Life of Service

Hi, my friends!

This Wednesday night our parsonage smelled like roses. Beautiful cards and bouquets from our church friends turned Galena’s birthday into a colorful mosaic of Christian love. Galena is very thankful for your gracious spirit and loving care. What a wonderful blessing it is to be part of the Ooltewah church family.

NEHEMIAH PROJECT. Roofing materials were delivered to our church property on Monday. If not for the rainy weather we could have already seen some serious work on the roof of our church. It looks like next week we’ll have more sunny days. Let’s pray for the progress of our Nehemiah project. Thank you for every contribution towards our church renovation.  “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.” (‭Psalm‬ ‭96‬:‭6-8‬)

OAKS. David Denton and John Turner worked on repainting the OAKS gym. Looks fantastic, David and John! Huge Thank You to both of you.

EVANGELISM. Thousands of the Ooltewah Spring Event cards have been designed and ordered by Lucas. Over the next few days these cards will be mailed to almost every house in the Ooltewah-Collegedale area. This Wednesday, Steve and Sharon Bremner worked together at the church office all day long sorting and organizing all these cards for bulk mailing. I was sincerely touched by their hard work. Thank you, Sharon, for your many hours volunteering at the office! Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Steve, for always being ready to “walk an extra mile”.

Besides bulk-mail we have close to 2,000 cards to share with our friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Please, pick up as many as you can tomorrow or any other Sabbath in the next few weeks.

EVENTS. Tomorrow night The Emmanuel Quartet is presenting a concert at 7 pm at our church. What an excellent witnessing opportunity. Come with your family and friends.

TRAINING. Our church phone has been ringing rather often this week as people were calling to register for the Parenting Seminar scheduled for March 21st. Please, take note that there is a Friday night Vespers program on March 20, presented by Ruthie Jacobsen, North American Division Prayer Ministries director. The program starts at 7 pm.

CHURCH FAMILY. I was heart broken yesterday when I learned about pastor Ray Kelche’s death. After 40 plus years of ministry, Ray was just starting his retirement. I pray that Jesus comes soon and gives Ray the crown of glory for his wonderful life and devoted ministry. Marian appreciates all the prayers and loving support from our church family. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, March 16 from 5:30 to 8 pm at our church. The Memorial service is planned for 2 pm next Tuesday, March 17, in our sanctuary. The burial will take place at the Collegedale cemetery followed by a reception in our church Fellowship Hall. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,  who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Your prayers are needed for Adam Garrett who is currently undergoing treatment at the Wildwood Health center; Jerry Johnson, prostate cancer; Bradley Hyde, cancer treatment plans. “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. (‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭39‬ NIV)

SABBATH WORSHIP. Both services tomorrow morning were planned by Daniel De Silva and Marlon Wallace, our externs (Southern Adventist University theology students). My message will continue the “Be My Disciples” series. Tomorrow is part 3, “Life of Service.” Please, read John 12:24-26.

A WILLING HEART. Our last Sabbath church budget offering was under $4,000. With the weekly goal of $5,500 we’ll need to do some catching up tomorrow morning. “Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” I pray that we all show how much we care about God and His ministry through our church.

Happy Sabbath. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.