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RECORDApril 9, 2005 In this issue Outback kids “get up and go”
Signs survey aids tsunami victims
Adventist women “blog”for peace Pastor Damien Rice (left) presented Lawrence and Sharon Smith and their children,Timothy and Joshua,with a loaf of bread to symbolise their welcome into Maitland church. Church gets creative in Hunter Valley MAITLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES embers of the Maitland church ious New Testament verses that spoke of in NSW explored community the early believers’ life together were read and creativity on March 12 as out by church members. As each “one M Brendyn and Kellie Hancock another” verse was shared, various shapes facilitated a day with a difference. of bread were placed on a table at the Eighty people attended a multisensory front. By the end of the service, a body took worship service that focused on Body Life. shape on the table, as the aroma of a freshly “God created us with five senses,” says Mrs baked loaf of bread filtered through the Acquired or Hancock, “and I believe people are room. impacted more profoundly when presen- To conclude, new members Lawrence tations involve them on many levels.” The and Sharon Smith, and their children, service included scripture readings from Timothy and Joshua, were welcomed into Inspired? the front on attributes of the body of Christ the community. Pastor Damien Rice pre- and community participation through sented them with a hot loaf of bread singing and reading scriptures. To redis- straight out of the bread machine. dedicated cover the lost art of “one anothering,” var- (Continued on page 4)
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news Survey aids Outback kids “get up tsunami victims and go” WARBURTON, VICTORIA o stay informed about its reader- ship, Signs of the Times magazine is CHARTERS TOWERS, QUEENSLAND conducting a reader survey, and ovember last year saw the dream of T for every survey response received, Allan and Pat Hutchinson from the magazine will donate $A1 to the the Yarrahapinni Adventist Youth Adventist Development and Relief N and Ecology Centre come to Agency’s Asian tsunami rehabilitation fruition with the assistance of Sanitarium, projects. Adventist Development and Relief Agency, “While we’ve conducted surveys in the Rotary, the Lions Club and a number of past, they’ve not been via the magazine other community groups. Students participating in one of the many itself, so a lot of readers would have been From November 15 to 18, 136 students activities offered at the “Get up and go”camp. excluded. This way someone who picks from seven schools in Charters Towers and up a copy at their local mall can partici- 42 teachers and leaders from Sanitarium hoisted every day. The flag was designed by pate,” says Lee Dunstan, Signs’s senior and Yarrahapinni worked together on a Sanitarium and the coordinating staff of the assistant editor. “Although the overall program called “Get up and go,” with fun program, and drew inspiration from the message is unlikely to change much as a and challenging activities designed to Australian flag with the Southern Cross fea- result, we still need to tailor the magazine develop the children’s skills and characters. turing on a blue background that repre- to its 21st-century readership as well as its The program was created with rural and sented water, and then highlighted with sponsorship. And to do that, we need to Outback children in mind, and capitalises other bright colours. know exactly who both groups are and on the name of the Sanitarium product Up The “Get up and go” theme song encour- what they want. Readers will help and Go. Accordingly, the children attend- aged the children to reach for the stars by tsunami victims when they respond, as ing the program are encouraged to “get up making wise choices in their lives and well as receive a better magazine. It’s and go to where you want to be” by devel- remembering to help others in their com- win, win, win!” oping their passions in life, meeting new munities. The pullout survey is embedded in the people and growing their confidence. The mayor of Charters Towers was April issue of Signs, which features Jason The students were divided into groups, impressed with the “Get up and go” pro- Smith, captain of the 2005 NBL champi- which were given the names of Australian gram, as was the local newspaper, which ons the Sydney Kings and 2004 Christian native animals, such as platypus and goanna. gave the event good coverage. Students, Sportsperson of the Year, on its cover. In these groups, they participated in a teachers and Sanitarium volunteers were Readers can also complete the survey on number of events, including a low-ropes likewise impressed with the event, and had the Signs web site.—Scott Wegener team challenge, dramas, video production, a many positive things to say about it. More @ www.signsofthetimes.org.au water challenge and the Queensland The program was particularly valuable Ambulance Service’s “CPR for life” demon- for the students of the School of Distance strations. Education. One student said, “I liked every- The evening programs were mostly thing we did, but meeting new people and organised by David Woolley, corporate gen- making new friends was best of all. The eral manager of Sanitarium, and got the camp has given me confidence to meet groups together to present their dramas, challenges as they happen.” sing, talk about the day’s activities and listen There are hopes that the program can be to presentations from special guests. run again in the future for those in other A flag designed specially for the event was areas of Australia.—Ursula Hedges
OFFICIAL PAPER of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacific Division Seventh-day Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Adele Nash Warburton,Vic 3799,Australia ACN 000 003 930 Editorial assistant Scott Wegener Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist.org.au Copyeditor Graeme Brown Email Letters: [email protected] Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough Email Newsfront: [email protected] Vol 110 No 13 Layout Jason Piez Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Cover: Kellie Hancock Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Australia and to New Zealand,$A43.80 $NZ73.00.Other prices on www.record.net.au application.Printed weekly.
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news Acquired or Inspired? dedicated at Signs tling an argument in a Sabbath WARBURTON, VICTORIA school class,” says Dr igns Publishing Company launched McMahon. “But also out of con- a new book with a dedication at the cern for the decline in the prac- Warburton factory on March 23. tice of what has been known as S Acquired or Inspired? by Dr Don the Adventist lifestyle. I wanted McMahon was then publicly launched at to answer the question of how the Victorian Conference camp-meeting on we got this lifestyle.”
March 26. Dr McMahon recalls that a
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According to Book Department man- number of people—including C
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ager Elizabeth Dunstan, the dedication of his wife, initially—tried to dis- a new-release books is regularly done by the courage his plan as he set out on K Dr Don McMahon with wife Marlene (left) at the dedication of church’s publishing houses in other parts of the research that grew into the Acquired or Inspired? at Signs Publishing Company,with Signs the world. “To mark the launch of a new book. “They were worried editor Nathan Brown and publishing director,Pastor Terry Goltz. book in this way highlights that this is not about what I might discover,” just another book to be printed and sold,” he recalls. his research. “Don McMahon has done an says Mrs Dunstan. “Rather, it is part of our Acquired or Inspired? closely examines the excellent thing,” says Dr Harrold. “His mission as a church publisher.” health and lifestyle statements made by project was initially fraught with danger, as The dedication—led by Pastor Terry Ellen White and compares these state- he may have unearthed results that could Goltz, director of publishing for the South ments with those of other health writers have destroyed both his faith and that of Pacific Division—acknowledged the con- who were her contemporaries in the mid- others. It has been sometimes misunder- tributions to the project by Signs staff to late-19th century. Dr McMahon shares stood by others and frequently criticised. through the planning, production and dis- his journey through this research and “This is not a book in judgment on tribution process. analysis. He admits he encountered a Ellen White, but a highly critical investi- Author Don McMahon attended the number of surprises. gation, which validates her position in dedication and shared something of the Dr Percy Harrold, associate director of Adventist belief and practice.”—Nathan story behind Acquired or Inspired? with Adventist Health for the South Pacific Brown Signs staff. “My research grew out of set- Division, assisted Dr McMahon at stages of More @ www.acquiredorinspired.com
tion, the SPC was represented by days, along with several helpers two of its office staff, David Rayn- from the church. Many passed er, IT specialist, and Mac DeMesa, through and saw the demonstra- SPC financial controller. Mac fin- tions, and those who were vege- ished the 300 questions within tarians or who were interested in ◆ The staff and students at the the 10 minutes allotted and with becoming vegetarian, stopped, Warburton Christian School, Vic, time to spare.“We hoped that our watched and tasted.Several hand- ◆ Bruce Manners, former editor of have discovered that their neigh- visit would help inspire the stu- ed in their name to receive further RECORD, was awarded a Doctor of bours,Signs Publishing Company dents to strive for excellence,”says information,and flyers were given Philosophy degree in sociology (SPC), have more talents than just Mr DeMesa.—David McNeill out that advertised other activities on March 17 at Monash University. being publishers of books and the Wallsend church is running.— His thesis, Publish or Perish: A study magazines.One chapel period,the ◆ On March 4–6 the Wallsend, Ray Boyce of the role of print in the Adventist school was treated with some of NSW,church was invited to present community, is a study focused on the SPC workers bringing their vegetarian cooking demonstra- the importance and impact of musical instruments and forming tions at the Newcastle Show. Val RECORD within the Adventist a band for their worship time. Gersbach made the preparations church community. Dr Manners is Additionally, at the school’s inau- and demonstrated in the Enter- currently the pastor of Avondale gural Maths Champion Competi- tainment Pavilion on the three College church, NSW.
DAYS AND OFFERINGS: ◆ APRIL 16—LITERATURE EVANGELISM RALLY DAY ◆ APRIL 23—UNION INSTITUTIONS OFFERING
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news Adventist women Church gets creative blog for peace in Hunter Valley RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA ive Adventist women in North (Continued from page 1) could examine their relationship with God America, who felt that more needed and their spiritual journey, both as indi- to be done to share peace with the This was to symbolise them joining this viduals and as a community. F church and the world, have created body of Christ. A label wrapped around it “Society in general, and the church in their own weblog—or “blog”—called stated the bread was the Maitland particular, tend to operate from the left “Adventist women for peace.” Adventist brand and contained the warn- brain,” says Mrs Hancock. “Things are The weblog is designed to remind ing: “This loaf may sometimes include taught and processed in a rational, logical, church members that Adventists are not in traces of unchristian behaviour and the analytical and objective way that looks at favour of war and killing, no matter how occasional nut.” parts. This is a very modern way of ostensibly justified the motive, but are in After sharing a meal together, the group approaching things. Utilising our God- the world to promote peace. continued to explore spirituality and com- given senses and creativity allows us to tap “What this means in a time of war needs munity in the afternoon workshops. The into our spirituality through the right to be discussed, and we are doing so on our interactive and experiential environment brain. blog,” says Lourdes Morales-Gudmunds- used music, creative expression and dia- “This gives us knowledge and experience son, a cofounder of the weblog. “We’re logue to provide a space where participants that is intuitive, holistic, subjective and convicted that peace is a topic whose time looks at wholes. These are methods valued has come for our church.” in a postmodern generation.” Visitors to the web site are encouraged to Mrs Hancock believes the church as a join in the discussions that occur there by whole, and its members as individuals, are posting their thoughts on peace and the struggling to effectively minister to post- Adventist Church. modern people. Plans are currently in the making for an “Until we value both methods of teach- Adventist peace conference to be held in ing, learning and processing, the church North America in 2006, and there are will continue to miss connecting with hopes an international Adventist peace today’s culture,” says Mrs Hancock. conference will be possible in the near The afternoon concluded with Mr and future.—Adele Nash Kellie Hancock Kellie Maitland members created a mural to depict Mrs Hancock praying a blessing over the More @ http://adventistwomen4peace. their spiritual journey to that point in time. Maitland community.—RECORD staff webblogger.com
Evans. In 2004, 13 people made lowing weeks, the congregation the same decision. The success of of some 18 members, primarily the series, which is followed up pensioners, gave personal dona- with a prophecy seminar, has tions amounting to $A725. It was made “Life after life” an integral felt more could be done so a part of Preston’s plans for out- garage sale was organised. Not ◆ For the second consecutive reach.—George Wilson only was a further $A700 raised, year, Preston church, Vic, has suc- materials church are under way.— the town’s awareness of ADRA has cessfully presented the 10-part ◆ Losawai, a little branch church Taitara Sevau grown.“It also helped to bind our “Life after life” outreach series in started by Pastor Samson Genun, members together,” says Hamil- the Darebin Arts and Entertain- derives from the Balgai church in ◆ On the first Sabbath after the ton church clerk Lynette Tung. ment Centre, concluding in the Kavieng, PNG—about 20 minutes Asian tsunami, the members of Preston church on March 5. Some walk away. The members of this Hamilton church in country west- 16 people indicated their desire for new church are mostly children ern Victoria immediately voted to baptism after witnessing the bap- along with five adults. The small send $A1000 of church funds to tisms of Gideon Kambu (pictured) shelter used to worship in (pic- the Adventist Development and and Evelyn Andoh-Okai conduct- tured) was once a marketplace, Relief Agency (ADRA) to help in ed by series presenter Pastor Greg however plans to build a bush- their relief operations. In the fol-
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person must be able to see that to claim that Poor Adventists Greatest prophet? Ellen White is greater than Christ Himself is tantamount to blasphemy. PHIL WARD, QLD BRYAN BALL, NSW It is this kind of extremism that through The “concerned caller” who decided not Believing that we spend too much time the years has given Adventism the unfor- to be baptised because of RECORD’s article and energy talking to each other and not tunate image of a sect on the fringes of on poverty missed the most important enough talking to others, I have avoided, authentic Christianity rather than a credi- point. The article shows the Seventh-day until now, the debate on the role of Ellen ble voice at its centre. This publication, Adventist Church is a church that isn’t White, featured in RECORD over the past claiming to speak for historic Adventism afraid to admit when it’s wrong. year. However, the title of the recent and available for all the world to read, will A church that follows the command to response—in defence of the ultraconserva- help ensure this damaging image continues “confess your sins to each another” (James tive view of Ellen White—demands com- to dog our footsteps all the way to the king- 5:16, NIV) is far more biblical than the one that tries to hide its shortcomings. So rather than be a reason for not being In a political environment that does not baptised, the very fact that the church pub- lished this self-criticism is a reason for encourage our leaders to say “sorry,” thank being baptised into it. And when baptised, don’t fall into the neglect of the poor who you for doing so. Jesus said would always be among us. ment: The Greatest of All the Prophets. Do dom. It will surely turn away many who the authors of this publication really believe might otherwise be open to the great BRENDYN HANCOCK, VIC that? Greater than Daniel? Greater than redemptive truths of Scripture. Thank you for your editorial of March John the revelator? Greater than Isaiah or This is conservatism developed into 19. I want to encourage and affirm you for Jeremiah? Greater, even, than the One extremism developed into heresy. Is it not the use of your position in such a very foretold by Moses: “The Lord your God time we finally distanced ourselves from human manner. In a political environment will raise up for you a Prophet like me from such unbiblical and theologically errant that does not encourage our leaders to say your midst” (Deuteronomy 18:15, NKJV). views put out in the name of the church? “sorry,” thank you for doing so. It is so easy It is an astonishing claim. to comment/be opinionated on things we Of one thing we may be certain: she who see in the church and then hide behind the regarded herself as the “lesser light,” called Where goes truth? fact that “well, it’s an editorial,” but here to draw the attention of the church and the you have bared your soul. In a very skilful world to the “greater Light,” never for one JOHN RALSTON, SA way you have used this editorial forum to moment thought of herself as the greatest The March 12 editorial about truth (“A say a very personal thing. of all the prophets. And it is equally certain humble truth”), while thought provoking, I hope other leaders in the church who she would have emphatically rejected such was vague and generalised. Truth in gen- contribute to this editorial page follow a title had it been proposed in her own day. eral may seem to be unifying because all your lead. Even the most theologically unaware will agree with, admire and seek it. But as soon as it is applied specifically, there will be just a coincidence disagreement. In order to be “united in witness of truth,” we must be united in agreement of these truths. There should be humility, because our understanding is incomplete. There should be no arrogance, because we’ve only discovered and not created these truths. There should also be a witness of assurance, because these truths are based on God’s Word.
Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination.Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name,address and phone number.All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements,but the author’s original meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published.See masthead (page 2) for con- tact details.
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Weddings 26.12.32. This loving couple are survived by their children, Stanley, Kathleen, Malcolm Positions vacant Forbes—Sherwill. Cheyne Douglas (Qld), Lorraine and Brent; their 10 grand- Forbes, son of Cliff and Helen Forbes children; and 14 great-grandchildren. ▲Marketing Communications Manager—Sydney Adventist College (Strathfield, (Goulburn), and Emma Louise Sherwill, Dorothy and Bert were active members of NSW) is seeking a Marketing Communications Manager, preferably with three+ daughter of Geoffrey and Anna-Marie Papanui church. years experience in a marketing or related role and be degree qualified, with a busi- Sherwill (Albury, NSW), were married on Ricky Howe ness degree (marketing major) or BA (communications). The successful applicant will 20.3.05 in The Chapel, La Trobe at also possess well-developed communication and project-management skills, high-level Beechworth, Beechworth, Vic. Clarke, Barbara Caroline Bell, born analytical and strategic skills, drive and enthusiasm, and a strong spiritual commit- Lawrence Landers 10.3.1904 at Cobden, Vic; died 26.2.05 at ment. For further information contact Murray Chapman (02) 9764 3200;
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BELIEVE IN CHRIST > LIVE THE LIFE
www.edgeonweb.org
Brisbane Adventist High School class Earn money touring Australia. Hodge RV Northern Australian Conference reunion 1976–80. 48 classmates started is a family-owned business (Kay and Peter Session. Notice is hereby given that the out in high school in 1976 and 22 com- Hodge) supplying lightweight 5th wheel Adventist Support Line 23rd session of the Northern Australian pleted Year 12 in 1980. During these 5 caravans in NZ and we are now expanding Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist years 60 students were a part of our class into Australia. We are seeking 25 Adventist Freecall phone numbers Church will convene at the Riverside experience. We would like to see you all at couples willing to sell 5th wheels on a com- Australia 1800 220 468 Convention Centre, Leopold Street, a 25-year reunion to be held in Brisbane, mission basis while touring. Interested par- Aitkenvale, June 19, 2005. The first busi- October 1 and 2, 2005. Ladies please con- ties will need to purchase a new F270 or New Zealand 0800 442 458 ness session will commence at 9.00 am tact Debra Clarke (nee Bailey) 0416 290 F273 model fifth wheel (see website for Norfolk Island 1800 1410 with registration of delegates from 8.30 863 or
April 9, 2005 31 Avondale Back Page Ad 11/4/05 11:05 Page 13
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