AGAPE

Agape. Lots of red and pink colors surround us this weekend! As we talk about love I invite you to remember of the One who is the source of true love – our Heavenly Father. God is love.

Romans 8:37-39 – Now, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“How can we know something that surpasses or is beyond knowledge? How can we know something that is beyond words?… We can and do use words to point to all of our human experiences. However, the experience of “God as Agape” is beyond words, beyond the limitations of our minds.” (JDG)

Adventurers. Last Sabbath we were blessed with a beautiful worship service presented by the Adventurer Club. Thank you, Becky and your team, for your hard work!

Sabbath morning was just the beginning of many exciting activities for the Adventurers. They spent the night and the full day on Sunday at the Discovery museum downtown Chattanooga.

OAKS. This morning our Fellowship Hall was radiating with love and joy. It was the OAKS Teddy Bear Tea Party for Grades K through 2. Love was truly in the air. See a couple of photos below:

Tomorrow morning the Children’s story will be shared by the members of the Destiny Drama company from Southern Adventist University.

Sabbath sermon. I will continue my “The Secrets of the Kingdom of God” sermon series. Tomorrow, Part 4, “Fish sorting”, is based on Matthew 13:47-50. To be saved for God’s Kingdom we need to know our Savior personally. Otherwise, in the Day of Judgment we may hear the unfortunate words: “Depart from me, I never knew you…”

The Youth and Young Adults will have a fun Sabbath afternoon. Supper will be served beginning at 3:30 p.m. followed by a drama performance by Destiny Drama Company from Southern Adventist University at 4:30 p.m. Later in the evening, the Youth and Young Adults will be meeting at SuperFly for some trampoline fun! Come and enjoy food, music, a drama performance and fellowship.**Please note: although all are welcome to attend the vespers program and supper will be geared toward ages 13 and up** Thank you, Lisa Patterson, for bringing this Sabbath treat to our church from SAU.

Prayers needed. Delbert Fisher is at Skyridge hospital in Cleveland due to internal bleeding. Bradley Hyde is considering treatment options for prostate cancer. Tim and Cindy Mountcastle and their big family need prayers for comfort. Tim’s brother passed away early this week.

Church budget. I pray that we all come together in supporting our local church budget. It is only with YOUR support of the church budget that we’ll be able to expand the wonderful work of our many departments and ministries, including OAKS. Please, start planning your church budget contribution on Friday night. Come prepared on Sabbath morning. This is the way to show our love to God and His church. Thank you, my friends, for being faithful stewards of the Heavenly Father.

Heart Health Fair. Are you bringing someone to the church sponsored health fair this Sunday? Medical professionals will be on site from 1-4 p.m. to provide blood pressure and glucose screenings, share heart-friendly recipes, and hand out great giveaway items (water bottles, pedometers, blood pressure monitor, stress relief neck pillows, fitness balls, etc).

The fair takes place in the Greenbriar Cove Club House at 9555 Leyland Drive and is sponsored by the Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church. Let us use this event as a witnessing opportunity to our friends and neighbors.

Happy Sabbath! See you tomorrow.

Your friend and pastor,

Peter