The Senior Class of 2010 recently returned from a weekend retreat at North Star Camp. While there, they were blessed with different messages presented by Claudio and Pam Consuegra regarding dating, marriage, and conflict resolution. They also had fun going swimming, “Mexican” canoeing, playing basketball, and doing various team building exercises.
The weekend ended with a massive class meeting during which they elected class officers, planned for a class trip, and made many memories. It was a great bonding experience for all!
--Kelli Vigil, Class President
Churches that Go Around the World
Students of Maranatha Adventist Christian School cannot go around the world building churches, but they can build churches that go around the world!
On the last day of school, Maranatha students got an opportunity to actually help make the steel parts that make up the “One Day Church.” Invited by Garwin McNeilus, the designer and manufacturer of the “One Day Church,” students got “hands-on” experience putting steel sheet metal into a machine that folds the pieces into the steel studs that make up the walls for the churches.
Every student got an opportunity to work the machine and to load the pieces onto the container that would transport them across the ocean to members anxiously waiting for the church's arrival. The “One Day Church” phenomenon has made it possible to build churches quickly and easily for members around the globe that need a building to worship in. Just about anyone can help build the church “shell” because the pieces are all pre-made and easy to put together – everything from the steeple that goes on the top, to the sign that goes on the front door. After the steel structure is up, the local builders finish the walls and interior with materials that represent their culture and part of the world. Mr. McNeilus showed the students piles of signs that were already printed with names for congregations that are waiting for their church building. “One Day Schools” have also been designed and are meeting the educational and mission training needs of the Seventh-day Adventist world church.
All of us were glad to have a small part in building churches for the our Adventist friends around the world.
Vickie Martin, teacher
Maranatha
Maplewood Graduation
Maplewood congratulates their 27 newest alumni, the class of 2009. Maplewood’s graduation ceremonies were held May 22-24.
At the consecration service on Friday evening, May 22nd, Maplewood’s English teacher, Danica Chandler, challenged the students to not follow the hype of this world, but to rather stay grounded in God. Dan Jensen and Mollie Cummings spoke for Sabbath School and the Baccalaureate address was presented by Hutchinson’s pastor, Wayne Morrison. A parent tribute was held Sabbath afternoon, dedicated as a time for the seniors to show appreciation to their families.
The commencement address on Sunday morning was given by graduating senior, Katie Emerson. Following the address, many awards were given out.
Two seniors, Caleb Osvold and Annie Hoffman, were honored with the Ray Kelley Scholarship, given to students who show high ethical standards of work. The Caring Heart Award, which is given to graduating Seniors that have shown service to others, a caring heart and have been a witness to those around, went to Mollie Cummings. John Hallberg Jones presented the Sons of the American Revolution Award to Megan Anderson and the Patrick Henry Citizenship Award to Junior Maureen McCarthy. Juniors, Mitch Schroeder and Taylor Garmaker, received the Orville Burghart Scholarship. The National Honor Society Awards as well as the Presidential Academic Achievement Awards were given to Seniors, Katie Emerson, Laurel Beedle and Mollie Cummings. Taylor Garmaker and Jeff Ratter were awarded Kelstrom Music Scholarships, put together in memory of Evon Chaffee Kelstrom and Denae Kelstrom Brauer. Each one of the graduating Seniors also received scholarship money from Union College and some also received scholarships from Andrews University.
We are so proud of the Class of 2009. We’ll miss them and wish them the best in their next stage of life.
--Laura Cummings
Maurice Valentine Trains Minnesota Elders
Jesus’ MIAs, was the title of the presentations made by Elder Maurice Valentine, Ministerial Director of the Mid-America Union Conference, Minnesota Elders’ Retreat held at the conference office on August 28 and 29. As Elder Valentine explained, “After working hard to win them, keeping the sheep from dribbling out the back door faster than they come in the front is a task that pastors and lay leaders must face together.”
Through a PowerPoint presentation and group activities, Elder Valentine helped the elders discover how to assess and the challenge to spiritual growth those the elders serve. During the day, the group looked at the biblical philosophy of shepherding and jointly developed strategies to keep the sheep engaged with Jesus solidly in the fold!
The day concluded with a prayer of dedication as the elders prayed for each other and then, to close this time, the elders gathered around Elder Ed Barnett, Minnesota Conference President, and prayed for him, his ministry, and his family.
Townhall Meeting - Rochester
MAUC Year-end Meetings
