MESSAGE. “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends” (Revelation 3:20. NLT). God needs us as His friends. He is actually waiting for us to call Him back. We are busy with work, families, school, even church work, but He simply wants to eat with us as His friends. Where is God on your schedule? Where is He on the list of your priorities?
“Action expresses priorities.” -Ghandi
MINISTRY.
I just returned from the OAKS Gradparents’ Day program. There was nowhere to park! The Fellowship Hall was full to its capacity. Lots of happy faces. Smiles, kids, music…the new Handbells sounded simply perfect! We are blessed with a wonderful school, students, teachers, and staff. Thank you, OAKS for leading our children to Jesus.
Father-Son Retreat is starting today. The weather seems to be just right for the bonding experience. I do not have the final count on those who registered for the retreat, but as of last week it was over thirty. We’ll miss many of our church members tomorrow, but I have no doubts that we all want our families to get stronger under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Last weekend our Pathfinders had a wonderful time at Howe Farm. It was their regional campout. Aaron Brewer reported at the Board meeting last Monday that in spite of cool weather and strong winds they all had a great time packed with training, learning and uplifting spiritual messages by our own pastor Matthew.
Season of Change met Thursday with a delicious menu of Garden Salad, Swiss Steaks, Corn and Broccoli Cornbread Casserole, Rolls and yummy Pumpkin Bars that Janet Goss made. We had about 60 with 4 new widows attending.
Tomorrow afternoon at 5 PM we start the Discipleship Training seminar. Please, plan on attending. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn what practical Discipleship is all about. I hope to see many of you tomorrow afternoon.
Tomorrow night is a big event which we’ve been anticipating for months! Our first church-wide International Food Festival. The program starts at 7PM. You’ll definitely regret it if you miss out 🙂 The program is open for everyone, even if you are an American 😉 Invite your family, neighbors and friends.
Looking a few weeks ahead. Steve Darmody shared great news with me! Here is a quote from his message: “The Ooltewah SDA Church choir will be singing an 8 minute medley of Handel’s Messiah for both services, Saturday, Dec 22, 2018. If you would like to get the music and practice mp3 so that you can learn it and come that morning to sing with us, please let me know. Email your contact info along with your vocal range to steve@morningsong.org. You will be sent the url link for the sheet music and the mp3 rehearsal audio.”
Have a blessed Sabbath Day!
Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 