General Conference Update

The world-wide Seventh-day Adventist Church family of over 10 million members will be represented by 2,000 delegates participating in business sessions, plus thousands of visitors from almost two hundred countries of the world. The theme "Almost Home" sets the tone and atmosphere for the Session. Daily devotionals and inspiring reports from the world divisions will augment the hours reserved for the business agenda. This marvelous celebration of fellowship, focusing on the hope and nearness of Christ's return, provides an opportunity for spiritual refreshing and a renewal of commitment to our commission to live, demonstrate, and spread the gospel to all the world.

Please join me in praying that this gathering in Toronto will be marked by the blessing of God and that the Holy Spirit will preside over a rapidly finished work in the world and in our lives.

Yours in Christ's service,

Jan Paulsen, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

CHURCH TREASURERS' MEETING

All Church Treasurers and assistants are requested to attend a meeting with Mr. C. Melvin Lewis, Treasurer of Bahamas Conference of SDA, at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2000, at the Hillview Church for one hour.

POPE PRAYS FOR FORGIVENESS FOR SINS OF CATHOLIC CHURCH

The following article on the Pope seeking forgiveness for the sins of Catholic Church brings to mind the following quote from G.C. by E. G. White who says "The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged." P.571

Pope John Paul II on Sunday asked for forgiveness for many of his church's past sins, including its treatment of Jews, heretics, women and native peoples.

It was believed to be the first time in the history of the Catholic Church that one of its leaders bought such a sweeping pardon.

Dressed in the purple vestments of Lenten mourning, the 79-year-old pope addressed an audience at St. Peter's Basilica on the Catholic Church's "Day of Forgiveness" for the 2000 Holy Year. He and his top cardinals grouped the past sins of their church into seven categories. "We forgive and we ask for forgiveness," the pope said in a clear voice.

The pope's homily did not name groups or historical events, but prayers during the mass were more specific. On behalf of the church, five Vatican cardinals and two bishops made a confession of sin, with a response from the pope.

Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls had said last week that the pope would ask "pardon from God," not from individual groups who have been wronged.

Sins against Jews - Jewish groups had voiced hope that the pope would use the Day of forgiveness to expand on the church's condemnations of Catholic treatment of Jews -- particularly during the Holocaust, in which the Nazis killed 6 million Jews. But no speaker mentioned the Holocaust.

Cardinal Edward Cassidy read the prayer for forgiveness for sins against Jews, saying:

"Christians will acknowledge the sins committed by not a few of their number against the people of the covenant."

"We are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer, and asking your forgiveness we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood," the pope responded

Rabbi David Rosen, head of the Jerusalem office of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, told Reuters the inclusion of a request for forgiveness from Jews in a Roman Catholic liturgy in St. Peter's was "a significant step."

In 1998, the Vatican apologized for Catholics who had failed to help save Jews from Nazi persecution and acknowledged centuries of preaching contempt for Jews.

The pope specifically asked for forgiveness for sins against Israel. He is preparing for a trip to Jerusalem later this month.

7 Categories of sin - The pope, bishops and cardinals spoke of seven categories of forgiveness: general sins; sins in the service of truth; against Christian unity; against the Jews; against respect for love, peace and cultures; against the dignity of women and minorities, and against human rights.

"We ask forgiveness for the divisions among Christians, for the use of violence that some Christians used in the service of the truth and for the behavior of diffidence and hostility sometimes used toward followers of other religions," the pope said in his homily before the prayers. - CNN's Jim Bittermann

ATTENTION, EDUCATORS

Sunday, April 16, 2000, is a date of importance to all SDA teachers and school administrators. Watch the Logos for the event and time.

CRUSADE SUPPORT NEEDED!

Reports reaching headquarters indicate well organized meetings with dynamic preaching and the best in gospel singing at all crusades. However, there is one concern relating to membership support. It is felt that there could be greater involvement. Tonight or tomorrow evening depending on your respective crusade, represents another opportunity to lend full support through prayer, presence and participation. Current events dictate to us a sense of urgency in sharing the good news of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Remember --Jesus Needs You!

SOUTHWEST REGION CRUSADE

All Ushers, Deacons and Deaconesses in the Southwest region crusade are requested to attend a meeting at Hillview Church with Evangelist Smith at 5:00 p.m. today.

Bible Workers and Choir members are asked to meet at 4:00 p.m. today at the Hillview Church.

**A march will be held Sunday, March 19from 6 to 7 p.m., beginning at the A.F. Adderley school continuing on Melvern Road, and Bethel Avenue, and returning to Melvern Road to the tent site. All are encouraged to come and support the march as we seek to give out handbills and invite the people of Yellow Elder to attend the evangelistic meetings.

YOU CAN LEARN, TOO

One optimistic educator once said that, given time and effort, anyone can learn anything. At the Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division, we do not claim to be able to teach you anything, but if you have the desire and are willing to devote the time, you can learn something that will enhance your future. The programme at BACE is designed to assist working adults improve their academic level and acquire certain practical skills. Don't exclude yourself because of your age. Check out the offering at BACE, and enroll in a course that will help you achieve your educational or professional goal. For information, call #393-9362

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

All Children's Ministries leaders are requested to ensure that all orders for V.B.S supplies are submitted to the ABC immediately.

Children's ministries workshop will be conducted during the week of April 21 to 24, 2000 in Cat Island and in New Providence during August.

YOUTH TIDBITS

**FINAL CALL FOR All AY Leaders to submit to the youth department right away the names of their church delegates who will be attending the Youth Congress in Jamaica along with their $50.00 deposits. The first three days will be spent climbing the Blue Mountain.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY

BAE school is accepting applications for three (3) upper elementary classroom teachers; one (1) lower level elementary teacher; one (1) P. E. teacher, and one (1) Computer teacher for the year 2000-2001.

Applications are available at the school between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays.

BAHAMAS ACADEMY SECONDARY

The following positions are available for September, 2000, at the High School division of the Bahamas Academy. Applications may be obtained from the school and must be submitted by March 31, 2000.

2 English Language & Literature Teachers

1 Physical Education Teacher

1 Religious Knowledge Teacher

1 Secretary

1 Janitress

1 Cook/Cafe Worker

Applicants for teaching positions must be teacher certified and able to teach students in grades 7 through 12.

GRAND BAHAMA ACADEMY

GBA school needs the following personnel for the 2000 - 2001 school year:

1 Secretary/Accountant

1 Early Childhood Teacher

2 Primary Teachers

Please contact in Nassau Dr. John Carey at #324-0470 and in Freeport Mr. H. Hanna, principal, at #373-4794.

**Want to enhance your services at your church? Purchase a Rodger Organ from the Grant's Town SDA Church. Telephone #323-6326 at the church or contact Nelson Bain at #393-8898 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Professional installation guaranteed. Cost negotiable.

**The McHari Institute is offering a course "Practical IBC Administration" which is ideal for company administrators and corporate offices in trust companies, banks, law and accounting firms. The course will be held on Sundays, beginning March 26^th. All persons interested in the course may contact Charisee Neely at #361-3617 (p.m.) For further details.

BAHAMAS CONFERENCE WEEKEND

Alumni, parents and guardians are invited to attend Bahamas Conference weekend at Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Jamaica, April 28 to 30, 2000. Interested persons may contact Ms. W. Flowers at #361-8683 to register.

NORTHEAST REGION CRUSADE

Rehearsal for Young Adult choir members of the Power of Truth Prophecy Crusade will be held today at 4:00 p.m. at the Bethany Church.

-A. Mason

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

(This new feature of The Logos is by special request from overseas members. Should you know of SDA members' demise, kindly inform us at #341-4087)

Retired Nurse Verna Ramsey died Monday, March 6, 2000. She was a member of the Grant's Town Church. She is survived by 1 son and five daughters. Funeral service will be held at the Grant's Town Church Sunday, March 19^th, at 11:00 a.m.

Mrs. Evelyn Wood, mother of Mrs. Wealthia McMillan and sister of Olga Roach, Ruby Major and Deloris Ifill died in hospital Wednesday, March 15. Funeral service will be held Sunday, March 19, at the Centreville Church at 1 p.m.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Sandrena Florvil-Benjamin attended her graduation ceremony at the University of Buckingham where she obtained her LLB (Hons). She also received the Prize for Best Performance in Land Law and International Law and Best Performance in the Part II examination. Sister Benjamin is the third black female and first Bahamian female to obtain a First Class Degree at the University. In addition to her academic endeavours, she was Residential Assistant, Secretary of the Bahamian Society, Executive Officer of the Law Society and an active member of Milton Keynes SDA Church. Sister Benjamin is the wife of Wilfred G. Benjamin and daughter of Genovia Florvil.

SANDS AND SANDS GC GROUP

Sands and Sands GC group has five spaces available due to mitigating circumstances. Persons interested in securing a spot need to call immediately #341-8661 to secure the same rate by Monday, March 20^th.

Sun sets today at 6:13 p.m.

Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:16 p.m

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