MESSAGE. Tomorrow morning we will participate in the Communion service, which we also call the Lord’s Supper. On the night before the betrayal Christ offered His disciples the symbols of His body and His blood. He invited them to “take and eat, … drink” (Matthew 26:26-27) the bread and the wine. Agreeing with the historical fact of Christ’s death and resurrection does not bring the salvific and transforming power of God into our life; It is only by ‘eating and drinking’ Christ that we experience the infusion of His divine nature into our hearts and minds. This is the only way that a sinner becomes a partaker of the divine nature of Christ. The qualities of His nature gradually push out hatred, pride, and unforgiveness. His spirit changes our impulses. What was foreign and unthinkable to us becomes our nature. We start accepting people who we resented before; we enjoy serving those who we never shook hands with before; we pray for those who we never wanted to talk to in the past. These are signs of the divine nature taking control of our being.
MINISTRY. Two weeks ago over thirty ladies from our church attended the GCC Women’s Ministry retreat at Cohutta Springs. Julia Philips got an award for bringing the highest number of women from a single local church. Good job, Julia! Here is a photo from the retreat.
Lupina Haney is reporting that at the Season of Change meeting yesterday they had over 50 ladies enjoying the Cupcake Club gluten free cupcakes and the songs by the 6 sisters. Mom Kyla Dean gave her testimony about their business and their singing. The girls were semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent. The widows were blessed by them.
The Cereal Barrel Ministry needs your support. The barrel is running low. Please remember to bring a box of cereal to help a struggling family in our community. “What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17
Love in Action. Edymar Penagos sent me the following short announcement: “We had a wonderful turn out and time at Mikes house. We made real progress and the finish line is in sight. If you are able and willing to help, please contact Mike Haughee 423-488-4848 or myself Eddie Penagos 813-541-2184. We are planning to meet again soon to hopefully wrap up this project.”
This Sunday is the Big Church Yard Sale event. Please come and meet people from the community. Let’s make friends and bring good items for sale. All proceeds will go to support the Pathfinders’ trip to Oshkosh.
Since January we have met our local church budget goal every month! How wonderful. God is truly blessing our church. We are able to support every ministry. Tomorrow is the last Sabbath of the month. We seem to be a bit low after the first three weeks of the month. Let’s allow God to make a miracle tomorrow!
PRAYERS.
- Please uplift in your prayers June Kennedy who needs God’s help in her recovery after a stroke two weeks ago.
- Please pray for the Pathfinder Club as they are camping this weekend.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Since my last blog post we had a wonderful time celebrating Dasha’s baby shower. We were also joined by our eldest daughter Stacey who is also expecting. Please keep them in your prayers.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 
Pastor Peter, we appreciate your positive influence in our church. Thanks for your sincere love for the congregation and your passion for evangelism. We’re often gone for School of Religion weekends or for engagements out of town, but we always look forward to being in our home church whenever we can.
You are a blessing and God is using you to touch lives,
David & Judi Hartman
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