Copy
December 23, 2020
God Still ACTS in Washington and Beyond!
Scroll & Read | View In Browser | Update your Preferences

Merry Christmas, <<First Name>>!

Christmas Treasures

by Doug Bing, Washington Conference president

Do you have a favorite Christmas treasure? Maybe something that was given to you by a special someone?

Some of my favorite Christmas treasures are ornaments. It is fun to look at the tree each year and be flooded with memories of those special times in our lives and the lives of those nearest and dearest to us. Yes, for me the treasures of Christmas really revolve around the memories of the Christmas’ past and the fun of making memories in the present.

There are also memories of pondering the Christmas story as it is read each year around the Christmas tree. In fact, there is a text there in the Christmas story in Luke 2:19 that says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

In this Christmas season, treasure the memories that you have and that you make with family. But most of all, treasure Jesus all year long. He certainly treasures you.
Keep Reading!

Ministry Appointments & Holiday Hours


Washington Conference Office continues to be closed to the public during the pandemic. In-person and virtual visits with ministry leaders are available by appointment.

Holiday hours and vacation times will be happening soon for Christmas and New Year holidays. The office will be closed starting Thursday, December 24 and will reopen Monday, January 4.

Call 253-681-6008 or Email a Leader
At Your Service!

The Gift of Gratitude


Your prayers, scholarship support, and encouragement mean a lot to Auburn Adventist Academy students, and for Christmas the students would like to say a special word of thanks!
From Nitza Salazar

The Gift of Awe


The children's Christmas program is a new tradition for beautiful kids with special abilities and we just couldn't skip it this year! A special video for you and your family will be released on social media on December 24! Felices fiestas and happy holidays!

Available on @washconf Facebook and YouTube on December 24 at 5 pm! Thanks for watching and sharing!
Watch and share the brightness of these beautiful stars!

The Gift of Music

Check in with your local and neighboring Adventist Schools! Many of them are hosting virtual school holiday concerts that you can enjoy in your home! Here's a sampling from 5 of our 19 schools! The links will take you to the school's Facebook page where you can find more details.
From EuGene Lewis

A Gift of Worship


Days of Celebration, presented by Washington Conference Regional Ministries, will be available virtually on January 1-2 via Facebook and YouTube.

Dr. Renee Mobley will begin the virtual gathering on January 1 from 7-8 pm with a discussion on race and Christianity. Jilma Jimenez will lead a Sabbath School session on January 2 from 10-11 am and Dr. Jason O’Rourke will be the featured speaker during the 11-12:15 pm worship time.

In the afternoon starting at 3 pm, Dr. Mobley will host a Q&A session on race, racisms and the church, Patricia Cheadle will introduce a new ministry for women, and alto Rachel Carr will present a New Years virtual concert.

RSVP on Facebook to receive notifications, updates, and children’s and young adult’s Sabbath School Zoom links.
RSVP On Facebook!
From David Yeagley

The Gift of Family Ministry

Help expand the ministry of Sunset Lake Camp to meet the year-around needs of families! Each cabin is being designed to accommodate families on a weekend retreat: a parents' room, a kids' room, a shared bathroom, a kitchenette, and a dining space with a family table for games, good eats, and good memories.

There are two fundraising opportunities right now:

  • Sunset Lake Camp has a $200,000 matching grant challenge for phase one (7 cabins)
  • SAGE is raising funds for a single cabin and have $40,000 toward their $150,000 goal

Both funding opportunities help build the new Rainier Family Village!
Help Sunset Lake Meet the $200K Challenge!
Help SAGE Invest in Sunset Lake!
From Jose Jerez and Rita Gruesbeck

The Gift of Legacy 

Planned Giving & Trust Services ministry is here to personally help you navigate your estate planning questions. Our goal is to make sure that your Will meets the legal requirements that ensure your wishes will be carried out and you are able to continue to support God’s work in our local Conference.
 
Whatever your age, having a Will save your family stress and unnecessary cost. Contact the Planned Giving team to set up your Christian Estate plan. It is a part of good stewardship and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Update or Start Your Will!

The Gift of Tradition


Missed Green Lake Church's candlelight Christmas concert last Friday night? It's still available for you to watch and rewatch on YouTube! It's a beautiful time of music, poetry, and scripture reflection!
Watch the Candlelight Christmas Concert!

Year-End Donations


Planning to give a year-end donation? Your deadline is December 31. You may drop your donation in the mail (postmarked by December 31), drop an envelope in the offering plate on December 26, or give online through AdventistGiving.org.

Like giving to special projects? Consider a financial gift to an academy in our conference:
Give Online

Heroes of Racial Reconciliation

The fourth episode of Just Us podcast features heroes of racial reconciliation and justice. You may recognize a few names and you will likely learn some new names.

Now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube!
Connect & Listen Now!

"Which churches are reopened?"

Washington Conference has TWO answers for you!
 
1) Browse an UPDATED list of churches to see who has indoor, outdoor, or virtual worship services. Links to church websites, Facebook Live and YouTube are now included.

2) Check weekly plans with your local or neighboring churches. Service plans are typically shared on the church's website, Facebook, or e-newsletter by Thursday or Friday each week.
List of Church Reopenings

#PromiseSquare
Facebook
Instagram
Vimeo
YouTube
Website
Email
Ways to Connect
Washington ACTS highlights each week the activities of Adventist Education, Coaching Leaders, Totally Involved Members, and Spiritual Growth.

Copyright © 2020 Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, All rights reserved.