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Conference
Administrators and Directors Meet in Conclave
 |
- Dr.
John Carey
-
Publishing Director of
- The
Bahamas Conference
|
For the first time in the history of our
conference, the administrators and departmental directors of the Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, along with their spouses and children,
met in a weekend conclave, Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 15, 2007, at
the Paradise Island Beach Resort. The objectives of the meeting were: (1) to
give the families time to develop a closer relationship with each other, and
(2) to provide the opportunity for the administrators and departmental
directors to work on the Strategic Plan for the conference that will guide
the development of the work in this conference over the next four years.
Following the registration process on Friday,
the group went to an assigned dining area in the hotel for supper. As soon
as everyone had eaten, the group was directed to vespers, under a specially
prepared tent, just outside of the hotel's lobby. Coordinated by Pastor
Wilfred Adderley, the programme appealed to and involved both children and
adults. The main presenter for the evening, Pastor Eric D. Clarke, led the
group into an interactive activity that helped members of the group become
well acquainted with one another. Pleasant thoughts of the inspirational
singing, sincere prayers and friendly interactions lingered in the minds of
most, if not all, members of the group as they retired to their respective
rooms for the night.
On Sabbath morning, it took very little coaxing
to get everyone involved in a very innovative Sabbath School programme.
Diane Jones, Children's Miknistries Coordinator, and Pastor Peter Joseph,
Ministerial, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director executed a well
planned programme. While the adults were challenged to display their
knowledge of the Bible and apply it in a creative way, the children were
also given the opportunity to highlight a Bible theme through art and song.
Just before the Divine Service started, Curtis
Bryan, Assistant Youth director of the conference, led the group in a period
of inspirational singing. Then Dr. Leonard Johnson, president of Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, gave an insightful presentation on
Rebecca, a well known Bible character. He showed how Rebecca, in response to
God's call gave her best to help others. She recognized that God was behind
the plan for her to become Isaac's wife. The service ended with a circle of
prayer and re-commitment of the group to giving their best to meet God's
expectations for their lives.
After lunch and a time of rest, the group was
divided. The women and children met in a room adjacent to the lobby for a
special programme coordinated by Sis. Denise Johnson. The administrators and
departmental directors met in another area to work on the Strategic Plan for
the next four years. The mission and vision statements were revised, and the
SWOT analysis was completed. Also, most of the departmental directors
completed their objectives and started working on the Action Plan. In the
meantime, the strategic planning process goes on, and all stakeholders or
their representatives will be given the opportunity to make their
contribution to this important plan to move the work forward in our
conference.
As everyone left the hotel on Sunday, all agreed that the weekend was
beneficial, and they are ready to give of their best in service for the
Master. - Dr. John Carey, Editor
 |
- Kenny V.
A. Deveaux
- Director of
Stewardship
- The Bahamas
Conference
|
Stewardship and
Trust Directors’ Workshop/Seminar Held On the 9th of April,
the writer left the beautiful shores of the Bahamas and traveled to the
luscious island of Jamaica to attend a Stewardship and Trust Directors’
workshop/seminar for all Conference Stewardship Directors from Jamaica, the
Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands. This meeting
was to update and project plans for the next few years in all of the fields
of West Indies Union.
One of the more important points and decisions
made was to declare the year 2007 as the "Year of the Member" for the
Stewardship and Trust departments. What this means is that the members will
be the deliberate focus and concentration of the department.
We will seek to educate and empower our members
throughout the Union by exposing them to information and strategies by
conducting seminars, workshops, preaching sermons, and publishing
newsletters, pamphlets and any other means at our disposal. A Union-wide
Stewardship and Trust Congress is being planned for 2008 to continue our
educational and training focus.
During this seminar, Dr. Herman Ming, Managing Director of the Investment
Management Ltd. (IML) gave a very powerful PowerPoint presentation of the
enormous work of the CDF, now the IML, over the past 15 years. No one could
have envisioned the potential positive beneficial reach of the collaborative
efforts of the brethren.
The present goal is to take the fund to the
next level by enlarging the IML to include opportunities for the benefit of
the members. Is it too far fetched to envision the IML evolving into a bank,
with branches in each of the territories (Bahamas, Cayman, Turks and Caicos
and Jamaica)? I am convinced that God, who is owner and sustainer of all, is
prepared to bless our efforts as we are ready to receive and extend our
faith.
Therefore, it is a natural fit for the IML and
the Stewardship and Trust departments to unite and collaborate for the
advancement of the members. We must teach our members budgeting, savings and
investments strategies and plan for the proper disposal of their assets.
Therefore, all of our churches are asked to plan and sponsor seminars to
educate and enlighten our members. Commendations are extended to the Johnson
Park, Breath of Life, Hillview and Grant’s Town congregations for their
leadership in getting the ball rolling during the 1st quarter of 2007. We
look forward to the other churches and their programs coming into focus.
The family islands are also on stream. The conference director will be going
to Exuma and Crooked Island during the month of May and will be sharing with
our brethren over there information on Stewardship and Trust principles that
would assist them in their management of the blessings that God bestows upon
them. -Kenny Deveaux, Stewardship and Trust
Director, BC
 |
- Junie
Parchment
- Women’s
Ministries Director
- of West
Indies Union
|
Women’s
Ministries Workshop Ms. Junie
Parchment, Women’s Ministries Director of West Indies Union will be in
Nassau for a training workshop April 27 to 29, 2007.
Vesper will be held at the Living Faith Church,
Old Trail Road on Friday evening at 7 o’clock. During the divine worship
service Sis. Parchment will speak. Sabbath afternoon at 4 o’clock, a
Leadership training workshop will be held. All are welcome to attend.
-Miriam Knowles, Women’s Ministries Director, BC
 |
- Miriam
Knowles
- Women's
Ministries Director of
- The Bahamas
Conference
|
“Don’t Miss The
Boat” -Women’s Ministries A fun afternoon is planned for
all family members with the Women’s Ministries Pre-Mothers’ Day Boat Cruise.
Tickets are available from your local WM Leader for the cruise on April 29,
2007, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Dinners will be available for a small donation.
There will be lots of fun, laughter, food and fellowship. Don’t let the boat
leave you, get your boarding pass early! -Miriam Knowles, Women’s Ministries
Director, BC
\
 |
- Idamae
Hanna
- Health
Ministries Director of
- The Bahamas
Conference
|
Eight Weeks To
Wellness Goes To School While the
community 8 Weeks to Wellness program is coming to its climax, another phase
is just beginning. On Tuesday evening many parents, educators, sponsors and
health professionals turned out for the launching of the 8 Weeks to Wellness
program in three of our nation's schools. Under the theme "Raising the
standard from super size kids to super healthy kids", the program is seeking
to make an impact on the health of our nation's children.
During the program, the audience was given an
overview of the 8 Weeks to Wellness program and its impact on the community
during the past two years. They were also given an overview of what the
children will learn and receive during this program.
During the evening the audience was serenaded
by the Uriah McPhee Primary school's steel band, and greeted by the famous 8
Weeks to Wellness puppets. Parents were challenged to learn from and
encourage their children as they go through the program. Also during the
program a representative from Bally's Total Fitness led the audience in a
wonderful exercise experience.
At the end, after receiving a handful of fruits, everyone left with a smile
and a little more empowered toward a healthier lifestyle.
The Adventist Health Professionals have
partnered with Bahamas Heart Association, the Ministry of Education,
Ministry of Health and many community business sponsors in order to pilot
this program in our schools. The schools participating in this program are:
Uriah McPhee Primary, E.P. Roberts Primary and Bahamas Academy Secondary.
Participating in the program will be the grade 5 students of both primary
schools which will total over 230 students. At Bahamas Academy both students
and teachers will be participating in the program. Each participant will
receive a program T-Shirt, a pedometer and incentives during the 8 weeks
program.
Eight Weeks to Wellness Graduation In another
week we will be celebrating with the graduates of the third 8 Weeks to
Wellness program. The graudation exercise will be at the Living Faith
Church, Old Trail Road, on Monday, April 30th, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is
excited to see who will receive the two years subscriptions to the gym of
their choice or the helicopter ride for two. The program was great as usual.
Graduates are asked to invite their friends to the graduation program.
Evangelism School Evangelism School will continue on Sunday, April
22, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church. Pastor Peter Joseph will
teach on Discipleship, Spiritual Growth and Spiritual Formation. All persons
who began the class are encouraged to be present. All newly baptized members
are encouraged to attend.
Breath of Life Celebrates 14th Anniversary
The Breath of Life Church will observe its fourteenth anniversary service on
April 28. All are welcome to attend and celebrate with us as we observe this
special service. Dr. M. D. Toote, Host Pastor BOL
 |
- Dr.
Joseph Barrett
- Publishing
Director
- of The West
Indies Union
|
Publishing
Ministry Weekend Today, Sabbath, April 21, the Publishing Weekend
emphasis continues at the New Englerston Church. Dr. Joseph Barrett,
Publishing Director of West Indies Union will be the speaker for the Divine
Service. This afternoon at 5:30, the program will continue with
presentations on the Publishing Ministry. Come and learn more about this
important ministry. Tomorrow, Sunday, April 22, a special seminar for
colporteurs and those who plan to canvass this summer will be conducted from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For additional information, please call Pastor John
Carey at 324-0470.
Personal Ministries Department All Personal Ministries, Sabbath School
Superintendent, Interest Coordinator and Community Service Leaders are asked
to log May 11-13 for a special weekend Workshop. Special Presenters will be
Pastor Joseph Smith and Sister Vivienne Quarrie
Bethany Church Celebrates 10th Anniversary You are cordially invited
to share in the 10th anniversary celebrations at Bethany Church. We begin on
Friday, April 27th th at 7:30 p.m. with songs of praise and thanksgiving, as
we reflect on God's direction and guidance. Sabbath morning service begins
at 9:15 a.m., and promises to be a high day of Praise and Worship. The
weekend concludes on Sunday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. with a grand concert.
Sale! Sale! Brother Lebert McBean, our full-time Literature
Evangelist is pleased to announce an incredible Book Sale for the month of
April while stock lasts for members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, on
the following catagories of Books: Health Food Encyclopedia, Medicinal Plant
Encycolopedia, Medical and Relationship Books, Character Building Story
Books for children, books for Teenagers and religious books. Call Brother
McBean at 426-2279 for more information. This incredible sale is not
available at the ABNC only from McBean!
Maranatha Says Thank You A big thank you to all groups, choirs,
soloists and all who supported our recently held "Stop the Violence" concert
in Freedom Park, Fox Hill.
Combined Choir to Rehearse for Midyear Convention Only serious
ministers of music between the ages of 15-55 are asked to meet at the Living
FaithChurch today 4:30 sharp. This is to prepare a combined mass choir for
midyear convention. A special invitation is extended to All former Mass
choirs members, Unity, Blessed, Harmonious Praise and Praise Reunion Choir.
-Tony Russell
Tell the World Your Church
is making a difference. Tell
the entire conference, the Bahamas and the world what you are doing to shed
the light of the gospel in your local church. This information is to be
submitted to the Conference by the communication secretary of the church by
Tuesday at 12:00 noon. The information may be used in the Logos and/or the
Adventist Page.
✽All church officers having served forty years or more, are asked to submit
their names to their church clerk urgently.
Children's Ministries Upcoming Events Vacation Bible School workshop
(VBS workshop) - Sunday, April 29 at Hillview church from 9:00 a.m. to 12
noon.
Adventist Book Centre Open Tomorrow The ABNC will be open tomorrow,
Sunday, April 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Come check out our new stock of
canned and frozen Vegetarian meats. -C. Blackmore, ABNC Manager
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Today, April 21, the Living Faith Church is expected. Next week Sabbath,
April 28, Maranatha Church is scheduled.
 |
- Curtis
Bryan
- Associate
Youth Director of
- The Bahamas
Conference
|
Youth
Announcements
✽Pathfinders Camp - (August 7-12, 2007) -Persons
interested in working as counselors or volunteers in the up-coming camp are
asked to register their names at the Conference Office Youth Department.
✽Adventist Volleyball Season begins tonight, April 21st at 8:30 p.m.
at the Bahamas Academy Gym. A donation will be collected at the door.
✽The Listen Up Jingles and Logo Competition has been postponed to
Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Nirvana Beach, when we will be having our grand
Listen Up Fun Day! The new deadline to have your submissions in is Thursday,
May 17, 2007. Complete the appropriate form found on the Listen Up website (www.bahamasconference.org
Listen Up) and check out the prizes! Send your names in to
listenupyouthministries @gmail.com.
✽Pathfinder Promise will host a Domino tournament at Grant’s Town
church Annex beginning tonight at 8:30 and Sunday at 3 p.m. Trophies will be
awarded to 1,2,3 in the following categories: under 10, under 20, under 30
and 30 and over. There is no fee and light refreshments will be served.
✽Creole Classes continue at Johnson Park each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
There is still space if you would like to attend.
✽Uniform Inspection April 22 at Grant’s Town Church, at 9:00 a.m.
sharp! All clubs are to be in attendance if they will be on the May 6th
parade. There should be no club meeting at your local church on this date,
all roads lead to Grant’s Town, this includes our Master-guides,
Master-guides in Training and persons who would like to march with us.
Parents of Pathfinders and Adventurers are asked to also be at this
inspection beginning 9:00 a.m. so that we may address concerns you have.
Direcotors should provide a breakfast for their club. -Curtis Bryan,
Assosciate Youth Director, Bahamas Conference
Upcoming Events
Marriage Standards Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday, April
25, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room, Conference Headquarters
Music Standards Committee Meeting will be on Sunday, April 22, 2007, at
10:30 a.m. The Lounge, Counference Headquarters.
Sun
sets today at 7:35 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:38 p.m.
