The Cutting Edge - December 27, 2019

Current news from across the KS-NE Conference

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The Cutting Edge

December 27, 2019

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

"I wish you a happy new year. The old year with its burden of record has passed into eternity. Now let every thought, every feeling be that of remembrance of God's love. Let us gather up one token after another. . . ."
-- Ellen White
Written to Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Kellogg, January 1, 1886.

My apologies to those who sent more photos than are published. Very slow internet on our ship limited what I was able to download this week. Keep the news and stories coming 2020!!

"'Silent Night, Holy Night,' was the title of the Christmas Program at the Omaha Memorial Church last Sabbath," says Pastor Delmar Austin. "The program included choir numbers, solo selections, and Biblical drama. Over 40 members were involved in presenting the program."

"On Christmas Eve we had our first ever Lessons and Carols service at Wichita South," says Pastor Jeff Carlson. "Our program followed scripture readings that told the story of salvation from Genesis to the birth of Jesus with musical numbers that correlated to each scripture. It was a huge blessing to celebrate the birth of Christ together," says Pastor Jeff.

"An inspirational Christmas program was presented by the Hutchinson church members including a skit and a musical number that was sung by the children and signed by two of our ladies," says Jan Sexson. "Beautiful Christmas music was enjoyed by all including a number of visitors," says Jan.

"The Scottsbluff Church had a beautiful touching candle lit Christmas service on Friday night," says Ivy Lunbery. "A variety of people shared their wonderful talents with those attending. It was a very touching service! Some light refreshments were provided following the service," says Ivy.

"The Ministerial Association held their annual Christmas basket and Angel Tree program at our La Crosse church," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "Pastors and members from several churches and many from our church helped fill the baskets and carry them to families vehicles. We hope to sponsor this again," says Pastor Mitch.

"This past Sabbath we had our annual Christmas service at Enterprise Church where several from the congregation, and visitors!, shared their musical talents with us! says Lisa Jahns. "We all look forward to this every year, and every year we are blessed! The service was followed by our special Christmas potluck. The fellowship hall was beautifully decorated, and everyone brought some of their best dishes to share. It was a beautiful Sabbath!" says Lisa.

"Sabbath was such a delightful worship time in La Crosse," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "There were skits and songs and shepherds, children singing and adults doing live interviews from Bethlehem. Thanks Carol for putting this together and all who helped. Great way to start Christmas," says Pastor Mitch.

“Christmas was full of special events at Piedmont Park,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “On the Sabbath before Christmas we were blessed by Pastor Michael’s annual Christmas Narrative sermon that is a story interspersed with special songs. And later that same evening many volunteers gathered together to provide Journey to Bethlehem – Live Christmas Nativity to our community. As people drove through they viewed scenes from the first Christmas while listening to the Biblical Christmas story on their car radio. Then on Christmas Eve many gathered together for a special program where the Christmas story was the focus once again through readings and songs. We are so thankful for the GIFT of JESUS and count it a privilege and a blessing to celebrate together at Piedmont Park.”

"We had a music fest and testimony time Sabbath evening at the Hays Chapel," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "Most all the singers were guest from the community, except for two from chapel. There were exciting testimonies from those who delivered our Christmas trees during previous week. What a great experience for all," says Pastor Mitch.

"Our Olathe New Life church gave away food to some needy families in our community," shares Charmain Botchway.

"Last Sabbath our Lincoln Hispanic Church remembered the birth of our Savior," says Miriam Centon. "We had many visitors from the community to praise the name of God!"

The offering this Sabbath is for the Kansas-Nebraska Advance. This regular offering supports ministries that impact our entire territory such as evangelism, Adventist education and youth ministries. "As 2019 draws to its close, and 2020 is awaiting us just around the corner, let us take a few moments to reflect on the past and peek into the future." Read more...

The Conference office will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on January 2. Phone messages will be retrieved regularly. The entire office staff wishes you a wonderful Christmas and a heaven-blessed 2020!

Sue & I have been on an amazing four island, seven day Caribbean experience with our son, Steve, and his family. We return to Miami Port early Sabbath morning and will be home late Saturday night.

**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!