For days now you and I have followed with broken hearts the tragedy that has unfolded in the nation of Haiti. I have had opportunity to speak to a number of our members here in the Illinois Conference who have personal roots in Haiti. The pain that they are bearing is enormous. One of our sisters, in particular, was in touch with me about her father who was missing. Imagine her joy when she discovered that he was alive. Her brother left Haiti just hours before the earthquake hit. He had been there for a visit.
I have just received a report from the Inter-American Division president, Israel Leito, on his return from a visit to Haiti. This report was sent to Elder Jan Paulsen, the president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Elder Don Schneider, president of the North American Division. The following is a summary of his report.
He thanks the General Conference and the North American Division for the outpouring of support and sympathy shown to the members in Haiti. The strongest conference in the the Haitian Union was the hardest hit. Next Monday they will be trying to make payroll to the church employees but it is challenging in the face of the total destruction of the banking system. The Inter-American Division has decided to help the workers with a stipend until the situation normalizes.
The Dominican Union (the other half of the island of Hispaniola) is also stepping up with resources and personnel to help the members in Haiti. The Puerto Rican Union is shipping vanloads of relief materials to Haiti via a ferry that runs between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Here are some of the details of the destruction. 115 churches have been totally destroyed. 60 others have sustained significant damage and will not be used until fully inspected for safety. Five schools have been totally destroyed and 60 others have sustained serious damage. Here are Pastor Leito’s descriptive words: “If you have seen the piece on Fox News, the church mentioned in that piece is the church just across the presidents palace, where the school we thought so many children perished is located. In that school, only the watchman died, he was taking a bath at the time of the quake, and could not leave the building. When the church collapsed, the children ran outside to see what was happening, and at that moment the school collapsed. Fourteen bodies were recovered from another large church, where two different church choirs were rehearsing at the time of the quake. What took so many years to build as church infrastructure has been laid to waste in matter of a few seconds.”
At this point it has been verified that nearly 600 members have died in the quake. Another 600 have had serious injuries with many resulting in amputations of limbs. 15,000 of our Adventist brothers and sisters have lost their homes. 27,000 of them are in refugee centers. While several pastors were injured and some lost everything they owned, their lives have been spared.
“The university has lost the roof of the Girls dorm and has suffered damage to other buildings. Most of the industry section of the university has been greatly damaged, thus causing other means of income for the university to be gone.”
ADRA (Adventist Disaster and Relief Agency) is very active in Haiti and is on the ground in a big way, managing refugee centers, materials and playing a big role in assisting our Adventist Hospital in Haiti as they, like so many other medical institutions there, are overrun with the injured. Many of our Adventist medical institutions in the U.S. are mobilizing to join the efforts to treat the vast number of injured.
Pastor Leito’s final words in the report are these: “On behalf of the church in Haiti, I want to thank you for your support, any little bit helps.”
Right now the best thing we here can do is pray and give financially to support ADRA and the many other relief agencies that are on the ground in Haiti. I have had many members express their desire to volunteer. There will come a time in the coming months and years when the church there will be rebuilding their churches, schools and other institutions but that will have to wait. Right now is the time to save lives and support the people in Haiti in their efforts to return to some level of normalcy. So, just give. You can do that online at www.adra.org. I am also attaching a bullet list of information directly from ADRA. Many of you will want to address this need in church tomorrow. We are not taking a specific offering at this point because by directing you to ADRA the money can get there so much faster than being collected in the churches and then sent through the conference. Please consider making a generous gift to help the people of Haiti.
God’s blessings on you as you worship Him this Sabbath.
Sincerely,
Ken Denslow, President
Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dear Church Family and Friends,
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
ACTIVITIES OF THE WEEK:
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.
Soup and Salvation is a part of the overall outreach effort for Prayer, Literature, Visitation, and Bible study. This will begin tomorrow evening October 27, at 7 PM. We will meet at our home, 5522 Lee Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 for about 1 hour as we plan the work God has given us to do.
How is Soup & Salvation conducted?
Church members choose to participate in one of four core soul-winning ministries.
Each ministry focuses on a specific area. Members with similar gifts and interests join together in a specific outreach ministry at each session.
When a significant number of church members meet together on the same evening to pray, visit, distribute literature or give Bible studies, the Holy Spirit acknowledges their commitment by empowering their efforts for service.
- Prayer ministry
- Literature ministry
- Visitation ministry
- Bible study ministry
If you would like to be a part of any ministry listed you are invited to our home each Tuesday evening at 7 PM. We will provide the soup and God provides the Salvation.
Speaking of soup, The Pathfinders were out on Sabbath and Sunday collecting canned goods and other non perishables for people in need. Now that they are done it is our turn to donate.
Pat Jurinek has asked that I request everyone to bring a generous supply of non perishable food items for community services. There will be containers at each entrance this Sabbath to bring your food offering.
If you would like to assist Pat in any way or have any questions please feel free to contact her.
I hope to see you at our home tomorrow evening at 7PM!
Pastor Joe
Continue reading about You are invited to “Soup and Salvation”
ACTIVITIES OF THE WEEK:
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
Continue reading about Church Announcements for Sabbath, October 3, 2009
We are moving forward with Chicagoland: Hope Can be Yours, our major
evangelistic initiative for the rest of this year and 2010. There are
numerous evangelists and evangelistic programs involved in this
project, including Mark and Teenie Finley, vice-president of the
General Conference and Ron Clouzet, ministerial director of the North
American Division.
This is a joint project between the Illinois Conference and the Lake
Region Conference. Between the two conferences we have about 80
churches in Chicagoland and almost all of these churches are committed
to participating in Hope Can be Yours.
Community outreach events will lead up to 24 church based evangelistic
series that will begin simultaneously on April 30, 2010. These
meetings will culminate with our Chicagoland Convocation on May 22 at
Wheaton College.
We are grateful to the Gurnee and Deer Park Churches who have given up
their pastor, Chris Holland, to coordinate this project for the next
year.
You will be hearing more about the training and evangelistic processes
and events that will be taking place over the next year, including
several mentioned below in the Events section.
Willie Ramos at Hinsdale Church
Many people from around Chicagoland have been in attendance at
Hinsdale Church to hear the preaching of Willie Ramos, the “Ghetto
Preacher”. These meetings conclude on Saturday night, October 3.
Tony Moore at Naperville Church
The Naperville Church was packed to overflowing on the opening night
of meetings with Tony Moore. These meetings are all about Jesus and
use Biblical archaeology to gain people’s interest.
Evangelist Herb Montgomery at the Southwest Church
Herb Montgomery will be preaching a series of evangelistic meetings at
the Southwest SDA Church on November 6 – 15.
Baptism at Mount Vernon
The latest people to be baptized at the Mount Vernon Church are Jeff
and Cyndi Peak. After having Bible studies they were baptized on
September 19 in Rend Lake. I met them when I was at the church
recently and I can attest to their enthusiasm for their new church
home. (Jeff and Cyndi are the two in the middle of the photo)
Jack Sequeira with Broadview Church
On September 11 – 20, Jack Sequeira preached a very Christ-centered
series of meetings for the public sponsored by the Broadview Church
and their pastor, Paul Lowe.
ShareHim in Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook Church first elder, Karl Watson, preached a ShareHim
series of evangelistic meetings at his church on August 28 – September
11. At the conclusion of the meetings, Karl’s own son was baptized.
West Central Evangelism
Pastor David Sitler reports that there will be an evangelistic series
at the West Central Church beginning October 16. The series is
entitiled, “Living With Hope.” It will conclude on November 21.
Salem Church Baptism
Here is a story that happened some months ago but I think it is still
worth sharing. Ray Koethe was baptized on April 25 of this year.
Sometime in the past he had joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church by
profession of faith but later slipped away. His connection with the
church was re-established last year which led to his baptism this past
spring at the Salem Church. Ray is 92 years of age.
Cool YouTube Video
If you want some inspiration, check out this YouTube video that comes
to us from the Sheridan Church and Steve Bell.
Reaching Out to Our Muslim Friends
Elder Bryan Gallant, NAD Director of Adventist Muslim Relations, will
be the guest speaker at the Broadview SDA Church, 3101 S 25th Ave,
Broadview, IL on October 10, 2009, 10 am and 2 pm. Learn how to reach
out to your Muslim neighbors. Call Pastor Paul Lowe for more
information. (269) 240-7637.
Source: Illinois Conference Update October 1, 2009
It gives me great joy to write to inform you that we, as the congregation of Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church will be holding our first services in our newly renovated Sanctuary this coming Sabbath, September 26, 2009.
As you may know, we have been in a building project for the past several months, and while there have been challenges along the way, and yes, even obstacles, we have once again realized the faithfulness of God as He has given us wisdom and direction as we trusted Him.
There are many things happening here at Downers these days and we want you to be a part of it!
On behalf of the entire team of leadership here at the Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church, I wanted to send this letter of invitation to you and your family to attend our special Church Dedication Service for this coming Sabbath, September 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM.
We want to be sure that we mark this occasion with the recognition worthy of such a milestone.
You’re invited to join us as we celebrate the special blessings of God and re-dedicate the church.
As the Pastor, I want you to know how honored I am to be here at this special time in the history of Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church, yet I look with anticipation to even greater things in the future! The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jesus also made it very clear that He would build His church; Matthew 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The local church provides the greatest avenue for encouragement and strength, as well as providing for much needed direction and guidance in these challenging days we live. The church is a wonderful oasis of peace in the midst of the trials and hardships that life offers.
Our speaker for this special day will be Elder Ken Denslow, President of the Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He will minister the Word, as well as conduct the Sanctuary Dedication.
We will be having a fellowship dinner following the service, and also hope that you would be able to join us for that. The menu will be Italian. Pasta, salad, bread, fruit and desert all will be served. You are welcome to bring something to add.
Let’s plan now to celebrate this momentous occasion together as the church building is rededicated to the glory of God this Sabbath.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ” To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time”
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Joe Arner
Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church
5524 Lee Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
“A GREAT Place to be”!
Come join us! “Be Part Of It”
Continue reading about Church Re-dedication Service – You’re Invited!
CHURCH OUTING TO STARVED ROCK & MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS
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
Continue reading about Announcements for Sabbath, September 19, 2009
Dear church Family,
1. There will be prayer meeting tonight at 7 PM. We will continue our study from the book of Revelation. Tonight we will begin chapter 5.
2. There are two pianos in the fellowship hall free for the taking. If you are interested please let me know a sap. They will be permanently removed on Sunday if no one is interested in them.
3. This Friday, September 18, at 7:30 PM in the church we will officially launch the new Pathfinder year with our Induction Services. This will also be an opportunity to welcome our brand new Pathfinders. If you have not registered yet and would like for your children to be involved please let me know a sap.
4. In a discussion with the youth and some adults there was a desire to do a church outing before the weather turns cold. This Sabbath afternoon we will be going to Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park. They are only 1/2 mile apart.
Matthiessen has a waterfall hike and starved rock has the lodge and visitors center with easier walking for those less ambitious or able.
On the north side of the river directly across from Starved Rock there is also a barge lock and Dam with an observation deck for watching the bald eagles which live locally in the trees there.
We will have potluck this Sabbath. We are asking that you bring your food in disposable containers or clean them when you get home. If we do this then we can clean up quickly and leave directly following. You can bring a change of clothes with you it will be easier.
We could all go the respective areas that we desired personally and then meet at 6:00 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.
Plan now to come if you are able. This is the only time left this year that we can do something like this on a Sabbath afternoon.
If you need a ride please let me know. We should be back to the church by 8:30 or 9:00 PM that night for those who need a ride.
This is worth the trip if we leave early enough!
It takes about an hour and a half to get there.
Here are some other helpful links and maps.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Matthiessen+State+Park&state=IL
http://www.stateparks.com/matthiessen.html
There will be more news later in the week.
Have a great day,
Pastor Joe
It was just a few weeks ago that we were all won-dering when the renovation project would begin. Since then there have been tireless efforts to renovate the sanctuary and other areas of the Church. The building committee has been meeting on a regular ba-sis to continue follow-ing through with plans that were proposed at an earlier church busi-ness meeting. If you haven’t been by to see the work in pro-gress you should take the time to stop in on a week day. Each Sabbath is extra special as we continue worshiping God and witnessing Him work at the same time. For now we continue to meet in the church fellowship hall but have hopes of meeting in the new sanctuary by August 29. The upstairs bathrooms are near completion and down stairs is close behind. Thank you for your prayers and continued support of this special project. There is still much work to do, so stop by any time to help.
53 queries. 0.829 seconds.