Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone!
"It is with humble gratitude that we are experiencing a slight tithe gain for the first four months of 2020," says Darin Gottfried (VP for Finance). "Even a 'slight gain' is a testament to the goodness of God and the faithfulness of His people when you consider that congregations have not met in their buildings since March. This is miraculous! Thank you for letting God work through you," says Darin.
Click here for a new message I've prepared for the Adventists across Kansas and Nebraska.
To stay spiritually healthy and vibrant, we need to have "work" to do.
"Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” -- Jesus (John 7:38)
Pastor Trey & Cherryl Sharp (Great Bend / Hutchinson / McPherson district) welcomed Hudson Thomas this past Tuesday at 8:37 p.m. weighing in at 6lbs., 11oz. and 20 inches long. "Cherryl and Hudson are very healthy," says Trey. "He is a precious baby and we thank each and every one of you for your prayers and encouragement as we begin this wonderful new journey," says Pastor Trey.
Don't miss the final presentation by John Bradshaw tonight at 6:00 p.m. CT (rebroadcast at 9:00 p.m.) Click here to join. "Our pastors and their helpers are reaching out to the guests and we are praying many will accept the good news about Jesus and and His soon return, " says Virgil Covel (Evangelism Coordinator).
"The Chapel Oaks MOPS/MOMSnext group had its last face to face meeting on March 10," shares Reba Lucky. "But we have continued to have a steady number of uplifting and fun posts on our Facebook page. The final 'meeting' of the year was a full day virtual event
with something taking place each hour on April 28. Then on Mother’s Day all the moms received a box, delivered to their door that contained some special treats and supplies to make a craft. The virtual craft night was on May 12 on Zoom. We chatted and then Amy Beasley demonstrated how to attach the frame to our beautiful poster. Thank you Amy, Esther Shaw & the entire MOPS/MOMSnext team for an incredible year," says Reba.
2020 Summer Camps Cancelled
"The decision was made this week to cancel our 2020 Summer Ministry Program at Broken Arrow Ranch based on State and local concerns about exposure to Covid-19. There are few ministries that can compare to what we do at camp. Thank you for your prayers during this unparalleled time," says Pastor Tim.
Last Tuesday morning our women’s Bible study met via Zoom for our Bible study, ONE IN A MILLION…journey to your promised land, by Priscilla Shirer. What a great time of fellowship and inspiration we had together! If you meant to join, but somehow just
didn’t get around to signing up, there’s still time to join before our second session! I can send you a link to view session one and copies of the study guide to use until you are able to get your own copy of the study guide from Peggy Glass at the ABC. Email Peggy at pkglass@ks-ne.org or call: 402 488 3395. We meet online from 9:00 - 10:30 am Tuesday mornings. Each time we’ll spend some time getting acquainted then share anything we found especially meaningful from our study the previous week. We’ll watch our video presentation and briefly discuss what we watched together. That’s it! Won’t you join us for some fun and fellowship! Only six sessions to go and we would like you to be part of our group! Have Questions or want to join our group? Contact me at scarlson@ks-ne.org
Listed by Districts.... (questions? Contact your pastor)
Alliance, Bridgeport, Ogallala, Sidney will live stream from the Alliance Facebook page. at 11:00 (MT).
Beatrice, Lincoln Capitol View, and Fairbury – Sabbath School on Zoom at 9:30 a.m.; Worship at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook Live
Chadron, Crawford, Hemingford - ZoomSabbath school at 10:00 a.m. (MT) for Chadron and Hemingford, 11:30 a.m. (MT) for Crawford on Zoom.
Columbus and Norfolk – Sabbath School Skype for Columbus and Zoom for Norfolk at 9:30 a.m.; Worship on Church Norfolk Facebook page or Columbus Facebook page at 11:00 a.m.
Enterprise, Junction City and Salina – Sabbath School for district on Zoom at 9:30 a.m.; Worship service on Enterprise and Salina Church Facebook page at 11:30 a.m.
El Dorado, Eureka, Fredonia and Sedan – Sabbath School at 10 a.m. and Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom
Fairfield Community – Worship at 11:30 a.m. Click here
Fort Scott, Hepler and Pittsburg – Sabbath School at 10:00 a.m. and Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom
Garden City, Dodge City and Liberal English Churches – Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Garden City Church Facebook page live
Goodland, St. Francis, Norton, Colby - Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live.
Grand Island, Lexington and Hastings Hispanic Churches – Worship at 10:50 a.m. on YouTube Live
Grand Island, Hastings, Aurora – Worship on Zoom on Sabbath at 11:30 a.m. Prayer meetings on Zoom on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Great Bend and Emporia Hispanic – Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook Live
Harper – Sabbath School at 10:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 a.m. Zoom
Hays Chapel, Bazine, and La Crosse Churches – Sabbath at 5:15 p.m. Bible study, 6:00 p.m. worship, Monday Bible study at 1:30 p.m. on Hays Chapel Facebook page.
Iola, Chanute, Thayer, Independence, and Coffeyville - Worship service begins at 1100 a.m on Facebook.
Great Bend, Hutchinson and McPherson – Sabbath School at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom and worship service at 11:00 a.m. Email Pastor Trey for details Trsharp23@yahoo.com
KC Chapel Oaks – Sabbath School at 10:00; worship at 11:00 click here
KC Emanuel, Maranatha, and New Haven Hispanic – Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Maranatha Church Facebook page
KC New Haven – worship at 11:00 a.m. on New Haven Church Facebook page; For direct links on Facebookand Vimeo
Kearney, Holdredge, Broken Bow, Beaver City district – Sabbath School at 10:00 am, Worship at 11:00 a.m. Click here
Lincoln College View – interactive children's Sabbath School 10:00 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. on Facebook and Livestream.
Lincoln Northside and Holland – Sabbath School at 9:30 and Sabbath Worship at 11:00 on the Northside Church Facebook page and YouTube Live or Zoom
Lincoln New Creation Community Church – Click here for worship at 11:30
Lincoln Hispanic – Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:30pm; Sabbath School Lesson Saturday 10:00 am, Sermon Saturday 11:00 am - YouTubeorFacebook.
Lincoln Piedmont Park Church – Sabbath school at 10:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 a.m. Church Facebook page: and/or YouTube
North Platte, McCook, and Gothenburg – Click here at 11:00 a.m.; Sabbath school, prayer meeting and other leadership meetings on Zoom
Omaha Memorial and Fremont – Sabbath school on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:45 a.m. on OMC Facebook page and YouTube.
Omaha Golden Hills – Click here for Worship at 11:05 a.m. or Golden Hills Church Facebook page
Olathe New Life, Osawatomie and Ottawa – Sabbath School 10:00 a.m. and worship 11:00 a.m. on Olathe Church Facebook page
Omaha Karen – Sabbath School at 10:00 a.m.; worship at 11:00 am - Click here
Scottsbluff District – Worship on Zoom Pastor Bravatti’s Facebook page at 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Topeka Hispanic – YouTube Live
Topeka Wanamaker and Manhattan – Children and youth Sabbath school at 9:30 a.m., click here. Adult Sabbath school lesson begins at 10:00 a.m., click here. Worship service begins at 11 a.m.YouTube.
West Lenexa and Leavenworth – Services begin at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom
Wichita Cornerstone – Sabbath School at 10:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom
Wichita South – Adult Sabbath school class at 10:00 a.m., click here(osage). Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Church web site
Wichita Three Angels and Newton – Adult Sabbath School at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom, same link at 11:00 a.m. for Worship. Prayer Meeting on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Valentine, Gordon, Hyannis, Springview – Worship service on Pastor Grant’s Facebook page at 11:00 a.m.
Parents .... Notice This!!
"The North American Division Children’s Ministries Department is ready to deliver Heroes Home Edition, an exciting Vacation Bible School that families can enjoy in the safety of their own homes," says Sue Carlson (Children's Ministries Director). "On July 6-10 the North American Division will host a division-wide live VBS program using Heroes Home Edition. Each day’s program will include all the songs, skits, Bible stories, and activities that kids look forward to at VBS. Heroes Home Edition will be available online or as a free download on July 6.. It will include a practical guide for using technology and hands-on learning to experience Heroes VBS at home! Be sure and sign up for updates by clicking here," says Sue.
"The Sanchez family along with Bev and I were in a parade to do a drive-by visit to June Sanchez a faithful member of La Crosse Church and Hays Chapel," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "She was given flowers, a stuffed bear, and balloons. What a great experience for her husband and family. Bev and I were so blessed to be a part of this unique visitation," says Pastor Mitch.
"This Sabbath we will be holding the first-ever Conference Adventurer Day!" says Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director). "We are inviting all Adventurer club leaders, families, and young people in the Conference to connect with the whole Adventurer family across the two states. We will start at 3:00 p.m. and Pastor Sandro Sandoval will be sharing a wonderful message with us. I hope you can join us!" says Pastor Tim. Click here.
“Tonight was a (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime experience for a George Stone School graduate,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “Miles Schaecher graduated from 8th grade at GSS via a ZOOM graduation program! Many of the pieces of the program were pre-recorded and then screen shared, including the Graduate’s Address, an inspirational speech by Miles’ Nana Renee and the
conferring of the diploma. But all of the students joined together for a live song which was challenging due to different devices and locations, but still sweet and meaningful. In addition to the joy of graduation, this was a special evening for Miles’
family because he is a second generation student from his family to graduate from George Stone. His dad, Adam, and aunt Vanessa (me) also graduated from GSS. Another distinction Miles holds is that he is the first ever George Stone student to have attended the school for nine consecutive years from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade! During the program Mrs. Jackie Simpson proudly presented the Ryan McArthur Award to Jenna Stanley for showing attributes of kindness, hard work and Christ-like compassion during this school year. And near the end of the evening Mrs. Jenienne Kriegelstein was celebrated and thanked as she ends her time at George Stone and enters into retirement. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed. This has been an extraordinary last quarter, and we are so proud of all of our students and thankful for our George Stone administration, teachers and student teachers for making this a strong end to the 2019/2020 school year,” says Vanessa.
"I'm not meaning to boast, but my daughter, Lindsey, will be graduating this weekend (virtually) from Midland Adventist Academy as class valedictorian," says Pastor Doug Elsey (New Haven).
"Thanks to several anonymous donations and volunteer labor, our Columbus, Nebraska Church was able to refresh the interior with paint in the kitchen, remodeling and paint in the restrooms, paint and new carpet in the Sabbath school room, new carpet and paint in the foyer, mother's room, pastor's study, sound room, and sanctuary," says Lloyd Peterson (elder). "The
lighting in the sanctuary is being upgraded to LEDs. A special thanks Ben Juarez, one of our high school students, who painted the sanctuary ceiling and pastor's study. Even though we have not been able to meet in the Lord's House, work was done to make it a better place to worship," says Lloyd.
"Paul Sanchez gave a very good study last Sabbath afternoon at the Hays Chapel," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "He shared about the need to be preparing for Christ return. During this pandemic and other problems to come, be prepared, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Thanks Paul. Afterwards Pastor Reagan Scherencel gave a great message during the livestream worship. Reagan shared about the need to see the gospel and except it before Christ’s Return," says Pastor Mitch.
"Everyday of my lockdown I have sought out tools to help our members thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic," says Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director). "I just uploaded the 150th resource to the ever-growing Conference Covid-19 Resource Library. My current
favorite is the '50 Conversation Starters' link with relevant subjects for families, pastors, teachers, or sabbath school teachers to engage teenagers to build deeper relationships. "Let me know if you have any suggestions," says Pastor Tim.
"The North American Division Children’s Ministry and Family Ministry departments will be teaming up to bring quick, relevant, and useful information to both you and your children in light of these uncertain times," says Sue Carlson (Children's Ministries Director). "We want families to understand the lesser-known side-effects that constantly being at home can have on both parents and children," say Drs. Claudio & Pamela Consuegra. "We will share nuggets of practical information to promote discussion and healthy family relationships. This will be followed by an engaging children’s activity hosted by Sherri Uhrig and Gerry Lopez."Click here....
"Check out the great new articles posted on our Conference Family Ministries page," says Sue Carlson (Family Ministries Director). "You’ll find wonderful help on marriage and parenting on this page."
"Piedmont Park’s Pastor Katelyn Weyant shares, “Our monthly youth vespers, Pizza & Parables, looked a little different this month. Pizzas were delivered to youths' homes, and we met online via Zoom. We began by doing an in-home scavenger hunt in which youth were given items to look for and bring back to the chatroom first. We then related searching for those 'lost' items with the parables Jesus told in Luke 15 about the Lost Sheep, Coin, & Son. We discussed what it meant back then and what it means to us now. It was a fun and thought-provoking evening, but I can't wait till we can safely gather in person again!” says Pastor Katelyn
Women's Ministries presents....
During this time of where our churches are not meeting, please continue to support the mission of Christ through your tithes and offerings. This be done in many ways.
Mail your gifts to the Conference office: 3440 Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614
We have the privilege to invest in God's kingdom even during the worst of times. Thank you for your faithfulness.
"Our Columbus, Nebraska church reopened for services last Sabbath with 20 in attendance," says Lloyd Peterson (elder). "Joy and thanksgiving was expressed by all in attendance for the Lord's mercies and the opportunity to worship once again together. The church met in the fellowship hall for better air flow and since all the improvements had not been completed. The service was also live streamed," says Lloyd.
“Piedmont Park didn’t want Mother’s Day to go unrecognized this year even though we are not meeting in person at the church building,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “In addition to a special poem shared by Pastor Michael and Pastor Katelyn during the Sabbath morning online worship service, our Women’s Ministries team created a special way to honor our mothers and women with a mother’s heart. Women’s Ministries Coordinator Carol Leonhardt shares how Piedmont Park celebrated
this special occasion: ‘Women's Ministries volunteers made 270 Mother's Day gift bookmark clips with this verse from Psalm 46:1 "God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble." (NIRB) Most of the gifts
were made back in late February. Because of social distancing and COVID-19, we were concerned about how to distribute the gifts in a safe manner. Our head deacon suggested bagging each gift in a small paper bag and stapling it shut so that those picking up gifts would only touch the number of bags they needed and not be tempted to look through the selection and handle multiple items. It turned out to be a great idea. We announced for members to come by from 2-4pm last Sabbath and pick up some gifts for family and friends from tables set up outside the church entrance. 130 gifts were picked up and an additional 30 went to a women's shelter plus 20 were mailed to shut-ins. Others were donated to a women's treatment facility. One member delivered some to two neighbors and shared how that led to meaningful spiritual conversations with them. One of the women said she still had last year's gift up on her refrigerator. We were able to send blessings safely and praise God for that.”
Join Adventist Risk Management at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26 to learn valuable strategies for providing a safe environment for worship when returning to a physical church building. Click here to register.
The offering this Sabbath is for your local church budget. This regular offering provides for the many ministries your church provides. "A couple of years ago, The Compass Magazine had an interesting article about tithe and offerings. The article noted that in 2017, close to 1.02 billion dollars were given in tithe in the North American Division."Read more...
**If you know something that you think would be of interest to other Kansas-Nebraska Adventists, please let me know. I am trying to keep everyone on the "cutting edge" by sending this out each Friday.
