| Author | Message | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 151 Registered: 2-2006 |
From the cover article in the June 18 edition of Adventist Review: "According to Paul Richardson, the North American Division’s coordinator for “reconnecting ministries,” the church may not be suffering from an exodus so much as an inactivity crisis. View This Article Here: http://www.adventistreview.org/issue.php?issue=2009-1517&page=16 | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 5104 Registered: 9-2006  |
I think that is wishful thinking that there is not an exodus rather than lack of church attendance. I think that statement won't hold much water after this summer, and if he truly does think that, which I doubt, I think the truth is he is lying outright. But if he truly does believe that, it is because of former's trying to go back and pet the old snake instead of stepping on the snakes head. They crop up every once in a while, in amongst the gurgling of water bottles, the whispering, and the vying for top seats and it gives the impression of none-church attendance, because the Adventist just cannot imagine that person is not apostate. Note to formers: We all go back down to pet the old snake from time to time, it ain't unique to the former, but God calls us back, picks us up and sets our feet on solid ground. I thank God for snatching me back every time this old flesh decides it wants to go down to the snake den and pet the snake. These leaders are used to flying under the radar (thanks to Lannie for giving that apt description) But I believe and I pray that the time will come when Adventism is uncovered and exposed and confronted and the exodus will be so great that the only ones left will be the hard and unreachable. River | ||
| Gcfrankie Registered user Username: Gcfrankie Post Number: 492 Registered: 1-2007 |
I understand where Paul Richardson gets his understanding but it is on false premises. I was church secretary at our small church with names of people on the books but had not attended for years. Some still live around here and have quit the sda church and been attending other churches, just did not send in a letter to have their names removed (or maybe did and were refused, who knows) while others moved away and who knows what their status is. But I know for one thing God knows and that to me is all that is needed. This brings up a question and that is when the Jews became christian did they have to have their names removed from the temple? I am not being a smarty-pants but this did give me food for thought. Gail | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 612 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rationalization at its best... I suppse that even if your head is buried in sand, you can still convince yourself that it's a nice day at the beach. I am still a recorded member at Clovis (CA) SDA Church, even though I have not warmed a pew there since 1984. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is that Jesus Himself has written my name on the palms of his hands. | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 153 Registered: 2-2006 |
Actually, I would have fallen into the "inactive" category for 6-7 years. Had you asked me my religion during that time I would have surely said SDA and have argued for the doctrine. At several times during those years I would have immediately returned, had anyone shown an interest. In fact, when Our Lord God took it into His mind to grab me by the neck I first made plans for returning. (SDA was the only thing I knew.  ) That was not His plan for me though, (Thank-You My Wonderful Jesus!  ) and He wouldn't allow it. I believe there are many more inactive SDAs than there are "Formers". I don't believe, however, that they remain part of the SDA "family"; rather, they are in no-man's-land. It is an exceptionally hopeless spot to be in. It is our responsibility to offer these folks hope and joy. To Whom Much Has Been Given... Pegg (Message edited by pegg on June 26, 2009) (Message edited by pegg on June 26, 2009) | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 238 Registered: 2-2007 |
Pegg...I was the same way....when I was inactive I still considered myself to be SDA and was a strong defender. This announcement or whatever you want to call it is just smoke screen. | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 1712 Registered: 4-2000  |
The Adventist Review announcement sounds like the old adage of "once a Catholic, always a Catholic." I know of many adult children of devout Adventists who haven't attended the SDA Church in many years. Yet their parents insist that their adult children are good Adventists. On the other hand, some of these adult children have told me that they will officially leave Adventism when their parents pass away. Apparently, they don't want to upset the apple cart yet (including the possibility of being excluded from the family will). Dennis Fischer | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 7106 Registered: 3-2004  |
I considered my self an SDA even after I knew my name was off the church books. The only church I knew was adventist and that was the only church I attended when I attended church. If anyone had shown any interest in me by calling me and telling me that the church was considering taking my name off the books, I probably would have returned. Like Pegg, I started planning to return and be baptized in the SDA church. That is when the SDA pastor challeneged the SS class to read the NT and God brought my attention to D Anderson's website about EGW. I believe God inspired the pastor to make that challenge. The rest is history. Thank you awesome God that your plan was different then mine. Diana L (Message edited by Flyinglady on June 26, 2009) | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 49 Registered: 12-2007 |
Just wondering how many here are in California ? Anyone besides me on the Central Coast ? | ||
| Nowisee Registered user Username: Nowisee Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2009 |
I live in CA, southern. One of my favorite places in the world is on the central coast--below Big Sur, where my great grandparents lived in the 1800's, high overlooking the ocean. They raised 5 children on that wild coast. Any PUCites? | ||
| Philharris Registered user Username: Philharris Post Number: 1710 Registered: 5-2007  |
Nowisee, PUC? As a child, I lived in St Helena and then several years at Angwin. We lived all over the place including Oregon logging camps, Lake County, Vallejo and Vacaville. By the eighth grade, we were back to Napa which was my home town until I moved my own family to Washington State. Fearless Phil | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 590 Registered: 2-2008  |
... used to be Californian, graduated from LLU. I've been a Hoosier now for almost 4 years. vivian p.s. actually I'm from Brazil originally, but my parents immigrated to US shortly after I was born. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 7114 Registered: 3-2004 |
Born and raised in California and graduated from LLU. Now live in Nevada. Diana L | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 773 Registered: 1-2003  |
Live in S. CA. Went to PUC for a couple of years and lived all over the USA. I'll be visiting the Central Coast in 5 weeks for one week after August 2 when Marilynn and I get married. We will be traveling in Pismo Beach, SLO, Moro Bay and up to Big Sur. We will be staying in one place but wandering durning the day. Any suggestions of MOST see and DO things. We are mostly just looking forward to time with each other. Richard rtruitt@mac.com . | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 7134 Registered: 3-2004 |
Best Wishes to you and Marilynn, Richard. Diana L | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 5124 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hurst Castle if it's still open. Just don't sit and look at Moro rock the whole trip buddy. River | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 61 Registered: 12-2007 |
Yes, Hearst Castle is still open. One of my DIL's is working there for the summer. Also be sure to see the colony of elephant seals just a few miles north of the castle (before you get to the lighthouse)Depending on the time of year you will see anywhere from a hundred or so up into the thousands. Sometimes whole families are there and other times the Bulls leave to go north, sometimes if you are lucky you can see a baby being born .I havent been up to see them in about a year and dont remember which time of year they do what. If you contact the Cambria Chamber office they can get the information to you on all there is to do in the area. also right across from the castle (on the beach side of hwy 1) there is a nice park and boardwalk , also a nice cove for fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc. And a wonderful deli in the old general store near there . People rave about their sandwiches, especially the roast beef which is made with Hearst raised beef. In Cambria (on Moonstone Beach drive)there is a wooden walkway that follows along the edge of the ocean for about 1 1/2 miles. Wonderful easy walk and can always see seals out on the rocks. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 10084 Registered: 12-2003  |
Definitely the elephant seal colony. For some reason they totally fascinate me. They are, to use on of my dad's old farm boy phrases, "as ugly as a mud fence", but they're interesting to watch. Morro Bay isn't too far a drive from the Monterey Aquarium, either. It's a drive, but if you don't mind driving, it's do-able. Congratulations! Colleen | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 62 Registered: 12-2007 |
If you have time follow HWY 1 all the way up from Morro Bay through Big Sur and to Monterey to the aquarium. It is a very rugged coastline with lots of twists and turns along the way, but it is a georgeous drive. :-) | ||
| Gcfrankie Registered user Username: Gcfrankie Post Number: 499 Registered: 1-2007 |
Richard & Marilyn, Congradulations on your up and coming marriage. Have a wonderful trip and lots of fun seeing the sights. Gail | ||
| Psalm107v2 Registered user Username: Psalm107v2 Post Number: 327 Registered: 10-2008  |
Congratulations Richard! | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 776 Registered: 1-2003 |
Thanks for all your suggestions, and River I'm sure all our time will not be used just sitting and looking at Morro Rock. We will drive up along the Big Sur coast at least some. I know we want to spend time relaxing and exploring and enjoying our time together. Richard PS: Thanks for those who sent me emails and shared about themselves. . |
