The Cutting Edge – February 20, 2015 Here`s what`s happening

The Cutting Edge – February 20, 2015
Here’s what’s happening across our Conference, at
least what I’ve heard about. Feel free to share this
with anyone.
1. Pastor Douglas Elsey baptized Benjamin Ochieng this past Sabbath
at KC New Haven. Benjamin has attended New Haven for several years
and recently made his decision for baptism. He requested that his baptism
be on Valentine’s Day. Because that was also KC Convocation weekend, many besides New Haven
members witnessed his public commitment to Jesus and the mission of the Adventist Church.
2. “Stewart McGillivray was baptized at my Great Bend, KS church on February 7,” shares Pastor Terry
Ruebush. “Stewart has an fascinating story about why he came to our church.” To hear his 3-minute
testimony, click here.
3. “My Grand Island Hispanic Church held the first evangelistic event this past February 14,” shares Pastor
Jorge Zelaya. “It was a love/friendship dinner for couples at a restaurant. Twenty couples from the
community joined the event, and promised to participate in all coming events during the year,” says
Pastor Zelaya.
4. “With a Hawaiian theme this year, the Garden City district had our 5th annual, youth-run Valentine's
dinner to raise money for the young adult group,” shares Pastor Michael Pelletier. “The group plans to
go on a short-term mission trip next year. Lots of laughs were had by everyone,” says Pastor Michael.
5. Last weekend was special for Kansas City-area Adventists as they gathered Friday evening and Sabbath
for inspirational preaching, wonderful music, and good fellowship. Alex Bryan, senior pastor of the
Walla Walla University Church, was the guest speaker. The afternoon service had many talented
musicians from all the area churches followed by Pastor Bryan’s final message, “The Outpouring of the
Holy Spirit.” Pastor Chanda Nunes’ closed the weekend with a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
The response to the entire weekend was overwhelmingly positive and appreciative. You can listen to
Pastor Bryan’s messages by clicking Audio or Video. To request CDs/DVDs, contact [email protected].
6. “February 14 was a Sabbath for love, fellowship and outreach at the Fairbury, NE Church,” says Pastor
Dean Carlisle. “Members invited friends and loved ones to join them in our Valentine’s Day festivities
including a special lunch and a movie to celebrate God’s love for us and our love one for another as
Christians and couples. We were so delighted to see so many visitors, nearly half the group, come join
us for our worship service and for fellowship with us throughout the afternoon,” says Pastor Dean.
7. “We have over 200 basketball players and coaches at the Union College Invitational Basketball
Tournament this weekend,” says Pastor Rich Carlson. “Midland Adventist Academy and College View
Academy are representing our Conference and are having a good time as are all the kids. It’s a great
time of building friendships and memories. Family worship this Friday night is by Sidewalk Prophets
providing an acoustical gospel concert,” says Pastor Rich.
8. “This past Sunday, the women of my Grand Island church gathered for a chocolate themed Valentine
celebration,” says Pastor Francois Erasmus. “This party had a variety of treats including a chocolate
fountain and a card and candy exchange reminiscent of childhood Valentine parties. This was the latest
in a series of monthly get-togethers designed to help the women of the church get to know each other
better, and as an occasion to invite friends to interact with the church. Also shown in the pictures are
December's "My Favorite Things" party where each attendee brought one of her favorite things, shared
what it was and why it was a favorite, then used it as a gift in an exchange. Also, January's Tea Party,
complete with tea sandwiches, scones, and a game of Name That Tune!” says Pastor Francois.
9. “Typically the first Sabbath of each month is ‘Choir Sabbath’ at Piedmont Park,” shares Vanessa
Schaecher. “On that Sabbath we are blessed by having the Piedmont Choir share several special
numbers as well as lead some of the congregational singing. The Piedmont Choir is led by Darcy Pearcy
and has a variety of members including several folks from area churches. It’s always a treat to hear the
songs they have to share with the congregation,” says Vanessa.
10. “Scottsbluff’s Valley View School recently hosted our second annual Art and Hobby Show,” shares
teacher Jeannie Costopoulos. “We enjoyed an evening of fellowship, as well as some incredible artwork
by our church members and students. After some refreshments, we auctioned a piece of artwork by our
own local artist Randall May, benefitting the school,” says Jeannie.
11. “All four of my 8th grade students from Platte Valley Elementary (Grand Island, NE) had a great time at
College View Academy (CVA),” shares teacher Regina Harvey. “We left school early and arrived
hungry, devouring the bountiful breakfast that CVA planned for us. Our day was filled with school
tours, games in the gym, participating in Art or Music class, meeting the teachers and of course the
delicious meals! The day ended with a parent informational meeting and a CVA basketball game. My
students enjoyed their day at CVA and made some new friends. Everyone was friendly and
accommodating and my students liked learning about other Adventist schools and being around
Adventist students their own age. It was a fantastic day! Thank you CVA!” says Regina.
12. "Acknowledge your sin, not with spiritual dejection, but with self-knowledge and trust in God’s
goodness.”
St. Catherine of Siena, 14th century
13. Here’s what some of us from the office are up to this weekend:
 Travis Sager (Youth Director) is in Lincoln for the Union College Invitational Basketball
tournament and the Mid-America Union Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). “Our
Conference has two teams in the Union PBE, both from the College View Trailblazers,” says
Travis.
 John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) will be with the Pittsburg and Galena
congregations this Sabbath where John will share a message with each of them.
 Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) will be in Wichita on Sunday morning for the second in a
series of eight lay training seminars, “Becoming a Contagious Adventist Christian.”
 Sue & I will be in Thayer, KS tomorrow where I’ll be ordaining a deaconess and sharing a
message. On Sunday I head for Chadron, NE to interview a new pastor for their district.
**If you know of something that you think would be of interest to other KansasNebraska 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!
Ron
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Ron Carlson, President
Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®
3440 Urish Rd.
Topeka, KS 66614
785-478-4726
www.ks-ne.org
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