The Gift of Christmas

The first half of the programme whetted our appetite for good music as the male teachers rendered "The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy." Not to be undone, the ladies on staff complemented the men's performance with their selection, "Mary's Boy Child."

The second half of the evening's performance was presented by the eager students, who made up the school's choir. They reminded us of the Gift of God's son to the world some two thousand years ago. A perfect gift that goes on and on in our lives if we allow Him to. Christ is beautiful, He is the Prince of Peace, Wonderful, The Almighty God.

As we neared the end of the musical programme, we were encouraged to sing God's praises, to be glad that Jesus is in our life and that He came to save us, to show us the way: from earth to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. Let us continue to lift God's name on High!

Commendations to Mrs. Rowena Smith and her musical team, Miss Allison Sawyer and Mr. Jeremiah Duncombe; Mr. Ronald Julien and the Drama Club, especially the delightful and moving performance of Anisia Ferguson and Jermaine Rollins as Mary and Joseph. Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Raymond Antonio who so graciously used his talents as our Master of Ceremonies.

See you next year. Happy New Year, from the Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of Bahamas Academy Secondary! -Marie Rolle

Sun sets today at 5:21 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 5:23 p.m.

Adventists Support Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day 2000 brought commemoration from around the world, with Seventh-day Adventist participation in programs in New York and Geneva.
Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke live by satellite from Santiago, Chile, to a 400-strong audience at UN headquarters. Robinson, a former prime minister of Ireland, was in Santiago for the regional preparatory meetings for the UN Conference on Racism to be held in South Africa later this year.
"The recently concluded regional meeting in Strasbourg showed that Europe is facing up to racism more honestly than in the past, and there is the same willingness here in the Americas and Caribbean," said Robinson. "There is a strong sense of need to link issues of gender and race, discrimination, women and youth."
Asked how the Conference on Racism would be of practical help, Robinson replied that one significant issue was "how values of diversity and respect can be implemented."
"We want to reach out to schools and ministries of education so that they can get involved in conscious thinking on the agenda of tolerance, openness, values, and the worth of every individual."
Attending the December 7 meeting in New York, Jonathan Gallagher, United Nations liaison director for the Adventist Church, affirmed the emphasis on education and human rights.
"As a Church, we have long argued for the importance of every human being and the vital need to protect human rights, especially such fundamentals as religious liberty and freedom of conscience," says Gallagher. "We also are totally committed to education, with more than 1 million students in our schools worldwide, emphasizing moral and ethical principles as part of our curricula. While Human Rights Day is just a yearly observance, we are trying to put into practice throughout our organization the spiritual values on which respect for human rights are based. We support all such attempts to improve the quality of life for every inhabitant of this planet, and commit ourselves again to defending and helping the poor, the oppressed, and the suffering."

Long-serving SDA Pastor Is Awarded a Doctorate

Pastor Hugh A. Roach, a veteran of forty-five years in Christian service, was awarded a doctor of divinity degree on Monday, December 11. He was one among six notable and outstanding Bahamians who were recognized for their remarkable contributions to our Bahamian society and the international community. Known for his oratorical skills, among many qualities, Pastor Roach has distinguished himself as a pulpiteer, educator, radio speaker, counselor, church builder, marriage officer, sports enthusiast, and friend of many. Dr. Benjamin W. Robertson, president of Westminster Ministries and Seminary, conferred the degrees.

Pastor Roach is married to the former Olga L. Rookwood. They have a son, Hubert, and a daughter, Opal and are proud parents of three grand-children. Currently, Dr. Roach serves as pastor of the Maranatha and Philadelphia churches in the eastern district of New Providence.

The conference administration is pleased to salute Dr. Roach. Indeed, he is one deserving of such accolades and awards. Congratulations, Dr. Roach!

BA SECONDARY

**A science teacher for grades 7 to 9 is urgently needed to begin I January, 2001. A temporary cafe worker is also needed from January to March, 2001. Interested persons should contact Principal Rolle at the school or call 393-3381 during business hours.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY­

Between November 29 and December 2^nd, Pastor A dderley visited the Crooked Island District. Praise the Lord for a Baptism of 1 precious soul.

BAHAMAS CONFERENCE'S HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Compliments of the season and best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.

Kindly note the following official closing period for the Conference Office and Adventist Book Centre:

**December 21, Office closed to the general public at 11:00 a.m.

**December 21, 2000, at noon -Office Luncheon.

**December 27, office reopens

**December 29, office closed

**January 2 to 3, 2001, Workers' Meetings -Radisson Hotel

**January 3, 2001, Pre-Convention Prayer

Meeting at Centreville Church at 7 p.m.

**January 4 to 5, 2001- Office reopens and Audit Meetings. Convention Service at Berea at 7 p.m.

**January 5 to 6, 200,1 Convention- Joe Farrington Road

**January 7, 2001, at 2 p.m., Official opening of Conference office.

ADVENTIST BOOK CENTER will be closed Monday, December 18, to Tuesday, December 19, owing to paving of grounds. ABC Store reopens on Wednesday, December 19. On Wednesday Sabbath School Supplies will be available for collection. Devotionals are now in stock.

As we plan for the official opening of our new building , we request your prayers and continued 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.

-Secretariat Department

LAY ACTIVITIES

There will be a meeting today, Dec. 16, 2000, to elect lay federation officers for the Southwest churches: Hillview, Berea, Good News and Breath of Life

On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. the following churches of the Northwest Federation will hold their election of officers: Grant's Town, Johnson Park, and New Englerston.

At 11:00 a.m. the Northeast churches will meet to elect officers: Centreville, Ephesus, and Living Faith.

WORSHIP ENLIGHTENMENT

Are you tired of the same non-challenging style of worship? Do you desire something different? How about a worship experience that would explode in a continuous fashion, that will give you a spiritual high throughout every week?

I have the answer! Visit our Early Morning Service at the Grant's Town S.D.A. Church this and every Sabbath morning at 8 o' clock. You will find dynamic, soul stirring music, excellent power packed inspirational Bible based sermons plus a whole lot more. Can't wait! See you there!

LOOK OUT For..

The newest professional organization for Bahamas Conference of SDA, The Health Professional Association, Bahamas Chapter. If you work in any area of health, be it physician, nurse, lab technologist, biochemist, scientist, educator, nutritionist, health food industry etc, this organization is for you. AHPA will make history at Convention 2001. Be there and receive a gift especially for you.

INVESTITURE SERVICE

Northeast Federation Masterguide Class 2000, will be holding their Investiture Service on Sunday, December 17, 2000, at 2 p.m. There will be a special march from Windsor Park to Bahamas Academy School. Masterguides in full uniform are invited to join this march as we witness to the community. Hope to see you there!

'PRAISE AND WORSHIP' CONCERT TONIGHT AT THE DUNDAS

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 FAST APPROACHES

This banquet is billed to be exciting and innovative-- one that you do not want to miss. Tickets are available throughout the churches for the P.A.Y.A. Youth Award Banquet which will be held at 7 p.m. on December 19, 2000, in the ballroom of SuperClubs Breezes Hotel. Secure your seat early!CORPORATE FUN-RUN

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

*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.

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

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. Cost is $600.00

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES FELLOWSHIP DINNER TONIGHT AT ATLANTIS

The Women's Ministry Department of the Conference extends to all women in the various churches a special invitation to come together for an evening of fellowship, dinner and relaxation at the Seagrapes Restaurant, Atlantis Hotel, Paradise Island, on Saturday, December 16, at 7 o'clock. For details contact you local WM Leader or Sister A. Scavella at 364-1460 or 393-9362.

**MASS YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL tonight at 6:30 at the Living Faith Church. Please be on time.

DEL ROSA STEEL BAND COMMITTEE TO MEET

All members of Del Rosa Steel Band Committee are requested to meet on December 23 at 4 p.m. at the New Providence Church.