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What Are You Bring to School This Year?

Sabbath, August 10

Well, it's just about that time of year again--when preparations are being
made for a new school year. College students will be leaving the Island
soon to return to their respective campuses. The school year at Bermuda
Institute begins in a couple of weeks--with a new principal. Bermuda
College's fall semester begins soon and public schools will open next month.

With all of this activity, have you thought about what you'll bring to
school this year? We're not just talking about pencils, pens and books in a
brand-new school bag. But the other stuff--the stuff people can't see such
as:

- integrity
- experience
- positive self image
- teachable spirit

Are you bringing your friendliness, enthusiasm or confidence? Let's hope
you're NOT bringing qualities such as laziness, fear of failure (remember
Philippians 4:13?), pettiness or habitual lateness.

Moms (and others in the student's support system), are you bringing a spirit
of cooperation to your son or daughter's school?

On Sabbath, August 10, the Women's Ministry Department held a panel/audience
discussion with a cross section of women in the church with the topic,
"What are you bringing to school this year". Our panel consisted of two
returning college students, three mature students and one teacher. The
audience and panelists shared openly about juggling family responsibilities
and school work, fighting off doubt and staying motivated. The ladies on
the panel identified a willingness to learn, determination and being
organized as some of the character traits they will bring to the classroom
this year. Daily personal devotional time with God is essential for
success.

Following the theme of our opening song, "Somebody Prayed for Me", we formed
a 'circle of love' and prayed for all of our returning students. Let's
continue to support, encourage and pray for our students who are studying in
Bermuda and abroad. In particular, please remember our panelists:

Temika Mallory - student, Oakwood College
Teneke Stevens - student, University of Huntsville
Lucy Douglas - mother and part-time student, Bermuda College
Curdell Pearman - mother, full-time student, Middle East University
(Lebanon)
Joan Robinson - mature student, Wildwood Lifestyle Center & Hospital (in
January)
Dana Bassett - teacher

"Bind us Together"
Prayer Retreat
Friday, March 15

After months of planning and anticipation, the "Bind us Together" Prayer Retreat became a reality on Friday, March 15 as women from across the Island arrived at the Fairmont Southampton Princess to experience this remarkable event.

Prayer Walking
Early risers put their time to good use by participating in the prayer walk organized by Sis. Cynthia Aberdeen and Sis. Rhoda Baker. The ladies followed a prepared route which was creatively developed for the walkers to stop at each ‘parish’ where they prayed for a specific area of concern. The route took them along the grounds of the Princess ending at the beach where they offered prayers of praise before returning to the hotel for the morning’s activities.

Women in Focus
Those who were unable to attend the Retreat were still able to experience portions of the Retreat through the on-site coverage by "Adventists In Focus" host, Pastor Mike Faison. Pastor Faison was on hand to report on the activities and share with the ladies for the benefit of the listening audience. Thank you, "Adventists in Focus", for covering the worship service on Sabbath morning!

Bind Us Together in Love
Sis. Helen Lightbourne of Warwick Church used her gift as a quilter to bring everyone together while creating a symbol of our uniqueness that will serve as a special memory long after the weekend is over. The prayer quilt was unveiled during the Vesper Service and served as a tangible reminder of our theme, "Bind Us Together" for the remainder of the Retreat. It will hang in Southampton church in approximately 8 months’ time.

After the sumptuous food, the inspiring and informative workshops, the sweet fellowship and good ol’ fashioned fun, there comes that moment when it is time to say ‘good by’ to new and old friends, pack our bags and go home. Where do we go from here? That’s up to each individual to decide. Whether it will be falling back into the same old routine and habits or falling on your knees to accept God’s leading, the choice is yours—and mine.

Southampton SDA Church