THE LOGOS

Children's Weekend Celebrated Conference-wide

Yet still we rose even higher in our mountaintop experience when on Sabbath afternoon, all roads led to the Hillview Church. The annual children's concert presented all in attendance with the opportunity to experience true praise to God through the eyes of a child. In a live broadcast, technical producers Nicole and Duran, along with their capable reporters Evanna and Darren brought to a captivated audience that included parents, relatives and friends, a programme far exceeding even international standards.

Who can forget little Lashan Carey with her soul-stirring rendition of "In Return," or Berea's "Creation Jewels" who put their words into action through Pantomime. Of course the children did everything in grand style.

Bethel Ebenezer and Francophone Churches' choir sang in both English and French; music is certainly a universal language.

It certainly wasn't enough to have 'faith' on Sabbath but instead 'Living Faith.' The audience was so pleased with their interpretation of a favorite song, "My Help Cometh From The Lord." that long after the song was completed, the audience still showed its appreciation. Adventist children are definitely blessed with tremendous talents; this was evident in the renditions by many of our other churches-Bethany, Grant's Town, Johnson Park, New Englerston, Maranatha, Good News, Philadelphia, and New Providence. The last performance of the evening was by the sixty-voice choir from the Hillview Church singing "I am a whosoever!"

As if that were not enough, they came from the north, south, east and west and all converged in the Nassau Marriott Crystal Palace Salons II and III for the grand banquet. Even parents and well wishers crowded the hall of the hotel to catch a glimpse of the children dressed in their finest. Under the patronage of Lady Ann Albury, the children feasted and dined in a style fit for ROYALTY! Hosted by the infamous Ray Jennings and Latoya Smith, the children played games, won prizes and voted Mister, Miss, Little Miss and Master Banquet 2000. Harold Dorsette Jr, Janay Hanna, Miquel Scavella and Erin Hepburn respectively all surpassed the competition to receive high praises from their peers to win the titles.

Let me hasten to say how pleased we were to have the 20 children from the children's Emergency Hostel along with two sponsors, worship at Hillview Church for Sabbath School and Divine services. They also enjoyed the delicious meal that was prepared for them. Then to the nine children who returned for the afternoon concert- it certainly was a blessing to them.

Let me thank first of all our conference officers and pastors who supported this programme wholeheartedly. Special thanks to our organizers, committee members, Children Ministry Leaders and faithful teachers. Lastly, thank you to our most valuable gems-our children-many thanks. May God bless you all. Happy holidays! -Sis. Rowena Smith, Children's Ministries Director

IS FAST FOOD PROTESTANT? ADVENTIST HEALTH SPOKESPERSON SAYS 'NO'

Protestants must plead "not guilty" to a special relationship with fast food, says Stoy Proctor, an associate director of the health ministries department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide. Proctor's comments come in response to claims by Roman Catholic theologian Father Massimo Salani that fast food reflects anti-Catholic, Protestant values. Salani's words, appearing November 9 in "Avvenire," the daily newspaper of Italian bishops, have drawn responses from religious leaders--and fast food manufacturers--around the world.

"I certainly can't dispute that burgers, fries, soft drinks, and candies are not the best choices for a healthy diet," says Proctor. "Although I haven't studied the issue deeply, it seems unusual to assert that Protestantism is related, in a special way, with fast food."

According to newspaper reports, Salani said that people buy fast food "in search of the quickest possible meal. The aim is to bolt down food and satisfy hunger as quickly as possible in order to devote themselves to other things." Thus, he suggested, fast food caters to Protestants, reflecting their "rejection of communal values" and their emphasis on an individual relationship with God. Fast food and eating quickly, said Salani, also conformed to the Protestant work ethic.

Calling Salani's claims "creative," Proctor says that the development of the fast food industry is a by-product of the fast-paced nature of modern society, rather than the result of the philosophy of a particular religious movement.

Proctor adds, however, that in making a connection between religion and food, "Father Salani raises an interesting point that the Adventist Church has emphasized for the past 150 years."

"As Adventists, we have long taught that Christians have a responsibility to honor God, the creator of life, by being good stewards of their health," says Proctor. Good nutrition, regular rest and exercise, and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other harmful drugs enhance people's quality of life, he says, "allowing them to better serve their family, their community, and their God."

The Adventist Church, a Protestant denomination with more than 11 million members worldwide, has promoted healthy eating since the mid-1800s, advocating a balanced vegetarian diet that is free from alcohol, caffeine, and destructive drugs. -Bettina Krause

LAY ACTIVITIES

As is clearly evident, the old year is about to give way to 2001. The passing of time takes us closer to the Second Advent. A number of matters require our urgent attention. First, Ingathering 2000 continues with a number of churches having already sung the victory Song in reaching their goal. To these we say "Go for the overflow," while to those who have not yet achieved the objective we encourage you to promote, organize and inspire your fellow members through the Sabbath School Units. Additionally, provide incentives, be creative and give recognition to Units that have succeeded in reaching their Ingathering Goals. By now, each category of members should be fully aware of his or her goal and the community evangelistic basis for the Ingathering Campaign.

Second, in preparation for Lay Activities in the New Year, there will be a very important meeting at Centreville on Sunday, December 3, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. for all Lay Activities Leaders. Election and Induction Services for Lay Federation Officers will also be discussed at this time. Special thanks to all lay evangelists who conducted crusades in 2000, which yielded well over 50 souls.

-Dr. M. D. Toote, Director

PRISON FELLOWSHIP BAHAMAS

The Prison Fellowship Bahamas has a drive going on to collect gifts to give to prisoners' children during the Christmas holidays. You can help by purchasing one or more items for a male or female child in the age range of toddlers to pre-teens. Please help us help the many imprisoned parents who are locked up to reach out from behind bars and touch their children's lives with a gift of love. "For inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it for me," says Jesus.

Persons wishing to contribute to this worthwhile effort can take their donations directly to the Prison Fellowship Building on Coconut Grove and Palm Tree Avenues between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Please do not allow the special joys of Christmas that only a child can experience to be taken from these innocent children because of he actions of their parents. Help us to help those who cannot help themselves. Give a gift of love?

CORPORATE FUN-RUN

The first annual Health Ministries corporate Fun-Run will be held February 19, 2001. Please call Joan Duncombe for further information.

BA SECONDARY

**BA Secondary is in urgent need of a substitute English teacher for grades 9 and 10 for November 27, 2000, to March 9, 2001. A Science teacher for grades 7 to 9 is urgently needed to begin I January, 2001. Interested persons should contact Principal Rolle at the school or call 393-3381 during business hours.

NEW CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES LEADERS FOR 2001

All Children's Ministries Leaders and assistants for the year 2001 are asked to register with Mrs. Joan Duncombe at the Conference Office as soon as possible. Please give name, church and telephone contact.

PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS PROGRAMME

Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division is now offering a certificate course for pre-school/teachers. Classes begin November 27, 2000. Call 393-9362 for details regarding registration, or stop by the office at Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has a vacancy for a recent high school graduate with typing/computer skills to work as an office assistant. Application forms are available at the school between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Fridays.

*VIDEO TAPES of the Memorial Service and State Funeral for Sir Lynden Pindling, former Prime Minister of the Bahamas, are available for $25 at the ABC.

The Adventist Health Ministries will be hosting Health Seminar Cruises Sunday, July 29, and Sunday, August 5, 2001. Seminar topics are "How to Live A Stress Free Life, Changing your Body one Step at a time. How to keep a Positive Mind Set, men's/women's Health Issues, Activities for Children and the whole family." You can't afford to miss them. Further details at Convention 2001. If interested, contact Mrs. Joan Duncombe at the Office and leave your name and phone number.

'PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Seraphic Sounds will feature Paula Musgrove and Gerrard Rigby in concert December 16 and 17, 2000 at 8 p.m. at the Dundas Centre for Performing Arts. Special guest artists: Voices of Praise, and L. Terez Davis (Dramatist). Tickets available in all Churches. Contact A. Mason #364-5426 and R. Smith #325-6885.

PAYA YOUTH AWARD BANQUET

Attention, all youths and young at heart! The P.A.Y.A. Award Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. on December 19, 2000, in the ballroom of SuperClubs Breezes Hotel. Tickets are available from your local A.Y. Leaders and Pathfinder Director. This banquet is billed to be exciting and innovative. This is one you don't want to miss. Secure your seat early!

SDA BURIAL SOCIETY TO MEET

All members of the SDA Burial Society are reminded of their regular meeting on Monday, December 4, 2000, at 7 p.m. at the Grant's Town church. Persons interested in joining are welcomed.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY TO MEET

All Women's Ministry Leaders and assistants requested to meet with Sis. Alwhyne Scavella, Women's Ministry Director, on Sunday, December 3^rd, 2000, at 3:30 p.m. at the New Providence Church, Soldier Road.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bahamas Conference Workers' Meeting will be held January 2 to 3, 2001. Annual Audit Meetings - January 4 to 5, 2001.

Convention 2001 will be held January 5 to 6 at the Joe Farrington Road Auditorium. The grand opening of the new Conference Office and Adventist Book Centre will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2001, at 2 p.m.

As we plan for this great day, we request your prayers and your continual financial support so that our presentation will once again cause our entire nation to take notice of the work and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Bahamas.

BILINGUAL CRUSADE

The Bethel SDA Church began its crusade on Sunday, November 26, 2000, with Evangelist Wilson Isnord. The attendance has been great and the preaching dynamic. Come and experience the difference at the white tent on Carmichael Road next door to the FNM Constituency office. A blessing awaits you!

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Persons interested in applying for a general maintenance job are asked to contact Marsha at 327-7921 for details.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS

Will be held in Brazil, March 22-April 2, 2001. Approximate cost is $900. For more information, contact Youth Ministries or Youth Accent Magazine.

The United Youth Congress of Black Adventists Youth Directors of the North American Division will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Interested persons should contact Miss Kerry Cargill at 341-4021/2 Ext. 45 for details.

'THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS'

A Christmas Musical will be presented by the faculty and students of Bahamas Academy Secondary. You are invited to share in the joy of "The Gift of Christmas," on Sunday, December 10, 2000, at the Hillview SDA Church at 7:00 p.m. (A freewill offering will be taken).

ALL SENIOR CHOIR LEADERS ASK TO ATTEND AN URGENT MEETING

All senior choir leaders of all SDA Churches in New Providence are asked to meet with Pastor K. D. Albury, today at 3:30 p.m. at the Centreville SDA Church.

SDA EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION TO MEET

A meeting of the Bahamas Conference of SDA Educators Association will be held on Saturday, December 9^th, 2000, at Bahamas Academy Secondary School, Wulff Road at 7 p.m.

All Seventh-day Adventist Teachers and persons interested in the education of children are encouraged to attend.

Sun sets today at 5:20 p.m.

Sun sets next Sabbath at 5:21 p.m.