News From Around Our Churches - October 14, 2009Back MAINE The Ashland, Maine, Women’s Sunday service on September 27 saw Sherri Calhoun, Carol Martin, Andrea White, Gerry Hafford, and Judy Hafford, “teaching” about “Simple Instructions: God’s Perfect Plan” through drama. WHFMS President Cheryl Harris shared a sermon linking the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as a way to obey God’s Simple Instructions and fulfill His Perfect Plan. Pictured left to right: Cheryl Harris, Marion Dunham, Laura Howes, Edna Ellis, Carol Martin, Linda Pelletier, Karen Oakes, Gerry Hafford, and Judy Hafford are blessing the congregation with special music, “It Is Well with My Soul.” (Submitted by Cheryl Harris) MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE Camp Wilderness in Iberia, Mo., was the meeting place for the 2009 Missouri Valley Advent Christian Conference, hosted by the Brays Advent Christian Church. The gathering accommodated the meetings of the various boards and committees, WH&FM circles, conference business sessions, worship services and precious fellowship among those attending. The newly elected officers for the conference are: President – Carole Lewis; Vice President – Ruby Ross; Secretary – Linda Gilkey; Treasurer – Carol Vandable. One of the exciting business items was the recommendation by the Camp Wilderness Board to proceed with the renovation and upgrade of the kitchen and dining areas. This was proposed as a necessity as the camp sees the potential of increasing its rental clientele.   The closing services were held at the Brays Advent Christian Church on Sunday morning. Host Pastor Rev. Roy Gilkey welcomed members and visitors alike, as this was a homecoming Sunday for the Brays congregation. The conclusion of the weekend was a delicious dinner served to all. (Submitted by Ron Thomas)  NEW MEXICO The Clovis Advent Christian Church held "Pastor Appreciation" Sunday on October 11, 2009. A bountiful potluck lunch was enjoyed by many, following the morning services. Pastor Sam Walsh, his wife, Janelle, and family were presented a cookie jar full of cards and donations. The Clovis Advent Christian Church is truly blessed to have Sam as our pastor. Pictured is Pastor Sam, Janelle, Megan, Curtis, and newly adopted family dog, "Lacy." WEST WASHINGTON/BRITISH COLUMBIA (WWBC) The fall rally of the WWBC WHFMS was recently held in Sumas, Washington. The devotion was given by Mim Crouse. She used Philippians 1:6 as her scriptural text and also brought several artifacts of those who started the work of the Advent Christian denomination in the Northwest.   One of the accents of this fall rally was information shared about the “Clothes Line” ministry of the Sumas WHFMS. This ministry started five years ago and is being operated in a building on the church property. This building holds very clean and organized used clothing to be given free-of-charge to anyone in need. They even have a woman who makes quilts specifically for this ministry.   One exciting testimony of this ministry was a local woman named Julie who desired to volunteer at the “Clothes Line.” Julie was a student at a local sobriety house called “Genesis House” and was very nervous to begin with but was determined to “give something back” to the community. During her time of “volunteering” in this ministry and getting to know the women of the church, Julie started attending the church, graduated from Genesis House and regained custody of her daughter, Starla. Julie continues to be a blessing and inspiration as she shares her testimony.   Pictured above, left - Mim Crouse; above, right - Doris Hammingh, president of the Sumas WHFMS; lower right - Verna Qualls, president of the WWBC WHFMS Conference. (Submitted by Nancy Winslow)

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