photo by chris drake, broadcast ministry directory at the wwu church
"Heaven is a school,” the founding voice of Adventism wrote in her masterful reflections on Christian education. What she had in mind is this — life at its best is a never-ending and abundant experience of learning. I wish to welcome prospective college students to this sacred learning space — the housing and halls, the sidewalks and sanctuaries of Walla Walla University. I pray that you have enjoyed your visit to this little patch of heaven and that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your learning journey — here or elsewhere — in the days to come. We are glad you are here. —Pastor Alex Bryan
"friends" volunteers from wwva: (left to right) kristian, Maury, and nathan
"Friends of Children of Walla Walla" is a local non-profit organization with close ties to the Walla Walla University community. Troy Fitzgerald, our collegiate and young adult pastor, is a vocal advocate and long-time volunteer for "Friends" (as it’s often called), whose mission is to support high-risk and vulnerable kids in Walla Walla through meaningful youth-focused friendships with adults. Friends was formed in 1999 and has committed itself ever since to create positive change, one child at a time.
"Friends" operates two mentoring programs: the larger is school-based and the other is community-based. In both cases, dedicated volunteers are screened and trained before they begin spending between 30 and 60 minutes per week with one child. Volunteers may visit their friend’s school during lunch time to read, talk, or play. They may also visit their friend’s home and family. Over time, volunteers build sustained relationships with their friend and his/her family, sometimes even over a period of years. The positive attention, role modeling, and one-on-one kindness is life changing.
A significant challenge for many of the kids who benefit from the Friends Program is their experience with ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Traumatic events and circumstances like abuse, parents’ criminal history, or addiction in the home have a decided negative impact on kids’ health as they become adults. Stable adult relationships like those initiated through Friends help mitigate some of that damage. About this dynamic, Pastor Troy says, "We know that adverse experiences affect the growth of children. But we also know that having a friend who brings support and unconditional regard to a child can be a stepping stone to overcome these challenges."
Pastor Troy reports that many dozens of current WWU and WWVA students volunteer for the program, but there is still need for more! Members of the University Church are also encouraged to sign up. The commitment is relatively small; as little as 30 minutes per week can make the world of difference to a kid in a challenging environment. In addition to the Adventist community, Friends of Walla Walla also facilitates volunteers from Whitman College, Community College, and the general community who volunteer at all of the public schools in the county.
For more information and stories about the important work of the Friends Program, please contact Pastor Troy by email at troy.fitzgerald@wallawalla.edu or by calling his office phone at 509-527-2834. To sign up to volunteer, contact Troy or call volunteer coordinator, Jean Bray, at the Friends program, 509.527.4745. Friends of Children of Walla Walla is online at: wallawallafriends.org.
Bulletin Quicklinks
THIS SABBATH
AT THE UNIVERSITY CHURCH
WORSHIP NOTE
Thank you to the host of musicians sharing their gifts today. We welcome back organist Lanny Collins, as well as the students of the WWU Wind Symphony, directed by Brandon Beck, and the University Singers, accompanied by Luke Irvine. We are in for a special treat today thanks to WWU piano professor Dr. Jinhyang Park and guest musician Dr. Lyndon Johnston Taylor, who is the principal second violinist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. They have prepared a gorgeous duet, “Meditation,” that provides an extra opportunity for you to open your heart to God before we pray together.
The prelude, “The Love of My Soul,” is Frederick Umar’s transcription of one of Stroope’s choral works depicting an endearing relationship with God. The choir’s anthems, both in Latin, recognize God’s glorious nature. The first two stanzas of “The Ground” reference God’s omnipresent glory and claims blessings for those who praise His name. Each new stanza is marked by a key change and increased dynamic level, leading to the climactic third stanza: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” The second choral anthem is from Psalm 150, reminding us to praise God—with trumpets, harps, dancing, organ, cymbals—as long as we have breath. The Wind Symphony features pieces based on hymn tunes after the sermon. I invite you to utilize the hymnals during the offertory (Hymn No.10) and postlude (Hymn No. 547) to reflect on the texts as the service comes to a close.
-Lindsay Armstrong
GIVE
patti short directing rogers adventist school treble choir and con brio in rogers' lobby this week.
Thank you for your generosity to the local ministry of the University Church, as well as to the global mission of the Adventist Church. Today, the loose offering goes toward the University Church budget. The following is a small sample of how this is allocated:
Donate via our website, by placing it in a tithe envelope and marking it "Local Church Budget," or by placing it in the offering bags.
Our online giving portal allows any person to set up regular, monthly, weekly, or biweekly contributions to be deducted automatically from their connected accounts into whatever budget, ministry, or funds they choose.
TOUCHES OF INTEREST
Would you like to connect with others? Lead or be a part of a small group this Spring quarter (April/May). Groups are activity-based or discussion-based and run for about an hour over a three to six-week period. If you’re interested in leading, contact Alareece Collie at alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu for more information.
WWVA Drama presents the musical Godspell March 17 at 8:00 and March 18 at 7:00 in Village Hall on the Walla Walla University campus. Join us as a zany bunch of groupies helps Jesus act out the timeless lessons of the gospel in modern America and, one by one, they “get it.” $10 for adults, $5 for students.
The 50+ Club Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 18, at 5pm at the Youth Center, 8th and Bade in College Place. Come and enjoy good food, fellowship, and a musical program presented by Jan Roberts. And of course, bring a friend!
SonBridge Thrift & Gift Store is recruiting volunteers to sort donated goods, help haul items, or maintain the facility. If interested, please call 509.529.3100.
The College Place Spanish SDA Church invites you to join in an All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet to raise funds for their building project. The Brunch Buffet will take place at the Village Youth Center (36 SW 8th St College Place) on April 8, 2018, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The cost for the ticket is $10 (for ages 10+), $5 (for ages 4-9) and free for 3 and under. Purchase tickets by calling at 509-525-9523 or 509-301-2956. Music provided by Rogers Adventist School Handbell choir and String Orchestra.
Employment Opportunity: Rogers Adventist School is hiring a part time 7th/8th grade teacher for the 18-19 school year. SDA certification required (or will be completed by the beginning of the school year), state certification preferred. Applicant should be skilled in teaching algebra, language arts, and Bible. Interested applicants should submit a resume with references and a cover letter to Holley Bryant at holley.bryant@rschool.org.The 50+ Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 5pm at the Youth Center, 8th and Bade in College Place. Come and enjoy good food, fellowship, and a musical program presented by Jan Roberts. And of course, bring a friend!
ROSARIO SINGLES RETREAT April 5-8, 2018 in Anacortes WA. Marvin Wray, pastor of the Napa California SDA Church is our speaker for the weekend. His passion in ministry is to share the absolute assurance of God’s gift of salvation. Arrive Thursday and spend Friday on an Island Adventure in the San Juan Islands. Registration is $235 for the full retreat. Other registration options are listed on the registration form. For more details and a registration form, send an email to RosarioRetreat@Gmail.com. For those without access to email, you may call our registration line at 360 588-3179 to request info. The deadline to register is March 19, 2018.
Digging Deeper Retreat -- May 18-20 @Camp Mivoden. We invite you to a spiritual retreat for young adults and young families (ages 20s-40s). Whether single, married, with or without kids, all in the 20s-40s age range are invited to come together for a weekend of connecting in friendship and digging into the Word. Ty Gibson, our keynote speaker, will be unpacking our theme “Digging Deeper into God’s Heart”. Children's program for ages 4-10yr, childcare for ages 18mos-3yr, and mother’s room for infants are provided at the retreat. For more information visit www.DiggingDeeperRetreat.com.
The Christian Aid Center needs you! This important ministry partner of the University Church is always in need of volunteer help. In particular, the director of volunteers at CAC (and our church member), Jeannette Regalado, is requesting for volunteers to serve as barbers/hairstylists, registered nurses to help in our health clinic, and a van driver to pick up donated food on Monday mornings. Contact Jeannette at 509.525.7153.
Discovery Preschool is now enrolling children 3-5 years of age. It is the goal of our staff to work closely together with each family to provide a solid foundation for intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth of the child. Children are encouraged to explore their world through self-expression in a natural, playful, social environment. Contact information: stacy.maxted@wallawalla.edu or 509.527.2252. Visit: wallawalla.edu/preschool
Your Input Requested in Selection of New UCC President: The North Pacific Union Conference is looking for your assistance as we select a new conference president for Upper Columbia Conference. The input from each church member in your family is valued in the selection process. A letter from John Freedman, president of the NPUC, explaining the presidential search process; and a survey for you to include your input is available here: https://sp.uccsda.org/news2018-01-23/ Thank you for taking the time to find out more about the selection process and if you desire, to also fill out the survey.
EVENTS
Sabbath, March 10
1:15pm — All Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall
4pm — WWU Choir & Orchestra Concert, Sanctuary
5:53pm — Sundown
6pm — WWU Church Family Gym Night, Rogers Gym
8:30pm — Adventist Singles Fellowship, SonBridge
Monday, March 12
7:30am — (daily) Morning Worship, Heubach Chapel
Tuesday, March 13
7pm — High Five Youth Group, Jr. High Room
Wednesday, March 14
6:30pm — Pathfinders, Fellowship Hall
7pm — Prayer Meeting, Heubach Chapel
Friday, March 16
1pm — “Change the Day” Activity, Youth Room
7:01pm — Sundown
8pm — WWU Vespers, Ps. 46:10, Sanctuary
Sabbath, March 17
8pm — WWVA musical, Godspell, Village Hall
Sunday, March 18
7pm — WWVA musical, Godspell, Village Hall
Thursday, March 22
WWU and WWVA Spring Break Begins
Classes resume April 2
Friday, March 23
Rogers Adventist School Spring Break Begins
Monday, April 2
WWU, WWVA, and Rogers classes resume
Sunday, April 8
10am-1pm — College Place Spanish SDA Church fundraiser Brunch featuring Rogers School Handbells and String Orchestra
Click Here for PDF version of this week's Bulletin -- Or go to our Bulletin archive page for past versions.