October News from Campion Church

From Pastor Goetz

Understanding Our Mission Statement:

It’s Really Each One, Reach One.

The Campion Church is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist movement seeking to

Know Jesus as our Friend and Savior

Grow a Caring Community

Go share the Everlasting Gospel

We call it our mission to Know.Grow.Go. The pastoral team and the church board have worked together to unpack that and understand what is meant by each one. The goal is that each member would be involved in at least one intentional way of accomplishing each element of the mission. For that, an area of main focus has been established, a primary way or vehicle to move the mission forward.

These Primary Vehicles are not exclusive, but are principal:

Know. Sabbath morning experiences in Sabbath School and worship service.
Grow. Smaller circles of Grow Groups.
Go. Bible Studies to friends or contacts through the Bible Learning Center.

The challenge then for all would be to invest themselves in each of these. And that brought the board (in September) to vote a tagline (a war cry some would say) for our mission statement: Each One, Reach One.

Through Know (Sabbath experiences)… Each One, Reach One to invite and connect them to Jesus.

Through Grow (Grow Groups)… Each One, Reach One to invite into that circle.

Through Go (Bible Studies)… Each One, Reach One in their friendship circle to offer Words of life and hope.

Ministry Team

Lead Pastor

Micheal Goetz

Evangelism/Worship Pastor

Nestor Soriano

Discipleship/Family Pastor

Michael Morss

RMC Literature Ministry Pastor Matt Hasty

Campion Academy Chaplain

Nancy Meszaros

Office Administrator/Treasurer

Teresa Johansen

Coordinating Elder

Dick Stenbakken

Member Care Team

The Pastors

Carol Turk

Becca Herber

Campion Academy Principal

Don Reeder

HMS Elementary Principal

Paul Bragaw

Our Mission

The Campion Church is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist movement seeking to

Know

Jesus as our Friend and Savior

Grow

a Caring Community

Share the Everlasting Gospel

Fulfilling the Mission: Know, Grow, Go

Friendship Evangelism During the Pandemic

Some people wonder, “Is it possible to still share the Gospel during this pandemic?” My answer is: Yes! You’ll be inspired as you read Charlene Clegg’s testimony about sharing Jesus these past few months. She is one of our Bible Study Coaches.

"Just before the Covid-19 lockdown started, we received from Pastor Nestor three postcards from people requesting Bible studies. One turned out to be a woman who really was just looking for a free Bible and didn't want studies. When my husband and I came to the door of the second Bible study request and we explained who we were, the gentleman who opened the door exclaimed, “Well, it's about time---I've been waiting for you!” So that was our introduction to Kurt!

"Someday Kurt will tell you his own story, but I just want to say that he had lived a full life and was now ready to listen to the Holy Spirit Who was knocking on his heart's door. In fact, he was so eager to complete these studies that, after finishing the first lesson, he sent it back to VOP and they sent a person to follow up with the second lesson (which, by this time we had left with him. We apparently hadn't made it clear that we would be bringing the lessons each week). But Kurt was like a sponge, soaking up the information he was learning week by week, and giving his heart to the Lord more with each lesson. We found the new VOP lessons to be just the relationship-type of studies we had been looking for! When he finished we followed with It Is Written studies. It's been a good transition, because now Kurt has to actually look up the text answers in his Bible and he's becoming a pro. What a blessing it has been to get to know Kurt and pray for him and his family. The best part of giving Bible studies is watching someone whom you share the Lord with come to know Him better and better.

"Oh, yes, the third postcard was sent by Kathleen. Her husband was in the yard when I first approached and sometimes that can be a bad sign. He didn't turn me away as I expected, but went inside and asked her to come out. We met just that once, and then the lockdown happened, so we continued the studies by phone. We would drop by lessons and leave them at the door every two weeks and then study at an agreed-upon time. Kathleen's husband said he wasn't interested in the studies and didn't want an extra set of lessons for him. But, as Kathleen has studied each lesson, she frequently asks him questions, and now he's going through most lessons with her!

"Both Kurt and Kathleen began asking for extra lessons to share with their adult children, so the blessing of these studies is being passed on. The most unexpected surprise with both of these studies is that we made absolutely wonderful new friends. We know you will enjoy them as much as we have when you meet them."

by Charlene Clegg and Nestor Soriano

Campion’s Prayer Retreat

In August, the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church had an amazing opportunity to walk on another Adventist campus and participate in a revival. Inspired by a retreat led by the late Pastor Gordon Paxton (father of Carolyn Sadler and grandfather of Liesl White) at Andrews University in 1969, we hoped to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, first personally, second as a church, and third as a campus, including our schools.

Although inspired by the same purpose as Pastor Paxton at Andrews, Campion made it our own. We took into account our campus, our members, our limitations (COVID-19), and our beautiful environment. The end results were full of prayer, music, scripture, and connection.

Our leaders did a wonderful job introducing new ideas and ways of praying and sharing. Sprinkled with melodies ranging from praises to solemn hymns, music kept the energy levels up and participation exactly where God led. We stretched our comfort levels, learning to open up and share with our Heavenly Father regarding our weaknesses, fears, sins, and addictions. We then posted them on a cross anonymously, using sticky notes and prayers of confession. We also learned more about prayers of intercession for those needing to be harvested and those we felt God has called to be harvesters, and then we also posted those to the cross with sticky notes. We read many scriptures and learned the value of personalizing the Word in our lives.

Although we were limited in numbers and connections due to Covid-19 regulations, we were unrestrained in personal connections and intimacy in our individual groups and the group at large. We were in a beautiful setting that God gifted us, Glacier View Ranch. There we had a wonderful opportunity to spend time not just in a rustic meeting hall but also outdoors. The rain held back, which gave us the opportunity to participate in a prayer walk. Whether we walked alone or with others, we all walked with God.

The end results of the day were undeniable: revival of the Spirit, a closer personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, and a deeper love for our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. We hope to continue this new and yet old endeavor, and we pray for less restrictions so as to add to the number of believers who get to experience it in subsequent years.

By Liesl White

Photo by Micheal Goetz

From Programs to People

According to the official website, "Pathfindering [was] built on the premise that 'children learn best by example, rather than precept' (youth.adventist.org). If that is true, and I believe it is, then what are the implications for the rest of our church? Could it be that within the DNA of Pathfinders lies the code for unlocking church growth? Joseph Kidder, Professor of Pastoral Theology & Discipleship at Andrews University, seems to think so. In his book The Big Four he says, “The main role of every leader is to train and equip someone else to do the ministry they perform” (p. 28).

This past Sabbath some 40 of our youth took part or led out in our church service. If this is a glimpse of things to come, then the future of Campion Church looks brilliant, but not because of our thriving Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs, nor our children’s department that is literally bursting at the seams---even with the addition of 10,000 ft². No. While that is something that makes us smile, something far greater is happening on our campus. "What are you talking about Pastor Morss?" I’m talking about biblical discipleship---where intentional focus is given to mentoring others through one-on-one relationships, and our Pathfinders are blazing this trail.

So how can we duplicate what our Pathfinders are doing? According to Kidder, “The solution is probably not to add more programs that promise to be the key to unlocking your church’s ministry potential” (p. 132). As Christians we love our programs, but in order to thrive we must shift our focus from programs to people. “No matter what the church is doing, unless it is reaching people for the gospel, it has failed its mission” (Kidder, p. 130). Like Jesus, during His earthly ministry, our Pathfinders have pledged to be a servant of God and a friend to man. While the buzz of programs will eventually fade, the church that equips its members to reach others for the gospel will never fade. If you would like to be a part of our growing discipleship team, email Pastor Morss at michaelwmorss@gmail.com

Photo and article by Pastor Michael Morss

More about Pathfinders

Women’s Ministries Adds Breast Cancer Support

If you, a family member, or friend, is experiencing breast cancer, there is HOPE.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

If you, a family member, or friend, is experiencing breast cancer, there are those in our church who are survivors of this disease and are available to help you through this stressful time. To be available to help or be helped contact Kathy Aitken or Ella Jean Albertsen.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Wear a pink ribbon in support of those who have been impacted by this disease.

All About People

New Members Kristie Smith and Dick Knipple

Kristie Smith has been with us for some time as our kindergarten teacher, but her membership has finally been transferred, and the church again welcomes her. Besides her teaching responsibilities, Smith leads a Mom’s Bible study group which is following “Equip,” a Spiritual gifts course; because of the Covid-19 they are doing it on-line at the present.

Interview by Ardis Stenbakken

Photo by Dan Turk

Dick Knipple’s membership has been transferred back to Campion again and he is already busy serving as a deacon and a greeter. He would like to be involved with the evangelism council later on.

Welcome, Dick!

Interview by Ardis Stenbakken

Photo by Dan Turk

Baptism of Rick Trujillo

On Sabbath September 12, we welcomed, by rebaptism, Rick Trujillo. Rick was baptized into the church at age 10. Over the years he became bitter toward the church and walked away from God. Rick states that his entire family never stopped praying for him. Eventually, while in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he rededicated his life to the Lord but was not rebaptized at that time. He states that his family welcomed him back with open arms and he felt like the prodigal son. Rick also feels like Jesus is coming back very soon and he wants to make things right between God and his family. Rick enjoys being in church with cousins attending Campion and is looking forward to giving Bible studies---which is his passion.

Welcome to our fellowship, Rick. We'll put you to work.

Interview by Muriel Indernuehle

Rick Trujillo recommits his life in baptism with Pastor Nestor Soriano officiating.

Photo by Joyelle Worley

Baptisms of Carolyn and Gilberto Rivera

On Sabbath September 5, we welcomed Gilberto and Carolyn Puckett Rivera into our church membership. For Carolyn it was a rebaptism as she has been a member here for many years. Their testimonies are as follows:

Carolyn: " I was first baptized at the age of 12. I have wanted to serve Jesus all of my life. The journey has been long and I have walked in my own way too many times, but I want to thank God that Jesus has never left me or forsaken me. I want to recommit my life to Him and join with my precious friend and husband, dying to self as we commit our lives to serve our Father in heaven"

Gilberto: "I grew up in another religion but was always looking for Jesus. When I came here for the first time, I felt that this was 'my place' because I could feel the presence of God among all these beautiful people. Also, my wife has been my best example. That is why I want to be baptized and stay here."

We welcome them both into our fellowship.

Interview by Muriel Indermuehle

Carolyn and Gilberto baptized by Pastor Goetz.

Photo by Olivia Jordan

Jim Pherson 1936-2020

James Howard Pherson, 84, of Longmont, passed away September 16, 2020. Jim was born July 10, 1936, in Boulder to parents Iva M (Keller) and Robert Pherson. Jim married Emily Ann Hagmen December 2, 1955, in Greeley. They had five children; Robert Brett Pherson (Gina), Shelley Ann Stroh (Tom), James Brian Pherson, Wendy Lynelle Stiers (Steve) and Jamie Joleen Rich (Mike). Their eight grandchildren; Jarod Stroh, Kate, Rachel, Ethan and Hayley Pherson, Jenna Suppes, Sarah Webber and Chris, Nick and Damian Rich. Later their family expanded to include 13 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a masonry contractor. He loved doing stone masonry and he passed this talent on to several family members. Jim loved building the family's mountain cabin, a retreat that holds many great family memories.

‌

Jim with his wife Peachy.

Photo supplied by family.

Birthdays this Month

Coming Events

Service Schedule

Saturdays:

First Service 9 - 10:10

Sabbath School 10:20 - 11:20

Second Church 11:30 - 12:40

Services streamed live from campion.church

Campion Church on Facebook

Other Events

October 22 6:30 Cooking Class with Eric Aakko

October 31 6 pm Drive-in Vespers

Campion and HMS Richards School News

HMS Richards School

HMS has new paint and a new sign on the south side of the gymnasium! It looks great when pulling into the new parking lot at the school.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! to all the people who have helped at HMS and donated money to HMS wishlist this school year. The donations have and will continue to help HMS operate at an excellent level for God’s glory! God is working miracles on a daily basis at HMS through the lives of students, parents, church members, and staff.

Mr. Bragaw (Mr. B)

Codi Jahn takes on leadership of HMS School Board

Campion Church member, Codi Jahn, has recently taken on the position of School Board Chair at HMS Richards Adventist School. As a parent of two children enrolled at HMS, she has been a board member for the last two years and is also an active volunteer at Campion Church and Academy.

Jahn stated, “I became interested in this position because I have a passion for Adventist education. It made a tremendous impact on my life, and I want to do whatever I can to ensure that others today have an opportunity to experience it as well.”

In the position of School Board Chair, some responsibilities Jahn will have include: leading the monthly board meeting, assisting with finance, and adding input on a variety of school-related issues. With this new responsibility, and as a small business owner and parent, life can be very busy. Thankfully, Jahn says, “I love having a full plate. I don’t have much of a need for downtime. I find it’s important to prioritize my time according to the highest need, and work from there to the lowest priority. Fortunately for me, I have the flexibility with my 8 to 5 job to do that.”

As Chairman, Jahn plans to enlist the help of volunteers when COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Jahn explained, “There are always needs, and oftentimes they involve time and not money. The school can always use people with skills: maintenance, janitorial, organization, cooking, and athletics. But we can also use people who are just willing to donate their time to the students such as by listening to them read and tutoring. With COVID, our volunteers are temporarily on hold, but we’re hoping we can bring them back soon.”

The current enrollment for this school year is 66 students, which is slightly down from last year. Due to more parents keeping their children home with the COVID situation, the Pre-K program is currently on hold. “We would love to have it (the PreK program) unpause next year or even next semester, if we have enough students.” Jahn stated, “Pre-K plays a vital role in our school and we are excited for students to fill it so we can have it again in the future.”

When speaking to Jahn, she commented on how thankful and excited she was about the new year and position. “I’m excited about this job because HMS does so many things right. They have excellent teachers, follow what Ellen White says schools should be doing, have great academics, and have an overall great attitude among both the faculty and the students. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

“My goal for this year in this position in general, is to help in making HMS the best it can be. We are so blessed with the incredible teachers; you really couldn’t find better ones. My goal is to help with the non-teaching items that come up that make a big difference in the school.” Jahn emphasized, “I don’t ever want to settle, but always want to be pushing forward to be better.”

Haley Enochs, Campion Student News Team

Campion Academy Drama Team Chooses the Name Illuminated

Campion Academy’s brand new drama class, titled Illuminated, gave its first performance of the year during chapel on Wednesday, September 16. The class wrote and constructed every aspect of the play themselves, which was about trusting God even amidst tough circumstances.

2020 has been a year of many disasters and disappointments, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Illuminated wanted to convey the message that through it all, God is with us and will always listen to us.

“I think the most important message we wanted to get across was to always communicate with God no matter what,” explained Sami Hodges, lead actress in the play. “I wanted the audience to understand that even though there are so many distractions, if they are able to keep connected with God, whether it’s through prayer or a spiritual conversation with a friend, it will make it much easier to navigate through life knowing He is always by our side.”

The drama students physically represented emotional struggles in the play with black boxes labeled with words such as fear and anxiety. At the climax of the play, Jesus, as portrayed by Francisco Cortez Echeverria, knocked away all of the black boxes piled around the main actress.

“The most important aspect of the play to me was the symbolism,” commented Daniel Garcia-Mencia, junior. “With the struggles that teenagers and adults alike may be going through, especially with all the chaos that is around us, we just have to trust in God and know He’ll be there to guide us through it all.”

Illuminated’s next performance will be in November and will be live-streamed on Campion’s Facebook page. The class is being taught by Erin Johnson this year; it has been reinstated at Campion after a five-year hiatus.

Jayce Treat, Student News Team