The Purpose for Wisdom by Pastor Rodlie Ortiz

How to Recieve Wisdom from God by Pastor Rodlie Ortiz

When God Smiles by Dick Duerksen

Colorado Sculptor, Victor Issa, will present a live sculpture program entitled, “Testimony In Clay.” During this unique, forty-five minute delivery, Mrs. Issa will be transforming a life-size clay sculpture of the head of Jesus to depict several stages of His life. A brief video, full narration and musical selections that accompany the sculptural pro- gram provide a powerful telling of the story of redemption in a new and unforgettable way.

Master potter, Jamie Autrey, will provide a worship experience with thoughts and a live demonstration of how making pottery correlates with teachings in the Bible. Many Christians are familiar with the story of the prophet, Jeremiah, as he went to the potter’s house to receive a message from God. Mr. Autrey’s presentation will build on that story, but will go beyond it by giving a historical background and context as he forms a piece of pottery while sharing the way forming pottery demonstrates the hand of God as He forms us. 

Have you ever felt ordinary? Today, we’re in the last part of our series called, “What God Can Do Through Ordinary You.” It’s an exciting look at how God used one seemingly ordinary guy, Moses, to become the deliverer for God’s people. This series also reveals how God longs to use you, as well. In this installment, we’ll examine, “When Life Doesn’t Seem Fair."

Have you ever felt ordinary? Today, we’re in part four of a five-part series called, “What God Can Do Through Ordinary You.” It’s an ex- citing look at how God used one seemingly ordinary guy, Moses, to become the deliverer and leader for God’s people. This series also reveals how God longs to use you, as well. In this fourth installment, we’ll examine “What to Watch for When Crossing the Finish Line.”

Have you ever felt ordinary? Today, we’re in part three of a five-part series called, “What God Can Do Through Ordinary You.” It’s an ex- citing look at how God used one seemingly ordinary guy, Moses, to become the deliverer and leader for God’s people. This series also reveals how God longs to use you, as well. In this third installment, we’ll examine, “Why God Allows Delays.”

Have you ever felt ordinary? Today, we’re in part two of a five-part se- ries called, “What God Can Do Through Ordinary You.” It’s an exciting look at how God used one seemingly ordinary guy, Moses, to become the deliverer and leader for God’s people. This series also reveals how God longs to use you, as well. In this second installment, we’ll examine, “The Subtle Strategy of the Enemy to Stop You.”

Have you ever felt ordinary? Today, we’re starting a five-part series called, “What God Can Do Through Ordinary You.” It’s an exciting look at how God used one seemingly ordinary guy, Moses, to become the deliv- erer and leader for God’s people. This series also reveals how God longs to use you, as well. 

Dealing with disappointment by Pastor Rodlie Ortiz.

Today is the first Sabbath back for all the students, teachers and staff at Campion Academy and H.M.S. Richards Elementary School. It’s also my first official Sabbath as lead pastor. So please allow me to share this on behalf of the whole Campion Church team: We are so glad you’re here. This is your spiritual home. We’re cheering you on and we long to do everything possible to walk with you in your faith journey. 

Christian life and Christian worship is more than an hour or two in a building once a week—it encompasses the entire life; it is lifestyle; it is Christian witness in the home, on the street, in the business or educa- tional setting and online. It is how we live out the Christian life in a rela- tionship with Jesus Christ. It stands to reason, then, that abuse should not be part of that life. That is why the General Conference in 2001 set aside a date in August as the “Abuse Prevention Emphasis Sabbath.” In 2010, in coordination with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) the name was changed to “enditnow.” Today, we are looking at how people can be abused through their emo- tions, how they feel about what is said and done, and how it hurts the image of Christ in that person and in the perpetrator. Welcome to wor- ship here at Campion this morning.

Have you ever felt like you, your family or your church were a ship in the middle of a storm that was about to be swallowed up by the waves and violent winds? I can relate, too. Paul can relate as well. As he was near- ing the end of his ministry, he could see all the churches he had built assailed by storms of division, false prophets, weak doctrines, licentious- ness, legalism, selfishness, power struggles and temptations of every kind. It must have been an awful burden for him. Now, on his way to Rome, his life and all the others on that ship hung by a thread as, physi- cally, the ship seemed to be completely lost and their hopes of surviving were shuttered. But with the gospel and the Spirit unshackled in his heart, what does the elderly, physically frail apostle do? He takes hold of the revelation given to him that he will not be lost and that all of the people on the ship would be saved. He encourages those who wanted to kill him and those who also wanted to leave the ship, giving them direc- tions that, quite literally, saved their lives. So with us, in the moments of hardest trial, when the burden is heaviest and all seems lost, when it seems as if the ship is about to fall, may we hold on by faith to God and intercede on behalf of all those who are with us. May we not disengage from the work the Spirit is doing in our hearts, in our families and on this campus. May we not try to abandon ship, for the Lord is our Captain and He will surely see us through the storm. Welcome to Campion.

Almost—sometimes it’s said in relief. Sometimes it’s said to excuse. Other times in grief. Whenever and however it’s said, it all points back to what might be: “What I could have, should have, glad I didn’t do.” To- day, as we study Acts 26, we’ll grapy with the most compelling “almost” statement in Scripture. The words of Herod Agrippa beg us to give a response. Welcome to Campion Church. May the Holy Spirit guide us today as we come together in worship and study. May we leave this day determined to not just “almost” act on what He calls us to do.

POD: Point of Decision. We make myriads of decisions every day. Some are mundane: “What to have for breakfast?” Some more serious: “Is this job/car/house for me?” Some decisions are life-changing: “Is this the person I trust and love enough to marry?” Some decisions are eternal: “God is speaking to me... What is my response?” Points of decision test our values. The more serious the POD, the more serious our values are called on to shape a response. The many, mini decisions we make set the course of the more important choices. The decisions we make today make decisions for us tomorrow. This was true for the Roman Tribune, Claudius Lysias, when he encoun- tered Paul. As Claudius Lysias continued to interact with Paul, the deci- sions came with higher and higher stakes. Each POD was like one of the 2,400 bronze scales on his armor. Individually, they seem to be inconse- quential, but like each scale, every decision led to a deeper call for a personal, life-changing choice. You decided to worship with us today. We are honored and pleased that you are here. It may be that you will find yourself at a Point of Decision; to worship with us again; to rededicate your life to God; to decide to follow Him for the first time. We welcome you in His name and pray that He will guide you in every decision you make.

Welcome to Campion Church. We are so glad you have come to worship with us. Our mission statement is to Know, Grow and Go. As we study Acts 20:7-12 together today, we hope and pray that this story of the church in Troas will speak to us in fulfilling this mission. Join us in know- ing Jesus more, growing into the caring community that He intends for us to be, and also going into all the world to share our love of Jesus with each other and all we come in contact with.

What does it mean to follow in Jesus' steps? Can we still do that in 2023? This week at our Vacation Bible School we discovered the answer to those questions by reviewing some of the places that our Israel trip visited and applying key lessons about who Jesus is to our lives. After all, Jesus is still the Christ, the water and bread of life, the Savior and King of Kings. But, is He your Christ, your Savior and King? Not surprisingly, fol- lowing in Jesus' steps is directly connected to how we answer those questions. It is our strongest desire that each child and family embraces Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord, and that we extend Christ's invi- tation that is still echoing through time: "Come, follow Me!"

“A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of promi- nence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage." - Acts of the Apostles, 124 Welcome to Campion Church. Today in the third sermon in our series, Unshackled, we will learn more about how God used Paul, as well as other missionaries to “turn the world upside down.” May his example inspire us to more fully surrender our lives to advance the Gospel as he did.

It was in the town of Antioch that Christians, or the party of Christ, as we were called, first became a force to be reckoned with. But the world did not know, and could never have been prepared, for what would take place. The gospel, the good news of a God who created, engineered, gave, died, resurrected and restored, all because of love, arguably became the strongest earth-shattering reality in all of human history. This gospel, when freed from both ancient, worldly living and legalistic practices, did what otherwise would have been impossible: united the Jews and gentiles under one banner and one mission and empowered an encouraging mentor with his ex-terrorist friend to set ablaze the world with the truth of Christ. If this true gospel of Jesus could do that then, what could it do today if, and when, it is unshack- led from our power hungry, legalistic and licentious tendencies? 

Omari Amili grew up in the Pacific Northwest in homeless shelters, crack houses and foster homes. Due to his upbringing, he wanted to live a life of luxury, so at the age of 16, he started to steal from banks and used the money he stole to live a luxurious life. When he got caught, he was then incarcerated in prison for two years. This took a serious toll on both his mind and body. Before he got out of prison, he was told by everybody around him that there would be nothing for him and that no one would want to interact with him once he got out because of his criminal record. Due to his mental state, he believed all these lies. However, through the grace of God, he got out of prison, went to school and earned four degrees. Nobody deserves to be given a second chance, but God gives people second chances that are not deserved. For example, God famously gave Jonah a second chance when he ran away from God, and David got a second chance after he lied and murdered Uriah. Finally, God gave Paul a second chance after he had killed hundreds of Christians. God is the same now as He was back when David, Jonah and Paul walked the earth. He will still give all of us second chances today, even though we do not deserve it. All we must do is ask and believe that God will do so for 

Campion Church—You are our family. There are no words that have been introduced into the human tongue that communicate the impact on our lives of your life. Together, we have cried and laughed, ran and hiked, worshiped and petitioned, mourned and celebrated, pro- claimed and served. Our congregation and our community will never be the same because we did life together with Jesus. As a preacher, it has been my humble privilege to stand in the sacred desk each Sabbath, and the sacred desk of the weekday in the office. My prayer has always been to be the “man in the arena” - “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the are- na, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor de- feat.” (Teddy Roosevelt). My prayer for you—that you would allow God to throw yourself into the arena of being a laborer for the great harvest (Matthew 9:35-38). Nothing. Else. Matters. Then came last Saturday night. A festivity that, in our hearts, will only be outdone by the long-awaited marriage supper of the Lamb. We have experienced hundreds of Saturday nights together with you— hardly ever being alone at the close of a Sabbath during the last 8.5 years, it was fitting to spend one last one with all of you. Each one of you moved our hearts by being there. We must directly thank those who gave their prolonged time of planning so we all could come to- gether. We must directly thank those who gave their prolonged time of planning so we could come together. Thank you—Christine Baker, Aubrey Nelson, Sarah Schwisow, Vicki Kahler, Lindsay Carlisle, Carey Jordan, Pastor Leandro, Steve Philips and Andrea Orrison. Then there were each of you who shared the pies, the burgers, the treats and the munchies. Let’s do it again, for eternity. Maranatha.

Got something to say to yourself? The FutureMe app lets you write, schedule and send letters to yourself, friends or family. But here is the catch: You can schedule delivery to be six months or even 10 years in the future (thus the FutureMe title). What would you say to your 10- year future self? What about a letter for your eternity? Could it be that the cross was the future letter of Jesus to Himself? He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free... but He died alone for you and me (Ray Overholt). For the joy that was set before Him... (Hebrews 12:2). For two Sabbaths, I invite you to bow your heart and hear the crucifixion story through the humble devo- tional life of this preacher, recognizing that it was Jesus writing a letter for the future, and even for all eternity. Welcome to Campion.

Welcome to the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church! Quick question: How did you get here? I don’t mean in the existential or biological way... I mean, literally, how did you end up at this address? Were you looking for a library, got here by accident and decided to stay? Did you leave home this morning, wanting to arrive in Dallas, Texas... but somehow, you’re here? Probably not. Driving or walking, someone decided, “That’s where the church is, and these are the steps I take to get there.” We had a goal. Seems obvious. But the way we live our lives day-to-day is too often, “I guess I’ll just drive ’till I hit something or run out of gas, then look around and see where I am.” We can do better. We can (and should) live with direction and pur- pose. Let’s live Toward the Finish (LTTF). 2 Timothy 4:7.

This Sabbath was Hope Channel Impact Day, presented by Derek Morris, the president of the Hope Channel.

Hope Channel Impact Day presented by Derek Morris, president of the Hope Channel.

On a quest to learn the reasons for success of the world’s fastest distance runners, journalist Adharanand Finn uprooted his wife and three children to live in the high-altitude hamlet of Iten, Kenya. Immersing himself in the highly disciplined training regimen of marathon runners, Adharanand dis- covered some surprising secrets to the competitors’ success. As Christians, the prize we seek is much more significant than winning a 26.2-mile race, for its prize is everlasting. Today, let’s study together about the prize and the steps God would have us take to win it. 

Today is a new day. Today is a good day. Today we celebrate the Joy of Jesus in the way that He told us to, at His table, with the unleavened bread and the pure juice of the vine. As we continue to commemorate the greatest story of the greatest love expressed through the greatest events in the history of the Universe, we conclude our sermon series on Hebrews 12:1-3 by inviting you to the Lord's Supper. We believe there is no better way to remember the anniversary of His love and to announce that He is coming back for us.  We invite you, then, to prepare your hearts through the foot washing service, where we express humility, unity and love, and to partake of  the bread and the juice, where we accept total communion with Christ through what He has accomplished for us.  Receive His forgiveness, then, as the symbol of water reminds you how His mercies are new every morning. Serve each other as you scoop down to minister to a friend, a family member, or even a foe. Pray for each other as you carry each other's burdens. Allow God to love you the way He always intended to, with undiluted and undeserved love. Let His love wash you and transform you. Surrender every part of your being, every thought of your mind, every desire of your heart, to your King and Lord who conquered death and sorrow for you. Do not hold back out of fear He will change you. He will change you. But the end result will be absolutely glorious. Welcome to Campion, where the Joy of Jesus can and will be experienced today.

Having just gotten off my own long-haul flights this past week, I was particularly impacted by the news story of Emirates flight EK448 that left Dubai, United Arab Emirates at 10:30am on Friday, January 27, headed for Auckland, New Zealand. Thirteen (13) long hours of flying later, flight EK448 landed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. You caught that, didn’t you?! After 13 hours of sitting in the over-stuffed chairs of an airplane, those passengers landed, not at their destination, but back at their departure. Auckland and its airport had been impacted by flooding in January and had to close. That forced the flight from Dubai to turn around south of Singapore and head back to Dubai. Imagine, after all that time, ending up right where you had been in the beginning. What would be worse would be spending your life and arriving back at where you were in the beginning. Let’s study one more altar this week that speaks to that.

Welcome to the third annual RiseUp conference – we are thrilled that you have joined us! Did you hear about the extraordinary week of service we just had at Eden Valley, in partnership with Build and Restore International? We came together and were inspired by scripture, practical training, rewarding work, and we made lifelong friendships with like-minded young adults. Young people helped to begin the Advent movement and we want to be part of the group that finishes the work entrusted to us. We are no longer content living ordinary lives. We have a purpose, direction and challenge to be the change in our families, schools, churches and our society. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near, of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Arise and dedicate your whole life, for Now is The Day!

Welcome to the third annual RiseUp conference – we are thrilled that you have joined us! Did you hear about the extraordinary week of service we just had at Eden Valley, in partnership with Build and Restore International? We came together and were inspired by scripture, practical training, rewarding work, and we made lifelong friendships with like-minded young adults. Young people helped to begin the Advent movement and we want to be part of the group that finishes the work entrusted to us. We are no longer content living ordinary lives. We have a purpose, direction and challenge to be the change in our families, schools, churches and our society. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near, of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Arise and dedicate your whole life, for Now is The Day!

Welcome to the third annual RiseUp conference – we are thrilled that you have joined us! Did you hear about the extraordinary week of service we just had at Eden Valley, in partnership with Build and Restore International? We came together and were inspired by scripture, practical training, rewarding work, and we made lifelong friendships with like-minded young adults. Young people helped to begin the Advent movement and we want to be part of the group that finishes the work entrusted to us. We are no longer content living ordinary lives. We have a purpose, direction and challenge to be the change in our families, schools, churches and our society. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near, of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Arise and dedicate your whole life, for Now is The Day!

Welcome to the third annual RiseUp conference – we are thrilled that you have joined us! Did you hear about the extraordinary week of service we just had at Eden Valley, in partnership with Build and Restore International? We came together and were inspired by scripture, practical training, rewarding work, and we made lifelong friendships with like-minded young adults. Young people helped to begin the Advent movement and we want to be part of the group that finishes the work entrusted to us. We are no longer content living ordinary lives. We have a purpose, direction and challenge to be the change in our families, schools, churches and our society. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near, of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Arise and dedicate your whole life, for Now is The Day!

If you were interested, you could attend a private fundraiser with the president of the United States. That would be an honor. But it would also be expensive. Most of you would have to pay $35,000 for your dinner, but no interaction with the president. If you wanted to take the opportunity to shake his hand while there, just round up your cost to $50,000. Certainly an important man, but still just a man. Today, you and I are welcomed into the presence of the potentate of the universe – omnipotent and illimitable. He didn’t charge us for this time, in fact, He paid for us to be here. Welcome to Campion. And more importantly, welcome to the presence of the God who loves you.

It was the summer of 2014 and everybody was getting soaked with ice water. The Ice Bucket Challenge encouraged nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads and then passing the nomination on to others. The expectation was that nominated participants had 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of charitable financial donation. The intention was to raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease). The international and viral challenge raised over $220 million and incalculable awareness. Our taking up the challenge to meet God at the altar could have the same life saving, life altering impact on the world. Let’s finish our teaching series with one more narrative, but a lifelong commitment to meeting God at the altar.

Everyone has had a line stuck in their head. Like the repeating line (hum with me), “Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun...” This week, a line from a recently gifted book has been just that to me. I just can’t shake it. Over and over, it’s tossed in my mind. Speaking of counterfeit gods and the attention that we give/they demand, Timothy Keller writes, “In ancient times, the deities were bloodthirsty and hard to appease. They still are.” (from Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters). They are bloodthirsty. The attention you give the addiction, the pursuit of power, money, technology is bloodthirsty and hard to appease. They will take everything from you, even your life. To be confronted by this, let’s go and join Jacob at his altar.

William Booth, the great Methodist preacher who, along with his wife, Catherine, founded the Salvation Army, is credited with the line, “The greatness of man’s power is the measure of his surrender.” Take the story of another spiritual leader, Abraham, who was called to, unarguably, the most difficult altar. One to surrender his promised son. An impossibly difficult moment. However, it was the greatest act of surrender that brought the greatest glory to God. This week, let’s learn from that moment.

I just can’t get Dwaine Edmonds words out of my mind: “Digital addictions have left many of us anxious, irritable, lonely, stressed, depressed, sleepless and unhappy with life. Ironically, personal and family worship practices calm our minds, decrease loneliness, reduce stress, increase peace, fulfill our emotional needs and teach us contentment.” (Ministry Magazine, Back to the Altar, December 2022). He sites research reported by McLean Hospital (titled The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health) early last year. This personal and family time with Jesus is a matter of vida y muerte. This week, in our sermon series, we turn in our Bibles to the very first use of the word altar and find it wrapped in one of the most beautiful moments ever recorded. 

In the closing days of 2022, speaker and author Dwain Esmond shared a direct appeal from his heart to pastors around the globe in an article titled Back to the Altar. The need, he says, is the broken worship altar ... [it] Represents the single greatest threat to [Christian] life and purpose... People who lack a consistent devotional walk with God cannot know Him, love Him, or effectively share Him with others. And the needed response, Esmond’s appeal, is that the restoration of personal and family worship among [Christians] is the most pressing need of our time... This February we will hear the call from sacred scripture to return to what was known in the Old Testament as the altar. What could be the potential for your journey with Jesus if you were to join a 28- day challenge of spending personal time (or increasing time), daily family time, and community worship time (joining a Sabbath School class or attending worship each week)? From February 5 - March 4 our Friend and Savior invites you to meet Him at the altar.

Sermon for Senior Recognition Weekend - What Does Jesus Say? by Wendy Eickmann.

No Matter What by Eden Phillips

Prayer Conference with Joe Kidder Sabbath Evening

Prayer Conference with Joseph Kidder - Escape from Iraq

Joseph Kidder has been teaching at the Seventh-day Adventist theological seminary at Andrews University for the past 21 years. He travel extensively, teaching people and churches how to have a vibrant and authentic walk with God.

Prayer Conference with Joe Kidder Friday Evening 1_13_23

Have you ever asked yourself if you qualify to be used by God to witness for Him? I have. Often. And the fact is that, according to the gospel of Jesus, the answer is a resounding yes. It turns out that what qualifies people to witness for God is none of the things that we as humans would consider when describing someone's qualifications. Whatever this New Year brings, may we come to embrace the call of God's kingdom in our lives every single day. May we always be willing to tellthe story of how God transformed us, giving us purpose and restoring beauty in our chaos. Happy New Year to you and yours and may you be welcome here at Campion Church.

We're just a handful of hours away from the end of 2022 and the arrival of a new year. How are you going to spend these final moments? Some people might use this as an opportunity to reflect on what has been accomplished over this past year and assessing their progress toward their goals. Others will start preparing for 2023, perhaps even getting a jump start on their upcoming resolutions. Now replace the end of this year & the arrival of the new year with the end of time & the arrival of Jesus. We're a step closer to the promised Second Coming; how are you going to spend these final moments? Are you reflecting on how God has led you thus far, or perhaps getting a jump start on "Kingdom living"? We're glad that you've chosen to spend these precious moments worshiping with us as we all prepare for that great final countdown.

Enjoy a beautiful Christmas Eve concert.

There is such a thing as a 5 Gift Rule. It’s possible some have lived their whole life (including this preacher) not knowing the rule. Guess I have been a cheapskate. Apparently, gone are the days of just one gift. In the 5 Gift Rule, the first four gifts are the same: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. But the 5th? The 5th is the real winner. It's something they need or want but don't really know it. It’s that 5th one, the one we need and want but don’t know it. Could that be the great gift of heaven that we celebrate tomorrow? A gift we need and want but don’t often know it? Let’s reflect on this eve of the celebration, there is the 5th gift.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the American poet who died in 1882, experienced great tragedy in 1835, with the unexpected death of his wife, Mary. This loss came after the miscarriage of their baby. Then, in 1861, Longfellow was struck with grief when he lost his second wife, Fanny. Her death came after an accident, where she was burned. Unutterable heartbreak twice over. Eighteen years later, the poet wrote "The Cross of Snow," reflecting on the pain he still carried from the loss of Fanny. The Christmas story, with all the plans and presents, is still the story of the broken heart of God, giving all of Heaven in exchange for having you and I back from being lost. 

You’ve heard the phrase, “in the nick of time,” right? I’m guessing you’ve even used it a time or two. “In the nick” is that exact instant at which something has to take place. The idea is that a “nick” is a narrow and precise marker, so that if something is “in the nick,” it is exactly where it should be. From the dramatic opener, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” to the thrilling conclusion in, “The Coming of the King,” this cantata illustrates and celebrates God’s perfect timing. His perfect timing on the world stage, and His perfect timing for your life. Welcome to Campion.

Christmas to Calvary: In Our Planet by Micheal Goetz

This Christmas, thousands of people will receive a little box under the tree that has the potential to drastically upset their lives. Over the last 10 years, the at-home genetic test has grown into a multi-million dollar industry, with estimates of growth to $10 billion by 2028. Many of those taking these tests have learned of family members they never knew existed, while others have discovered long-hidden family secrets. None of us can pick our families of origin, but most of us want to understand something of where we've come from. But there was One who could pick His family. And the ones He picked have left some scratching their heads. Of all the people in the world, why did you pick them, Jesus?

The year 1621 may be when the first Thanksgiving dinner took place, but the book of Revelation points toward a Thanksgiving celebration going into the years of eternity. This week as we celebrate the Thanksgiving supper in a study on the final lines of Revelation, we will realize that the last supper and the celebration marriage supper are all together one and the same. Following the service, there is a Thanksgiving fellowship lunch, where all are invited. You are welcome at both... Especially the one in heaven. Welcome to the Unveiling.

The Unveiling: The Seven Last Plagues & The Fall of Babylon by Micheal Goetz

The mark of the beast, the 7 last plagues, the fall of Babylon, and the beasts coming by land and by sea, and it doesn’t take a theologian versed in Greek to realize something serious is happening in the 2nd half of Revelation. Serious. But serious doesn’t have to be scary. After all, we must remind ourselves that there was a blessing guaranteed to those who read and who hear the words of this unveiling of Jesus. So, with that blessed assurance ringing in our ears, let’s keep going and find out the serious (but not scary) prophetic words. You won’t regret it. Welcome to the Unveiling.

Today, October 29, was a difficult day in history. In 1929, 16 million shares in the U.S. stock market were sold, fueling the crisis known as the Great Depression. This day in the year of 1929 became known as “Black Tuesday”. In a world of expensive cereal and butter (groceries and gas), it can be scary. It seems like this is the kind of world that Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel lived in when she was inspired to write the words that turn hymn, “Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side... your God will undertake to guide the future as He has the past.. The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below”. And wouldn’t you know, Revelation, the unveiling of Jesus, was God’s strongest voice to reassure our hearts. He is with us and is coming back for us. Welcome to the Unveiling.

According to 9News and others, the political races to watch here in Colorado include the US Senate race between incumbent Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet and GOP challenger Joe O’Dea; incumbent Gov. Jared Polis vs. Republican Heidi Ganahl; and the U.S. House District 3 race that pits incumbent Rep. Lauren Boebert against Dem Adam Frisch. Fair enough. Please vote. But not so far behind the headlines of who is governor comes that question of who wins the race for your heart and mind. The battle of Armageddon is even closer, and of course, of exponential greater consequence, than the state capital or the hill in D.C. Regarding the race for your mind: Please vote. Welcome to Unveiled.

This past weekend will not be forgotten by three eager fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, some 25 miles off the coast of Empire, Louisiana. They were reported missing, and the search began. They were rescued on Sunday afternoon by the US Coast Guard, all three alive, but fending off the circling sharks. Their boat had sunk around 10 am on Saturday and they had spent over 24 hours treading water and guarding each other from sharks. They must have felt hopeless and helpless as the dorsal fins of hungry sharks appeared and the darkness of night closed in. The reality was nothing but a vast ocean in 360 degrees. Only in their minds was there a warm home, food, and a loving family. But then Sunday afternoon came the sound of help. The US Coast Guard teams who had been searching the area the size of Rhode Island, made possible what had only been in their minds. Helpless and hopeless no longer, all three are doing just fine. There is help and hope for the three fishermen, and for you. That’s the message of the book of Revelation. Welcome to the Unveiling.

Let’s say, you were on a vacation, high up in the mountains of Peru. Your family is having the time of your lives. You have explored Machu Picchu and were just wowed. You and your family are headed out on a trail, and you decide to take a look at the trail map, when you notice a warning that the trail you are on leads to a sheer drop of hundreds of feet. You look up from the map to see your child running down the trail and disappearing around the corner, and, based on the map, it will only be a short distance beyond that, they will encounter the cliff. There is some doubt in your mind that if you yell, “Stop!” they will take you seriously enough to stop in time. But you know they have an unrelenting, passionate interest in butterflies. So, in your best attempt at saving your beloved child from certain death, you call their attention to a butterfly. They immediately respond and are saved. The book of Revelation is the call to point us in the direction that will save us. It’s not a butterfly that the book reveals; it is One who has loved you from before the foundations of the world. He came once to this world, died to claim the right to save you, and is coming back again. Welcome to our study of the end of the trail, the cliff, and the One who will save us from it all.

German mathematician Johannes Stöffler concluded that 2.25.1524 would be the end... Because the planets would align, making a water sign. Thus, the world could expect a flood. It should come as no surprise that in 1666 many Christians believed the world would be over. You stir in the Great London Fire tragedy that started on September 2 of that year, and you have an overwhelming evidence. And then, you have Halley’s Comet that passes by the earth every 76 years or so. In 1910, Yerkes Observatory in Chicago announced that the tail of the comet had a poisonous gas, called cyanogen, and that it would end all life. Scammers sold “anti-comet pills,” and safe rooms were prepared. Space fails to talk of the 1982 LA earthquakes, The Jupiter Effect of 1998, Y2K, and the 2012 Maya Apocalypse. We are determined that the world will end... And it will. But not because of a computer bug, a comet, or the number 666. It will end because of the gospel. Let’s take a minute and talk about that.

We see it all around us. Hollywood, popular music, TV, video gaming, spectator sports, e-relationships, and pornography are saturating the lives ofGod’s professed people. But what does the latest science say about the mind- altering effects of 21st century media? And what is the spiritual agenda in the entertainment and advertising industries? These will be questions we will study this week.

We see it all around us. Hollywood, popular music, TV, video gaming, spectator sports, e-relationships, and pornography are saturating the lives ofGod’s professed people. But what does the latest science say about the mind- altering effects of 21st century media? And what is the spiritual agenda in the entertainment and advertising industries? These will be questions we will study this week.

Glory. That is the last word in the matter, both in the book of Job and in the New Testaments reflection on it. And that will be the last word in the bigger drama: not that man will demand and get his answers or his imagined rights, but that God will give, to those who endure to the end in this bitter war, ‘such good things as pass man’s understanding’ (Derek Kidner). And then, one day, against all odds from what we are experiencing and feeling now, God will be glorified and be able to pour the same into each one of His children. Because of the work He has done through the pain, we will join Him in glory.

Consider: God of Pain by Michael Goetz

They say offense wins games but defense wins championships. Sometimes it definitely feels that we need a good defense team to help us overcome our trials and crises. Do you feel like you need a defender? In our journey through the book of Job, we will see that Job, himself, struggles to feel defended. Most of the book of Job is about the friends of Job who do a great job of accusing him. At times, it is confusing and long. God seems silent, not just to his friends, but to the cry of Job, himself. Beyond what Job can see and certainly understand, is a great conflict involving the fallen and unfallen. Job feels alone, but by faith, lays hold of a God that proves He is the ultimate defender.

August was once called “Sextillion” by the Romans, as it was the 6th month of the Roman year. The Emperor Augustus changed it to be named after himself - his name derived from a Latin expression meaning “to increase.” We celebrate August on this campus as a month of increase, true to its Latin meaning. As classroom doors swing open inviting students to come with eager and open minds it signals an increase. But on this campus, there is more: the increase is the mission of educating and training missionaries for the cause of Jesus. The increase for the Kingdom. We invite you to join in dedicating our campus with the themes of knowing and showing God’s Character (Campion Academy) and being Called By God (HMS Elementary). So let it be, that this school year, God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:5-8).

Four-year old Raudhatul Jannah was swept away from her parents grasp in an Indian tsunami in 2004. Her parents searched day and night for a month with no success and her parents thought she was lost forever. However, Raudhatul's mother never stopped praying that her daughter was safe, and they would be reunited again. Ten years later, in a chance sighting, Raudhatul's uncle spotted her on a visit to another area of the country and recognized her as his lost niece. Raudhatul had been swept away to another island where she was rescued by a fisherman who took her back to the mainland where she lived for the next 10 years. Raudhatul's mom described her emotions when she was reunited with her daughter saying, "My heart beat so fast when I saw her" and she could not stop the "tears from flowing." Thankfully, God had his eye on Raudhatul and had her just where he needed her with a miraculous plan to reunite her with her family. If you feel lost and separated from the Father, know He is waiting to reunite with you and His abundant grace is waiting for you. All you must do is accept His gift of grace.

End It Now by Sandy Eickmann and Mark Herber

Possibly one evening, after a hard day and no help in sight, David reached out by faith and declared who he was holding on to -Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20) We wish to welcome our friends, members and guests today as we discuss: Living with Christian certainty in an uncertain world!

Thank you for choosing to worship at Campion Church today. If you're new here, we hope that you are blessed by your time here and that you draw closer to God and that you are encouraged by our community. If you have been here before, we're grateful that you chose to return and worship with us again. What was it that encouraged you to return? What is it that pushes us to go back to a restaurant, or a relationship, or a religion - especially if there had been a significant break in the past? That's what our sermon will explore today. Regardless of if this is your first time here, or thousand and first time here, we're glad that you're here today.

They are known as the Nazarenes and persecuted for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior of humanity. Their plight shows us how God’s grace and love can reach even the darkest of places. Their stories move us and inspire us to live outwardly and lovingly. Their testimonies challenge us to value our freedom even more and to face our own fears of following the Nazarene who changed the World. Will we learn to live for the One who lives for us? Welcome to this community of followers of the Nazarene.

Have you ever followed God's lead in your life only to be faced with more and more problems? Sometimes it even seems that the trials intensify as we insist in obeying God. Even if we don't admit it, deep inside we can't help to feel a sense of disappointment. But could it be that being God is a lot more about knowing Him personally than about Him keeping us from painful circumstances? Join the disciples in their adventure as they find out.

Veggie dogs and potato salad. Apple pie and baseball. Red, white, and blue EVERYWHERE. Fireworks lighting up the night sky. We celebrate our Independence on Monday, and for many people these are some of the essential symbols that help us remember that special day when we declared our independence from England more than 2 centuries ago. Today, however, we celebrate another monumental event from more than 2 millennia ago: what Jesus did to set us free from sin. As we gather to partake communion, we hope you’ll reflect on some of the essential symbols of God’s promises.

In 2012 Robert Samuel first got paid to wait in line (He earned $325 to wait 19 hours for an iPhone 5), since then he’s had many jobs in New York City waiting for everything from movie tickets to pastries. Samuel and others have started businesses that provide line-waiting services to people who don’t have the time, hate the hassle, or want to avoid the discomfort of waiting all night on a sidewalk before Black Friday. While paying for a spot in line seems excessive, most of us would probably agree that we’d rather do something else with our time than wait. But what if we’re waiting on God? What if we’re thinking, ‘This all seems wrong’? Are we wasting our time? This morning we’ll look at a saga of waiting that’s recorded in Genesis.

Undeniably, we all have a lot of prayer requests. We all pray for, or request prayer for our various burdens and desires. Have you thought recently on what Jesus’ burdens and desires are? What did our friend Jesus beg us to pray for? Today we are going to dive deep into one of Jesus’ most specific prayer requests.

During these summer months, Northern Colorado is often sunny skies and warm temperatures. With the students enjoying summer break, campus life slows considerably and many of our hardworking staff members (and their families) enjoy some much deserved rest. Everything is just *easier* in the summer...or is it? Is it possible that this ease of pace can cause us to feel safe, to let our guard down, and to neglect our dependence on God? This summer, we hope that you not only take the time to disconnect from the hurried pace of life...but that you also intentionally connect (or reconnect) with God. Today's message will give us 5 ways that we can strengthen our trust in God so we're ready for life's challenges.

Astrophysicist Greg Laughlin from the University of California, developed a special formula for determining how much worlds are worth. There is not Kelly Blue Book for this kind of thing. Laughlin’s calculations put the value of planet earth at $5,000,000,000,000,000 (quadrillion), making it the most expensive planet in the solar-system (Mars came in at a modest $16,000). He urges that this price tag is a reminder that since every inhabitant of earth freely inherits it, it is our most important family heirloom. Could it be that what is most valuable in the universe we all get without cost? Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3). Knowing God and the resulting eternal life comes without cost (Isaiah 55:1). Thank you for the organizations and individuals in our community, who share that news through tangible love and compassion.

Church Drift: Grow

To our Mothers (and Fathers) Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn behavior by copying you. If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” The presence of children is a gift to the Church, and they remind us that our church is growing.

The Return of the Aeons by Michael Goetz

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water (or just felt like a fish?)? This expression dates back to the year 1483 when it was used by English writer Geoffrey Chaucer in his famous book, The Canterbury Tales. This collection of twenty-four stories are considered Chaucer’s magnum opus. The expression “Like a fish out of water” was used to describe one of the characters who did not feel comfortable riding a horse. The word picture caught on and we have been using it for several hundred years to describe someone or the feeling of being away from a setting or activity that we are accustomed to. It’s this expression that might best describe how it would look for us to live in a world where there were no lies or falsehoods. It’s hard to imagine that in fact humanity was first made to exist where there was only truth. Welcome to the Serpentine Prophecy, a study of truth where we have only known lies.

What wondrous hope that through the life and death of Jesus there is rest for the weary, strength for the weak, love for the lonely, acceptance for the rejected, healing for the broken, and comfort for the grieving. What wondrous hope that in because of the Hill of Calvary we have mercy and forgiveness of sin, assurance in doubt, and life after death. Thank you for joining us today on this celebration of all that is hope, wondrous hope.

In creation, God did the best work. And in creating man and woman the universe must have been in awe. This was creation that reflected the image of the God of the universe, incredible! This reflection God, His image, was set in the most ideal and perfect world. It was meant to provide the happiest and healthiest life. Now it makes sense, why the devil hates the family and the marriage relationship. Let's study together. Welcome to Campion.

In Genesis 1:26-28 God sets the identity and the context of every person on this planet. Three key aspects are: Created by Divinity, in the Imago Dei, and given distinct genders to make that image possible. To this we prayerfully study. Thank you for joining - Welcome to Campion.

So says the old proverb “For Want of a Nail” - For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the message was lost. For want of a message the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail. In the small things, God shows up in a big way. Welcome to Campion.

Let your heart on these numbers: Of the 235 countries in the world recognized by the United Nations, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is established in 212 of them. That represents over 535 different languages that includes 21,912,161 members. Those members are in 95,297 churches and 72,975 companies (groups not yet organized as churches). Throughout the world there are 9,419 schools with 2,023,844 students enrolled. In healthcare, there are 229 hospitals and sanitariums, 129 nursing homes, 128 dental clinics, and 1,475 clinics. It doesn’t stop there with 18 media centers, and 57 publishing houses. The growth of the church around the world means that every hour 133 members are added, and every four (4) hours a church is formed. Campion Church serves as one little corner of a family of believers wrapped around the globe, each waiting for and sharing the hope of Jesus coming again.

It’s the feeling triggered by a familiar sight or sound, and you feel you have experienced it before - the French tell us to call it déjà vu (meaning, already seen). Somewhere between 60-70% of people in good health experience some form of déjà vu in their lifetime, and most of these times happening between the ages of 15-25 years old (apparently your as your memory begins to diminish so does your feeling of memory). Stress, fatigue, and travel call all increase the occurrences. Most déjà vu feelings disappear quickly. But in ancient Palestine circa 25 A.D., a whole community began to experience the feeling that they had seen what they were seeing before. It reminded them of the past while pointing to the future through the present. It was a time like few others, as John the Baptist paced the banks of the Jordan River. According to Jesus, the greatest of the prophets, is worth our attention.

When God called Moses to be His ambassador, Moses came up with all kinds of excuses as to why he wasn't the right man for the job. Are we using those same excuses when God calls us to action for Him today?

A farmer lost his watch in the barn. It was a family heirloom and of great value. After searching the hay for a long while; he gave up. Sharing his plight with some of the children playing outside one young boy offered to help. Minutes later the same boy emerged from the barn with the precious watch. Incredulous, the farmer asked how he found it. “I sat quietly and listened until I heart the ticking” was the boy's answer. The young boy’s strategy is the invitation of the prophets - come and hear the passion of God’s heart. It too has been lost in the distractions (hay and manure seem fitting) of the world. Be still and you will know Me, God says.(Ps 46:10).

As we prepare for our worship and study, let me introduce it with the story below. On the slope of Long’s Peak lies the ruin of a gigantic tree. Naturalists tell us that it stood for some four hundred years. It was a seedling when Columbus landed at San Salvador, and half grown when the pilgrims settled at Plymouth. During the course of its long life, it was struck by lightning fourteen times and the innumerable avalanches and storms of four centuries thundered past it. It survived them all. In the end, however, an army of beetles attacked the tree and leveled it to the ground. The insects ate their way through the bark and gradually destroyed the inner strength of the tree by their tiny but incessant attacks. A forest giant which age had not withered, nor lightning blasted, nor storms subdued, fell at last before beetles so small that a man could crush them between his forefinger and his thumb. I pray Jesus is nearer and dearer to you because of the time we spend together today. Pr. Micheal Goetz

Individually, snowflakes are some of the most delicate things in the natural world. However, we are reminded each winter of what happens when they gather together. Even the most fragile can become a potent force when they form groups. This was a lesson that the Apostle Paul knew, and he encouraged his audience to take this message to heart too: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25) As the next semester of our GROW Groups approaches, we want to encourage you to prayerfully consider banding together with fellow believers and find strength in this community. No matter how fragile you are, you are welcome to find the blessings of a church family here.

Last week the pastoral team took some time to pray through the vision and focus for our corner of God’s work, the Campion Community. Through prayer and study the pastors felt compelled to reestablish our collective focus especially on two components of our mission statement: Grow, through the Grow Groups and the culture of community and care they make. And Go, primarily seeking others through our Bible Study ministry (Bible School) and giving intentional focus to Children’s evangelism (HMS, VBS, Sabbath Schools, and others), Media evangelism, friendship evangelism, and reaching out to care for those who were once a part of the church but have grown distant. The church board agreed and affirmed this burden with a vote. There are so many good things happening through our church organized and through individuals. Campion is a church family committed to each other, our campus, and our community. Prayerfully we press into this year with Jesus to Know, Grow, and Go.

Come Alive In Prayer by Pavel Goia

Joe was an Olympic high diver. He was with his friend, Bob in California who had built this big in-door swimming pool with a very high diving board. Bob was a Christian and he had been praying for his friend, Joe, to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. At about midnight Joe couldn’t sleep. So, he decided he would go out and practice some dives. He went out to the pool and the moon was shining through the windows, so he didn’t turn on any lights. He went way up to the highest board. He stretched his arms out and as he looked down, he saw a cross. He stepped back and he couldn’t figure it out. He stepped forward again, put his arms out and there was a cross again. He then got down and went down to the pool and he looked. And to his surprise, there was no water in the pool, because it was being repaired. The moon had made him look like a cross down below. It dawned on him that he was saved by the reflection of the cross. His heart was touched, and he knelt right then and there and gave his heart to God. If it would not have been for his friend’s prayers and the reflection of the cross that night, he would have lost his life. This week we turn our attention to our prayer lives. We Pray on.

In the African wilderness an animal killed by a predator feeds many other species. The cat may make the kill and eat a large part of the animal, then come smaller predators and then comes the clean up crew of the vultures. Around the time of the vultures and after them come the hyenas. The aggressive pack animals will come in and clean up a kill consuming even the bones. Well good for them. As sad as a lost life might be, once you are down to the bones there isn’t any hope. It’s not like the bite into the flesh when there is still struggle for life or at least hope in our minds. When there is nothing, but bones left, it’s... lifeless and hopeless. So go for it hyenas, clean up those bones. Except. Except that’s not always true. Ezekiel speaks up after getting a command from God to give prophecy to dry bones (emphasis on dry) and there is hope (Ezekiel 37). So, hold the hyenas. There is life. This week we begin a teaching series on the role and importance of prophets.

Joe was an Olympic high diver. He was with his friend, Bob in California who had built this big in-door swimming pool with a very high diving board. Bob was a Christian and he had been praying for his friend, Joe, to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. At about midnight Joe couldn’t sleep. So, he decided he would go out and practice some dives. He went out to the pool and the moon was shining through the windows, so he didn’t turn on any lights. He went way up to the highest board. He stretched his arms out and as he looked down, he saw a cross. He stepped back and he couldn’t figure it out. He stepped forward again, put his arms out and there was a cross again. He then got down and went down to the pool and he looked. And to his surprise, there was no water in the pool, because it was being repaired. The moon had made him look like a cross down below. It dawned on him that he was saved by the reflection of the cross. His heart was touched, and he knelt right then and there and gave his heart to God. If it would not have been for his friend’s prayers and the reflection of the cross that night, he would have lost his life. This week we turn our attention to our prayer lives.

Come Alive in Prayer by Pastor Pavel Goia

The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love. {3T 187.1} According to Paul in Corinthians, “But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (13:13) We can hope in accordance with the desires of men and end hopeless. Or we can invite Christ within and have the hope of glory. Speaking of hope, John Maxwell pipes up with the line "Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.” Altogether a life-giving essence the question presents itself - where do we turn? Present hope depends on our beliefs in the Hope of the past and the Hope of the future as found in the person of Jesus. As the calendar turns, we collectively turn to the past and the future to behold the Hope.

"Welcome to Campion Church, and Merry Christmas! The holidays have been busy here, with our prayer & caroling outing on the 4th, a day of bell ringing on the 14th, a Christmas concert from HMS on the 15th, and our own Christmas concert on the 18th. While we are grateful for all of the participation during these great events, and especially grateful for the leaders who helped bring everything together, our worship service today is going to be rather...normal. This is by design: we simply want to make sure that acknowledging what Jesus did doesn't feel like an afterthought to what we are doing. We don't want our lives to be so crowded that there isn't room for a Savior. So thank you for taking the time to join us today as we sing songs, tell stories, dedicate a baby, and open God's Word to be reminded of why any of this matters in the first place.

THE THRILL OF HOPE BY JOSEPH MARTIN AND HEATHER SORENSON O Come, O Come Emmanuel O Come, All Ye Faithful - Sing-along Oh Children Come Advent Hymn All Is Well Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus What A Beautiful Name Noel Let The World Sing Gloria One King The Thrill of Hope O Holy Night

No one remembers on their own where and when they were born. We have to be told by those who know. But it is an important bit of information. Even more important is the reason why Jesus was born here. And this is the season when we are reminded of His birth. He was born here, and that changes everything. Welcome to Campion. Our speaker today is Elder Gary Patterson. Elder Patterson has served numerous churches and conferences in his over 60 years of ministry and has written extensively for various publications (including the latest editions of The Minister's Handbook and The Elder's Handbook from the General Conference). Elder Patterson and his wife of almost 65 years, Rae, recently settled into Northern Colorado, and we are grateful for his commitment to serving Jesus and blessing our church community.

Walter Summerford, a British officer in World War I, was struck by lighting while on his horse and became paralyzed. After the war he moved to Canada, and while out fishing he was struck by lightning again. Then six years later while walking in a park, he was struck again. Finally, Mr. Summerford was laid to rest in 1932, buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. It was four years after his death, his tombstone was struck by lighting. Summerford has been called the unluckiest, hopeless, man to have lived. Maybe so. Maybe you have felt that title before. Wouldn’t you know it, it was exactly that kind of life that Jesus came to give hope for.

When I (Pastor Mike) was a kid, this week was always a big deal to me. The final draft of my most important project was due, and I spent hours polishing it. On Thanksgiving Day each year, I presented my parents with my Official Christmas Wish List. Usually between 4-6 pages long, my list was ranked and listed where to go to get the items for the best price. Wish lists aren’t new creations. However, did you know that even King David produced a wish list? In Psalm 27, we see that he has a list too, though his list only has 1 item. All David wanted was to be able to spend the rest of his life with God just so he could sit in awe of the Almighty (v. 4). This Christmas season, let’s tell of what God did to make that wish possible for each of us (including the price that He paid).

In case we didn’t wake up to enough fear, headlines this week shared that that a massive funnel-web spider with fangs capable of piercing human fingernails has been found. (Even though it was found in Australia, the spider will find a way to show up in your dreams at night). The half dinosaur, half spider was turned in by an anonymous person in a Tupperware container without any labels. They are not sure where it came from or if there are more. Bad news, right!? Except if you are an arachnologist and a part of the scientist team that takes the venom and creates antivenom. If you are part of that team, you see the huge (pun intended) life-saving potential in finding more spiders like this that can produce large amounts of venom. Turns out the massive spider is good news.

The “Socratia Exorhiza” palm is unique because it moves from one place to another until it reaches more sunny places. The way it moves is to grow new roots in the foreground, while the old ones die and are displaced. The distance covered in a year may be 20 meters. This strange roaming plant is found in Central American countries of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. No doubt the rest of the plant world talks of how this wandering palm has such a longing heart, always seeking the sun. Could it be our lesson from Central America? Is there a longing in your heart for the Son?

Do you want to know what makes God mad? Consider this... How would a father and mother feel, did they know that their child, lost in the cold and the snow, had been passed by, and left to perish, by those who might have saved it? Would they not be terribly grieved, wildly indignant? Would they not denounce those murderers with wrath hot as their tears, intense as their love? The sufferings of every man are the sufferings of God's child, and those who reach out no helping hand to their perishing fellow beings provoke His righteous anger. [Desire of Ages, 826] These lines are not a warning to the world, they are a warning to me. To you. May you know, may you have, and may the world see the compassionate, generous, heart of God in us.

The Lord’s Supper (our communion) was the Passover meal. That was the last meal Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion and was full of symbolism from the last meal the Hebrews had in Egypt before their deliverance. There was one last lesson God wanted to teach the Hebrews that night that the disciples had to learn, and we must also learn as we wait for our deliverance on the edge of eternity.

The etymology of our English word heal is in the Proto-Germanic word hailijaną, meaning to make whole, to save. There is something assuring and beautiful in that expression - “make whole.” Newtons 3rd law of thermodynamics says that can’t happen without outside intervention. All are on a one-way trip to chaos and brokenness. But there is that outside intervention, a source outside of this world, that defies the laws of thermodynamics and the natural progression of sin. It takes brokenness and makes whole. It takes the lost and makes saved. It takes you, all of you, and makes something beautiful. That outside intervention is powerful to heal. Good news.

Khabane Lame, a slender Senegalese man with long limbs and an expressive face living with his parents in Chivasso, Italy, has stolen the hearts of the world. “Khaby” Lame lost his job at a factory in the lockdown and began posting videos of himself on TikTok. At first, they were clips of himself dancing or doing comedy stunts. Then earlier this year he began making fun of the life-hack videos that flood social media platforms - by countering with a word-less demonstration of a simple alternative and reacting with a shrug or look of exasperation. The message and the expression stuck. Lame (Lah- MAY) is now the 2nd most popular person on TikTok and gaining nearly some 200,000 followers a day. Apparently, we really do prefer to keep it simple. A simple plan for our hearts is our theme this week.

Albert Einstein was finally convinced to present to a group of mathematicians at Princeton on some aspects of tensor analysis (a tool essential to the mathematical treatment of relativity theory). A small announcement was posted. But word spread quickly and widely. When the day came the small hall was packed with others waiting outside. Sitting on the front row, Einstein looked back in surprise and exclaimed: “I never realized that in America there was so much interest in tensor analysis.” The story has been told and retold highlighting the humility of Albert Einstein. And it’s a good example. Of course all stories pale in significance to the greatest story of humility, when God thought not of Himself but was crushed to save the world. A humble God. Almost an oxymoron. But it’s not.

Conventional Christian spirituality has a list of common Do’s and Don’ts. Do pray often to have a thriving spiritual life. Do go to church every week to be a good Christian. Do worship in a certain way to honor God. Do read the Bible every day for x-amount of time. Don’t use certain instruments in worship. Don't sing certain songs. Don’t talk about certain topics. Don’t broadcast your imperfection. Some of these vary in importance depending on where we are. Dos and Don’ts are important as a rock-like foundation, but spirituality is a living complex thing. You are a complex thing. If your spirituality looks just like a blueprint you’ve been given, it’s not yours. If your relationship with God is only based on a model you’ve been taught, it’s not yours. Relationships are meant to be unique. Let us strive to have a vibrant personal and unrepeatable relationship with God!

According to the standard list, the seven deadly sins are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth (laziness, inactivity). Warning: These are best found in others and seem almost extinct in oneself. But really, what if God’s greatest concern was to find these in me and not get rid of them but replace them with an entirely and permanently different character. To take the deadly sins and replace them with the seven virtues of faith, hope, prudence, justice, temperance, courage, and charity. Think this way... what is the most impure (disgusting) thing you can think of (outhouse, roadkill, etc.)? What is the purest thing that comes to mind (snow, mountain water, etc.)? God’s plan is not to make your outhouse clean, but to replace it with something altogether different. Let’s go for that.

September 11, 2001, and the death of nearly 3,000 people in the attack using commercial airplanes has been a date that draws a line in history. If you were old enough to be cognizant of life, you remember where you were that Tuesday morning. The two words emerging from the wreckage and the stories was the cry Never Forget. These two words originated after the holocaust and have been repeated through time as appeals to learn the lessons from the past but then to move forward with courage. In the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks two decades ago, there was a courage that was galvanizing. Then president George W. Bush reflected, - “One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in America’s history.” To borrow his words, the worst days call for the bravest acts, and in a world of worst days, the great need is to see lives of courage. Let’s Never Forget - to learn from the past and move forward with courage. Welcome to Campion.

The now iconic Instagram picture of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee in her fatigues, holding a rifle, calming an infant during an evacuation at Hamid KarzaiInternational’s Airport in Kabul is now one of the last her heartbroken father has of her. Originally from Sacramento and based out of Camp Lejeune, Sgt. Gee died six days later in a bombing which killed 12 other service members. Her father, Richard Herrera, says that while looking at the photo and hearing the news be broke. Every father has a brief whisper of what Mr. Herrera must have felt. But many of us don’t know the full force or weight. Most people don’t know your pain either. Let’s talk about your broken heart. And let’s talk about His broken heart. Welcome to Campion.

In 1860 a novel titled Say and Seal written by Susan Warner included a poem that had been written by the author’s younger sister, Anna Bartlett Warner. The poem was included in the novel as words spoken to comfort a dying child. A few years later a tune and a chorus was added by William Batchelder Bradbury, and we have never stopped singing “Jesus loves me this I know.” United States Marines tell the story of working with Pacific islanders to retrieve survivors from a sinking ship, and as they worked together, the Islanders (who had learned “Jesus Love Me” from Seventh-day Adventist Missionaries) led the Marines in singing this song. In China, it became known as the “favorite hymn.” In a multitude of ways, the humble words shout the heart of God. We pray that is what you hear. Welcome to Campion.

How does God do it!? How does He handle the hurt of the world - where each individual is known to him by name. Haiti, for some of us is a country that we feel bad for and have a handful of friends from. But for God, Haiti isn’t a neighboring country, it’s His children. Afghanistan, isn’t a trouble spot in the Middle East that just need sensitive and strong foreign policy, it’s His family. He knows by name each one of the Afghans hiding in their homes right now. A reminder this week was when the news splashed a story of a family from Colorado that were visiting family in Kabul. They are now hunkered down in hiding, while the father is pacing back here in Colorado. That’s God for everyone from New Zealand to North Korea - a pacing Father who loves the individuals with all His heart. Welcome to Campion.

You’ve heard the tale. A girl was ill. She needed a blood transfusion to save her life. Her brother, having the same type of blood was asked if he would give his blood. Without hesitation, the young boy answered, “Sure!” After the transfusion was completed, the brother turned to the doctor and asked softly, “Now, sir, when will I die?” It took only a moment for the doctor to realize the young boy had thought that giving blood to his sister would kill him. He gave his all for her life. One can’t but catch the power of the little story... the eternal power. Welcome to Campion.

At first the words on the blackboard seemed just a bit out of focus. Then even that became a challenge. Looking up from the Hebrew text, and out the window to rest my weary eyes, the apartment building across the way was kind of clear, and kind of fuzzy. Maybe, I needed to get my eyes checked I thought. I did eventually get my eyes checked, Oh, yes! I indeed needed glasses. After getting the glasses, the blackboard writing was crisp, the Hebrew letters were sharp (although no easier to read and comprehend). The real surprise was when I looked up and out the window to the apartment building. Wow! I could now see each brick! I could see each blade of grass! I knew the building was brick, and I knew that green stuff was grass...but now things really came into focus like never before. It is that way spiritually too. In fact, John devotes an entire chapter of his Gospel to the story of the man born blind (chapter 9). The reality is that we are all blind. When we encounter Jesus, he opens our eyes to realities that were always there, but out of focus. Jesus is the Miracle Maker who still opens eyes and hearts. May we see Him more clearly this Sabbath. Welcome to Campion.

Welcome: Reader’s Digest in Canada (apparently there is a Canadian version of the loved little journal - you know those Canadians) in March included an article by Lauren Gelman about staying healthy and keeping life full of life. First on Gelman’s list was, giggle. Wouldn’t you know, besides being the best medicine, laughter increases the number of antibodies in the mucus in the respiratory passages (that protects against the entry point for germs). Singing was number two on the list, down at number 6 was mushrooms (much to manys dismay), even further down came rest, citrus, and veggies. The one thing that Gelman left out, will be our reminder this week in our miracle story - Being with Jesus makes us healthier. 

We are so glad that you have come to join us in worship at Campion Church. We hope that you find it a place of encouragement and hope. We wish to be a community that encourages all who join us. We seek to bring hope and uplifting as we express our shared faith in Jesus Christ. But fundamentally we find ultimate encouragement and hope in the person of Christ. Today as we review the miracle of the loaves and fishes, may we be encouraged and hopeful in looking to Christ as the ultimate provider of all our needs. Let us ask, seek and find His providence in our lives. May God richly bless you in Christ Jesus today.

Miracle stories are fantastic things to share. There is something incredible about seeing crystal clear evidence of God's omnipotence and omnipresence. Some of these great acts are recorded in Scripture, and we can also see evidence of His miraculous handiwork in our lives today. As many of our kids grow up singing, "He healed the broken-hearted and set the captive free, He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see." Today, however, we're going to talk about a miracle that never makes the list of favorite stories: that one time that Jesus yelled at a tree and it died. We'll talk about why He did something that strange during our message today, but it touches on a challenge that many of us face when we're waiting on *our* miracle and things don't quite turn out the way that we expected. We hope that even when things don't go the way that *we* hoped that you remember that *He* is still God, the One who is in control and the One who will bring things together for His glory. Regardless of the miracle you're hoping for today, we hope you trust the Miracle Maker every day.

This week we will look at 'Reclaiming Your Thirst for God.' Perhaps something unexpected in your life has left you thirsty spiritually. Today our Saviour invites you to come and have your thirst quenched.

We are a tough crowd. Maybe in several respects. But when it comes to miracles, we (I (if you must)) are a tough crowd. We have in many instances concluded that a miracle is external and/or visible, is for our benefit or at least someone we know and that a miracle is not something that happens everyday (like the sun coming up), not something that closes a door or is painful, cannot be explained, and not something that required my sacrifice or effort. As Jesus demonstrated, God is one of creative, unusual, new, and awesome miracles. There are these miracles. But if that’s all we see as miracles, it would be like only seeing love as when our beloved provides extravagant plans or gifts for us. Could it be that we miss a thousand miracles, because God let’s someone else take credit for them, slides them into our everyday life, includes us in making them happen, and even provides miracles that close doors? Pray the prayer today: "God open my eyes to miracles...” and see what happens.

The Latin word mirus is translated in English as full of wonder (wonderful), and is the word from which we get our English word miracle. This summer we are reflecting as a community, on the Maker of miracles, the Maker of the wonderful. Isaiah 9:6 declares the name of Jesus, the miracle Maker, as Wonderful. Could it be that while we have understood the miracles of Jesus as some sort of extra special power, are instead they are an outflow of Himself. That’s just who He is, wonderful, miracle. Young John, the disciple who Jesus loved, understood this when at the end of His gospel he said “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. (John 21:25) John’s point?! These miracles were not single events but just who Jesus was... and is.

The Bible is full of beautiful and exciting highs for God and His people. We celebrate many victories and miracles and other amazing stories throughout the pages of Scripture, and they are easy to acknowledge because they’re joyous signs that good has won. But the Bible is not exclusively blue skies & butterflies; there are valleys between the mountains where God’s people literally and metaphorically battle the forces of evil. There are stories of failures, calamities, and destruction that impact the people and the nation in painful ways. In fact, we know that we will deal with sickness, pain, and death until sin and evil are done away with once and for all at the end of time. Grief might be an uncomfortable topic for some to cope with, but it is a vital part of our life experience as we navigate this sin-tainted world, and a chance to bond with God as never before. So this weekend as we wrestle with grief and grace, we hope you’re encouraged through whatever valleys you might face.

While the school year might have ended recently, Campion Church is committed to GROWing all year round! We are excited to kick off the summer with our annual Vacation Bible School. We were blessed to connect with over 70 young people each morning; and teach them to be "Kids of Courage.” Today's worship service is a graduation of sorts, celebrating their accomplishments during VBS and encouraging them to take the next step and GO for Jesus. Even though VBS has ended, we are still working on ways to GROW this summer. Whether you attend a Sabbath School, join Pr. Taylor's "Walking with Jesus" summer GROW Group for kids aged 10-14, or are doing something else to intentionally get closer to Jesus and His Church, we want to help you GROW.

The banned missionary by Michael Taylor

Bloggers Marc & Angel share the story of stopping to talk to a lady that they would run past every Sunday morning on their jog around a lake near their home. Curious as to what she did every week they approached her. At her feet was a metal trap with several turtles walking around it. In her lap was still another turtle; she had a brush and was scrubbing its shell. After their question, the lady explained that algae weakens turtles’ shells, slows them down, and prevents them from absorbing heat. Every week she came out to scrub their shells, making their lives just a little easier. We all make a difference, maybe not all at once or to large groups. But we can approach every day with the purpose that we will make a difference. This week we appreciate community organizations that do just that.

According to an article in Scientific American, the dolphin in sleep can turn off half their brain and close one eye. It is a part awake and part asleep state of being. Sometimes it feels like we are all living in that state. This week young people from our campus are going to, through sharing their testimonies, call us to be alive fully and recognize what God is doing in our own stories. For it really is true, He who began a good work in you, will complete it (Phil 1:6).

It’s a great story. Attila Bosnyak is from the Netherlands, and is vacationing in Goa, India. He spots a person in distress in the ocean, and being a strong swimmer, heads out. He also alerts a lifeguard who joins him together in saving Nupur Gupta, a woman who was one of the exercise instructors at the resort. After the rescue there’s a moment of celebration and then a long conversation and weeks later, love. Rescuer and rescued have fallen in love. It’s a great story. And if you would rearrange the order of events- put the falling in love first, and then the rescue, you would have the story of the gospel. God loved us, and because of that love, He called in a lifeguard to rescue us. That’s a great story. It’s our story.

Today we welcome Pastor Michael and Anndrea Taylor as well as their delightful children, 6-year-old Hannah, a set of 4.5- year--old twins, Hayley and Heidi, and the almost 2-year-old duo of Hudson and Holly. The Taylors are moving from Michigan. Pastor Mike will lead our discipleship and family ministries, that include our Sabbath schools, Grow Groups, HMS Elementary School, and Pathfinders/Adventurers. WORSHIP *9:00 AND **11:30am NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

No more fear series by Nestor Soriano from April 28, 29, 30, 2021.

Several centuries ago, a band of brave souls became known as the “one way missionaries” or even the “ missionaries.” As the titles betray, they were men and women who would pack their earthly belongings in a coffin as they set out with one- way tickets to the mission field. They ’ invite death or persecution, but they were committed to take light to the darkness for the rest of the life God would give them. A.W. Tozer (The Radical Cross) confesses for us “W want to be saved (and even serve), but we insist that Christ do all the dying.” However, it will be a generation that lays it all down, even if necessary their own lives, that will be the ones Satan fears the most.

It's the shape of a butterfly and quietly works like one. You don’t know it is there...until it doesn’t work right. It’s the little gland in your neck called the thyroid. Too much or too little of its work and the two hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that it produces and secretes into our bloodstream will influence all the cells and tissues of our body. A quiet little butterfly shaped gland has that kind of influence. Moral of the story -- your life, simple or quiet as it may seem to you--can and will have an influence. Then to each comes the call from Jesus, to have gospeluence (made up word for influence

Let’s talk about the heart. Of all the living creatures, the fairy fly (a kind of wasp) has the smallest heart, and the American pygmy shrew, while being the smallest mammal, has the fastest heartbeat at 1,200 beats per minute. While not that fast, a woman’s heart beats slightly faster than a man’s heart, which averages out to be two ounces heavier. The human heart beats about 115,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day. Unfortunately, heart attacks are too familiar. Most of them happen on Mondays, and Christmas is the most common day of the year for an attack. There is such a thing as broken heart syndrome from a rush of stress hormones. The first open-heart surgery was performed in 1893 by an African-American cardiologist, Daniel Hale Williams. So what about your heart? This week, let’s talk about that.

The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. The darkest hour, just before daybreak, had come. Christ was still a prisoner in His narrow tomb. The great stone was in its place; the Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. And there were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil angels were gathered about the place. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness with his apostate army would have kept forever sealed the tomb that held the Son of God. But a heavenly host surrounded the sepulcher. Angels that excel in strength were guarding the tomb and waiting to welcome the Prince of life. (DA 779).

It’s Not the Absence of Hate This past week, violence came to our area in a mass shooting at a grocery store, one that we have all shopped in. The week before mass violence pained the Atlanta community and beyond as some of Asian descent were targeted. And because communication and media have made ours a global community, each of these tragedies impact us as if they happened in our town. While the slain Boulder Police officer Eric Talley and King Soopers store manager Ricki Olds, two of the 10 who lost their lives, were geographically down the road, all are our neighbors (Luke 10:25). As I type this, the motivation of Boulder’s shooting and why ten people lost their lives has not been communicated and or maybe even discovered. But we already know. We already know that it was hatred. That hatred has lashed out sometimes against the visible like skin and ethnicity, other times against the unseen like ideas and beliefs, and then even at random. Hatred to one is hatred for all, including God (1 John 3:15). So what can we do? The Austrian psychologist Wilhelm Stekel, in his 1921 work The Beloved Ego, is credited as being the first to publish the line – The opposite of love is not hatred, but indifference. It’s tempting to do nothing because we couldn’t stop or prevent the violence in Atlanta or Boulder. It’s easy to just bemoan the actions of some because we haven’t committed those societally despised acts hate. It’s even convenient to raise our hands in support of a corporate statement. But that’s when Jesus steps to the microphone and stretches out His hands in the form of a cross reminding us that it is not so much the absence of murderous hate that is needed, it is the active presence of love. His followers Jesus declares, are to love those who are even our enemies (Matt. 5:44) and that it is this love of others (John 13:35) that changes the world. We, the followers of Jesus, must speak out in love to those hurting, of every color and creed, and act out in love against all hatred. Pr. Micheal Goetz Where to Start • Ask others how they are doing, really doing. • Seek out those who are connected by color or creed to a group currently hurting. • Knock on the lives of others intentionally impacting them with acts of love.

AWAKEN: West Central Young Adults are having their first annual conference this weekend, March 19-21. The conference theme is “Awaken,” the speaker, Dee Casper, is sharing how to be truly awake in the serious times we are living in.

AWAKEN: West Central Young Adults are having their first annual conference this weekend, March 19-21. The conference theme is “Awaken,” the speaker, Dee Casper, is sharing how to be truly awake in the serious times we are living in.

AWAKEN: West Central Young Adults are having their first annual conference this weekend, March 19-21. The conference theme is “Awaken,” the speaker, Dee Casper, is sharing how to be truly awake in the serious times we are living in.

AWAKEN: West Central Young Adults are having their first annual conference this weekend, March 19-21. The conference theme is “Awaken,” the speaker, Dee Casper, is sharing how to be truly awake in the serious times we are living in.