Dear Friend,

Over the years we have enjoyed getting to know you through some of the many different seminars, bible courses etc… that we have offered to the community. Here’s some good news you will not want to miss.  Mark Finley the former speaker of “It Is Written” and world evangelist has just completed the “Amazing Discoveries” seminar in Hinsdale, IL.

Many people just like you have been coming each evening. As a follow up to the lectures he has given there will be a series of continuing messages.

This will be a short course on the “Radical Teachings of Jesus” presented by Michelle Young. Michelle is a dynamic teacher who captures your attention while presenting Bible truth in a personal way.  The “Radical Teachings of Jesus” have been appreciated around the world by people from all walks of life. Tens of thousands have enjoyed these dynamic presentations.

During this Hope – Filled series, you will learn more than you ever have in your life about what Gods plan is for you. You will also discover answers to questions like:

Monday – May 24 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About Himself
Tuesday – May 25 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About The Scriptures
Thursday – May 27 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About Salvation
Friday – May 28 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About His Return
Saturday – May 29 – @ 11 AM – What Jesus Taught About The Sabbath
Saturday – May 29 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About The Judgment
Tuesday – June 1 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About Death
Thursday – June 3 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught About His Church
Friday – June 4 – @ 7 PM – Special service with Mark Finley and Baptisms
Saturday – June 5 – @ 11 AM – What Jesus taught about His Father
Saturday – June 5 – @ 7 PM – What Jesus Taught about is Kingdom and Heaven

Discover for yourself God’s outline for the future. You can face the future with confidence. “Radical Teachings of Jesus” is a gripping multimedia presentation that will hold your attention from the first minute of the program to the end.

We have a free place reserved especially for you. To make your reservation, call 630-968-4446.

We look forward to seeing you at the “Radical Teachings of Jesus” Bible prophecy seminar beginning Monday, May 24, 2010 at 7 PM in the Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church School. Join the thousands who will testify that, “This is the most powerful, hope-filled, presentation I ever attended!”
Date:
Monday, May 24, 2010
Time: 7 PM
Location:
Downers Grove Adventist Church School
5524 Lee Avenue
Downers Grove IL 60515

Sincerely your Friend,
Pastor Joe Arner

We are underway with our city-wide evangelistic meetings in Chicagoland. The first series began on April 16 at the Gurnee Church with evangelist Emmanuel Baek. This past weekend meetings began in several places including Crystal Lake, Burbank, Joliet and Southwest.
Mark Finley is preaching in two locations: North Shore and Hinsdale. Between those two sites about 2000 people were in attendance on opening night. At North Shore there were almost 200 people in the overflow space in the gym watching on a projection screen. At Hinsdale the sanctuary, the youth chapel and the fellowship hall were all filled. About half of those in attendance at these two locations are visitors.
This weekend 40+ seminarians will be arriving at a number of sites around Chicagoland. Some of them will be speakers for meetings being held in churches around the city. Others will be assisting Dr. Ron Clouzet in the series he is preaching at the North Aurora Church beginning on May 7.
Meetings will be held in several Hispanic churches including Central Hispanic Church where the speaker will be Elder Armando Miranda, general vice-president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. That meeting will begin May 15.
Yesterday at our Illinois Conference Executive Committee we heard exciting stories of what the Lord is doing in and through the members of this conference.
Tuesday I finally had an evening off. I chose to spend it attending the meeting at Burbank and hearing evangelist Charles Bursma. I almost didn’t go, but I was so glad that I did. I heard a faith affirming sermon and I had the opportunity to fellowship with others.
I encourage you to attend one of these 32 series. Join in and help out where needed, hear a good biblical message. Your heart will be warmed by the message and your presence may be a real inspiration to someone else, too.

Upcoming Events

Broadview Academy Alumni Weekend

BVA ANNUAL REUNION will be Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sabbath May 1st at 9:30 a.m. at the North Aurora S.D.A. Church, 950 Mooseheart Road, (corner of Randall and Mooseheart Roads), in North Aurora. Speaker is: Pastor Ron Kelly (’82). There will be a potluck lunch immediately following the Church Services. Please bring a dish to pass at the luncheon. At 3:00 p.m. there is a musical program. If you would like to contribute to the Musical Program, please call. This is open to all classes. Any questions, call Julie or Ed Gutierrez: 630-232-9034.

Chicagoland Convocation

Plan to attend the Chicagoland Convocation on May 22. It will be a celebration of the evangelism going on throughout our conference. Mark Finley will be our featured speaker. We will be meeting once again at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
Meal tickets for the Illinois Convocation, are going fast. Remember that meal tickets will not be sold on Sabbath. Deadline is May 3. Please contact the meal coordinator of your church for tickets. Adults $6.00 Children 3-7 half price $3.00.
We are looking for volunteers in all areas for the Chicagoland Convocation: children’s program, security, and event staff. If you would like to get involved and give a hand, please contact Shona Cross at the conference office (630) 856-2880 or email adminsecretary@illinoisadventist.org

Akita Campmeeting

This week long event at Camp Akita is the perfect event for the family looking for an inexpensive vacation that incorporates spiritual growth and family fun. The dates for Akita Campmeeting are June 13 – 19. Visit the conference website for more information: www.illinoisadventist.org.

Survivor Day Camp

Survivor Summer Day Camp is an 8 week program (June 7 – July 30) that Hinsdale Adventist Academy runs for young people ages 3 – 12 yrs. Every two weeks, campers will enjoy a different SURVIVOR theme. For more information check out the website: www.haalittlelambs.org or contact Cherie Jackson at 630-323-9220, email: cjackson@illinoisadventist.org. Registration is due by May 10.
Cruise With A Mission
Cruise With A Mission will sail December 12-19, 2010. This will be a vacation with a purpose: a mission trip, a spiritual retreat, a meaningful adventure on a Caribbean cruise, all wrapped up in one. Book now to hold your place. The mission starts at $849 + taxes. www.cruisewithamission.org or phone 1-800-YOUTH2U or 269-471-8380 at the Center for Youth Evangelism.

Youth Challenge

If you are High School or College age and are praying for God to guide you into work for Him this summer. Please contact Ron Clark (314) 422-4096, rh_iyc@yahoo.com, or visit www.lightamericayouthchallenge.com. Illinois Youth Challenge magabook canvassing offers life-changing experience, and matching scholarships for Adventist schools.

SEEDS Plus 2010

Last year I encouraged my brother-in-law to attend the SEEDS conference. He came back passionate about church growth and church planting. That has been the experience of several thousand people who have attended a SEEDS conference since its inception. This year SEEDS will be on the campus of Southern Adventist University on June 21 – 23. For more information visit www.nadei.org or call 800-255-7568

ASI International Convention

This year the ASI Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida on August 4 – 7. If you are a business person or a professional that wants to be more intentional about how to be a follower of Christ in the marketplace, there is no better place for you to be than at this convention. For more information and to register please visit www.asiministries.org.

Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (New King James Version)
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

I hope that you will be able to take the time you need for prayer this week too.

Please download PDF for more details.

Due to the week of prayer and Thanksgiving, we will not have the Soup & Salvation Bible study group again until December 9.

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Pastor Joe

A Man For All Time – The Incomparable Christ

Wednesday November 18 @ 7:00 pm: “The Meaning of the Cross”
Thursday November 19 @ 7:00 pm: “It Is Finished”
Friday November 20 @ 7:00 pm: “A Fresh Breath of Hope”
Saturday November 21 @ 5:00 pm: “The Best Is Yet To Come”

Attached you will find the current church newsletter.

Tomorrow, Sabbath November 7, 2009, Teenie Finley will be our guest speaker for the 11:00 worship service. Please prepare and bring additional food for fellowship  lunch for all of our guests who will come.

There will be a prayer time in the Mothers room at 8:30 AM and also after the service. Please see Rosetta Sodora for details.

Teenie will have 1 more seminar at Hinsdale tonight at 7 PM for those who desire to be bible workers.

Tomorrow Teenie will have the last seminar at Downers in the sanctuary at 2:30 PM. We will host all who wish to come. Tomorrows presentation will be streaming live at www.livestream.com/downers and www.livestream.com/downers/beta .

The presentation will include a workshop of going door to door to learn how to talk with others and find those interested in receiving personal bible studies. You wont want to miss it!

As always, I wish you a wonderful Sabbath and am thankful that we are all part of Gods family.

Blessings,

Pastor Joe

News and Notes November 4, 2009

Today October 31   5:47 p.m. Sunset
Sunday 11/01 Daylight Savings Ends
Monday 11/02 7:00 p.m. Elder’s Meeting
Tuesday  11/03     7:00 p.m. Soup and Salvation
Wednesday 11/04  6:30 p.m. Finance Seminar (DG Library)
7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

Oct. 30- Nov. 1 – One Day Youth Rally
Nov. 7 – Lay Bible Workers Seminar
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day
Nov. 14 – Sacred Music Worship Service
Nov. 14 – Gym Night
Nov. 21 – Bible Marking Class
Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 9 – Church Board Meeting
Dec. 12 – School Board Meeting

PRAYER MINISTRY

Please contact Rosetta Sodora or the Pastor if you are interested in getting together to pray.  Starting November 7.  We will be meeting Sabbath mornings 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and Sabbath afternoons immediately following the service.

GUEST SPEAKER & LAY BIBLE WORKERS SEMINAR

Teenie Finley will be our guest speaker on Sabbath, November 7. We are looking forward to a wonderful message! In the afternoon Teenie will conduct a seminar for those interested in becoming lay Bible workers. We will be the host church for the seminar as people from all over Chicagoland come to learn how to give Bible studies. We will be meeting people from right here as we learn more about giving Bible studies. Plan now to attend this special class.

SACRED MUSIC WORSHIP SERVICE

November 14. We will have a sacred musical program for our worship service. Annette Campbell will be with us that day and will provide a worshipful experience for all of us. Invite your friends!

WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR PIONEERS

James & Ellen White: Church Leaders & God’s Messenger. Presented by Trent Ward today at 2:15 p.m. at the Hinsdale SDA Church, 201 N Oak St, Hinsdale, IL.

GYM NIGHT

There will be a gym night at the Downers Grove recreation center November 14. Plan now to come enjoy some social activity and good sportsmanship together.

NEXT FELLOWSHIP DINNER

November 7.  Hostesses: Stella Ott, Barbara Lubinski, Ronelle Holloway, Martha Richardson.
Note: Please bring a vegetarian dish and a salad to share.

PLEASE BRING FOOD WE NEED FOOD

Please bring non-perishable food items and drop them in the bins that are in the lower hallway. Food to be used to fill Thanksgiving, and Christmas Food Baskets for our Community.  A few things each Sabbath would help out greatly. Thank you

HINSDALE MEN’S CHORUS REUNION

The Hinsdale Men’ Chorus invites you for their 25th anniversary reunion concert on Sabbath, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hinsdale SDA Church.  Admission is free and a reception follows the service.

SOUP AND SALVATION

You are invited to the pastor’s home for Soup and Salvation! Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.  We will meet, pray, and plan for Bible studies as part of a personal outreach effort by our church. Soup will be provided. Plan now to come and join in prayer for those around us, and those trying to reach them for Jesus.

FINANCE SEMINAR

November 4 and 5.  Tom Morrissey will present a finance seminar for us at the Downers Grove Public Library. The seminar is free and will be in four parts with two each night.  The first one is at 6:30 p.m. and the other will be at 7:30 p.m. These will not be repeated so don’t miss this opportunity during these times. This is being put on by our church.

BIBLE MARKING CLASS

November 21, we will begin a Bible Marking Class in the sanctuary right after lunch. These classes will last for 1 hour and continue every 1st and 3rd Sabbath or other Sabbaths when there is fellowship lunch.

INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING CLASS

It will be conducted at the Beverly Hills SDA church, starting September 5, 2009.  Classes will continue each week through Sabbath, November 28, 2009.  The meetings begin at 4: 30 p.m. each Sabbath afternoon. Anyone interested in preaching may attend.

Sabbath September 3
12:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner
Hostesses: Cindy Sokolies,Tammy Arner, Kay Mercado and Venice Garcia
Please bring a vegetarian dish and a salad to share.
1:30 p.m. Pathfinder Meeting
6:29 p.m. Sunset
Sunday September 4
10:00 a.m. Pathfinder Club
12:00 noon Pathfinder Staff Meeting
Monday September 5
7:00 p.m. Elder’s Meeting
Wednesday  September 6
7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting
Friday  September 8
Pathfinder Skills Camporee Starts
6:19 p.m. Sunset

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

Oct. 2-4 – Bible Worker Training
Oct. 9-11 – Pathfinder Skills Camporee
Oct. 12 – Columbus Day
Oct. 16—18 – Prayer Retreat
Oct. 17 – “Treasurers in the Sand, Beauty in God’s Hands” Women’s Retreat
Oct. 17-18 – CHIP Leadership Training Workshop
Oct. 21 – School Board Meeting
Oct. 24 – Communion Sabbath
Oct. 23-25 – “Sacrificial Service for Christ” Senior Retreat

MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS

INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING CLASS

It will be conducted at the Beverly Hills SDA church, starting September 5, 2009.  Classes will continue each week through Sabbath, November 28, 2009. The meetings begin at 4: 30 p.m. each Sabbath afternoon. Anyone interested in preaching may attend.

DAY STAR OPEN ENROLLMENT

Day Star Preschool is accepting applications for school year 2009-2010.  For more information, please call (630) 968-8848.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY BOOKSHELF AND CORNER

Please look for the bookshelf located under/near the Mailboxes at Church.  Feel free to borrow a book.  There are note cards, paper, sticky notes, and pens for you to write notes of acknowledgements, friendship, comfort and wisdom.

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY

If you are interested in hosting a small group Bible study in your home as part of a home rotation, please talk with Pastor Arner. At the Hinsdale church, we would like to train at least 10 Bible workers from Downers Gove. If you would like to be a part of this outreach please let Pastor Arner know.

SENIOR RETREAT “SACRIFICIAL SERVICE FOR CHRIST”

At Cam Akita, October 23-25, 2009.  Accommodations include heated and air conditioned rooms, beautiful lodge and cabins overlooking the lake. Speakers include Glynn Scott, Treasurer of the Lake Union Conference and Elder Ken Denslow, President of the Illinois Conference.  Activities include table games; hay ride and/or horse drawn wagon ride, hillbilly golf, canoeing, and more!  Please call in your reservation by Thursday, October 12, 2009, at (630) 856-2874

PRAYER MEETING

Prayer is Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. We will continue our study from the book of Revelation. Handouts are supplied so bring your Bible and a friend!

WOMEN’S SAFETY & SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR

Tomorrow, from 2-4 p.m. at the Hinsdale SDA Church.  Participants will learn for free how to apply basic self-defense techniques when prevention strategies do not work.  Instructor:  Aristede Dukes, a martial arts instructor.  Pre-register and bring a friend.  Class size is limited.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

“Treasures in the Sand,Beauty in God’s Hand”
Illinois Conference Women’s Ministry invites you to a special one-day event Sabbath, October 17, 2009.  Treasures in the Sand, beauty in God’s hand to be held at Lindner Conference Center, 610 E Butterfield Rd, Lombard, Illinois.  Keynote Speaker is Sally Streib, author, naturalist, conchologist, Bible student & teacher.

2009 ILLINOIS CONFERENCE PRAYER RETREAT

October 16-18 at Camp Akita.  It starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.  Pastor Paul Goia is the guest speaker who will be sharing his experience and journey in prayer.  It is $60 per person for the weekend in the cabins and $80 per person sharing for the weekend in lodge rooms. Ask Shona Cross for reservations.

More Illinois Conference Announcements:
Illinois Conference Upcoming Events

THE CHURCH AT WORSHIP
10:50 A.M.

We Prepare for Worship
Song Leader: Elias Linares

We Come Before God in Praise and Prayer
Hymn of Praise - 341 “To God Be The Glory”

Receive God’s Word
Scripture Reading - Nehemiah 12:27-30

Sermon
“Re-dedicate” by Elder Ken Denslow

Hymn of Dedication - 309 “I Surrender All”

SUNSET TODAY – 6:41 p.m.
SUNSET NEXT FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m

Today right after potluck.  Both state parks are only 1/2 mile apart. We can all go the respective areas that we desire personally and then we will meet at 6:00 p.m. for a picnic supper and vespers. If you want something for supper snacks, be sure to bring it with you. The youth will lead out the vesper time.

PRAYER MEETING

Prayer is Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.  We will continue our study from the book of Revelation. Handouts are supplied so bring your Bible and a friend!

CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING

Next Sabbath, September 26.  We will be having vespers at 6:00 p.m. and the Church Business Meeting will start at 6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All members are invited to attend.

INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING CLASS

It will be conducted at the Beverly Hills SDA church, starting September 5, 2009.  Classes will continue each week through Sabbath, November 28, 2009.  The meetings begin at 4: 30 p.m. each Sabbath afternoon. Anyone interested in preaching may attend.

SANCTUARY REDEDICATION SERVICE

Church rededication service will be upstairs in the sanctuary next Sabbath.  Elder Ken Denslow will be our guest speaker.  There will also be a special potluck.

DAY STAR OPEN ENROLLMENT

Day Star Preschool is accepting applications for school year 2009-2010.  For more information, please call (630) 968-8848.

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY

If you are interested in hosting a small group Bible study in your home as part of a home rotation, please talk with Pastor Arner.  At the Hinsdale church, we would like to train at least 10 Bible workers from Downers Gove. If you would like to be a part of this outreach please let Pastor Arner know.

BIBLE WORKER TRAINING

If you are willing to give personal Bible studies and would like to learn how mark this date!  October 2-4 will be a Bible worker training course with Ernestine “Teenie” Finley.  The workshops will be at the Hinsdale church and we would like to train at least 1- Bible workers from Downers Grove.  If you would like to be a part of this outreach please let Pastor Arner know.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sep. 26 – Church Business Meeting
Sep. 25-27 – “Free Indeed” Women’s Ministry Convention
Sep. 25-27 – Camp Akita Youth Retreat
Sep. 26 – Church Business Meeting
Oct. 2-4 – Bible Worker Training
Oct. 16—18 – Prayer Retreat
Oct. 17 – “Treasurers in the Sand, Beauty in God’s Hands” Women’s Retreat