Public Campus Ministries: The Untapped Mission Field - Atlantic Union Gleaner
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MAY 2021
Public Campus Ministries:
The Untapped Mission Field
10 Adventist Community Services and Health Ministries Provide Support in the Community
17 Southern New England Conference Offers Scholarships for Education Majors
18 The Pervasive Thief of Now
Inside M AY 2 0 21
3 I Will Go to Multiply
4
4 Public Campus Ministries: The
Untapped Mission Field
7 A Living Testimony
8 Bermuda Conference
10 Greater New York Conference
10
12 New York Conference
13 Northeastern Conference
14 Northern New England Conference
16 Southern New England Conference
17 18 The Pervasive Thief of Now
19 Healthy Choices
20 2021 Atlantic Union Conference
Summer Camp Schedule
21 2021 Atlantic Union Conference
Camp Meeting Information
18
22 Advertisements/Announcements
23 Sunset Calendar
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May 2021, Vol. 120, No. 4. The Atlantic Union Gleaner is published monthly (except for January/February, July/August, and November/December) by the Atlantic Union Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists®, 400 Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523-2804. Printed by Pacific Press Publishing Association®, 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Standard postage
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Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. | Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
I Will Go to Multiply
A
s a church, our primary Going forward into 2021 and 2022,
emphasis is mission! It is this with the reduction of COVID-19 cases,
mission that has inspired the and the gradual reopening of our
Atlantic Union Conference theme churches, we anticipate that greater
for the next two years, “I Will Go efforts will be made to evangelize our
communities. Let us use every means
to Multiply.”
in our “toolboxes” to lead people who
This theme is reflective of the
are languishing in sin to God. Ellen
mission God has given to us to take
White said: “Ministers of God, with
the everlasting gospel to the world.
hearts aglow with love for Christ
Before Jesus left the earth to return to
and your fellow-men, seek to arouse
His Father in heaven, He called His
those who are dead in trespasses and
disciples together and gave them what
sins. Let your earnest entreaties and
has been called the Great Commission
warnings pierce their consciences.
in Matthew 28:19, 20, NKJV, “Go
Let your fervent prayers melt their
therefore and make disciples of all the
hearts, and lead them in penitence to
nations, baptizing them in the name
the Saviour. You are ambassadors for
of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
Christ, to proclaim His message of “The urgency of
salvation”—Gospel Workers, p.35.
all things that I have commanded you;
The urgency of sharing this gospel
and lo, I am with you always, even to
the end of the age. Amen.” of the kingdom is more relevant today sharing this gospel
than ever before. The signs of the
The Atlantic Union has taken this
times are telling us that the second
mandate seriously throughout its his-
tory. During the next two years, we coming of our Lord is imminent.
Let us get close to the people, show
of the kingdom is
are investing a substantial portion of
our operating budget to assist confer- compassion for them, address their
needs, and win their confidence. Share
ences within our territory to further
the love of Jesus with them and invite
more relevant today
embrace and fulfill this mission. We
are envisioning a multiplicity of evan- them to come and follow Jesus as their
Lord and Savior. Many broken and
gelistic outreach activities and the
establishment of new churches. hurting people in our communities are than ever before. The
seeking answers to these crises that
In the strategic plan for the Atlantic
have come upon this earth. We must
Union, the first priority is evangelism.
During this pandemic, the union reach out to them and let them know signs of the times are
that there is hope for a better world.
continues to experience success
Invite them to accept Jesus Christ,
through the evangelistic efforts of
our six conferences. In 2019, before who alone can deliver us from this telling us that the
sinful world.
COVID-19 struck, the union added
May God help us, ministers and lay
3,369 persons to its membership. Last
year, 2020, as a result of the COVID- members alike, to accept the mandate second coming of our
God has given to His church. There
19 pandemic, most of the churches
are more territories to be won for the
within our union territory were either
opened with significant restrictions Lord. Let’s go and make disciples for
His kingdom.
Lord is imminent.”
or closed. In spite of these challenges,
God used our dedicated members to
G. Earl Knight is president of the Atlantic
lead 1,984 persons to be added to our
Union Conference and chairman of the
churches. Atlantic Union College Corporation.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 3
COVER FEATURE
By Debra Banks Cuadro
Public Campus Ministries:
The Untapped Mission Field
A
n estimated 70-80 percent of spiritual needs that we must meet
Adventist college-aged young while they are on secular campuses
people attend a non-Adventist in our communities. In addition,
institution of higher learning. While rightly cultivated and utilized, their
proponents of Adventist education presence at these schools opens doors
encourage young adults to attend for the Adventist message of hope and
one of 13 Adventist colleges and wholeness to go into all the world
universities across the North and reach people who might not
American Division (NAD), many ever attend an Adventist church or
make a different choice for a variety of evangelistic series.
reasons. This is a sizable demographic In 1891, Ellen G. White warned
in our church who have unique Adventist students attending the
iStock.com/Alessandro Biascioli
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COVER FEATURE
University of Michigan in Ann recognition, and, in some cases,
Arbor that they “must receive Jesus partial funding generated by student
as their personal Saviour or they fees—all used to help solidify the
will build upon the sand, and their faith of Adventist students while
foundation will be swept away.” She revealing and glorifying God in a
also encouraged them to maintain largely secular setting.
“humble, daily trust in God,” and Each ACF chapter is part of what
to “let Jesus be revealed to those Pickell describes as a “three-legged “While proponents of
with whom you associate” (Selected stool” consisting first of students and
Messages, vol. 3, p. 233). the ACF chapter; the local church,
“The college campus is a which provides a church base with Adventist education
tremendous mission field,” says financial support, prayer, meeting
Ron Pickell, NAD coordinator for space, and spiritual guidance; and
Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF). the church organization—conference,
Organized as an official NAD ministry union, division, and world church—
encourage young
in 2005, ACF is a student-organized which provides training, resources,
and student-led campus ministry that and leadership development.
helps Adventist students connect with The Yale ACF on the campus adults to attend one of
each other while attending school of Yale University in New Haven,
on a secular campus and provides a Connecticut, works closely with the
recognized, on-campus vehicle for New Haven church and the Mount 13 Adventist colleges
them to reach non-Adventists. Zion church in nearby Hamburg.
In 2015, Tracy Wood, NAD Youth (The churches are in Southern New
Ministries director, was named England Conference and Northeastern and universities
director of Public Campus Ministries Conference, respectively.) Mpilo
(PCM)—a movement geared toward Norris, Yale ACF president/director
inspiring, educating, and equipping
Seventh-day Adventist students
for undergraduate students, is actively
involved at Mount Zion and is often
across the North
on non-Adventist campuses to a youth speaker for various church
be ambassadors and missionaries services and programs. “It ends up
of Christ on campus. PCM is the being a symbiotic relationship,” says American Division,
ministry arm of the church to connect Norris. “[The students] provide a
the church, campus, and community. youth population for the church,
The question has been asked: and the church supports us, as well, many make a
Why support a ministry to students whether it is through funding for
on non-Adventist campuses when we some of the events we want to put
have our own schools that they should on at the school, or even through different choice for a
be attending? Isn’t this competition? providing lunch after church, or other
Pickell says that these questions activities for us to do.” Norris also
are answered in the ACF vision
statement: “Reach the campus—
uses his connections at Yale to provide
speakers or contacts for special events
variety of reasons.”
change the world!” In addition to held by the church.
connecting with fellow Adventists, Endri Misho serves as PCM
an ACF chapter is identified by coordinator for the Southern New
the school as a “legitimate campus England Conference (SNEC) and
ministry fellowship among other is also the Adventist chaplain for
student groups,” which provides Harvard University. When an ACF
“many campus privileges,” such as the cannot be formed because there
use of campus facilities, institutional are not enough Adventist students
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 5
COVER FEATURE
attending that institution, or perhaps conferences where Adventist students
an Adventist is not a part of the attending non-Adventist schools, as
faculty at that school, Misho acts well as Adventist faculty and staff
as a liaison. SNEC PCM is part of employed at secular college/university
“ACF is a student- the Youth Ministries department, campuses, can sign up and search
and together they help the students for other Adventists at their school
connect with other Adventist students (or nearby schools) to make social
organized and through activities and events. connections, learn about events and
During the pandemic, while many activities, and join forces in ministry.
students are taking classes online Pierre points out that turnover is
student-led campus and missing in-person interaction, very high for ACF chapters, as stu-
Misho tries to stay in contact by dents graduate or may transfer to
meeting with them for a socially- another school. Misho adds that chap-
distanced lunch, providing online ter charters may also expire during
ministry that helps “study breaks,” and scheduling times of transition. Churches can help
virtual “Friday-night gatherings”— in this vein because they often have
all activities that give students a continuous, established presence in
Adventist students opportunities to hang out, talk about the community and are a natural point
their week, pray together, and share where new students can connect when
testimonies. “These one-on-one times starting at a new school. Forming rela-
connect with each are so important, and they are things tionships with the college/university
that a local church can do,” says in their area, and ministering to stu-
Misho. dents who frequent the church, may
other while attending Pickell emphasizes that not having assist a budding PCM group to main-
an existing ACF chapter should not tain a presence and provide leverage
deter students from forming a group in its bid to form, or resurrect, an ACF
school on a secular on campus. He says that “by listening
to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, by
chapter on the campus.
Pierre encourages congregations
praying to be a blessing to someone, to get involved and find the students
and asking God to lead,” the way will in their churches attending non-
campus and provides be formed for God to expand your Adventist colleges and universities.
influence and lead others into the “The more we stay connected to our
fellowship. young adults who are in [public]
a recognized, “We have some campuses in our colleges, and assist them in any way
conference that are doing some really we can, the more life we are going to
great things,” says Ingrid Pierre, give our church,” Pierre says. “If we
on-campus vehicle PCM volunteer coordinator for the stay connected to them, they will stay
Northeastern Conference, who also connected to us. They will use, and
assists the Atlantic Union Adventist want to use, their talents in creative
for them to reach Youth Ministries with PCM. Pierre
lists Stony Brook University, Columbia
ways to further the work of Christ.”
University, and the University at Debra Banks Cuadro is assistant
Albany—all in New York—as a few communication director for the Atlantic
non-Adventists.” among several campuses across their
Union Conference.
territory with an active Adventist
Resources:
presence, although they may not Adventist Christian Fellowship:
currently have official ACF chapters. https://acflink.org
Pierre and Misho are working Public Campus Ministries:
on creating databases for their https://pcm.adventist.org
6 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
A Living Testimony By Ellen G. White
“W ithout faith it is impossible to please Him; for he
that cometh to God must believe that He is, and
that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
There are many in the Christian world who claim that all
that is necessary to salvation is to have faith; works are
nothing, faith is the only essential. But God’s word tells
us that faith without works is dead, being alone.
Many refuse to obey God’s commandments, yet
they make a great deal of faith. But faith must have a
foundation. God’s promises are all made upon conditions.
If we do His will, if we walk in truth, then we may ask
what we will, and it shall be done unto us. While we
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“You must go on doing your very best
great occasion, in order to do a great work for the Master.
in the smaller works of life, taking You are not to neglect the duty that lies directly in your
pathway; but you are to improve the little opportunities
that open around you. You must go on doing your very
up heartily and faithfully the work best in the smaller works of life, taking up heartily
and faithfully the work God’s providence has assigned
you. However small, you should do it with all the
God’s providence has assigned you.” thoroughness with which you would do a larger work.
Your fidelity will be approved in the records of heaven.
You need not wait for your way to be made smooth
before you; go to work to improve your entrusted talents.
earnestly endeavor to be obedient, God will hear our You have nothing to do with what the world will think of
petitions; but He will not bless us in disobedience. If you. Let your words, your spirit, your actions, be a living
we choose to disobey His commandments, we may cry, testimony to Jesus, and the Lord will take care that the
“Faith, faith, only have faith,” and the response will come testimony for His glory, furnished in a well-ordered life
back from the sure word of God, “Faith without works is and a godly conversation, shall deepen and intensify in
dead.” Such faith will only be as sounding brass and as a power. Its results may never be seen on earth, but they
tinkling cymbal. will be made manifest before God and angels.
In order to have the benefits of God’s grace, we must
do our part; we must faithfully work, and bring forth Excerpt by Ellen G. White, author and co-founder of the
fruits meet for repentance. We are workers together with Seventh-day Adventist Church, A New L ife (R evival and
Beyond), p. 34; reprinted with permission.
God. You are not to sit in indolence, waiting for some
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 7
BERMUDA CONFERENCE
MoveSpring Encourages Hamilton Church Members to
Keep Moving
I n January 2020, Tanaeya
Burch accepted the Health
Ministries leader position
modes keeps participants
engaged.
Their first challenge was
for the Hamilton church the “Let’s Move 2020” chal-
in Hamilton, Bermuda. In lenge, a six-week, 7,000
her newly-appointed role, steps-a-day challenge divided
she, along with her team, into general and senior cat-
wanted to bring the church egories, depending on age.
family together in a fresh, They had a great response,
new, and fun way. This with 130 participants.
led them to search for an Their goal was to intro-
Photos: T. Wayne Hodgson
innovative and exciting duce a challenge that catered
solution which they found to various activity levels and
in MoveSpring. was engaging for everyone.
MoveSpring is a step and The challenge chat rooms
activity challenge platform were the life of the party. MoveSpring participants enjoy healthy snacks after their walk.
that is fun and easy-to-use. Users mastered the art of
It uses various step challenge friendly teasing to egg on habits. There was an entic- From Afar,” was started in
modes to accommodate a the competition. People of ing balance of competition March 2020, just after the
wide range of users. The all activity levels made their and fun. coronavirus lockdown. The
use of ultra-competitive daily step goal a priority, and A second challenge, team felt the need to keep
leaderboards and streak members adapted healthy “Keepin’ It Together, the members engaged and
Pictured are some of the participants of Hamilton church’s five-week challenge finale group walk.
8 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website
BERMUDA CONFERENCE
moving, despite the reality
of having to be apart.
With rising stress levels,
keeping healthy and mobile
were good things that
helped to decrease stress
levels, as increased stress
compromises the immune
system and puts persons at
a greater risk of any illness,
not just the coronavirus.
Exercise gets the immune
system in gear.
“Keepin’ It Together, From
Afar” had participants join
a virtual long-distance race
in which they had to track
their progress, in real-time,
on a 50-mile international
globetrot. During physical Jamal Albuoy, winner of the “We’ve Only Just Begun in 2021” five-week challenge, displays his certificate while participants show their support.
distancing, they used this
challenge to stay connect- But before the pandemic, a great Sunday walk at the end of the challenge,
ed, keep moving, and stay she led Hamilton into fellowship and prize- I was privileged to win,
healthy. an amazing MoveSpring giving moment. We were beating out our pastor
Their most recent Challenge. We competed all blessed, and now it is (who proved to be a valiant
challenge, “We’ve Only Just as a church family to see an annual event we look competitor). Participating
Begun in 2021,” was a five- who could walk the most forward to starting each with my wife was very
week challenge that is in line steps over five weeks. It was new year.” motivating as we encouraged
with the church’s theme for exciting and invigorating The winner of the first each other to live the best
this year. They wanted to as everyone checked in challenge, in the general version of ourselves, in doing
begin the year on a healthy every night to see who was category, was Jamal Albuoy. something healthy together.
footing and the members in the lead. As the pastor, “My wife and I joined the I’m reminded of 3 John 1:2,
were ready for the challenge. which says, “Dear friend,
They had 70 challenge I hope all is well with you
participants. They added “People of all activity levels and that you are as healthy
new modes to give it a twist, in body as you are strong in
like a group target of 20 made their daily step goal a spirit” (NLT).
million steps. Their objective In the senior category, the
was to help everyone to
stay healthy, happy, and
priority, and members adapted winner of the first challenge,
Alsena Russell, shared, “I
connected.
David Steede II, the
healthy habits.” thought I couldn’t do this.
I’m too old, and I have a
church’s pastor, gave his full knee problem. Well, I started
support to the challenge. “At I felt the need to lead the MoveSpring Challenge anyway, and after the first
the start of 2020, Hamilton way and competed till the last year, organized by week, I felt pretty good.
was blessed with a new very end, only to get the our Health Ministries With encouragement from
Health Ministries leader flu the last few days [of department. It was an family and friends and some
in Tanaeya Burch. No one the challenge] and finish awesome experience to be Kinesio tape, I completed the
knew that God placed her second. It was eye-opening active, but it was another challenge. I was motivated
in this role for such a time to see the many avid way of connecting with our to continue walking . . . and
as this, ably leading and walkers. Those involved felt church family outside of [now] have a better outlook
guiding churches, both a keen sense of community our usual Sabbath worship on what I can accomplish.”
locally and internationally, and encouragement. The experience. The friendly —Health Ministries department,
through COVID times. challenge ended with competition was great, and Hamilton church
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 9
GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE
Adventist Community Services and Health Ministries
Provide Support to the Community
S ince the beginning of the
COVID-19 pandemic,
many challenges have
Following strict safety
protocols and sanitation
methods, the ministry
impacted society, which continues to provide support
has required people to and help for the local
adapt and face a new homeless population daily.
reality. The Greater New During COVID-19, one of
York Conference Adventist the main priorities has been
Community Services (GNYC to help prevent the spread
ACS), in collaboration with of the virus while providing
local churches, members, relief for the less privileged.
leaders, and pastors, has Showers of Blessings
been providing services Ministry has become a
to the local community as place where hundreds of
a part of the COVID-19 people come to receive
pandemic response. encouragement, comfort for
The Showers of Blessings their suffering, and a safe
Ministry is one avenue haven in New York City.
through which GNYC ACS Food distribution is
is providing services to the another program in which
community. In connection the GNYC ACS has expand-
with Bowery Mission and ed during their pandemic
other institutions in New response. With support The Showers of Blessings van, in connection with the Bowery Mission, provides showers to the homeless.
York City, the Showers from various levels of
of Blessings Ministry the organization (GNYC, 40,000 people monthly. Northeastern conferences
has provided thousands Atlantic Union Conference, It was a huge challenge to collaborated to provide free
of showers to homeless and the North American implement new programs tests when the community
recipients. During the city Division), the local churches and also expand the exist- needed them most. Different
lockdown, Showers of mobilized 44 food pantries ing ones. The commitment locations and communities
Blessings became one of and food center locations. and involvement of church benefited from the ministry.
the few places available to Combined, the programs pastors, members, and vol- Many volunteers and local
take showers. provide food for more than unteers who regularly pro- church leaders have joined
vide services in their local the different programs and
communities is outstanding. developed the Adventist
While the pandemic is still Community Services and
around, the need is also Health Ministries initiative.
out there. Still, the resourc- Included is the distribution
es provided by the local of masks, personal protective
church have created an equipment, and medical
opportunity to share God’s supplies. Mental health
love through actions. guidance is provided
In collaboration with through the Crisis Care
Northeastern Conference Help Line organized by the
Adventist Community Northeastern and Greater
Services and other New York conferences.
institutions, the Wellness Thousands of people
on the Go Ministry benefit from the online
provided COVID-19 tests panels conducted by health
for hundreds of people professionals through the
during the pandemic in New Health Essentials Series.
The Wellness on the Go Ministry, in collaboration with Northeastern Conference Adventist York. Volunteers from both In unprecedented times
Community Services and other institutions, provide COVID-19 tests. the Greater New York and like these, people seek help,
10 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteGREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE
Members of the Greater New York Conference Adventist Community Services Department are at Walter Harris, Greater New York Adventist Community Services warehouse manager, moves
work packaging much-needed items for the community. pallets of food into the warehouse.
support, and hope, and what Christ’s name. We are as Christ would have done, —Luis Biazotto, Adventist Community
better way to show it than reminded that the smallest and many can see His love Services director, Greater New York
Conference
by serving the community act of caring and helping in small acts of kindness.
in different ways through others conveys compassion
Maranatha Church Members Experience Blessings
T he Maranatha
church members are
experiencing blessings, even
“Experience Blessing.” The
objective was to deepen the
members’ understanding of
in COVID times. The church stewardship. In short, finan-
saw a 100 percent increase cial stewardship was only
in remittances to the Greater one of the many implications
New York Conference in of stewardship. Stewardship
January over the same is not asking the mem-
period in the past two years. bers just to return tithe; it
To put things into per- involves their whole lives.
spective, during March 2020, The reaction from
when New Yorkers began members included those
feeling the impact of the who said they were
coronavirus, remittances fell “inspired to make a deeper
by 16 percent compared to commitment to the Lord
the previous year. Laundale Laundale Munroe, Maranatha church pastor, speaks to the members about stewardship. and His work.” Some said
Munroe, the church’s pas- they had not previously seen
tor, believed a few factors the members’ commitment to from a seminar he attended the connection between
accounted for this. stewardship. After that time, at the Greater New York stewardship and Jesus’
First, he met with the the tithe report matched or Conference conducted by lordship. Others indicated
elders and asked them to sometimes surpassed pre- Donnieval Walker, the that they “plan to return to
stay connected with mem- COVID times. conference’s stewardship the Lord His portion.”
bers. Every member of the Second, at the start of the director. Following the The Maranatha church
leadership team was assigned year, the pastor conducted January sermons, the has also noticed an increase
a certain number of mem- a stewardship campaign. leadership team noticed in the subscriptions for
bers to contact regularly. The He preached four sermons that a couple of members their YouTube channel since
leaders presented reports on stewardship during returned significant tithes. the event.
monthly. One of the issues the month of January. The They named the stew- —Leadership team, Maranatha church
they were asked to address is inspiration to do that came ardship campaign series
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 11NEW YORK CONFERENCE
Wellsville Church to Conduct Services Honoring the First
African American Adventist Ordained Preacher
O n Sabbath, July 10,
the Wellsville church
in Wellsville, New York,
and experienced the Great
Disappointment on October
22, 1844. Subsequently,
ing career, Barr teamed up
with Adventist ministers
such as Frederick Wheeler,
like to invite all those
interested in celebrating
the life of this first black
will host a special Sabbath Barr became a Methodist J.N. Andrews, and Joseph Adventist minister to join
School, worship service, preacher and a mechanic to Bates. He won scores of con- the Wellsville church on
and graveside ceremony support his family. verts, including his brother, Sabbath, July 10, beginning
honoring Adventism’s In 1852 the Barrs Horace, and chaired several at 10:00 a.m. Brian Strayer,
recently-rediscovered first accepted the Sabbath and general Adventist meetings. professor emeritus of History
African American ordained Eri became a full-time Shortly after moving at Andrews University, will
preacher, Eri L. Barr (1814- itinerant evangelist. During to the Southern Tier in talk about “The Adventist
1864), who is buried in the 1850s he preached 1859, Barr became a World of Eri L. Barr” for
the Bellamy aka Petrolia throughout New England. charter member of the Sabbath School. Benjamin
Cemetery near the town of After the Whites heard Niles Settlement Church Baker, the African American
Alma. him preach, James White (near Wellsville) and lived scholar who discovered the
Born in Reading, declared: “May the Lord with the Witter and Oviatt career of Barr, will preach
Vermont, Barr graduated give [him] success in families, early pioneer the sermon at 11:00 a.m.
from the Wesleyan winning souls to Christ, Adventists in Allegany Following a potluck at the
Academy, an interracial and the present truth.” County. When he died in church, a graveside service
Methodist ministerial James called Barr “our much 1864, conference president will be held at 2:00 p.m. at
training school in beloved Brother” and “a Nathan Fuller conducted the Bellamy Cemetery where
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, firm friend of the cause and his funeral. a “Footsteps of the Pioneers”
around 1836. In 1842, he a devoted laborer.” Ellen Christopher Hufnagel, flag will be planted next to
married Lori Harvey, and White found him to be pastor of the Wellsville Barr’s grave.
two years later they joined consistent and reliable. church and Salamanca —Communication team, Wellsville church
the Millerite movement During his short preach- church district, would
Lay Training Series Focuses on Being Relevant in
the Pandemic
N ew York Conference (NYC)
continued to work with its leaders
and lay members in spite of the
Ministries director; and Reynolds
Rodriguez, communication director,
presented topics of interest that covered
a presentation about church safety
and COVID-19 by Crespo, while
Rodriguez presented information about
pandemic. The most recent version of aspects related to spiritual care, social media strategies for effective
the conference’s yearly Lay Training emotional care, evangelism, security, engagement.
Series (LTS) took place virtually and youth ministries. Dozens of people connected for
through Zoom and Facebook. The first phase, Friday night, was each session. Many indicated that
From February 19 to 21, Orville dedicated to healing and evangelism they were grateful and blessed by the
Browne, director of Spiritual Care with interactive presentations by presentations as they were inspired to
and Education at Meritus Medical Browne and Gomez, respectively. ask questions and to think about ways
Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Saturday afternoon featured a to keep the church relevant during the
NYC representatives Miguel Crespo, presentation for the youth by Whitlow, pandemic.
president; Claudio Gomez, executive while Sunday morning gave the —Communication committee, New York Conference
secretary; Dan Whitlow, Youth participants the opportunity to attend
12 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteNORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Cornerstone Church Members Spread Kindness in the
Community
O n Saturday, March 20,
the first day of Spring,
the Cornerstone church
representative for the event,
as this coat drive was the
last event before her retire-
It was a blessing to see
members of the East New
York community stop by the
breath of fresh spring air
experiencing the warmth of
kindness and the outpouring
“sprung” into action for ment. “Today’s event was tables to get what they need- of love. Special thanks is
their Global Youth Day wonderful when we had the ed. It was equally exciting to extended to Garnet Morris,
outreach program. This NYPD working along with see the little children with Cornerstone church’s pastor;
year’s Global Youth Day the Cornerstone SDA church their bags on their backs the Cornerstone church
program was a joint event and the East New York com- filled with the items they Youth department; the
with the Cornerstone munity,” she said. secured for themselves. NYPD; the Witnessing for
church and the New York For the coat-drive distri- This coat drive proved that Jesus Ministry (ages 8-14);
Police Department (NYPD) bution, they received new kindness counts! A little bit the church members; and
Community Center of East coat donations from New of kindness goes a long way. everyone who contributed to
New York. Together, they York Cares, along with mon- It was refreshing to see the the success of the event.
held a coat distribution etary contributions from kind gestures; the coming It is the prayer of the
drive. They embraced this Peter Tiboris and Christy together; and hearing the Cornerstone church members
opportunity to work togeth- Ely that were used to pur- kind words exchanged that they will be lights in
er for the betterment of the chase hats, scarves, gloves, between the participants and their community doing what-
East New York community. socks, and bags. In addition the recipients. ever they can, wherever they
It was a particularly to those contributions, they Although they have been can, to direct others to Jesus.
significant afternoon for also received more than challenged by the COVID- —Trevelee Rowe, youth leader,
Sergeant Moses, the NYPD 2,500 masks to distribute. 19 pandemic, it was a Cornerstone church
Garnet Morris, Cornerstone church pastor, speaks to the group gathered for Global Youth Day.
Photos: Rachel James
Youth from the Cornerstone church take time out for a photo on Global Youth day. Hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and bags are some of the items for distribution to people in the community.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 13NORTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
Vermont Church Mounts Unique Easter Display for the
Community
W hen it comes to think-
ing up creative ways
to engage the local com-
and her team of six-to-eight
volunteers. At each stop on
the driving tour, drivers and
munity during the ongoing their passengers could lis-
COVID crisis, the Mountain ten to a narration and short
View church in Vernon, sermonette before traveling
Vermont, pretty much sets on to the next stop. Both
the pace in the Northern the brochure for the event
New England Conference. and the recordings for the
Back around Christmas, 12 stops were Internet-based
the church created a drive- and accessible with a smart
through nativity, complete phone. The stops on the tour Every stop on the tour was an opportunity to bring people into Scripture.
with live animals. Members were designed to powerfully
of the community drove bring the events of Christ’s
through the working farm death and His redemption
of Art Miller, the church’s of us to vivid life. More than
pastor, and his family, and that though, they made His
stopped at different scenes life relatable.
that had been laid out. The The display was in
community flocked to the operation from April 2
event, creating a wildly suc- until April 4. Community
cessful bumper-to-bumper members could start the tour
outreach event at the farm. at the Miller farm if they
Building on that success, wanted to, or could start at
the Mountain View church the first stop on the driving
partnered with another com- tour. They could also choose At this stop, listeners hear about sacrifices in the Bible and the deep meaning of Christ’s sacrifice
munity church, the Advent whether to end the tour at for us.
Christian Church, and the Advent Christian Church
together they sponsored an or the Adventist Church. At
event which was something each church, greeters and
between a car rally, an Easter elders were on hand, and
sermon, and a community guests and members alike
arts display. were invited to partake in
The two churches created Communion. According
a 12-stop car tour of the to Miller, some 200 people
Vernon area, with each stop started the tour from his
featuring large original art farm and the effort received
that portrayed scenes from quite a lot of positive
the Bible or the underlying feedback.
Easter messages. The “heavy —Scott Christiansen, communication
lifting” to pull the event director, Northern New England While visiting this display, drivers hear an explanation of Christ’s unceasing ministry, as well as
off was done by Ang Miller Conference the story of Christ praying while His disciples slept.
Music Making at Farmington Church
K nown for its healthy
and generous weekly
potlucks and robust singing,
continue fellowship and
music during the current
nationwide health crisis.
a physically-distanced
picnic outside. But what
to do about congregational
Enter Peter Wannamacher,
a member newly-relocated
to western Maine.
the Farmington church in Over the spring and summer singing and special music— Wannamacher loves
Farmington, Maine, has months, members bring something for which the music—and improvising
sought creative ways to sack lunches and enjoy church is well-known? appears to be one of his
14 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteNORTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
many talents. He introduced Recently, Mason, Tori,
the group to a two-octave set and Phoebe Wills rang these
of handbells. With clearly bells for special music.
marked music and notes What a joy to see the young
on screen, Wannamacher people participating and
directed the bell ringers praising God.
through the first stanza of “We await the day we can
a favorite hymn. And it was sing with our fellow church
almost miraculous! Not only members. Until then, we lift
did beautiful music “ring” our praise to our Creator
through the sanctuary once through our bell ringing
again, the joy of participat- and rejoice that both
ing and making music was members and community
palpable. What a creative can still experience amazing
way to have member partici- music at the Farmington
pation and enjoy the hymns church,” said Terri Neil,
they so love. It became clear Farmington church
that the bells would contin- communication secretary.
ue to play an important role —Communication staff, Farmington
Young people from the Farmington church ring the bells for special music during the worship in the Sabbath service going church
service. forward.
Rutland Church Growth Continues with Baptism of Sisters
H eaven rejoices when we
surrender our hearts
to Jesus; so, it was double
me since they were babies.
I am blessed to have raised
two lovely ladies that love
the celebration on Sabbath, the Lord.”
September 26, 2020, when For months leading up
sisters Rihanna and Tiara to their baptisms, church
Freeman confirmed their members Mike and Heather
commitment to follow God Yendell studied with the
by getting baptized into the sisters to prepare them for
Rutland church in Rutland, their walk with God. Both
Vermont. The Freeman were ready to get baptized
sisters have now added to from early Spring, but their
the growing list of newly- ceremonies were delayed due
baptized members to have to a number of interferences
recently joined the church. which led the Yendells to
Tom Ferguson, the church’s believe that the devil was
newly-appointed pastor, trying to discourage them. Sisters, from left, Tiara and Rihanna Freeman on the day of their baptism after completing Bible
performed both ceremonies. Problems and challenges studies with Rutland church members Mike and Heather Yendell.
In getting baptized, beset the sisters, ranging from
Rihanna and Tiara fol- not being able to fellowship The sisters entered the and Tiara were our first
lowed in the footsteps of in person with like-minded baptismal pool smiling baptismal candidates. Both
their guardians, Ron and believers due to the pandem- as they confirmed their girls enjoyed the studies
Cindy McFarland, who ic, to a death in the family, commitment to walk with we did with them and it
were baptized into the and a series of other personal God. They described the was apparent that Ron and
church in October 2019. issues. But Rihanna and Tiara experience as “amazing,” Cindy had been studying
Cindy McFarland expressed remained resolute, fulfilling and expressed joy and with them. Having Bible
immense satisfaction in the words of Jesus in John happiness to know that studies with Rihanna and
seeing the sisters dedicate 16:33 (NKJV): “In the world Jesus loves them and died Tiara was a blessing to both
their hearts to God. “I am so you will have tribulation; but to save them from a sin- of us,” Mike Yendell said.
proud,” she said. “Rihanna be of good cheer, I have over- cursed world. The Yendells —Karrie Etzler, communication
and Tiara have been with come the world.” are equally happy. “Rihanna secretary, Rutland church
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 15SOUTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
Pathfinders Grow into Leaders at the Connecticut
Valley Church
A t the Connecticut Valley
church in South Windsor,
Connecticut, 16-year-old
become Pathfinder leaders,
which also prepares them for
other leadership roles in the
David Haye conceived, church. This gives them the
planned, and organized a opportunity to develop their
virtual career day for the talents and leadership skills
members of his Connecticut in a supportive environment.
(CT) Cougars Pathfinder Look how TLT goals play
Club and young people. out in these teens’ projects,
Fourteen-year-old Bryana which fulfilled a requirement
Wilson organized the club for the TLT program. Haye,
to make and deliver holiday who describes himself as
care packages for the church’s “reserved,” moved out of his
shut-in members. Other teen comfort zone and contacted
members of the club are 36 presenters, asking them
designing cutting-edge ways to participate in a career day, David Haye edits videos for the career day he organized.
for Pathfinders to reach out which included creating a
and bless the community, video describing their profes- organizational skills to cre- CT Cougars TLT program to
which they’ll be rolling out in sion as well as being available ate a list of shut-in church its current functioning level,
the next few months. via zoom for “in-person” ques- members who would receive says, “The TLTs feel some-
What is motivating these tions and dialog. With some care packages and the items thing different is going on
young people to lead the mentoring from Angel Gonell, to be included. With assis- this year. . . they feel listened
charge for the cause of Christ the church’s AV director, Haye tance from the club direc- to. Relationships are being
at the age when many of their developed a process to receive tor, Pauline Rivera, Wilson built between them and the
peers are starting to drop out the videos the presenters divided the Pathfinders into leadership of the church.”
of church attendance? provided, edit them, and post groups to deliver the pack- Her underlying vision?
The secret is an underuti- them on a YouTube channel ages, all planned in such a “To retain young people [in
lized tool, Teen Leadership that he created. He also creat- way to adhere to COVID-19 the church], we have to be
Training (TLT), a segment ed a Zoom break-out room for safety precautions for both thinking of it before they
of Pathfinders that has been each presenter, and, working Pathfinders and the recipi- reach 18—working on it
around since about 1994, with the church’s commu- ents. As with Haye’s career from the beginning. They
designed to empower young nication secretary, handled day, success came from a have to know they are an
people through mentorship. advertising, and, of course, well-coordinated team effort. irreplaceable presence in our
Teens develop relationships hosted the event. Both Haye and Wilson church. They are valuable to
and work with local church For her project, Wilson learned how to handle the church at every stage of
leaders, learning how to put to work her natural last-minute stress, to dele- life. That’s my whole mission
gate, and to pray and trust as TLT coordinator.”
God with the final results. Daunette Lemard-Reid,
They reaped the results of TLT coordinator for Southern
wisely guided hard work. New England Conference,
Haye witnessed young peo- who tuned in to Haye’s
ple connecting with pro- career day, was impressed
fessionals, getting real-life and proud of his work. “You
ideas and one-on-one, per- are the first group of TLTs
sonal advice for their future. [in SNEC] to do something
Wilson saw joy on the shut- independently,” she said, rec-
ins’ faces and joy behind the ognizing the immense value
masks of Pathfinders who of empowering mentorship.
hadn’t seen each other in a “My heart is happy for the
while. future of youth leadership!”
The club’s TLT coordina- —Sandra Dombrowski,
tor, Jennifer Haye, largely communication liaison, Connecticut
Bryana Wilson, far left in black mask, delivers a care package with her group of Pathfinders. responsible for bringing the Valley Church
16 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner WebsiteSOUTHERN NEW ENGL AND CONFERENCE
Southern New England Conference Offers Scholarships for
Education Majors
W ith no Adventist
College/University
within the Atlantic Union
Conference, the ability of
the Southern New England
Conference (SNEC) to
encourage education
majors to work in SNEC
elementary and secondary
schools is limited. Thus
SNEC has established
financial sponsorship for a
limited number of declared
education students. This
sponsorship is done in
exchange for the promise
that education major
graduates would give SNEC
two years of teaching service
iStock.com/Lamaip
in one of their schools.
This sponsorship would
be in addition to the SNEC
College Scholarship, which
is available to all full-time able to four students; two be responsible for estab- ment. There are too many
SNEC college students. juniors and two seniors. lishing objective criteria variables to be able to
Students must apply for and executing this process. guarantee employment.
Eligibility Requirements: this sponsorship prior to Availability of teaching
• The student must be a entering their junior year. • A sponsored student spots, budgets, and local
declared education major SNEC will have no more demonstrating poor aca- church school board
in the bachelor’s program than four sponsored stu- demic performance and/ preferences all limit
and be enrolled in an dents at any given time. or poor character could be SNEC’s ability to guaran-
accredited Seventh-day dropped from the sponsor- tee employment. And if
Adventist college or univer- • The sponsorship ship program. If a student employed for one year, the
sity in the North American would be $2,000 per is dropped from this pro- same variables could affect
Division or Antillean semester/$1,333 per gram, or they themselves SNEC’s ability to provide a
Adventist University. quarter toward the leave the program, the contract for a second year.
student’s tuition paid SNEC Education depart-
• The student or parent must directly to the college/ ment will fill the open • If SNEC is unable to
be a member of SNEC. university. This financial spot through applications provide employment for
sponsorship will last that were not approved. a sponsored graduate,
• The student and/or parent for no more than four the graduate does not
must reside in SNEC. semesters or six quarters. • Upon graduation the owe SNEC anything. The
sponsored student agrees graduate owes SNEC nei-
• The student must be • This sponsorship will to work as a teacher ther time in service nor
a full-time student as require an application in the Southern New the returning of sponsor-
defined by the institution and interview process. England Conference for ship tuition money.
they are enrolled. Applicants will have to two school years.
provide their transcript —Source: Southern New England
• The Education Major and references. The SNEC • Upon graduation, SNEC Conference president’s Facebook page
Sponsorship will be avail- Education department will cannot guarantee employ-
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 17Youth Ministry
Sup plem ent
[adventist youth ministries on the move]
The Pervasive Thief of Now
P
andemic-motivated carpentry has been one of my ual can readily identify a couple of responsibilities, tasks, or
coping mechanisms across the dynamic, uncertain goals that they took a rain check on or temporarily avoided.
2020-21 terrain. After consulting with an expert and It’s human nature! According to statistics “On average, a
YouTube “how to” videos for guidelines about completing person loses over 55 days per year procrastinating, wasting
various woodworking tasks, I was encouraged to purchase a around 218 minutes every day doing unimportant things.
circular saw. Here’s the math: 218 minutes/day x 365 = 79,570 minutes =
My search yielded pieces of equipment priced at ranges 55.3 days.” (5 Types of Procrastination [And How to Fix Each of
way out of my humble reach. After much prayer, the search Them]; https://bit.ly/3cEoiMI).
was intensified. On a very promising afternoon, I found A search of the Internet reveals a number of other author-
myself facing the elusive saw—priced at one-eighth of other ities who also note that there are various types of procras-
prices I’d seen. Reluctant, and startled, I turned and quickly tinators (and reasons for procrastination), for example, the
called an expert whose rushed response was, “What? At perfectionist, dreamer, avoider, and crisis-maker. There are
that price? It’s a gift! No need to stay here on the phone also a multitude of consequences, which include “blown”
opportunities, loss of time, unmet goals, and ruined careers,
to name a few.
Today, now, not soon or later, Jesus calls us to be over-
comers. We can begin attacking and gaining victories over
procrastination today. We may need to first face it, admit
that we are thus challenged, and identify the motivation/
reason. Thereafter, we are called to make time manage-
ment and organizational aptitude life goals—set personal
deadlines, reduce all distractions, secure an accountability
partner who will provide positive pressure, break tasks into
manageable/achievable segments, or rotate everyday goal/
task-related activities.
iStock.com/Christian Horz
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “We are now
faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confront-
ed with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conun-
drum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too
late. This is no time for apathy or complacency.”
Even our salvation can be at risk if we continue to hug
questioning the authenticity. Grab it!” I quickly retraced the and kiss in the arms of procrastination. God, in the holy
few feet to the saw’s location to find a contractor with the scriptures notes that now is the time. “Behold, now is the
said saw in his hands. He completed a hasty inspection, accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation”—2
and smilingly secured it in his shopping cart. I could hear Corinthians 6:2, KJV.
the loud screams in my head, but could not bring myself Today, let’s prayerfully seek God’s deliverance from this
to confront this burly contractor about retrieving “my” saw. pervasive thief—procrastination. Not sooner or later; let’s
Quickly composing myself, I closed my lips that stood ajar do it now!
in utter shock and dismay. The tedious, budget-constrained
search continued. David McKenzie is the director for Youth, Young
What did you delay or put off yesterday that you planned Adult, Pathfinder, and Adventurer ministries in
to follow up with today; and it now appears that perhaps, the Atlantic Union Conference.
tomorrow will be the best day to get it done? Every individ-
18 Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 Visit the Atlantic Union Gleaner Website❱❱❱ HEALTHY CHOICES
Strawberry Pecan Praline Cupcakes
Nothing says summer like juicy, red strawberries! As we ease into the warmer
months and holiday weekends, hopefully you will have opportunities for outdoor,
socially-distant, gatherings. This vegan dessert will be a decadent ending to your
meal, plus it is already in separate servings for your guests. That is a sweet win-win!
CUPCAKES ½ cup brown sugar
Serves 12
½ teaspoon cinnamon (Ceylon
1 ½ cups flour cinnamon is healthier)
1 cup cane sugar ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt (or
finely ground sea salt)
3 teaspoons aluminum-free baking
powder ¼ cup water
½ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt (or
finely ground sea salt) PREPARE CUPCAKES: PREPARE PRALINE GARNISH:
1 cup plain, unsweetened, non-dairy ➢ Preheat oven to 350˚F. and place ➢ Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a
milk, or water 12 cupcake liners into a cupcake baking sheet with parchment
pan; set aside. paper; set aside.
½ cup grape seed oil ➢ In a large bowl, sift or whisk ➢ In a large skillet, melt vegan
together the dry ingredients. butter over medium heat; add
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract pecans. Stir continuously for 3
(alcohol free) ➢ In a small bowl, mix the wet
minutes to lightly toast.
ingredients together until
2 tablespoons lemon juice
combined. ➢ Add brown sugar; stir 2 minutes
to melt and combine with pecans.
➢ Add the wet ingredients to
6-12 fresh strawberries, quartered
the dry ingredients and whisk ➢ Add cinnamon, salt, and water.
thoroughly until completely Stir continuously until water is
or chopped
mixed. evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.
➢ Pour cake batter into cupcake ➢ Add vanilla; stir to coat.
FROSTING liners, about ½ full. Bake for
15-20 minutes. ➢ Remove pecans from heat and
1 stick vegan butter, softened spread out on the baking sheet;
➢ Allow to cool completely on bake 5-7 minutes.
cooling rack before frosting.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ➢ Remove from oven and allow to
(alcohol free) cool completely. Coarsely chop
PREPARE FROSTING: and set aside until ready to use.
2-3 cups sifted powdered sugar
➢ Place softened butter into a large TO ASSEMBLE:
mixing bowl; beat with a hand
3-4 tablespoons plain, unsweetened, mixer until light and fluffy (about
non-dairy milk 1 minute).
➢ Place dollop of frosting on cooled
cupcakes.
➢ Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.
PECAN PRALINE GARNISH ➢ Add ½ cup of the powdered ➢ Garnish with pecan pralines (or
chopped pecans) and top with
sugar, mixing until combined chopped, fresh strawberries.
(Optional—you can use raw, chopped and fluffy. Add remaining sugar,
pecans instead) ½ cup at a time, and mix until
combined. Scrape down sides Nicole and Victor Broushet are co-owners of The Vegan Nest
3 cups pecans, chopped with rubber spatula as needed. If Café, a center of influence located in Worcester, Massachusetts,
too thick, add non-dairy milk 1 and Clinton, Massachusetts (opening summer 2021). Visit their
website at thevegannestcafe.com.
2 tablespoons vegan butter tablespoon at a time until desired
consistency.
at www.atlanticuniongleaner.org Atlantic Union Gleaner, May 2021 192021 A T L A N T I C U N I O N C O N F E R E N C E
Summer Camp Schedule
Check with your local conference Youth Ministries department for the most up-to-date information about the
status of summer camp in each territory.
CAMP CHEROKEE CAMP LAWROWELD
For more information, call the New York Conference For more information call, the Northern New England
Youth Ministries Department at (315) 469-6921, or visit Conference Youth Ministries Department at (207) 797-
www.nyconf.org/camp-cherokee 3760, ext. 216, or visit www.camplawroweld.org.
In-person Summer Camp In-person Summer Camp
Teen Camp.......................................... July 4-11 Blind Camp................................... June 27-July 4
Junior Tween Camp............................... July 11-18 Junior Camp...................................... July 18-25
Adventure Camp................................. July 18-25 Teen Camp................................. July 25-August 1
Family Camp 1.................................... August 1-8 Family Camp I.................................... August 1-8
Family Camp 2.................................. August 8-15 Family Camp II. ................................. August 8-15
Homeschool Camp/Family Camp 3......... August 22-27
CAMP WINNEKEAG
CAMP VICTORY LAKE For more information, call the Southern New England
For more information, call Camp Victory Lake at (845) Conference Youth Ministries Department at (978) 365-
229-8851, or visit www.campvictorylakenec.com. 4551, or visit www.campwinnekeag.com.
No Summer Camp this year. Virtual Summer Camp.......................... July 11-17
Visit Atlantic Union Conference Adventist Youth Ministries online for information on youth
and young adult events, activities, and other ministries at auyouth.com, facebook.com/
atlanticunionadventistyouthministries, and twitter.com/auyouth.
Photos courtesy of the camp staff from the camps in the Atlantic Union.You can also read
