MISSION STATEMENT insideSEPTEMBER To faithfully chronicle the work and progress of the church in the Atlantic Union territory and inform, 2004 instruct, and inspire our church members. FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 4 Too Blessed to Be Stressed Editorial 3 Youth & Relationships 15 5 Northeastern Conference Constituency Quoi de Neuf? 20 Session Report ¿Qué Está Pasando? 21 On the Move 31 6 How to Nurture Growth in Children NEWS Greater New York 6 Bermuda 11 8 Cover Story: Northeastern 12 Relationships and Time New York 14 Atlantic Union College 16 Northern New England 18 Southern New England 22 INFORMATION 16 A Mission- Bulletin Board 27 Driven Classifieds 29 College DEADLINES November Issue September 10 December Issue October 8 January Issue November 12 31 Swinyar Joins the SNEC Team September 2004 Vol. CIII, No. 9 The Atlantic Union GLEANER is pub- lished monthly by the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 400 Main Street, South Lancaster, MA 01561. Printed by BOUT THE OVER In this month’s cover story, entitled Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, A C : Hagerstown, MD 21740. Standard postage paid at Hagerstown, MD “Relationships and Time,” Willie and Elaine Oliver share with us the importance 21740. Annual subscription price, $8.00. POSTMASTER: Send address of being “intentional about creating an environment in our homes that communi- changes to Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak cates value to every member of the family.” The cover photo is a PhotoDisc image. Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. 2 Atlantic Union GLEANER, September 2004 Visit the Atlantic Union Web site EDITORIAL Making Love he expression “making love” is over- times the lack of basic Christian values used and profoundly misunderstood among spouses (and members in general) Tin society and even the church today. who claim to profess the religion of Christ. When we think deeply about the phrase, we Where is the courtesy, the kindness, the gra- find that instead of referring to creating or cious spirit of preferring others above our- building love, what is really meant by “mak- selves? I declare that it is simply ridiculous ing love” is “making sex.” to consume large portions of the Bible (and However, to be blunt about it, whenever the Spirit of Prophecy) and still display a two people make sex outside the God- spirit of meanness, ill-will, and disrespect for ordained boundaries and guidelines of mar- each other. Is it possible that one may be so riage, what they have made is not love, but heavenly doctrinally perfect that they are no lies, hurts, heartaches, and tears. earthly relationally good? “Is it possible God designed and created marriage and The fact is, beloved readers, that our God the family to reflect the powerful symbol- is a God of relationship. Therefore, our reli- that one may ism of Christ and His church—a symbol- gion or theology must inform our conduct ism described as pure and unselfish. From which includes the basic ingredients that be so heavenly the genesis of this world’s existence, God comprise making love. So…what are they, said: “It is not good for the man to be you ask? doctrinally perfect alone. I will make a helper suitable for When a man treats his wife with caring him…. For this reason a man will leave his and unselfish love the way Christ treats His that they are father and mother and be united to his bride, the church, he is making or building wife, and they will become one flesh”— love. When husbands honor their wives so Genesis 2:18, 24 (NIV). husbands’ prayers may not be hindered no earthly Therefore, for the Christian, any kind of (Ephesians 5:25), he’s making love. Watch intimate sexual relationship outside the clear her run errands for him or see him doing relationally and distinct bounds of marriage between the dishes, they’re making love. As Chris one man and one woman is strictly forbid- Blake puts it in his book, SEARCHING FOR A good?” den by our Creator (Matthew 19:9, Galatians GOD TO LOVE (page 96), “Look at how the 5:19)! Such relationships are defective and two keep confidences, support, and smile inspired by the father of lies. through the troubles they go through. I believe Solomon understood this well They’re making love. Witness his opening when he wrote: “Though one may be over- up his insecurities to her. He’s making powered, two can defend themselves. A cord love…. Listen to them discuss the meaning of three strands is not quickly broken”— of life. They’re making love.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV). This writer believes May the spirit and passion of Christ con- the three strands represent a husband, a strain us to create love and build love for wife, and God, who is the author of love. No others in the way God designed. wonder we refer to it as “the cord of love.” Together, these three are invincible where Dr. Donald G. King is president of the Atlantic the bond of unselfish love reigns supreme. Union Conference and chairman of the Atlantic I am continually amazed to observe at Union College Board of Trustees. at www.atlantic-union.org Atlantic Union GLEANER, September 2004 3 Too Blessed to Be Stressed here it sat. I resisted the urge to open the postal package. I knew there would be treasures in that box especially for me from a very special friend. So it sat until Tjust the right moment. As I sat in my comfortable worship spot in our living room, I was very uncomfortable inside. It was one of those frustrating mornings. I wanted to worship Him, but my mind was in competition. The adversary seemed to taunt with thoughts that were critical, complaining and sometimes condemning. Those thoughts collided with the invitation to “Come and seek Me” and “Cast your cares upon me.” “How can I praise You, Lord, when I am so stressed?” My bombarded mind seemed to spiral to despair. “Lord, maybe I need some cheering!” I noticed my unopened parcel and decided now might be the right time. As I slowly relished in each gift, I dis- covered a little book. I randomly opened its pages. “I’m too blessed to be stressed,” its page proudly proclaimed. “What do you mean, Lord? ‘I’m too stressed to be blessed!’” As I said those words, a reality startled me. It was as though I heard God ask, “What would you like to do about that?” I remembered a verse that said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”— Philippians 4:6,7 NIV. Perhaps that’s what my brother, Herm, meant when he responded to the CoNNECting editorial. He mentioned something about “disconnect- ing” so that one could “connect.” Perhaps as we disconnect from criti- cism, complaining, and condemnation, we can connect to truth. Disconnect to connect. Disconnect from focusing on the stress to focusing on the Savior. Disconnect from focusing on the problems to focusing on the promises of God. Does my stress change? Sometimes. More important, my attitude and my By Lynn Ortel resource change. God said if I admit the truth about what’s happening in my life and continue to trust Him, my stress will be reduced because my heart will have connected with Him. I will be able to praise and be grateful in spite of the stress. God won the competition that morning. I am grateful! Remember the little book? Back in the late 80’s, my friend Phyllis gave me a friend- ship/gift bag. I could use the contents myself or share with someone in need. That very bag with a picture of swans on each side has been sent back and forth between us. The bag, now crinkled, glue-gunned and taped, still sends powerful messages—messages of building up and blessings. I wonder if Phyllis realized the potential of her little book. God did! His timing was per- fect and powerful. I wonder what God will do for Phyllis as I send her package today. Lynn Ortel, communication and supportive ministires director for the Northern New England Conference, writes from Portland, Maine. 4 Atlantic Union GLEANER, September 2004 Visit the Atlantic Union Web site Northeastern Conference Constituency Session Report Administrators Reelected The Northeastern Conference convened its first quadrennial coordinator - Jose Joseph; Hispanic coordinator - Isaias Rojas; and twenty-fourth regular Constituency Session on June 6, Western New York coordinator - James Parham on a volun- 2004, at Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, teer basis. Positions to be appointed by the New York. During the session the constituents Northeastern Conference Executive received reports, voted recommendations Committee are ASI and Youth associate. regarding proposed changes to the The elected members of the executive Northeastern Conference Constitution and committee for the next quadrennial are, ex- Bylaws, as well as elected officers for the next officio members: Trevor Baker, chairperson; quadrennium. Trevor H. C. Baker, Larry J. Larry Bailey, secretary, Seth Bardu, Pollyana Bailey, and Seth T. Bardu were reelected presi- Barnes, Rupert Young, Daniel Honore, Jose dent, secretary and treasurer, respectively. Joseph, Isaias Rojas, James Parham. Each of the administrative officers brings a Members: Milton Haynes, Ferron Francis, wealth of experience to their current posi- David Hosten, Desmond Mahoney, Sharon tions. Baker has served in the Northeastern Mohamed, Vincent Goff, Roy McDonald, Conference since 1969 in various positions Norma Nelson-Dwyer, Ronald Hoyte, Betty including pastor, youth director, executive Trevor Baker, president Johnson, Carol Dozier, Serge Cadet, Colette secretary, and as president since March Dieujuste, Hamilton Ramos, Manuel Cabral, 2002.