The Blessed Hope

Dear Ooltewah church family,

World events point to the soon return of our Savior. Let the blessed hope give us courage as we face our daily battles. Listen to the inspired words of Ellen White taken from the Great Controversy:

Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new name” (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” Revelation 1:5, 6. (GC, 646)

SABBATH SERMON. My Sabbath morning message is based on  Romans 15:12-13 “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

CHURCH MINISTRIES EVENT. This Saturday there will be a “Ministry Vespers” program from 6-8 p.m. in the social hall. We will have a light hotdog supper and present a 45-minute film (“Unconditional Love”) that showcases four nonprofits–including some in TN and AL–and explores the motivations behind their compassionate actions. We hope it inspires you to become even more involved in the ministries of our own church!

Unconditional Love (trailer)

PATHFINDERS. Pathfinders Induction was an absolutely wonderful event last Wednesday night. Thank you, Earl, and your team! At the closing of the Induction program Earl announced that he had accepted a call to serve as one of the Pathfinder Club coordinators on the Georgia-Cumberland Conference level. I have no doubts that the Conference will benefit greatly from your leadership role. We’ll miss you at our club, but I am sure that you have a special place in your heart for the Timberwolves!

I pray that this Sabbath the Lord will impress each one of our members to support our local church budget! This will be the last Sabbath of the month and we need to reach our  goal. What a wonderful way to support local needs, our school and many of our church ministries.

PRAYERS AND HELP NEEDED. Our dear sister Beth Best needs our constant prayers, visitations, phone calls and daily bread. If you are able to help her with bathing or a lunch dish at least one time please contact Nancy Smiley or myself. Your prayers and help are greatly appreciated.

OAKS Grandparents Day was a true blessing. Click here to see many photos taken on that day. The password for the picture gallery is ooltewahchurch .

You can more find announcements and ministry updates on our church website at http://www.ooltewahchurch.org

Your friend,

Peter