Convention 2000 Spiritually Uplifting

Thursday Pastor Noel Fraser, Secretary and Ministerial Director for the West Indies Union, brought us closer to the experience by reminding us that believing in creation gives certainty of the promised event of Christ's return. This event will change the world order as we know it.

On Friday evening, all roads led to the Church of God Auditorium. Many braved the chilly weather to hear the word of the Lord. Hearts were certainly warmed as Pastor James Cress, Ministerial Secretary of the World Church, said that the reason for the certainty of His coming is Faith. With his text taken from Hebrew 11, Elder Cress defined faith as believing when one does not see, obeying when one does not understand, giving when one does not have, persisting when one does not feel like it, thankful when one does not receive what we seek, and trusting Him even when one does not receive an answer.

Another highlight of Convention 2000, was the recognition of Centurions-- Pastors J. Duncombe, Edward St. Fleur, and M. A. Smith.

Sabbath morning was a refreshing treat as Bahamas Academy Pre-school, The Elementary and Secondary schools presented the Sabbath School program. The Divine worship was a moving experience. Two things stand out as one reviews the service. First, the musical selection, "Sweet Hour of Prayer," in itself was a message of comfort and assurance of having fellowship with Christ. Second, Pastor Cress's sermon on the "Joy of Sanctification." With his text from Phil. 1:3-6, it is certainly a joy to know that sanctification is totally God's work and not the work of human beings.

On Sabbath afternoon there was a special musical and video presentation of Bahamian Adventism. Under the theme "Our Journey of Faith," the young and young of heart took to the stage and screen to share Adventism then and now. Special thanks to Sister Ann Albury and her team for an inspirational programme.

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." Sunday evening, as all gathered together, God was in the midst to bless. Pastor Cress shared with us that God is still in control over all. All were called to a re-commitment to Christ.

Special thanks to God for the way He's led in putting together Convention 2000 under the theme, "Experience the Certainty of His Coming." God bless those who planned and participated in this historic event. - V. Duncombe

PHILADELPHIA CHURCH IS DEDICATED

The past months were filled with preparatory activities - painting, yard cleaning, tile and carpet laying, ceiling varnishing, decorating, programme planning, sewing, pew setting up, and the list goes on. With the date January 16, 2000, set in their minds, Philadelphians worked tirelessly in an effort to prepare for this grand occasion. Soon the day came. Great excitement and anticipation filled the atmosphere at the Church of Brotherly Love. The church was ready, and the people were ready as the guests arrived.

We began our service of dedication and thanksgiving at 2:45 p.m. Our service was graced with the presence of our three union officials as well as our top local conference officials and pastors. Sister Mae Whylly, mother of Philadelphia, did the official cutting of the ribbon, our union president, L. B. Wellington, presented the dedicatory message and laid the cornerstone, Union Secretary N. S. Fraser presented the dedicatory prayer and our local President, K. D. Albury, presented the Act of Dedication. Music, sweet heavenly music, was presented by the Philadelphia workshop choir, under the direction of Brother Nelson Bain.

During the service, special commendation was given to Brothers Wellington Poitier, Denton Park and Wilbert Dean for the tremendous support, commitment and time that they unselfishly contributed to the church's building programme.

We wish to thank our Heavenly Father, first of all, for bringing us thus far, for giving us the strength, courage and vision to finish His sanctuary which will serve as a beacon in the eastern district of New Providence. We also thank Bahamas Conference of SDA, West Indies Union, and all of our sister churches in New Providence and the Northen Region for their generous financial contributions, as well as those business establishments who purchased ads in our Dedication Booklet.

We also wish to thank our former pastors who kept the work going, especially Dr. John Carey and particularly our current pastor, R. I. Hanna, who gave us that final and important push that drove us toward completion and dedication.

We are indeed ecstatic and extremely proud of this great accomplishment which was ten years in the making. This also humbles us as we realize the great work we have in evangelizing the eastern communities. - Shandera A. Smith

APPRECIATION BANQUET

The Bahamas Conference sponsors an appreciation banquet, in honour of Pastor and Sister R. I. Hanna for 40 years of dedicated service in our Conference, on February 5, 2000 at Nassau Marriott. Contact your local pastor for tickets.

SDA LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE

The annual SDA Law Enforcement Officers' Service will be held at Grant's Town on February 12, 2000, at 4:00 p.m.

Educationally Speaking

Are You Doing Your Best?

I am convinced that every member of the church should be involved in preparing our children to become good citizens and candidates for the kingdom. Are you doing your best to ensure that our children receive the kind of education and training they deserve? Notice what Ellen White said many years ago:

"The experience of the children of Israel was written for us upon whom the ends of the world ware come." 1 Corinthians 10:11. As in their day, so now the Lord would have the children gathered out from those schools where worldly influences prevail, and placed in our schools, where the word of God is made the foundation of education.

If we are to work in earnest, it is now. The enemy is pressing in on all sides, like a flood. Only the power of God can save our children from being swept away by the tide of evil. The responsibility resting upon parents, teachers, and CHURCH MEMBERS to do their part in co-operation with God , is greater than words can express." Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 166.

Enroll your child in one of our schools now!

Those of you who do not have children can help by participating in the "20/24" plan. Give to our schools at least $20 per month for 24 months. See your pastor for details. -J. Carey, Education Director

HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

The Health Ministries Director would like for all Health Ministries Leaders, Youth Directors/Pathfinders and other persons interested in health to meet with Sisters Alvira Thompson and Idamae Hanna on Sunday, January 23^rd, at the New Providence Church at 10:00 a.m. to formulate plans for the upcoming Health Seminar, Float and Fair to be held at the end of April, 2000.

ELDERS' WIVES CLUB

A meeting will be held January 30, 2000, at 2:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church for all Elders' wives. - Alice Cherenfant, President and Florence Rahming, Secretary

**Mrs. Olga Roach's General Conference Group has space available. If you are interested please call #393-2693 to secure a spot.

TEACHERS NEEDED!

Bahamas Academy Secondary Division is inviting applications for the following positions for the 2000/2001 school year:

2 English Language and Literature Teachers

1 Math Teacher

1 Health Science Teacher

1 Physical Education Teacher

1 Janitress

1 Cafe Worker

1 Secretary

Interested persons may obtain application forms from the school on Wulff Road between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Fully completed applications must be submitted to the Principal by March 31, 2000.

**Bahamas Academy Secondary Division also needs temporary teachers (January to June 2000) for the following subjects.

Physical Education - Grades 7 - 12

Literature - Grades 7 -9 and 11

Math - Grades 9 and 10

Interested persons should contact the Principal at phone 393-3381 as soon as possible.

YOUTH TIDBITS

Watch LISTEN UP last Sunday of each month.

**Allison Mason's tapes and CDs of her latest album, " MY FAITH," are available at the ABC.

**Youth Congress will be held in Jamaica April 16 to 23, 2000. Persons interested should contact the youth department at #361-8683 to secure space on Air Jamaica. A $50.00 refundable deposit is required by January 27.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY

Has vacancy for a Janitress. Applications available at the school on Penny Bank Lane.

**Registration is now in progress for the new school year, September, 2000, for K 2 - K4 and K5 - Grade 6. February 25^th, 2000, at 9 o'clock is the scheduled date for our ENTRANCE EXAM for students entering Grades 1 - 6. Applications are available at the school on Penny Bank Lane. For more information please call 393-8898.

BETHANY MARRIAGE SEMINAR

The Bethany/Living Faith Churches will host a week-long Marriage Millennium Seminar February 20 to 27, 2000. All married couples and prospective couples are encouraged to attend. Watch for details. -S. Wood

COMMUNITY SERVICES MOBILE UNIT

PARTIAL SCHEDULE FOR 2000

Berea Jan.30 - Feb. 12

Bethany Feb. 13 - Feb. 26

Breath of Life Feb. 27 - Mar. 11

Centreville Mar 12 - Apr. 1

Ephesus Apr. 2 -Apr. 15

Francophone Apr. 16 - Apr. 29

Grant's Town Apr. 30 - May 13

Good News May 14 - May 27

Hillview May 28 - Jun. 10

Johnson Park Jun. 11 - Jun. 24

The 1^st 2000 5 -K

Health and Family Fun Walk/Run will be held February 6, 2000, beginning at 7:00 a.m. at the New Englerston church. For information call Pastor J. Duncombe at 322--5110 or 322-1926.

LAY ACTIVITIES

The Lay Activities Federations will hold elections for 2000 at the following times and places:

SOUTHWEST: Monday, Jan. 24, at Hillview at 7:00 p.m. (Churches - Hillview, Berea, Bethel and Good News)

SOUTHEAST: Thursday, February 3, at New Providence, at 7:00 p.m. (Churches -New Providence, Bethany, Maranatha and Philadelphia).

NORTHEAST: Tuesday, January 25, at Ephesus, at 7:00 p.m. (Centreville, Ephesus, Living Faith, Breath of Life).

NORTHWEST: Thursday, January 27, at New Englerston at 7:00 p,m. (Churches - Grant's Town, Johnson Park, Francophone, New Englerston)

All Lay Activities Leaders, Assistant, Lay Activities Secretaries and Community Services leaders are required to be in attendance at their respective Federation meetings.

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR BAHAMAS CONFERENCE

FacsimileNo. #341-4088 Regular lines #361-8683 and #341-4087.

Sun sets today at 5:34 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 5:39 p.m.

Download The Logos at

www.tagnet.org/wiunion.bahamas

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2000

JANUARY

1 HOMECOMING SABBATH

4-5 WORKERS' MEETING

10-11 YEAR END MEETING & AUDIT

12-16 NP CONVENTION

21-23 GB CONVENTION

28-30 FI CONVENTIONS

29 ED. EMPHASIS

FEBRUARY

5 LAY EMPHASIS

8 HEALTHY TEENAGERS WORKSHOP