East Jamaica Conference

Communication Department
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

August 16, 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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Memorial &Thanksgiving Services for Errol Long Aug 17 & 18, 2013 Elders and Pastors Family Fun day set for Aug 25, 2013 Singles Convention to be held Aug 23-25, 2013 Notices From the Education Department Zone One Federation Day- Aug 24, 2013 Notices from Childrens Ministries Department Notices from Womens Ministries Department Notices from Sabb. School/ Pers. Ministries and Comm. Services Dept Special Events Happening in some of our Churches Update From The Communication Department Schedule of Upcoming Conference Dates and Events

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(1) Memorial & Thanksgiving Services for Elder Errol Long to be held- Aug 17 & 18, 2013

The Memorial Service for Elder Errol Long, former Lay Evangelist will be held on Saturday Evening (Aug 17) at the Trench Town SDA Church, beginning at 6:15pm.The Thanksgiving Service will follow on Sunday August 18, at the Kencot SDA Church beginning at 10:00am sharp. Please make every effort to attend. Prior to his illness, Elder Long was known for his passion for evangelism and desired that the church to be ready to meet the Lord when He returns. We offer words of encouragement and promise from the word of God to his wife, children and other family members.

We mourn his passing, not as people who have no hope, but look forward to see our brother again in that great getting up morning, when the dead in Christ will rise in the first resurrection forever to be with the Lord. We encourage you to support the family during this difficult period.
(2) Elders and Pastors Family Fun Day Set for August 25, 2013

The East Jamaica Conference Elders' Association invites members of the church to bring their families and make it a big family fun day on August 25, 2013 when elders, pastors and their families will have a day of fun and relaxation with the family at the Mico University College Playground, 1a Marescaux Road Kingston 5. Come join us in a game of cricket, football, netball, table games and ring games as pastors, elders and church members interact in an atmosphere of love and fellowship. Make it a day for the family. Assorted food items and snacks will be available on sale.

(3) Singles Convention to be Held August 23-25, 2013

The East Jamaica Conference in collaboration with the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventhday Adventists present, Singles Convention 2013 under the theme: Living your Dreams from August 23 to 25. Join them of Friday August 23 at the Kencot church for the opening service, on Sabbath August 24 at the Karram Speid Auditorium, Merl Grove High School for the Sabbath Service and on August 25 for a special power brunch. Come and be inspired by Single Ministries National Director from North America- Andrea Hicks and Youth Director from the Jamaica Union Conference- Pastor Michael Henry. Thats Singles Convention 2013. You cant afford to miss it!
(4) Notices from the Education Department

A. The Education Department of East Jamaica Conference congratulates all our students in the EJC constituency, who were successful in their recent CSEC Examinations. We are especially proud that our very own Kingsway High School saw at least 18 students obtaining between six and nine subjects ranging between grades one and three. This represents an 11% increase in the overall performance of our students who sat this years exam. The full data will be made available for viewing next week. Join us in congratulating our students. You have made us proud. B. We continue to remind the public that our schools are now accepting students for the 2013/2014 School Term. For further information you may contact the Education Department by dialing 924-1061-3. Please be reminded of our five schools: Kingsway High and Prep, New Hope Prep, Hagley Park Prep, Woodford Prep and Miramar Prep that have each been strategically placed across our constituency to serve you better. Do make the right choice in giving your child a Christ centered Education. -2-

(4) Notices from the Youth Ministries Department

Federation Day for Zone One (August 24, 2013) 1. The Youth Ministries Department of East Jamaica Conference presents Federation Day for Zone One which will be held on August 24, 2013 at the Arnold Road SDA Church. The specially invited Guest Speaker will be Darren Murphy, Ministerial Graduate of Northern Caribbean University. 2. All Pathfinders clubs should have submitted the following information to ejchonours@gmail.com by Sunday, June 30, 2013. If you have not yet done so, please ensure that this is done by Sunday, August 18, 2013. The information to be submitted should include: i) The names of all club members/officers and the applicable honours they are doing this year. ii) Any club Member who has already completed required honours for his/her class should select honours from previous classes that he/she has not yet earned and complete their requirements. Honours being selected for this reason should be clearly indicated. If the member has completed all honours from previous classes, this should also be indicated clearly so that additional guidance can be communicated and alternative arrangements made. iii) Names of at least 2 markers for honours booklets. 3. Please note that certificates will be issued to club members who completed the Tie & Dye and/or Glass Painting Honours at any of the Honours Days. This certificate and all honour booklets must be included in notebooks (to be glued or stapled securely) when the notebooks are submitted for marking on Exam Day (in October). This will speed up the process as we will be able to quickly identify those who have already completed relevant honours as per the class requirements. 4. Pathfinder and Adventurer Honours booklets are due on August 25, 2013. They will be collected at Kencot Church between 12 noon and 3 pm. Please be reminded that club members will not be invested unless they have satisfactorily completed class requirements which include honours. Failure to submit honours booklets by the deadline is an indication that the club member will not be writing the class exam.

(5) Notices from the Children's Ministries Department

1. VBS material is still available. Please collect same at the office. Certificates need to be ordered in advance. 2. All CMDs whose children were not engaged in the Discipleship Training are asked to conduct this in your churches. Your Pastors and Elders will assist you in the training. Kindly ask your Pastors to pick up your packages. 3. Levels 2 & 3 Leaders Certification course will be done via Distance Training. All CMDs are asked to pick up the package or access this on line. The final sessions will be held at Golden Acres /EJC Board Room in November 2013. -3-

4. CMDs, you are asked to encourage parents to a make use of the special KIDS in the Kitchen forum to be held October 24-27, 2013 @ Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay. The total contribution is $6,000. This includes return fare, seminar and presenters tokens. Last date for registration September 30, 2013. 5. International Childrens Week of Prayer - October 13-19, 2013. Please contact the office for details. 6. Adventist Childrens Day October 19, 2013 7. Coming soon!! a. Jewels Botanical Retreat November

(6) Notices from the Women's Ministries Department

1. Counting Down! WMDs, do all you can to have at least one GEM representing your church at the 4 day seminar October 24 -27, 2013. Call immediately and book their place. Adults/Mentors come for your Rest & Relaxation. Bring your friends and coworkers. 2. Levels 2 & 3 Leaders Certification course will be done via Distance Training. All WMDs are asked to pick up the package or access this on line. Then go through the material with your team members. The final sessions will be held at Golden Acres /EJC Board Room in November. 3. Abuse Prevention Day in all churches Sabbath, August 31, 2013. You are asked to remind the congregants of the reasons to ENDITNOW. A short one minute statement can be read by the church clerk or a statement put in the bulletin. 4. Come rest awhile all hard working adults, male and female. Book now for a full package of physical rejuvenation from October 24 -27, 2013, at the Holiday Inn Resort. Credit card payments are accepted. 5. The report for January to June, as well as the activity sheet for July to December is being sent via your Pastors. Note that activities like Moms in Touch, IMAP and GEMS are ongoing. Kindly give it your attention. In addition you are asked to send your reports to the office. Parenting Tip-

( Tip # 7: August 17,2013) Parents did you know that obedience is for the good of the family and for the welfare of society? We beg you; help us to be obedient at home.

(7) Notices from the Sabbath School / Personal Ministries / Community Services Department

EJC SABBATH SCHOOL/PERSONAL MINISTRIES & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Please be reminded/take note of the following: 1. East Jamaica Conference School of Evangelism: A) Next General class meetings: August 18 & September 22, 2013 in the ECJ boardroom, 9 a.m 12 noon for all interests: Site coordinators, general facilitators, volunteer facilitators/ instructors & Personal Ministries leaders are especially invited. PLEASE TAKE YOUR REFRESHMENT. 2. Sabbath, August 24, 2013 Operation Reclamation reclaiming our former members 3. 4. Ambassador 2013-2014 Sashing @ the Police Officers Club, September 8, 2013 5. School of Evangelism Examination October 20, 2013 6. 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. 7. Grand Festival of the Laity Hagley Park SDA Church, November 16 & 17, 2013 plan to be in attendance! 8. Belated birthday greetings to our seniors, born January to July, & happy birthday to our August celebrants; wishing you good health and long life. 9. The Ambassador committee meeting scheduled for Sunday August 18th will be held on Monday, August 19, 2013 at 6 p.m.

10. The next Senior Citizens' committee meeting will be in September 2013.

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Hello Sabbath School friends! Please be reminded that as at January 5, 2013, and by now all our Sabbath Schools should be on the new or renewed programme: 6-8 members in each class Interactive reading/learning strategy for the bible study/review Vertical meditation for each unit member Horizontal sharing of thoughts, etc.

EJC School of Evangelism (EJC SOE) 2013 Year III training sites are as follow: 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 Meadowvale 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. 6. 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) Certificate in Small Group Evangelism (SGE400)

Principle of Evangelism and Principle 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.
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).

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(8) Special Events Happening in some of our Churches

A. True Purpose Ministries Heads to Ephesus SDA Church Sabbath August 17, 2013 for AY: True Purpose Ministries is comprised of a group of dynamic young people, all passionate about helping others to discover their divinely orchestrated purpose in life. Their message of Purpose is inspired from Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 19:21, & Jeremiah 1:5 and seeks to promote the importance of each of us seeking after God to find His specific plans and purposes for our respective lives. This programme encourages youth and mature members of congregation to prayerfully ask God to show us His Gifts and Talents so that we may use them to be a blessing and inspiration to others. The programme format is musical in nature and usually features informative presentations from Pierre Wright (founder), Denise Antoinette Simpson (co-founder). This week they will be journeying to the Ephesus SDA Church and they invite you to journey with them as they seek to take you on a spiritual journey. Thats True Purpose Ministries at the Ephesus SDA Church on Sabbath afternoon at 4:30pm. You cant afford to miss it! B. Andrews Memorial SDA Church to host its Annual Health & Wellness Series September 1 to October 6, 2013: The Andrews Memorial SDA Church will be hosting its annual Health & Wellness Series during the month of September. The series kicks off with the Good Samaritan Health Run on September 1, 2013. Health presentations begin on September 8 and continue through to October 6, 2013. A Health Fair will also take place on Sunday October 6, the final day of the series. The Health Presentations in the series will be complemented by a charge by the Senior PastorSamuel Lewis. Presentations will be held on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night at 7:00p.m. Sabbath presentations are at 8:00a.m., 11:15a.m. and 5:00pm. Thats the Andrews Memorial SDA Churchs annual Health & Wellness Series beginning on September 1. Youre of course invited to attend. Plan and make it a date! C. Stadium Community SDA Church Presents Communication Day 2013: The Stadium Community SDA Church presents their Communication Day on Sabbath August 31, 2013 beginning at 9:15am. Join them for a spirit-filled day of worship. Specially invited guest speaker for the day is Brother Leon Ffrench- Information System Manager for the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It will be a day of singing, fellowship and worship. We urge you to invite your friends. A blessing awaits you!

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(9) Update from the Communication Department

Latest Pictures Uploaded to the EJC Website

The Communication Department invites you to view the recent pictorial of the EJC Ambassadors visit to t he Police Commissioners Office, as well as to the Ministry of Youth and Culture. To view pictures of the visit click here

(10) Schedule of Upcoming Conference Dates and Events

Dates -2013
Aug 13 - 20 Aug 31 Sep 1 Sep 28 Sep 29 Oct 1 - Nov 9 Oct 1 - 31 Nov 13 - 15

Event
Summer Camp District Dialogue -Yallahs & Seaforth EJC Ambassadors' Sashing Vision One Million Baptism Day Senior Citizen's Banquet Forty Days of Prayer Begins For Success of Big City Campaign Ingathering Emphasis Month EJC School of Evangelism Institute 2013

Location
Robins Bay

Everywhere

Event

Location

Adiese A. Jonas Assist Director, Communication

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East Jamaica Conference

Of Seventh-day Adventists
74 Constant Spring Road P.O. Box 181 Kingston 10 Jamaica W.I. Tel:(876) 924-1061-5, Fax: (876) 924-0263, E-Mail: eastcon@ejcsda.com Website: ejcsda.com

August 12, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters: Brotherly Greetings!

We embrace this opportunity to thank and commend you for your part in the tremendous effort and effective work being performed by many of our lay members in this, the Year of the Laity. A full report will be given to you in the near future. We would like to see a sustained passionate and zealous effort as we continue this drive and make a smooth transition into the great advance planned for evangelistic reaping of the Big City in 2014.
While we are going all out to maximize our baptismal accessions, however, we want to ensure that proper nurturing and discipleship are taking place. This is why we are proposing the implementation of the following initiatives:

1. Sabbath School Parenting Care Group. This is a programme that calls for a partnership of the Pastor and leaders with the Sabbath School Superintendents, Teachers, Parents of the youth and children, Elders and other care-givers. This group should meet at least once per quarter to review and give support to the responses and performances of the children with regards to their Sabbath School attendance, Bible lesson study, witnessing activities and general spiritual conduct. Superintendents are being asked to be conveners and to make periodic reports to this Department. 2. Operation Reclamation is a project that is geared to have present active Sabbath School members seek, engage and reclaim missing members. A special homecoming day (Aug 31 or September 7, 2013) is to be implemented in each congregation to mark the celebration of their presence in church. All these persons should be especially registered and worked with, for the purpose of regaining their full fellowship and discipleship. Some may be baptized in the Big City Reaping Initiative or even before. Helpful suggestions could include: a. Begin with a special Prayer meeting for missing members. b. Compile a master list of all missing or delinquent members. c. Assign names to friendly members. d. Hold weekly Sabbath reporting and accountability meetings. e. Plan social and other outreach gestures.
Let us bear in mind these relevant counsels from the pen of inspiration:

Constant efforts should be made by both parents and teachers to interest the importance E.G. White CSW 10.

youth in matters of eternal

The Sabbath School should be one of the greatest instrumentalities and the most effective in bringing souls to Christ. E.G. White CSW 10.

3.

EJC School of Evangelism Expansion - The establishment of the various training sites for the School of Evangelism is being implemented to encourage and accommodate the training and equipping of many more members in frontline outreach activities. We are calling all interests to attend our next general meeting to be held on August 18, 2013, 9:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m at the Conference office. New registrants / students are especially invited.
Monthly (Second Sunday) Fasting and Prayer: All are invited to the next Monthly Fasting and Prayer Service of the School to be held at Hope Gardens on September 8, 2013, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. School of Evangelism Partnership with Big City Initiative: All graduates and present students of the School are being invited to join the Big City Cluster nearest to you and share in direct field preparation activities, including small groups, Bible Schools, one to one, Community Services, social projects and other evangelistic strategies.

4. School of Evangelism Camp in Institute and Festival of the Laity will be November 13 15 at Golden Acres and November 16 and 17, 2013 at Hagley Park SDA Church. Let us remember that in these closing moments, Evangelistic work is to occupy more and still more of the time of God's servants.-- Review and Herald, Aug. 2, 1906. {Evan. 17.2} Let us bear each other up in prayer as mark the final rounds in readiness for the coming Kingdom of Grace and Glory. Yours in Christ,

Pastor Carl Cunningham Director Sabbath School/Personal Ministries & Community Services Department

Kathleen Dunkley (Mrs.) Associate Director Sabbath School/Personal Ministries & Community Services Department

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August 15, 2013

To all Pastors & Health Ministries Directors

Dear Brethren: Let me remind you of our upcoming Health Ministries Emphasis Week which is to be held in every Seventh-day Adventist church from September 21 28. We are recommending that some churches use this week to conduct a one week Health Crusade or Health Revival. The theme is Back to Eden, Gods original plan.

Enclosed are five sermons you can use to assist you in the week. One each day or if you choose, you can get a presenter to present a Health Topic each night. eg. Heart Disease, Hypertension, Weight Management, Stress Management, HIV/AIDS, Exercise, Cancer, Mental Health, Vegetarianism, Addiction or some topic that will attract community people. Please promote the programmes, advertise the week and motivate the members. Plan for it and let it be a Big Week. Remember every church should conduct a cooking school and plan a 5k run/walk or start an exercise class. Please remember Cooking class for Zones 1,2 &3, will be September 29, at V.H. Percy Centre, all are invited. Do you want to use cooking as an evangelistic tool, to reach non members? Please attend and participate. The cooking class for Zone 4 has been postponed for another date.

The Family Life Department and the Health Ministries Department invite our men to a Mens Health Seminar to be held at EJC Conference Office September 22 at 9:30 a.m. Registration fee is $1,000 per person. Health screening will be available such as Eye check, Blood Pressure check and more. Please send in the names of those interested.

Our Medical Missionary Training School invite all Health Directors, Health Volunteers, Health Professional and interested members to its Graduation Service, September 7, at North Street SDA Church at 4:00 p.m.

Yours in the Masters Service, Leonard Steele, Director HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPT.