ALBERTA CONFERENCE TOWN HALL - Amazon S3 · Alberta Adventist Conference - Town Hall Meetings...
Transcript of ALBERTA CONFERENCE TOWN HALL - Amazon S3 · Alberta Adventist Conference - Town Hall Meetings...
TOWNHALLMEETINGS
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0
ALBERTA CONFERENCE
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Our Mission:To reach Alberta and the Northwest Territorieswith the distinctive, Christ-centred,Seventh-day Adventist message of hope and wholeness.
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Introduction 4
Agenda 5
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
President’s Report 7
Executive Secretary/Vice President’s Report 8
CFO/Treasurer’s Report 12
DIRECTOR REPORTS
ABC Christian Store Report 23
Communication/IT/Media Report 24
Education Report 27
Foothills Camp Report 28
Ministerial/Evangelism/Church Planting Report 29
Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy 32
Risk Management/Property Management/ Transportation Safety and Compliance Report 34
Sabbath School/Children's/Personal Ministries Reports 36
Youth Ministry Report 38
VOLUNTEER REPORTS
Alberta Adventist Prison Ministry Organization (AAPMO) Report 41
Prayer Ministries Report 42
ChurchPlantCoordinatorReport – NorthernRegion43
Health Department Report 44
SAGE Report 45
Women's Ministry Retreat Coordinator Report 46
CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
Dear Town Hall Participant,
Thank you so much for taking the time from your busy schedule to attend this Town Hall Meeting. Your attendance indicates a real interest and commitment on your part. The purpose of a town hall meeting is to hear reportsfrom Administration as well as directors on what hasbeen taking place in the Alberta Conference over the lastthree years and plans for the balance of this session.
An opportunity will be given to ask any questionsyou might have concerning these reports. Many inquiries have already been submitted by email and will likely be addressed in the administrative and departmental reports given.
This meeting will not be the occasion for taking questions that uniquely pertain to only a single church, as thiswill not be of interest to everyone. It is better to address these specificquestionsinameetingwithlocalchurchpersonnel. We look forward to being with you very soon.
Pastor Gary HodderPresident of the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
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INTRODUCTION AGENDA
Welcome –Gary Hodder
Worship– Gary Hodder
Officer's Reports
• GaryHodder–President
• WayneWilliams–Executive Secretary/Vice President for Administration
• KeithRichter–CFO/Treasurer
Introduction of Directors/Reports
• GeorgeAli–Ministerial & Evangelism Director
• OlafClausen–Sabbath School, Children’s, & Personal Ministries Director
• LynnMcDowell–Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy Director
• TroyMcQueen–Foothills Camp Director
• LyleNotice–Youth Director
• EricOllila–Communication, IT, Media Director
• LlewWerner–Risk Management, Project Development Director
• LarryWilton– ABC Christian Store Manager
• RondaZiakris–Education Superintendent
Questions & Answers
Adjournment/Prayer
ADMINISTATIONREPORTS
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President’s Report
1. Evangelism continued to be a dominant priority
• Largest budget per member of any conference in Canada.
• Continue to grow at about 2%—goal is to reach 3% short- termand5%long-term.
• Recently passed the 12,000-member mark; next milestone will be 13,000-member mark.
2. Education and youth remain a strong focus of our work in Alberta
• Onethousandfiftystudentsin2018 —growingataboutfivepercentperyear.
• Currently have ten schools.
• Recently contributed $250,000 of special support toward these schools.
3. Youth Support:
• Schools, see #2 above.
• Alberta Conference provides one chaplain to each of its high schools, in addition to providing 1.5 chaplains to Burman University.
• Youth programs for various ages:Adventurers,Pathfinders,Master Guides.
• Summer Camp Programs.
• Youth Director initiated programs — eventsandMissiontrips.
4. Native Work:
• MamawiAtosketanNativeSchool(MANS)isouronlynativeschoolin Alberta and all of Canada.
• Over 200 children from the Maskwacis communityattendMANSK-12school.
• We have hopes of putting a church in Maskwacis over the next few years.
5. New Churches:
• Desire to see more of our own buildings in the Conference.
• Increase support from $10,000 to $100,000 towards this objective.
6. Foothills Camp:
• Many new improvements.
• Additional plans to accommodate more of our members to participate in camp.
7. Parkview Adventist Academy — BurmanUniversity has asked the Alberta Conference to assume responsibility to build a facility and run this school going forward.
Motto—Prepare a people for the soon return of Jesus
Key directives for Alberta Conference during this session:
Submitted by Gary HodderPresident
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Executive Secretary/Vice President’s Report
Alberta Conference Q2 Baptisms Comparison (2018-2019)
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0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2018-Q2 2019-Q2
Alberta Conference Total Membership Comparison (2016-2018)
11646
11838
11942
11450
11500
11550
11600
11650
11700
11750
11800
11850
11900
11950
12000
Ending Count
2016 2017 2018
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Alberta Conference Q1 & Q2 Membership Comparison (2017-2019)
11689 11694
11969
11811 11827
12046
11500
11600
11700
11800
11900
12000
12100
2017 2018 2019
Q1 Q2
Alberta Conference Q2 Membership Dropped By & Adjustment (2018-2019)
16
13
3
4
-3
14
21
5
0
1
-5 0 5 10 15 20 25
Letter Granted
Deceased
Removed
Missing
Adjustment
2019-Q2 2018-Q2
Executive Secretary/Vice President’s Report
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Alberta Conference Q2 Membership Added By (2018-2019)
117
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26
74
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0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Bapt ism
Profession Of Faith
Letter Received
2019-Q2 2018-Q2
Q2 Conference Membership Comparison Across Union (2018-2019)
11,827
11,320
4,084
1,642
33,600
8,390
513
12,046
11,287
4,060
1,667
34,116
8,609
504
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000
Alberta Conference
British Columbia Conference
Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference
Maritime Conf. of the SDA Church Inc.
Ontario Conference
Quebec Conference
SDA Church in Newfoundland and Labrador
2019-Q2 2018-Q2
Submitted by Wayne Williams Executive Secretary/VP for Administration
Executive Secretary/Vice President’s Report
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Want to know what’s happening in the Alberta Conference?
Subscribe here:albertaadventist.ca/enewssubscribe
Get the latest news and updates with Alberta Adventist Weekly eNews!
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CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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2
4
6
8
10
12
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2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
MIL
LIO
NS
NET Tithe Comparison
Net Tithe
-2%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
0%
2%
0%
10%
3%
7% 7%
0.2%
-1.9%-0.1%
4.6%
Tithe Increase
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$-
$2
$4
$6
$8
$10
$12
$14
$16
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
$12 $13 $12 $13 $14 $14
$15 $15 $15 $15 $16
Revenue Comparison
Total Revenue
Mill
ions
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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5%3%
1%2%
2%0%
0%
Net
Tith
e
Subs
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s
Don
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Inve
stm
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arni
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Fire
Insu
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Dep
t Fee
s an
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les
Resid
ence
Ren
t Inc
ome
Mat
ured
Def
erre
d G
ifts
87%
2018
Rev
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s
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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(2,0
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6,0
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8,0
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00
10,
000,
000
12,
000,
000
14,
000,
000
16,
000,
000
18,
000,
000
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Annu
al R
even
ue C
ompa
rison
Net
Tith
eSu
bsid
ies
Don
atio
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vest
men
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Proc
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Dep
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side
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Inco
me
Mat
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Def
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ifts
Rest
ricte
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venu
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even
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CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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$-
$2
$4
$6
$8
$10
$12
$14
$16
$18
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
$10 $11 $11 $11 $13
$15 15.53 16.29 16.13 15.29 16.27
Expenditure Comparison
Series1
Mill
ions
45%
22%
11%
1%2% 9%
0% 1%8%
1%
2018 Expense Distribution Excluding ABC
Church Ministries Educational RetirementSpecial Services Other Programs AdministrationConv/Mtgs BLDG/Equip CampgroundRental Residence
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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0
2000
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4000
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6000
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8000
000
1000
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1200
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1400
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1600
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1800
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2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Expe
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Incr
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Expe
nditu
res
Chur
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inist
ries
Educ
atio
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Retir
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t
Spec
ial S
ervi
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Oth
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Adm
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nCo
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tgs
BLDG
/Equ
ipCa
mpg
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dRe
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Res
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CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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$-
$1,
000,
000
$2,
000,
000
$3,
000,
000
$4,
000,
000
$5,
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000
$6,
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$7,
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$8,
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$9,
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000 Church
Minist
ries
Educatio
nal
Retirement
Special S
ervices
Other Pro
grams
Administratio
n
Conv/Mtgs
BLDG/E
quip
Campground Rental
Residence
Amount
Area
Annu
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xpen
se C
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2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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Percentage of Expenditures Per Function
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Church Ministries 50.1% 50.4% 49.3% 47.9% 49.3% 50.4% 51.0% 51.6% 50.3% 48.3% 44.6%
Educational 21.8% 22.0% 24.3% 23.6% 24.5% 24.4% 21.7% 21.5% 22.0% 22.1% 22.5%
Retirement and Other 9.1% 10.0% 9.8% 9.4% 7.8% 7.0% 7.7% 7.8% 8.0% 9.8% 10.7%
Special Services 0.7% 0.7% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 1.5% 1.3% 1.5% 1.3% 1.3% 1.5%
Other Programs 1.7% 1.6% 1.3% 2.1% 2.3% 2.1% 2.2% 2.0% 1.9% 2.0% 1.8%
Administration-Office Resources 9.2% 8.5% 8.2% 8.9% 8.7% 8.1% 9.5% 8.9% 9.0% 9.9% 8.9%
Conventions and Meetings 0.4% 0.2% 0.2% 0.3% 0.5% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.5% 0.2% 0.2%Building and Equipment Operations
and Maintenance 0.9% 0.7% 1.0% 0.7% 1.1% 0.7% 0.8% 0.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0.7%
Campground 5.2% 4.9% 4.4% 5.6% 5.0% 4.8% 5.1% 5.6% 5.7% 5.4% 8.4%
Rental Residence 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 1.0% 0.4% 0.7% 0.4% 0.3% 0.2% 0.5% 0.8%
(1,000,000)
(500,000)
-
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Net Gain/Loss
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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Net Unrestricted Assets
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
14,426,846 13,404,633 12,758,996 13,095,479* 11,316,078* 10,186,016* 9,877,626 9,774,103
Minimum Working Capital Requirement $5,018,928.00
Receivables Churches/Schools $2,592,478.00
Revenue Revenue Expense Expense (Loss)Actual Budgeted Actual Budgeted Net Profit
2015-16 10,792,347.00 9,297,173.00 10,995,011.00 9,160,157.00 202,664.00- 2016-17 11,559,477.00 10,080,800.00 12,169,743.00 9,991,315.00 610,266.00- 2017-18 11,644,779.08 10,254,123.00 11,914,585.00 9,897,213.00 269,805.92-
** We have reduced revenue by $550,658.92 as this amount was a one timeproject donation.
Alberta Conference of SDA School Division
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
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(2,000,000.00)
-
2,000,000.00
4,000,000.00
6,000,000.00
8,000,000.00
10,000,000.00
12,000,000.00
14,000,000.00
Actual Budgeted Actual Budgeted Net Profit
Revenue Revenue Expense Expense (Loss)
2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
Alberta Conference of SDA School Division
Submitted by Keith RichterCFO/Treasurer
CFO/Treasurer’s Report
DIRECTORREPORTS
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ABC Christian Store Report
Submitted by Larry WiltonABC Christian Store Manager
1.Staffing
2. Bookmobile/ Vegan Interest - Impact on sales
3. Impact of Grocery Stores - wider range of Vegan/Vegetarian Foods Available
4. Equipment Purchases - Freightliner
5. Immediate Goals - Continually searching for new & diverse products
6. Long Range Goals - Equipment/Software Upgrades - Develop a selling Website
7. Financial
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Communication/IT/Media Town Hall Report Motto—Communicating for Change
Communication/MediaThe multi-faceted role of the Communications Department is to communicate with constituents on behalf of the Alberta Conference Administration, communicate with communities throughout Alberta and theNorthwestTerritoriesabouttheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch— eitherdirectlyorindirectly through local church communication directors—and serve as a resource for pastors, localchurchleaders,andConferenceofficedepartmentaldirectorsandsupportstaff.
Information Technology (IT)The purpose of the Information Technology Department is to oversee, acquire, operate, and maintain computing and telecommunication facilities, equipment, services, and other IT solutions that meet the needs of the Alberta Conference.
PURPOSE
COMMUNICATION ACTIVITY SINCE AUGUST 15, 2018
Weekly eNews (Published Issues) 50
Alberta Adventist News(AAN)Magazine(PublishedIssues) 4
Canadian Adventist Messenger (Submitted Articles) 4
Facebook (Published Posts) 454
Twitter (Published Posts) 376
Instagram (Published Posts) 369
Albertaadventist.ca (Announcement Posts) 45
Camp Meeting Booklet (Published) 1
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GOAL #1: Develop and Maintain Infrastructure, Support Systems, Communication Channels.
1. Objective: Develop and maintain a stable IT System. a. Status: 85% complete. Upgraded network wiring and switches at physical plant; conducted Microsoft Best Practices Azure server and network auditonadministrativeoffice/ministerialside of IT system; cloud migration of financial/accountingsoftware;employeebackup to Onedrive; Azure VMs launched; ALTO 3 backup; created new Azure Active Directory; addressing RDP security;integrateofficeemployeeson
the new Azure Active Directory; Telus Fibre installation contracted (will be completed Oct. 14, 2019). Outstanding: completing RDP security setup.
2. Objective: Properly document IT System. a. Status: 95% complete. Created “buildas”schematicforofficebuildingwith updated wiring and labeling for all ports and outlets. When completed, our new cloud-based infrastructure will have comprehensive documentation.
3. Objective:Developoffice,employee,andfieldcalendars.a. Status: 100% complete.
TOP THREE ANNUAL PRIORITIES FOR COMMUNICATION/IT/MEDIA:
SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLICATION STATS
Facebook Fans August 2019 1.64K
August 2018 1.38K
Facebook Engagement August 2019 3.5K
Twitter Followers August 2019 2.67K
August 2018 2.20K
Twitter Engagement August 2018 234
Instagram Followers August 2019 84
Sept. 2018 6
Instagram Engagement August 2019 601
eNewsSubscribers August2019 445
August 2018 396
AANMagazineReach(# magazines sent to churches 3Q 2019) 3,631
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3. Objective: Train ministerial and education employees on how to keep their websites updated.a. Status: 25% complete. Micro school leader training in process. AdventistChurchConnectoffersfree training for all Adventist churches and schools.
GOAL #3: Promote Department, Technology, Publications, and Media Outlets (Website, Social Media, eNews).
1. Objective: Systematically and broadly promote publications and Conference initiatives in churches and schools using multiple channels.a. Status: Ongoing. Speaking appointments, print, social media, email, website, and audio/visual promotional development is being deployed.
2. Objective: Promote socialmedia,eNews,AANMagazine.a. Status: 50% complete and ongoing. Designed ads; most of which are currently running. More extensive promotional approaches are under development.
3. Objective: Develop, encourage, and foster more extensive promotion of administrative, departmental, and organizational branding.a. Status: 25% complete. Some dialogue initiated with various departmental leaders regarding promotion of their departments and projects. Further development is required.
4. Objective: Advanced training of IT/Media Team.a. Status: 15% complete. Advanced training curriculum has been pre-approved — tentative deployment, Winter, 2019.
5. Objective: Livestreaming of Camp Meeting.a. Status: 100% complete. Livestreamed video broadcast of CampMeetingforthefirsttime.
6. Objective: Create a cross-functional IT system for Education and Ministerial.a. Status: 2% complete. Initiated discussion.
7. Objective: Complete renovation and update of new websitea. Status: 75% complete. Current posts; updated visuals and graphics; increased functionality and user-friendliness.
8. Objective: Publish quarterly AANMagazines.a. Status: 75% complete. 1Q, 2Q, 3Q issues are published; 4Q outstanding
9. Objective: Develop security and compliance policies; make use of tools available.a. Status: 65% complete.
GOAL #2: Training and Equipping of Employees and Office Staff.
1. Objective: Develop competence inuseofOffice365andAzureforoffice,pastors,andemployees.a. Status: 5% complete. In the process of getting a viable solution inplaceforofficetraining— possiblyLinkedIn Learning.
2. Objective: Secure extended training for clerks and pastors on eAdventist.a. Status: 2% complete.
Communication/IT/Media Director: Eric L. OllilaAdministrative Assistant: Jenny Nickel
IT Support Specialist/Accountant: Scott NischukRegistrar/Technology Specialist: Mildred Weiss
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Education Town Hall ReportThe Alberta Conference operates ten schools within the province as part of a worldwide system. Our schools were privileged to educate 1,091 students in the 2018-19 school year. The following quote taken from the Ellen White’s book Education reminds us of the holy work that is Adventist Education:
“True education means more than the purusal [sic] of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come” (p. 13).
Education Leadership Team
Director of Education: Ronda Ziakris
Associate Director: Brent van Rensburg
Registrar/Data Coordinator/Education Technology Specialist: Mildred Weiss
Learning Coach: Tricia Gabrys
Principals
College Heights Christian School: Chris Dubyna
Coralwood Adventist Academy: Leidemae Muse
Chinook Winds Adventist Academy: Bruce Fillier
District Principal for Micro Schools: Jai Dubyna
Higher Ground Christian School: Catherine Rosengren
MamawiAtosketanNativeSchool:Gail Wilton
Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool: Heidi Morehouse
Spiritual Highlights
• Conference support for school staffspiritualretreats
• Thirty-fivestudentbaptismsin the 2018-19 school year
• Annual Principal’s Spiritual Retreat
• Teacher’s Convention with a spiritual emphasis and the new AB Ed Teacher Quality Standards
• Student spiritual leadership opportunities
• Week of Prayer
• Encounter Bible Curriculum
• Outdoor Education Program
Sponsorship of Camp Meeting Seminars
• Church climate, youth worship participation, and their relationship to spiritual development in Adventist youth
• Family climate, family worship, and their relationship to spiritual development in Adventist youth
• School climate, caring teachers, and their relationship to spiritual development in Adventist youth
• Friend choice, personal devotion, and their relationship to spiritual development in Adventist youth
• Suggestions for promoting spiritual development in Adventist youth
Submitted by Ronda ZiakrisEducation Superintendent
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Foothills Camp Townhall Report
Foothills Camp is a busy place. It’s booked approximately 40 weekends per year by churchgroups,Pathfindergroups,outdoorsurvival groups, retreat groups, mini Camp Meetings, boy scouts and girl guides, and many more. Youth and family camp programs run steady from May until the end of August. These programs include outdoor school, adventurer family camp, Camp Meeting, adventure camp, junior camp, teen camp, Sherwood Forest, and more.
Completed Projects
Over the past year, many work projects have been completed around the camp:
• Newtablesandchairsin the dining room.
• Added new signs on the main buildings and cabin blocks.
• All roofs at the camp redone.
• Replaced a sagging beam in the lodge.
• Renovated public washrooms in the lodge upstairs and downstairs.
• Five rooms on the lower east side of the lodge were renovated into four rooms, each with their own en-suites.
• Vaper barrier and insulation was installed in the crawl space of the white church to help protect it from moisture.
• Old fireplaces in the lodge dining room and lower meeting room were replaced with new gas fireplace inserts.
• Led lights are slowly getting installed to save on electricity costs.
• Two new hot water tanks were installed in the lodge.
• NewtilesandL.E.D.lightswere installed in the lower lodge meeting area.
• Adding more trees and plants around the grounds each year.
Plans and Needs
Plans are in place to continue with more lodge room renovations, grounds improvements, R.V. washroom renovations, and a water treatment system. The camp desperately needs a heated, covered, storage building. There is no place to store equipment and supplies. More R.V. sites are needed, as well as a few drinking fountains around the camp.
August 2019
Submitted by Troy McQueen Foothills Camp Director
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Ministerial/Evangelism/Church Planting Town Hall ReportThe Ministerial and Evangelism Department exists to encourage and empower pastors and elders to pursue the goal of reaching communities with the good news of the soon coming Savior and experience a transformed lifestyle in Christ. Our purpose is threefold:
• To grow God’s kingdom through discipleship training, mentoring, and faithfulness in our walk with Christ
• To lift up Christ through various methods of witnessing in preparation for the second coming
• To encourage others to higher ideals in Christian living and discipleship
I. Evangelism 2016–2019
The Evangelism Department of the Alberta Conference is an integral part in the process of coordinating evangelism and church growth through training for service in the local congregations. Target growth was 5.0%
a. Membership Statistics
We began 2016 with a membership of 11,353
As of July 2019, the membership is 12,050
The overall percentage growth increase at the end of 2018 was 6.0%
b. A Review of Evangelism Activities 2016–2019
• 125 evangelism budgets approved
• 109 series conducted
• 568 baptisms and professions of faith through evangelism
• Baptism/cost ratio average 1/$1,760
• Conferencefinancialsupportof65%of the cost to a maximum of $16,000
• Provided evangelism resources
II. Ministerial
The purpose of the Ministerial Department is to equip and empower pastors and eldersforeffectiveministrytotheircongregations, as well as be a spiritual example and mentor to every pastor, pastoral family, and local church elder.
Thereisapastoralstaffof60with84congregations (1.4 church/pastor ratio, 200 members/pastor ratio) in our Conference. We are very appreciative of our pastoral teamandtheefforttheyputintoministry.
Areas considered were:
1. Professional Growth
• Continuing education seminars
• Monthly regional ministerial meetings
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• Twice-a-year pastors meeting
• ARMCo (Annual Regional Ministerial Consultation)
• Pastors/elders retreat
• Interns retreat
• Recruitment of ministerial workers and their orientation
• Assign interns and monitor their progress to the point of ordination
• Conduct yearly evaluations for interns
• Be a pastor to the pastors and their families
2. Professional Development Seminars
• Given the diverse characteristic of ministry in our Conference and the theological,financial,family,andother challenges encountered by members and pastors in our congregations, we have looked at these concerns and endeavoured to empower and equip pastors and elders to better address any concerns that may arise in an intelligent and Christlike manner.
Highlight of Seminar Presenters 2016–2019
3. Pastors/Elders Retreat
• 2016—Robert Costa, Associate Ministerial Secretary, GC—Calgary
• 2017—Robert Costa, Associate Ministerial Secretary, GC—Edmonton
• 2018—Jose Cortez, Associate MinisterialSecretary,NAD—Calgary
• 2019—Anthony Kent, Associate Ministerial Secretary, GC—Edmonton
4. Pastors Meetings
• 2016—Adam Fenner, Director, AdventistLearningCommunity,NAD
• 2016—Vilma Reynolds, Director, Adventist Risk Management, GC
• 2017—Keith Bowman, Associate Director of Pastoral Professional Development,NAD
• 2017—Shawn Boonstra, Director, Voice of Prophecy
• 2018—Donna Diaz, Adventist Risk Management
• 2018—Dave Gemmell, Associate MinisterialSecretary,NAD
• 2019—Denis Fortin, Professor of Historical Theology, Andrews University
During the period under review, we were able to invite presenters for seminars on a variety of related topics. For example, Last Generation Theology, 2,520 years, anti-trinitarian views, how to reach the unchurched, risk management, church management, retirement planning, continuing education, family finances,andotherrelevantthemes.
TheoutcomereflectsGod’sleadingofourConference on a growth path through the committed and dedicated work of pastors and members in ministry. Hundreds of lives have been changed, but I will share one experience of a committed group of believers whodeterminedtoTHINKBIGforGod.
The stories of lives changed through accepting Christ is a miracle of His
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transforming grace that awaits all who would participate in this divine process.
Let me share the story of a group of members who decided to reach their friends in their community for Christ. The members of the Burmese group in Calgary decided that they wanted to share the love of Christ that they were experiencing to their friends and family. They organized themselves into groups and met weekly in homes to study the Bible together with their invited friends. As interest developed with the study, they thought that it was an opportunity for them to do something greater than once a week, so through consultation with the group and much prayer and planning, they decided to reach out to the broader Burmese community in the Calgary area in an attempt to determine greater interest for their evangelistic initiative.
When they realized that the time was ripe for a reaping seminar, they extended an invitation to a pastor from India who speaks their native language to conduct a three-week evangelistic seminar. He came, and, because they had already been studying with their friends and other contacts, at the end of the meetings, 11 individuals gave their lives to Jesus in baptism. Currently, 31 members of the Burmese group meet at the Calgary Cornerstone Church each Sabbath to worship and praise God.
In 2018, the same pastor returned and conducted home cell evangelism with the group, and another eight individuals committed their lives to Jesus through baptism.
As I write this article, the Burmese membership is in the process of another evangelistic program this year also. Leading individuals to Christ has become a way of life for the Burmese group in Calgary, and what a tremendous testimony and encouragement it gives to what the power of God can accomplish through His dedicated servants! Ministering to others is a passion that is derived only from Him.
As we endeavor to witness concerning our faith in Jesus Christ, let us be mindful of the fact that we are not alone but Christ’s promise of abiding is real.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you”Deuteronomy31:6,NKJV
“Christ made full provision for the prosecution of the work entrusted to the disciples, and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. … Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you.” (8T 16, 17)
It is comforting to know that success is assured when we do our part and trust in God’s faithful presence.
Submitted by George AliMinisterial/Evangelism DirectorChurch Planting Coordinator
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Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy Town Hall Report
ACTIVITY SINCE OCTOBER 2016
Highlights
• Presenterat2019NorthAmericanDivision Ministries Conference (Philanthropy panel).
• Submitted stories of Mamawi AtosketanNativeSchoolforpublicationinPacificPressbook on missions, Blessed are They (published April 2019).
• Monthly submission to the Messenger awarded one of two awards presented to the Messenger by 2018 Best of the Church Press Awards (The Associated Church Press, Print Publications).
Wills written through PGTS programs 120
Value of Gifts made through wills $573,625.34
Messenger stories published 35
Bridge Campaign: Goal $4.9 Million
Amount raised $5.027 Million
*Total includes cash and pledges
$5,026,954*THE BRIDGE CAMPAIGN DONATION SOURCES
$1,320,703First Nations
$246,708SDA Organizations
$1,130,896Non-SDA Foundations
and Individuals
$54,541SDA Bequests
$2,254,401SDA Church Members
(Non-First Nations)
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Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy Town Hall Report
• Cultivated and received large gifts from new and non-SDA sources totaling 23% of Bridge Campaign donations.
• Newandon-goingpartnershipswith industry established for MamawiAtosketanNativeSchoolfor long-term sustainability
Personal Impact of Ministry
MANSstudentJadeRabbit(featuredinMay2019 Messengerad)–Jade’ssightswereraised to attend Burman University and medical school, encouraged in part by the Emilie Schafer Family Scholarship story and scholarship. The posting of the Schafer Family story in the new high school and expansion of the scholarship was proposed to the family by the PGTS director, who works with the family to help them achieve their goals for expanding the fund and its impact.
A retired teacher drove from Calgary to attend the 2019 camp meeting PGTS seminars after participating in a PGTS presentation at the 2018 Calgary Ministry Fair. This active retiree valuesandsavesalltheMANSpageMessenger stories contributed by the PGTS director.
One member who discussed his wish to benefitevangelismultimatelyincludedtheAlberta Conference in his will, resulting in a
giftof$300,000forevangelism–agiftthatwillprofoundly change lives here and for eternity.
MAMAWI ATOSKETAN NATIVE SCHOOL
MANS ScholarshipsYou can Make a Diff erence Too
albertaadventist.ca/schools
To donate to MANS scholarships, contactLynn McDowell(403) 342-5044 x [email protected] Conference5816 Hwy 2A, Lacombe, AB T4L 2G5
People who believe in you make you believe in yourself.
When students like Jade read about the Schafer Family and the scholarship they recently established at MANS to help graduates attend Burman, a seed is planted. As they read the plaque by the high school staff room, they can see themselves in the story — and at Burman, and a life they never thought possible.
Jade, MANS Honour Student Class of 2020
“I want to go to Burman University for a biology major so I can pursue a medical degree.”
Submitted by Lynn McDowell Planned Giving & Trust Services/Philanthropy Director
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Risk Management, Property Management, Transportation Safety and Compliance Town Hall ReportPurpose:
• Risk Management—To support the Risk Management initiatives of the Alberta Conference to provide a safe and secure environment in which to deliver its services of sharing the gospel and demonstrating God’s love to those individuals (internal and external) who are within its sphere of contact. The focus of Risk Management is on the wellbeing of individuals and the protection of assets.
• Property Management—To support the Alberta Conference and its organizational units with securing, developing, and managing property and facilities.
• Transportation Safety and Compliance—To ensure that the Alberta Conference operates itsfleetof“regulatedvehicles(buses, trucks, etc.)” in compliance withtheNationalSafetyCode(for transportation) and all provincial transportation safety andtrafficlawsandregulations.
Notes and Key Activities Undertaken
• Vulnerable Sector
Worked with Youth Ministry and Human Resources to ensure
that adequate Vulnerable Sector policies and processes are in place, including preparations fortheOshkoshPathfindertrip
• Camp Meeting—Foothills Camp
Emergency Action Plan development/implementation in conjunction with Red Deer County
Gate Security fully implemented at Foothills Camp
Integration of emergency response, gate security, and campus security—July 2019
• Property Insurance and Valuation
Seventy sites, many with multiple buildings (Liability plus Building and Content Insurance)
Thirty-four sites with rental agreements in place (Liability plus Content Insurance)
Currently Insured Values total $151,000,000
SignificantInsuranceClaims
Foothills Camp hail storm—$893,000
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MANSschool—waterpipeburst (freezing)—$100,000
PeaceRiverChurchfire—$500,000–$600,000
ABCTruckfire—$28,000
• Property Acquisition and Construction
Property reviews/due diligence activities undertaken for potential property purchases—19
NewMANSmiddle/high school building and Industrial Education building completed—August 2017
Properties purchased—two (Whitecourt, Sylvan Lake)
• Transportation Safety and Compliance
Role assigned in August 2017 in response to an adverse transportation event to ensure that the Alberta Conferencewasfulfillingitscompliance responsibilities for itscarrierfleetofregulatedvehicles—buses, trucks (greater than a GVW of 4,500 kg.), highway tractor, etc.
Initial audit indicated greater measures were required for compliance. Second audit, after intensive steps, including driver integration into the compliance processes, indicated that the Alberta Conference was now in compliance
Eleven drivers have met the requirements to drive designated, regulated vehicles in the Alberta Conference’scarrierfleet
Upcoming Initiatives
• Review of Vulnerable Sector processes—frequency of obtaining Vulnerable Sector reports, process compliance audit, frequency, and updating policies and procedures
• Church—safety officers, including role descriptions
• Sabbath safety and fire drills
• Building visits—safety and building code/bylaw compliance
• Implementation of electronic logging devices for driver logs, vehicle pre-trip inspections, and travel logs
Submitted by Llew WernerRisk Management/Project Development Director
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Sabbath School, Children's, and Personal Ministries Town Hall Reports
Departmental Mission—The Sabbath School, Children’s, and Personal Ministries Departments seek to equip and disciple local church departmental leaders with timely training and support for their ongoing discipleship programs within the Alberta Conference. This is accomplished through on-site training at individual churches and annual regional/provincial conferences.
2016–2018—Since the beginning of this sessionin2016underNwamikoMaddenand Pr. Sandra Deer, the departments conducted two, province-wide, Sabbath School/Children’s Ministry combined events at Foothills Camp: “The Highest of All Sciences” in April 2017 and “The Investigation of Truth” in April 2018. Additionally, three Camp Meeting Seminar series were conducted by Sandra Deer and invited guest speakers: “Retool Your School” (2016); “The Power of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism” (2017); and “Small Groups” (2018). A total of 23 churches/institutions werevisitedforlocaltraining,andthefirstlevelofNADChildren’sMinistriesworkertraining was completed by participants.
2019 to Present—Since taking over the department in September 2018, Pr. Olaf Clausen has focused on visiting churches to provide training and evaluate local needs. To date, he has visited 26 congregations to preach and/or present training and presented lectures at the 2019 Camp Meeting seminar series on upcoming conferenceinitiatives.Forthefirsttime,the Sabbath School Department has
combineditseffortsandbudgetwiththeYouth Department to organize a premiere Young Adult Post-modern Conference at theBanffCentreforArtsandCreativityinNovember2019,afirstintheNorthAmerican Division. As recent studies and anecdotes continue to warn of a loss of this demographic’s connection to the church, we feel it is high time we combine ourdepartmentaleffortstoreachouttoMillennials and equip them to re-engage in the church’s mission and leadership.
Looking Forward—Increasingly, local churches are being perplexed by new and unusual teachings which are impacting their ability to further their mission and ministryinaunifiedmanner.Consequently,the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Departments will be hosting regional conferences in Calgary and Edmonton in the spring of 2020 entitled “Biblical Discipleship in a Radically Changing World,” intended to equip our teachers and leaders with sound study tools to identify and address these concerns. Furthermore, plans are underwaytoofferthesecondtierofcertificationtrainingforChildren’sMinistriesworkers at Foothills Camp for the fall of 2020. Through personal visitation, churches will continue to be encouraged to adopt the newly developed GC “Sabbath School Alive” and “Grow Your Church” programs to revitalize their Sabbath School and Personal Ministries programs and “Disciple their Disciple-makers” by encouraging churches to adoptthenewNADtrainingcurriculumforleaders in these local church departments.
Report 1—Overview of the Work
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Submitted by Olaf ClausenSabbath School/Children's Ministries/Personal Ministries Director
On a continuing basis, the department receives requests for discipleship and training of teachers and leaders. To this end, I have been travelling and encouraging local churches to make the revitalization of their Sabbath Schools, particularly their Children’s Sabbath Schools and ministries, the foundation of their mission as per Deuteronomy 6 and Proverbs 22. These sermons and lectures, digging deeply into the development of the Sabbath School in biblical times and the importance of “training up” our children as the foundation from which all our outward mission emerges, have been very well received.
In these hectic times, churches are findingitincreasinglydifficulttofieldsufficientSabbathSchoolteachersfortheir divisions. Many teachers have been toilingselflesslyfordecadeswithlimitedresources, support and recognition. In this sense, several teachers have expressed their gratitude for reminding our members of the critical importance of the Sabbath School ministry for the success of the church and its families. May God continue to richly bless all our hardworking teachers and labourers in His vineyard.
Report 2—Missional Narrative
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Submitted by Lyle Notice, Youth Director
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
Community
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 2019
ACBA BASKETBALL LEAGUE
MISSION TRIPS
SMALL GROUPS
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
ADVENTURER FAMILY CAMP
PATHFINDERS
MASTER GUIDES
TEEN YOUTH RALLIES
2016 2017 2018 2019
Discipleship Mission
AB Youth MinistryReport2019
Pathfinders/Adventurers-Pathfinder Ministry has over 25clubs since 2016
-Six hundred People going to Oshkosh-Adventurer Family Camp, over650 in attendance-Over 75 Master Guides in Alberta
Missions2016-Lucban, Philippines 2016-Over 300 Teens Attended
2017-Over 380 Teens Attended2018-Over 417 Teens Attended2019-Over 475 Teens Attended
2017-Belize2018-Lesotho 2019-Palawan, Philippines2020-South Africa2021-Ghana
WWW.FRESHALBERTAYOUTH.CA
Teen Youth Rally
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Sharing the Christ - centred
message of hope and
wholeness
VOLUNTEERREPORTS
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Alberta Adventist Prison Ministry Organization (AAPMO)
• The AAPMO continues to increase in the scope of its mandate to train, organize and mobilize the laity to minister to those behind bars.
• AAPMO endeavours to minister dependably, professionally, and responsibly with accountability.
• Activetrainingandrecertificationscontinue throughout the Conference area and upon request.
• The ministry continues to receive active enquiries from the friends and loved ones of the incarcerated within the correctional system (municipal, provincial and federal).
• AAPMO awareness has become more evident, especially as more of our members have found themselves within the correctional system with sentences that seem to impact our very health and lifestyle as conservative Protestant Christians.
• Plan to become more organized in the area of recognizance (locate and reconnect family and friends) using our AAPMO Volunteer database as a rallying point.
• Facilitate volunteer visitations and Bible studies at halfway houses (not just at the correctional facilities).
• Encourage the possible implementation of facilitating church worship visitations to those inmates on minimum security status or day parole status as per Conference policy permits (knownasETA's — EscortedTemporary Absence).
• To continue to serve this ministry with humility, determination, love, compassion, and the fervour of our Lord.
“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”… Matt. 25:40, KJV
The 2019 Report of the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church is as follows:
Submitted by Oliver JohnsonVolunteer Prison Ministries Coordinator
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Prayer MinistriesMy name is Honey Todd, and I am the coordinator for Prayer Ministries in Alberta. I am also the sole pastor of two churches in Calgary. In Steps to Christ, Ellen White said, “Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him” (p. 93). When prayer lifts us up to Him in heavenly realms, we leave behind the stress and pressure of thisworld,fixoureyesonJesus,relaxinHispresence, share with Him the burdens of our hearts, and listen for His responses. The more time we spend in His presence, truly communing with Him, the more we trust Him and have hope because of Him. “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise youmoreandmore”(Psalm71:14,NIV).
Alberta Prayer Ministries is here to encourage and equip Prayer Coordinators in the local churches, organize area events (north, central, and south Alberta), lead out in prayer at Camp Meeting, and connect with Prayer Coordinators across Canada.
Local Church Prayer Ministries Coordinators: I have email addresses for 26 people in this role. These people were sent documents such as 40 Days Praying for your Pastor, 50 Days Praying Against Criticism, a document aboutinsecurityandfeelingoffended,andanother with a church growth strategy based on prayer. If you are a prayer coordinator for your local church and did not receive these documents, please email me so I can add you to the list. If you have questions about running a prayer event, House of Prayer service, anointing, fasting, etc., please feel free to contact me.
AreaCoordinators:North—IanBramble,South—Honey Todd, Central—we need someone! The coordinator can be a pastor or lay member. Each coordinator would engage in a monthly video conference with the other area coordinators, organize prayer events in your area, and invite speakers for special weekend events encouraging everyone to prayer. If you are in central Alberta and feel the Spirit nudging you to be a coordinator, please contact me. My email is [email protected], and my phone number is 403-239-1857.
Camp Meeting Prayer Ministries: Every night of Camp Meeting, there is a time of praise and prayer in the little white church. This is opentoeveryone.Thefinalmeeting,onthelast Friday of camp, is an anointing service. It is encouraging to hear how the Lord is working in people’s lives in answer to prayer. Each year, we had about 300 prayer requests come in via the prayer boxes located in various places around the campus. We also have a prayer spots walk—a map showing the location of 10 posters with Scripture andquestionsonwhichtoreflectandpray.
Prayer Ministries in SDACC: Once a month, the prayer coordinators across Canada meet on a video conference to pray together.OnNovember1–2,2019,therewill be a nationwide Prayer Conference in Montreal, Quebec. Posters will be sent out to the churches in September with details about registration.
Shalom (I wish you peace with God, peace with others, and peace within).
Submitted by Honey ToddVolunteer Prayer Ministries Coordinator
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Church Plant Coordinator Report—Northern Region
In the Greater Edmonton area, we currently have 3 church plants: Fort Saskatchewan, Abundant Life, and African Fellowship. We also have another church that just recently moved from company status to church status. The Edmonton Ghanaian church celebrated its church organization service on Sabbath, April 14, 2018. The Fort Saskatchewan group also changed status recently, being organized as a company on Sabbath, October 28, 2017. Abundant Life is currently in the process of applying for church status and hopes to reach this goal in late 2019 or early 2020.
OntheweekendofSeptember28 – 29,2018, a SEEDS church planting conference was held at Red Willow for the greater Edmonton area. Though not well attended, the seminars and presentations were deeply appreciated by those who did come. According to the current schedule, the next SEEDS conference will take place in Edmonton in the fall of 2021.
In September 2017, shortly after becoming the volunteer church plant coordinator for the northern Alberta region, I attended aNorthAmericanDivisionChurchPlantAdvisory meeting in Aldergrove, BC. This wasthefirstofitskind,andthegoal
is to bring church plant coordinators and directors from across the division together to report, brainstorm, network, and do some training in the area of church planting. They have continued to meet annually, with the next event taking place in September 2019.
Representatives from the church plant committeealsometwithalay- ledhomelessoutreach ministry in Edmonton called the Hymningbirds. They were exploring the possibility of establishing themselves as a church plant in order to minister to the spiritual needs of the hundreds of homeless individuals they interact on a regular basis. However, it was mutually determined that becoming a ministry of an established local church might be a better approach for them at this time.
Finally, there is a Russian-speaking group out of the Edmonton South Church that meets once a month in a rented facility in the Terwilliger area. They are considering becoming a full-time church plant sometime in the future, with the hopes of combining with another group to provide English-speaking worship services and outreach programs to this area of the city where we currently have no church presence.
The 2019 Report of the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church is as follows:
Submitted by Rod DavisVolunteer Church Plant Coordinator (Northern Region)
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Submitted by Darlene BlaneyVolunteer Health Ministries Coordinator
Health DepartmentThe Alberta Conference Health Department continues to support the local churches in their various health-oriented programs and activities, as well asoffertraininginfacilitatingprogramsand retreats as an avenue to help spread the message of hope and healing.
Past Events
• Women’s Health Retreat for the province of AB, held in Red Deer.
• Health Ministry Training weekend with It Is Written for the city of Calgary (2016).
• Health nuggets presented at the It Is Written evangelistic series in Calgary.
• Various cooking classes, lectures, health expos, etc. presented in the various churches and community centers across AB.
• Eckville, AB—health nuggets/seminars presented, followed by a Bible seminar by Pastor Spangler (2017 and May 2019). Bible study series are presently ongoing from this experience.
• Health Ministry Training weekend in partnership with Pastor Chris Holland for the city of Edmonton (spring 2019).
• Canada Health Summit at CampPugwash,NovaScotia(2018; organizer/presenter)
• NADHealthSummittraining
• Camp Meeting workshop presentations
Connecting/Communication
A Facebook group page has been set up and active since spring 2019 as a means for health directors to network together, share unique health ministry program ideas and resources, and help each other present in each other’s churches. A quarterly conference call session for all AB church health directors will begin fall 2019 to support those who do not connect through Facebook or email.
Future Events
• Women’s Health Retreat (fall 2019)
• Nationwidehealthtrainingwebinar workshop (Oct. 2019)
• Various health seminars/events in churches across AB.
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SAGE Report—Seniors in Action for God with ExcellenceSince a growing segment of our Alberta population, and similarly our AlbertaConferencemembership,isseniors,itseemsfittingtofindwaysto have organized programs to involve and inspire this group.
SAGE Alberta, which was organized in 2011, has been active each year since then. The regular program each year is as follows:
March Winter Outing at William Watson Lodge at Kananaskis
May Annual Convention on the campus of Burman University
June Annual Work Bee at Foothills Camp
July Camp Meeting booth display, ice cream fellowship, and reports
August Work Bee at Mamawi Atosketan School and R.V. outing at Sheep River
Sept R.V. outing at Miquelon Lake
November Fall Retreat (some years)
In addition to these regular program features, some SAGE members went on an ADRA Connection trip to Cambodia in 2016. In 2017, there was a cruise to Alaska. In previous years, there has been a trip with Better World to Africa, a heritagetourtoNewEngland,andatripto a church anniversary in Yellowknife.
There have also been building projects—renovating the Drumheller Church and working with the Alberta Conference to build the Outdoor Education Center at Foothills Camp.
The SAGE committee meets most months at the Alberta Conference officetoorganizeitsprogram.
Submitted by Don CorkumVolunteer Coordinator-SAGE
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Women's Ministry Retreat Coordinator Report
I would be happy to share with you about my experience in the position of the Alberta Conference Women's Ministry Retreat Coordinator. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the leader, coordinating all the details in preparation for the annual retreat held for the women of Alberta.
It has been exciting to be part of a ministry that serves the women of the Alberta Conference by providing a weekend retreat for them to attend. Much prayer and thought go into planning this event. It has been a pleasure to have a group of exceptional women on the committee who love the Lord, have a servant's heart, and a passion to minister to other ladies. Between ministering to their own families, being employed, retired, or volunteering for multiple ministries or organizations — thesewomenleadbusylives. Still, they meet deadlines and are willing to go above and beyond! I can always count on them. It amazes me what we can accomplish, together.
We have one individual from the Alberta Conference IT Team, who attends our meetings to update us on how things are going regarding the registration process. We could not have the registration online if it weren't for the IT Team keeping things running smoothly. We are so thankful for their patience and assistance to us.
I LOVE to see the healing that takes place, the new friendships that develop, and the old ones renewed. Most of all, what a great spiritual weekend we experience every year. The Lord uses the speakers
that come to present messages to the ladies. He knows just what the women need to hear. God powerfully uses His servants to convey the message that touches the hearts of the women, drawing them into a closer walk with Him.
The Prayer Room at the retreat is a special place where the women go. In it, the attendees are prayed for, instructed, and encouraged through the Bible-based teachings given at the stations. We have a devoted woman, along with her team of prayer warriors, who provide the stations each year. We are blessed beyond measure to have her as a part of our team. We marvel at all she brings so the women can learn and take the spiritual lessons back home with them, to both stay encouraged and to share with others throughout the year. The Lord has and is powerfully using her.
Over the past few years, our attendance has grown from 282 in 2016, 304 in 2017, 349 in 2018, and 335 in 2019. The Lord performed a miracle to have so many come in such uncertain economic times.
WehavesetupaFacebookpagespecificallyfor the retreat and look forward to making more use of this for the 2020 retreat. We have an Instagram and Twitter account which we have been blessed to have a Conference IT Specialist help us with. We already have the speaker, date, and venue established for April 17-19, 2020. We are excited to see how the Lord will bless. We have tentative dates at the Cambridge Hotel in Red Deer for 2021 and will be working on choosing a speaker for that retreat.
Dear Alberta Conference Leaders and Members,
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We continue to update our database of the Women's Ministry Leaders or designate contacts for each church in the Conference. These key individuals help ensure the women of each congregation receive information and announcements about upcoming events.
I want to encourage more women from the cultural groups in our Conference to attend the Women's Ministry Retreat held annually. We need to have opportunities to fellowship all together and share from our hearts and life experiences to understand one another a little more. We are sisters in Christ and are as one in Him no matter our heritage, color, or nationality.
We suggest the Alberta Conference supply more material and support to the Women's Ministry Leaders of each church to help them minister to the women in their congregations. It would be great if the Conference would/could sponsor more training opportunities.
The most rewarding thing that has happened for me, in this position as the Women's Ministry Retreat Coordinator, is to see how the Lord works through the women on the committee. I have learned so much and continue to learn from them what a godly woman can do in ministering to the Lord's
daughters in the Alberta Conference. I also LOVE seeing the women throughout the weekend retreat get excited about their relationship with Jesus. That is special. They shine. I see them leaving with hope in the Lord, giving them the courage to persevere in their walk with Him and the Word, and practical tools to share with others. I love it.
This year, September 26-29, 2019, we areexcitedtobeabletoattendtheNADWomen's Convention in Florida. There will be 8 of the committee members attending. We are thankful to the Alberta Conference for assisting each of the committee members towards the expenses of attending. Attending theNADretreatwillbeverybeneficialnotonly in extending greetings from the Alberta Conference but also gaining new insights and fresh ideas to bring back and share with the women of the Alberta Conference. Thank you for making it possible for us to attend.
Thank you for allowing me to serve in this position. It is a blessing beyond measure to be a part of this amazing ministry. We look forward to what 2020 will bring to the women of Alberta as we minister to each other.
Blessings
Denise Nichols
Submitted by Denise NicholsWomen's Ministry Retreat Coordinator
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This Town Hall Meeting Report is a publication of the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Elected OfficialsPresident Gary HodderExecutive Secretary/VP for Administration Wayne WilliamsTreasurer/Chief Financial Officer Keith Richter
Communication/IT/Media Director/Editor Eric OllilaCo-Editors Jenny Nickel & John SimonGraphic Design Mishell Raedeke/omnidesign.ca
Photo AttributionAlberta Adventist Communication or Licensed Adobe Stock, unless otherwise noted
Address5816 Highway 2A, Lacombe, AB T4L2G5
Contact InformationPhone: (403) 342-5044Fax: (403) 775-4482Email: [email protected]
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Printed in Canada, September 2019