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Parkgate
Church Is Still Holding On
On Sabbath , May 14, 2005, members and guests of Parkgate Seventh-day
Adventist Church assembled in the church's Fellowship Hall to celebrate
fifteen years of service for Christ. Every available seat was occupied by the
time the Divine Service started. In addition to the inspirational singing the
message by the Pastor, Paul Scavella, encouraged and challenged the
congregation to hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ.
In reflecting on how God guided the church from its beginning to the
present, Sister Charise Neely likened Parkgate to "A Great Tree." The
following is a transcript of her reflections: "A tiny seed was planted in
April 1990 by the Bahamas Conference after a foreign gardener called Pastor C.
Watkins came in and dug and tilled the soil of Nassau. This small seed was
called the Ephesus Adventist Church and it was planted on Jerome & Chesapeake
Roads. From the beginning, it was decided that this location was only
temporary, as there were big plans for the tree and it would eventually
outgrow this location.
The tiny seed soon started to send out its roots and these included persons
like Brother & Sister Brennen, Brother and Sister Major, and Pastor Danny
Major. These persons were the charter members who left their established
churches to help in God's vineyard. Other original members who represent the
roots in the church were the Taylor sisters, the Kings, the Forbes sisters,
Brother Ferguson and many others.
The young seedling was tender and needed experienced gardeners to tend it.
It was assigned to the care of Pastor M. Smith, who watered it with sermons.
Over the years, many other gardeners came and used their individual skills in
the growth of the advancing tree. Pastor Major brought youth, vitality and
soul-lifting praise and worship. Pastor Adderley loved the youth and always
opened his home to all. Pastor Carey was an organizer and would call and
visit. Pastor Price joined in the Sunday morning exercise club. Pastor Rolle
brought the families together with seminars. Pastor Gary King used godly
tactics to produce packed Wednesday night services. Pastor Carl Johnson was
our personal motivator. Pastor Anson Albury was a part of the family during
services and after. Our present gardener, Pastor Scavella, was instrumental in
transplanting the tree from its previous location to its final address,
Parkgate Road. The tree though cared for by all these gardeners, its ultimate
reliance is on our Lord Jesus Christ who said we are the apple of His eye.
The tree has grown and produced many fine fruit over the years. Though
small, its members were blessed with many talents received from the Master
Himself. There were marriages such as Michael and Lisl Rolle, Derek and
Annamae Fowler, Lynden and Vanria Gardiner and Tim and Brenda Gibson.
Naturally baby dedications would follow. Many babies were dedicated to the
Lord including Monica Rolle, Valencia Forbes, Gabrielle Finlayson, Kendeisha
Hanna, Rachel Major, the Gardiners, the Rolles and many others.
Many programs were conducted by Ephesus which included Prophecy Seminars,
Crusades, Family seminars and as a result many souls were baptized and found
shelter in the branches of this growing tree. Other outreach efforts were
conducted by the Welfare Society, Health & Temperance, Women's Ministries and
the Youth Department. Soup, food and clothes were distributed to Unity House,
Bilney Lane Children's Home and the Kemp Road community. Singles Seminars were
conducted by the Brennens and many persons from the other local churches
participated. None of us will forget the thanksgiving program put on by the
Adventist men which showed their interpretation of women.From Ephesus, the
first Sign Language Group in the conference, the Singing Hands was formed.
Under the leadership of Phyllis Woodside, the group performed in many of the
local churches in Nassau, the Family Islands and even in Panama in 1993 at the
Youth Conference. Our AY Department has always been vibrant with programs that
catered to the mental and spiritual. We remember our two very successful
talent programs which were held at the Bahamas Academy gym and included
outfits from the fifties and Tanya and Blanche dressed as clowns giving out
treats to the audience.
In addition to growing together in church, Parkgate members realize the
importance of socializing and this has been fostered through many church
banquets with many themes. The first banquet was held at the church on Jerome
Avenue. Subsequent banquets were held at ambassador Beach (now Breezes).And
who can forget the Tropical Christmas banquet with all the colorful outfits
and gifts. There was also a surprise celebration planned for the Brennens and
Majors 50th wedding anniversary and the Albury’s 40th. We know how to have fun
in the Lord.
We have had some losses over the years and pay tribute to three members who
have passed away. Our very own star, Elizabeth Taylor, could put a smile on
any face and was the statuesque of the Ephesus Singing Hand. Mother Brennen
was faithful and struggled up the steps even when she was not well. Finally,
Elder Fritz Ferguson who was quiet in the early years, but showed that he had
great talent in introducing persons and in presenting sermons. We miss them
and look forward to seeing them in the New Jerusalem.
This tree that started as Ephesus and is now Parkgate has weathered many
storms, but it is still standing strong. It has buried its roots deep in the
word of God and its branches have grown up under the light of the Holy Spirit.
Its branches provide shelter to many who have left the world of sin to walk
with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also has produced fruit in its season
by presenting "thus saith the Lord," so that souls may hear and do according
to the word. Jesus said "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it
abide in the vine, no more can you, except you abide in me. I am the vine, you
are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit, for without me you can do nothing." This is our mandate, brothers
and sisters, as we seek to continue to grow as a tree planted in the Lord's
vineyard. Stay connected to Christ through prayer, Bible study and service. We
need to work together so that we and all those we labor for can be saved in
God's kingdom. Our tree must never stop growing. -Charisse Neily
Adventist Men’s Ministry The Adventist Men of the Kencot
Seventh-day Adventist Church (Kingston, Jamaica) are visiting Nassau this
weekend, May 19 to 22, 2005. Their ministry began last night and continues
today at the Living Faith Church. They will be featured today at 9:15 a.m. and
at 6:00 p.m. at Living Faith Church. Everyone is invited to attend. A free
will offering will be collected.
Good News Church 17th Anniversary and Dedication of New
Furniture You are invited to celebrate with the Good News Church its 17th
anniversary and dedication of new church furniture beginning Friday, May 27,
at 7:30 p.m., at the church on Great Britian Street, Flamingo Gardens.
Services continue on Sabbath, May 28 at 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m. with Divine
worship and at 5:00 p.m. with a Praise service.
On Sunday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. a service of dedication of new church
furniture will be held. The entire SDA Community is invited to come and
support your sister church in this service of thanksgiving. A love offering
will be lifted. - Host Pastor, Dr. H. A. Roach
Adventist Youth Receives Award Each year during the month of May, the
government of the Bahamas recognizes the significant contribution of youth and
youth leaders throughout the Bahamas.
During this year's annual awards ceremony, Nicole Autoria Moss received the
most outstanding youth award for the island of Crooked Island.
Autoria, as she is commonly called, is the Adventist Youth Leader for the
Landrill Point S.D.A. Church. A 12th grade student at the local high school,
Autoria wants to continue her education at C.O.B. in September of this year.
In addition, she was the family island delegate at the Inter American Division
Evangerliving Symposium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, last year.
Further, at the ceremony, which was held at the Rain Forest Theatre, Cable
Beach, Phillip "Marco" Culmer from the New Providence Church was the co-emcee
for the evening. We would also want to thank the Pathfinders from the Grant's
Town and Centreville clubs who ushered during the event. Our Adventist young
people continue to make their presence felt at the local and national levels.
South Andros - Prayer Breakfast It was a first for the Kemps' Bay
Seventh-day Adventist Church! The new officers and members of the Women's
Ministry planned and executed their first prayer breakfast on Sunday, May 15,
2005. For us it was an enormous success! Well supported by our three sister
churches, guests from New Providence (Pastor Duncombe's family members) and
from North Andros in the persons of our pastor, Mark Ewen, his wife, Sister
Twesha and daughter, Mate`a.
We feasted first on spiritual food as the Holy Spirit imparted to our guest
speaker Sister Dornaray Taffe. "Can These Dry Bones Live?" Was the weighty
question God had asked Ezekiel. Expounding on this topic, Sister Taffe
reminded us that we are spiritually dead when disconnected from the "Source of
Life, God the Creator." She encouraged us to use the gift of influence in
positive ways and to move beyond the mundane things of life cultivating a love
for God and for one another. The power of the Holy Spirit was evident as we
prayed with and for one another.
The physical food was plentiful and delicious. We give glory to God and His
kindness and His tender mercies towards us, guiding and directing in the way
we should go. Many thanks to all who assisted in anyway in making this
occasion a tremendous success. We pray that this is just the beginning of good
things for South Andros. - Sis. Ena Miller, WM Leader, Kemp's Bay Church
Messengers of Hope Needed The Home Health Education Service needs
some committed positive representatives. The successful applicants will be
rewarded according to their diligence and faithfulness. Unlimited
opportunities for growth and development of a business that can provide
benefits on various levels. You have to get involved to believe it. Call
341-4021 to arrange for an interview. Only serious Christians need apply.
Mid-Year Family Summit May 29 Under the theme, "A Call for Family
Restoration," all Adventist married couples, engaged couples, single parents,
divorcees, widows and widowers, teenagers and young adults are invited to
attend a Grand Family Summit on Sunday, May 29, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Berea Adventist Church, Blue Hill Road, south. Child care will be provided for
Children age eleven and under.
Aerobics for Health and Wellness The aerobics class for health &
wellness continues at the Fanta C Fitness Gym tomorrow.
Last Sunday morning, 20 persons participated in this activity which proved
to be not only a fun time but a time for fellowship with other Adventist
Christians. We would like more persons to participate in these aerobics
classes put on exclusively for church members and their guests.
The gym is located at Plaza Del Sol, Prince Charles Drive opposite Doris
Johnson Senior High School. If you are interested, be at the Gym tomorrow
morning at 7:30 a.m. There is a small fee for this time spent which will give
you priceless health benefits. Children under 14 will not be allowed in the
Gym. -Betty Knowles & Shandera Smith, Health & Temperance Leaders
Philadelphia Church
Youth Announcements The Pathfinder Staff Training Course for this week
is postponed. Masterguides in training will meet at their respective places on
Sunday morning.
Adventurer / Pathfinder Camp
August 7th - 14th
North Andros, Bahamas
Application forms are available at the Conference Office Youth Department.
A non-refundable deposit is required by June 30th. In addition, application
forms must be completed by June 30th.
For further information you may contact your Adventurer/Pathfinder Director
or the Youth Department at the Conference.
VBA is on the Move The foundation for Phase I of the New Bahamas
Academy project has been cut, and the steel has arrived. We need volunteers to
tie the steel that will be placed into the foundation. Call Bro. Winston Ash
at 394-1063 to arrange when you will be able to help. Also, remember your
financial commitment to this project. Masons are needed to assist in building
a wall for the church in Abaco. Interested persons should contact Bro. Ash at
394-1063 as soon as possible. -Editor
Principal Needed for Adventist School The North Bahamas Mission
Executive Committee is seeking to fill the position of Principal of The Grand
Bahama Academy of SDA. Applications and nominations of qualified persons for
the position are being accepted.
All applications or nominations should be submitted to: The Chairman,
Search Committee, P.O. Box F 40515. Fax: 374-5673 or 374-5674.
Meeting for Literature Evangelists All literature evangelists
(part-time and full-time) are requested to attend a very important meeting
tomorrow May 22, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. at the New Englerston Church on East
Street. Bahamas Academy students who plan to participate in the literature
ministry this summer should atttend also. Please come on time!
The 2005/2006 Officers for the SDA Educators Association At a meeting
held on May 30, the following persons were elected to serve as officers in the
Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators Association for the 2005/2006 school
year:
- President: Terry Dames
- Vice President: Gerthlyn Bullens
- Vice President: Edith Roach
- Secretary: Lena Munroe
- Asst. Secretary: Valerie King
- Treasurer: Jacqueline Wilmore
- Asst. Treasurer: Rowena Smith
- Chaplain: Tameika Mamby
- Asst. Chaplain: Lydia Browne
- Social Secretary: Elizabeth Lynes
- Asst. Social Secretary: Orencia Ferril
- Public Relations Secretary:Elmore Jacques
- Asst. P. R. Secretary Pansy Brown
Adventist Book Centre
The Adventist Book Centre hours during daylight saving time are:
- Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
- Friday 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
- Sunday 8:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
-Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC Manager
Bahamasair Direct to St. Louis, MO The Sands/Moncur Group will be
traveling direct on Bahamasair June 29 to St. Louis, MO, for the 57th
General Conference session, and return on Sunday, July 10 will depart from St.
Louis at 1:00 p.m. A limited number of seats are still available on this
charter. Persons interested in using this service and are still in need of
accommodation in St. Louis are asked to contact 392-0589 to secure space.
-Sands/Moncur
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The
schedule for today, May 21, will be the Real Harvest Church, and next week the
Shepherdess Club..
Jeff Rodgers 18th Annual Basketball Camp The 18th
annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball camp is scheduled to begin June 27 and end on
July 22, 2005. Camp starts at 9:00 a.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym. Registration
can be done at the SDA Headquarters and the BA Secondary Division.
Father and Son, 5-K Run The Breath of Life Pathfinder and Sports Club
will sponsor a Fathers’ Day- Fun run (Father and son, 5-K Run) on Sunday, June
19, beginning at 7:00 a.m.at the Church on Marshall Road. Breakfast will be
served following fun rum. See application forms for special awards for 1st,
2nd, and 3rd place winners. - Pastor J. Duncombe
Card for Dr. C. J. Thomas All former students of Dr. C. J. Thomas are
requested to stop by the Conference office on Harrold Road to sign a "get
well" card. The card will be at the receptionist desk as of Monday, May 23,
2005.
Helper Needed A family is looking for a reliable helper that is able to
drive. Please call 341-2429
Wholestic Lifestyle Center Opened Wholestic Lifestyle a clinic
specializing in Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics) is now opened for business. Call
325-6173 or 323-0610 for additional information on how you can benefit from
this highly recommended health program.
