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Should Adventists Support the Ten
Commandments Commission?
Recent court rulings against
the Ten Commandments, along with a host of disturbing trends in the
United
States of America have led to the formation of the Ten Commandments
Commission. Spearheaded by Ron Wexler, who was born and educated in Israel,
having served in the Israel Defense Force during the Six-Day War of 1967,
along with numerous influential Religious Leaders including Bahamian, Dr.
Myles Munroe, the Commission attempts to restore and maintain the moral
principles of the Judeo-Christian tradition in the American nation and
society. Additionally, the Ten Commandments Commission seeks “to create a
mechanism by which the Word of God can be restored in every aspect of
society peacefully and without violation of the legal system.” Therefore,
on Sunday, May 7, 2006, the first annual Ten Commandments Sunday will be
celebrated. On this date, a call to “all churches, synagogues, ministry
leaders, Christians, and all who care about traditional values to celebrate
Ten Commandments Sunday by hosting local community events in support of the
Ten Commandments.” Supporters are being asked to wear the Ten
Commandments Pin.
Adventists’ Response
to the Ten Commandments Commission
I need
not tell you that the Adventist Church applauds any effort to give focus to
God’s Law; however, in this instance, we must issue some caution; for in the
proposed stand Sunday (which we know is not the Biblical Sabbath), is being
substituted for Saturday. Additionally, isn’t it ironical that the Ten
Commandments Commission, which is advocating a return to the Ten
Commandments and to the word of God, is contradicting this very fact by
meeting on Sunday, May 7, to celebrate Sunday? Therefore, we cannot support
this rally or coming together. However, we do support a return to and
re-focusing on God’s total law, which ought to include the Seventh-day
Sabbath.
To ensure
that this position of ours gets out, a survey form sponsored by Hope
Channel, (General Conference official TV) has been distributed to your
church to be filled in and returned to our office by Monday, April 3.
Religious Liberty Secretaries and pastors are asked to ensure that the forms
are filled in and returned to the Conference office. Essentially, this form,
while indicating our support to uphold the Ten Commandments, calls for
Christians to live according to Bible principles. It calls for Christian
Leaders to teach that the Ten Commandments are a valid rule of conduct for
today and that this law was never abolished or nailed to the cross. Also, it
calls for believers to be loyal to all ten of God’s Commandments including
the fourth, which requires observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath. The form,
while noting the Adventists’ support for the Ten Commandments, opposes
any government legislation to observe the same, especially the first four
Commandments; for “true worship can never be forced by governmental
decrees. God only accepts the service of love.”
Additionally, 3 ABN is presenting the Ten Commandments weekend which will
feature a number of prominent Adventist lay and clergy personnel in the form
of a “marathon” live broadcast of 17 hours commencing on Friday, May 5 at 7
p.m. Attention will be given to each of the Commandments. Therefore each
church member is asked to tune in to the broadcast. In fact, you may wish
to record the same for future use and also to share with friends, especially
Family Island members who do not have access to 3ABN.
Let us
pray that this new focus on the Ten Commandments will cause many to accept
and live by all of God’s Commandments. Happy Sabbath! Leonard A.
Johnson, president
VBA on The Move Again
Although
you have not heard much about the work program
at
the New Bahamas Academy recently, we have not given up. We were just taking
a break. VBA is on the move again, and everyone who is able is invited to
lend a helping hand. Preparations are being made to pour the floors. Our
goal is to get 2000 persons giving one hundred dollars ($100) per person per
month. If you would like to donate cash or give free labour, please contact
Bro. Winston Ash at 364-1063
Logos Bible
Software MeetingTonight
All persons who participated
in any of the Logos Bible Software training and are desirous of further
training and updates are asked to meet with Pastor Johnson tonight at 7:00
at the Conference Office.
Children’s Camp Meeting
It’s back! Children’s Camp Meeting begins
April 2 and ends April
8.
Meetings will be held nightly (except Friday) from 7:15 to 8:30. Plan now to
attend these exciting meetings and hear our children preach the Word of
God. There will also be great singing, special guest appearances by Beam
and Sparkie, prizes and surprises. So come on out and bring A BIBLE, A
FRIEND, AND AN OFFERING. -Dr. Cheryl Rolle, CM Director
Pre-Easter Concert Bahamas Academy will
be having a pre-Easter Concert on Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 P.M. at the
National Center for the Performing Arts, Shirley Street. Please contact any
teacher, student, or staff member for tickets. Proceeds are to assist with
the new school building.
Hillview Opened Church
Office
The inaugural opening of the Hillview Church Office was commissioned on
Sabbath, March 25th. Our first lady, Sister Denise Johnson, cut
the ribbon. Sister Arlene Rollins will serve as secretary to the church.
Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 noon. The telephone number is 361-8683. – Pastor Peter
Joseph
New Air Time for Adventist Spotlight
As
of last night, Friday March 31st,
Adventist
spotlight will be aired on Friday evenings at 8:00. on Cable TV 12. Tune in
to see the latest happenings in the Adventist community.
Breath of Life 13th Anniversary
Breath of Life will commemorate its 13th Anniversary during the
month of April 2006. Beginning today with Youth’s Day. Sabbath, April 8th
will be Deaconess Day. April 13 to 17 a Family Retreat/Pathfinder’s Camp
will be held in South Andros. Sabbath, April 15 the celebrations continue
with Community Guest Day at Breath of Life.
Sabbath, April
22-28 a Week of Revival Services.
Sabbath,
April 29 Homecoming Weekend will be celebrated. Worship Services 11:00 a.m.
– Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe Dedication of Children’s Division and Prayer
Center - 3:00 p.m. – Dr. Leonard A. Johnson. Sunday, April 30 – Family
Fun Day from 7:00 a.m. until. Come, visit Breath of Life during the month
of April, the church where every breath glorifies God!
Report Card Day/Open House Report cards
for the second term will be given to parents and students of Bahamas Academy
on Tuesday, April 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On this day we will also
host our parents, members, and friends to Open House 2006. At this time,
our teachers and students will showcase what they have done during the year
and the offerings at our school. We invite everyone to stop on by and learn
more about your church school, Bahamas Academy.
Entrance Exam The
next entrance exam for students wishing to enter grades 1-10 at Bahamas
Academy will be held on Friday, April 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the
respective divisions (elementary and high school). Applications are
available at the school on Wulff Road and should be submitted by Wednesday,
April 19.
Applications are also being accepted for students at the Early Learning
Center. As space is limited, parents are asked to submit their
applications by May 31.
Note of
Thanks and Appreciation On behalf of
Pastor Da Leon H. Browne, Sis. Lydia express heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to the general SDA community for the many prayers and generous
support given during Pastor Browne’s illness. Pastor Browne is still in
hospital, however, he is no longer in the ICU but in the Male Surgical One
Ward, bed number two. Your calls and concern for his well-being are much
appreciated. Lydia Browne
Adventist Educators’ Association Upcoming Events Important dates to
remember for the Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators Association Sunday,
April 2nd, 2006- Seminar 'Embracing The Profession That Changes Lives' -
9:00 a.m. Doctors Hospital. Saturday 8th April, 2005 - worship service at 11:00 a.m. -
Maranatha SDA Church. Terri Dames
1st Annual
Music Workshop & Conference
will be held
from May 14 to 21, 2006 at the Hillview Church. Register on-line at:
www.bahamasconference.org/musiconference -Allison Mason (for) EMMN
Committee
Youth Talent
Explosion!!!!! – On stage
live and direct! Come get your Joy On, and experience a great evening of
talent and fun. Come see and hear the first ever Adventist Idol, Pumped up
Poetry! Stomping Steppers! Laughing Lines! Wobbly Walkers! Rippin’ Rappers
! APRIL 22, 2006 at 7:45 p.m. at the National Centre for the
Performing Arts. Tickets available from your AY and Pathfinder leaders and
at the Conference Office. You just gatta’ be there ! -Erika
Perpall
Parkgate
‘Gators’ Pathfinder Club
- Presents its first ever Bouncin’ Babblin’ Family Fun Day and Fundraiser.
Bouncing Castle, Great Food, and Challenging games – Splat the rat! Eat to
Beat! Washy Washy! Thrift Shop – everything but the kitchen sink on sale.
SUNDAY APRIL 30, 2006 - from 10:00 am – 6.p.m. at the church grounds. Come
prepared to have fun. -Darell Taylor
Thanks and Appreciation
The
family of the late Alsaida Higgs would like to express sincere thanks and
appreciation to the pastors, conference staff, and members of the various
churches for your visits, condolences, prayers, and acts of kindness, during
her sickness and subsequent death. We are assured that God is able for He
is the God of all comfort. -Pastor
Andrew E. Burrows, Melony Jones, Fanette Albury and other family members
Youth Announcements
West Indies Union Youth Directors Visit
Pastor
Charles Blythe, youth director for WIU, will be visiting the Bahamas
Conference on the weekend of May 5th - 7th. During this time a special
youth workshop will be conducted for all youth, pathfinder, adventurer
leaders and other persons involved in youth ministry
National
Youth Month
National youth
month is almost here. The theme for the month is "Empowering
Youth for the eradication of Poverty, HIV/ AIDS and Crime."
It begins with a commitment service on Sunday April 30th at 6:00 p.m. at
Rawson Square. The annual youth march will be held on Sunday, May 7th.
Uniform
inspection for all clubs will take place in the Western region on Sunday
April 9th. For churches/clubs in the eastern region inspection will be on
Sunday April 16th. All Pathfinders, Eager Beavers, Adventurers, and
Masterguides are asked to meet at their
respective churches in
full uniform during club time on the above-mentioned dates.
Two practices
for all persons participating the national youth parade will be held on
Monday evening April 24th and Monday evening May 1st at the top of the hill,
Fort Charlotte. Uniforms are
not required
for these practices.
Adventist
Softball Action
Plans are being made for softball action in June 2006. Teams are encouraged
to begin softball practice. Newly baptized and young people 10 and above are
especially invited to be a part of a church team. Church colour and
softball uniform are encouraged for all games.
A
representative from all SDA Churches in New Providence is invited to a
Softball Planning meeting on Sunday, April 9 at 9:00 a.m. at the Living
Faith Church. Contact Larry Miller at 394-2755 or 454-3055 or Pastor Burrows
at the office.
WIU/ IAD Bible Bowl The
books of study for this year Bible Bowl are the four gospels, Matthew, Mark,
Luke, John. Young persons interested in taking part in this year's Bible
Bowl are asked to contact their AY leader or the youth department
Note of Thanks and
Future Cleanup Day at Campsite, Marshall Road
Heartfelt thanks are
extended to the Berea, Breath of Life, Francophone and Maranatha churches
for reporting for duty to help clean up the Pathfinders Camp site on
Marshall Road on Sunday, March 26. The next cleanup day will be on Sunday,
April 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Masons and Carpenters are needed to
give a half-day’s work at the Campsite. Volunteers may contact Sis. Marilyn
Bonamy at 393-8507 or 427-3476 for Pastor Andrew Burrows at the Conference
Office.
School of
Evangelism Classes resume
tomorrow, Sunday, April 2, at 6:00
p.m. at the Hillview Church. Pastor Peter Joseph, Coordinator
1Hour
of Gospel Music
The Hour of Gospel
Music at the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 4:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. The schedule for today, March 25, will be the Hillview Church.
Next week,
April 8th music will be provided by the Grant’s Town Church.
Adventist Burial
Society The
regular meeting of the SDA Burial Society will be held on Monday, April 3rd
at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant’s Town church. Members can become financial.
Membership is open to the general SDA community.
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Sun sets today at 6:26 p.m.
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Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:30 p.m.
