Greetings to our dear Camelback family and friends,

It was a lovely change-of-pace to have a guest choir from sister churches provide the worship service here at Camelback last Sabbath.  So many were inspired and blessed by hearing the “Jesus is Coming” Cantata.  Sometimes a message can be heard more clearly through music.  Having the words on the screens added an important dimension to that worship experience.  

This Sabbath (Aug. 28) Pastor Benjamin, our youth minister will speak for church.  His message is entitled “When trusting God doesn’t make sense”.  The issue of trust is huge for us as Christians.  You won’t want to miss this inspirational and practical message.  Our youth praise team will lead songs of worship.  Sabbath school begins at 9:30 and worship at 10:50.  It is our desire as a pastoral staff to create a sense of expectation for each worship service.  We are meeting weekly to share ideas and practical suggestions as to how our preaching ministry can be elevated in creativity and quality.  Please pray for us as we pray for and work with each other. 

Next Sabbath (Sept. 4) I will be continuing our summer series on the parables of Jesus with the familiar and moving story of the lost (prodigal) son.  Many sermons have been preached on this passage (Luke 15:11-32).  I promise that this one will not be a “repeat” of something you have already heard.  This will be the next-to-last message for this summer series.

Sabbath Sept. 11 we will have a special guest with a special theme.  For many years the rotunda has been a pivotal place of ministry here at Camelback.  It was the first building erected on this property and for a number of years served as worship center, learning center and fellowship hall.  Pastor Edwin and Ruth Jones were the presiding team when this building was built.  They have consented to join us and speak for church as we remember the significance of this building both then and now.  Plans have been made and voted to remodel the interior of the rotunda and this will be the kick-off of that initiative.  Join us Sept. 11 for SS and church as we look back and look ahead with the rotunda in our sights.  There will be a general potluck following church that Sabbath and we need the help and participation of as many members as possible to make this a positive ministry-oriented day.  Plan now to bring double portions of your favorite dish.

This past Monday evening (Aug. 23) the church board met to seek God’s guidance as decisions were made for our church and its ministries.  Here is a summary of the major items and actions.  Each of the pastors gave reports regarding plans and upcoming events.  Wednesday night out (with about eight classes following supper) will begin Sept. 29 and run for eight weeks.  The whole Maranatha team will be with us Sabbath Oct. 30 for pre-information regarding our summer 2011 church mission trip.  Dick Duerksen will speak for church.  A “Weekend of Refuge” is being facilitated in late January to reach out to youth-adult and collegiates.  This neglected group needs attention and ministry.  We voted the treasurers report and noted that we are still behind in giving to our church ministries budget.  After hearing reports regarding the financial costs regarding renting the church we voted not to rent the sanctuary and to form a group to study and recommend guidelines regarding rental to other churches.  We voted to establish a “Public Service Outreach” to seek ways to minister to police, firemen, and returning military people.  We voted to ask Martin Dobelmeier of Journey Films to come to Camelback Oct. 9 in the evening to do a program regarding his film entitled “The Adventists”.  We voted funds from our CD to purchase a church van and to sponsor two more academy students at TAA.  It was a busy and productive evening.  Please pray that these actions will continue to further the mission and ministry of the church.

Church directories are now projected to be delivered before the end of September.  We apologize for the delays. This is the first time we have worked with this company and things are not quite moving as we had hoped.

TAA and TCE are in the middle of the second week of a new school year.  There are 88 students enrolled at TCE (pre-K thru 8).  There is a good spirit on campus; the teachers are doing a good job and students seem to be enjoying themselves.  The largest group is in 7 & 8 with Kylee Cookenmaster.  At the academy there are 114 students and they are also off to a good start.

We received the conference tithe report through July and July was a good month.  The previous decline in tithe was recouped in July and now we are slightly ahead of last year in tithe contributions to the conference.  Camelback’s tithe continues to be slightly ahead of last year but giving to the budget is somewhat behind.  We are extremely grateful that contributions to church budget last Sabbath (Aug. 21) were over $10,000 which is a step in a positive direction in helping us catch up.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness in giving.  Please continue to remember our church operating/ministries budget in your plans to give.  Someone suggested that even a “piggy-bank” can be a real help.  If you put your change in a container and dedicate it to church budget it will make a difference.  Every little bit is important and really does help.  Just today Heidi Brizendine came to the church and turned in the money from the vandalized copper parts from the AC unit on the classroom wing.  It amounted to $140. and we will add that to the budget.  Thanks again for your prayerful attention to this important ministry need.

Well, I think I have gone on long enough.  Thanks for opening this weekly update.  For more information and links go to  www.camelbackchurch.net

May God continue to be our highest priority as we make our way through life.

With love,

Pastor Charles