MESSAGE.
A broken GPS may easily bring us to the wrong destination. A faulty spiritual compass will keep us going in circles. Christ is offering us the Spirit of Truth, the only safe guide to a whole life. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13)
MINISTRY.
On Monday the church board met in a hybrid format. Some joined the meeting in person, while others participated over ZOOM. The finance committee report was accepted with prayers of praise! Our May numbers showed strong support of our local church ministries. This is a clear sign of our unity and commitment to the Gospel proclamation. The board voted to amend the previous policy of the ministries allocations. For the new fiscal year all departments will be receiving a fixed monthly amount which is built into our overall church budget for the new year.
It was noted that the 9 AM worship service attendance reached the recommended capacity. To adhere to social distancing guidelines you may choose to attend the 11:30 AM service. Be advised that the state of Tennessee is reporting increasing numbers of new COVID 19 cases. Please, exercise caution and show your love to others by wearing a face covering.
Board members expressed a strong concern regarding the lower Sabbath school division’s needs. ZOOM may not always be the best option for the children or youth. It was recommended that Sabbath school leaders of the lower divisions start actively looking for more creative ways of reaching out to the children of our church. I’m glad to report that there have already been some good steps made in that direction.
A “gift packet” has been delivered to all the children of the Kindergarten class. Teacher Pat lovingly organized study guides for all the kids; our summer intern, Jaime Barbosa and his wife Jaude, purchased small gifts and personally delivered them to all the class members. Cradle Roll class leader, Becky Denton, has just now called me from the ABC store. She is gathering her own “gift packets” for the kids in her class. They will be delivered to the homes of the Cradle Roll class early next week. Becky has also started recording bi-weekly videos for her class. They are available on the Cradle Roll Facebook page and on the church website under the Children’s Ministries menu tab. To watch teacher Becky’s latest study click on the video below:
Pastor Matthew and Emmalee started recording Bible Study lessons for the Kindergarten-age children. They did a great job and the first lesson is on the church Facebook page as well as on the church website under the Children’s Ministry tab. Here is the video:
Next week I’ll share more updates with you on the other lower division Sabbath school classes.
Pathfinder Club had the Investiture service on Wednesday night. Thank you, Director David Reynolds, and all the staff, for giving so much of your time and guidance to the youth of our church this year.
PRAYERS.
Please remember Bill Chilson in your prayers. He needs additional tests as he’s having some lung issues.
Prayers of praise for Nancy Smiley. Her surgery went well and she is back home on the path to full recovery.
Prayers for Julia Easter as she’s undergoing chemotherapy.
Prayers of praise for Amy and Cory Goss’ grand-baby Meilani.
RESOURCES.
Online weekly bulletin: click here
Online giving: click here
Women’s Sabbath School class has started meeting in the Early Teens classroom until the children return back to church.
Online Sabbath school classes:
Leaders: Mike & Sharon Harrell
To be part of an exciting and energetic 1-hour discussion of the current Quarterly Sabbath School lesson, sign onto Zoom at 10:30 on Sabbath mornings. Mike Harrell facilitates the discussion. Everyone is given the opportunity to participate if you would like, or to listen silently if that is your preference. Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86381506419
Meeting ID: 863 8150 6419
To Join by Phone: 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 863 8150 6419 Wait for prompt, then enter the # key (no password required) *6 to mute or unmute.
Friendship class
Leaders: Mike Haughee, Edwin Reynolds, Barry Tryon, David Hartman
Topic: Friendship class Sabbath School
Time: Jun 13, 2020 10:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sat, until Jul 4, 2020, 4 occurrence(s)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76499855133?pwd=QXVJN2FZUERUSkVRY2V2T1dOTG5YQT09
Meeting ID: 764 9985 5133
Password: heidi0824
From my heart:
The last week has been full of exciting events in our family.
A. Our granddaughter Mila Crawford turned one!
B. Our son-in-law Kevin Crawford has successfully completed his residency and fellowship at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.
C. Our youngest grandson Caspian Arocho made his first steps!
D. Today I thank God for the amazing thirty-six years of my “heaven on earth” marriage with Galina!
Happy Sabbath, my friends! See you tomorrow morning.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 