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| A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 5, Number 42, October 14, 2000 |
The Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which is a part of the Union, was represented by 16 delegates who participated at all levels of discussion. Also represented were the Cayman Islands Mission, the Turks and Caicos Islands Mission, and the three conferences in Jamaica.
The session opened at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 11, 2000. Attending were local government officials, representatives from other religious organizations, and the Inter-American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dr. Ellie Henry, a Vice-President of the Inter-American Division, delivered the keynote address in a dynamic style. He stood in for the Division President, Elder Israel Laito, whose arrival at the session was delayed because of death in his family. In his address, Dr. Henry admonished the delegates to pray for unity in the session, and to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work.
The process of election involved the appointment of the Organizing Committee, which was responsible for recommending names for the composition of the Nominating Committee. This committee, with Elder Laito as Chairman, and with representatives from all the fields of the Union, prayerfully considered the nominees for officers and other personnel for various position in the Union. The three officers elected to serve for the next Quinqennium are Dr. Patrick L. Allen, President; Dr. Wendell R. McMillan, Secretary; Elder Herman Ming, Treasurer. A detailed report will be included in next week's Logos.
-Emily Rahming/L. A. Johnson
INGATHERING
LAUNCH TODAY,
14TH OCTOBER 2000.
GUIDELINES FOR WEDDINGS
Every minister is required to give responsible counsel and advice to those of his congregation or community contemplating marriage.
Early (premature) marriages should not be encouraged. There is a disposition with many to be impetuous and headstrong. However, the Seventh-day Adventist minister must discharge his God-given mandate to advise the couple, based on the guidelines in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.
The minister should conscientiously refuse to conduct weddings that, in his opinion, are hasty or clearly ill-advised.
In instances where a believer is involved with another not of his or her faith, great care should be taken before plans are laid for marriage. The Seventh-day Adventist minister should advise such persons concerning Paul's counsel in 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked." It is important to establish beforehand that the non-believer has fully accepted the teachings of the Three Angels' Messages. Therefore, a period of not less than six (6) months should, after baptism, be established, prior to definitive wedding plans being made, to allow for the nurture of the new believer into the faith.
The period of nurturing should then be followed by at least three (3) months of pre-marital counseling. During this time, the minister should ensure that the couple is prepared to conform to Seventh-day Adventist standards before committing himself to conducting the ceremony. This involves dress, music, dress rehearsal and ceremonies as well as reception.
If a couple is co-habiting or if only one person has decided to accept the teaching of the church, immediate arrangements should be made for the wedding of the two concerned, and baptism should follow shortly thereafter.
Dress
Great care should be taken in choosing individuals who will form the wedding party. They should be informed that this is a Seventh-day Adventist Christian wedding, and that certain principles must first be established if they are desirous of supporting you on your wedding day. These standards relate to dress, the wearing of jewelry and conduct during the church service.
Please watch next week's Logos for a continuation of this article.
-L. C. Rolle, Ministerial Director
MARY INGRAHAM CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARY
A religious service marking the first anniversary of the Mary Ingraham Inter-generational Home was held at the New Providence SDA Church on Sabbath, October 7, 2000, at 11 a.m. In attendance were the residents, the staff and board members of the Mary Ingraham Home. Also on hand were Sir Clement Maynard, co-chairman of the National Association for Senior Persons, Miss Melanie Zonicle, Acting Director of the Department of Social Services, and residents of the Yellow Elder Home.
Dr. Leonard A. Johnson, chairman of the Mary Ingraham Home's board and pastor of New Providence, presented a sermon entitled "Old, But Not Useless". The music was provided by the Voices in Praise and the New Providence Male Chorus. Following the service, seniors and visitors were feted at a fellowship meal co-ordinated by the staff of the home, who employed the catering services of Laura Forbes and Genetta Ferguson.
MINISTERS INSTALLED
An installation service was conducted last weekend for Pastor Owusu Boateng in the South
Andros district by Pastor Keith D. Albury, President of the Conference. Last month Pastors
Roger Moncur and Lynden Williams were also installed in Abaco and Eleuthera, respectively, by
Pastor Albury and Pastor Leonard Johnson, Executive Secretary of the conference . During the
services the ministers' wives were presented with floral arrangements. Early in the new year
Pastor Gary King is to be installed in the Exuma/Long Island District. Let's remember to pray for
these young men and Pastors Jeremiah Duncombe and Leo Rolle, who were given additional
responsibility of the Breath of Life and Ephesus Churches, respectively.
BIBLE CONFERENCE
The fifth annual Bible Conference will be held November 17-19, featuring Dr. Hans LaRondell, professor emeritus of Andrews University Theological Seminary. Dr. LaRondell, one of the Church's pre-eminent scholars, has written extensively on "End-time Events." We are looking forward to benefitting greatly from his ministry during this special week-end. Let us plan to attend, and invite our friends, neighbours and relatives to join us in the study of God's word.
COMMUNITY SERVICES PATHFINDERS' EXHIBITION A REFRESHING EXPERIENCE
The Community Services and Pathfinders' exhibition held at R. M. Bailey Park on Sunday past refreshed and inspired hundreds who fellowshipped and participated in a diversity of wholesome activities.
A number of Conference officials was on hand for the opening ceremony, during which remarks were brought by Melanie Zonicle, Acting Director of Social Services who also officially opened the exhibition. All in attendance were exhorted to care for the economically challenged and marginalized in our midst, including widows, orphans and the fatherless, who require, more than most, for justice and mercy to work in their favour
Pastor K. D. Albury, President of the Conference, in his greeting, encouraged all Adventists to live a lively witness, which, in order to be effective, must always be clothed with Christian graces. Pastors L. A. Johnson and E. D. Clarke were also on hand for the opening ceremony, which started with an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem by Sister Maggie Turner.
Undoubtedly, a highlight of the day was the competitive activities of the Pathfinder Clubs and the soul-stirring music by the Pathfinder Marching Band. Additionally, all Community Services and Pathfinder organizations received high marks for the wide variety of crafts, and tasty and healthy dishes displayed.
Commendations, therefore, are in order for churches and members who made this year's Community Services and Pathfinders' Exhibition such a great success and time of good Christian fellowship. Let us now take this same spirit of unity and Christian witness from this years's exhibition to Ingathering Campaign 2000!
-Dr. M. D. Toote, Director
GRAND OPENING OF ADVENTISTS HEADQUARTERS
The administration of the Conference is pleased to announce that the grand opening of the new Conference office and ABC is scheduled for January 14, 2001. It is envisaged that this event will culminate the week of convention, and will be an occasion that will mark a milestone in the history of our Conference.
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.
GRAND BAHAMA SDAs
SAY THANKS
Saturday, September 30, was a special day for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their families around the globe. Church members, in their unique way, demonstrated how much they appreciated the services of their spiritual leaders.
On Grand Bahama Island, Pastors Paul Scavella, Errol Tinker, Ricardo Bain and their families were honoured by their respective churches for their contributions to the work of the Lord.
Pastor Scavella and his family were interviewed during the Sabbath School session by Mr. Charles and Mrs. Violet Stewart. Pastor Scavella revealed how God called him to the gospel ministry during a church service. The voice asked him to influence his friends in a more positive way by leading them to Christ.
The special message for the divine hour was given by Pastor K. D. Albury, President of the Conference. He encouraged the believers to "Seize the Moment." In order to do that, he invited the Christians of the 21st century to return to the principles of the first century if they want to experience the same success the leaders then preached boldly. They fellowshipped, gave good service, kept themselves busy and showed respect, and there was unity most of the time.
With these practices in place, the church will experience fewer problems and receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
After the service, there was a fellowship luncheon at the Captain's Chart House where there was
an overwhelming expression of love through songs, prayers, speeches and gifts. May God
continue to bless. - E. Lopez, Communications Secretary
BA SECONDARY
**BA Secondary is in urgent need of a substitute English teacher for grades 9 and 10 for the
period November 27, 2000, to March 9, 2001. Interested persons should contact Principal Rolle
at the school or call 393-3381 during business hours.
NORTH ANDROS CRUSADE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The North Andros Crusade is looking for volunteers to assist with Bible work in a two-week reaping campaign in Lowe Sound. Please contact Dr. John Carey at 324-0470 or 361-8884/6 for details.
VOLUNTEER BIBLE WORKERS NEEDED FOR CAT ISLAND
Volunteer Bible workers are needed from October 22 to November 5, 2000, to assist Pastor Wilfred Adderley in "The Steps To Eternal Life Crusade For Christ" in Cat Island.
DISCOVERY DAY WALK/RUN
The New Englerston Church will sponsor a 5K Run and One-Mile Walk on Discovery Day holiday, October 13. Trophies and breakfast will be provided. Please contact Pastor J. Duncombe at 322-5110 or your A.Y. Leader for details.
DISCOVERY DAY TRIP
The Northeast Youth Federation is off again! Travel with us to the hills of Cat Island in an evangelistic effort October 13 to 15, 2000. Interested persons may contact Phyllis Woodside at the Ephesus Church for details.
COMING SOON
Education Summit 2000 is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, at 9:30 a.m. Watch the Logos for
the meeting place.
SDA ADVANCEMENT SOCIETY TO MEET
The regular meeting of the Cat Island Advancement Society will be held at the Hillview Church on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m.
NEW MEMBERS INVITED TO JOIN MASS CHOIR 2001
The Mass Youth Chorale will meet for rehearsal today at 4 p.m. at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road. Interested persons are invited to become members.
HARMONIOUS PRAISE IN CONCERT
Harmonious Praise will be performing in concert Saturday, November 25, 2000, at the Holy
Trinity Centre. You are invited to make a special effort to attend. Tickets are available from
members.
1ST MEETING OF DEL ROSA STEEL BAND COMMITTEE
Members of the Del Rosa Steel Band Committee are reminded of their meeting on Tuesday,
October 17, 2000, at 1:00 p.m. at the New Conference office.
SOUTHWEST FEDERATION OFFICERS TO MEET
All SWF Officers, AY Leaders, Pathfinders Directors and assistants are asked to meet Thursday,
October 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church.
Sun sets today at 6:44 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:38 p.m.
Download The Logos at
www.tagnet.org/wiunion.bahamas
