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Grace and the Loving Home

Today, we focus on a theme that is the central message of the gospel --LOVE. Thursday past, it was Valentine’s Day in many countries around the world, including The Bahamas. I like to refer to it as “Lovers Day” or “Loving Day.” It is truly an important day in the calendar to give citizens an opportunity to reset their values and remind themselves of the importance of love and loving in the family and the society.

As Adventists, we usually place emphasis on loving on the Sabbath nearest to Valentine’s Day. Hence, since this is the nearest Sabbath, I like to think of today as being “Loving Sabbath.” A day to remind us of the meaning and purpose of love. Why is it important to still talk about loving when it should be so natural for Adventist Christians to do? The sad truth is that not many Adventist Christians are as loving as we know they should be.

For example: Domestic violence among Adventists parallels the statistics of the society. The divorce rate among Adventists is shockingly reaching that of all other denominations and the society at large. Child abuse and dysfunctional families are both a crying shame among us as Adventists. Is all of this because of the lack of Christlike loving, or is it also the result of the proverbial ostrich head in the sand—denying the reality of our pain? From my point of view, it is a combination of both.

Then what are we to do? The Adventist Church, with its rich resources of books like “The Adventist Home”, “Education”, and “Child Guidance”, along with practical, Biblical theology on home and family, we certainly have no excuse. How then can we pull up our boot straps of unconditional loving and acceptance? How can we make our individual homes havens of rest and loving relationships?

Here is my simple suggestion. Develop a profound understanding of the meaning of grace.

For the purpose of this article, grace is the ability to overlook stupidity, pain and disappointment in others to enable the growth of compassion, understanding and peace. Allow this grace to permeate the hearts of pain, anger, and dysfunction, thus letting the sunshine of compassion and love beam through our relationships at home and in the church.

I am confident that with this approach our dysfunction will mutate to loving functions. Then our homes will be centers of grace and unconditional acceptance and love.

Pastor Barrington Brennen.
Family photo by Prince Albert Bell


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

REAPING CAMPAIGN--Thank You

On behalf of the Administration of the South Bahamas Conference, we would like to thank the Atlantic Caribbean Union Administration along with our Pastors, Departmental Directors, office staff and church members for the part you played in this initiative. God truly delivered His messages through the medium of our guest preachers and to them we pray that the Lord will continue to bless their ministries. Let us all continue to nurture the 207 precious souls reaped for the Kingdom of God.

Administration.


ADJUSTMENT IN PARKING AT HEADQUARTERS

In order to better serve you, the South Bahamas Conference administration and staff parking at our headquarters has been relocated to the sides and rear of the building; and the driveway cleared for easy access to the building. We thank you for your kind adherence to these adjustments.

Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Executive Secretary

 

Conventions to the Family Islands will be in the month of March.
Please Watch Here for Details.

 

 

CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

2 - 9: LTM Reaping Campaigns IAD
9: LTM Baptismal Day
9 - 16: Christian Home and Family Week
9: Christian Marriage Day (Emphasizes Marriage)
10: PARL Conclave
10: YWOP Preacher’s Training - SBC Office Board Room
15 – 17: ACLASS- 10 Hours Senior Youth Course, Adventurer & Pathfinder Staff Training Course (Bahamas Academy)
17 - 26: LTM Educational Trip (Israel)
16: Christian Home Day (Emphasizes Parenting)
17: GEMS Reloaded
21 - 24: Screening for 8 Weeks to Wellness Programme
23: Adventist Youth, Club Ministries Consecration Service, ACLASS Graduation (Joint AY Service) Good News Seventh-day Adventist Church
25: 8 Weeks to Wellness Starts
28: SBC Executive Committee Meeting

Administration

ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE

2019 Reaping Campaigns in ATCU.  The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, February 16 – 23, 2019 is: Father as Priest of the Family.


ADVENTIST LAYMEN SERVICES & INDUSTRIES

GENERAL MEETING:   This very important event will take place on Sunday February 17, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Hillview Church. All are invited and welcomed!

ASI FAIR:  This event will take place on Sunday March 3, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Listen out for the venue.

IAD - ASI CONVENTION:  The ASI Convention for the Inter-American Division will take place on August 21 - 24, 2019 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Save the date and plan to be there.

Shandera Smith, A.S.I. 

 

CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS MINISTRIES MEETING

A very important meeting will be held for all church CHAM leaders on Sunday February 24, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. at the conference headquarters. All churches are asked to be represented.  

Lavern Sturrup, CHAM Director

 

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT JOB OPENING

The Communication Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking to employ an individual trained in television and radio production, skilled in video and audio editing and graphic design. Interested persons should submit your resume and two (2) reference letters at our Church Headquarters on Tonique Williams Darling Highway. Copies of Academic Degrees, Diplomas, a Video CV and any other Certifications are also required.  The said person should be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian who is a dependable team player, organized and able to multitask. For enquirers and submissions please email: lsturrup@sbcadventist.com .    

Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director.


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

8 WEEKS TO WELLNESS 2019:   Having challenges with elevated pressure, glucose, and cholesterol? Are you financially challenged?  Are you overweight, having sleep issues, experiencing fatigue, heart conditions and other ailments?  Well, you would want to be a part of 8 WEEKS TO WELLNESS 2019 under the theme ‘I Choose to Live Healthy’.       Join us for eight fun-filled weeks of exercise, cooking classes, health lectures, health devotional nuggets and small group coaching sessions. Starting February 25 at 6p.m until April 29th at the former Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road. 

All participants must be pre-screened.  Pre-screening dates are:

  • Thursday February 21, 4 p.m – 7 p.m
  • Sunday February 24, 3 p.m - 5 p.m

During the program, sessions will be held once per week on Mondays. Prevention is the key. This is a good way to enhance your overall well-being.  For further information on registration, contact us at 323-0610, 341-4021 or on WhatsApp at 826-8486.  Coaches for 8 Weeks to Wellness 2019  All persons interested in volunteering as a coach for this year’s program, are asked to contact Sister Nathelyn LaCroix at 242- 323-0610 /WhatsApp 242-826-8486 or by email at: lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com.

Training is scheduled for:  Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at Conference Headquarters at 5.45pm.

 

Medical Missionary Training

All persons interested in enrolling in the Medical Missionary training programme online or abroad can contact Nathelyn LaCroix at 323-0610.  Email at lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com for additional information.    Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Director.

 

ADVENTIST HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (AHPA)

Prayer Breakfast:   All health professionals, health leaders, those with a passion for health and the wider membership are invited to a re-consecration, prayer breakfast on February 17, 2019 at 7a.m at Philadelphia church. Shandera Smith, AHPA, President.

 

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

 First Quarter (February - March) “WE” (Women Empowerment) - at a glance:

February, 2019

  • 17 - “Lord Transform The Woman In Me”, Prayer Breakfast, at Johnson Park Fellowship Hall - 8:00a.m
  • 24 - Philadelphia Women’s Ministries, “Fill My Cup” - Afternoon Tea, at Philadelphia Church Fellowship Hall at 4:00p.m.
  • 24 - GEMS Reloaded – A Relaunch Event under the theme, “Grow, GLOW, GO!” Time: 3:00p.m – 5:00p.m at the Living Faith Church.
  • Ages: 13 & up. Registration ends February 17, 2019. Contact your GEMS Coordinator TODAY!

March, 2019

  • 2 – International Women’s Day of Prayer
  • 30 - “God in Shoes” - Zone 1 Community Outreach, Geriatric Hospital at 4:00p.m

DONATION REQUEST

Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals.  Kindly donate these devotionals to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year. Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director.

 

MEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

This year the “Sons of the Kingdom", Florida Conference Men's Ministries Convention invites all men ages 13+, to join them on March 8-10, 2019 at Camp Kalaqua, Florida. Enjoy spectacular speakers, uplifting music, exceptional food and wonderful fellowship at this retreat. Speakers are: John Earnhardt, Minnetonka Labrador and Newton King.   All attendees must register at www.ultracamp.com/info

MEN’S MEET & GREET: On Sunday, March 31, 2019 all men are invited to a breakfast Meet and Greet. Venue: TBA Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator.


BAHAMAS ACADEMY ENTRANCE EXAM

The entrance exam for the 2019-2020 school year is scheduled for Thursday February 21st, 2019 from 9 a.m.-12noon at Bahamas Academy located on Marshall Road. Application forms can be obtained from the school’s website: bahamasacdemy.org or at the school.    Juliette Sands, Principal.


YOUTH TIDBITS

Upcoming Events

Public Campus Ministry Youth Congress Panama 2019: The Inter-American Division PCM Youth Congress will be July 18-22, 2019 in Panama. Expected delegates will be college/university students and professors from across the conference. Tentative total cost per delegate is $312.00 USD + airfare. The criteria for selection will be published soon.

Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director.

 

Berea Exercise Classes

You are all invited to be a part of the Berea Health Ministries Department exercise classes every Sunday morning at the church. Aerobics start at 6:30a.m - 7:20a.m and Abdominal workouts from 7:20a.m. - 8:00a.m. Come and strengthen your core.  Berea Health Leader.

 

BURIAL SOCIETY  MONTHLY MEETING

The Adventist Burial society will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday February 11, 2019 at 6:30p.m at the Grants Town Church Annex. Members are encouraged to become financial and persons wishing to join the society are invited to attend.  R. Henry Moncur.

 


Please Email Weekly Announcements by
Tuesday @ 1:00 p.m. to: logos@sbcadventist.com 

 

Conference website: http://southbahamasconference.org

Telephone: 242-341-4021 

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
February 23, 2019 AT 6:08 P.M.