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Serious, it seems like brains quit working when it switches over to political topics.

That's just crazy talk...

"In the work of the Lord in these last days there should be no Jerusalem centers, no kingly power. And the work in the different countries is not to be tied up by contracts to the work centering in Battle Creek, for this is not God's plan. Brethren are to counsel together; for we are just as much under the control of God in one part of His vineyard as in another.” Ellen White, General Conference Bulletin, 1903.

this is profound... https://youtu.be/9KIA-DGx_3Y (not sure why the video isn't coming up)

Congratulations on your move! Sometimes I have noticed (and thought that the conference planned it but turns out it didn't) some churches have a culture towards a major employer in the area. I noticed near a number of military bases you either had one church that very much has the military culture, a pastor who is former military or at least familiar with the culture, and these churches have a strong impact on the base with a number attending. The Bases that do not have a church like this in the area the churches have few if any military members and little to no influence on the base. I noticed that the church near Travis AFB did not have a military feel, but carried the culture of the workers for the prison and it had the same impact on the prison workers as towns with the military emphases congregation had on the military bases. I live in a place where it's about 40 miles in 3 different directions to four churches. One town now has two churches. The one church started out because two women were voted to be church elders. They had a pastor who thought it was wrong to have women elders so he gave them a very hard time. The daughter of one of these ladies is a marriage and family therapist and so they started a church for the children and friends of the children and other children in the neighborhood. (by the way, the pastor who was giving them a hard time has completely changed his views on women's ordination. He moved from the area a number of years ago but says that he daily lives with the guilt of how he treated them and prays for their church). So we have one more traditional church which is the Adventist church for the area, and the other is an outreach church serving the community.

e-Sword 1Co 15:1 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 1Co 15:2 by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. 1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1Co 15:4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam Partial “Ascension Main article: Islamic view of Jesus' death Islamic texts categorically deny the idea of crucifixion or death attributed to Jesus by the New Testament.[7][31] The Quran states that people (i.e., the Jews and Romans) sought to kill Jesus, but they did not crucify nor kill him, although "this was made to appear to them". Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but instead, he was raised up by God unto the heavens. This "raising" is often understood to mean through bodily ascension. And they said we have killed the Messiah Jesus son of Mary, the Messenger of God. They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, though it was made to appear like that to them; those that disagreed about him are full of doubt, with no knowledge to follow, only supposition: they certainly did not kill him. On the contrary, God raised him unto himself. God is almighty and wise. — Quran surah 4 (An-Nisa النساء) ayah 157-158[32]” From: http://www.englishtafsir.com/Quran/4/index.html Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi - Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an 4. Surah An Nisa (The Women) “[156-162] Then189 they went so far in their unbelief that they uttered a monstrous calumny against Mary:190 they themselves bragged, "We have slain Jesus, son of Mary, a Messenger of Allah."191 Whereas192 in fact, they did not slay him nor did they crucify him but the matter was made dubious for them.193 And those who have differed about this matter are also in doubt concerning it. They have no knowledge of it but they follow mere conjectures,194 for it is certain that they did not kill Jesus. Nay, the fact is that Allah had raised him to Himself,195 for Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise. There shall be none among the people of the Book but will believe in him before his death,196 and he will be a witness against them on the Day of Resurrection.197 In short,198 it is because of these unjust things of those who became Jews and because they often stand in the way of Allah,199 and because they take interest, which had been prohibited,200 and because they devour unlawfully the property of others it is because of all these transgressions that We made unlawful many clean and pure things which were formerly lawful for them.201 We have prepared a painful torment for those among them who disbelieve,202 but most surely We will reward richly all those among them who have profound learning and who are honest and who believe in what has been sent down to you, and what was sent down before you,203 and who establish the Salat, pay the Zakat dues and believe sincerely in Allah and the Last Day.” XXX Commentary online. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam Partial “Theology Islamic texts regard Jesus as a human being and a righteous messenger of God. Islam rejects the idea of him being God or the begotten Son of God. According to Islamic scriptures, the belief that Jesus is God or Son of God is shirk, or the association of partners with God, and thereby a rejection of God's divine oneness (tawhid) and the sole unpardonable sin.[44] All other sins may be forgiven through true repentance: shirk speaks of associating partners with God after having received the Divine Guidance, as it is said in the Quran and Hadith that when one submits to God (i.e. embraces Islam), their "accounts" (of sins and righteous deeds used to determine the standing of a person on the Last Day) are numbered from that moment. A verse from the Quran reads: They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent." — Quran sura 5 (Al-Ma'ida), ayah17[45][46]” From: http://www.englishtafsir.com/Quran/5/index.html Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi - Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an 5. Surah Al Maidah (The Table Spread) “[17][17] Indeed they committed blasphemy, who said, "The Messiah, son of Mary, is verily God."39 O Muhammad, say to them, "If Allah chose to destroy the Messiah, Mary's son, and his mother, and all the dwellers of the earth, who has the power to prevent Him from this? For, to Allah belongs the Kingdom of the earth and the heavens and all that is between them: He creates whatever He wills40 and has power over everything." " XX Commentary online.

The epistles of John make it abundantly clear that he who denies that Jesus came in the flesh and is the Son of God is an antichrist. The Q'ran passages from above shout that loud and clear. Do those of you that still proclaim a papal antichrist have any Catholic statements as strong as those above?

People associate with the SDA Church through individual congregations. Few have any real experience with the local Conference. Fewer still with the Union Conference and just about none with the General Conference. The following statement assumes that all local congregations are living up the expectations that God has for them. In truth, some may not yet have reached that point in their spiritual journey. NOTE: Congregations may be on a spiritual journey just as much as individuals are on a spiritual journey. It just may be that an individual congregation may not be able to be of spiritual help to someone--perhaps not the fault of any. I tell people that they should decide on a denomination to join on the basis of the following: 1) A belief that the Holy Spirit is leading them in that direction. 2) A belief that the denomination is teaching today what God wants taught as much as any imperfect, human organization is teaching. Then I tell people who are looking at the SDA Church to visit as many congregations as they can. To join one that they believe can be of benefit to their spiritual journey. NOTE: I am not getting here into an expansion of this such as a congregation in which they can contribute to the life and mission of the congregation.

I appreciate Robert Folkenberg for making us a Mission Driven Church. He started Global Mission and other initiatives to grow the Church. I understand his health is bad, and that he is a thin man, not by choice. He made a difference, and I value him and his friendship a lot.

Sorry, Following is the edited version of the previous post. The bigger problem lies with those who see themselves as "pure" enough to enable them to accuse others of apostasy. Accusing others of wrongdoing is nothing new since it's everywhere in this life, a trait basic to human nature. Unfortunately, we cannot get into the minds of others and instead must rely on our own limited sensory input which often leads to accusations of evil motives and practices. This type of behavior is a reminder of the parable of the two sons, where one has left the farm and wasted his inheritance while the other stayed behind. The hardliners may reject the worship services and beliefs of the "apostate liberals", but in the End, all who choose to bear the Mark of God and join the Kingdom will be saved, regardless of the religion, if any, that they belonged to. The son who left and returned ended up with a much greater appreciation of his father and an awareness of his own value than the other "pure" son who resented his father's joy at his brother's return, despite his "apostasy". A person can examine others' behaviors and beliefs with a powerful magnifying glass, but they should be looking in a magnifying mirror, instead. What other's do and say and believe is nothing compared to what we, ourselves, think, say, do, and believe. We can raise our voices, point our fingers, and accuse or condemn others for their "apostasies", but then, we are worse.

I would say that your salvation is not dependent upon your chosen denomination; it is dependent upon your relationship with Jesus Christ. All denominations are man-made constructs of what some person or group decided what was "truth" in their own interpretation of scripture. Salvation has nothing to do with getting every single doctrinal point in scripture or the writings of EGW 100% correct. If you are unhappy with mainstrean Adventism, there are plenty of ministries out there that will cater to you - for example - Hope International, Steps to Life, the Reformed SDA Church, Amazing Facts, Messianic Judaism, Shepherd's Rod. You will likely be unhappy with them after a while when you realize their people and organizations are just as flawed as everyone else - just in different ways. Salvation comes from loving and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and letting His Spirit change you from the inside; and studying the Scripture for guidance into what is right. It does not come from the Adventist (or any other) denomination. It only comes as a free gift (i.e., no strings attached; nothing we "earn") from Jesus Christ.

November 3, 2015 2015 NAD Year-end Meeting Human Sexuality Report Don Livesay, president of the Lake Union Conference, discusses the NAD Statement on Human Sexuality during the NAD Year-end Meeting held October 30, 2015. ©2015 NAD Communication/Dan Weber The North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church proposed a “Statement on Human Sexuality” at their Year-end Meeting on Oct. 29, 2015. After more than two hours of discussion, several revisions were incorporated into the statement, and the statement was approved on Nov. 2, 2015, by a vote of 74-17. “Practical and compassionate theology,” was the description given by one executive committee member. The document states that the Adventist Church in North America seek to “follow the model of Jesus” and offer “unconditional love and compassion to everyone.” The statement declares that the NAD stands in full support of the General Conference (GC) guidelines regarding human sexuality, marriage, family, homosexuality, and same-sex union. The GC guidelines, released in spring 2014, address how the church responds to “changing cultural attitudes regarding homosexual and other alternative sexual practices.” The statement is “presented not as a theological document but as one drawing from biblical teachings, some practical understandings and guidelines for the Adventist Church in North America.” (A copy of the statement is available here.) During the late-morning presentation on Oct. 29, Kyoshin Ahn, NAD associate secretary and chair of the human sexuality committee, referenced the GC guidelines, introduced the committee and process, and presented the human sexuality statement. Ahn explained that the committee recognized that the church should “follow the model of Jesus Christ in the way we treat people. No way can we handle every situation; we wanted to set a direction.” Committee members took turns reading sections of the four-page statement, which was read in its entirety. The statement, after final revision on Nov. 2, addresses 12 topics: biblical principles, orientation and practice, nature and nurture, church attendance and Christian fellowship, church membership, leadership roles, employment, educational institutions, facilities use, marriage ceremony, healthcare ministries, and transgenderism. Committee members, including Ahn, Larry Blackmer, Claudio Consuegra, Marcus Harris, Heather Knight, Grace Mackintosh, Alan Parker, Katia Reinert, and Gerald Winslow, answered questions and listened to concerns during the discussion periods. While a few spoke on how the document was “a good start” but wondered “how much was based on real-life conversations with people who are in the categories listed,” comments from the NAD constituency were appreciative and generally favorable. One executive committee delegate thanked the NAD for the statement, saying it was caring and biblical, and that “Jesus was crucified in the middle—where truth and love connect.” Before NAD presented the statement, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan, shared a 21-page position paper on “An Understanding of the Biblical View on Homosexual Practice and Pastoral Care.” According to Jiri Moskala, Ph.D, dean of the Adventist Theological Seminary, “The [Andrews] document is very balanced . . . it combines love and grace together. In this, it is very Adventist.” The document uses Scripture to show the “Biblical teaching on sin and how our sinful inclinations can be controlled by the Holy Spirit, by God’s grace.” (To read the Andrews document, visit https://www.andrews.edu/sem/statements/seminary-statement-on-homosexuality-edited-10-8-15-jm-final.pdf.) By Kimberly Luste Maran, writing for the Office of Communication follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend read or subscribe to NewsPoints online © 2014 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists | 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director | Julio Muñoz, associate director | Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant

s this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The Butte and Valley, California wildfires update and response from the Northern California Conference (NCC) – "The Butte/Valley fires continue to be devastating events. We are still waiting to discover the extent of the damage, as many people have not yet been allowed back into their communities after evacuations. Although we don't know all the needs, we are continuing to work with churches on the perimeter of the fires. Several are already serving as shelters, and their community services centers are providing a variety of essentials for evacuees... NCC Community Services Director Gordon Botting says the biggest need is for prayers and monetary donations (here)." Downloadable church bulletin insert. Continual updates. URGENT need for volunteers in Micronesia and Marshall Islands! Guam-Micronesia Mission still urgently needs 43 more people to fill vacancies - down from the original 56. Many of the schools are stretched thin with temporary help to start the school year, and await volunteers to fill these positions. Volunteers should be between ages 18 and 70 with at least one year of college, baptized members of the Adventist church and committed followers of Jesus, and who are able to fund their own airline ticket. The mission school will provide volunteers with accommodations, a modest living allowance, and accident/ illness travel insurance. Positions available include classes in both elementary and high school levels, and volunteers are expected to commit to a full school-year (approximately 10 months). View needed positions: http://hesaidgo.org/#/long-term-mission/urgent-needs To apply: http://hesaidgo.org/#/long-term-mission/apply More information: andreakeele@nadadventist.org; (301-680-6493) Video: https://www.facebook.com/elden.ramirez.5/videos/10153471981578890/ The Canadian government has created a Syrian Crisis Refugee Fund and will match every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities in response to the impact of the conflict in Syria, up to $100 million. All eligible donations made between Sept 12 to Dec. 31, will be matched. ADRA Canada has been providing food, water, shelter, baby supplies, access to education, and other assistance. By giving a donation to our response your impact will be doubled. MORE Seventh-day Adventists buy megachurch campus for half price Kids clean up illegal dump Shady Grove Fertility Leases 50,000 Sq Ft at Shady Grove Medical Adventist Health System’s Intensive Drive to Address Patient Harms New hospital nearly ready to open in Willits Hanford Paints Downtown Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness 64-Year-Old Adventist Finishes World's 6 Top Marathons Report: Small plane erratic before fatal crash Adventists celebrate new 'Church in the Valley' Submissions for Society of Adventist Communicators Awards are due today. If your department or ministry has produced a great resource, learn how you can submit it for consideration for an SAC Award at www.adventistcommunicator.org. All submissions must be submitted electronically. Antoinette Tuff will be the featured guest on Let’s Pray season premiere on Hope Channel, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. ET. Recognized by President Obama, CNN, and Good Morning America for her heroism, Tuff claims that everything in her difficult life prepared her for that one moment in 2014 – when she talked a gunman down and saved 800 school children. The NAD Calendars of Offerings and Special Days are posted in the sidebar of NewsPoints every week. The NAD Calendars of Special Days and Offerings are scheduled every year in order to try to give a balanced and complete overview of the work and resources of the Seventh-day Adventist Church over the course of a year. This is especially important for new members, but also for youth and all members, so they will gain a better understanding of how the church operates. They are posted on the NAD website under the "Calendar" heading, with links for help or resources, if available from the responsible ministries. The Focus of the Month for September is Health, and for October, the Focus will be on Adventist Heritage. For this month, Sept. 20, is Let's Move Day and Sept. 20-26 is Let's Move Week/Health Education Week and Vibrant Life emphasis week. Sept. 20-26 is also Hispanic Heritage Week. Go to the links to learn more. "Don't Be a Desk Sloth: 4 Steps to a Healthier Work Day" is the topic of one of the more recent Solutions Newsletters from Adventist Risk Management. Recently, topics such as bullying, child safety seats, preventing child sexual abuse, crosswalk safety, how to choose and protect property, and other topics important to people who care about their church, school or business have been addressed in Solutions. See and/or subscribe. A smoky view – after the fire This is the Middletown, California Seventh-day Adventist Church before the Valley Fire swept through Middletown, destroying hundreds of homes and thousands of acres of land. Watch the video on their Facebook page to see what it looked like after the fire swept through their area. Watch for updates on the fires at www.nccsda.com/fires and in the NAD website news. Give a thank offering in the form of a donation this week if your home is still standing, and give thanks to God and ask for protection and blessings on the rest of the area, and on the brave and determined firemen who are fighting these terrible wild fires, as well as those who are working hard to bring comfort and relief to the many who have been evacuated or have lost their homes or loved ones! Six Building Blocks... There are six areas of emphasis which the members of the 2012 Year-end Meeting voted to focus on for ministry to REACH NAD. They are still in effect. Can you name them? They are: ■Transformational Evangelism ■ Women in Ministry ■ Retention of Young Adults ■ Social Media ■ Adventist Education for Everyone ■ Emerging Immigrant Populations Think about how you, your church, your conference or union, have contributed to these areas of ministry. If you know of a great experience associated with one of these emphasized aspects of ministry, please let NewsPoints know with a short message at newspoints@nad.adventist.org. September 16, 2015 Special Days September Focus: Health Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-26, Hispanic Heritage Week Sept. 20-26, Let's Move Week/Health Education Week/Vibrant Life October Focus: Adventist Heritage Oct. 3, Children's Sabbath Oct. 17, Spirit of Prophecy Sabbath Oct. 24, Pathfinder Sabbath October Offerings Oct. 10, Voice of Prophecy/La Voz de la Esperanza Oct. 31, NAD Evangelism Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-27, Let's Move Week Oct. 1/2, Prayer Call Oct. 2-4, Health Ministries Training /Columbia Union Oct. 9-11, Adventist Recovery Ministries Training, Dallas, Texas Oct. 9-31, It Is Written, Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed Oct. 15-18, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Oct. 26-Nov. 4, NAD Year-end Meeting Nov. 5/6, Prayer Call Dec. 3/4, Prayer Call 2016 Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit, Orlando, Fla. Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference, Ontario, Calif. Feb. 24-28, GAiN - Global Adventist Internet Network Conference April 24-27, HR Conference & Secretariat Council, Minneapolis, Minn. July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, Berrien Springs, Mich. Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention, Gladstone, Ore. Adventist World/ NAD Edition September, 2015 NAD Feature: Reflections from North America; General Conference Session 2015 – a Millennial Perspective, p. 36 NAD News: New Kitchen House Coming to Orlando Junior Academy, Find Peace where Adventism began; It Is Written is Streaming Truth to Your Screen, p. 11 NAD Update: The Third Annual Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, p. 14 NAD Perspective: Finding Light in Darkness, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Sept. 20-26 – This week, please pray for the Quebec Conference, with 37 churches and 7,296 members. Share This Newsletter Bible plus Spirit of Prophecy Reading Plan 3rd Quarter, 2015Southern-Asia Pacific Division Watch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: www.nadadventist.org/newspoints

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. ADRA Canada has been providing shelter, food, water, warmth, and other necessary supplies to those fleeing the violence in Syria, Iraq, and other war-torn countries. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict, risking their lives to find safety for themselves and their families. Some are now in refugee camps, some have been housed by kind strangers, others are living in construction sites, still others are homeless. Donations are making a difference. Donate Canadian funds at ADRA/Canada website. Otherwise, Donate at ADRA International. The Kettering College sonography department recently gained approval to purchase an obstetric ultrasound simulator costing a total of $42, 616. The simulator, which will enhance sonography student learning by allowing them to efficiently practice ultrasound scanning in obstetrics, has a normal fetal scan and will also allow students to practice scanning fetal anomalies without being in a patient setting. MORE The first Redwood Community Service Day was conducted by the six-decade old Redwood Camp Meeting this past summer. About 250 campers at Redwood Camp Meeting volunteered. They tackled a wide range of projects in nearby communities, including picking up 1,540 pounds of trash along the Eel River, helping at an animal rescue service, helping a local church make quilts for a local women's shelter and pillowcases for a children's hospital, and many more. They plan to make it an annual event. MORE Hundreds attend 'Amazing Grace Christian Concert' Muslim Community, Others Ask Sheriff Hammond to Recant Statement About Islam at "Prayers for Solidarity" Event Natural health expert remembered for medical contributions Locals take part in diabetes awareness telenovela airing on Univision Hospitalists provide a key healthcare service Health care pilot programs in Glendale aim to keep patients and savings in mind Pinnacle Bank donates $100K to SWAU Karidat, Adventist Community Services distribute relief goods Saipan now has a donation warehouse Healthy living, Saturday Sabbath are keys to Seventh-day Adventist faith If you want to win souls and participate in the "Revelation Today" series, Oct. 9-31, streaming live, you would benefit by attending one of the three Webinars tomorrow, Thurs., Sept. 10. Learn about the new app that allows millions of people to watch anytime, anywhere, and connect with local churches or each other, for further conversations, study, or baptism. Register as a host site. No technical experience is required. Choose your best time. Participate in the video contest. Last week's issue of NewsPoints landed in the Spam folder of many recipients. Check your Spam folder for yours, or read it online at www.nadadventist.org/newspoints, where you can also download a printable PDF of nearly every issue. Let's Move Day/Week, Sept. 20-27, is just around the corner. Register your Let's Move Day event and send information about it to NADHM@nad.adventist.org. Record your personal activity. MORE Join the Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention in Chantilly, Va., (Wash., DC suburb), Oct. 15-17 for its annual SAC Convention for communication professionals and university students. Learn about submitting your entry for the SAC Communicators Awards. Find convention details online and register by Sept. 30 for early bird rates. Like the SAC Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Creating a Vibrant Health Ministry Training Seminar, Oct. 2-4, will be held in Boyertown, Pa. Health ministry directors, pastors, health ministry team leaders and members are invited to attend. This is the official NAD Health Ministries training curriculum focusing on Comprehensive Health Ministries. MORE A short message for increasing Hispanic Heritage awareness for the upcoming Hispanic Awareness Week (Sept. 20-26) is provided here. Facts with Hope are evidence based health messages that may be used in a church bulletin, newsletter, or during the "Health Minute" as part of church service to motivate people to choose a full abundant life. They are published monthly in our Health Unlimited Newsletter. For more information on Facts with Hope, visit the website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. You can also watch Facts with Hope videos on YouTube. A Time of Trouble "Thousands have fled their homeland seeking safety in foreign lands, often braving unsafe traveling conditions just for the hope of a new beginning.... It really doesn’t matter what religion they follow or which deity they pray to, for in the end they are all God’s children and should be afforded the same rights that we all take for granted.... "Further reflection brought me to a new point of view, one of a cosmic perspective. What about all of us who are refugees on this planet, who are forced to live under the oppression of one who would destroy our freedom? How often do we take for granted the gift that truly makes us free and affords us the opportunity to eventually return to our true home?" MORE ■Transformational Evangelism Get Out! What happens when the church leaves the building? On Sabbath afternoon, August 29, the members of over 40 churches in the Atlanta area totaling close to 1,000 people, gathered in Plaza Fiesta in Atlanta to walk together and align themselves with peace and not violence. They were able to impact thousands of onlookers, get over 25,000 hits on social media in one day because of press coverage, and let the community know they care. What were the benefits of doing this? And how would someone else go about doing the same type of thing? MORE September 9, 2015 Special Days September Focus: Health Sept. 13-19, Nurture Periodicals: (Adventist Review, Insight, Guide, Primary Treasure, Our Little Friend) Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-26, Hispanic Heritage Week Sept. 20-26, Let's Move Week/Health Education Week/Vibrant Life September Offerings Sept. 12, Fall Mission Appeal Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Sept. 10, It Is Written Webinar Training for Revelation Today Sept. 14-17, Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-27, Let's Move Week Oct. 1/2, Prayer Call Oct. 2-4, Health Ministries Training /Columbia Union Oct. 9-11, Adventist Recovery Ministries Training, Dallas, Texas Oct. 9-31, It Is Written, Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed Oct. 15-18, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Oct. 26-Nov. 4, NAD Year-end Meeting Nov. 5/6, Prayer Call Dec. 3/4, Prayer Call 2016 Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit, Orlando, Fla. Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference, Ontario, Calif. Feb. 24-28, GAiN - Global Adventist Internet Network Conference April 24-27, 2016 HR Conference & Secretariat Council, Minneapolis, Minnesota July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, Berrien Springs, Mich. Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention 2016, Gladstone, Ore. Adventist World/ NAD Edition September, 2015 NAD Feature: Reflections from North America; General Conference Session 2015 – a Millennial Perspective, p. 36 NAD News: New Kitchen House Coming to Orlando Junior Academy, Find Peace where Adventism began; It Is Written is Streaming Truth to Your Screen, p. 11 NAD Update: The Third Annual Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, p. 14 NAD Perspective: Finding Light in Darkness, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Sept. 13-19 – This week, please pray for the Ontario Conference, with 125 churches and 31,307 members. Share This Newsletter Bible plus Spirit of Prophecy Reading Plan 3rd Quarter, 2014Euro-Asia DivisionWatch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Gary Thurber has been elected to serve as Mid-America Union president, filling a vacancy created in July when Thomas Lemon accepted a vice presidential position with the General Conference. He will be coming from the Lake Union Conference where he has served as executive secretary since 2013. NAD President Dan Jackson said that he is delighted with the committee’s choice and believes Thurber will bring exceptional qualities to the presidential position. MORE There were four InStep4Life health expos during the time of General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas, including the first one in downtown San Antonio on Sunday July 5, following the 5K Walk/Run which involved 2,500 participants. Three more InStep4Life expos were conducted in specific regions identified by the San Antonio Metro Health Department as needy areas. Watch the video. MORE Rebuilding 42 fire-resistant homes following the largest wildfire (350,000 acres) in Washington state history, takes a lot of money. Washington and Upper Columbia Conferences, the Brewster, Wash., church and an anonymous donor with matching funds, raised nearly $69,000, with more yet to come. This amount was added to donations from other faith-based organizations to make a total of more than $509,000 that will be used to rebuild homes for the uninsured. MORE The Ava, Mo. Seventh-day Adventist Church members are so generous that they built a home for one of their church families. The home owners sold part of their land to pay for it, and the members donated their time, some as much as three days a week. The church and the home owners couldn't be happier. MORE Lessons on longevity from 1 of 5 'Blue Zones' New pastor brings global perspective to Range churches Adding life to one’s years, too ‘Shop' for free at God's Closet clothing giveaway Friday SWAU receives $25,000 scholarship for religion dept. Familiar face leads Maplewood Academy Mega clinic at Fair and Expo Center exceeds 3,000 patient goal Attend a free Webinar on live streaming and learn all about streaming Sabbath services on your church website? Join Adventist Church Connect for a free webinar on live streaming on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. CST. You will learn what live streaming is and how it works, details of various streaming services, equipment needs, the basics of creating a live production, setting up and delivering your streams, archiving your streams, and more. Register here. An enditnow Emphasis Day (August 22) Kit is FREE and downloadable from the NAD Women's Ministries website. In it there is a sample sermon, suggested program and children's story for church, with a PowerPoint presentation. This year's theme title is "Love at Home" by Dr. Julian Melgosa. The kit is available here in English, French and Spanish. In addition, an Anger Management seminar for an approximately two-hour seminar, excellent for a Friday evening or Sabbath afternoon presentation, is available at the same location, also in English, French and Spanish. Get the Anger Management presentation here. ADRA Canada Working with Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Iraq What is ADRA Canada doing in Iraq and how safe are they? The Iraq ADRA headquarters is a new office. They are responding to the current crisis, which is mostly a matter of helping people deal with the current stress, which means handing out things such as emergency blankets, clothes, cooking supplies, and other things. Hundreds of thousands of people have had their lives disrupted by the current conflict. Many have been forced to leave their homes at gunpoint, often leaving behind dead loved ones, their cars, houses, belongings, and now are living in a refugee camp. ADRA provides schooling for children, support groups, and much more. Watch the video. Did you know there is a celebration that expresses our closeness to Christ and willingness to serve others? The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Savior. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. MORE Watch the 90: second video on Vimeo. Each topic on the My Way to Jesus website links to a video, an invitation to study the Bible, the Find-a-Church Directory, a link for kids to My Place with Jesus, a place to send prayer requests, and more. You can easily post the videos and information on your church website and/or share the updates from the My Way to Jesus Facebook page. Learn how. August 12, 2015 Special Days August Focus: Spiritual Gifts Aug. 22, EnditNow Emphasis Day Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Sept. 3/4, Prayer Call Sept. 10, It Is Written Webinar Training for Revelation Today Sept. 14-17, Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-27, Let's Move Week Oct. 1/2, Prayer Call Oct. 2-4, Health Ministries Training /Columbia Union Oct. 9-11, Adventist Recovery Ministries Training, Dallas, Texas Oct. 9-31, It Is Written, Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed Oct. 15-18, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Nov. 5/6, Prayer Call Dec. 3/4, Prayer Call 2016 Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit, Orlando, Fla. Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference, Ontario, Calif. July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, Berrien Springs, Mich. Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention 2016, Gladstone, Ore. Adventist World/ NAD Edition August, 2015 NAD Feature: Breaking Barriers, by Odette Ferreira, p. 36 NAD News: Because We Care, Hispanics Inaugurate Radio Adventista Los Angeles, Florida Youth Catch the Vision to Serve, Oakwood University Celebrates Ellen White’s Legacy, p. 11 NAD Update: SONscreen Film Festival Celebrates Student Filmmakers, p. 14 NAD Perspective: Family Prayers, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Aug. 16-22 – This week, please pray for the Southern California Conference, with 128 churches and 42,897 members. Share This Newsletter Bible plus Spirit of Prophecy Reading Plan 3rd Quarter, 2014Euro-Asia DivisionWatch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: www.nadadventist.org/newspoints

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The Your Best Pathway to Health (YBPTH) project in Spokane, Wash., has just completed a successful free mega medical, dental and eye care clinic serving 3,111 patients with Adventist health care, suits, haircuts, and/or massages in two days. YBPTHPresident Dr. Lela Lewis was interviewed by Upper Columbia ConferenceCommunication Director Jay Wintermeyer about the project and she told about their experience with one of the persons served. They also talked about the next planned YBPTH slated for Los Angeles, Calif., in Mar., 2016 Watch the video. To see more stories, check out the Upper Columbia Union website and Facebook page, and the NAD Facebook and the YBPTH Facebook pages. Volunteer for YBPTH/LA. MORE The annual Family Life International Conference has evolved into the Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice (ACFRP), now on its third year and with a growing attendance and participation. While this event, held at Andrews University, is planned to attract Doctor of Ministry students who have chosen an emphasis in Family Ministry, and MA and PhD students in Religious Education who choose either the Family Life or Children’s Ministry Emphasis, it also attracts faculty and students from throughout the campus community, and family ministry leaders and church members from throughout the world. MORE NET '95, the first satellite-delivered evangelism series by NAD, is "back". This year, beginning Oct. 9, It Is Written will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of NET ’95 with a new evangelistic series, “Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed,” live from Chattanooga, Tenn., with free apps and Tweeting. Who could have seen that coming 20 years ago? Like NET '95, every church can host the series live, but no satellite dish is necessary. In fact, millions of people can watch, with or without the help of a local church. MORE A new "Kitchen House & Culinary Garden" will soon be coming to Orlando Jr. Academy, in Orlando, Fla., thanks to generous contributions by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children. The facility will include a 2,000 sq. ft. garden and inside, a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with four cooking stations. The entryway will be a reception area and retail store that will sell products such as jams and pickles made by the students. It's expected to open in the spring of 2016. MORE A new ministry started in Duluth, Ga., called FLAG (“Fun Learning About God") Camp, is having an influence that will be felt around the world. It is a "mini-Vacation Bible School type program" for kids. The Duluth church decided to offer FLAG camp in the low-income area of Clarkston, Ga., home to 761 different ethnic groups coming from 145 different countries. New York Times magazine called Clarkston the most diverse square mile in America. MORE The Seventh-Day Adventist Church Is the Most Diverse Church Group in America, Says Study Free health care services offered in Spokane Pew ranks racial diversity in faith groups Clinic brings free medical care Churches To Anonymous Donor: 'Thank You For $700' Overnight fire at Seventh Day Adventist Church, possibly arson If you want to win souls and participate in the "Revelation Today" series, you should attend one of the three Webinars on Thurs., Aug. 13, on how you can host the series at your church, home, or any venue you choose. During this live digital training (about 30 minutes long) you will be given special insight about the series and how to successfully use it as an evangelism tool in your community. No technical experience is required. Choose your best time. Join the North American Division Prayer Ministry Team on Thursday, Aug. 6, for an all-night Prayer Call starting at 10:00 p.m. and continuing to 5:00 a.m. EDST Friday, Aug. 7. Participants are not expected to stay on the phone all night, but only for however long they wish. Call 404-891-6338; access code is Prayer# (772937#). Get bulletin inserts and learn MORE. Adult Ministries announces their new beta version of the Festival of the Laity website at www.festivalofthelaity.com. There you will find informative and inspirational videos, PowerPoints, and PDFs for your use. Website designers are committed to helping you find the best resources you can in three clicks or less. Look forward to interactive live streaming, video conferencing, Adult Ministries' YouTube Channel and much more. Contact nadfestivalofthelaity@gmail.com with your thoughts and suggestions. Facts with Hope are evidence based health messages that may be used in a church bulletin, newsletter, or during the "Health Minute" as part of church service to motivate people to choose a full abundant life. For more information on Facts with Hope, visit the website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter. You can also watch Facts with Hope videos on YouTube. A Lost Generation — As of April 2015, it is estimated that 300,000 people have been killed since the civil war in Syria began in 2011. Approximately four million people have had to flee their homes to live as refugees in foreign lands. Hardest hit are refugee children. Most have been unable to attend school. Experts warn that when the Syrian conflict finally ends, there will be millions of youth who will lack job skills and education necessary to support themselves or their families. ADRA is seeking to address the crisis in consultation with local officials in Lebanon. MORE Did you know you can start your life over again? Sometimes we just need a do-over! A fresh start. Baptism acknowledges where I am, and it announces where I'm going. It's a priority to live with God, no matter where I've been, what I've done, what I've thought about doing. Baptism isn't to make us perfect. It's to announce a priority to live first with God. MORE Watch the 90: second video on Vimeo. Each topic on the My Way to Jesus website links to a video, an invitation to study the Bible, the Find-a-Church Directory, a link for kids to My Place with Jesus, a place to send prayer requests, and more. You can easily post the videos and information on your church website and/or share the updates from the My Way to Jesus Facebook page. Learn how. August 5, 2015 Special Days August Focus: Spiritual Gifts Aug. 22, EnditNow Emphasis Day Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Special Offerings Aug. 8, Oakwood University/ Andrews University/ Loma Linda University Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Aug. 5-8, Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Convention Aug. 6/7, Prayer Call Sept. 3/4, Prayer Call Sept. 10, It Is Written Webinar Training for Revelation Today Sept. 14-17, Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-27, Let's Move Week Oct. 1/2, Prayer Call Oct. 2-4, Health Ministries Training /Columbia Union Oct. 9-11, Adventist Recovery Ministries Training, Dallas, Texas Oct. 9-31, It Is Written, Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed Oct. 15-18, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Nov. 5/6, Prayer Call Dec. 3/4, Prayer Call 2016 Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit, Orlando, Fla. Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference, Ontario, Calif. July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, Berrien Springs, Mich. Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention 2016, Gladstone, Ore. Adventist World/ NAD Edition August, 2015 NAD Feature: Breaking Barriers, by Odette Ferreira, p. 36 NAD News: Because We Care, Hispanics Inaugurate Radio Adventista Los Angeles, Florida Youth Catch the Vision to Serve, Oakwood University Celebrates Ellen White’s Legacy, p. 11 NAD Update: SONscreen Film Festival Celebrates Student Filmmakers, p. 14 NAD Perspective: Family Prayers, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Aug. 9-15 – This week, please pray for the Southeastern California Conference, with 144 churches and 70,474 members. Share This Newsletter Daily Bible Reading Plan 3rd Quarter, 2014Euro-Asia DivisionWatch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: www.nadadventist.org/newspoints

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. GC President Ted Wilson made a statement to the delegates of the 60th General Conference Session, clarifying the vote of the delegates on Wednesday July 8, 2015 when they addressed the issue of regional accommodation for the world divisions in the ordination of women into pastoral ministry. Here is a transcript of that clarifying statement. People of the community where Blue Mountain Elementary school was flattened by a powerful storm on July 9, have rallied to help the school in their recovery. They donated water, tarps, food for volunteers, and various other supplies. Volunteers, including media personnel who were there to report on the story, all pitched in an helped. MORE Most people don't know that the planning of GC Session starts ten years in advance of each session, so what does it really take to put on such an event? We took a behind-the-scenes look at one component of the GC Session, the Exhibition Hall. What does it take to supply three expo halls that cover 325,059 square feet with 385 exhibits for 11 days? MORE (We apologize that we inadvertently failed to supply the link to learn more about this in last week's issue of NewsPoints.) ADU Becomes the First U.S. Healthcare University to Offer a Program in Conductive Education Blue Zone lessons from Loma Linda, Calif Glendale Adventist staff gearing up for trip to Armenia Bellingham church property to become apartments for WWU students Florida Hospital DeLand names new controller Large brush fire contained in south Auburn Wash, Learn, Repeat at Rainbow Coin Laundry (Conclusion) S.A. airport expects heavy traffic, longer lines over next few days Long lines at SA airport as Seve­nth-day Adventist conference ends Knoxville church rallies together after arson attack Tornado strikes school in Hamburg; clean up begins National Weather Service confirms tornado in Berks Largest convention hosted by San Antonio comes to a close Founded in Michigan, 7th-Day Adventists vote against ordaining female clergy 50,000 pages of unreleased writings of Ellen White's letters and manuscripts have been released online today on the 100th anniversary of her death. Learn about the other ways the Ellen G. White Estate plans to remember her this centennial year of her death. GC Session Recordings are available on the Hope Channel Church site, both in DVD or as a less expensive downloadable version. Order Popular fundraising handbook, Successful Fundraising, the PSI-produced fundraising handbook, has been updated, and additional chapters are now included in the 2015 edition. The new chapters are in response to many inquiries regarding topics such as grant proposal writing, the effect of fundraising on tithe and offerings, in-kind and non-philanthropic support, recognition, and several other topics. Learn more here. According to some, Facebook and Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, and other social media sites, are "modern-day gathering places" and some churches are busy using them to keep members close, even when far away. Some churches even "live-tweet" the sermons and still others post them online. More than 72 percent of online adults use social media, but only 37 percent attend church weekly, or more. According to Pew Research Center, 20% of Americans share their faith online. More than twice that many notice when someone else shares their faith online. (Read more in the Columbia Union Visitor, July 2015, pages 8, 9) Did you know you are invited to be part of God's family on Earth? The church is made up of people who are at all kinds of different stages in their love and trust relationship with God.They are people in process. Some are further ahead in their trust relationship with God, and some are just beginning, and some are in between. Nevertheless, there are people in process, together, with God, with each other, and the world around them. When Jesus returns in triumph, He will present His people to Himself, a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. Learn more. Watch the 90: second video on Vimeo. Each topic on the My Way to Jesus website links to a video, an invitation to study the Bible, the Find-a-Church Directory, a link for kids to My Place with Jesus, a place to send prayer requests, and more. You can easily post the videos and information on your church website and/or share the updates from the My Way to Jesus Facebook page. Learn more. July 16, 2015 Special Days August Focus: Spiritual Gifts Aug. 22, EnditNow Emphasis Day Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Special Offerings Aug. 8, Oakwood University/ Andrews University/ Loma Linda University Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Aug. 5-8, Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Convention Sept. 14-17, Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program Sept. 20, Let's Move Day Sept. 20-27, Let's Move Week Oct. 2-4, Health Ministries Training /Columbia Union Oct. 9-11, Adventist Recovery Ministries Training, Dallas, Texas Oct. 15-18, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention 2016 Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit, Orlando, Fla. Adventist World/ NAD Edition July, 2015 NAD Feature: Christian Creativity in a Secular Society, p. 30 NAD News: Historic Book Sheds Light on Adventism's Roots, It Is Written Puts Down Roots in Tennessee, p. 11 NAD Update: Exponential Growth! p. 14 NAD Perspective: Who Are You? p.17 Daily Prayer Guide July 12-18 – This week, please pray for the Central California Conference, with 131 churches and 36,978 members. Share This Newsletter Daily Bible Reading Plan 3rd Quarter, 2014Euro-Asia Division Watch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: www.nadadventist.org/newspointsunsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences