MESSAGE. The Discipline of Community. Author Randy Frazee in his book “The Connecting Church” writes, “The experience of authentic community is one of the purposes God intends to be fulfilled by the church.” The church or a local community of believers is essential to our spiritual well-being. Believers in the early church needed each other and God expected them to be there for each other. Likewise, we need each other and God expects us to be there for each other.
Tomorrow morning we will study the third essential element of Christian discipleship: The Discipline of Community.
MINISTRY. On the first night of Camp Meeting pastor Matthew left the Conference banquet early to officiate the baptism for Rafferty Bradford. Here is what Summer wrote on her Facebook page (sorry, Summer, for quoting you without asking for your permission): “This boy turned 13 this past Tuesday and it was truly a beautiful day and evening celebration. Rafferty decided to accept Christ as his personal savior and get baptized on his birthday. He is such a creative and intelligent soul with a sweet smile. We are so proud of the young man that he has become. Happy Birthday and we love you Rafferty…”
Pool party. Sunday morning the weather was just perfect for a great pool party. Many young families came to our neighborhood pool with their kids. Thank you, pastor Matthew, Emmalee and Emmalee’s Mom for providing hot pizzas for the kids and for the parents. I hope our young families will make this a regular activity. What a good way to connect and build friendships.
Georgia-Cumberland Camp Meeting is always a blessing. I enjoyed my security assignments, a nice golf cart -:) and the opportunity to meet many of my fellow pastors 
and friends. Pastor Matthew was busy with the kids program. Overall it was a wonderful experience. I hope many of you enjoyed the seminars and the main auditorium meetings.
On Camp Meeting Sabbath the Ooltewah church remained opened. I was impressed with a full church for both services. The second service was beautified by the dedication of two precious babies: Ava Jensen and Hudson Stone.
Edymar is reporting from the Men’s Ministry team: “Hello, all! Because of the weather, it was a little questionable if the car show would go on. We took a chance and moved forward with going, and am I glad we did! The car show didn’t get canceled and by 11am, there were a plethora of unique cars and trucks to look at (see attached photos). This has become and will remain an annual tradition for the Ooltewah Men’s Group, so if you were not able to make it, see you next year!
Oh, and of course we had a good time cutting up with each other and the Hardees employees before the show. I did learn you can’t take Mike Haughee, Fred Turner and Steve Kulik anywhere!
PRAYERS. Our sincere condolences to the Lastine family. Retired pastor, a member of our congregation, Jerry Lastine, passed early Thursday morning. The memorial service arrangements are being made for July.
Words of praise from Sue Brown: “Thank you for all those who have prayed faithfully for me at the time of my surgery and as I am recovering. I appreciate each and everyone of you and your prayers, thoughts, cards and calls. Sue”
Paula Wolfe is thankful for your kind messages, sincere expressions of love and kind words or remembrance during the Memorial service for her husband Roger, who passed two weeks ago.
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Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 