Vancouver e-News

Thank you, from the Richards family

2012-01-27T17:18:00.001-08:00

Dear Church Family,

As I sit here tonight in my big comfy chair, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude for tiny finger smudges on my nicely cleaned refrigerator, gratitude for hugs and good night kisses. Gratitude for late night talks with friends, gratitude for the peaceful quiet after a busy day. Gratitude for a million little things, that most days I take for granted.

Today our family loaded into our car and drove to the church to pick up bags and boxes of groceries that were lovely picked out for our family. As I loaded and unloaded those cans, boxes, jars and fruit in to our pantry, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude to each of you who sacrificed of your time and means to show a little bit of Jesus to our family.

As I stocked our pantry to the brim, I couldn't help but reflect on some 7 years ago when we first arrived at this church. My feelings of apprehension of joining a new church quickly were dissolved as we were enveloped with love and kindness. As the years have come and gone and this small church has grown and changed, my heart has continued to be impacted with the kindness and love that each of you has chosen to show our family. This love and kindness has in small and big ways shown me the very heart of our Father. For this I am most grateful!

In this world of sadness, stress and discontentment, I find our community of faith to be the very anchor for my soul, a place where I am experiencing God. For this I say Thank You! Thank you to each one of you who has been part of our journey in small or big ways. Thank you for being God's blessing to us!

With much Gratitude,

Stephanie Richards

Pastor Gene Heinrich

2012-01-26T17:28:00.001-08:00

FYI. Some of you may have already heard, but Gene is okay! Please keep the Heinrich family in your prayers. Praise the Lord it wasn't worse! See below for more details.

roger

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Krissy Barber <Krissy.Barber@oc.npuc.org>
Date: January 26, 2012 5:02:38 PM PST
To: Krissy Barber <Krissy.Barber@oc.npuc.org>
Subject: Pastor Gene Heinrich

Pastor Gene Heinrich As many of you may have already heard, Pastor Gene Heinrich, pastor of the Rockwood church, was in a serious accident last evening with a drunk driver. Pastor Heinrich apparently was hit head-on by the drunk driver and his car was totaled. The rescue crews had to use the jaws of life to extricate him from the car. He was taken to OHSU where we understand he has an arm broken in four places, but apparently no internal injuries. I am sure he was jolted pretty severely and will be sore for some time. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 17, 2011

2012-01-17T11:33:00.001-08:00

JANUARY 17, 2012

From Pastor Roger - Secret Prayers

— by Lois Pecce. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.

There is a passage of Scripture that conveys such hope and joy that it should be at the top of every parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, and sibling's precious promises list. I'm talking about 1John 5:16.

The whole of 1 John is a treasure, but my focus is this verse. "If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that."

Verse 17 explains, "All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death."

The good news is that God does not give to any human the task of judgment. Not one of us can determine whether anyone has sinned the "unpardonable sin" of eternal rejection by God.

What this text means to me is that I can lift my child, my grandchild, my brother, my sister, my friend, my spouse, (and myself) in prayer, claiming for them in Christ's name the gift of eternal life.

Human Request

I've heard it explained this way: When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Satan claimed rulership of the earth and its inhabitants. One divine stipulation remained for humanity: free choice. Heavenly agents were restrained in their activity on earth and could only be summoned by a human request.

Every believer in Christ, our Intercessor, is called to the ministry of intercessory prayer. It is the highest privilege and duty of a Christian.

Oswald Chambers, in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, states that "Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying." (Ref. March 30 reading.)

Jesus put it ever so simply: "Ask, and it will be given you…" (Matthew 7:7).

These are not days to leave issues and loved ones to the "hands of fate." Temptations for all ages, especially youth, are innumerable and multiplying. This is a time, that with every thought of a loved one, our secret "closet" prayers claim their souls for Christ.

What's happening:

Jan. 25: Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting

Jan 27-Feb. 2: Community Group Rally Weekend

SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 23, 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet.

PLAN AHEAD to invite your friends and neighbors. Check out our Concerts and Events page on the church website.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, Jan. 17
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright

Wednesday, Jan. 18
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Finance Committee

Friday, Jan. 20
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Jan. 21
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
3:00pm Memorial Service/Nanette Lane's Father
5-8:00pm Soup, Bread & Games, Fellowship Hall

NEXT WEEK

Sunday, Jan. 22
9:00am Men's Group

Tuesday, Jan. 24
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright
7:00pm Church Board

Wednesday, Jan. 25
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting, Vancouver Church

Thursday, Jan. 26
7:00pm Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting, Holden Center, Gladstone
7:00pm CAA Constituency

Friday, Jan. 27
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Community Group 101 (Introduction)

Sabbath, Jan. 28
9, 11 am Pastor Kurt Johnson
10:00am Sabbath School
2:00pm Community Group 101 (Introduction)
2:30pm Pathfinder Bible Bowl
5:00pm Community Group 301 (Leadership training). Dinner included

Prayer Changes Lives

2012-01-13T16:10:00.001-08:00

We are drawing to the end of our 10 days of prayer in coordination with
Operation Global Rain and God has been blessing abundantly. Have you been a part
of this special time of prayer? If you haven't why don't you consider attending,
maybe tonight or at one of the final remaining times.

Friday evening at 7 pm in the Board Room, (Tonight)
Sabbath morning at 10 am in the Board Room (Tomorrow)
Sabbath evening at 7 pm in the Board Room (Tomorrow)

We are seeking God's face to pour out His Holy Spirit upon each one
individually, on our families, our church, our world.

Come join us, I guarantee you will be blessed! God IS pouring out His Holy
Spirit Power, be a part of it.

— Leslie Cassageneres

Reminder: Fill the Pastors' pantry

2012-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Just a note to remind you that this Sabbath is our annual Fill the Pastors' Pantry Day. Please bring 3 of any non-perishable items that the families can use as they want. Home canned foods, juices, mixes, paper goods, anything you can think of. You don't need to put your name with them but you might want to include a note of appreciation. I don't have everyone's email so please forward this to anyone in our church.

— Ginny Allen

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 10, 2011

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 10, 2012

From Pastor Roger

Matthew 6:7 (NLT): "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again."

That's the Scripture that ran through my mind as I chanced on a radio talk show. Babble, repeated again and again. And again.

Then I realized that it wasn't just this talk show. Think about any major news event. Missed the first announcement on CNN? Not to worry. Just tune back in anytime all day and it will be Breaking News — repeated, perhaps 'enhanced' with idle and so-called expert speculation on the how's, why's and anything else they can think of.

But, you say, they weren't really praying, so the Scripture doesn't apply. Or does it?

It's been said that what you spend your time on is your idol. Perhaps they were worshiping at an altar of their own importance.

Are you spending more time paying attention to the Cable God than to the God of Love? Or in the gym in homage to the creation rather than the Creator? Or in the mall, bowing before the supplies rather than the Supplier?

Operation Global Rain continues through January 14. At 7pm every evening, join us in prayer. You can come to the church, pray in your home, with your community group, alone or with a group of friends.

It is my prayer that we can experience what the early church felt in Acts 2:1-4b: "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…"

What's happening:

Praise God for the safe return of our mission team from Fiji. We're looking forward to their report.

SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 23, 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet.

PLAN AHEAD to invite your friends and neighbors. Check out our Concerts and Events page on the church website.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, Jan. 10
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Wednesday, Jan. 11
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Elders Meeting
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Thursday, Jan. 12
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Friday, Jan. 13
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Sabbath, Jan. 14
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, Jan. 17
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright

Wednesday, Jan. 18
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Finance Committee

Friday, Jan. 20
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Jan. 21
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
3:00pm Memorial Service/Nanette Lane's Father
5-8:00pm Soup, Bread & Games, Fellowship Hall

It's Time to PRAY Tonight!

2012-01-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight we continue our "Global Rain" initiative. Global Rain is a gathering
together of people to pray each night for 10 days. We are seeking God's face to
pour out His Holy Spirit upon each one individually, on our families, our
church, our world -- hence a Global Rain.

Especially TONIGHT We are dedicating our time to "Heartfelt Repentance." What a
wonderful opportunity as we contemplate our time together on Sabbath morning
meeting at the Communion Table before God, Cleansed, Forgiven, Rejoicing in
God's great mercy & grace.

Come join us, I guarantee you will be blessed! God IS pouring out His Holy
Spirit Power, be a part of it.

2012 Retreat discount

2012-01-06T08:57:00.001-08:00

Begin forwarded message:

Subject: 2012 Retreat discount
Date: January 6, 2012 8:44:41 AM PST

Hello Oregon Conference Prayer Warriors:

This is just a reminder that the early bird discount for the 2012 Oregon Prayer Retreat expires on Jan. 31. Register now and save 15%.

To register go to: http://www.plusline.org/eventdetail.php?id=1066818

For more info go to: http://orgcpersonalmin.adventistnw.org/2012-prayer-retreat

Have a blessed 2012!

Chuck Burkeen
Member Ministries Director
Members in Ministry training;
Men's Ministries; Oregon Church Consulting Service;
Personal Ministries; Prayer Ministries; Prison Ministries; ShareHIM
Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
19800 Oatfield Road
Gladstone, OR 97027
Office: (503)850-3559
http://orgcpersonalmin.adventistnw.org/

If you want a better pastor, pray for the one you have.

It's Time to PRAY!

2012-01-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Tonight's the night we are starting our "Global Rain" initiative. Global Rain is where we are having a gathering of people to pray each night from tonight, until Sabbath Evening the 14th of January. Each night, dedicated to prayer. Each night, dedicated to seeking God's face. Each night, dedicated to starting off the new year right. Will you join us? Will you come and spend the evenings praying.

From my personal perspective, I am convinced that we need to become more of a house of prayer in 2012. I have become personally convicted that prayer is vitally important and we somethings give it a perfunctory experience at church - praying before a meeting starts, at the end of announcements, and we use it to silence a crowd. WRONG!

It's not that these are totally wrong, but prayer ought to be about having an experience and a communication with the Holy God of the Universe. God wants to be in relationship with you and I. And we should take that time.

"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him." (Steps to Christ p. 93)

Come on out beginning tonight at 7pm. You can come any night, all the nights, or whatever fits you. But please pray. Pray for a revival. Pray for the Holy Spirit. Pray for the mission of the Adventist Community Church. Pray for healing. Pray for the Holy Spirit (did I mention that already - wow! So very important), Pray for Hope. Pray for Strength. Pray for our country/the world. Pray for the Holy Spirit!

I love being your pastor! I can't wait to see what God does for us through our time of prayer! Let's keep this going all year long!

God Bless!

Roger Walter

Senior Pastor http://bit.ly/qO3Vg

Adventist Community Church of Vancouver

Fwd: Vancouver Today — e.Update December 27, 2011

2012-01-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 7, 2012

From Pastor Roger

Just seen on CNN: Lena Paahlsson, in Sweden, found her wedding ring 16 years after she lost it. The ring was extra special because she designed it. She was working in the kitchen doing Christmas baking with her daughters in 1995. She placed the ring on the kitchen counter while she worked. When she was done, the ring was gone. They searched everywhere, even pulling up the floor boards, with no luck.

In October of 2011, they were picking the last carrots in her garden. When they pulled up one of the carrots, her ring was around the top of the carrot, right where the root meets the leaves. They assume the ring must have fallen into the sink and become mixed with potato peels that were composted or fed to the sheep.

Everyone is searching for something. Success. Love. Belonging. Peace. Hope. The list goes on, but it's a list of our thoughts and desires.

Some just look around the surface of life, hoping they will be lucky enough that what they desire will pop up to the surface, at the right time, in the right place. Others plan their search more industriously, making their own luck. Rarely is either group totally satisfied with the results.

In 2 Chronicles, the kingdom of Judah was in disarray. Verses 1-4 (italics are mine): "The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them." NIV

Isaiah reinforces the thought: "Seek the LORD while he may be found, call on him while he is near…" Isaiah 55:6 NIV

The blessings that come from seeking and finding God are many:

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. " Psalm 9:10 NIV
"Glory ye in his holy name: let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." Psalm 105:3 NIV
"Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully ." Proverbs 28:5 NIV

Amos 5:4 summarizes this beautifully: "Seek me and live…"

The L.I.F.E. Journal plan is being used by many in our church family in their search for communion with God. There are many other Bible reading and study plans available. Whichever one you choose, don't be discouraged if you miss a day, a week, a month — start again. And again. And again. God never forsakes those who seek him (Psalm 9:10).

What's happening:

Pray for our mission team in Fiji. They're coming home Thursday -- Yes, this week, not last week.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, Jan. 3
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright

Wednesday, Jan. 4
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Thursday, Jan. 3
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Friday, Jan. 6
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Sabbath, Jan. 7
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Jan. 8
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Monday, Jan. 9
7:00pm Operation Global Rain
7:00pm MGAES School Board

Tuesday, Jan. 10
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright
7:00pm Operation Global Rain
Wednesday, Jan. 11
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Elders Meeting
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Thursday, Jan. 12
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Friday, Jan. 13
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Sabbath, Jan. 14
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Operation Global Rain

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 27, 2011

2011-12-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | DECEMBER 27, 2011

From Pastor Roger ... Happy New Year

With the exception of the weekly cycle, our calendar cycles are determined by nature. The sun's rotation divides up the days, the moon's movements give us a fairly constant monthly cycle, but the yearly cycle may vary, depending on your culture.

The Jewish calendar celebrates the beginning of a new year in the fall. The Chinese calendar places the beginning of the year from the end of January to mid February.

What each tradition has in common are secular and, sometimes, religious celebrations around the big day. Aside from the annual tradition of New Year's resolutions, most Western traditions use the New Year as an excuse for partying.

The problem I see with the 'New Year' is that's really all the old stuff — recycled and looking worse than the its prececessor.

Paul tells us in Romans 6:4: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

When God makes you new, you're new. Not recycled, tarnished and blemished, but new.

When you dress your kids in their Sabbath-best clothes before church, you can pretty much count on them being stained with food, rain, dirt and sometimes tears by the time you get home. We do that with the newness God gives us.

But God doesn't give us one new life, or a new life every New Year's Day. He makes us new moment by moment, as we walk with Him and ask for His constant refreshing.

My prayer for you is that your walk with God is an ongoing daily "newness of life" (KJV) through your L.I.F.E.'s journey.

What's happening:

Pray for our mission team in Fiji. They're coming home Thursday.

THIS WEEK

Friday, Dec. 30
5:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Dec. 31
9 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
11 am Cardboard Testimonies, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Jan. 1
Happy New Year

Tuesday, Jan. 3
7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright

Wednesday, Jan. 4
6:30pm Youth Night

Friday, Jan. 6
5:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Jan. 7
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T18:00:00.001-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | DECEMBER 20, 2011

From Pastor Roger ... Where is Jesus?

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2 NIV)

As questions go, it was pretty simple. "Where is He?" It should have been breaking news — most-whispered-about water-cooler / beauty-shop gossip chatter. After all, even rumors that Prince William and his Kate might be expecting a child get featured on CNN's home page.

The Magi weren't asking about a prince. They were asking about a King. And no one knew.

Call for the theologians and the scrolls. There it is: "…for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" Matt. 2:5,6

That was some 2,000 years ago. Today, as it was then, the question is simple and straightforward: "Where is Jesus?"

It's not about dragging out doctrine, theology or prophecy. It's not about the judgment or the cleansing of the sanctuary or the second coming, as important as these are.

There's a song in our hymnal, #126, that ends with
"Yet, what can I give him?
Give my heart."

After the shepherds came to see the Child and shared their experience, Luke tells us "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 She didn't know then that what she held in her heart would have to carry her through the darkest days of her life.

Pastor Jeff and Danny and I, and our families, wish for all of you a most joyful and blessed Christmas. And most of all, we pray that you have given Him your hearts; that you have hidden His word in the deepest places of your hearts.

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

What's happening:

Dec. 24, 8:45-10:15, Christmas Brunch
There will also be a special food collection for Community Service Center. Bring non-perishable food to church.

Pray for our mission team in Fiji.

THIS WEEK

Friday, Dec. 23
5:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Dec. 24
8:45-10:15 Christmas Brunch and food collection for Community Service Center

9 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
11 am Christmas music, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK

Friday, Dec. 30
5:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Dec. 31
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School

UPDATE: Need Information Please

2011-12-16T07:55:00.001-08:00

Just an update - as many of you found out. You cannot respond to me via this message by simply hitting reply. You can hit forward, and my email address will appear then, or you can please click on my email below and you'll be able to help out and give me a response. I'm sorry for any confusion that this may have caused you. If you've already responded, thank you. I've gotten responses via phone, email and on Facebook. Thank you, this is very helpful. Any more responses will be very helpful. I've so far heard from 14 people regarding 7 of 12 zip codes. Anyone else can respond, please. It would be very helpful to have multiple responses for each zip code. Please send your reply as this will possibly allow us to have thousands of dollars returned to us for a failed mailing.

Thank you and God Bless!

roger walter
------------
Senior Pastor - http://bit.ly/qO3Vg
Adventist Community Church
www.VancouverAdventist.com

Begin forwarded message:

From: roger walter <coachenator@gmail.com>
Subject: Need Information Please
Date: December 15, 2011 12:10:07 PM PST

Hey Everyone! I'm working with the mailing company for our recent seminar and asking for money back. We know that about half of our mailing got out late - up to 4 weeks late in at least one case. But I need your help. If you live in any of these zip codes, can you think and remind yourself if/when you received the mailing?

The meetings started on November 12 and the brochures were supposed to arrive November 7, 8, 9. We know that some of them got delivered up to 5 days AFTER the meetings began and I just heard someone got there's last week! And several people never received their's at all!! Oh my!

So, I need some back up as to what happened. Please look over the zip codes below and if you are in one of those, reply to this email please....

98604
98607
98629
98642
98661
98662
98663
98664
98665
98682
98664
98685

Please respond with:
Name
Zip Code
Brochure arrived BEFORE or AFTER seminar began
Approximate Date of Delivery
Whether you still have the brochure - does it have any postmark on it?

roger walter
------------
Senior Pastor - http://bit.ly/qO3Vg
Adventist Community Church
www.VancouverAdventist.com

Feed Yourself! Break the Famine (Amos 8:11)

Need Information Please

2011-12-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone! I'm working with the mailing company for our recent seminar and asking for money back. We know that about half of our mailing got out late - up to 4 weeks late in at least one case. But I need your help. If you live in any of these zip codes, can you think and remind yourself if/when you received the mailing?

The meetings started on November 12 and the brochures were supposed to arrive November 7, 8, 9. We know that some of them got delivered up to 5 days AFTER the meetings began and I just heard someone got there's last week! And several people never received their's at all!! Oh my!

So, I need some back up as to what happened. Please look over the zip codes below and if you are in one of those, reply to this email please....

98604
98607
98629
98642
98661
98662
98663
98664
98665
98682
98664
98685

Please respond with:

Name
Zip Code
Brochure arrived BEFORE or AFTER seminar began
Approximate Date of Delivery
Whether you still have the brochure - does it have any postmark on it?

roger walter
------------
Senior Pastor - http://bit.ly/qO3Vg
Adventist Community Church
www.VancouverAdventist.com

Feed Yourself! Break the Famine (Amos 8:11)

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | DECEMBER 13, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Dreaded word

Breast cancer strikes about one out of every eight women in the US. More than 53,000 men and women die from colorectal cancer every year. More than 80,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecological cancer every year, with nearly 30,000 deaths annually. More than 200,000 thousand are diagnosed with lung cancer yearly, with nearly 160,000 deaths attributed to the disease. (Statistics courtesy of the US Centers for Disease Control.)

It's no wonder that people are full of dread hearing the word 'cancer' when they are at their doctor's office.

It's a miserable disease, and it's been with us for nearly as long as humanity has existed. Some medical experts think the description of Jehoram's affliction (2 Chronicles 21:14-19) to be consistent with colorectal cancer.

You won't get any argument from me that death from any kind of cancer is painful to the sufferer and to his or her family. The only good news about death caused by cancer is the hope of resurrection, fully restored to bodies God designed us to have in the first place.

So it begs the question: Why aren't we more in fear of 'sin' than 'cancer'?

Sin kills. Forever. "… the earnings of the wicked are sin and death." Proverbs 10:16. "For the wages of sin is death.." Romans 6:23

Praise God—there is more in these two texts.

Christ saves. Eternally. "The wages of the righteous is life..." Proverbs 10:16. "… but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

We are desperately in need of revival. Personal spiritual revival. Ellen G. White wrote in Education, 57 (1903) and in Colporteur Ministry 54.4: "The greatest want of the world is the want of men (and women) — men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."

This is important, so let me reiterate the steps Mark Fox outlined for becoming this kind of man or woman for God.
A. Spend an hour per day in prayer
B. Pray 3x per day
C. Keep a journal of miracles in your life...it does not matter how small they may be
D. Write down promises on 3 X 5 cards and memorize them
E. Fast
F. Get involved in leading others to Jesus
G. Talk to Jesus all day long
H. Study the life of Jesus...i.e. read the Four Gospels and Desire of Ages
I. Study Prophecy
J. Spend time in nature
K. Improve your health...diet, exercise

Resource: The L.I.F.E. Journal

What's happening:

Sunday, Dec. 18, 7pm, Fountainview Academy Christmas Concert: Mary, Did You Know?

Dec. 24, 8:45-10:15, Christmas Brunch

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, Dec. 13
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Wednesday, Dec. 14
4:00pm Discovery and Adventurers Clubs
5:30pm Ministry Search
7:00pm Elders Meeting
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Thursday, Dec. 15
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Friday, Dec. 16
5:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Sabbath, Dec. 17
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter, Meadowglade Adventist Elementary School
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Dec. 18
7:00pm Fountainview Academy Christmas Concert: "Mary, Did You Know?"
Monday, Dec. 19
6:00pm Islam vs Christianity

Wednesday, Dec. 21
7:00pm Finance Committee

Friday, Dec. 23
5:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Dec. 24
8:45-10:15 Christmas Brunch
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School
Food collection for Community Service Center

Vancouver Today e.Update, Dec. 7, 2011

2011-12-07T12:30:00.001-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | DECEMBER 7, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Capitol One has had great advertising success with the catch phrase "What's in your wallet?"

I think the greater question is: What's in your brain?

For some time, Trivial Pursuit was THE game to play for families and parties. You won if you could remember bits and pieces of history, geography, sports, music, and pretty much anything that was in the news.

Guys who couldn't remember family birthdays or anniversaries could tell you who hit the winning home run in the 1975 World Series, or the game-winning basket in the 1988 NBA championship.

What's in your brain?

Some of us could do quite well if the game were Bible Trivia. Bits and pieces of Bible history, who said or did what to whom, but can we really say "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you?" Psalms 119:11, NLT

The Psalms continue, verses 12 to 16:

I praise you, O LORD;
      teach me your decrees.
I have recited aloud
      all the regulations you have given us.
I have rejoiced in your laws
      as much as in riches.
I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your decrees
      and not forget your word.

Pastor Mark Fox implored all of us last Sabbath to pray for an hour, to read the Word, to allow the Spirit to lead us to revival. Join me and your church family in studying and letting God teach us.

The L.I.F.E. Journal helps you stay on track, join a Community Group, or study on your own — take that first step, that next step, and let God lead you home.

What's happening:

Dec. 18, 7pm, Fountainview Academy Christmas Concert: Mary, Did You Know?

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, Dec. 7
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Church Board
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Remnant of Revelation!

T'hursday, Dec. 8
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Friday, Dec. 9
5:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Sabbath, Dec. 10
9, 11am Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

NEXT WEEK
Monday, Dec. 12
7:00pm Pathfinders
7:00pm, MGAES School Board

Vancouver Today - e.Update November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | NOVEMBER 2 9 , 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow. "

These were the last words spoken by Steve Jobs, the man behind the success of Apple Computers. His sister, Mona Simpson, says "Death didn't happen to Steve, he achieved it."

Simpson didn't know she had a brother. She was journalist, working in New York, when an attorney contacted her, telling her she had a rich brother who wanted to meet her. Her friends took bets on who this rich brother was – the leading vote getter was John Travolta.

They both learned more about their fragmented family life as they became acquainted. Steve had been given up for adoption. Mona was younger, and her parents divorced.

The more Steve and Mona got to know each other, the closer they became.

Steve Jobs had an amazing life, with incredible accomplishments. "Oh, wow," is a pretty good summary of his life.

But what does "Oh, wow" mean for you and me?

We have a "friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24. How's that for Wow!

We are His by creation. Wow!

We are His by blood. Wow!

If there is to be a reflection of my life, let it mirror Jesus. Let my Wows! to be all about Him.

Jesus, our Advocate (from the same root word which gives us 'attorney'), is arranging for us to add brothers and sisters as we witness those who have been coming to the meetings night by night. Come and meet them.

Share with them the gift of salvation. It's a gift we don't achieve. It happens to us, when we accept Jesus. Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.

What's happening:

SAVE THE DATE: Dec. 18, 7pm, Fountainview Academy Christmas Concert

THIS WEEK
Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Showdown in Babylon!

Wednesday, Nov. 30
4:10 Adventurers
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Antichrist Beast & 666!

Friday, Dec. 2
5:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Mark of the Beast!

Sabbath, Dec. 3
9, 11am Mark Fox: When America Enforces the Mark of the Beast!
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: When America Enforces the Mark of the Beast! 2

NEXT WEEK
Monday, Dec. 5
7:00pm Pathfinders
7:00pm Worship Coordinators

Tuesday, Dec. 6
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Daniel's Longest Prophecy for Today

Wednesday, Dec. 7
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Church Board
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Remnant of Revelation!

T'hursday, Dec. 8
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Friday, Dec. 9
5:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Sabbath, Dec. 10
9, 11am Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Upcoming Marriage Seminar

2011-11-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Attached is information on the upcoming seminar this Sunday and Monday to help strengthen marriages. Also attached is an advanced schedule of the Amazing Prophecies Seminar. Plan to come! Bring a Friend! You will not be disappointed!

roger walter
------------
Senior Pastor - http://bit.ly/qO3Vg
Adventist Community Church
www.VancouverAdventist.com

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 22, 2011

2011-11-22T12:56:00.001-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | NOVEMBER 22, 2011

Marriage Seminar
with Mark Fox, Sunday and Monday, Nov. 27 and 28 (see attachment)

AMAZING PROPHECIES continues with Mark Fox,
(see attachment)

From Pastor Roger ... Enough?

There's a story that circulates around the Internet about wishing someone 'enough'. Summarized at the end of the tale:

"When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye."

Is 'enough' God's plan for you?

Back in Genesis 9:30, God said, "…Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." In Genesis 24:1, "…and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things." Jesus said, in Mark 9:23, "Everything is possible for one who believes," and in Mark 10:27 "…for with God all things are possible."

We read in Acts 13:30 "Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin…" Paul tells us in Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

God emptied heaven that we might have salvation. Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 9:22 "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

We have a group who are coming to the Mark Fox meetings, learning just how much God wants for them to be saved. I pray each one of us will be willing to extend all possible means within our power to help them find their way.

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
Tuesday, Nov. 22
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Hope Beyond The Grave

Wednesday, Nov. 23
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Church Board
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Revelation's Lake of Fire & Sea of Glass!

T'hursday, Nov. 24
Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, Nov. 25
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Sabbath, Nov. 26
9, 11am Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

NEXT WEEK
Monday, Nov. 28
7:00pm Pathfinders

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Wednesday, Nov. 30
4:10 Adventurers
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

T'hursday, Dec. 1
7:00pm Amazing Prophecie

Friday, Nov. 25
5:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

Sabbath, Nov. 26
9, 11am Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies

An urgent rally call from God's Word - Mark Fox

2011-11-17T07:54:00.001-08:00

Mark Fox

Subject: An urgent rally call from God's Word - Mark Fox

Dear Friends in Christ,

This morning when I got up the first Scripture the Lord showed me was Nehemiah 4:19,20. I believe this passage is very timely as we have begun this evangelistic series. These two verses from Nehemiah 4:19-20 speak clearly about rallying God's people to come together when they hear the trumpet blast.

God is telling His faithful at Vancouver this is time to "rally" quickly together to work and fight for souls at the nightly meetings.

Nehemiah 4:19-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. ²⁰ Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."

Nehemiah 4:19-20 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

¹⁹I told the people and their officials and leaders, " Our work is so spread out, that we are a long way from one another. ²⁰If you hear the sound of the trumpet, come quickly and gather around me. Our God will help us fight."

I want to ask you to do four things for Jesus:

a. Pray for both church members and guests from the community to be moved by the Holy Spirit at the nightly meetings.

b. Invite your friends to attend. Urge them to attend with enthusiasm and love.

c. Attend as faithfully as you are able. Bring your children as there is a children's program.

d. Have faith that God is going to work miracles to demonstrate His power and love for you and others attending.

One day we must give an acount for how we responded to God's call to work for Him depending on the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless our united efforts to lead souls to Jesus. Take Jesus and expect miracles!

Mark Fox

Forever Free Ministries

Rally the Troops!

2011-11-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Nehemiah 4:20 (ESV) In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."

Last night we began our Amazing Prophecies Seminar with Mark Fox. We had about 200 adults there, plus volunteers. So the start was pretty good. Tonight, night number 2, is just as vital to the outcome as the opening night. When the guests find the audience numbers staying high, they are more likely to stay up with things too! So, we want to invite you to come support the seminar - the trumpet has been blown and the we need support. Tonight's message is about 10 prophecies that affect America. Many of you have heard it before, but we need people who will pray for the seminar. We need people who will come out and meet people. We need people who will help and rally the support where God is fighting for us. Please plan to come. Please plan to join us! God is doing a great thing and the devil is doing all he can to stop us.

Mark is preaching a message of God's truth bound up in his everlasting love and grace. I'm excited to see what God will do here - not just to reach people who haven't yet come, but also for people who are already members. This kind of seminar is not just about reaping, but also about REVIVAL of our own members. Plan to come, bring a friend, and if you know anyone that does not get email, call them and invite them to join us tonight as well.

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 9, 2011

2011-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VANCOUVER | NOVEMBER 9, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Can others see Jesus in you?

One day, Theresa realized that, other than at her baptism, 4-year-old Shannon had never been inside a church. She wanted her daughter to understand something of her family's religious heritage.

Theresa laid out a plan, set a date, and began preparing Shannon for her first visit to church, to Jesus' house. Finally, the date arrived.

As Shannon entered the Catholic church, she looked around in awe but not in fear. Theresa congratulated herself on having prepared her daughter.

The service started. The music was powerful. Shannon was clearly enjoying herself. As the procession passed their pew, the altar boys leading, the priest in the center, Theresa began to relax. Just then Shannon blurted out, in a loud penetrating voice, "Hey, Jesus! You sure look nice in that dress."

Amazing Prophecies with Mark Fox begins this Saturday night.

We have sent brochures throughout our community. Someone out there is looking for Jesus, seeking peace, needing answers. Be praying the rest of this week for that someone, that seeker.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV): "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Jeremiah echoes those words in Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Support the seeker by coming to the meetings. They need to see you, to get to know you.

Someone will come to church perhaps for the first time in his or her entire life, or perhaps in many years. Will they see Jesus in you?

My prayer for all of us: "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands." Psalm 119:10

God's Closet

Don't Miss the opening day of God's Closet this Friday at 9am. If you are still interested in helping set up for it, you can come anytime to the church Fellowship Hall on Thursday (Nov. 10) from 9am-9pm and they will put your feet and hands to work helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Check Out Our Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/AdventistCommunityChurch

Check Out Our Church Calendar

http://www.vancouveradventist.com/calendar

What's happening:

AMAZING PROPHECIES begins Nov. 12

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, Nov. 9
5:30pm Ministry Search Team
6:30pm Youth Night
7pm Church Board

Thursday, Nov. 10
7:00pm Bible Study class

9:00 am God's Closet Setup

Friday, Nov. 11

9:00am God's Closet

6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Nov. 12
9, 11 am Pastor Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7pm Amazing Prophecies: On the Brink of Armageddon!

NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 13
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Ten Startling Prophecies for America!

Monday, Nov. 14
7:00pm Pathfinders
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Jesus, Jerusalem, Islam and End Time Prophecies

Tuesday, Nov. 15
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Revelation's Most Urgent Message

Wednesday, Nov. 16
4:00pm Discovery/ Adventurers Clubs
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Finance Committee
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Antichrist Revealed!

Thursday, Nov. 17
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Hidden Secrets of the Ark of the Covenant

Friday, Nov. 18
6:00pm Shabbat Service
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: Revelation's Number Seven and Your Future

Sabbath, Nov. 19
9, 11 am Amazing Prophecies: You can have a Comeback! Mark's Conversion story

10:00am Sabbath School
7:00pm Amazing Prophecies: The Antichrist's & History's Best Kept Secret!

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 1, 2011

2011-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

N O V E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger: Copycats

From USA Today, Oct. 30, 2011:

"Sunday, as expected, a national TV audience could see pious Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow taking a knee in silent devotion.

The Christian player didn't change his prayerful ways before facing the Lions (Detroit Lions, not Biblical ones).

Besides, he thinks it's great if folks are 'Tebowing' -- praying when everyone else is doing something else."

Another web article featured more than 20 photos of people around the US "Tebowing". It was clear that most of them were copying his form but not his purpose.

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:4-5 about those who are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power."

It's tempting to point fingers, but how many of us have experienced a form of godliness without receiving its power?

A Seventh-day Adventist man was setting down his tray at local Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant. He looked up to see a man and woman covered in tattoos looking for a table. He sent up a quick prayer that the unsavory looking couple would look for a table far away from him.

Of course, they chose the table next to his.

They bowed their heads, held hands and prayed out loud. It was a beautiful prayer, much more profound than his own "Thank you for this food. Amen." Then their lunch conversation centered on what they were currently studying in the Bible.

Are you 'Tebowing', or are you really drawing on the Power of God? Keep close to the Power Source. Join many members of your church family who are finding a daily connection through the LIFE Journal.

What's happening:

Nov. 12: Amazing Prophecies, 7pm, with Mark Fox

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, Nov. 2
4:10pm Adventurers
6:30pm Youth Night

Thursday, Nov. 3
7:00pm Bible Study class

Friday, Nov. 4
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Nov. 5
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School

NEXT WEEK

Monday, Nov. 6
7:00pm Pathfinders
7:00pm Bible Study class

Wednesday, Nov. 8
5:30pm Ministry Search Team
6:30pm Youth Night
7pm Church Board

Thursday, Nov. 10
7:00pm Bible Study class

Friday, Nov. 11
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Nov. 12
9, 11 am Pastor Mark Fox
10:00am Sabbath School
7pm Amazing Prophecies: On the Brink of Armageddon!

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T12:30:00.001-07:00

O C T O B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

This is the perfect time to plant crocus bulbs. You dig about 2 inches deep and set them 2 inches apart. Then you probably forget all about them until they surprise you one February morning as you shiver in the cold enjoying their cheerful colors amid winter's gloom, a sure sign that Spring is coming.

Every one of us has witnessed the death and burial of a loved one. And all around us are signs that the day when we are reunited with them is closer than ever.

In Revelation 22, we read "I am coming soon!" three times. When something is repeated in the Bible, it's important. In verse 17 (TNIV), we read, "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let those who hear say, 'Come!' Let those who are thirsty come; and let all who wish take the free gift of the water of life."

There are many who are thirsting, literally dying to have water of life. They can't read the signs, if they even knew signs existed.

We have the privilege of sharing our knowledge, of helping to quench their thirst – we can show them how to read the signs.

Learn how give Bible studies. Join the classes by Chris Camacho in the Fireside Room. They meet Monday and Thursday nights at 7 p.m. and will last 1 hour. Call Carolyn Karlstrom at 573-9872 if you have questions.

Be praying now for your family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers – anyone you know whom you can invite to the Amazing Prophecies meetings beginning November 12 here at the church. Pray also for guidance on what you can do during the meetings.

I don't know if crocuses will bloom all year long in heaven, but I do know that the lives brought to Jesus and changed by Him will blossom throughout eternity. Let us all be gardeners for heaven.

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, Oct. 26
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Finance Committee
7:00pm Evangelism Team meeting

Thursday, Oct. 27
7:00pm Bible Study class

Friday, Oct. 28
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Oct. 29
9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards 10:00am Sabbath School

NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Oct. 30
3:00pm Piano Recital

Monday, Oct. 31
6:00pm Family Fun Night
7:00pm Pathfinders
7:00pm Bible Study class

Wednesday, Nov. 2
4:10pm Adventurers
6:30pm Youth Night

Thursday, Nov. 3
7:00pm Bible Study class

Friday, Nov. 4
6:00pm Shabbat Service

Sabbath, Nov. 5
9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
10:00am Sabbath School

Phone calls today

2011-10-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Waste Connection - re bill

Patricia at Quill, for Jack. Will call back around 2.

--------------------------------------------------------
Louise Craig (360) 921.3794 | Skype: louise.cra1g

Parental Rights in Danger

2011-10-19T06:12:00.001-07:00

From time to time I've passed on info from this organization. I believe what they are striving to do is important. Read on below....

roger walter

Sr. Pastor

Adventist Community Church

www.vancouveradventist.com

Begin forwarded message:

From: "ParentalRights.org" <info@parentalrights.org>
Date: October 19, 2011 6:47:05 AM CDT
Subject: Parental Rights in Danger - Pass It On!
Reply-To: info@parentalrights.org

Sign the Petition Donate Volunteer Learn More View Online

October 18, 2011

Become a Fan

Join the Overruled Facebook fan page here.

Get Ready to Go!

Become a State or District Coordinator in time for our call blitz. Visit our States page to see if the position is vacant in your state. Volunteer or get more info: email Jonathan@
parentalrights.org.

For Business Owners

Save on credit card processing and support ParentalRights.Org.

Share This Online

Preserve Parental Rights

Notes

1. Fields v. Palmdale, 427 F.3d 1197 (2005).

2. Parker v. Hurley, 474 F.Supp. 2d 261 (D Mass 2007).

3. Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005). Also Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. ___ (2010).

Parental Rights in Danger - Pass It On!

Things are getting ready to break wide open in the next few weeks. You may already be aware of Overruled, the new 30-minute docudrama about parental rights scheduled for release on November 1. But there are also developments in Congress that should lead to some big news very soon.

In the meantime, here are some quotes and stories to consider and pass along. Every American should care about parental rights. Those who don't simply aren't paying attention to some of the things going on in our country. Consider:

In 2005, the U.S. Ninth Circuit "affirm[ed] that the Meyer-Pierce [fundamental parental] right does not extend beyond the threshold of the school door." They also held that "[p]arents…have no constitutional right…to prevent a public school from providing its students with whatever information it wishes to provide, sexual or otherwise, when and as the school determines that it is appropriate to do so."¹

In 2007, the federal District Court for the district of Massachusetts held that "Parents do have a fundamental right to raise their children. They are not required to abandon that responsibility to the state. [They] may send their children to a private school…. They may also educate their children at home."² So, sending a child to public school is in this paragraph equated to "abandoning your parental rights to the state."

In 2008, the Maryland Board of Education announced, "While we recognize the right of parents to direct the education of their children, we must bend their will to the state's obligation to educate its citizens."

Nor do such problems exist only for parents with kids in public schools.

In Roper v. Simmons (2005), and in Graham v. Florida and Sullivan v. Florida (2010), the Supreme Court overthrew the laws of Texas and of Florida, writing, "the Court has referred to the laws of other countries and to the international authorities as instructive for its interpretation of the [U.S. Constitution]."³ In both instances, they applied the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child to United States law, though we have not yet ratified this dangerous treaty.

Last year, a judge in Philadelphia cited the concept of "Customary International Law" in applying an optional protocol to the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child to a federal court case. And the number of judges applying international standards in our courts seems to be increasing.

Daytime curfews around the country threaten the right of home-schooled and private-schooled children to move freely in public without harassment from law officers during public school hours. California just passed a law allowing children as young as 12 to consent to the Gardasil vaccine without parental knowledge or consent. Minnesota already allows the same thing. In Virginia, the vaccine is even mandated by law, the state having made the decision in parents' stead.

It seems every week brings more violations of parents' liberty to make decisions for the good of their children. It almost makes President Reagan's words sound prophetic: "We will spend our twilight years telling our grandchildren what it was like to live in America when men were free."

But we are not doomed to that yet. In fact, I expect to bring very good news next week, news of our efforts to turn back the tide by adopting the Parental Rights Amendment.

Until then, pass the word, sound the alarm, and urge your friends to sign up at parentalrights.org/petition.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Dir. of Communications & Research

P.O. Box 1090 Purcellville, VA 20134 * (540)-751-1200 * info@parentalrights.org

You are subscribed to our weekly newsletter. We received your email address through our website or through a ParentalRights.org petition. We apologize if someone else has submitted your email address without your permission.

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Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 18, 2011

2011-10-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

O C T O B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

Do you wonder sometimes where God is when you're in pain?

A professional's guide to preserving dahlias for flower arrangements includes these steps:

Cut the dahlias no further out than 24 hours before you receive them (and often much closer), so you always know you are receiving a fresh product.
Fill a small pail or vase with two to three inches of very hot (but not boiling) water. 170 degrees Fahrenheit is what you're aiming for—the point at which the water has little tiny bubbles at the bottom of the saucepan, or the temperature that comes out of an instant hot tap on a kitchen sink. Place the stems in the hot water for about an hour (yes, it sounds crazy) and let it cool naturally. You can do this even if the flowers are wilted by the time you get them home. Try to keep the blooms away from the steam if you can. You'll notice that the stems turn a bit darker as the water goes up the stem. After about an hour, take them out and cut them at any length you choose.
Some florists recommending pricking pinholes in the stem to release air bubbles for longer lasting blooms.

No, I'm not into flower arranging, but I couldn't help noticing that there were some painful steps to creating something beautiful.

If you have children, you're familiar with "That's not fair!" Life on this earth isn't fair, or just, and certainly not perfect. And sometimes, when you're in the most pain or you can't see any light at the end of a very dark, oppressive tunnel, that's when God is closest.

Zechariah 13:9 (NLT) reads: "I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.'"

You may be bruised, cut or bleeding. You may be in very hot water. Someone may be pricking you with needles and barbs. But be assured: "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:7 NLT

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 10/18	WEDNES. 10/19	THURSDAY 10/20	FRIDAY 10/21	SABBATH 10/22
			4pm Discovery/ Adventurers Clubs 6pm Youth Night	7pm Bible Study class	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Worship with Pastor Jeff Richards
			7pm Finance Committee	7pm CAA Board		10am Sabbath School
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 10/23	MONDAY 10/24	TUESDAY 10/25	WEDNES. 10/26	THURSDAY 10/27	FRIDAY 10/28	SABBATH 10/29
	7pm Pathfinders		6pm Youth Night	7pm Bible Study Class		9,11am Worship with Pastor Jeff Richards
	7pm Bible Study Class		7pm Church Board			10am Sabbath School

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T12:38:00.001-07:00

O C T O B E R 1 1, 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger .. Whose job is it?

Have you ever asked someone for service and were told, "It's not my job"?

The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dallas has been recognized by many organizations as outstanding for customer service. Companies send representatives to the hotel to learn their secret. It's not really a secret.

Employees wear a button that reads, "It IS my job!" You can ask any employee for whatever you need, and they'll see that you get it, or a very good reason why you can't.

Whose job is it to greet guests at church and help them feel welcome and comfortable?
Whose job is it to visit ailing members?
Whose job is it to pray for and with other members?
Whose job is it pick up things that are out of place?
Whose job is it to help the parent trying to corral or quiet a restless child?
Whose job is it to work with the children and young people of the church?

Whose job is …

Do you see where this is going? Yes, there are officially appointed members for specific roles, but real growth, real family is built when each one of us becomes personally involved.

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21 NIV.

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 10/11	WEDNES. 10/12	THURSDAY 10/13	FRIDAY 10/14	SABBATH 10/15
			6pm Youth Night		6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
			7pm Elders		7pm Pathfinder Induction
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 10/16	MONDAY 10/17	TUESDAY 10/18	WEDNES. 10/19	THURSDAY 10/20	FRIDAY 10/21	SABBATH 10/22
	7pm Pathfinders		4pm Discovery & Adventurers	7pm Bible Study Class	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards
	7pm Bible Study Class		6pm Youth Night 7pm Finance Committee	7pm CAA Board

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 4, 2011

2011-10-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

O C T O B E R 6 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

Not guilty!

The world watched as an Italian appeals judge read the judgement: Not guilty of murder. The conviction against Amanda Knox was overturned.

Amanda Knox is free to leave prison, free to go home with her family. Yet, questions and innuendo, whispers of guilt, will follow her the rest of her life.

Before we jump to judgement, we are reminded that "everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23 NLT The amazing difference is that our guilt is washed away, buried, never to be seen or heard of again through eternity.

Our Appeals Judge says "'Come now, let us settle the matter … Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18 NIV

We, too, are set free from our prisons of sin; free to go home with our Father. All you have to do is accept the gift. Walk daily with God through LIFE Journal and prepare to go home.

What's happening: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30pm Triumphant Quartet, an evening of gospel music. Ticketed event: www.southerngospelpdx.com, www.imcconcerts.com, or Gary Hagan, 360.883.9342. Bring 10 friends and get 2 tickets free. "Christ is the reason we sing," proclaims the members of The Triumphant Quartet. Their mission is to spread the Word of God through song and share the good news of Christ with other believers. Through the power of their beautiful harmonies, they testify to those who are searching and lost, with the hope that more souls will come to know Christ.

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 10/4	WED. 10/5	THURSDAY 10/6	FRIDAY 10/7	SABBATH 10/8
			4pm Adventurers	7:30pm Triumphant Quartet	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
			7pm Worship Team		7pm Greg Hamilton: Ellen White	7pm Greg Hamilton: Ellen White
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 10/9	MONDAY 10/10	TUESDAY 10/11	WED. 10/12	THURSDAY 10/13	FRIDAY 10/14	SABBATH 10/15
	7pm Pathfinders		6pm Youth Night		6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
	7pm School Board		7pm Elders		7pm Pathfinder Induction

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 27, 2011

2011-09-27T11:36:00.001-07:00

S E P T E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Luke 10:2 ESV

We have such a laborer coming to our area in November. You don't want to miss. But more than that, you can be a part of the great work of God - being a laborer with us. You can begin to pray for 10 people who you could invite, or whom we could personally invite for you. Would you begin praying now for people who need to hear this last day message from God. Take a look at the video link below and see who we're bringing in. Mark Fox is the best evangelist we've brought in so far. You really don't want to miss..... YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPbBRkhtqiY

What's happening: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30pm Triumphant Quartet, an evening of gospel music. Meet and greet at 5:30, doors open at 6:30, concert at 7:30. Order tickets online at www.imccconcerts.com or www.southerngospelpdx.com, or calling 800.965.9384 or 360.883.9342.

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 9/27	WEDNESDAY 9/28	THURSDAY 9/29	FRIDAY 9/30	SABBATH 10/1
			7pm Church Board			9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter, Communion

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY10/2	MONDAY10/3	TUESDAY 10/4	WEDNESDAY 10/5	THURSDAY 10/6	FRIDAY 10/7	SABBATH 10/8
	7pm Pathfinders		4:10pm Adventurers	7:30pm Triumphant Quartet Southern Gospel concert	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Worship Services

Fwd: News from Laura

2011-09-23T18:06:00.001-07:00

Hey all, this is a new ministry starting up at our church - thought you'd like to hear some more about it! Awesome idea!

From: "Laura L Pascoe"

Hi Friends and Family,

Let me tell you something I am so very excited about. I am participating in the core leadership team working together to open a local chapter of God's Closet. God's Closet is an outreach service that began in Spokane, Washington and is now opening chapters in other states as well. Please visit their website at http://www.godscloset.us/index.php. Soon we will be featured on their website as yet another location serving its community!!

God's Closet hosts a quarterly event welcoming families with need to pay one dollar only for the opportunity to fill a couple of grocery bags full of clothing for their household members who are aged 18 and younger. We are looking to keep our overhead costs very low, but the one dollar does help us with the cost of running the program. The Spokane chapter serves hundreds of families at each one of their events and we anticipate growing rapidly as well.

One of our biggest needs now is clothing donations. We will be hosting our first event this November 11, before the holidays, and we very much need clothing items. As this event grows we anticipate sponsorship and donations from many sources. But if you are looking for a way to help meet the needs of others in Clark County and the great Portland Metro area, then please consider contacting me regarding your clothing donations. I am happy to pick them up. Our chapter is already setup to provide tax receipts and so let me know if you'd like one for your donations.

Another way to help is in the area of storage.  We are also looking for donated storage bins with lids. If you have recently purged or moved and have empty storage bins, we will gladly accept those as we need a way to store and organize clothes between events.

Is there a way you could help that we haven't thought of yet? If so, please contact me!  J We are open to your suggestions.

If you know any families who may benefit from our quarterly events, please check back at the God's Closet website for updates regarding time and location.

Thank you so much for considering helping us out.

Laura Pascoe
laura@godscloset.com
360-991-5201

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 13, 2011

2011-09-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

Where were you on 9/11? As you remember and look forward, do you fear what lies ahead? Ron Edmondson shares "5 Reminders for Ridding Your Life of Fear":

Most of us live our lives with some kind of fear. That's probably uncontrollable to a great extent. We live in a very fearful world. The title of this post may be a bit misleading; fear may always be with us, but I think it should be a challenge to have less fear of this world in our life.

What would it be like to live your life apart from fear or with less fear?

Here are some points of understanding which can help us become less afraid of the unknown situations of life:

Life can be uncertain -

There are lots of unknowns in the world. That makes people afraid. Most people would prefer to know the outcome of a situation and yet many times, probably most of the time, we do not get that privilege. Most of the horrifying experiences of my life seem to come upon me suddenly. We tend to want the expected to occur, but we should always be prepared, at least emotionally, for the unexpected.

Fear is an emotion and not necessarily a reality -

Someone actually defined fear as a felt reaction to a perceived danger. We innately have the ability to respond quickly to danger. Sometimes we can feel that a situation is going to be scary before it actually is. Our reaction to that sense of fear often determines how well we handle the situation.

We must keep ourselves from allowing negative scenarios to build in our mind. People often take a fear and begin to build scenarios in their mind of what might, could, or is going to happen. Most often these scenarios are irrational. When the emotion of fear begins we must analyze its rationality and if it is based on an unknown occurrence we must dismiss it as strictly emotion and not reality.

Sometimes we must face our fears in order to receive victory over them -

We can't allow fear to alter God's plans for our life or steal our joy. We should not be too surprised if in our weakness and fear God encourages us to be strong. When Elijah was hiding out from Jezebel because he was terrified, God sent him back to face her again. (1 Kings 19) Elijah had to go back before he could go forward. God will often allow us to face our fears as well.

Ask yourself two questions:

• What fear do you need to face before you can get on with your life?
• Is fear holding you back from moving forward in some area of your life?

There are two consistent themes in the Bible. We are to walk by faith and we are not to be afraid. I think those two themes are related to each other. It takes doing the first to accomplish the second.

God has a plan even when our fear tells us that He doesn't -

Since fears are an emotional response and emotions are not always reliable, fears will often cause people to lose their trust and dependence on God. At the same time, God will often use fear to draw people to Him. Most people grow best when they are being stretched by life. God often uses faith-stretching events; times when people are most afraid, to grow and mature His people. One time Jesus made His disciples get into the boat, even though He probably knew as the Creator that a storm was approaching. Faith tells us that God's plan is secure, even when our fear says otherwise.

As we grow more in love with God, we fear less -

Perhaps the greatest secret to overcoming fear in the Bible is found in 1 John 4:18, which says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." Perfect love casts out fear. If ever a person could perfectly know the love of God he would never have to be afraid again. Whenever we run from the challenges of life, God has to wonder why. He must wonder "Am I not enough? Do you think this is too big for me?" As we grow in our love for and our trust in God we will be better able to live our lives in a confident assurance that God is in full control.

To continue to mature as believers we must be working to rid our life of the fear that keeps us from completely following and trusting in God.

(c) RonEdmondson.com

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 9/13	WEDNESDAY 9/14	THURSDAY 9/15	FRIDAY 9/16	SABBATH 9/17
			7pm Elders Meeting		6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Greg Hamilton

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 9/18	MONDAY 9/19	TUESDAY 9/20	WEDNESDAY 9/21	THURSDAY 9/22	FRIDAY 9/23	SABBATH 9/24
1pm Burton Boundey funeral	7pm Pathfinders		4pm Discovery and Adventurers		6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
			7pm Finance Committee

9/11 - Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

I was with my family the morning of 9/11 when the phone rang and it was my associate pastor's wife saying, "Have you seen the news this morning...." Everything changed that day. Everything changed in my family, in our church and in our world. It was a defining moment for a generation. Past generations can remember where they were when they heard that JFK had been shot. Past generations can remember when the shuttle Challenger blew up. This generation will be defined by the 9/11 attack and America's longest running war post 9/11.

I believe Jesus wept when the 9/11 tragedy unfolded. I believe that He continues to weep as he sees the struggle continue in family member's minds as they ponder today the loss of their loved ones on that day. I believe he weeps when he thinks about the continued loss of all life in the middle east as the battle continues to rage on and on. What is the answer to all of this? Where do we go from here? How do we move? Do we move on? Should we move on? What is the answer?

The answer is in the cross. Jesus, incarnate God, died on a cross to save you and me. No one understood the cross. All wept. Yet, He died to save those who lost their lives in 9/11. He died to save anyone who was involved with the 9/11 tragedy and for those who died in the ensuing war beyond. All of us face all kinds of tragedies and disappointment every day. And those disappointments, like the cross, are huge. They are the valley of the shadow of death for us as found in Psalm 23. We can walk alone through those valleys, or we can walk through them with God. The cross was the pinnacle of God's process of salvation and it's direct answer was the resurrection - hope beyond the tragedy.

In other words, Jesus didn't stay dead. He rose from the dead and conquered death. "Oh death, where is your sting!" God turned the tragedy into something wonderful.

God can take the tragedy of 9/11 and turn it into something positive. We might not understand that, even now, 10 years post 9/11. But we can certainly trust that He has made other tragedies positive before. We can trust that the tragedy of the cross was turned around by the ecstasy of the resurrection. So, there are two ways to ponder the tragedy of a decade ago - with God, or without.

Today, as we remember, I will remember that God is at the center of this all, and I will trust him to turn this into something of resurrection quality someday, in His timing. God, in His timing will bring it all together in the ecstasy of the 2nd coming someday. Today, on the anniversary of 9/11 - as we remember heroes, tragedy and terror - I long for that day, the day when Jesus comes again!

roger walter
------------
Senior Pastor - http://bit.ly/qO3Vg
Adventist Community Church
www.VancouverAdventist.com

Fwd: Oregon Youth for Christ Conference (READ BEFORE SABBATH)

2011-09-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

BEGIN:VCALENDAR
PRODID:-//Google Inc//Google Calendar 70.9054//EN
VERSION:2.0
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:REQUEST
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20110915T210000Z
DTEND:20110918T163000Z
DTSTAMP:20110908T202451Z
ORGANIZER;CN=jesse.norris@oregonyc.org:mailto:jesse.norris@oregonyc.org
UID:a9472gvvffpl23k4nanvd0n3tk@google.com
ATTENDEE;CUTYPE=INDIVIDUAL;ROLE=REQ-PARTICIPANT;PARTSTAT=ACCEPTED;RSVP=TRUE
;CN=Jesse Norris;X-NUM-GUESTS=0:mailto:jesse.norris@oregonyc.org
CREATED:20110908T202451Z
DESCRIPTION:View your event at http://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=
VIEW&ueid=a9472gvvffpl23k4nanvd0n3tk.
LAST-MODIFIED:20110908T202451Z
LOCATION:Camp Kuratli\, Boring\, OR
SEQUENCE:0
STATUS:CONFIRMED
SUMMARY:Oregon Youth for Christ: Wellness Reformation Conference
TRANSP:OPAQUE
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR

From: Jesse Norris <jesse.norris@oregonyc.org>
Date: September 8, 2011 1:24:54 PM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Oregon Youth for Christ Conference (READ BEFORE SABBATH)

Dear Friends and Pastors:

I know some of you may have already heard about this, I just wanted to be sure and invite you myself.
Just wanted to invite you all to register for Oregon Youth for Christ's 2011 Conference online at: www.oregonyc.org (all ages welcome, not just for youth)

Also, would you be so kind as to share about this with your church. I know it is kind of late to get you guys bulletin inserts, sorry about that, but could you at least give an announcement about it, you can download the flyer at our website. Thank you and you are in our prayers, as you guys are always in positions of leadership.

If you plan to attend (we'd be happy to see you all there!) even for the day, you will need to register prior to the event if possible. Registration does not cost unless you are eating meals or staying on site. There are limited tent sites and RV sites (no hook ups), as well as nice bathrooms and showers. There are also cabins. Some of you may have already registered and that is great! I am just sending out a reminder email, letting you all know we'd love to see you at this year's conference! Speakers include: Neil Nedley, Dave Fiedler, Dr. Burnett, Lisa Puffer. There will be yummy vegan meals and the surroundings are just really neat at this camp.

For more info: www.oregonyc.org

If you have questions you can email us or call: 503-698-4622

Oregon Youth for Christ: Wellness Reformation Conference

When
Thu, September 15, 2:00pm – Sun, September 18, 9:30am GMT-07:00
Where
Camp Kuratli, Boring, OR
Who
(Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request)

We hope this email finds you all doing very well and having a wonderful week! May God continue to bless you!

Sincerely,

Jesse Norris

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 6, 2011

2011-09-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, on the Power of Death to Help Us Live Now

"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked."

Steve Jobs Best Quotes, The Wall Street Journal (8-24-11).

©Steve Jobs on the Power of Death to Help Us Live Now | Preaching Today

Clipped from: http://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2011/september/2090511.html

What are you doing today? "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

What's happening:

Sunday, Sept. 18, 1pm Burton Boundey funeral
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30pm Triumphant Quartet, an evening of gospel music. Ticketed event: www.southerngospelpdx.com or Gary Hagan, 360.883.9342.

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 9/6	WEDNESDAY 9/7	THURSDAY9/8	FRIDAY9/9	SABBATH 9/10
			4:10 Adventurers	6:30pm CHIP Alumni	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim
			7pm Pathfinders
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 9/11	MONDAY 9/12	TUESDAY 9/13	WEDNESDAY 9/14	THURSDAY 9/15	FRIDAY 9/16	SABBATH 9/17
	7pm Pathfinders		7pm Elders Meeting	6:30 CHIP Alumni	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Greg Hamilton
	7pm School Board

Fwd: Big Lake Evacuation

2011-09-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Al Reimche" <areimche@ccwebster.net>
Date: September 3, 2011 12:11:41 PM PDT
To: <al.reimche@oc.npuc.org>
Subject: Big Lake Evacuation

Dear Pastors,
If possible share with your members to be praying about this.
I just received a note from Monte Torkelsen that Big Lake is being evacuated. A fire has been burning near our camp but the winds have been blowing away from our camp for the past couple of days. However, there appears to be a shift in the winds and the fire service has indicated that they will not be fighting the fire on the ground until it approaches our camp. The water bombers are attempting to hold things back and the ground crews are clearing a fire break around our camp. None of our staff appear to be in harm's way at this point and the family campers have been evacuated.
Please pray that God will protect our property at Big Lake and the crews that are fighting the fire.

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 30, 2011

2011-08-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

Marshal Shelley, editor of Leadership Journal talks about the idea of Beta software and Beta sites and how we've come to incorporate them into daily life. When we find a problem, we say, "Oh yeah, this is a beta site, it's not fully ready for public consumption. There may be problems, but that's to be expected, therefore, it's all good. That's why it's in Beta and not full production."

We need to apply this idea to the Christian life. None of us are full production yet - that comes with Jesus takes us home. We're not perfect yet, so we should have that kind of Beta patience with our fellow Christians. Like us, they are all a work in progress. We should go through every day expecting we will need to give grace to others, all day long. They, like us are only Beta Christians.

What's happening:

Sunday, Sept. 18, 1pm Burton Boundey funeral
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30pm Triumphant Quartet, an evening of gospel music. Ticketed event.

THIS WEEK
		TODAY 8/30	WEDNESDAY 8/31	THURSDAY 9/1	FRIDAY 9/2	SABBATH 9/3
				3:00pm Robert Decker Funeral (Cindy Allen's Father) at Vancouver Barracks	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
				6:30pm CHIP Alumni
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY 9/4	MONDAY 9/5	TUESDAY 9/6	WEDNESDAY 9/7	THURSDAY 9/8	FRIDAY 9/10	SABBATH 9/11
			4:10 Adventurers	6:30pm CHIP Alumni	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim
			7pm Pathfinders			1:30pm Community Group Facilitators

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

A U G U S T 2 4 , 2 0 1 1

Pastor Roger ...

How are the young adults in our church faring? Are we nurturing them to our fullest capacity? Do they see Jesus when they come to church, or only friends? The next questions is, what are we going to do about it? I know that Pastor Jeff is looking for someone to lead a collegiate group, but more than that, it's got to be more than a once-a-week observance with all of us!

According to a 2007 study conducted by LifeWay Research and reported by USA Today , 70 percent of young adults drop out of Protestant churches, and 34 percent do not attend even sporadically after age 30.

The young adults polled cited the following reasons for leaving church (those polled could offer more than one reason):

• Wanted a break from church: 27 percent

• Found church members judgmental or hypocritical: 26 percent

• Moved away to college: 25 percent

• Tied up with work: 23 percent

• Moved too far away from home church: 22 percent

• Too busy: 22 percent

• Felt disconnected to people at church: 20 percent

• Disagreed with church's stance on political/social issues: 18 percent

• Spent more time with friends outside church: 17 percent

• Only went before to please others: 17 percent

Talk to Pastor Jeff to learn how God can use you to work with the younger members of our church family.

What's happening: Sabbath

Dr. Calvin Taylor, pianist and recording artist

9 and 11 am: Sermon in Songs: Holy Scripture with Sounds of Music

6:30 pm: A concert that brings new meaning to the word "concert." With an unusually large hand span of over 1 1/2 octaves, Calvin Taylor presents sounds and colors which would normally require four hands. Beloved hymns, well-known spirituals, classics, and patriotic music take on new significance through the artistry of Calvin's improvisations.

Invite your friends and neighbors.

THIS WEEK
			TODAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
			4pm Discovery and Adventurer Clubs	6:30pm CHIP Graduation		9, 11am Calvin Taylor Sermon in Songs
			5pm Debt Reduction 7pm Church Board	7pm CAA Board		6:30pm Calvin Taylor Concert
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
				6:30pm CHIP Alumni	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 9, 2011

2011-08-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

A U G U S T 9, 2 0 1 1

From Pastor Roger ...

"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." – Winston Churchill

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

The summer is speeding by and it is easy to get tired and relax and let your values slide. Never give in - do everything to God's glory - whether watching TV, listening to music, or driving your car. When shopping, when being yelled at, when no one else is around - do it everything to God's glory. Take the time today to evaluate yourself and see what is going on in your own life….

What's happening: Calvin Taylor will present the 9 and 11 am services on August 27.

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:30pm CHIP	4pm Adventurer's Staff	6:30pm CHIP	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
		6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands	7pm Elders		6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands	1:30pm Community Group Facilitators
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
4pm CHIP	7pm Pathfinder Registration	6:30pm CHIP	4:00pm Adventurer/ Discovery Parent Orientation and Registration	6:30pm CHIP 6:30pm Talk to Your Kid	6pm Shabbat Service	9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter
		7pm Adventurer/ Discovery Parent Orientation and Registration	7pm Finance Committee	7pm Parenting Class

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 2, 2011

2011-08-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

* * * * * D A T E * * * *

From Pastor Roger ...

Thump-Thud, Thump-Thud
from Shaped by God, by Max Lucado

"When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's placed back in the oven.

The character of a person is also checked by thumping. Been thumped lately?

Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. You've-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat-footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor. Even as I write this, I'm being thumped. Because of interruptions, it has taken me almost two hours to write these two paragraphs. Thump. Thump. Thump.

How do I respond? Do I sing? Or do I thud?

Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

If you have a tendency to thud more than you sing, take heart.

The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to day living.

There is hope for us "thudders":

Begin by thanking God for thumps. I don't mean a half-hearted thank-you. I mean a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy thank-you from the bottom of your heart (James 1:2). Chances are that God is doing the thumping. And he's doing it for your own good. So every thump is a reminder that God is molding you (Heb. 12:5–8).

Learn from each thump. Face up to the fact that you are not "thump-proof." You are going to be tested from now on. You might as well learn from the thumps—you can't avoid them. Look upon each inconvenience as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump will help you or hurt you, depending on how you use it.

Be aware of "thump-slump" times. Know your pressure periods. For me Mondays are infamous for causing thump-slumps. Fridays can be just as bad. For all of us, there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. The best way to handle thump-slump times? Head on. Bolster yourself with extra prayer, and don't give up. Shaped by God

Remember, no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are loving and obeying God.

From Shaped by God (original title: On the Anvil). Copyright (Tyndale House, 1985, 2002) Max Lucado

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
			8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards
				6:30pm CHIP	6:00pm Shabbat Service 6:45pm Walking Among The Lampstands
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
4pm CHIP		6:30pm CHIP	4pm Adventurer's Staff Meeting	6:30pm CHIP	6:00pm Shabbat Service	9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter
		6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands	7pm Elder's Meeting		6:45pm Walking Among The Lampstands

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 26, 2011

2011-07-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

July 26, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

If you are successful, it becomes possible for you to leave an inheritance for others. But if you desire to create a legacy, then you need to leave something in others. When you think unselfishly and invest in others, you gain the opportunity to create a legacy that will outlive you. (from John Maxwell)

Philippians 2:4 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	9, 11 am: Chuck Neighbors "In His Steps"
		6:30pm CHIP	5pm Debt Reduction	6:30pm CHIP
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
11am Church Picnic	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	8:30am FLAG Camp	9, 11 am: Youth Sabbath
4pm CHIP		6:30pm CHIP		6:30pm CHIP	7pm Shabbat Service

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 12, 2011

2011-07-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

In his book The Obedience Option, David Hegg illustrates what he calls "overwhelming faith." Hegg was talking to a young man who claimed that he couldn't stop his pattern of sleeping with different women. The young man knew it was wrong, but he also claimed that his sexual lust was inevitable. Therefore, it wasn't his fault, especially since God had created him with such strong desires and urges.

Finally, Hegg interrupted the young man and said, "Suppose that I came into your room and caught you and your girlfriend as you were just starting this 'inevitable' process." Suppose I took out ten one-hundred-dollar bills, and told you that they were yours if you [stopped]. What would you do?"

When the young man quickly said that he'd rather have the cash, Hegg asked, "So what happened to the irresistible force of lust?"

Then Hegg concluded:

We both realized a very simple truth: one passion may seem irresistible until a greater passion comes along …. If we take this principle into the arena of righteous living, it comes out like this: the only way to overcome a passion for sin is with an overwhelming passion for righteousness. This overwhelming passion for righteousness is actually a mindset that the Bible calls faith. Here is a helpful definition of this kind of overwhelming faith: Faith is a life-dominating conviction that all God has for me through obedience is better by far than anything Satan can offer me through selfishness and sin.

Come join us week-by-week at the Adventist Community Church as we seek to live a life that is dominated by faith, a passion for God's ways over anything else. Our worship services are Saturdays at 9am and 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting
						10am Service at Vancouver
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
						9 & 11 am, Worship

Camp Meeting Kids Project

2011-07-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone … can't wait for camp meeting! We are so excited for the kids to come and have fun learning about their amazing God! We've been busy getting all the craft supplies, decorating props and programming together. You will love the decorating! Hey, if you want to be part of our team just let me know! We are always needing good volunteers J and there is nothing better than leading children to the arms of Jesus!

attached is an announcement for the kids! (The announcement is created with two on a page so that all you need to do is print and cut in half) This year we are partnering with International Children's Care providing backpacks filled with necessary items for kids at the ICC children's homes … attached is also a poster. could you print off the announcement and send it home to your families … and e-mail to your database if you do email. We want to provide a service project of Kids helping kids! Thank you for doing this!

Joyfully for all His kidz,
Sherri Uhrig, Children's Ministry Director
Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventist

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 5, 2011

2011-07-06T18:30:00.001-07:00

July 5, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

While waiting at a traffic light with her parents in Atlanta, Georgia, Kevin and Joan Salwen's 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, saw a black Mercedes coupe on one side and a homeless man begging for food on the other. Hannah turned to her father and said, "Dad, if that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal."

Even as they pulled away, Hannah insisted she wanted to do something about the inequity. "What do you want to do?" her mother asked.

"Sell our house," Hannah replied.

Eventually, that's what the Salwen's did. They sold their luxurious home, donated half the proceeds to charity, and bought a modest replacement home. Though the sacrifice was great, the benefits have been greater still. A smaller house has meant a more family-friendly house. "We essentially traded stuff for togetherness and connectedness," Kevin says. "I can't figure out why everybody wouldn't want that deal."

The entire project is chronicled in an upcoming book by Kevin and his daughter, entitled The Power of Half. The aim of the book isn't to get people to sell their houses, but simply to encourage them to step off the "treadmill of accumulation"—to define themselves by what they give, and not just by what they possess. Hannah says, "For us, the house was just something we could live without. It was too big for us. Everyone has too much of something, whether it's time, talent, or treasure. Everyone does have their own half; you just have to find it."

What's your half? What do you need to give up and share? Join us this Sabbath at 9am or 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
			9am VBS	9am VBS	9am VBS	9 & 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter, followed by ALL church potluck

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting	Gladstone Campmeeting
						10am Worship at Vancouver

'The Child' Update: Alabama Law Overturned

2011-06-28T13:05:00.001-07:00

From: "ParentalRights.org" <info@parentalrights.org>
Date: June 28, 2011 7:04:40 AM PDT
Subject: 'The Child' Update: Alabama Law Overturned

Sign the Petition Donate Volunteer Learn More View Online

June 28, 2011

Social Network Sign-up
If you joined our network army (or want to do so now), please take a moment to fill out this online form so we can mobilize that army at the needed times this summer. Use user name tweeter and login network.

Help Wanted
ParentalRights.org needs two more national volunteer coordinators for our summer campaign. Click here for more details.

State Resolutions
Resolutions passed Against the CRC: Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Alabama

Resolutions passed for the PRA: Louisiana, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Florida

Keep up to date at parentalrights.org/ resolution

SR99 Has 37 Sponsors
Visit our Status page to see if your Senators are on board.

Share This Online

Support Our Fight to Halt the CRC

"The Child" Update: Alabama Law Overturned
One of the accounts featured in Watchman Cinema's parental rights documentary "The Child" got a joyful epilogue this month.

On Friday, June 10, the Alabama Supreme Court struck down a state statute which allowed grandparents to sue for visitation rights without any showing of abuse or neglect on the part of the parents. It was the only law of its kind in the country, and is featured in the documentary as represented by Hunter and Cinda Godfrey, whose rights were violated by this law. (Good involved grandparents are a blessing, but it should not be the state's prerogative to overturn the decisions of fit parents, even using grandparents as their excuse.)

The majority opinion of the Court in Ex Parte ERG takes the same high view of parental rights as we endorse in the Parental Rights Amendment, and we are excited to see this fresh reaffirmation of parental rights at the state level. But the Godfreys had to go through conflicting rulings in both the trial and appeals courts before receiving this decision at the state Supreme Court level. It is just this inconsistency that the Amendment seeks to address.

Sadly, the standard upheld by the Alabama Supreme Court last week has not been applied by the U.S. Supreme Court for more than a decade, and its application in lower courts is eroding as well. Further, international threats like the Convention on the Rights of the Child will not just go away.

In fact, this internationalist threat was echoed even in the Alabama case. Justice Main dissented, "I would hold that the child's best interests, not the 'interests' of the parents, is the determinative standard for deciding whether to award visitation between a grandparent and a grandchild in the face of the contrary wishes of fit parents." Chief Justice Cobb joined Main in his dissent.

Fortunately, seven justices agreed with the traditional standard of parental rights: "[T]he Constitution requires that a prior and independent finding of parental unfitness must be made before the court may proceed to the question [of] whether an order disturbing a parent's 'care, custody, and control' of his or her child is in that child's best interest. The state's compelling interest is limited to overruling the decisions of unfit parents…. In the absence of clear and convincing proof that a parent is unfit, the state's basis for intervention through the judicial system evaporates."

The Court also cited and affirmed the standard from Wisconsin v. Yoder which serves as the basis for Section Two of our Amendment: "only those interests of the highest order and those not otherwise served can overbalance legitimate claims to a fundamental right" (emphasis added). We celebrate this victory for the Godfreys and for parents and children in Alabama.
Action Items
Traditional parental rights will not be completely secure until we adopt the Parental Rights Amendment. They cannot just be taken for granted. In fact, they are still being fought for - and against! - in cases like the Godfreys'. Spread the word to everyone you know and urge them to sign the petition online and be ready to call their Congressman.

Also, consider making ParentalRights.org a part of your monthly budget with a recurring monthly donation. Help fund this vital effort to halt the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to secure the Parental Rights Amendment. Let's make court battles such as the Godfreys have gone through a thing of the past!

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

P.O. Box 1090 Purcellville, VA 20134 * (540)-751-1200 * info@parentalrights.org

You are subscribed to our weekly newsletter. We received your email address through our website or through a ParentalRights.org petition. We apologize if someone else has submitted your email address without your permission.

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Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 28, 2011

2011-06-27T20:08:00.001-07:00

June 28, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Graeme Keith, treasurer of the Billy Graham Association and Billy's lifelong friend, says: I was on an elevator with Billy when another man in the elevator recognized him. He said, "You're Billy Graham, aren't you?"

"Yes," Billy said.

"Well," the man said, "you are truly a great man."

Billy immediately responded, "No, I'm not a great man. I just have a great message."

This week Pastor Roger concludes his "Snapshots in Faith" series and talking about Matthew. Matthew was a great one...er...he had a great message to share! Come and join us on Sabbath at 9am or 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands			6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	9 & 11am, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
	INDEPENDENCE DAY	6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	9am VBS	9am VBS	9am VBS	9 & 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter, followed by church potluck
					6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	2pm VBS

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 21, 2011

2011-06-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

For her 54th birthday, Shirley Dygert of Teague, Texas, decided she needed some more excitement in her life. So this grandmother of three signed up for her first lesson to leap out of a plane from roughly thirteen-thousand feet.

When the big day arrived, Shirley suited up for her jump and strapped herself to her instructor, Dave Hartsock, in order to do a tandem dive. After jumping from the plane, instructor and student pulled the rip cord. The rip cord worked properly, but the parachute became tangled and only opened partially. Of course skydivers also carry a reserve parachute for such emergencies. Unfortunately, the primary parachute had wrapped itself around the release point for the reserve parachute. As Dave Hartsock tried to untangle the two parachutes, he realized they were running out of time. Later, Shirley Dygert said, "I thought … . this is how I'm going to die. I thought, God help us."

Spiraling toward the ground at a 40 mph, Hartsock gave Shirley a strange command: Lift up your feet. Although she didn't understand the request, she obeyed her instructor. Hartsock then rotated his body under hers in order to bear the impact of their landing. Dave Hartsock was going to be Shirley Dygert's cushion. "I could hardly believe it," Dygert said. "He broke my fall."

Shirley Dygert walked away from the impact relatively uninjured. Dave Hartsock survived the fall, but now, except for some movement in his right arm, he's paralyzed from the neck down. In an interview, Hartsock told CBS News, "People keep telling me that it was a heroic thing to do. In my opinion it was just the right thing to do. I mean, I was the one completely responsible for her safety."

This skydiver made the decision to end well. Sure he destroyed his normal life, but he made a life-long decision to live honorably. This week Pastor Roger continues his "Snapshots in Faith" series talking about Demas - not a well known individual - who didn't end his journey quite so well.... Come this Sabbath to hear at 9am or 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands			6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	9 & 11am, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
	INDEPENDENCE DAY	6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	9am VBS	9am VBS	9am VBS	9 & 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter, followed by ALL church potluck
					6:45pm Walk Among the Lampstands	2pm VBS

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 14, 2011

2011-06-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

Noble Doss dropped the ball. One ball. One pass. One mistake. In 1941, he let one fall. And it's haunted him ever since. "I cost us a national championship," he says.

The University of Texas football team was ranked number one in the nation. Hoping for an undefeated season and a berth in the Rose Bowl, they played conference rival Baylor University. With a 7-0 lead in the third quarter, the Longhorn quarterback launched a deep pass to a wide-open Doss.

"The only thing I had between me and the goal," he recalls, "was twenty yards of grass."

The throw was on target. Longhorn fans rose to their feet. The sure-handed Doss spotted the ball and reached out, but it slipped through.

Baylor rallied and tied the score with seconds to play. Texas lost their top ranking and, consequently, their chance at the Rose Bowl.

"I think about that play every day," Doss admits.

Not that he lacks other memories. Happily married for more than six decades. A father. Grandfather. He served in the navy during World War II. He appeared on the cover of Life magazine with his Texas teammates. He intercepted seventeen passes during his collegiate career, a university record. He won two NFL titles with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Texas High School Hall of Fame and the Longhorn Hall of Honor include his name.

Most fans remember the plays Doss made and the passes he caught. Doss remembers the one he missed. Once, upon meeting a new Longhorn head coach, Doss told him about the bobbled ball. It had been fifty years since the game, but he wept as he spoke.

This week, Pastor Roger is continuing his "Snapshots in Faith" series and talking about some really bad choices made by Sarah/Sarai - Abraham's wife. What happens when you make a mistake, a bad choice, and how do you ever forget it and recover? Plan to join us this Sabbath at 9am or 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45pm Walk through the Lampstands	7pm Finance Committee		6:45pm Walk through the Lampstands	9 and 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45pm Walk through the Lampstands	7pm Church Board		6:45pm Walk through the Lampstands	9 and 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter
						3pm Bill Nelson Memorial

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 7, 2011

2011-06-07T10:19:00.001-07:00

June 7, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

On a warm autumn afternoon in October 1999, 36-year-old Anna Flores was walking with her three-year-old daughter in downtown Chicago. Without warning a window from the 29th floor of the CNA building fell toward the ground and struck Flores in the head, killing her instantly. The tragedy was heightened a week later when CNA officials admitted they had known the window had been broken since June. They said they had not replaced the broken window because of other building projects considered more of a priority.

In a public building, negligence has serious consequences. Spiritual negligence also has great consequences. In various ways, we are responsible spiritually for the welfare of others as well as ourselves. Are you involved in the LIFE Journal Revolution?

This week Pastor Roger begins a series called "Snapshots in Faith" and this week will focus on one of the so-called GREAT ones. But what got Elijah there? Was it great faith or great obedience to the little things? Plan to join us this Sabbath for one of our worship services - 9am or 11am.

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
		TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
			7pm Elders Meeting	7pm MGAES 8th Grade Graduation		9 and 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter, followed by ALL church potluck
						1:30pm Community Group Facilitators
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
3pm Bostrom- Hicks Wedding	7pm Pathfinders		7pm Finance Committee			9 and 11 am Pastor Roger Walter

Dr. James Dobson FREE eBook, 'Parenting with Confidence'

2011-06-06T20:40:00.001-07:00

Dr. Dobson has helped raise a lot of kids with Christian values and aided parents in the right direction too. I haven't read it, but usually Dobson has a lot of good to say.... Thanks to Dan Weston for telling us about it.

Make a Difference!

roger walter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senior Pastor http://bit.ly/qO3Vg

Seventh-day Adventist Community Church of Vancouver

Begin forwarded message:

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Vancouver Today - e.Update, May 31, 2011

2011-05-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2011

Congratulations, graduates! Your church family is proud of all you have achieved. We rejoice with you and your families and look forward to the wonderful things you will accomplish in the years ahead.

From Pastor Roger ...

The average American watches TV for nearly 30 hours per week. That's 65 days of nonstop TV watching every year. By the time they graduate from high school, students will have viewed 360,000 commercials. The average 65-year-old will have watched two million commercials. Each of these commercials has been created by smart people who pack their ads with powerful images, catchy music and humor, and memorable slogans. Most of the commercials have a primary theme: this product will give you true happiness and deep satisfaction.

Based on the worldview presented by TV commercials, here's how I would rewrite the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus:

Blessed are those who fly to luxury vacation spots on tropical islands, where they lie in chaise lounge chairs, the only two people on an enormous white beach; for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are those who drink much beer, for they shall be surrounded by carefree, football-watching buddies and highly attractive, socially-gifted women in the first half of life; and they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are those who have the latest smartphone, for they shall gaze on a screen swirling with color and shall get all the information they need just when they need it; and they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are those who have outstanding kids. Verily I say to you, highly blessed are those who have a golden Labrador retriever bounding along on that slow-motion-videoed day of playing with the kids in the park, for they shall be the envy of real families everywhere; and they shall be satisfied.

Catholic Education Resource Center, "Television Statistics and Sources"; submitted by Kevin Miller, Wheaton, Illinois

Which set of beautitudes is guiding your life? Jesus gave the real life-changing metaphors called, The Beattitudes in Matthew 5. Why not take a moment to read them and see how your life lines up. More like TV Commercials, or more like Jesus?

* * * * * * *

What's happening: June 5, 2011, 4:30 pm. Summer Classical Concert benefitting the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. The concert will be held at our church.

The Free Clinic of SW Washington provides provides free, basic, walk-in health care, together with dental, vision and specialty care to those in our community who are uninsured and cannot afford basic care. Their services prevent unnecessary emergency room visits, keep people from missing work, and keep children healthy and able to stay in school. They are 98% community-funded and receive very little government funding.
The concert features performances by world-renowned musicians: Pianists Cinda Redman and Lena Vozheiko-Wheaton; Vocalist Linda Appert, and violinist Tatiana Kolchanova-Parente, assistant concertmaster at the Vancouver Symphony. Tickets $15 per person or $25 per family.
RSVP online at www.freeclinics.org or contact Haley Overton, 360.313.1388 or haley@freeclinics.org

THIS WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45 Walking Among the Lampstands			6:45 Walking Among the Lampstands	9 and 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter

NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
4:30pm Piano Benefit Concert for Free Clinic	7pm Pathfinders	6:45 Walking Among the Lampstands			6:45 Walking Among the Lampstands	9 and 11 am, Pastor Roger Walter

Housing Needed

2011-05-27T15:38:00.001-07:00

This came in during the week and after some discussion with the sender, I'm passing it on. If you have any information to help, please feel free to pass it along my direction.

Make a Difference!

roger walter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senior Pastor http://bit.ly/qO3Vg

Seventh-day Adventist Community Church of Vancouver

I am a "niece" of Charlotte Roberts and my daughter and I attended her memorial service at the Vancouver church. What a beautiful church!

Brittanea (my daughter) was so impressed with the church and the whole town of Vancouver that she would really like to move there--the problem is a place to live. I was hoping that you might know of an elderly woman that would be glad to rent a bedroom or someone who has a space to rent that isn't too expensive.

Brittanea is 20 years old and has been working in Dr. Sharman's office here in Bremerton, WA. She still lives at home, because she doesn't make enough to pay her car payment and pay rent on an apartment.

She would love to get out on her own a little bit. She has her own car. She is a quiet girl--she doesn't smoke, drink, or party. I think she was impressed with how big the church is--maybe hoping for a little more socializing than is available in our church.

She would of course give references from our Pastor, and her work or whatever kind of references you would like.

Thank you for giving this some consideration.

Farris: San Francisco's Circumcision Ban and Parental Rights

2011-05-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

I don't pass on many of these things to you, but this is an interesting issue and an interesting discussion.... Check it out at your convenience.

Make a Difference!

roger walter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senior Pastor http://bit.ly/qO3Vg

Seventh-day Adventist Community Church of Vancouver

Begin forwarded message:

Sign the Petition Donate Volunteer Learn More View Online

San Francisco's Circumcision Ban and Parental Rights
The City of San Francisco is contemplating a law that will ban male circumcision for infants and children. There are no religious exemptions in the proposed law and it is an obvious attempt to override the parents' ability to make decisions for their own children on this medical issue.

I want to encourage you to look at this article by Eugene Volokh. Professor Volokh is a highly respected professor of Constitutional Law at UCLA Law School. He is a well-known conservative and a former Supreme Court law clerk.

His analysis of this particular issue is interesting and important. But the real reason I want to encourage you to read it is because he undertakes a serious analysis of the current state of the law regarding the constitutional rights of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

Some who criticize the PRA claim that the current law for parental rights is well-settled and places our rights at a very high and protected level. This article by Professor Volokh clearly demonstrates that the current state of the law is muddled and unsettled—and he also shows that the reason for the lack of clarity is that there is no constitutional text protecting parental rights.

If we want the government taking over more and more of our ability as parents to make decisions for our children, then doing nothing under the delusion that everything is hunky-dory is the right path to take. But if we want parents and not government raising children, then the time to act is now.

Sincerely,

Michael Farris
President

P.O. Box 1090 Purcellville, VA 20134 * (540)-751-1200 * info@parentalrights.org

Vancouver Today - e.Update, May 24, 2011

2011-05-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2011

From Pastor Roger ...

In his book What Good Is God?, author Philip Yancey illustrates what it is like to build upon the rock by hearing and keeping the words of Jesus.

Yancey wrote about the 2004 Ukraine election in which the reformer Victor Yushchenko challenged the entrenched party and nearly died for it. On election-day the exit polls showed Yushchenko with a comfortable lead, but through outright fraud, the government had reversed those results.

Yancey writes:

That evening the state-run television reported, "Ladies and gentlemen, we announce that the challenger Victor Yushchenko has been decisively defeated." However, government authorities had not taken into account one feature of Ukrainian television, the translation it provides for the hearing-impaired. On the small screen insert in the lower right-hand corner of the television screen a brave woman raised by deaf-mute parents gave a different message in sign language. "I am addressing all the deaf citizens of Ukraine. Don't believe what they say. They are lying, and I am ashamed to translate these lies. Yushchnko is our President!" No one in the studio understood her radical sign-language message.

Inspired by that courageous translator, deaf people led what became known as the Orange Revolution.

Yancey continues:

They text-messaged their friends on mobile phones about the fraudulent elections, and soon other journalists took courage … and likewise refused to broadcast the party line. Over the next few weeks as many as a million people wearing orange flooded the capital city of Kiev to demand new elections. The government finally buckled under the pressure, consenting to new elections, and this time Yushchenko emerged as the undisputed winner.

Yancey makes the following point:

Our society is hardly unique … like the sign language translator in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, along comes a person named Jesus who says in effect, "Don't believe the big screen—they're lying. It's the poor who are blessed, not the rich. Mourners are blessed too, as well as those who hunger and thirst, and the persecuted. Those who go through life thinking they're on top will end up on the bottom. And those who go through life feeling they're at the very bottom will end up on top. After all, what does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose his soul?"

Philip Yancey, What Good Is God?: In Search of a Faith That Matters (Faith Words, 2010), pp. 184-186; submitted by Van Morris, Mt. Washington, Kentucky

* * * * * * *

What's happening:

THIS WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TODAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
		6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands	7pm Church Board		6pm Jewish Ministries	9, 11am, Alexander Bolotnikov
					6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands	4pm Torah Service
NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SABBATH
	MEMORIAL DAY	6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands			6:45pm Walking Among the Lampstands

Vancouver e-News

Thank you, from the Richards family

Pastor Gene Heinrich

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 17, 2011

Prayer Changes Lives

Reminder: Fill the Pastors' pantry

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 10, 2011

It's Time to PRAY Tonight!

2012 Retreat discount

It's Time to PRAY!

Fwd: Vancouver Today — e.Update December 27, 2011

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 27, 2011

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 20, 2011

UPDATE: Need Information Please

Need Information Please

Vancouver Today — e.Update December 13, 2011

Vancouver Today e.Update, Dec. 7, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update November 29, 2011

Upcoming Marriage Seminar

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 22, 2011

An urgent rally call from God's Word - Mark Fox

New King James Version (NKJV) 19 Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."

Nehemiah 4:19-20 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Rally the Troops!

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 9, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, November 1, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 25, 2011

Phone calls today

Parental Rights in Danger

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 18, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 11, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, October 4, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 27, 2011

Fwd: News from Laura

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 13, 2011

9/11 - Ten Years Later

Fwd: Oregon Youth for Christ Conference (READ BEFORE SABBATH)

Oregon Youth for Christ: Wellness Reformation Conference

Vancouver Today - e.Update, September 6, 2011

Fwd: Big Lake Evacuation

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 30, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 24, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 9, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, August 2, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 26, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 12, 2011

Camp Meeting Kids Project

Vancouver Today - e.Update, July 5, 2011

'The Child' Update: Alabama Law Overturned

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 28, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 21, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 14, 2011

Vancouver Today - e.Update, June 7, 2011

Dr. James Dobson FREE eBook, 'Parenting with Confidence'

Vancouver Today - e.Update, May 31, 2011

Housing Needed

Farris: San Francisco's Circumcision Ban and Parental Rights

Vancouver Today - e.Update, May 24, 2011

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. ²⁰ Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."