Parents Keep Your Children Connected!

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It is true that biblical mandates, pillars of our faith, and the principles upon which we stand are eternal. However, we must also acknowledge that times and events constantly dictate to us the need to review and adjust our methods and approaches to the way we provide ministry for members, especially our children.

 The Children and Adolescent Ministries (C.H.A.M) Department along with the committed leaders in our churches continue to traverse unchartered territory with excitement because our hope remains anchored in the one who knows the end from the beginning. In the midst of challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage parents to embrace the countless opportunities to participate in CHAM programs and events. We know how easy it is to become consumed in the maze of cyberspace activities leaving little or no time for interaction in the home, because everybody is sitting before a different electronic device. This brief article presents the realities we are facing and a few simple ideas you can follow to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of your children during this time.

Firstly, remember that children and adolescents are also experiencing uncertainty, anxiety, and disappointment just as you are. The American Psychological Association’s annual stress survey revealed that younger children are often more stressed than their parents realize. Therefore, make a little time to listen and laugh with your children every day. Kids need an opportunity to speak (without any interruption). This will open the communication channels for them to talk about their stresses. Laughter, the wise man Solomon says is a good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Scientists concur and say that it can transform the body’s chemistry in a positive way.

Secondly, make it a daily habit to get your child moving. This is an invitation for you to get moving as well. You will discover that any form exercise or activity will help the family to be less edgy. Activities such as walking, riding a bicycle, or playing games in the backyard are great stress relievers that children and parents can enjoy together.

Thirdly, nurture your child’s passions. Like adults, children also derive a tremendous amount of joy from things they are passionate about. Whether it is a hobby, or skill such as art or singing, allow them to indulge. However, let them participate only for pleasure and not competition. Pushing your child to “win” will reduce joy and create stress.

Fourthly, make sure your child is getting sufficient sleep. A research carried out by the Harvard Gazette in 2017 indicated that many children and teens are not getting enough sleep. If you must wake your child in the morning, that child is sleep deprived. It is a good idea to move the child’s bedtime back by 15 minutes every night until the child wakes up at the desired time on their own, refreshed, and joyful.

My fifth and final point is to stay connected. I know some of you may say but ‘my child and I are together 24/7, can’t I get a break?’ You sure can. However, remember that children love to be around their parents. This includes teens and preteens, so plan fun time with them often and strike the balance to ensure you give them space also.

Use these five suggestions as you seek to keep your families connected to God and to each other. Also, let children know that apart from the family worship times they can pray to God at any time. Why not talk about your relationship with Jesus, tell them about the answered prayers, and how He is your friend. Model a life that is totally dependent on God and let your children know that “God is with us always.”

--Mrs. Lavern A. Sturrup, Director, Children & Adolescent Ministries


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020
November
18 – 21: Bible Conference
21: Children’s Sabbath, 25th Anniversary – 11a.m (Joint) Speaker: Dr. Linda Koh, GC CHAM Director. Agape Praise (Afternoon - Joint)
23-24: ATCU YEAR-END MEETINGS
27-29: SBC Men’s Conference
28: HIV/AIDS Awareness Day & LTM/TMI Baptisms

December
5: World Stewardship Day
4-5: Youth Congressoree-Speaker (Joint Youth Services)
5: Adventist Men Chorale Concert
6: CHAM Fun Day (Joint)
6 – 7: ATCU Session
6 – 7: Youth Choir Christmas Concert7
11 – 12: 4th Quarter Youth Day (Local Church/District)
11 – 12: Winter Youth Retreats (Local Church/District)
12: Youth Emphasis Day/Meistersinger Annual Christmas Concert (p.m.)
13: Youth Banquets (Local Churches/District)
14: Health Emphasis Day/Choir Day
18: Office Closes for the Holiday
19: Christmas Sabbath
19: Music Day (Local Churches, a.m.)/Festival of Carols (Joint, p.m.)
31: Year End Service


HAPPENING TODAY
CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES (CHAM) DEPARTMENT

Celebrating 25th Anniversary
The Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Children Ministries for our World Church is being held today in a joint service on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at 11:00 a.m with special guest speaker Dr. Linda Koh, CHAM Director, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Also, in attendance will be our Directors from the Inter-American Division and Atlantic Caribbean Union. The combined children’s choir for the South Bahamas Conference will minister in music at the virtual service. This afternoon, Saturday November 21st at 4o’clock the Agape Praise Concert will be held as our children from all our churches will be represented in a time of musical inspiration. Let’s support them.

Meeting ID: 993 5033 0466
Passcode: 983676
   

 

Save the Date
CHAM Fun Day & Announcement of Results of ‘Kids Talents for Jesus’ Competition, December 6, 2020

 –Mrs. Lavern A. Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


BIBLE SYMPOSIUM
The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has been hosting its annual Bible Symposium from Wednesday November 18 and will conclude on Sabbath November 21, 2020. Sabbath morning sessions begin at 11:00 AM. This year our speaker is Dr. Jerome Skinner of Andrews University. He will speak on the subject of Interpreting Scripture.

--Pastor Lynden Williams, Coordinator

 

BAHAMAS ACADEMY 
Register your child today for classes which begin on November 25, 2020. Family Island students are welcome! Visit our website at bahamasacademy.org. For additional information call 461-2100.

--Administration


COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Job Opening
The Communication Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking an audio-visual technician.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or credentialing such as Certified Technology Specialist (CTS).

Necessary Skills
The Audio-Visual Technician must be able to transport, assemble, maintain, and repair equipment used in multimedia production. Knowledge of camera and lighting techniques is essential, and knowledge of editing software for audio and video is required.

The individual must also be creative and flexible with strong communication skills and the ability to interact with coworkers and clients, often under deadline pressure. In addition to being proficient with computer systems used in multimedia production, the employers require word processing skills. The individual must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and have good hearing and eyesight.

To submit a resumé or for further enquiries email our Human Resources department at dforbes@sbcadventist.org.bs

–Mrs. Lavern A.  Sturrup, Communication Director

 

HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Upcoming Events
December 20 - Cooking Class (Hillview)

Health Panel Discussion
You are all invited to a Health Panel Discussion captioned, 'The Whole You' on December 5 at 4:00p.m. A panel of health professionals will be available to answer any health questions/concerns you may have. Meeting ID: 996-8077-3311 Passcode: 681760

Health Tip: The Uttermost Health Goal
“For bodily exercise profited little, but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” - 1 Timothy 4: 8.

As believers in Christ, we can focus on taking care of our body temples based on the word of God and the ‘Eight Laws of Health’. However, if we do not have love for one another and an intimate relationship with the heavenly Master, we have nothing.

 It is important to adhere to the ‘Eight Laws of Health’ but, if we do not adhere to the WORD - THE BIBLE, and GOD, all of that is useless.  Godliness does not conflict with the laws of health but is in harmony with them. We are to become an example for others to see Christ in us, not only promoting healthy lifestyles. We are to become THE LIGHT OF CHRIST, so others can come to know him.

We are to ensure that all members, newcomers and old alike become familiar with the health message and get to know their bodies to prevent certain illnesses and effectively monitor their illnesses. It is important that we depend on GOD, THE FATHER, THE MASTER OF ALL THINGS who knows what is best for us. Charlene Clarke, Health Leader, Hillview. Excerpt from Counsel of health, EGW

 –Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Ministries Director

 

MEN’S MINISTRIES
Adventist Men Weekend, November 27-28, 2020. Theme: ‘Men-Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies’ Friday Vesper – Guest Speaker, Elder Israel Leito. Sabbath Afternoon Symposium - Presenters: Pastor Reinaldo Dracket, Pastor Michael Smith, Director Lester Stuart and Dr. Alpheaus Allick. Music will be provided by Adventist men from around the Conference.

Meeting ID: 994 6820 9787
Passcode: 842474

--Elder Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator

  

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Ladies, do you have a testimony that you wished you could share with the whole world? Maybe it’s a scripture that means so much to you that you would like to share why. Do you have a story that you think would inspire your sisters in the faith? Well, here is your opportunity.

The Women’s Ministries Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is pleased to announce the publishing of the first local Women’s Devotional, and we are seeking your help in making this become a reality. We ask that you make this a matter of prayer and if you are led to make a contribution to the devotional, we invite you to submit your story.

Each submission should range between 450 – 500 words, in totality, with a title and a scripture text. Please also note that you may use your name or a Pseudonym, whichever makes you more comfortable. All stories should be sent to SBCwomensministries@sbcadventist.org.bs. Deadline for submissions is June 2021. 

As we embark on this journey together, we ask that you pray for the successful launch of this Devotional and that many lives will be enriched by its readers. 

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But in Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


YOUTH TIDBITS
IAD Bible Connection 2020
The Youth Department congratulates Pharez Darceuil of the Berea Church, for courageously representing the Atlantic Caribbean Union at the IAD Bible Connection Finals 2020. ATCU placed 20th overall and 2nd among the English Fields.

Festival of Youth 2020
Will be held virtually, on December 4-5, 2020. Friday at 7p.m. Sabbath at 9a.m & 4p.m

Via: YouTube- @passiton242, Facebook-@passiton242
Meeting ID: 966 5728 0441
Passcode: 330295

 

Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.
CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
November 28, 2020 - 5:19 p.m.

Happy Sabbath!