Greg Smith, Director of U.S. Religious Surveys, Religion and Public Life Project, Pew Research Center is now presenting. The Pew Research Center is a non-profit research institution that receives no payment for its studies, does not hire out to clients, and is completely independent in attempting to provide objective information for policy-makers, religious leaders, and institutions can benefit from.
His thoughts were preceded by a few statistics of a survey that is reviewed annually by the NAD:
81% of American Public 'knows' of SDA's. However, 63% know too little to form an opinion. 27% knows 'something' but is not favorable - among these respondents, we are sometimes confused with JW's or Mormons.
16% are favorable. 2% like 'very much' or, very favorable.
In the last 40 years the Protestant portion of the population is dramatically declining. In the 80's, 60% identified themselves as such. But by early 90's the decline began; somewhat gradually, but now less than 50% of American's call themselves "Protestant."
The "Nones," which in the 80's was 10% choosing 'none,' has now doubled. Presently, 20% identify as atheist, agnostic, or 'nothing.' That figure has increased 5% in the past seven years. Most of these are not 'agnostic' or 'atheist' but are choosing NOT to identify with any denomination, AND, the percentages are true across gender, economic classes, education attainment, as well as race (though the increase in "nones" is less among african american than whites). AND, the numbers are larger among singles, than married individuals. By a high percentage, most of these individuals are "liberal" in both their political and social views.
Catholic numbers are "steady" in the U.S., benefiting largely from migrant populations from Latin America.
The decline in Protestantism is not only in the 'mainline' churches, but the Evangelical community as well.
What are the factors that are impacting this?
Generational replacement; one-third of adults under age 30 declare themselves as "none." Among those 65 and older, that percentage is only 10%. The question: as American's age, might they become more attached to religion? Pew Research has interestingly identified that the "Baby Boomer" generation in particular is becoming much more "prayer focused" as they age. However, the same number who identify as "nones" 13%, are entering their retirement years as "nones" rising slightly to 15%
Gen X has also shown evidence that as they are getting older they "pray more." and Pew is not sure why this is true. Gen x are those born in the 1980's.
HOWEVER, religious affiliation, identification with churches, DOES NOT tend to change as individuals age. So, people pray more as they age, but do not choose to align with religion or church.
Key Finding: The Present generation is less religiously affiliated than any previous generation in the history of the U.S., and nothing in the data suggests that these individuals will return to religion as they age. There is also an increasing percentage who "doubt the existence of God."
The number of people who say both religion and prayer are important to them, percentage wise, has not changed in spite of the above statistics. The U.S. continues to be a much more religious country than other industrialized nations. Greg Smiths comment: "More people are aligning their practice with what they believe. Almost half of people who seldom attend religious services identify themselves as "nones." For those who DO attend with some regularity, identification with denominations remains very high. The result is that people who don't go to church, increasingly say they are "nones." In the past, there was perhaps a number who were of this classification but would CLAIM they were Catholic, Adventist, Lutheran." Now, without embarrassment, these individuals say "I'm a 'none' and do not nor plan, to align with a church.'
Most of those individuals who were ever invested in church, -childhood or youth - tend to stay in it. However, those who were on the margins from birth through youth, or had no church exposure, are much more likely to choose "none."
Finally; 25% of adults in the U.S. who identify with a religion, or no religion, now connect with a faith OTHER than the faith they grew up in. More than 50% of adults who are religious have changed religions in their lives, with Catholics being the biggest "net loosers." Their are four former Catholics to every one new convert, in the U.S., with almost the same number of Protestants leaving their faith as those joining.
Half or more of those raised with "no religion" WILL join a religion in their adulthood.
Conclusions: "nones' mean non-believers. Many are, but many are not. Only 3 out of 10 'nones' say I'm agnostic or atheist. The rest, are not anti-religion, but are not associated with any faith.
Among all nones, 2/3rds state, "I believe in God," although a lot of them would add, " not certain whether he exists." 3 out of 10 say religion is 'somewhat important,' and 14% of them say 'religion is VERY important.' The point is, that there is a "spiritual pulse" that is still beating among them.
Finally, 90% of the 'nones' are NOT looking for any religion; most of them are NOT and feel no "need."
After Lunch, our agenda is "State of k-12 Education," "NAD HealthCare 2015 and Beyond," and break-out sessions for discussion among treasurers, presidents and secretaries.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
NAD Dulles Meetings
I am in Northern Virginia, at the Dulles Airport Hyatt, today through Thursday, attending an historic, perhaps 'first ever' meeting of local conference officers, union officers, NAD leadership, and even the presence of AHS vice-presidents. The agenda, as I've reflected previously in my Comments newsletter, is very significant in addressing major issues of concern across the Division, including organizational structure, evangelism methods, media ministry challenges, and even whether the time has arrived to identify a method by which students are admitted to the Seminary in relationship to the employment needs across North America.
The session has opened with a review of the on-line survey that was sent to the attendees. We were told that the participation/returns on the survey were extremely high: over 70% responded to the survey, which was comprised of 11 different sections, exploring opinions and sentiment in many areas that are tied to the agenda. Most of the survey was structured on a "strongly agree to a strongly disagree" scale.
Here are a few results from the survey and these are simply brief 'snapshot' comments:
1. The areas of highest concern "externally" - on the macro-level - include challenges to the traditional family, the impact of the media and culture, and addictions were identified as the three most significant influences.
2. Of the "internal issues"-those specific to the church - the "loss of youth and young adults to the church" was the highest overwhelming concern to leadership. Other areas included, and listed from "highest concern" to "less."
Declining SDA school enrollments and financial challenges. While recognizing the issues, the value of the SDA education system is important, and strongly affirmed.
Belief systems; including people and relationships and the increasing impact of homosexuality on the church of and issues related to it. Issues that affect/threaten the family.
There was "good agreement' that SDA colleges help with the mission, but individual comments suggest that there is some "Missional drift" at the colleges as well.
The opinion on 'consolidation' was mixed. "Maybe" there should be some organizational consolidation, but the "maybe" is couched with "what would it look like?"
In terms of SDA education, there is a desire to change, but 'how' and 'what' is not clear.
3. A REALLY highly stated opinion for change was the "GC policy on ordination of women." A small group is highly opposed, but a strong majority favor. Ordination of women is very supported, however, around 30 individuals of the 145 or so respondents disagree, some strongly
A change over the years is that unlike a few decades ago, there is a strong belief in LEADERSHIP development. IN years past it was felt that "God equips who he chooses." The belief is that both pastors and administrators should be professionally developed.
Another "strongly favor" area was for collaboration between all levels of organization.
"Term Limits" for conference presidents was 'mixed' with some believing it was important and some believing it is not.
4. An important finding is that structures should not change - for the sake of change - without developing individuals in skill and leadership and that it is believed that there is presently very little provided to train and improve leaders.
It is believed that church 'structure' is beneficial, BUT, it is a church that might be 'over structured' and needs revision and review in how it does business.
When asked "what parts" of organization need re-structuring, the results are quite interesting:
There seems to be no difference in local or union respondents in terms of where to focus re-structuring; there was a 'mixed' opinion across the survey in "what and where" restructuring is needed.
- Opinions favor more streamlined church structure; mixed results on whether the Union or local conferences should be the focus of re-organization.
The survey resulted in the absence of a strong consensus on re-structuring 'vertically,' but more so in how organizations work together in collaboration.
My friend Paul Hoover, President in Upper Columbia, just mentioned to me how the results of the survey might change if pastors were given the same set of questions, particularly in the area of "need for oganizational change." My thought is that pastors might agree more strongly for that need for two reasons, they may not see all of the 'value' that organizations above the local conference provide, and, may feel that much more resources need to be delivered locally rather than dispersed more broadly among 'higher organizations.'
Tomorrow we will look at more data on how the church is growing (or not growing) the indigenous population of North America (caucasions, african-americans, multi-generational Americans of all races - those who've been citizens for multi-generations and are not more recent immigrants -
Finally, for this mornings post, while it is believed that North America is doing much good in evangelism, there is a desire to have less focus on "big once-a-year events" (less spectacular evangelism) and more attention to the local church. Additionally, the mission to 'reach the lost' should guide ALL other priorities. I heartily agree!
The session has opened with a review of the on-line survey that was sent to the attendees. We were told that the participation/returns on the survey were extremely high: over 70% responded to the survey, which was comprised of 11 different sections, exploring opinions and sentiment in many areas that are tied to the agenda. Most of the survey was structured on a "strongly agree to a strongly disagree" scale.
Here are a few results from the survey and these are simply brief 'snapshot' comments:
1. The areas of highest concern "externally" - on the macro-level - include challenges to the traditional family, the impact of the media and culture, and addictions were identified as the three most significant influences.
2. Of the "internal issues"-those specific to the church - the "loss of youth and young adults to the church" was the highest overwhelming concern to leadership. Other areas included, and listed from "highest concern" to "less."
Declining SDA school enrollments and financial challenges. While recognizing the issues, the value of the SDA education system is important, and strongly affirmed.
Belief systems; including people and relationships and the increasing impact of homosexuality on the church of and issues related to it. Issues that affect/threaten the family.
There was "good agreement' that SDA colleges help with the mission, but individual comments suggest that there is some "Missional drift" at the colleges as well.
The opinion on 'consolidation' was mixed. "Maybe" there should be some organizational consolidation, but the "maybe" is couched with "what would it look like?"
In terms of SDA education, there is a desire to change, but 'how' and 'what' is not clear.
3. A REALLY highly stated opinion for change was the "GC policy on ordination of women." A small group is highly opposed, but a strong majority favor. Ordination of women is very supported, however, around 30 individuals of the 145 or so respondents disagree, some strongly
A change over the years is that unlike a few decades ago, there is a strong belief in LEADERSHIP development. IN years past it was felt that "God equips who he chooses." The belief is that both pastors and administrators should be professionally developed.
Another "strongly favor" area was for collaboration between all levels of organization.
"Term Limits" for conference presidents was 'mixed' with some believing it was important and some believing it is not.
4. An important finding is that structures should not change - for the sake of change - without developing individuals in skill and leadership and that it is believed that there is presently very little provided to train and improve leaders.
It is believed that church 'structure' is beneficial, BUT, it is a church that might be 'over structured' and needs revision and review in how it does business.
When asked "what parts" of organization need re-structuring, the results are quite interesting:
There seems to be no difference in local or union respondents in terms of where to focus re-structuring; there was a 'mixed' opinion across the survey in "what and where" restructuring is needed.
- Opinions favor more streamlined church structure; mixed results on whether the Union or local conferences should be the focus of re-organization.
The survey resulted in the absence of a strong consensus on re-structuring 'vertically,' but more so in how organizations work together in collaboration.
My friend Paul Hoover, President in Upper Columbia, just mentioned to me how the results of the survey might change if pastors were given the same set of questions, particularly in the area of "need for oganizational change." My thought is that pastors might agree more strongly for that need for two reasons, they may not see all of the 'value' that organizations above the local conference provide, and, may feel that much more resources need to be delivered locally rather than dispersed more broadly among 'higher organizations.'
Tomorrow we will look at more data on how the church is growing (or not growing) the indigenous population of North America (caucasions, african-americans, multi-generational Americans of all races - those who've been citizens for multi-generations and are not more recent immigrants -
Finally, for this mornings post, while it is believed that North America is doing much good in evangelism, there is a desire to have less focus on "big once-a-year events" (less spectacular evangelism) and more attention to the local church. Additionally, the mission to 'reach the lost' should guide ALL other priorities. I heartily agree!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Spring Has Sprung
OK. It HAS been a long time since my last post. Apologies to those who actually enjoy the blog, and yes, along with bloggers much more faithful and committed than me, one wonders if anyone is reading. But; the blog allows me to express some of the more trivial stuff in life and ministry so I suppose its a healthy outlet for me!
Heres a few pictures of the new Southern Union Office building, where I was privileged to be the Sabbath speaker at the celebration opening event. Unfortunately, my phone battery died before I could get many pictures of this beautiful and large new building located in Norcross, northwest of the old Decatur, GA headquarters which has been purchased by the South Atlantic Conference as their new headquarters.
The new Union building is a 70's era structure, but, as obvious in the pictures, has been beautifully re-modeled - completely re-built including much of the wiring, all of the flooring, walls, windows, and even a refinished exterior. The result is a very functional and attractive office.
Tonight, I will be in downtown Nashville joining Alumni Awards Foundation in their 'visioning/strategy' for Madison Academy event, which will include public appreciation for the staff and faculty.
Blessings in Spring and may God demonstrate in very real and measurable ways, his love and grace to you and yours.
Steve
Heres a few pictures of the new Southern Union Office building, where I was privileged to be the Sabbath speaker at the celebration opening event. Unfortunately, my phone battery died before I could get many pictures of this beautiful and large new building located in Norcross, northwest of the old Decatur, GA headquarters which has been purchased by the South Atlantic Conference as their new headquarters.
The new Union building is a 70's era structure, but, as obvious in the pictures, has been beautifully re-modeled - completely re-built including much of the wiring, all of the flooring, walls, windows, and even a refinished exterior. The result is a very functional and attractive office.
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| Fellowship "Hall" where meals were served |
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| The picture doesn't show it well but where the blue light is under the staircase, on the below ground floor, there is a small water fountain. |
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| The Assembly/Worship Room |
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| Exterior, Main Entrance |
Same View as Above
This past Sabbath, I had the privilege of visiting the Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville for the first time. Historically, this is the site of the 1920's cheek family estate (the founders owners of the Maxwell House Coffee company). By the time the family had 'died off' the last heirs deeded the property as a public garden/museum. Open year round, it's in the Spring that the 100,000 planted bulbs burst into life and together with the carefully planned gardens with their background of flowering trees and shrubs, the result is a beautiful testimony of the genius of God's creation.
In case you' haven't heard; no, I'm not a 'photographer' but maybe these "point and shoot" views would give you a small glimpse of the beauty of these gardens.
Tonight, I will be in downtown Nashville joining Alumni Awards Foundation in their 'visioning/strategy' for Madison Academy event, which will include public appreciation for the staff and faculty.
Blessings in Spring and may God demonstrate in very real and measurable ways, his love and grace to you and yours.
Steve
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
NAD Church Ministries
As shared in my e-newsletter, I'm in California and attending the NAD Church Ministries Convention this week. After arriving in San Francisco, I drove down to Santa Cruz for the night, and in the morning, before arriving at the convention, I took a couple of early morning pictures of the coast and the "LightHouse Memorial." Just behind the Lighthouse is a sign that warns visitors to stay on the safe side of the guardrail as over 90 individuals have drowned in the surf over the years. Time didn't allow me to stay long but a few minutes here convinced me that it would be wonderful to spend some vacation time on the California coast.
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| Looking East over the bay in Santa Cruz |
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| Just beneath the "Stay Back" Sign. Beautiful and dangerous! |
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| Moments before he was awakened! |
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| Santa Cruz LightHouse Memorial |
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| Santa Cruz Lighthouse Memorial In the front left corner of the Memorial, between the steps and the building, a homeless man was sleeping. I took the picture of him above as I was walking in front of the building. Just before leaving, a police officer drove up, and as I watched told the man to "leave." He leaped up from where he was lying, screaming that he was not asleep, that this was federal property, he was an Army veteran, and then, using a lot of profanity, begin throwing his belongings - a bike, a sleeping bag, a bicycle. He challenged the police officer, a petite female officer, to fight him. As a former cop, I found this quite engaging to watch, and I thought it possible the man was going to attack the officer who, if need be, I probably foolishly would have jumped in to help. Fortunately, she had called for "back up," stood behind the door of her patrol car calmly telling him he was angry for no reason, and me thinking "you need to arrest this guy." In my old cop days, that kind of language in public and his threatening actions was cause for arrest. As I pulled out of the lot, fortunately, another officer was coming to her aid. Amazing how within moments such a tranquil scene can turn into a dangerous threatening scenario! This morning at the NAD meetings we heard a presentation from Adventist Community, a new web-based learning environment that is quite exciting. It has been created for the purpose of finally and long over-due, having an "official" web-based church source for 'official' communication on news events, issues of public debate, and maybe most importantly, allowing for professional development of pastors, teachers, etc., In time, it may also serve as a platform to help schools develop on-line web-based classes thus reducing cost and increasing course offerings. A both sobering and affirming report was shared on the state of NAD SDA education. Here were a few of the facts: there are fewer students in NAD schools, K thru 12th now, then 20 years ago. Each year, over the past decade, we have been loosing approximately 100 students in NAD enrollment for a loss of well over a 1,000 in the last ten years. Nearly 10% of our schools have closed in the past decade. However, the case for SDA education remains quite strong: ValueGenesis study, which most of us have heard about, affirms that the more our children stay in our schools, the more likely they are to become lifelong SDA's, the LESS likely they are, in high school, to engage in drugs, tobacco, pornography, and 'at risk' behavior, and finally, academically, across the board, our students perform at significantly higher levels in the basic skills tests then their public school contemporaries. So; why the continued decline in enrollments? I guess I"m not the right person to ask; I have some theories, but of this I am convinced. Continue to strive to offer our members and the community the very best academic and spiritual environment possible for the benefit of our children and youth, and, at the most affordable cost. I hopefully will be attending seminars on the GLOW tract/literature program today as well as Philanthropic services (fund raising) before leaving here later this week. There are too many events to attend everything, so, you must "pick and choose" and even then you run out of time before you can get to everything. |
Sunday, December 8, 2013
A Couple of Places I've Been
Wow. Hadn't realized how long it had been since I had last posted. The holiday season always seems particularly busy and added to the press this time of year is my push to complete the first major step in my doctoral dissertation, which, PTL, I received approval on last week. Now begins the 'heavy lifting.'
The Year End Meetings in October at the North American Division were quite interesting, particularly as the much anticipated Report on Women's Ordination was presented and occupied most of one day of discussion. In the end, the report was affirmed (the technical vote was "received") by a margin of close to six to one. About 180 'yes', and around 30 'no.' The next step in this odyssey is that the remaining 12 world divisions submit their report/findings to the General Conference Executive Committee, who will determine whether to bring a recommendation to the 2015 World Session. I would not be alone in observing that regardless of that process, the Pacific Union and the Columbia Union have forged ahead and now approve women's ordination, and I cannot conceive that they would reverse that decision regardless of what happens at the GC level.
Here's a couple of pictures from the NAD meetings. The first one is "my 2nd row view" of the Women's Ordination Committee making it's presentation. That's Dr. Gordon Bietz, the Chairman of the Committee, standing at the podium with his back turned a little to the picture. The next is the Southern Adventist University chorale and orchestra who presented music during an evening concert and on Sabbath.
The next picture is me posed on the front steps of Wright Hall with the Gordon Bietz life-sized cardboard cut-out. I was on campus in October having been invited to speak on the Friday evening of SAU alumni home-coming and on the occasion of my 30th graduation anniversary. As I drove by Wright Hall, I couldn't resist stopping and giving Dr. Bietz a set of rabbit ears. When I sent the picture to him he was grateful that I didn't do more "harm" to his cardboard image than that. As a disclaimer, I've known Gordon for close to 30 years as a pastoral colleague and for three years, as my conference president. For the past four years, I've had the privilege of serving on his Board of Trustees.
I'll share some more news and events in my Haley Comments e-news letter that I'll be sending out early next week. Grace in Him.
Steve
The Year End Meetings in October at the North American Division were quite interesting, particularly as the much anticipated Report on Women's Ordination was presented and occupied most of one day of discussion. In the end, the report was affirmed (the technical vote was "received") by a margin of close to six to one. About 180 'yes', and around 30 'no.' The next step in this odyssey is that the remaining 12 world divisions submit their report/findings to the General Conference Executive Committee, who will determine whether to bring a recommendation to the 2015 World Session. I would not be alone in observing that regardless of that process, the Pacific Union and the Columbia Union have forged ahead and now approve women's ordination, and I cannot conceive that they would reverse that decision regardless of what happens at the GC level.
Here's a couple of pictures from the NAD meetings. The first one is "my 2nd row view" of the Women's Ordination Committee making it's presentation. That's Dr. Gordon Bietz, the Chairman of the Committee, standing at the podium with his back turned a little to the picture. The next is the Southern Adventist University chorale and orchestra who presented music during an evening concert and on Sabbath.
The next picture is me posed on the front steps of Wright Hall with the Gordon Bietz life-sized cardboard cut-out. I was on campus in October having been invited to speak on the Friday evening of SAU alumni home-coming and on the occasion of my 30th graduation anniversary. As I drove by Wright Hall, I couldn't resist stopping and giving Dr. Bietz a set of rabbit ears. When I sent the picture to him he was grateful that I didn't do more "harm" to his cardboard image than that. As a disclaimer, I've known Gordon for close to 30 years as a pastoral colleague and for three years, as my conference president. For the past four years, I've had the privilege of serving on his Board of Trustees.
This final picture is of a "live" angel flying over head in the closing scenes of the Christmas at the Opry program at Pigeon Forge which together with my family, we attended just before Thanksgiving. An enjoyable 'family friendly' musical with a live nativity, and yes, angels flying overhead!
Steve
Monday, October 7, 2013
Tribute to Ken
I didn't know Ken McHenry, our principal and upper grades teacher at the Lawrenceburg, Tn/Bill Egley School. Lawrenceburg has had a church school for nearly 100 years; the church, the school, and the Adventist Hospital were all founded in the area around the same time and were given birth by Adventist "missionaries" from Madison, who, in the decades following the establishment of Madison College, were part of a wave of graduates who joined others in spreading out across the world, the south, and closer to home, Tennessee and Kentucky. They left behind medical clinics and schools and while many of those institutions are gone, a few continue a century old legacy where education and good health partner with the church in changing lives. The Lawrenceburg Adventist hospital was sold years ago, but the church, the school, and dedicated pastors and teachers have served continually there for almost a century of time.
Though this was only Ken's second year teaching at Lawrenceburg, he was right at home. Small schools, small classrooms, and the beautiful rural south were among the things Ken loved and as I shared today with Chris Juhl, I learned that despite his age - 70 years old - Ken wanted to be in the classroom teaching. I learned a few other things about Ken this past weekend, a few days after he died following some complications from a surgery he had over a year ago.
Ken was from Illinois and had worked for years in a John Deere factory. This followed high school graduation and a three year stint as a U.S. Marine. It was after enduring multiple lay-offs and call backs to work in manufacturing that Ken decided he had enough of life on the assembly line and experienced a 'call' to teaching. At the mature age of 48 he finished his teaching degree and for the next 20 years would teach in Tennessee, Indiana, the St. Louis area, and at an age when most are ready to do anything but keep working, Ken returned to the classroom and his beloved students. More than just sharing the "Three R's" - readin' riting' and rithmatic' (yes I know it's misspelled) Ken loved to share astronomy, nature, the wonders of Creation, and yes .. . share Jesus.
It was my privilege to get to know about Ken's life and legacy this past week. As far as I know, I never met him, but yet I was honored to preach a sermon in tribute to him, as well as for the encouragement of the Lawrenceburg church, who know the pain of loosing someone loved. This past Sabbath I was present in Lawrenceburg for Ken's memorial service. I wasn't able to stay through the afternoon but I felt humbly honored after I received a mid-week invitation from Pastor Schomburg to speak for worship and re-arranged my schedule to do so. My sermon? One of my favorite in all the Bible - the story, told in the words of a man named John, of how Jesus traveled to Bethany one day, to "wake up" his friend Lazarus, who had fallen asleep (had died) and according to Jesus, just needed to be "awakened."
Ken's next conscious moments will be the day of the "Great Awakening." I look forward to meeting Ken McHenry soon. Till then, I found it quite fitting and not without importance that Chris Juhl showed me today the special DVD made and produced by the NAD, on the occasion of the NAD Teachers Convention held at the Opryland Hotel in the summer of 2012. This special DVD was eventually made available to all of the teachers who attended, and there were a lot of them!
On the cover of the DVD, along with pictures of Dan Jackson, Dwight Nelson and other speakers, is a prominent picture of one of the teacher attendees . . . one, and only one 'teacher/attendee' picture, among the nearly 8,000 educators who were present that week. A cover picture, of one teacher, sitting likely on the front row of one of the seminars with his wife. The teacher? Ken McHenry and his wife Jeannette. Sitting where he loved to sit, the front row, where he could ask questions, engage in the presentation, and learn something new to share with his kids. A true professional who didn't mind teaching in small places, in small classrooms, investing his life in the lives of a few really fortunate kids. Well done Ken. We will see you in the morning!
Though this was only Ken's second year teaching at Lawrenceburg, he was right at home. Small schools, small classrooms, and the beautiful rural south were among the things Ken loved and as I shared today with Chris Juhl, I learned that despite his age - 70 years old - Ken wanted to be in the classroom teaching. I learned a few other things about Ken this past weekend, a few days after he died following some complications from a surgery he had over a year ago.
Ken was from Illinois and had worked for years in a John Deere factory. This followed high school graduation and a three year stint as a U.S. Marine. It was after enduring multiple lay-offs and call backs to work in manufacturing that Ken decided he had enough of life on the assembly line and experienced a 'call' to teaching. At the mature age of 48 he finished his teaching degree and for the next 20 years would teach in Tennessee, Indiana, the St. Louis area, and at an age when most are ready to do anything but keep working, Ken returned to the classroom and his beloved students. More than just sharing the "Three R's" - readin' riting' and rithmatic' (yes I know it's misspelled) Ken loved to share astronomy, nature, the wonders of Creation, and yes .. . share Jesus.
It was my privilege to get to know about Ken's life and legacy this past week. As far as I know, I never met him, but yet I was honored to preach a sermon in tribute to him, as well as for the encouragement of the Lawrenceburg church, who know the pain of loosing someone loved. This past Sabbath I was present in Lawrenceburg for Ken's memorial service. I wasn't able to stay through the afternoon but I felt humbly honored after I received a mid-week invitation from Pastor Schomburg to speak for worship and re-arranged my schedule to do so. My sermon? One of my favorite in all the Bible - the story, told in the words of a man named John, of how Jesus traveled to Bethany one day, to "wake up" his friend Lazarus, who had fallen asleep (had died) and according to Jesus, just needed to be "awakened."
Ken's next conscious moments will be the day of the "Great Awakening." I look forward to meeting Ken McHenry soon. Till then, I found it quite fitting and not without importance that Chris Juhl showed me today the special DVD made and produced by the NAD, on the occasion of the NAD Teachers Convention held at the Opryland Hotel in the summer of 2012. This special DVD was eventually made available to all of the teachers who attended, and there were a lot of them!
On the cover of the DVD, along with pictures of Dan Jackson, Dwight Nelson and other speakers, is a prominent picture of one of the teacher attendees . . . one, and only one 'teacher/attendee' picture, among the nearly 8,000 educators who were present that week. A cover picture, of one teacher, sitting likely on the front row of one of the seminars with his wife. The teacher? Ken McHenry and his wife Jeannette. Sitting where he loved to sit, the front row, where he could ask questions, engage in the presentation, and learn something new to share with his kids. A true professional who didn't mind teaching in small places, in small classrooms, investing his life in the lives of a few really fortunate kids. Well done Ken. We will see you in the morning!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Lebanon Hispanic
Two Sabbath's ago, my wife joined me, as did Doug Hilliard and Elder Steve Rose, at the celebration marking the first Sabbath for the Lebanon Hispanic congregation to be in their newly acquired facility - the former Laguardo Baptist Church - on Hwy 109, just south of Gallatin, and north of Lebanon. There were as many as 300 in attendance with many coming from area churches to join in the festivities.
I spoke a few minutes ago with our Lebanon pastor, Elder Nathan Dilema, who tells me that in moving to this new location, the congregation has added almost forty new members who are living in the Gallatin area. This swells the congregation to over 100 members in attendance and he believes, that in a years time, they will add as many as 30 more members through evangelism.
The journey to purchasing this building was not easy and included not only complex financial negotiations, but dialog with the Presbyterian congregation who own property adjacent to the church. Of concern was the Presbyterian's refusal to allow our congregation to use the drive way or the parking area that is owned by the Presbyterians, but for many years, was used by the Laguardo Baptist's for accessing their parking lot, and providing much needed parking. Without the drive way access and parking area, our congregation faced some expensive and challenging issues to accommodate our guests and members need to safely access the grounds and have adequate parking.
Just before we took occupancy of the building, this issue was resolved through the best and most preferred means, by a simple appeal on the part of the Lebanon Hispanic head elder, who approached a few of the Presbyterian members one Sunday morning and asked if they would re-consider their opposition . . and praise the Lord . . . they did!
Here are a couple of pictures of the Sabbath service including former district pastor Elder Marco Barerra who was present having traveled all the way from Bogata, Columbia. The third picture is of my daughter, Carissa, hugging her little brother, Christopher, after he had moved into his dorm room to begin his freshman year at Highland Academy. The last picture is of the memorial service held last Sabbath at the Georgia Cumberland Academy Church honoring Eleanor Juhl, mother of Chris Juhl.
I'll share some more news in my September edition of Haley Comments but we're pleased to have good enrollments at our two constituent academy schools and also, some strong numbers at several of our larger elementaries.
A news note of interest:
It was a tragic even horrible event when Suzanne York lost her life while sitting at her desk at Memphis Jr. Academy one morning in August of 2011. On September 3, her assailant, Eduardo Mamalejo, in a plea agreement, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
I spoke a few minutes ago with our Lebanon pastor, Elder Nathan Dilema, who tells me that in moving to this new location, the congregation has added almost forty new members who are living in the Gallatin area. This swells the congregation to over 100 members in attendance and he believes, that in a years time, they will add as many as 30 more members through evangelism.
The journey to purchasing this building was not easy and included not only complex financial negotiations, but dialog with the Presbyterian congregation who own property adjacent to the church. Of concern was the Presbyterian's refusal to allow our congregation to use the drive way or the parking area that is owned by the Presbyterians, but for many years, was used by the Laguardo Baptist's for accessing their parking lot, and providing much needed parking. Without the drive way access and parking area, our congregation faced some expensive and challenging issues to accommodate our guests and members need to safely access the grounds and have adequate parking.
Just before we took occupancy of the building, this issue was resolved through the best and most preferred means, by a simple appeal on the part of the Lebanon Hispanic head elder, who approached a few of the Presbyterian members one Sunday morning and asked if they would re-consider their opposition . . and praise the Lord . . . they did!
Here are a couple of pictures of the Sabbath service including former district pastor Elder Marco Barerra who was present having traveled all the way from Bogata, Columbia. The third picture is of my daughter, Carissa, hugging her little brother, Christopher, after he had moved into his dorm room to begin his freshman year at Highland Academy. The last picture is of the memorial service held last Sabbath at the Georgia Cumberland Academy Church honoring Eleanor Juhl, mother of Chris Juhl.
I'll share some more news in my September edition of Haley Comments but we're pleased to have good enrollments at our two constituent academy schools and also, some strong numbers at several of our larger elementaries.
A news note of interest:
It was a tragic even horrible event when Suzanne York lost her life while sitting at her desk at Memphis Jr. Academy one morning in August of 2011. On September 3, her assailant, Eduardo Mamalejo, in a plea agreement, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
I'll be sending out my e-newsletter with more updates soon; I'm on my way Wednesday to Orlando for the fall Adventist Health Systems board meeting, then by the weekend, will be in the North West for an event which will include some vacation, including a few days touring Alaska, where I have never visited, but understand is one of God's stunning masterpieces of nature.
We should have our new conference web-site up and running in a few days, and it will be great!
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| Saying Goodbye and Good luck |
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| Lebanon Hispanic Celebration Sabbath |
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| Pastor Marco Barerra former Pastor now retired in Columbia. |
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| Juhl Memorial Service |
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