We Will Never Forget

MESSAGE.

During the COVID19 quarantine I’ve heard many people complain about the restrictions imposed by the government. These short-term measures have reminded us of the value of personal freedoms. If we are upset because of a few weeks of recommended limitations, let us remember that many nations live under harsh dictatorship regimes all the time. We are blessed with freedoms which many others can only dream about. These freedoms were not bought by billionaires, were not developed by scientists, but were granted to us by those who bled and died protecting our nation from enemies. As we enjoy these blessings let us remember those who are no longer with us. They died so that we could continue to build a nation of spiritually-sound and morally-just people.

Here is a link to a Memorial Day message from our conference president Gary Rustad: https://vimeo.com/gccsda/2020may21update

---

MINISTRY.

Last Monday night our church board met on ZOOM to pray for our church and to agree on a plan of action for the month of June. Close to forty members attended our online meeting. This level participation was very encouraging. We are still together and we care about our church. Financial reports for the month of April showed a strong spirit of giving in tithes and local offerings. Thank you, church family! Community ministries continue to prepare food twice a month for the homeless in Chattanooga. Lucas Patterson would appreciate broader participation of our members in preparing sack lunches. If you are interested in helping please contact Lucas directly. 423-582-1678, lucaspatterson@southern.edu .

The Board expressed heartfelt appreciation of Lupina Haney’s ministry. For the last several years she served as a head deaconess. Lupina could never say no. She was always willing and ready to help at any of our church programs and functions. Planning potlucks, buying supplies, decorations for the church, organizing communion services, planning receptions for funeral and memorial services, preparing gift bags for new members; these are just a few of the many responsibilities in which she showed her commitment and love. Due to personal life circumstances, Lupina asked to step down from this position. No words can express how grateful we are for your ministry, Lupina! We understand that you need a break, and we’ll continue to pray for you.

The Board has asked Dina Cole to serve as a head deaconess. We are thankful to Dina for accepting this position.

The Board had a thorough discussion of the proposed guidelines for “In-person Worship Services”. These guidelines are posted on the church website here: GUIDELINES.

We hope to be ready for a ‘soft opening’ on June 6. With limited seating capacity (only 72 chairs) we do not want to turn anyone away. June 6 will be our “trial” Sabbath service only at 9 am where we’ll get a better understanding of our congregation’s level of participation . You are welcome to attend, however it is important that you read and follow the voted guidelines. Our emphasis will still be on the online worship services. You may choose to continue to participate in our Sabbath services from your homes until you feel safe to join the “in-person” worship.

Would you do me a favor and answer a few questions in this online survey? Your pastoral staff would like to see where you are on the “church re-opening” path. Click here to access the survey.

---

ONLINE CAMP MEETING. You are invited to participate in the online Camp meeting starting next week. Follow this link to learn more about the speakers and the broadcasts schedule: CALLED TO SERVE .

---

MEN’S MINISTRY UPDATE shared by Edymar Penagos:

We are now 1 month and 10 days from the Easter evening tornado. There has been a lot of progress but there are still many who need help and we have a long road to recovery ahead. OAC and Men’s Ministry want to make sure that everyone who needs help has access to help. With large volunteer organizations packing up and FEMA funds draining, we want to make sure that no one is left alone and hopeless with their situation. We want to make sure that we are sharing a message of hope and love through our actions so that our beloved community knows God is with us all.

Below are two links; one to sign up as a volunteer and another to request assistance. Please fill them out if you would like to help with relief efforts or if you know of someone who is in need of assistance. Links:

Tornado Response Assistance Link: https://bit.ly/tornado_response

Disaster Relief Volunteer Sign Up Link: https://bit.ly/disaster_voluntee

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  1 John 3:16-18

---

PRAYERS.

Betty Chastain is now at LifeCare of Ooltewah. She appreciates your prayers for a full recovery after her fall earlier this week.

Here is a request sent by Steve Darmody: “Please pray for my mom who suffered a fall on Tuesday and broke 3 ribs.  She’s isolated and sad.  Which is much worse than the pain of the breaks.  I’m in Tulsa and my daughter is allowed to visit her twice a day.  But Prayers go such a long way.  I’m sure her heart and soul WILL feel the prayers.”

Requesting prayers for Tom Coleman who was diagnosed with cancer. He is in surgery today.

RESOURCES.

Sabbath school classes available on ZOOM:

Youth Sabbath School –https://us04web.zoom.us/j/485227493 . Contact Jenny Spicer for the password.

Primary Sabbath School Class – Please text Cory Goss at 423-497-7396 if you would like join the Primary Sabbath School Class.  Kindergarten class is welcome to participate in Cory’s class.

Friendship Sabbath School Class – Please contact Mike Haughee at 423-488-4848 if you would like to join the Friendship Sabbath School Class Via Zoom. 

Men’s Ministry Class The class will start at 10:30 a.m. and run for 40 minutes. If the class goes long, we will log into the second link. The plan is to study James this week and the next and on the first Sabbath of June (6/6/2020), we intend to start the 33 series.
10:30 am meeting link. Text or call Edymar for the password 813-541-2184
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85111466433?pwd=d08yZ0o1bW4wUnFWWjZrN2NkQVdxdz09

Fellowship Sabbath School May 23
Tune in Time Begins: May 23, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
We will begin the discussion when the pastor finishes his sermon. Presenter this week – Larry Otto
Join Zoom Meeting – click here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4238832558?pwd=dnlmVGFGcjFFdUxzb05aalhQSGNMZz09

Meeting ID: 423 883 2558 Password: contact Larry Otto or Carl Bartlett

---

ONLINE WEEKLY BULLETIN click here

ONLINE GIVING click here

LIVE WORSHIP SERVICE click on this link at 9 am on May 23

---

FROM MY HEART:

Last week our whole family came together for a couple of days. What a blessing to be together.

---

Happy Sabbath! I’m looking forward to worshiping together at 9 am 🙂