MESSAGE. This morning the world woke up to another terrorist attack in France which took over eighty innocent lives. Our prayers are with the families of those that lost their dear ones. With everything that is going on in the world today, the spirit of fear seems to be working overtime. We have every reason to fear, but the spirit of fear does not come from God. It can be crippling to anyone who holds on to it.
The devil wants us to be afraid. He wants us to be so overwhelmed that we cannot accomplish the things we need to do. Remember, if God is for us, no one can be against us. We are to hold fast to God and stand strong. He is still in control. God’s Kingdom is the only answer to terrorist attacks, death, and tears. As we continue our journey today be assured that Jesus is coming back. He is our hope.
“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop your anger! Turn from your rage!” Psalm 37:5-9
MINISTRY. This was a busy week at our church. Vacation Bible School started on Sunday afternoon with over sixty kids crawling through the narrow cave passage leading into the breathtaking underground opening (hint: Fellowship hall 🙂 ). Each night of the VBS program dozens of our church members were helping with games, food, registration, music, etc. Once again I witnessed the awesome spirit of our church family. Thank you Rhonda Hicks, Summer Bradford, and your wonderful team for the great program that you put together for our church and for the kids from the community.
Sabbath Worship. Both worship services tomorrow will take place in the underground cave (Fellowship Hall). I expect lots of blessings as we’ll be worshiping with our VBS participants and leaders.
Sabbath School. No changes with the Sabbath school program. The “sanctuary class” will meet in the sanctuary as usual and the “Fellowship class” will meet around the piano in the Fellowship Hall.
Fellowship Meal. Tomorrow is also our Fellowship Meal (potluck) Sabbath. Please bring lots of items from our summer menu options (salads, sandwiches, fruit salads, etc). Thank you.
Youth. Sunday night is the Youth Bible Themed Lego Competition. Everyone is invited.
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Atlanta Braves Family Game Day on August 21. This is a multi-generational event sponsored by the Pathfinder, Youth, and Young Adult departments of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference and intended for any and all of our Seventh-day Adventist family members. Come early and enjoy a Pathfinder processional on the field before the game. Thanks to an agreement between the Atlanta Braves and the Conference, we will again be receiving $5 off every ticket sold, which will go to support the Pathfinders, the Cohutta Springs Campership fund, or the Young Adult ministries. The deadline is this weekend. Please call, email, or text David Denton. He needs your $18 by this Sunday.
PRAYERS. Pastor Aubrey had a successful surgery last Tuesday. She is back home. Aubrey’s mother will stay with her through the weekend. After that we need to become her “parents” and “siblings.” Please pray for her full recovery.
Dr. David Stevens is getting very weak. He fell twice this week and had to be taken to the hospital. He is back home and needs our prayers.
David Denton’s grandmother Katherine is still in the hospital. Please pray that the Lord strengthens her body and encourages her spirit.
See you tomorrow,
Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 