MESSAGE. For the last few weeks we have been studying the miracles of Jesus. We learned that He can give sight to the blind. He can give hearing to the deaf. He can make the dumb speak, He can walk on water. Tomorrow morning we will talk about His ultimate power over death. Jesus proved that He can raise the dead.
The earth is covered with graves. They are everywhere. Death looms on the horizon of every individual’s life. How marvelous it is to realize, then, that Jesus came to conquer death. Just listen to several verses from John 5. Verse 21: “The Son gives life to anyone he chooses. Neither he nor the Father shuts anyone out.” (MSG). Verse 24: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life…” (NKJV) In other words, Jesus claimed to have power over death. He said, “The Father has power over death, and He’s given Me power over death.” He also said, “Because I live, ye, too, shall live, also.” To know that Christ has conquered death that is the ultimate joy.
MINISTRY. On July 17 the youth group raised funds for a noble cause. They also had a lot of fun in the process. Dressed as our favorite heroes they auctioned community service hours. A total of $520.00 was raised in return for the pledges of service. The donations were used to fill the Erlanger Children’s Hospital storage closet with gifts. God bless all who played a part! We pray that these gifts bring joy to many a child in their moment of need and remind all of Jesus, Friend of little children!
Attention men! A new Sabbath school class is opening tomorrow. This class is planned specifically to help men to be better fathers, husbands, and sons, or simply better servants for the Lord. Whether an “everyman” like Jacob or a man of supernatural strength like Samson, the Bible tells the story of many men used especially by God. The class will meet during regular SS times in the OAKS building.
A new Bible study group targeting our larger community is being launched next Friday night at 6:30 at the Samaritan Center. You will find the flyers in the church bulletin tomorrow. The best way to use the flyer would be to share it with your friend. Here is this same flyer in digital format. You can print as many copies as you want for your friends and neighbors. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this new Bible study group. hope-poster-copy
Tomorrow the OAKS band is playing for second service. Both services will be in the sanctuary due to an evangelistic seminar presented by the Hispanic SDA church in our church Fellowship Hall. The seminar will continue nighlty through next Friday. Please, pray for our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters.
Tomorrow night church elders will meet at 6 pm in the church sanctuary.
At 7 PM The Connect ministry is inviting all elders, deacons, deaconesses, greeters, church ministries leaders, and every church member to get together for a brainstorming session. We need to find new ways to help bring greater integration into our church family. With lots of visitors and over a hundred new members who joined our church in the last 24 months, we need to seek creative ways of building up community in our wonderful church. THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE OAKS GYM.
The game night, with snacks and ice-cream, will start at 8 PM, ALSO AT THE OAKS GYM. Everyone is welcome. Don’t forget to bring your table games.
For your calendar: September 17 thru September 18, 2016 – Melody Prettyman, a Texas-based vegan chef and author, will give two health seminars on Saturday, September 17 at 5:00 pm, and Sunday, September 18 at 3:00 pm, at the Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist church, 9209 Amos Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363. For more info click here
September 18: Church bowling from 9 to 11 am at 5518 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411. The cost is $6.99 for unlimited games (shoe rental not included.) http://sparetimeentertainment.com/chattanooga
ANNOUNCEMENTS. All church announcements are available on-line on our church website at www.ooltewahchurch.org . Here is a direct link to the church communications page with the online church bulletin for this week: http://www.ooltewahchurch.org/article/34/about-our-church/communications
GIVING. See God’s promises fulfilled through your generosity and take ownership in what God is doing through the Ooltewah church ministry. Thank you, church, for your support of the local church budget in the month of August. I am so excited to see that we have a broader participation in our local church giving. We are praying about every member contributing at least $15 a week. Many of you accepted this challenge. The impact is absolutely miraculous. Just yesterday I heard a wonderful testimony from one of our church members, how among major financial challenges his family gives faithfully to the Lord. God is among us, friends. His work is amazing!
For those who choose to give ONLINE using their computers, tablets or smart phones, a safe and secure link is in the menu on our church website: www.ooltewahchurch.org
PRAYERS. We are sad to hear that Kenny, brother of Leone Peden, has passed away. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
George Mackel (Emilyn’s husband) is at MICU at Erlanger. He needs our prayerful support.
A Memorial Service for Kent Robertson’s father, Willis Robertson, will take place tomorrow at 4 pm at the McDonald SDA church. Visitation starts at 3 pm.
Pastor Aubrey took a few days off and is visiting with her family and friends. She’ll be back next week. Please, keep Aubrey and her family in prayers.
Have a blessed Sabbath day,
Peter
*The painting “The Resurrection of the Widow’s Son at Nain” (circa 1894) by James Tissot.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 