East Jamaica Conference

74 Constant Spring Road P.O. Box 181 Kingston 10 Jamaica W.I. Tel:(876) 924-1061-3, Fax (876) 924-0263. E-Mail: communication@ejcsda.com website: http://ejcsda.com

Communication Department

June 7, 2013 To All Pastors, Elders, Leaders and Church Members Dear Brethren: Sincere Christian greetings ! Please see important dates and events of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists below.

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Women's Ministry Emphasis Day Results of 5K Health Run / Walk Posted on our Website Big City Evangelism Initiative - The Next Big Thing in Evangelism is Here Request From Publishing Ministries Director Re Student Colporteurs Notices From The Women's Ministries Department Notices From The Children's Ministries Department Notices from The Sab. School / Personal Ministries/ Comm. Services Department Singles Convention 2013 Update From The Communication Department Schedule of Upcoming Conference Dates and Events

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(1) Women's Ministry Emphasis Day Sabbath June 8, 2013 is designated Women's Ministry Emphasis Day. We look forward to seeing our ladies lead out in worship while sharing the many ways they use their gifts and talents to minister to others around them. Invite your family and friends to worship with you this Sabbath for Women's Ministry Emphasis Day. I'm sure you will be blessed. (2) Results of 5K Health Run / Walk Posted on our Website Congratulations to everyone who participated in the recent EJC Health Run / Walk held on June 2, 2013 and to all who played their role in making the event a success. To God be the glory, we had wonderful weather and an incident free event with more than seven hundred and fifty persons registering to participate in the event. If you participated in this year's 5K Health Run / Walk for adults or the 1.5K run for children and want to know how you did at the event, please feel free to visit the website to view the official record. Just go to the home page of the ejcsda.com website and click on the photo of the health run. You may also access the results by clicking here ---> ejcsda.com -1-

(3) Big City Evangelism Initiative - The Next Big Thing in Evangelism is Here By now you might have heard your pastor speaking about "Big City Evangelism" as the next evangelism strategy for the Seventh-day Adventist Church world wide. The leadership of our church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit have decided to take the gospel message to every major city of every country in a way that it has never done before during the period 2013 - 2014. For Jamaica, the city of Kingston and its environs have been chosen as the mission field for the largest and most comprehensive evangelistic outreach effort the church in Jamaica has ever embarked upon. Success in this mission is guaranteed only if we unite with the Holy Spirit and allow the Lord to lead in every step of the way. "So what does this have to do with me ?", you ask yourself. "If the church wants to take on another challenge, let the church do as it sees fit," says that quite but defiant voice. Well not quite so my friend. You are a part of the church and the Lord needs you to play your part in this historic event. Here's how. As of now, begin to pray for the "Big City Evangelism Initiatives" across the world but in particular pray for our campaign which will be launched all over city Kingston in 2014. If you haven't heard anything as yet from your church pastor, begin to ask. He will tell you more. July 6, 2013 has been set aside as a Day of Prayer and Fasting in our Conference. We will use this day along with other times to ask for the Lord's blessings for this important initiative Jesus ministry, to a great extent, was city centred. Matthew 9:35-38: And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues , preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom; and healing every sickness and disease. But when He saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion for them . . . We will follow the Lord's example in this regard. Remember to start praying about this. Ask you pastor about this and of the plans for "Big City Evangelism" in your area. Next week, we'll tell you more. (4) Request From Publishing Ministries Director Re Student Colporteurs The church is being asked to receive and show Christian charity to our student colporteurs from Northern Caribbean University (NCU), University of Technology (UTECH) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), who will begin visiting many of our churches as of this Sabbath. Publishing Ministries Director, pastor Owen Thompson requests that where ever the students go, that they be facilitated as best as possible by the congregation. He has asked that members of the church patronize the literature evangelists by purchasing even a small book or magazine. The books they sell will go towards their tuition for the coming school year. Consider that each purchase you make will be a contribution towards the students' education. Do remember also that you can purchase a book which you already have to give it to a friend or neighbour who is not a member of the church. (5) Notices From The Women's Ministries Department 1. You are invited to the I.M.A.P launch @ 4 p.m. on Sabbath, June 15, 2013 @ the North Street SDA Church. Our speaker is Dr. Eric Nathan. All males will be treated to a special Happy Hour immediately after the charge. Invite your visitors along. WM & F/L Directors or their representatives are expected to be in attendance. It is anticipated that this activity will be celebrated at least annually in all churches.

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2. The office is now accepting deposits for retreat 2013. Mentors your place is reserved. Fun loving adults who are not mentors, come for a full package of physical rejuvenation from October 24 -27, 2013, at the Holiday Inn Resort. Invite your non SDA friends. The rate for the first 120 persons to make their deposits will be @ US$98.00. Book early and save. b. Bring your Jewels/Children 12 years and under along. The contribution is J$5,000. This amount should be paid in full on or before July 30, 2013. This will be used to assist in offsetting the cost for their seminar presenters. Special conditions i. No child 12 years and under will be allowed in any of the seminars. c. Special payment plan/guide 1 Payment May 31, 2013 2nd Payment by June 28, 2013 3rd Payment July 31, 2013 FINAL Payment by August 28, 2013 Good news. We are now accepting credit card payments.
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3. Entry fees for the June 23, 2013, midyear retreat to Mahogany Beach Park should reach the office by June 10, 2013. This is to make proper arrangement for transportation.

A mind once stretched by a new idea can never return to its original dimensions. Oliver W. Holmes
Tips For Parents Parents, Aunties and Uncles we love when you give us extra hugs and kisses and when you teach us Bible passages. One of them is My son if sinners entice thee consent tho not. Remember, If we live with Christ and His word, we will learn the value of abundant living and eternal life.

(6) Notices From The Children's Ministries Department 1. Commendations to the CM team Half Way Tree Church and the seven children who were baptized on May 25, 2013. 2. I.M.A.P is an initiative geared at women supporting each other in heightening and enriching their spousal relationship. Kindly collect invitations for special seating. Bring your non SDA friends along. CMDs you are invited to the I.M.A.P. launch @ 4 p.m. on Sabbath, June 15, 2013 @ the North Street SDA Church. Our speaker is Dr. Eric Nathan. All males will be treated to a special Happy Hour immediately after the charge. 3. Team members to the midyear retreat/ relaxation on Sunday June 23, 2013 @ the Mahogany Beach Park, Ocho Rios, St. Ann are asked to send your entry fee of $300.00 to the office by Wednesday June 13, 2013. Please remember to pack your picnic baskets for the journey. Please contact the office

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Kingston & St. Andrew, Child Preachers Training will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2013, from 9 a.m. 12 noon at the EJC Board Room. All participants are to bring a sermon as well as the assignments.

5. St. Thomas your Child Preachers Training will begin July 6, 2013. The following churches Albion, Yallahs, Morant Bay and Prospect that have submitted names for Child Preachers Training can pick up your training packages.

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6. CMDs kindly send in the names of all children who were engaged as preachers as well as the topic of their sermon. 7. Kindly send the names of the children who were baptized for 2013 as well as their ages and gender. 8. Retreat 2013 is open to our Jewels/Children 12 years and under. The contribution is J$5,000. This amount should be paid in full on or before July 30, 2013. This will be used to assist in offsetting the cost for their seminar presenters. Special condition No child 12 years and under will be allowed in any of the GEMS or Mentors seminars.

Remember- You cannot do things differently until you see things differently.
(7) Notices From The Sab. School / Personal Ministries/ Comm. Services Department

Anonymous

The East Jamaica Conference School of Evangelism (EJC SOE) 2013 Year III has begun. The training sites are as follows: Zone 1
Kings SDA Church North Street SDA Church Kencot SDA Church Stadium Community SDA Church Harbour View SDA Church

Zone 2
Hagley Park SDA Church Washington Gardens SDA Church Half Way Tree SDA Church Sandy Park SDA Church Andrews SDA Church Gordon Town SDA Church

Zone 3
New Haven SDA Church Constant Spring SDA Church Shortwood SDA Church Meadow Vale SDA Church Woodford SDA Church

Zone 4
Seaforth SDA Church Morant Bay SDA Church Yallahs SDA Church Port Morant SDA Churches

The courses being offered are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Certificate in Adventist Community Services(ACS390) Certificate in Bible School Evangelism (BSE 240) Diploma in Personal Bible Ministry & Discipleship (PBMB480) Certificate in Lay Evangelistic Preaching (LEP401) Certificate in Sabbath School Leadership (SSL350) 6. Certificate in Small Group Evangelism (SGE400)

Principles of Evangelism and Principles of Discipleship & Membership Retention are mandatory for students to be eligible for graduation. Registration fee is eight hundred dollars ($800.00). Registration form is available on line. 1. EJC SOE general class meeting for Kingston & St. Andrew Sunday, June 16, 2013, 9:30 11:00 a.m in the EJC boardroom. Sunday, June 30, 2013 -St. Thomas: A) Morant Bay SDA @ 10 a.m for Morant Bay, Hampton Court, Seaforth & Bath Districts & B) Yallahs SDA Church @ 2 p.m. for the Woodburn & Yallahs Districts C) Other general class meeting: July 21, August 18 & September 22, 2013 d) Examinations October 20, 2013. 2. Sabbath School meeting for superintendents, secretaries and divisional leaders (Zones 1), Sunday, June 16, 2013, 11:30 a.m 1:00 p.m. in the EJC boardroom & Zone 2 at the Half Way Tree SDA Church @ 2 p.m.

3. All coaches for applicants to the Ambassador Programme 2013-2014 are encouraged to prepare the ambassadors for the semi-final on July 7, 2013 at Kingsway High School at 10 a.m. -4-

4. Big Family Fun Days - July 28, Morant Bay, St. Thomas & August 4, 2013, Kingston & St. Andrew. 5. SOE & Lay Workers Institute 2013, November 13-15, 2013 @ Golden Acres students of the School of Evangelism (SOE) and delegates chosen for your churches should begin preparation now. 6. Grand Festival of the Laity Hagley Park SDA Church, November 16 & 17, 2013 plan to be in attendance! Please contact the office at 924-1061-5 for further details. N.B. Sabbath School superintendents and Personal Ministries leaders are reminded of the end of quarter report which is due on the 10th of each month following the end of the quarter, (report form & explanation sheets are available on line). Also, please be reminded of the weekly evangelistic reports from your churches. (We are requesting your Small Groups updates). (8) Singles Convention 2013 The East Jamaica Conference in association with the Jamaica Union Conference present 'Singles Convention 2013' under the theme 'Living Your Dreams'. The convention will take place during the period August 23 - 25, 2013 and promises to be inspirational. Begin to tell your friends about it and plan from now to be there. See poster below for additional details. (9) Update From the Communication Department. This week we turn the spotlight on the Communication Team of the Seaforth SDA Church who raised the bar for local church news reporting when they submitted their news item entitled "Vision -Mission Accomplished". The news item included a video production which captured responses about the re-establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Hillside Community after an evangelistic campaign in May 2013. I use this opportunity to commend Bro. Andrew Forsythe and his team who have demonstrated that the sky is limit and that even with limited resources, we can make a difference in how we capture and record important events in our church community. This news item is a must see for all. Visit the "Latest News" section of our website and click on "Vision - Mission Accomplished" or simply click here to see this latest news. (10) Schedule of Upcoming Conference Dates and Events

Dates -2013
June 8 June 15 June 13 -16 June 22 June 29 July 6 July 27 Aug 10 Aug 13 - 20

Event
Women's Ministry Emphasis Day Launch of I.M.A.P. Healthy Lifestyle Retreat District Dialogue Vision One Million Baptismal Day Day of Prayer and Fasting District Dialogue -Golden Spring/Florence Hill Adventist Youth Day Summer Camp

Location
All Churches North Street SDA Church Golden Acres, Golden Spring Kencot All Churches All Churches All Churches Robins Bay

Phillip E. L. Castell Communication Director - 5-