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Pastor's Weekly Notes - October 28, 2009

Posted on Jan 01, 2009

Dear Camelback friends and family,

Thank you for the opportunity to share church events with you. If there is someone that might like to receive this weekly update please refer them to the Cherie at the church office and she can get them on the list.

Heartfelt thanks to the Sonoran Desert Chorale under the direction of Jeff Harris for providing our church service last Sabbath. The piece they did (a new creation) presented a lovely progression and view of the God/man relationship. We were blessed and inspired. Camelback's connection with the Chorale is sweetened by the participation of Bonnie Loney as accompanist; and Ed Loney and Ken Albertson who are in the group.

Last weekend several of our coordinators attended a seminar at the academy provided by the North American Division of SDA called "Church Works". It was very helpful, motivational and inspirational. Representatives from almost every church in Arizona participated. Those who attended left with a stronger commitment to share Jesus with our communities and to help get more of our members involved in mission and ministry. You will be hearing more about this in the near future. Benjamin and Steve attended most of the sessions and I was able to attend Sunday morning.

This Sabbath (Oct. 31) I will be continuing the series on Surrender that all three pastors have been working on. It seems that the large questions about surrender that must be answered are: What is it? How do we do it? I will be focusing on those questions this Sabbath and next (Nov. 7). This is a vitally important subject which is really worth our attention. Please plan to come and share in another meaningful worship experience. SS begins at 9:30 and church at 10:50.

Our monthly church board meeting was Monday night Oct. 26. Each of the pastors gave reports on upcoming plans and events. The major actions we took were: (1) To pay our portion of the school indebtedness loan to the conference through the end of the year (3 month total of approx. $2,800) (2) To promote the upcoming "It's Your Money! Seminar" with Ed Reed from the GC to members and community and to fund that promotion and hosting up to $7,500. (dates Nov. 20, 21). (3) To get a new bid and purchase usable thermostat controls for the three heating/cooling units that serve the sanctuary (cost approx. $5,000) with training on how to use them. (currently energy is being wasted due to difficult to operate and out-dated thermostats). (4) The school (TCE) is working to develop a balanced budget for the current school year. The calendar for Nov. will be in the bulletin this Sabbath.

Following church Nov. 7 there will be a picnic/potluck in Chaparral Park for our church family and friends. Bring plenty of your favorite food to share ---- and chairs or blankets for you and yours.

Upcoming events: "Songs in the Air" Christmas variety program at Camelback Friday night Dec. 4; "Messiah" with the Phoenix Chamber Orchestra and Chorale here Sabbath evening Dec. 19; Candlelight Communion/Cookie Decorating party Sunday Dec. 20; Homecoming Sabbath Dec. 26 for church.

May Our Heavenly Father continue to be with you and yours as you go about the activities of life.

With love,

Pastor Charles

PS - Please remember your church in your planned giving as we begin the last two months of the year. We have again fallen behind in our giving to budget and really need to conclude the year in the black. Thank you so much for your commitment and faithfulness!