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General Information About The Session and Toronto

As for those traveling to GC, the following information may prove helpful. The information comes in the form of an interview. Karl: Why even a GC Session? Wouldn't the money be better spent on evangelism? Linda: Jonathan Gallagher presented an excellent answer to this question in the July Session 2000 Newsletter. Here's a brief excerpt. Jonathan Gallagher: Maybe the most important question is to ask what a General Conference Session is for. Yes, we spend time electing personnel to different positions. Yes, we conduct various aspects of church business that may be important. Yes, it's a good time to meet old friends and make new ones. But if that's all a Session is for, then we miss the point! For if we truly believe that God is directing this Church, that we are following a vision that leads to present salvation and future glory, then Session can be filled with meaning. We need to look beyond the day-to-day business, the debates and discussions, the elections and the pageantry. We need to recapture the sense of destiny, of being a people with a clear identity and a definite role to play here on planet Earth. If nothing else, Session 2000 identifies the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a global people of God who are here with a mission. For in truth and in fact, the upcoming Session in Toronto should be more than an internal convention, but an open demonstration of who we really are. What is the weather in Toronto generally like in July? Linda: The weather should be very pleasant. Warm and sunny with a nice breeze coming off Lake Ontario. Maybe a rain shower on occasion. How do I register? Linda: Delegates are chosen in harmony with the constitution and bylaws of the church. They are named by the world unions, divisions, and General Conference. You are welcome to attend the Session as a visitor and listen in to the discussion on the various agenda items. What are the main issue(s) that will be considered in Toronto this summer? Should church members expect any surprises? Ray Dabrowski: It is not helpful to speculate, especially about surprises. However, there are a number of items that already are on the agenda and its preview is available on the web (see the December, 1999, edition of the Session 2000 News). But in brief, the business session in Toronto will hear reports about the state of the Church and its activities during the past quinquennium; the nominating committee will consider names to the Church's top governing body, the General Conference, and the agenda will largely present recommendations adjusting the current Church constitution and bylaws.

The Session delegates will consider several Church Manual items. These will include a recommendation for a significant change to the format of the Church's guidebook for local congregations and its members, including a proposal reformatting that would designate mandatory and advisory parts of the Manual.

Among other recommendations for Toronto is a proposal for new wording of chapter 15 of the Church Manual on "Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage." This recommendation, however, does not call for any major changes to the Church's position on this subject.

Is there a fee to participate in GC activities, seminars and such? Linda: Good news Jennifer. No registration is required for visitors to the GC Session. We do invite you to stop by one of our information desks and pick up a free badge so that you can be identified as part of our group. There are no fees to attend the GC Session.

Women's Ministries will offer a number of seminars at no cost to you.

Irene: I plan on eating at least the noon meal at the session. Do I need to purchase meal tickets in advance, or can I buy them at the session. Are meal tickets even necessary, or would they just help me get through the line more quickly? Linda: Meal tickets can be purchased on site. The food service providers will also take cash at the door, but the meal ticket should speed you through the line a bit faster. Kay: I would like to purchase some Toronto Convention transit passes either before the Session starts or immediately upon arriving in Toronto. Will tickets be available for purchase there? I need them for twelve family members for ten days. Linda: The General Conference will not be selling transit passes. However, Union Station is just a couple of blocks from the Convention Centre and the passes can be purchased there.

BAHAMAS CONFERENCE ISLAND-WIDE YOUTH CRUSADE

JULY 16 TO AUGUST 12, 2000

This is the program we've all been waiting for. Under the theme "Getting On Line With Christ," the youth arm of our churches in Nassau will lead out in a four-week gospel crusade on Blue Hill Road (between BEC and NIB buildings).

All Pastors and members are asked to give their support to this conference program as we join forces to proclaim the third Angel's message. Pastor T. Basil Sturrup will be the evangelist for the series of meetings.

HEALTH MINISTRY

The Health Ministry of the Bahamas Conference held its first in a series of planning sessions with health directors and professionals in our churches. It was decided, upon returning from GC Session a second meeting will be held at which time an Adventist Health Professional Association will be formed that will facilitate health ministry activities.

Some of the areas that were suggested to work toward: Cancer Education; Operating of blood pressure clinics at mall and other public places; develop a health webpage, stop smoking clinics; coordinating exercise programs and vegetarian food tasting events at food stores, promotion of the book Ministry of Healing to encourage every member to purchase and read; seminar on patient rights and responsibilities, a national health expo, a national essay competition and professional growth seminars.

Coming up 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.

During the months of July to December the full health areas will be promoted by health directors in the local churches: July - Water and Health, August - Exercise and Health; September -Nutrition and Health; October -Mental Health; Men/women's and Children's health issues; and December - Financial Health.

WATCH LISTEN-UP

TOMORROW ON ZNS TV 13, AT 10:30 A.M.

NO S.D.A. BURIAL SOCIETY MEETING DURING THE MONTH OF JULY

CAMP BAMIVOCA

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7

Campsite Camp Bamivoca is alive!

CAMPSITE RE-DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE

A Youth Council meeting chaired by Youth Director Pastor Eric Clarke was held on Sunday, May 28, 2000. At this meeting a Campsite Camp Bamivoca Re-development Steering Committee was formed. The members are: Marilyn Bonamy, Chairperson, Cecil Cartwright, Jr. Assistant Chairperson, Pastors J. Duncombe and H. A. Roach, M. Gilbert, secretary /treasurer, M. R. Guillaume, assistant secretary/treasurer; Louis Cleare, Edsil Hanna, Matthew Hanna, Ray Jennings, Audley Mitchell, Elvardo Perpall, Barry Saunders and Glorian Storr.

The Conference gave its blessings and is working along with the lay members in order to see God's work completed. To God be the Glory, great things He hath done.

YOUTH TIDBITS

All officers of the Southeast Youth Federation are requested to attend a special called meeting tomorrow, June 25, at 5:30

p.m. at the Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estate.

**All Pathfinders Directors and Federation Officers are asked to meet tomorrow, June 25, at the Hillview Church at 8 a.m.

**August 03-07- International Youth Symposium to be held in Grand Bahama.

**August 13 - 20 -Youth Pathfinders Camp, South Andros

BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY

BAE is accepting applications for 3 elementary School-Teachers for the 2000/1 school year. Application forms are available at the school between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Fridays.

B. A. SECONDARY TIDBITS

**Summer classes begin July 11 and end July 28, 2000.

** The last entrance exam for Bahamas Academy Secondary school year 2000 will be held Wednesday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Students desirous of entering grades 7 to 10 should collect applications from the school before exam date.

BETHANY'S BENEFIT CONCERT

The Bethany Church and Divine Hands of Praise present a Benefit Concert in aid of Tamika Duncombe's educational Fund on Sunday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bahamas Academy Auditorium. Donations: $8, Adults: $5, children.

**The Women's Ministries department of the Bethany Church has chosen the weekend of June 23 to 25 as a special time of renewal for women of the church. Services commenced Friday at 8 p.m. Ladies from our conference are welcome!

LAY ACTIVITIES /COMMUNITY SERVICES

Persons interested in becoming disaster relief volunteers for hurricane shelters are asked to give their names and phone contacts to Mrs. Duncombe at #361--8683 or 341-4087.

13^TH ANNUAL JEFF RODGERS BASKETBALL CAMP KICKS

OFF ON MONDAY

Please be reminded to register your boys and girls for the Jeff Rodgers Basketball camp starting June 26 at 9:00 a.m. Campers can be collected at 1:05 p.m. daily. This camp is billed to be exciting, informative and educational, plus your kids get the opportunity to meet NBA players.

LAY ACTIVITIES

Photos for Ingathering Booklet 2000. All Community Services or lay leaders are requested to submit pictures for the Ingathering Booklet as soon as possible.

ROLAND BROWN'S GC GROUP TO MEET

All persons registered to travel with Roland Brown's G C Group are requested to attend its final meeting tonight at the Grant's Town Church at 8 o'clock. T-Shirts will be distributed.

OLGA ROACH'S GC GROUP TO MEET

All persons registered to travel with Olga Roach's G C Group are requested to attend its final meeting tonight at the Maranatha Church at 7:45 p.m.

WATCH GC 2000 TORONTO AT JOHNSON PARK CHURCH

You can attend the General Conference Session at Johnson Park Church each evening, from Thursday, June 29, to Sabbath, July 8, from 6 to 9:15 p.m. On Sabbath, July 1, at 4 p.m. Pastor B. Brennen will be singing at the afternoon music festival. One outstanding feature at the GC Session is the International Festival of Missions. This is when one or two world divisions will be featured. You would not want to miss Wednesday night, July 5, at 7 o'clock when our Division, the Inter-American Division, and the southern Asian Division will be featured.

In addition to the Adventists Communication Network extensive world coverage via the satellite, 3ABN will be providing limited coverage of the GC Session 2000.

57^TH GENERAL CONFERENCE CHOIR PRACTICE

All persons planning to sing in the GC 2000 Choir are requested to attend a very important choir rehearsal at the Johnson Park Church today at 5:30 p.m. The two songs, "The Midnight Cry" and "Here I am Lord" will be rehearsed. Uniform for the GC Choir: Men- Black dress pants, white long-sleeved dress shirt, black bow-tie. Women- black, floor-length skirt and white long-sleeved blouse.

DELAYED

The 3^rd Quarter's Sabbath School Supplies have not arrived as yet. Watch for details.

Sun sets today at 8:02 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 8:03 p.m.

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