THE LOGOS

Lieberman Highlights Pitfalls of Sabbath-keeping on the Job

"Lieberman's Sabbath beliefs have drawn a huge amount of media interest," says Tyner, an associate in the legal department of the Adventist Church's international headquarters. "But what these reports fail to mention is that other, less prominent Americans have no effective legal protection when faced with the choice between their employment or their Sabbath beliefs."

Every day in the United States, says Tyner, two or three Adventists will lose their job or be refused employment because they choose to follow the dictates of conscience rather than work on Saturday.

Tyner says that there is a certain irony that while public attention is focused on Lieberman's Sabbath stand, a bill, co-sponsored by Lieberman and intended to increase workplace accommodation of Sabbath-keepers, is "quietly languishing in Congress."

The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) was introduced into the Senate in September, 1999, and in the House of Representatives in April, 2000. If passed, the law would ensure that employers have a meaningful obligation to accommodate reasonably the religious practices of their employees, unless to do so would cause the employer "undue hardship." "This is an essential piece of legislation," says Tyner. "It is balanced, acknowledging the needs of both employers and employees, and it has the support of a broad array of religious and civil rights groups."

"The historic and symbolic significance of having a Jewish American on a presidential ticket is undeniable," adds Tyner. "But unless WRFA is passed, giving everyday, working Americans the same opportunity as Lieberman to have his or her religious beliefs accommodated on the job, then what really has been won?"

Richard Foltin, legislative director for the American Jewish Committee and chair of a D.C. coalition that spearheaded the WRFA drafting and lobbying efforts, told ANN that time is running out for WRFA to be passed before the 106th Congress adjourns in October this year.

"While we're hopeful that at least a hearing on the bill will be scheduled, we know that Congress has a crowded legislative agenda between now and adjournment." If the bill fails to pass before the end of the Session, says Foltin, it will have to be reintroduced at the beginning of the new Congressional Session early in 2001.

Lieberman is "lucky," according to Alan Reinach, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the Adventist Church in California. "He has a 'boss' who knew he wanted Sabbath off, and agreed to 'hire' him anyway," says Reinach. "Thousands of Americans are not so lucky. When they tell a prospective employer they can't work on the Sabbath, they don't get hired. Thousands more lose their jobs each year when their schedules are changed to require work in conflict with their faith."

The Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian organization formed in 1863, teaches the observance of Saturday as a "day of rest." Like Orthodox Jews, Adventists mark this 24-hour period from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. There are more than 11 million Adventists in 205 countries around the world. Of these, almost one million live in North America. ANN

THE DYNAMIC DUO

What an awesome twosome! They are twin sides of the same character for the child of God. If we are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, then we must reflect these two.

What two? Dynamic Stewardship and Discipleship. This was vividly pointed out in a recent article from the General Conference Stewardship Department. These twin characteristics were exhibited in the attitude of the widow in Mark 12: 43, 44. You recall that when she placed her two mites in the offering box, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything ­ all she had to live on" (NIV).

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Only a [person] . . . totally committed in discipleship can experience the meaning of the cross". And what is the meaning of the cross but unselfishness, self-denial and sacrifice (see Luke 9: 23).

How have we been this year in our stewardship and discipleship? How has this been reflected in our giving patterns? Do we give consistently, regularly, systematically, disinterestedly in our benevolence? In spite of the demands of school fees and uniforms, mortgages, rent payments, loans, vacations and other things ­ do we give to God first? Do we "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness"? Can we testify that He has added unto us (see Mt. 6: 28 ­ 33)?

Tithes and offerings in particular, talents, your body, time management and environmental care are wrapped in the twins, Dynamic Stewardship and Discipleship. Philippians 2: 5 says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ". These twins were characteristic of Jesus, our Model. These twins should be characteristic of us, His disciples. What a dynamic duo!

--- M. A. Smith, Director

HEALTH MINISTRIES

From September 13 to 17, Elder Milton Gregory, along with Dr and Mrs. Marshall and Gladys Hollingstead from Pacific Health Center, will conduct a seminar on Nutrition and Cancer.

From now through December the full health areas will be promoted by health directors in the local churches: August - Exercise and Health; September -Nutrition and Health; October -Mental Health; November-Men's/women's and children's health issues; and December - Financial Health.

ELDERS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SERVICES - ELEUTHERA

On July 29, 2000, four dedicated and long-serving elders were honored in a special service at the Tarpum Bay Church

Many family members, friends, members from sister churches on the island, and individuals visiting from Nassau and other Family Islands assembled to share in this special occasion.

During the service the honorees and their wives were presented with plaques. The church listened to the tributes that were read about their individual contributions to the growth and development of the work in Eleuthera.

Additionally, Elder and Sister Tanis were recognized for their selfless contribution to the James Cistern Church.

Well deserving praise and appreciation were extended to Elder and Mrs. Hezekiah Knowles, Tarpum Bay; Elder Lofton Culmer, Rock Sound; Elder and Mrs. Ralph Carey, Tarpum Bay; Elder and Mrs. Elvis Forbes, Rock Sound.

Assisting Pastor K. O. Boateng with the presentations were Pastor Drakett from the Cayman Islands Mission, and Elders Charles and Wesley Carey.

Owing to the physical health of Elder Anderson, the pastor and two elders traveled to the Bluff where a brief but inspiring honoring service was conducted at his home. Elder and Sister Anderson were honored at the meeting.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT

All persons who would like to travel to United Youth Congress next year, April are asked to meet at Hillview 8:30. tonight.

Youth Boat Cruise -

September 2, 8:30 p.m. Meeting place - Behind the straw market. Pay at the site.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Seminar for new parents

August 28 & 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Orientation for new students

(Students must be in FULL UNIFORM)

Friday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Orientation for new students and parents

Sunday, August 27, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

(At the Early Learning Centre on Soldier Road)

School reopens on September 4^th for all students.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY SECONDARY SCHOOL

Orientation for all new students and their parents

(Students need not wear uniform.)

Thursday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m.

H. G. Colburn Gymnatorium.

A Bible teacher for Grades 7 ­ 9 is URGENTLY needed. Please contact the Principal at 393-3381.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Catch the vision and grow with Bahamas Academy Continuing Education. Improve your communication skills by enrolling in one of the courses offered at the BACE center. Special Interest Courses include Public Speaking, Auto Body Repair, Vegetarian Cooking, Introduction to Computers, Typing, and Reading.

BJC Subjects: Mathematics, English, Religious Knowledge, Social Studies, Literature.

BGCSE Subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Accounts, Chemistry, R. K., Physics. For additional information, please call 393-9362 (Monday­Thursday, 9:00 a.m. ­ 4:30 p.m.) Don't delay enroll in the course of your choice.

Sun sets today at 7:36 p.m.

Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:28 p.m.

ALL CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES LEADERS are asked to assemble at Hillview Church in the upper eastern wing on Sabbath August 26, 2000, at 6:00 p.m. for a very important meeting.

THANK YOU! - Pastor Sturrup wishes to thank all those who have been praying for him. Please continue to pray for him, as he continues to recuperate.

WANTED - Front Desk job available. Call Human Resources at 327-7921 or 327-8153

Death Announcement

We regret to announce the passing of Erma Higgs, wife of Bro. Leroy Higgs of Grant's Town. Funeral service will be held at Grant's Town at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 27, Condolences are extended to all family members.

NCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Northern Caribbean University (formerly West Indies College) Alumni reformation Monday, September 4, 7:30 p.m., at the Johnson Park Church in the basement. For further information call Barry Saunders at 356-8367.

GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA - with Gospel Trail, Sunday, September 3, at Worker's House, Harrold Road. Donation $10.00.

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE Persons interested in pursuing the above course at COB, please contact Sherine Grant at 356-3085 or 327-6640, Ext 6157 ASAP.

All Women's Ministries Leaders are asked to meet at the home of Sister A. Scavella tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.

GRANT'S TOWN 70^TH ANNIVERSARY

Join Grant's Town in their 70^th Church Anniversary celebrations September 8-9, 2000 at the church on Wellington Street. All former members and friends are invited to attend.

Campsite, Camp Bamivoca

Re-development Committee

Welcome back campers of Camp South Andros 2000. Everyone is waiting to hear of your kool experiences. Give God the Praise for his constant care and protection.