MESSAGE. As Christians we often live under the impression that God is withholding His Spirit and that we need to earn the right to receive the Spirit. This perception leads to a life wasted in a frustrating pursuit of something that has been already offered to us. The Word of God assures us that Christ has already sent His Spirit. “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7 (see Acts 2:4). The Spirit is given to us. It is now up to us to receive the Spirit and live under the guidance of the Spirit. We know of the Spirit, but we are called to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25). What is this “walking” all about? This Sabbath morning I’m starting a new sermon series entitled “A Spirit-filled Life.”
MINISTRY.
Last Sunday’s Church Yard sale was a truly wonderful event. The sales total was $2,400. All the money raised will go to support the Pathfinder club trip to Oshkosh. Thank you, church! With all the hard work late Saturday night the ‘yard sale’ crew found a creative way to lighten their task but trying on a donated wig 🙂 Try to guess who is who in the wig… :-). On a serious note, a heartfelt THANK YOU goes to Janita and Jackie Rose, Lupina Haney, Greg Wilson, Nancy Smiley, Gwen and Michael Doucomes, Marichu and Brent, Janet and Tim Goss, Sue Wiley, Mike Haughee, Sharon Hoover, Judy Davis, and Edymar and Sarah Penagos, who worked till 1 am setting everything up for Sunday morning. Some hardworking men from the Men’s Ministry team provided a delicious breakfast, others were hanging out under the “FOOD’ area sign (see the proof below 😉 ). What a great way to connect with the community around our church, and also to help our children with the upcoming trip. Thank you, church!
Pastor Matthew and the Youth Team continue their monthly Friday night vespers and the number of those attending is growing.
Pathfinders had a fantastic weekend camping at Cohutta Springs last weekend. Here is what Aaron shared with me:
“This year’s Camporee was one of the best ones that I can remember. We had nice sunny days and cool nights with very little rain. The kids had a great time with the activities, programs and playing in the creek. Three of our girls had special music at the Friday program and they sounded amazing. It is always fun to hang out with the kids and staff on these outings. We were all blessed.”
PRAYERS. Praying for Adele Dahlberg and the family as Richard has passed this morning.
God has blessed this church with a strong prayer ministry. On Thursday our sanctuary was opened from 8 am to 3 pm for the National Day of Prayer. A prayer service was held at 9 am. We prayed about our community and our nation.
Right before the service Connie Jones showed me a bag filled with prayer requests from the OAKS students. Twice a week our Prayer Team gathers these requests from the students and prays over them. What an awesome way to show our love and care for the OAKS kids.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 