The Cutting Edge - December 6, 2019

Current news from across the KS-NE Conference

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The Cutting Edge

December 6, 2019

Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone!

"David, a younger brother to Wilson who I baptized over six months ago got baptized at the Harper, Kansas church last Sabbath," says Pastor Ezra Okioma. "It was such an exciting moment for their mother, father and siblings who attended the ceremony. David invited his friends who are not Adventist to come and witness his baptism. After

I baptized him I asked if any of his friends would love to be baptized in the same way. His friend raised up his hand wanting to be baptized next time. Let’s pray for David’s friend to also get baptized. After the baptism we all shared delicious meal together. David and his family are so excited to be part of Harper Adventist Church," says Pastor Ezra.

“Every baby is a miracle and every dedication is a special occasion,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “This past Sabbath at Piedmont Park was no exception as the Smith family brought their baby daughter Olivia to be dedicated to Jesus. Olivia is a special miracle in many ways, and we are thankful she is here safe and sound! She is already a blessing to her family, and we pray that as she grows she will also grow in her love for Jesus.

It is so special to have a congregation full of children and young people!”

"It was the 4th Annual Thanksgiving program and dinner at our Hastings church!" says Regina Harvey. "It was so nice to see a full church with lots of activity and chatter! Once again, it was a great time to invite non-

attending family members and friends to church to a casual atmosphere filled with happy greetings, poems and stories of thankfulness, worshipful singing and lots of delicious food! Over 35 in attendance and half of them were visitors!" says Regina.

Pastor Kyle Smith will be sharing his final sermon tomorrow at KC New Haven before heading the Seminary at Andrews University. Kyle & Annie have served New Haven since their graduation from Union College in 2016.

"After lunch at Hepler's monthly 'First Tuesday' Women's Ministry meeting this week, the ladies in attendance worked on handcrafted Christmas gift bags for the 25 residents at Medicalodges nursing home in Girard," shares Judi Pearson. The project was started at the 'First Tuesday' meeting in August. Then everyone took home materials to complete the various steps in decorating the front of the cloth bags: tracing

holiday patterns with a special pen; coloring the designs and doing a process to make the colors permanent; embroidering around the edges of the pictures; and sewing festive fabric liners inside. On Tuesday, they prepared the gifts to go in the bags, including Christmas cards, candy canes, and snack baggies full of chocolates. Once the bags

are stuffed, each one will be tied with a ribbon on which a '2019' charm and a gift tag will be attached. Our First Tuesday meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to pray and study the Bible together, to share a leisurely (and always delicious) lunch, and to work as a team on outreach projects. It is especially rewarding to share some Christmas joy with others," says Judi (Women;s Ministries Leader).

The 2020 Devotional Books are ready for you," says Peggy Glass (Adventist Book Center Manager). "You can get the adult, women's, young adult, youth, teen, junior, pre-school and evening devotional books. They can be ordered them through your local church, by clicking here, or call us at 402-488-3395. These make excellent Christmas gifts," says Peggy.

"Lincoln's Capitol View Church recognizes the need in our community for people to have a place to have a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day," shares Teresa Thompson. "Volunteers within and without our congregation have for years now provided that special meal on the actual holiday (quite a sacrifice for some who have their own families to cook for as well, but more than worth it for the results). Every year the number of those

served at this gathering has been rising. This year the estimate was 175. Up from 125 last year! The gratitude and close fellowship experienced in the church dining room was heartwarming that day. Everyone who participated in the event, whether as a volunteer or a community member was blessed beyond measure, making Thanksgiving a day of rejoicing that will be long remembered," says Teresa.

"We're back in school after a nice Thanksgiving break, and now the last two weeks of classes and exams for the first semester to be history!" says Pastor Rich Carlson (chaplain). "This Friday night is our annual Union College Fine Arts Christmas Concert which is always a highlight for the Lincoln community. It all starts at 7:30 in the College View Church and you are welcome to join us for this Christmas season highlight," says Pastor Rich.

"Midland Adventist Academy's 3rd-4th grade class, as well as select high school choir Diversity, performed at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission this week for the enjoyment of the hospital's employees and visitors," reports Steve Hutchison.

"Last week was a busy week at Great Bend," says Doris Reile-Kneller. "On Sunday the Women’s Ministries Team prepared six huge boxes of Thanksgiving dinner items for six families or individuals. The church members furnished the food. Then Tuesday the Church School had their Thanksgiving Dinner for parents and board and visitors. Sabbath was a high day. First a baby dedication for baby Cora

Rose Ruebush. Pastor Trey was so careful with the tiny baby. Then we had our annual Church Thanksgiving Dinner where nearly all the church members joined together to provide this feast. In the evening we all went to the Razafindrabe home for a vesper program and then snacks with games (some Malagasy) which kept everyone having fun. What a week of Thanksgiving!" says Doris.

"Opening night of 'Christmas mini VBS' brought kids and parents to the Hays Chapel," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "It concludes Sabbath evening with a sacred concert by Vonda Beerman, a two-time Dove Award winner. First night was a great success. Thanks church family for all the staff help," says Pastor Mitch

"The Hays Chapel invited Pastor Carl Goff to give us a farewell message before he headed to his new district in SE Kansas," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "He has been a regular guest speaker at the Chapel. His wife Debbie and grandsons always come along. They have been a blessing to us at the Chapel. A big thanks Carl. Our prayers go with all of them," says Pastor Mitch.

"As the volunteers from the Scottsbluff English and Spanish Churches and Valley View School gathered the canned goods and nonperishable items needed for the customary Thanksgiving Baskets (boxes) that are given away each year, it became apparent that the community is behind the work that we do," shares Ivy Lunbery. "We clearly have developed a good reputation in our community through our past work in this area. We covered the same basic neighborhoods around the churches that we usually do with leaving bags at the doors and picking them up full of goodies and we stood at the doors of Walmart for a few hours asking for donations of food and money to purchase any remaining needs to fill the baskets. The response was amazing in both situations! The people gave more than generously, which resulted in almost 75 baskets filled and given away. The recipients really appreciate our baskets because we give so abundantly. The whole operation was a success working with the King of the Universe and the community to help alleviate some of the felt needs of those nearly 75 families," says Ivy.

“Something happened at Piedmont Park on Sabbath morning that only happens about once a decade! Jeanette Halfhill joined her husband, Michael, on the platform to give the sermon through narrative,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “Pastor Michael became the character Rueben, Innkeeper in Bethlehem, and Jeanette became Rachel, the Innkeeper’s wife. It was a sermon filled with humor and reminders of how important it is to make room in our lives for God. Click here if you’d like to watch it, you can view it on our YouTube Channel here.”

"Pastor Carl Goff and family spent Sabbath in St Francis with a wonderful potluck after services," says Debbie. "Then we headed to Hays to spend time at the Hays Chapel. Pastor Mitch & Bev Elrod and children sang one of their songs for everyone. Pastor Carl delivered a nice message too. All had a wonderful time," says Debbie.

"Kathleen Michalski, mother of Samuel Walton - an eighth grader at Platte Valley Elementary in Grand Island, and member of the Hastings Church shared this with me," says Regina Harvey. "Having had a total knee replacement, Kathleen called me to come look at all the wonderful cards that the students at the school had made for her recovery!

She appreciated the teacher, Catherine Tomlinson, and students doing this nice thing for her! It brought her encouragement and strength to endure the long recover process," says Regina.

"Recently we had a special celebration of Thanksgiving and celebrating God's provision in North Platte," says Pastor Joseph Carty. "The celebration continued in the evening with an international food fair. We had more people at the church than we have had in a long time, with many first time guests," says Pastor Joseph.

First Quarter’s Sabbath School Lesson is on Daniel

Many Christians feel overwhelmed at the thought of a deep dive into the Old Testament book of Daniel. The ancient past, distant future, cryptic symbols, and complex prophecies can easily become a tangled web of misunderstanding and confusion. One truth emerges loud and clear: Jesus wins! This companion Sabbath School lesson book, divided into thirteen chapters, starts by introducing issues related to understanding Daniel, such as literary structure and historical context. The subsequent chapters move through the narrative and prophetic sections, highlighting Daniel's application to our modern lives. Click here or call our ABC at 402-488-3395. ($14.99 Paperback)

"The day before Thanksgiving one of the families of the Scottsbluff church was kind enough to share their Thanksgiving fare with all who wanted to come and enjoy," says Ivy Lunbery. "Quite a number from the church and their friends accepted the invitation and enjoyed the bountiful feast! It was a

very kind gesture. It's easy to forget those who have no family nearby or are not in a position somehow to otherwise participate in this celebration. We are reminded to invite those very people to our celebrations! May God richly bless those who are so generous and kind with the generous bounty that God has provided them!" says Ivy.

"The deadline for applications to join our Conference mission trip to Holbrook Indian School is fast approaching," says Pastor Tim Floyd. "We are anticipating this trip to cost participants $1,000 each. For more information please ask your Pastor, or click here," says Pastor Tim.

The Conference Executive Committee meets on Sunday in Topeka for their regular winter meeting.

"The 2020 Broken Arrow Ranch Summer Ministry Program staff applications are up and active!" says Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director). "If you're 16 or older and looking for a great summer job that helps prepare you for a life of service to Christ, then join our summer family! Click here for staff applications. The staff recruitment video can be found here.

The offering this Sabbath is for your local church budget. This regular offering is vital to the health and success of your congregation. Please be generous. "Frostbite is dangerous. As the mercury dips below the freezing mark, we must take extra precautions to keep our extremities warm." Read more...

Here's what some of us from the office are up to....

John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) are headed to Norfolk, Nebraska for John to preach and present an afternoon Stewardship Seminar.
Norm & Jan Zimmerman (Trust Services Director) will be in Dodge City, Kansas this Sabbath.
Darin & Stephanie Gottfried will be worshiping at the KC New Haven Church this Sabbath.
Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) will be preaching in Great Bend Hispanic tomorrow.
Sue & I will be at KC Chapel Oaks where I will be preaching tomorrow.

**If you know something that you think would be of interest to other Kansas-Nebraska Adventists, please let me know. I am trying to keep everyone on the "cutting edge" by sending this out each Friday.

Have a wonderful Sabbath!