Free From the Dominion of Sin

MESSAGE: In October I am starting a new sermon series entitled “Crossing into the Promised Land.” Tomorrow is Part 1. “Free from the dominion of sin.” This series is inspired by themes from the Book of Exodus.

The message for the people of Israel is also for us. We are going to the Promised Land, our heavenly home that Jesus has prepared for us. How important it is to remember who we are, where we are coming from, why we are here, where we are going, and to Whom we belong! Ellen G. White encourages us to remember the Lord’s care for us. She says: “When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ’s love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter the region of peace” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 250).

MINISTRY: Tonight is the Adventure Club Induction service. Last Wednesday night the Adventurers had a rehearsal in the sanctuary right before the Prayer meeting. It was great to see our sanctuary filled with happy, active, little green angels ;-). Thank you, Becky Denton for your leadership. You have a wonderful team and we’ll keep y’all in our prayers. You are teaching our little ones to follow Jesus. God bless you!

Last Sunday church the deaconesses gathered together for prayers and ministry planning. Here is a brief update from Sarah Penagos, who is assisting Nancy Smiley in this important church department:

Hope Bible study class will meet tonight at the Samaritan Center at 6:30 P.M. I realized that many of you have never heard about this evangelistic opportunity. The class is sponsored by the Ooltewah church and meets there every week. Starting October 21 this group will launch a new study known as Thunder in the Holy Land. Next week our church will mass mail 10,000 invitations to almost every address in Ooltewah. Flyers will also be available at church. Spread the word. Share the invitation.

CONNECT: Every week new members join our awesome church family. I am trying to feature as many of them as possible in my weekly email message, but I am far behind. There are several more families introduced in our October church newsletter. Here is a link to the e-version. The printed version will be available tomorrow morning at church.

Here is our family of the week :-): “Hi! This is Wendy, Zander and Kaitlyn:  We have recently moved to Ooltewah from Northwest Georgia. Zander and Kaitlyn are in 7th grade at OAKS.  They enjoy music, swimming, and hiking. We are happily settling into the area and are blessed to join the Ooltewah church!”

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY. With so many new members joining our congregation the time is right for a new church directory. Here is a word from Michael Haughee:

“Hello! Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church is making a new pictorial directory and wants you to be included. You can make your photography appointment at the church. The photography dates are Sunday, Monday November 6,7 and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday November 13,14,15. Please make your appointment so you will be included in the new pictorial directory for Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church. Thank you!”

Cheerful Giver church. Through the month of September you have faithfully and generously supported our local church budget. Once again we met our monthly goal! Thank you! If you have not yet tried our $15 per week per member goal it is never too late. The blessing will be yours. I know that many of you are giving much more than this. God bless you.

MEMORIAL SERVICE – A memorial service for Eva Nordgren will take place on Sabbath afternoon in the Sanctuary @ 4:00 o’clock. Family and close friends are invited to stay for the Reception after the service.

PRAYERS. Penny Smith had two major surgeries this week. She is grateful for the prayers. Even though she is still at Memorial hospital her face is radiating with positive spirit and smiles.

Barbara Kraner’s sister Kay had surgery. She requests our prayers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Click here for the full list of announcements and Sabbath church bulletin. 

Join us for END IT NOW Sabbath on October 22 to learn how you can help break the cycle of domestic abuse. Click on the picture to learn about the upcoming event. 

See you tomorrow morning,

Peter