared vocal
leads and harmonies. Dr. Paul Davis joined Dusty for two duets, and Andrea,
Lydia, and Liam Davis joined for their great grandmother�s favorite, At
Calvary.
A large congregation harmonized on the old favorites. We sang songs
remembered from our childhood days. The songs brought back memories of
families gathering together, Dad playing guitar, singing, or listening to
the Sons of the Pioneers, Ferlon Huskey or Hank Williams on the radio. We
had a toe-tapping time. You don�t need to turn your radio on to hear
tonight�s Informal Praise time. Just stay in the Chapel after tonight�s
worship service.
TCC Skit Wins Applause
by Tom Goodson
Once again, Kevin Butler informed and entertained in an unusual manner. The
Tract and Communication Council presented their report in the form of a TV
game show entitled, �Who Wants to be Editaire?� Andy Samuels, Cheri Appel
(Barbie Dull) and Dr. Paul Manuel competed as contestants on the show, while
Kevin portrayed show host, Reject Philbladder. The report was presented in
the form of multiple choice questions. The contestants provided amusing,
twisted logic in the selection of their answers.
Kevin led the audience down the garden path with the notion that he might be
passing on the torch. It was not until the show was done that we saw that
we were still stuck with Kevin as the Editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
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The Conference Crier Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada Friday, August 11, 2000 The Multicultural Church by Myron McPherson Rod Noel led a highly interactive seminar focused on multicultural concerns of church life. Attendees became immediately involved in a game of cultural Bingo. It became apparent that only through our differences of experience and knowledge could we successfully complete the activity. The next activity identified areas of cultural baggage that each of us carry, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Aspects of church culture identified by the group included race, music, food, clothes, formality, level of education, dialects/accents, traditions, rural/urban, timeliness/punctuality, translations/versions of the Bible, names for God/Jesus, values/morals, family structures. Several pearls of insight surfaced during the seminar. One was; if you don�t meet cultural needs in the church, you will lose people. Another insight was when new people attend church, find jobs or roles for them to fulfill; make them feel needed. Day one of this seminar was great and I�m looking forward to day two. Women�s Society More than $3600.00 was collected for the Love Gift. The Women�s Interest Committee determined that the Love Gift will be distributed as follows: Rwanda-medical supplies/blankets: $200.00 Zambia-medical supplies/bicycle: $200.00 Malawi-medical supplies: $150.00 Gambia-medical supplies: $150.00 Cameroon-medical supplies: $150.00 Jeff Hazen (missionary work support): $150.00 Yougal Kumar Sookdeo-treatment for injury: $150.00 Maiden Hall, Jamaica-chairs: $200.00 Val Bennet-Guyana construction/other $150.00 Total: $1,500.00 60% of balance to SCSC 10% of balance to Larry Graffius SCSC Endowment 10% of balance to Joe Samuels for medical expenses 20% of balance to Missionary Society for use toward medical or other pressing matters/needs in the support of our missions. New Women�s Board Named by Leora Pinder Last night the ladies met for a wonderful banquet at beautifully decorated tables. Favors were small bags, hand fashioned by the ladies of the Shiloh and Marlboro churches with the heart and hand symbol (for loving service). The bags contained Friendship Brownie Mix and added a festive note to the occasion. We were favored with a testimony from Karlene Neher, who served in SCSC in Shiloh. After dinner we had the introduction of ladies from the old Women�s Board (Shiloh-Marlboro area) as well as from the new Board (Daytona Beach and Caraway at Platka area). We thanked everyone who has helped with SCSC in past years. A standing ovation showed special appreciation for the Larry Graffius Scholarship support. Plaques were given to Lois Davis and Mel Stephan for their valuable help in making travel arrangements for SCSC. We were treated to a witty Fashion Show featuring women from the Bible! The clothing was very authentic and expertly described by Cathy Dixon and Elizabeth Bowen. This was a memorable evening. Dear Editor, A motion from the Young Adult Interest Committee came to the floor of Conference asking for a contemporary worship service every evening next year at Conference. To many, this must have come across as an attempt to force a particular style. This was not the intent. Over the past years, an informal praise time of contemporary music developed and became a tradition. At the 1999 meetings, the Young Adult Interest Committee made a recommendation to continue �The Young Adult sponsored Praise and Worship time for everyone at Conference every evening after the worship service.� [See A-31 in the 2000 yearbook] The adopted recommendation was unintentionally overlooked this year. The idea of an informal praise time was seen as a good idea, and a variety of worship styles were scheduled in the official program. The young adults saw the benefit of the decision, but still felt as if something had been taken away. The recommendation presented this year was written to be as inclusive as possible, while still ensuring a time, place, and especially, equipment for contemporary praise. Nathanael Lawton General Conference 2001 will be held at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. President: Clayton Pinder ...into his courts with praise by Victoria Burdick To sing in the combined choir of all of the SDB churches at General Conference is a thrill that cannot be matched. At first, the prospect of �perfecting� ten anthems for use in the worship services is overwhelming. In actuality, perfection is neither desired nor achieved. Pastor Paul Green, of Milton, WI, presented an awe-inspiring list of music to the �ragtag� group that dragged in on Sunday afternoon. We were haggard from travelling but willing to croak out a few notes. I�m sure that this first practice reduced our fearless director to muttering under his breath. The next afternoon, persevering as only SDB�s do, we gathered on the stage to give it another go. Lo and behold, there wasn�t enough music; the number in the choir had surpassed Pastor Paul�s expectation of 60. We were all willing to share copies, although it�s more difficult with bifocals and trifocals. Then we really got down to business. We used our pencils, marked our music, and practiced our parts. It�s wonderful to be in a large church choir and even better to sit next to forgiving friends who smile, giggle and laugh uproariously when you syncopate an even phrase, ignore sharps and/or flats, or come in a beat early. All in all, the conference choir experience is �user friendly�, emotionally rewarding, and a blessing both to participants and listeners. Next year, come on down! Let�s Keep in Touch by Berwin Monroe In today�s world, people often leave the area where they grew up to find opportunity. Our friends leave for a variety of reasons; going away to school, finding work, the military, etc. We, as a people, need to show our concern for those who leave the area of a local church. It is my hope that Seventh Day Baptists will develop a network for our people who are in the world alone. Perhaps we could publish the addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of our larger community. Church family members could write to encourage, or call or visit when they are traveling through to let these folks know that we care about them. We could publish a directory of job opportunities in communities where there are churches. We could help people find work where there is a church family to support them. I will begin the process if you contact me. Berwin Monroe State of Arkansas Crime Laboratory P.O. Box 5274 #3 Natural Resources Drive Little Rock, AR 72215 (501) 227-0713 Departure Plan: Turn in keys to RA�s in dorms, Camden East, see RA in Apt. 100. Lost keys require $25 fee (24 hour RA hotline ext. 8177) Please return name badge holder for re-use next year Final registration count as of Friday morning: 680 ________________________________________________________________________
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Last update August 11, 2000
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