A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department

December 2013 Issue #16

Page 2

H arvest at Gregory Park Church

has become one the most an-

ticipated items on the local

church calendar over the past

few years. This year’s staging once again

validated that anticipation, as the Church

was treated to another spiritual and fes-

tal experience.

This year’s theme was ‘Bountiful

Blessings: Harvest of Praise’. The week-

end started with Vesper Service on the

Friday night, November 29. The fair size

congregation entered into a transformed

edifice, complete with Jamaican coloured

fabric and bandana drapery as the back-

drop, sorrel stems affixed to the benches

and an altar of hearty looking fruits, vege-

tables and produce of all shapes, colour

and sizes. The various choirs of the

Church were on full praise as they raised

Hymns befitting the Glory of the Father of

Creation – while Pastor Blondel Campbell

offered the evening’s charge.

Sabbath’s Worship Service con-

tinued the momentum of the night be-

fore. Bro Omar Bernard, Superintendent

of the morning’s Sabbath School, re-

minded the congregation that everything

is created and provided by nature for the

total nourishment and wellness of man-

kind. A highlight of the morning service

was the welcome by Bro. Neville Harriott.

Dressed in full famer’s garb, ‘Uncle

Neville’ made all the visitors feel right at

home – even offering june plums as a

treat to visitors. This was after he did a

demonstration of a homemade

‘sugarless’ smoothie made of banana,

pineapple, dates, sunflower seeds, Lasoy,

crushed ice and even avocado - and pro-

viding a taste test to seal the deal.

The speaker for Divine Hour was

Damian Chambers, Pastor of the Clear

Park District of Churches. Pastor Cham-

bers reminded the congregation exactly

why it is necessary for us to give all glory

and honour to God for all his goodness

towards us.

Sunday was the culmination of

Harvest celebration, where members

could lay claim to the produce they had

laid their eyes on over the past two days.

Pastor Lascelles James, who offered the

homily during the worship service, lik-

ened God’s people to fruits that have

overcome the storms and other forces of

life to reach a point of maturity and fit-

ness.

Afterwards, under the green tent

shading from the midday sun was a pro-

cession of performers keeping the

Churchyard buzzing as persons bought,

ate, laughed, sang, drank and bought

again. Cooked meals, pastry, natural

juices, ground produce, fruits, vegeta-

bles—it was all available, and the breth-

ren partook, all to the benefit of the Greg-

ory Park SDA Church. .

Gregory Park Celebrates a ‘HARVEST of Praise’

(left) Pastor Damian Chambers of the Clear Park SDA Circuit delivers the Di-

vine Hour Message, while Pastor Campbell looks on. On the right, the Com-

bined Choir blend their voice in Praises to God.

Damian Wilson

Communication Department

See images from Harvest 2013

on page 9

Issue #16

Week of Prayer/Prayer-thon

From the Pastor

Women of Influence

3

Harvest 2013 Scenes

Publications

Adventist Resources The Light

Where are they Now? Revived by His Word

Health as a Lifestyle

Church News

Church Calendar

7

16-17

18

14-15

13

12

11

Meet your Officers ADRA Aids Typhoon Victims 10

9

Scenes from the Quarter 8

Women’s Retreat

6 Letter to the Church Did You Know?

5

6

4

The Light

BLONDEL Campbell Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit of Churches

“This year the SDA

Church in Jamaica

will embark on

MM14 – Metro Mis-

sion 2014, targeting

the major towns and

cities for evangel-

ism.”

A s we welcome the dawn

of a new year and the

close of another, we are

reminded of God’s good-

ness towards us for allowing this to

be so. It also reminds us that we are

one year closer to His coming. Let

us individually and collectively

pledge in our hearts to draw even

closer to the Creator this year,

through prayer, study and worship.

Thanks to all officers and depart-

ments who executed their various

programmes and special days dur-

ing the quarter. We are indeed

grateful for your stewardship over

your department and the way as

officers, you have led out in the ser-

vices of the Gregory Park Church.

Special thanks and commendation

also to those who have answered

the call to service as officers for the

year 2014. Do all things through the

power and might of our Lord.

Thanks to the Church at large for

supporting the harvest ingathering

in October. We are reminded that

the work of the church needs finan-

cial support as well.

Congratulations to the Pastor, mem-

bers and officers of the Greater

Portmore Church which was organ-

ized as the newest Church in the

area and Conference. We look for-

ward to working together in an ef-

fort to save souls for the Kingdom.

I must also extend special apprecia-

tion to Pastor Lascelles James for his

work at the Gregory Park Church

over the last few months. Your brief

tenure with us has truly been

memorable and rewarding for the

Gregory Park Church. Continue to

allow the Lord to use you in a

mighty way as you carry on the work

elsewhere.

Thanks to all who supported and in

particular the planning committee

for the Harvest Celebrations in De-

cember and made it a success.

Special thanks to Sis Claudia Bailey

for her participation in Week of

Prayer and Preach-a-Thon.

As a Church, we acknowledge the

passing of Nelson Mandela and the

work he did as a liberator and de-

fender of the rights of black people

in South Africa. Let his life remind us

to not be afraid to stand up against

injustice in any form.

This year the SDA Church in Jamaica

will embark on MM14 – Metro Mis-

sion 2014, targeting the major towns

and cities for evangelism. Let us

pray for it and support it in whatever

way we can as we continue to carry

out the gospel commission.

Thank you all and God’s richest

blessings for 2014.

Issue #16

T his year’s Week of Prayer took

on an added dimension when

the customary one week series

was expanded into a second

week dubbed ‘Preach-a-thon,’ running

from November 2-16. This was the final

initiative of the Central Jamaica Confer-

ence in keeping with its Year of the Laity

focus.

Called to bring the Divine Gos-

pel to the Gregory Park SDA Church was

Sis Claudia Bailey, Prayer Ministry Coor-

dinator of the Central Jamaica Confer-

ence. Sis Bailey delivered God’s Word

with power, assurance, and precision,

night after night and for three consecu-

tive Sabbaths. She implored those

within the hearing of her voice that Holy

Spirit has the power to transform lives

positively but the only way to tap into

that power was to accept Jesus as our

Lord and Saviour. She also stressed the

importance of Prayer as the medium to

Heaven.

Of course this was also during

the traditional youth month in November

where the young people of the Church

were allowed to gain valuable experi-

ence and knowledge in the operation of

different departments of the Church.

Week of Prayer/Preach-a-thon

was the last of a series of evangelistic

programmes for the year by the Church

in collaboration with the Conference.

March 16-21 saw a week of Revival by

Pastor Dwayne Scott; April 5-14 - the

REACH Programme with Pastor Noel

Rose, in June it was time for the Proph-

ecy Unveiled Seminar by Pastor Blondel

Campbell and September 21-27 wit-

nessed the ‘Sharing the Joy of the Har-

vest’ Series with Pastor Alan Hush. The

week of Prayer/Preach-a-Thon would

close a year of preaching, teaching and

worshiping God with the goal of calling

persons to His Kingdom through the

work of Lay men and women.

Preach-a-thon culminated on

the afternoon of Sabbath November 16,

with the Church, along with other Ad-

ventist Churches in the area, congregat-

ing at the Portmore SDA Church to close

the programme. .

It was reported that across the

Conference, some one-hundred and

twenty-one (121) persons from the fif-

teen zones in Central Jamaica Confer-

ence were baptised. .

In commenting on the initiative,

Pastor Nevail Barrett, Personal Minis-

tries and Sabbath School Director for

CJC, stated that “The objectives were

met. We set out to engage the participa-

tion of certified Lay Preachers and Bible

Workers, including those newly trained

in IICM training programme, during the

Year of the Laity. We also wanted to

increase evangelistic activities in

churches which have been under-

evangelized over the years.”

closes out YEAR OF THE LAITY

The Light

The Adventist Church membership has passed the 18 million member mark!

There were 18,028,796 Seventh-day

Adventists worldwide as of Sept-

ember 30, 2013 according to the

Church’s Office of Archives,

Statistics and Research.

An estimated 25 to 30 million men, women & children attend weekly Adventist worship services.

►On any given day, 3,052 people join the church.

► Every hour 127 people are baptized.

► Every minute, two individuals are baptized

Did You Know?

From Pastor Everett Smith, President - Jamaica Union

I greet you warmly, and trust you

are enjoying the blessing of the

Lord as we live and work in His

vineyard.

In 2014, the Jamaica Union

will embark on a major evangelist initiative that will see the five

conferences in Jamaica targeting the major cities and towns dur-

ing the first quarter of 2014. This initiative is in keeping with the

General Conference and the Inter-American Division’s focus on

targeting the major cities of the world.

Kingston being our capital and largest city in Jamaica,

has been designated as the major city of emphasis for the Ja-

maica Union. This initiative requires the full support of every

member of the church to join us in praying for the success of this

programme, and to participate in the mission to the cities and

towns by making a special contribution to defray the expenses of

conducting the initative.

Therefore, on Sabbath, De-

cember 7 and Sabbath December, 28,

we are inviting each member to give a

sacrificial offering which will be col-

lected on those dates. If for any reason

you are unable to make your contribu-

tuion on any of these two days, please

feel free to put it in an envelop marked

“MM14”, and place the envelope in the

offering receptacle on any Sabbath. We

are not only soliciting your prayers and

financial support, but we ask that you

pray for, study with, and/or invite someone to attend one of

these evangelistic series across the island.

We believe thousands of persons will respond to the

gospel during this initiative, and we thank you for your support in

fulfilment of the mission to which God has called us.

Yours in His Service

Everett E. Brown (Pastor)

Issue #16

O ver the years, Women’s Retreat has served as a time

when the women of the church heeded the Lord’s

command to ‘come apart’ to be challenged, motivated

and inspired for greater service to the Lord. A decision

was taken to have an ‘All-Portmore’ SDA Women’s Retreat sup-

ported by sister churches Braeton, Greater Portmore, Newlands

and Tent City, with women attending from as far afield as King-

ston and Spanish Town. Retreat 2013 was another opportunity

to experience anew God’s healing and renewing love. The

theme, ‘Reflect, Release, Rejoice!’, proved to be a fitting caption

for the powerful spiritual experience which unfolded over the

weekend of November 1–3, 2013 at Jewels Resort in St. Ann.

On the morning of Friday, November 1, 50 women jour-

neyed to Jewels Resort to begin a weekend of reflection, prayer

and praise in peaceful surroundings away from their regular

daily activities. Having settled in at the Resort, the main focus of

Friday evening’s vesper service was REFLECT. The admonition

in Psalm 139: 23-24 seemed to be the prayer on every sister’s

heart as the service got underway. The main presenter on Friday

evening was Sis Christine Shand.

Sabbath morning, November 2 was no ordinary Sab-

bath. A stirring Sabbath School and lesson review was followed

by an inspiring Divine Hour with Sis. Sackeria Hinds of Northern

Caribbean University as Divine Hour Speaker. The focus of the

day was RELEASE and the sisters were led on a spiritual journey

through the spoken word and song to surrender all to Jesus and

allow Him to set them free. ‘This feels like when I just got bap-

tized’, was the sentiment expressed by one of the attendees

from Kingston.

Prayer was an integral part of the retreat and the

power of prayer was felt at every stage of the process from plan-

ning through to implementation. Sabbath, November 2, how-

ever, will be forever held dear in the memories of the sisters as

the power of prayer was manifested in a marked way during the

Sabbath service. A sister entered the Sabbath School in such

obvious physical pain that it moved many hearts. She had great

difficulty walking and had been unsuccessful in finding her pain

medication. The prayer sessions throughout the retreat were

very intense and personal as the sisters poured out their hearts

to God in total surrender. God moved in a miraculous way as

sister after sister found release and it was a climactic anthem of

praise that went up to God when the Sister was released from

her pain, demonstrating repeatedly that she had been miracu-

lously healed by God from her physical pain. She walked,

jumped, skipped and danced through the rest of the weekend.

The testimonies were powerful as everyone began to REJOICE

and praise the Lord for the victories won.

REJOICE, the last part of the theme, was the focus of

Sunday, the final day of the Retreat. Sis. Mary Cole led out with

a prayer walk on the beach, assisted by her daughter, Sister

Montaque, who presented a short devotional reading. The

women then prayed and wrote in the sand, names of persons

they were interceding for with a desire to see them in the King-

dom. It was no ordinary prayer session! As the women prayed

and shared, there was no mistaking the distinct sense of God’s

presence moving among the group. There was hardly a dry eye

and much rejoicing as the testimonies came freely and as the

prayer partners prayed.

One of the most rewarding elements of the retreat was

the number of non-Adventists or former Adventists impacted for

the Lord. This included the bus driver, Chris who Sis. Mary Cole

witnessed to from the time she entered the bus and throughout

the journey. He was also prayed for during the weekend. When

it was time for the return journey, he committed to going back to

church, a promise he has since kept. In the dining area Sis. Cole

met a couple. Upon seeing Sis Cole’s prayer button, the male,

perhaps jokingly requested prayer. However, Sister Cole was

serious about her mission for the Lord. As she conversed with

them in preparation for prayer, the young man came under con-

viction. He had once walked with the Lord and it was time to

return to Him! He proposed to his female companion and plans

were made for the requisite counseling, to be followed by mar-

riage and baptism. Another individual, a former member who

had been somewhat distant during the weekend, at the very

end re-dedicated her life to the Lord in that same dining room

and committed to start attending church once again. All the

victories were won through prayer, through servants of God who

allowed God to use them mightily on this special weekend re-

treat.

By November 3, REFLECT, RELEASE, REJOICE had be-

come more than the mere words of a theme. The words had

now become the experience of the participants on the retreat.

Prayer partners continue to pray together and the rich spiritual

encounter with God challenged every participant to a deeper

spiritual walk with God.

This Sister rejoices after experiencing God’s healing power

A few members of the Gregory Park contingent

Reflect, Release, Rejoice!

- Marjorie Stone

The Light

S he opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching

of kindness is on her tongue (Proverb 31:26).

As the year 2013 drew to its close, the Women’s

Ministry Department implemented its final major activity for

the year. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the women

had had a successful year and it was only fitting that the year

-end activity be a meaningful one.

Sis. Janet Gordon, Women’s Ministry Director, and

her committee organized an evening of prayer, relaxation

and fun under the theme ‘Women of Influence’. The evening

was to reinforce the influence of women, to affirm each other

and ensure that by God’s grace the influence they wield in

every sphere of life would be positive and Godly.

The evening of casual elegance began at approxi-

mately 5:30 pm with the arrival of the beautifully attired la-

dies at Sunrise Crescent, Kingston. The ambience created

was breathtaking. The front lawns were converted into an

enthrallingly beautiful setting as the white tables and chairs

nestled among the lush, green vegetation with sparkling

lights and background music set the tone for a wonderful

evening.

Sis. Gordon welcomed the ladies and had a heart-to-

heart talk with them. The most important activity of the eve-

ning was an intense devotional exercise and prayer in which

the ladies poured out their hearts to God in intercessory

prayer. The ladies also sought to affirm each other by speak-

ing positively about the person whose name they had se-

lected at the beginning of the proceedings.

Sis Ceraphia Roper, the Master of Ceremonies, did

an excellent job of guiding the evening’s proceedings. The

main address to the Women came from the guest speaker,

Sis. Dornarey Taffe. She reminded the women how valuable

they are and that they should take time out to care and

make a difference. She was a riveting speaker who made it

clear that matter or substance is more important than mere

form.

Dinner was a delectable affair and the women were

graciously served by Brother Mboya Gordon and Elder Ed-

ward Chambers who were both dapperly attired in black and

white. They served well and the women dined in style, feast-

ing on a delicious three course meal prepared by the gifted

Sis. Paulette Rowe.

The evening’s activities culminated with an hour of

fun of games spearheaded by Sisters Hortense Brown and

Ceraphia Roper. The women laughed and played together

vying for spot prizes and discovering the lighter side of each

other. When the activities were finally brought to a close,

everyone was fully satisfied that it was an evening well spent

both spiritually and socially.

- Marjorie Stone

Women’s Dinner

Issue #16

1 - Sis. Joan Pusey and daughter Kaydene Pusey-

Bernard hold hands as they prepare to pray during the

Week of Prayer

2 - Sis Michelle Roper-Carty carries a basket of corn on

her head during Harvest, Sunday December 1, 2013

3 - First Elder, Cavan Davis speaks with a member of

the community during tract distribution, Sabbath Octo-

ber 19, 2013

4 - Bro. Hernando Henry, Jean-Mark Davis and Devroy

Peart (left to right), form the Praise Team during Week

of Prayer Service

5 - Bro. Clive Ebanks serves the Communion wine dur-

ing Communion Service, Sabbath December 14, 2013

The Light

Issue #16

ADRA Aids Thousands of Families

in the Philippines

The Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA) responded immediately to Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated portions of Southeast Asia, most notably the Philippines in early November. . ADRA provided more than 3,500 families with emergency food kits in Cebu and Iloilo and an additional 2,400 to families in Roxas. ADRA was the first NGO on the ground to provide food for the survivors in those areas. . In addition, ADRA's emergency response team distributed 5,000 emergency shelter tarps in affected areas. . ADRA's primary hub of emergency response activity was moved from Cebu to Roxas City in Capiz Province, where the water supply and the ability to pump water was disrupted due to loss of electricity. The ADRA team also installed four water purification systems. They also provided 15,000 liters of drinkable water for 3,000 people each day. Safe drinking water was transported to surrounding communities near Roxas, and to the District Hospital, which treated 100 to 150 outpatients and 50 inpatients daily. . Typhoon Haiyan is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,069 people in that country. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed.

Source: Natalia López-Thismón, ADRA International

Scenes of the destruction and devastation on the

Philippines left by Typhoon Haiyan

Old faces in Places A new slate of officers have been selected through the Churches nomination and selection process to lead the Church and the various departments

through the year 2014. Many are familiar names who have served in different departments over the years. Some are new to the particular depart-

ment, while other are returning after a long hiatus. Below are a few old faces in new places among the major departments.

Orrett Davis Ceraphia Roper Janet Able-Simpson Marjorie Stone

No stranger to the position of

Church Treasurer, Bro Orrett

Davis returns to the position

he held many years ago, fol-

lowing 13 consecutive years

in the position by Sis Hyacinth

Hines. Bro Davis will once

again take responsibility for

the management of the

Church’s finances.

Having held many difference

offices over the years, the

ordained elder, former

Church Clerk and Sabbath

School Superintendent now

takes on the task of

Personal Ministries Leader, a

position, which drives evangel-

ism in and around the church.

A relative newcomer to the

Gregory Park Church after mov-

ing her membership and relo-

cating to the St. Catherine area

a few years ago, Sis Ceraphia

takes on the task as

Adventist Youth Leader, of

leading the Church’s young and

young at heart – and leading

the Sabbath afternoon’s pro-

gramme.

A former Education Director,

Health Minister's Leader &

current Worship Committee

Chair, Sis. Stone is the new

Church Clerk. Among the myr-

iad of administrative responsi-

bilities, she will be responsible

for ensuring the smooth and

efficient management of the

Church’s records

The Light

In this Where are they Now? year-end edition, four of our past members or

members living elsewhere share a brief year-end greeting

Christine Rose ▐

Warm holiday greetings to my favorite home church…

GPSDA! As we embrace the joy, peace and happiness

of the season, may we use it as an opportune time to

share God's goodness, mercy, compassion, forgive-

ness, and most importantly, His bountiful love. My

thoughts and prayers for a safe and blessed holiday

and a prosperous and Spirit-filled New Year 2014.

In this cycle we call ‘life’ we meet people and many

times our cycle part. We leave with things attached to

our cycles called ‘memories’ which help to shape our

lives and direct the future. May the memories we have

as a church family never die, may we hold fast to the

promises Jesus left us. And wherever our cycles take

us, may we stand firm and confident in the assurance

of God's mercy and love. Happy Holidays Gregory Park

Church. May you be drawn closer to Christ and closer

to each other.

Tavia McLaughlin ▐

Happy holidays to my friends and family at Gregory

Park. I pray that the Lord will bless you twice as much

in the upcoming year as he did in 2013. Please con-

tinue praying for me as I do the same for my Church

family.

Kelly-Kay Brown ▐

Happy New Year to my church family. God has been

good to me throughout this past year; I'm grateful for

all He has done. For this new year all we need to do is

remain faithful, He will see us through to the end.

Thanks for all your prayers and support and please

continue to do so.

Jeudeen Chambers ▐

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Melissa Brown

Marjorie Stone

Fiona Dyer Wilson

Damian Wilson

Issue #15

PUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONSPUBLICATIONS

of the Quarterof the Quarterof the Quarter

To get copies of these and other SDA Christian Literature: Speak with your local Publishing Director

Visit your local Book and Nutrition Centre

Kingston, 74 Constant Spring Road.

Spanish Town, 58 Brunswick Ave

Mandeville, 5 1/2 Annex Drive,

Ocho Rios, Native Plaza, 58 Main Street

Montego Bay, 30 Church Street

Savana-la-mar, 6 Rose Street

Visit the Inter-American Division Book Store Website

at http://store.iadpa.org/

Or any other online book store such as Amazon or

Barnes and Noble

DESCRIPTION

Is there a place where you can TRULY find the meaning of life and the path to eternity?

Is there a message that contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

This book turns to thousands of pages of the Bible, from which so many people have found answers to their most profound questions. The Scripture, the most widely dis-tributed book of all time, continues to be as true today as when it was written, and as vital for our generation as for those past.

DESCRIPTION

Inspiration for each day of the year

At the end of the 365 readings you will have learned how to have better health. You will also have learned to be a better parent, a better mother, a better daughter or son, a better friend, and a better citizen.

Reflections that will help strengthen your spiritual sensi-tivity and help you to achieve spiritual peace. Filled with practical advice, inspiring experiences, and interesting information.

A different, inspiring, convenient treasury of wisdom; an easy and enjoyable read of immense value, within the reach of every budget.

The Light

ISSUU is the leading digital publishing platform deliver-

ing exceptional reading experiences of magazines,

catalogs, and newspapers.

Resources

Did you miss an issue of

THE LIGHT?

Issuu now features The LIGHT

See & read all 16 issues from your

browser or mobile device by visiting

http://issuu.com/gp_light

You may subscribe to The Light on Issuu by clicking

the SUBSCRIBE icon to be notified of new publications

To be added to the mailing list or request back issues,

please send an email to the address below.

communications.gpsda@gmail.com

You can

download the

Issuu app on

your phone or

tablet

While this quarter’s resource is not specific to or created by

the Adventist Church, it certainly will be of value of all Chris-

tians who want to introduce their Children to Bible stories at

an early age

Bible for

Kids

Description

The Bible App for Kids is the newest member of the You-

Version family of apps. Available now for Android smart-

phones and tablets for free download.

Through interactive adventures and beautiful anima-

tions, kids explore the big stories of the Bible. The Bible

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encourage kids to return again and again. It’s the begin-

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►Easy, kid-friendly navigation

► Colourful illustrations

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► Engaging, interactive content that brings the Bible to

life

► Fun facts and activities designed to help kids remem-

ber what they learn

► Special challenges that let kids earn rewards

App Screenshot

Issue #16

Health as a Lifestyle

Ways to Improve Your Day in Just 5 Minutes

Five minutes. It's only a little bit of time.

But it's long enough for you to do one thing

that could make your whole day better.

That's a great return on your time invest-

ment!

So take five minutes and try one of these

10 simple ways to lower stress, boost your

mood, and get more energy. It might give

you that extra spark you need to meet the

challenges of the day.

1. Make your bed.

This isn't about being a clean freak. It's a

small ritual that can help create a calm

environment for you in your bedroom --

and a soothing bedroom is part of "sleep

hygiene" -- little habits that can help you

sleep better. Author Gretchen Rubin rec-

ommends making your bed as a daily

habit in her book, The Happiness Project.

Do it first thing in the morning, and you've

got one less thing to worry about for the

rest of the day.

2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the

door in the morning, prep a healthy snack

to take with you. Ideas include fruit, un-

salted nuts, and low-fat cheese or yogurt.

When you get hungry later in the after-

noon, you'll be ready!

3. Clear your desk.

From stray papers to scattered tea mugs,

clutter can make you lose focus and curb

productivity. Declutter your outer environ-

ment and you may feel more organized

and better able to concentrate on the task

at hand.

4. Pump up the music.

Several studies have found that listening

to music can help lower blood pressure,

reduce stress, and boost mood. The right

music has the power to change your atti-

tude. So load up your MP3 player and

create a playlist that will make you smile --

whether you're working or working out. As

long as you don't blast it (bad for your

hearing), this is a safe, healthy way to

make your day more enjoyable.

5. Sniff a lemon.

For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to an

underrated sense -- your sense of smell.

Japanese researchers found that linalool;

a substance found in lemons, may turn

down the classic "flight-or-fight" stress

response. Not into lemons? Try basil, juni-

per, or lavender -- those scents have also

been found to lower stress.

6. Stretch.

No need to put on your yoga pants or get

all bendy. Just a few easy moves will do.

Stretch your arms overhead. Raise and

lower your shoulders a couple of times.

Stretch your legs as you lean your torso

against a wall. Be gentle, so you don't

overdo it. Stretching can help improve

your circulation and flexibility, and may

help ease the tight muscles that come with

The Light

Health as a Lifestyle

stress.

7. Deep breathing. It's easier than you may think. Here's how: Settle into a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Then follow your breath -- in, out -- for a few minutes. Thoughts are bound to bubble up in your mind -- no problem. Just let them float by and turn your attention back to your breath. Doing this daily, even just for a few minutes, may help tame stress.

8. Keep a gratitude diary. Take a minute every day to write down what you're thankful for -- big or small. It's easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining brings negative energy along with it. Be-ing thankful for what you have can make you appreci-ate all the positives in your life.

9. Turn off your electronics.

Take a little break, already, from all your gadgets. Star-

ing at computer screens and electronics all day long

can zap your energy and encourage inactivity. So log

off -- of everything -- every now and then. This is espe-

cially important to allow you to unwind and relax before

bed. Just because the world is on, 24-7, you don't

have to be!

10. Prioritize. Give yourself permission to admit that you can't do everything, all at once. Instead, you can nibble away at your to-do list, and feel more satisfied, by setting some priorities. So make a list, figure out what really matters, what can wait,

and what you can skip.

Work your way

down the list,

handling your top

priorities first. Bit

by bit, you'll get

there!

WebMD Feature

By Jennifer Soong

Reviewed by:

Michael W Smith,

MD

Among the awardees for

2013 prestigious Golden

Torch Award were two

members of the Gregory

Park SDA church. The

annual award, instituted

in 1993, is given to

teachers who have given

long, distinguished ser

vice to the public educa-

tion system. The church

extends congratulations

to these two stalwarts,

Sister Vivette Mclaughlin

and Sister Janet Able-

Simpson. We laud their

achievement and pray

for further success as

they continue to serve

faithfully.

▲ Sis Vivette McLaughlin receives the Golden Torch Award

The Church extends heartiest congrat-

ulations to Sis Audrey White and her

daughter, Ruth-Anne White. Sister

Audrey White, a member of the Greg

ory Park SDA, is thankful to God for

His leading in her daughter’s life. The

church family rejoices with Sister

White and Ruth-Anne who earned 10

grade ones in the CSEC examinations. Ruth

-Anne is a member of the Portmore SDA

church and was recently identified as

the student who earned the highest

mark in the entire Caribbean

region for CSEC English Lan-

guage. Ruth-Anne has

made Jamaica proud! We

laud this stellar achieve-

ment and pray for her

continued success. Ruth-Anne White

Issue #16

Continued on next page

The Light shares the following news stories on religion from across the world, for the information of readers. Opinions ex-

pressed in these reports/stories do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Light, the Gregory Park SDA Church or the

Seventh-day Adventist Church

T he Greater Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church became

the 188th organized church in Central Jamaica Conference

after the ceremony was conducted on November 23, 2013.

The service was held on the lawns of the Ascot High School,

with the church meeting hall, the school auditorium, as a part of the

backdrop. .

Before the organization of the church, the group of over

110 believers worshiping in the school’s auditorium was known as

the Ascot Church, but as Pastor Kevan Barnaby, senior pastor for the

Braeton District explained that the original name was linked to horse

racing.” ”

Pastor Barnaby went on to say that, “We are proud to be

known as the Greater Portmore Church and we look forward to doing

greater things. We have come a long way and we know that the Lord

will be with us because He has been with us every step of the way.”

Pastor Levi Johnson, President of CJC, commended the

brethren for the sterling growth of the church and the initiative of the

Braeton Seventh-day Adventist Church which started in 2010. “It

was always the intention of the Conference to have another church

planted in the Portmore region and we are happy that the Braeton

Church spear-headed this venture, under the then leadership of Pas-

tor Mullings,” Pastor Johnson indicated. In bringing greetings Pastor

Jonathan Miller, pastor of the Tent City District of Adventist

Churches, explained that, “when I joined the conference over 30

years ago there was only one or two churches in the Portmore region

and now they are nine. It wasn't through our strength, but by the will

and power of God.” .

The Honourable Arnaldo Brown, Member of Parliament for

East Central St. Catherine,lauded the church for its growth and im-

pact in the Portmore region. “The Adventist Church has had a signifi-

cant effect in the Portmore region and Jamaica especially in the ar-

eas of health and education. As we move forward we seek to find

ways in strengthening those areas in this region as there is no

greater partner to have in helping to impact the community for good

than the church. We look forward to the continued development of

this church.”

The first global summit focusing on Seventh-day Adventist

Church membership retention is revealing the rate and rea-

sons members slip out the back door. It’s the first time the

matter has been spotlighted in such a major way.

The Adventist world church, now with nearly 18 mil-

lion members, has lost at least 1 in 3 Seventh-day Adventist

members in the last 50 years, according to summit organiz-

ers. Also, in this century, the ratio of people lost versus new

converts is 43 per 100. .

“These figures are too high,” said David Trim, director

of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research. “There’s a

theological point to this and it’s that God’s mission is to seek

the lost.” .

For three days in November, 100 attendees from six

continents gathered at the denomination’s world headquar-

ters for the Summit on Nurture and Retention to examine

data, which offered a clearer picture of trends beyond long-

Greater Portmore Church Organised

A section of congregation gathered for the organization of the Greater

Portmore Adventist Church on November 23, 2013. [photo: Kemar T.

J. Douglas] Leaders look at reality of church

exodus at first Retention Summit

Source: Central Jamaica Conference Website: centralja.org

held assumptions gained from anecdotal evidence. .

Veteran Adventist Church researcher Monte Sahlin

said the reasons people drop out of church often have less to

do with what the church does and its doctrines than with

problems people experience in their personal lives—marital

conflict or unemployment, for example. What the church does

that contributes to the problem, he said, is not helping people

through their tough life experiences. .

“The notion of people dropping out because of some-

thing the church does or a doctrinal disagreement is not ap-

parent in the data,” Sahlin said. “It’s been shown that a mem-

ber of a church board is just as likely to disagree with one of

the church’s 28 Fundamental Beliefs as someone who’s been

disfellowshiped.” .

More of the Seventh-

day Adventist Church’s

13 world divisions are

preparing their recom-

mendation to the world

church’s Theology of

Ordination Study Com-

mittee. .

The denomina-

tion is in the midst of a

five-year process of

studying the biblical

foundation of theology

as it relates to gender

and its implications if

women were to be or-

dained. The Adventist

world church does not ordain women as ministers. .

It was previously reported that the North American

Division at its Year-End Meeting recommended that women

be ordained as ministers. Now, more divisions are reporting

their recommendation: :

The Inter-European Division, based in Berne, Switzer-

land, released a statement saying it will recommend to the

committee that there is room for the church to ordain women.

A spokesman for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean

Division, based in Pretoria, South Africa, said in an email to

ANN: “The action taken by the [division’s committee] sup-

ported the position against the ordination of women to the

gospel ministry” and “in the absence of clear biblical revela-

tion, the established model and practice of ministry should be

upheld.” .

The Trans-European Division, based in St. Albans,

England, reported it would recommend an inclusive ministry

without gender distinction. .

The South Pacific Division, based in Waroonga, New

South Wales, Australia, said it does not see any scriptural

principle that would be an impediment to women being or-

dained.

“The global Seventh-

day Adventist Church

joins the people of

South Africa and the

world in mourning the

loss of Nelson Man-

dela”, wrote Seventh-

day Adventist Church

President Ted N. C.

Wilson in a statement

released December, 7,

regarding the passing of statesman Nelson Mandela. “His life

of forgiveness and reconciliation served as a light in a world

that too often lives in the shadow of reprisal, anger and mal-

ice.

May all reflect on his important efforts to bring peo-

ple together in peace. What a joy that we can also be part of

that process as we are reconciled to God and each other by

the grace of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. We offer our

sympathy and condolences to the Mandela family and the

citizens of South Africa.”

The Light

Source: Adventist News Network

More Divisions Make Recommenda-

tions to Ordination Committee

Adventist President offers

condolences at passing of Mandela

Seventh-day Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson

released the following statement regarding the passing of

statesman Nelson Mandela:

Did you know: Mandela enrolled his two

children in a Seventh-day Adventist School

outside of Johannesburg and his admini-

stration was supportive of Seventh-day

Adventism in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Issue #16

*Programme provided by the General Conference or by the Inter-American Division

+Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division

# Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter

First Quarter 2014

Wed-Fri 1-31 Bible Boom and Oratorical Competition Launch

Wed-Fri 1-31 Bible Year/Encounter Series Promotion

Wed 1 New Year’s Day

Thurs 2 Workers Meeting (Spanish Town Church)

Sab 4 Soul-Winning Commitment

Sab 4 Vision One Million – Prayer and Fasting

Sab 4 Vision One Million Rally – Prayer Emphasis (P.M.)

Sab 4 Personal Ministries Day

Sab-Sab 4-25 Volunteer Counselors Group Practicum

Sun-Wed 5-8 JAMU Pastors’ Prayer Retreat – Camp Verley

Wed 8 JAMU Pan Jamaica Pastors’ Meeting

Wed-Sab 8-18 Ten Days of Prayer

Fri 10 4th Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due

at CJC Office

Sab 11 Tell the World: Spiritual Growth

Sab 11 CJC Connect – Clarendon

Sab 11 Vision One Million Rally – Frankfield (P.M.)

Sun 12 CONVENTION – Clarendon (May Pen Church)

Tue-Wed 14-15 Pastors’ Retreat – Camp Verley

Thur 16 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day

Sab 18 Day of Spiritual Revival

Sab 18 Health Ministries Day

Sab 18 New Believers Convention – Portmore Zone

Sab 18 CJC Connect – Manchester

Sab 18 Vision One Million Rally – Mandeville Church

(P.M.)

Sun 19 CONVENTION – Manchester (Mandeville

Church)

Sab 25 Religious Liberty day

Sab 25 CJC Connect – St. Catherine

Sab 25 Vision One Million Rally – Portmore/Spanish Town/

Rose Hall

**Sab 25 All Night Prayer Meeting at Frankfield Church for

Big City/Town Outreach

Sun 26 CONVENTION – St. Catherine (Camp Verley)

Sab 1 Children’s Ministries Coordinators’ Final Training

Sab 1 Day of Prayer for the Family

Sab 1 Youth Mission Rally - Frankfield

Sab-Fri 1-28 Launch of Couples Club

*Sab 1 Tell the World: Church Planting Sabbath – At least

one new church planted

Sun-Sun 2-Mar 2 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Frank

field

*Sab-Sab 1-8* Christian Home and Marriage

Tue 4 University Day, Northern Caribbean University

Wed 5 Elders’ Meeting – Manchester (Mandeville Church)

**Sab 8 All Night Prayer Meeting at Rose Hall Church for

Big City/Town Outreach

Wed 12 Executive Committee Meeting

Sab 15 Youth Temperance Emphasis Day

Sab 15 Pathfinder & Adventurer AY Programme

Sab 15 Stewardship Rally – St. Catherine (North)

Sab 15 Stewardship Rally – St. Catherine (North)

Sun 16 Launch of IICM Programme (Manchester)

Sun 16 Youth Advisory – CJC Office

Sun-Sun 16-Mar16 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Lin-

stead

Wed 19 Elders’ Meeting - Clarendon (May Pen Church)

Thurs 20 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day

Fri-Sab 21-22 PLA Training Senior Youth Leader Training – Camp

Verley

Sab 22 Day of the Elder/Virtual Council for Elders

Sab 22 Health and Temperance Magazine

Sab 22 Health and Temperance Magazines

Sab 22 Stewardship Rally – Manchester (Mandeville

Church)

**Sab 22 All Night Prayer Meeting at Mandeville Church for

Big City/Town Outreach

Sab 22 Religious Liberty Rally - Frankfield

Sun 23 Prayer Coordinator Meeting – CJC Office

Sun 23 Commencement of IICM Training (St. Catherine)

Wed 26 Elders’ Meeting – St. Catherine (Family of God

Church)

Sab 1 Children’s Ministries Coordinators’ Final Training

Sab 1* Women’s Day of Prayer

Sab 1*+ Adventist World Radio

Sun 2 Launch of IICM Programme – May Pen Church

Sun-Sun 2-30 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach - Mande-

ville

Fri 7 Day of Prayer (Educational Institutions)

Sab 8* Tell the World: Personal Outreach

Sab 8 Religious Liberty Rally - Linstead

Sab 8 Stewardship Rally – Clarendon (May Pen Church)

Sun 9 Spirit of Prophecy Summit

Wed 12 Executive Committee Meeting

Wed 12 Licentiate Minister’s Training Camp – CJC Board

Room

Sab 15 Vision One Million Decision Day

Sab 15 Global Youth Day

Sab 15 Youth Mission Rally - Linstead

Sab 15 Religious Liberty Rally - Mandeville

Sab-Sab 15-22 Youth Week of Prayer

Sun 16 5th Biannual Psychological Conference – Family

Life

Thur 20 Fruit, Vegetable and Grain Day

Sab 22 Sabbath School Community Relations Day

Sab 22 Graduation – Breathe-Free Participants

Sab 22 I Dream of A City – CJC Music Celebration – Span

ish Town

**Sab 22 All Night Prayer Meeting at Spanish Town Church

for Big City/Town Outreach

Tue-Wed 25-26 Virtual Pastoral Evangelism Council

Sab 29 13th Sabbath Offering (West-Central Africa Divi-

sion)

Sab 29 One Day Rally – Manchester

Fri-Sun 28-30 Prayer Coordinators’ Training (Camp Verley)

Sab-Sab 29-April 5 Vision One Million Evangelistic Campaign

Sun-Sun 30-Apr 20 Mission to the Big City/Town Outreach – Spanish

Town

January

February

March