27 May 2016 | Himmerlandsgården, Denmark [Anne-May Müller] It is an annual tradition for Danish Seventh-day Adventists. During the ascension-day weekend they meet at their Himmerlandsgården camp ground in the north of the country for camp meeting. In addition to worship and fellowship, this year they also had business to attend to, since the Union had its triennial business session, 4-8 May 2016.
Just over 200 delegates met with other members for a long weekend of fellowship, praise, worship and business meetings. They even had sunshine and, according to Trans-European Division president, Raafat Kamal, the event “was blessed with a sweet and praiseful spirit throughout the proceedings.”
Business was done in a spirit of honesty, love and unity. Of course, there were issues delegates disagreed on, but when the debate can be done in a way that conveys respect for differing opinions, it is a sign of a good session and a church that can embrace the diversity of its members. Kamal complemented delegates on their “constructive reflection and discussion”.
Among many actions, delegates also voted to increase the length of time between sessions. Moving from three years to four will, they believe, ensure stability and give a longer time to implement the strategies and plans voted at the session. 
That work came to an end as a special ‘Friday evening feeling’ came on. The last business meeting closed before the Sabbath, and delegates laid aside all the voting, plans and policies. Instead they prepared to meet God in a special way during the Sabbath.
Sabbath afternoon saw the tent packed again for a very meaningful and solemn appointment service, when four pastors, Anne-May Müller, Rebecca Pedersen, Thomas Rasmussen and Michael Bidstrup were set aside for pastoral ministry with the laying on of hands and prayer.
After four days of business, fellowship and worship, the session closed on Sunday afternoon with a long-standing tradition, the singing of the hymn 
‘God be with you till we meet again’. Thus, uplifted and ready for another four years of ministry and mission – or until the Lord comes, Thomas Müller reminded us that the church belongs to God, and if He is in control, nothing can scare us or divert us from the task ahead.
For a selection of photos from the weekend please visit the Danish Union website. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
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