feb 10 latest word

Do you remember the last time you had a special guest over for din-ner? What happened when they were late? How often did you look out the window to see if they had arrived? Jesus knew that we would be waiting with great anticipation for his arrival. Ever since Jesus went to heaven people have been trying to figure out when he would return. Will He come during our lifetime? Will he come today? Jesus made it clear that his second coming would be a surprise and nobody would know the actual time.

Many people are worried about being ready for the second coming of Jesus. Does being ready mean that

our lives are completely spotless and mistake free? The good news is that the Bible tells us that it’s not about being good enough. It’s about God being good enough to offer us grace. When Jesus returns, we don’t have to be worried about being punished. Rather, he is bringing hope to the world by taking us back to heaven! The Bible reminds us that being reunited with Jesus is based on His grace, not our works.

“so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eager-

continued on page 2

The Blessed Hopeby Pastor Mitch

Why Lincoln Stood

When it came time for the pastoral prayer at the church Abraham Lincoln attended, the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Washington, D.C., the presi-dent stood up. Because most of the worshipers remained seated, someone asked the president why he stood. The president responded, “When my generals come into the Oval Office, they stand for their commander-in-chief. Isn’t it proper then, that I stand for my commander-in-chief?”

INSIDE

Helping by Giving is on page 3

Who Is He? My Provider! is on page 4

Ginny’s Kitchen on page 5

What’s happening? see pages 6 & 9

Tax Breaks on page 7

Kid’s Page on page 8

Our Church Family page 10

For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church

The Valentine’s Small Group Event is on Saturday, February 13, at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Valentine’s in not just a time for couples and sweet-hearts. It’s a time to cel-ebrate love. That includes lots of different kinds of love, including the love that we have for each other as

members of God’s kingdom.

The small groups will be planning the food and events for the evening.

Everyone should plan to attend as we will share Valentine’s messages with one another. This will be a fun event, so plan to invite lots of friends. =

Valentine’s Small Group Event

ly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28, NLT).

On February 6, invite a friend to hear the mes-sage on the second coming of Christ entitled The Blessed Hope.

The message on February 13 is entitled Racing with Hope. The Bible says, “. . . and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). If following Jesus can be compared to a race, how does one go about starting the race? Where do you sign up? How do you register?

The start of a foot race is marked by the sound of a pistol shot and the crossing of the starting line. The start of the Christian life is marked by an

initiation rite entitled bap-tism. Baptism is a commitment to follow Jesus. Baptism shows you are a part of God’s family. Like a wedding ring, it is a vis-ible reminder of

an inward commitment made in your heart.”1 Some are merely “dating” Jesus. Why not explore the benefits of a life-long commitment to him?

If you own a cell phone, taking time to recharge its battery insures the phones power supply to func-

THE LATEST WORDTHE LATEST WORD

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tion properly. Like a cell phone, the human body needs to rest and recharge. There is such a way and the Bible gives it a name—Sabbath. The word Sabbath literally means rest. It has two components: First is getting unplugged, and second is getting recharged. Rechargeable Hope is the title of the message on February 20. The message is much more than taking a day off work or taking a nap once a week. Sabbath rest is about a relationship with the One who loves us best and most. Taking a day off or lying down for a nap means little if you’re wor-ried or anxious. When we commit ourselves to Jesus’ care we can truly find the rest we need in him.

Growing with Hope is the title of the message on February 27. There is no doubt that we are part of God’s

WE DID IT

The Latest Word V 22 N 02

BILL AUMACK

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BILL AUMACKlayout

LINDA AUMACKproof reading

LETTY DURANdistribution

MITCH WILLIAMSpastor

address mail to: (we like letters!)Downey-Florence Seventh-dayAdventist Church9820 Lakewood Blvd.Downey, CA 90240office: 562.869.6013fax: 562.622.1691 [email protected]

distributed monthlyissue date: February 2010 copyright 1992-2010

When we commit ourselves to Jesus’

care we can truly find the rest we need

in him

“

”

The Blessed Hope (cont. from page 1)

continued on page 4

February 2010February 2010

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Webster says “give” means “to make a present of . . . to grant

or bestow by formal action . . . to put into the possession of another for his use . . . .” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary).

God says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts

20:35 NIV).

The devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti is more than heartbreaking. Thousands of miles away from us, it is nonetheless brought close by the videos and pic-tures on the news, both television and the Internet. But even though we are able to see the devastation, for most of us, there is not much we can do about it. We can donate money, of course, but that’s about it. I have listened to people on the news who are getting ready to leave the United States to help the Haitian people. As I thought about them this morning, it occurred to me that a lot of us like to help others. Sometimes

it’s our first reaction to hearing news of illness, sadness or tragedy.

What is it about helping others that actu-ally helps us? I can’t really say, but I am of the opinion that we feel good when we are able to help and sad when we can-not. There are plenty of times when I’ve heard of sad news, but there is nothing I can do to help the situation. Nothing. It’s beyond my control. At times like that, I can hear myself say, “All I can do is

pray.” And even though prayer is the first and best option available, it sometimes doesn’t seem enough.

As I continued to think about the desire and ability people have to help, it occurred to me that helping is a God-given trait, a charac-teristic of our Lord. I cannot count the number of times God has helped me, and I think it’s safe to say that His help, more often than not, has been delivered through another person. That is God’s MO. He uses people to help

people. Perhaps it is to emphasize one of Jesus’ teachings. “It is more

Feb. 6 Mitch Williams

Living with Hope #3 The Blessed Hope

Feb. 13 Mitch Williams

Living with Hope #4 Racing with Hope

Feb. 20Mitch Williams

Living with Hope #5 Rechargeable Hope

Feb. 27Mitch Williams

Living with Hope #6 Growing with Hope

Worship Schedule

blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). =

God, Webster & You

by Linda BewleyHelping by Giving

Feburary 15


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Before the Father

by Linda FernandezWho is He? My Provider!

great family. The Bible says: “How great is the love the Father has lav-ished on us, that we should be called children of God! . . .” (1 John 3:1, NIV). Our Lord equips us to inter-act with one another as brothers and sisters by providing us with spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline grows the inner life of the believer in his or her relationship with God and with all of God’s family. Prayer,

worship, meditation, service are examples of spiritual disciplines we’ll explore in the message. See you when the church gathers. =

The Blessed Hope (cont. from page 2)

“My son, God will provide…” Gen. 22:8

During this phase of my spiritual journey, Jesus seems to want to clar-ify just who HE is to me in my life. The past couple of years have been real testing times in several areas of my life; coinciding with some of the titles Jesus is given.

Jesus is many things to us in our Christian walk. He is our Healer, although he may choose not to heal, for reasons we do not yet understand. He is our Prince of Peace, providing a powerful sense of his presence amid tumultuous times, but may not always keep them from us. He is our Strength, though we are made strong through our weakness. These are promises we can cling to, yet some-

times difficult to comprehend and apply in day to day living.

This month I would like to dig a little deeper into is his role as Provider. In the Old Testament in Genesis, the name Jehovah-jireh is

given by Abraham to the place where God provided a ram caught in a thicket to be used as the sacrifice in place of Isaac. It means Jehovah

will see or pro-vide. Earlier in this passage, Abraham

reassures Isaac of this when he asks, “Father....Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

I have been mulling over the growth process one must go through in walking with Christ. I find over

and over that in order for Jesus to be everything I need in life, I must first experience that need. Much like Abraham’s test, the experience can be quite disconcerting. If only I hold onto his hand and trust fully in him, the answer he provides not only assures me of his care but also pre-pares me for the next hurdle.

Father: Regardless how dark a situation may seem, help me to trust in you to provide all I will need to see me through with hope and peace and joy. =

February 14


Caramelized French Onion Soup

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With Love From the Kitchen of Ginny Williams

1 T. olive oil1 T. butter4 ¼ cup thinly sliced onions3 T. Bragg’s liquid aminos1 T. Bob’s Vegetarian Chicken Seasonings or chicken flavoringA dash of salt1 T. onion powder1. T. cornstarch1 teaspoon of Liquid SmokeApprox. 6 cups of waterwhole wheat bread slicesSwiss or Mozzarella cheese

Sauté onion in oil and butter over medium heat until clear and well cooked. Add water a little at a time

so as to not to burn but continue cooking onions to caramelize. This will take 12-20 minutes to caramel-ize and to bring out the great flavor of the onions.

Add all the seasonings, liquid aminos, Bob’s Vegetarian Chicken Seasonings or chicken flavoring, salt, onion powder and 6 cups of water. Take a little of the water and dissolve 1 T. cornstarch and then add it to the pot and stir. Add 1 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke. Simmer and stir until clear and piping hot.

Ladle into oven proof bowls, place a slice of whole wheat bread

over the top and place cheese over that and place under the broiler until brown and cheese has somewhat melted. =

Living With HopeOur current small group series is called

Living with Hope and we’ll be learning the fine art of Bible marking. If the Bible is an instruction manual to life, shouldn’t you want to read it?

Life’s big questions do have answers, and give us a framework to understand the world we are living in. These answers are a rock to stand on during the chaos that swirls around our homes, careers, and relationships.

This unique series will give you the tools to understand God’s word, as you learn proven techniques for studying the Bible effectively. In each session you’ll highlight key verses in your own Bible that will be an inspiration for you and your family for years to come. =

It’s Not Too Late To Join

A Group!

Be sure to join a small group or you will miss half of the lessons! Sign up for a small group at church.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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5:32 pm sunset

5:38 pm sunset

5:44 pm sunset

9:30 AM S.S.

9:30 AM S.S.

9:30 AM S.S.10:50 AM Worship Mitch WilliamsLiving With Hope #5

9:30 AM S.S.10:50 AM Worship Mitch WilliamsLiving With Hope #6

Visit www.downeychurch.orgC.S. - Community Service

S.S. - Sabbath School

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10:50 AM Worship Mitch WilliamsLiving With Hope #3

10:50 AM Worship Mitch WilliamsLiving With Hope #4

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10 AM C.S.

6:30 pm Band Practice

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Downey Adventist Church

7 pm Women’s Prayer Group


5:25 pm sunset




1 PM Adventurers6:30 pm Band Practice

Youth Super-bowl Party


5 PM Valentine’s Small Group Party


It was Ben Franklin who said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” One jokester added, “but death doesn’t get worse every year.” Preparing taxes is right up there with going to the dentist as one of the activities the average American dreads. Unfortunately, if you are looking for an answer to your pressing tax problems, the IRS may or may not be able to help. Telephone calls to the IRS help line annually reach into the tens of millions, but over 35 percent went unanswered and nearly 50 percent of the time individuals were given an incor-rect answer.1 Over 60 percent of us gave our tax preparation to someone else in 2006, how-ever, the IRS estimates that as many as 500,000 paid preparers may have no formal training.2

Despite our feelings and frustrations about taxes, there are some things you and I can do to make them seem more financially palatable. Listed below are two areas you may want to re-evaluate as you plan for next year’s taxes and your over-all money management.

Paying Uncle Sam or the Local Bank

Each year you receive from your mortgage company or loan institu-tion an annual statement outlining what you paid during the last twelve months. I remember that January day nearly 20 years ago when I received my mortgage loan statement and the shock I felt when I read the amounts of principle and interest. At the time, I was regularly making payments of

one thousand dollars per month, but as I looked at the two columns on that statement which made up the twelve thousand dollars I had paid, this is what jumped out — prin-ciple $600, interest $11,400. I said

to myself, I thought I financed my 30-year mortgage with an 8 percent interest loan, but this looks like I have a 90 percent interest loan. The only consolation was that I could deduct a whole lot of interest on Uncle Sam’s tax form. I calculated that over the next five years I would have just over $3,000 equity in my home.

What a difference if I had taken out a 15-year loan over that same period. In five years I would have had approximately one-third equity in my home and would have saved thousands of dollars in interest. And

here is the kicker — the difference in payments between a 30-year and a 15-year loan would have been roughly one third more per month ($1,300), not twice as much, as most people tend to believe. Even if you

cannot make a third more in your pay-ment, do what our family did that very next year – pay an extra $30 per month on the principal. We thought it would not make much of a difference, but our next yearend state-ment stated: principal $1,800, inter-est $10,200. That $360 increase resulted in three times the amount

of principal. Remember, rather than receiving a larger tax write off in loan interest, increase your percent-age of the value of your major asset, your home.

Pay Now or Later!Every year approximately 40

percent of working Americans throw away money that legally belongs to them. The majority of employers now offer their employees matching money for their retirement accounts, such as their 401(k), 403(b), etc.

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Tax BreaksStewpot

by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CHES

continued on page 11

When it comes to your tax return, avoid being sloppy. Here are a few common tax mistakes:⇒ Entering the wrong account number for the direct

deposit of your refund. Double check to make sure both the routing and bank account numbers are correct.

⇒ Failure to sign. After all your hard labor to file correctly, it would be a shame to forget to sign your return or leave off your spouse’s signature if you are filing jointly.

⇒ Missing attachments. Attaching all the necessary forms and schedules in the upper right-hand corner, particularly your W-2’s and 1099’s, is crucial.

⇒ Missing mileage. According to H&R Block, vehicle logs are one of the most audited items — keep detailed odometer readings for the beginning and ending of a road trip, as well as the reason for that particular journey.4


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Feb. Birthdays

David Martinez – 2 Julie Seltzer – 4 Nancy Rivera – 7Mark Jackson – 7Akeem Meade – 7Irene Hill – 11 Victoria Zamora – 11Maggie Zamora – 15 Ellis Perry – 19 Teresa Miranda – 22 Donna Morgan – 24 Linda Fernandez – 26 Armando Cabrera – 26 Albert Casillas – 27 Letty Duran – 29 Susie Duran – 29

If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in.

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Upcoming Events2nd Sunday - 10 a.m. Community Service3rd Saturday - Adventurer ClubThursdays - 7 p.m. Women’s Prayer GroupFridays - 6:30 p.m. Band Practice

Feb 7 - Youth Superbowl Party @ the Aumack’sFeb 13 - Valentine’s Small Group Party @ 5 PMFeb 14 - Valentine’s DayFeb 15 - President’s Day

The Latest Word deadline is the 5th of the month.

Coming Soon

March 20 - Celebration SabbathApril 3 - Easter

this month

If you are looking for a new, fun way to read The Latest Word online, be sure to check out the newest format at http://issuu.com/downeychurch. Same great content in a richer environment. Be sure to check out all the reading modes. As usual, you can still get read it at our website at www.downeychurch.org.


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The Latest About

Our Church FamilyCongratulations to Patricia

Jackson. She completed her interview for being a US citizen. The only thing left is to be sworn in.

Kean and Enoch Aispuro are gather-ing toys to send to the children in Haiti. If you have any used toys in good condition to donate, please see them.

Congratulations to Kevin Torres. He made Honor Roll at AUS. Evan Aumack was on

Honor Roll at SGA. Evan and Alex Aumack had perfect atten-

dance. If you know of any students who are doing well, please let us know.

We sorrowfully report the passing of Jasmin Amezaga. She passed away after bat-tling cancer. We look forward to seeing her again with Jesus.

If you have any Church Family news, please contact the church office so we can get it into the news-letter. =

Thank you to everyone who has been saving Campbell Soup Labels for education and Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreci-ated.

On the Campbell Soup labels, all that is really needed is the UPC (the bar code). You don’t have to save the entire label, just the UPC bar code.

For the Box Tops for Education, please save the Box Tops coupon.

Please give your labels to Linda Aumack. Thank you for your sup-port! =

Humans are naturally people of wonder. We wonder at this amazing earth, our temporary but glorious home. We wonder at birth — the birth of a baby or bird or animal. We wonder at the mind-dazzling beauty of a rose. We wonder at love — the love of God, the love of a spouse or parent, the love of another who smiles and laughs when we share thoughts and experiences.

We wonder at scientific discover-ies. We wonder about the gift of life and the puzzle of death. We wonder about our brain and talents. We won-der about our fascinating body, how a Genius put it together, what it can and cannot do.

I am simply full of wonder. Right now, I’m wondering what you’re wondering about. Are you wonder-ing about God and what he has in mind for you today? tomorrow? for eternity?

D.H. Lawrence said, “When the wonder has gone out of a man, he is dead.” He also said, “All are related by one permanent element in all life: the sense of wonder. That is our sixth sense. And it is the natural reli-gious sense.”

—Charles Ferrell

=

The Natural Religious Sense

A Man of Prayer

One of the most familiar pictures of George Washington, our first President, has him kneeling in prayer in the woods of Valley Forge. Those who knew Washington found that he was indeed a man of prayer. In fact, he thought of his service on behalf of his nation as service to God. Henry Cabot Lodge, historian and U.S. Senator, once said of Washington that what raised him to such high glory was his great talent, guided and guarded by religion.

It is prayer and our talent offered to God that can enable each of us to fulfill the role God desires for us. =


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The amount per pay period may not seem important enough to be con-cerned about, but taking advantage of this offer over the 40 years most individuals are employed can result in an incred-ible amount of money.

For exam-ple, let’s say your employer matched you $100 to your $100 contribution each monthly payday. In forty years that would be $48,000 of additional mon-ies from your employer. But when you figure an annual six percent compounded interest, it will amount to over $200,000.

Another way to look at the ben-efit of a deferred tax contribution is for you to contribute the maximum amount of $16,000 allowed in 2008

to your 401(k) and you would have diverted over 17 percent of your pretax income (based on a less than $100,000 annual income) into this deferred tax retirement plan. That

total of

$16,000 a year in savings before taxes, with an annual seven percent compounded interest rate over thirty years, would result in over $1.5 mil-lion.3

As we approach April 15, let’s remember the words of Jesus, ”Give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is his.” (Luke 20:25 TCW). =

Concepts & References:

1. “A Taxing Experience,” U.S News & World Report, April 16, 2001.

2. Vera Gibbons, “What you need to know about Tax Prep Firms,” Kiplinger’s, April 2007, page 24.

3. James J. Cramer, Stay Mad For Life, Simon & Schuster, 2007, page 90.

4. “A Dozen Common Tax Mistakes,” Debt-Proof Living, April 2006.

Tax Breaks (cont. from page 7)

FYI: Did you know that beards, beehives andchimneys used to be taxed in Russia?

There have been a few changes in the Adventurer program. Here are the dates and the topics for the remainder of this year.

February 20 - Lap Blankets for the homelessMarch 20 - Sunbeam CurriculumApril 17 - Community Food Drive for P.T.A. HelpsMay 15 - Sunbeam CurriculumJune 19 - Awards Ceremony

Also, the Adventurer club will do the circulum as part of Sabbath School. Please be sure to be present during Sabbath School to meet all the requirements so you can get an award.

Updated Adventurer Schedule

Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church9820 Lakewood Blvd., Downey CA 90240

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DATED MATERIAL


Ponder This...

= “Faith doesn’t get us out of trouble; faith gets us through it.”—Anonymous

= “One of the sanest, surest and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.”—Archibald Rutledge

feb 10 latest word

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