MESSAGE. 

Civility is about allowing others to have a different point of view. Christianity is about showing respect and extending grace to others who may differ from me in their mindset. Today, as never before I beg you to be civil and to be Christian in your actions and in your attitude. “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

MINISTRY.

On October 18 our Health Ministry team presented an excellent event with an emphasis on our bodies immune system. Dianna Dodd shared a step by step plan on how to get prepared for the cold season. The Fellowship Hall was nicely beautified and ladies from our church prepared a delicious variety of soups. There were live participants on ZOOM and YouTube as well as those who joined the seminar in person. Thank you, Health Ministry team!

In a couple of weeks our church will host another Health event: “Healthy Options for the Holidays!” Join us on Sunday, November 15th at 3:00pm in our Fellowship Hall to learn how to create two different entrees as well as dessert, all perfect for the holidays! Dos Bros will also be here catering us their vegetarian offerings, great for when you’re on the go.  $5 donation/person is appreciated, includes cooking demo, samples of all foods, recipes and a list of resources.  Seating will be spacious, face masks optional.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Online at ooltewahchurch.org/healthministry, or call 423-708-8186 and leave us a message. 

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During Covid 19, there has been a dramatic increase in people’s desire to understand the Bible. Thousands of leads are being received by our ministries such as It is Written, Voice of Prophecy, Amazing Facts, Bible Research, etc. These entities are unable to handle such a large load of interest, and are reaching out to lay members across the U.S, to help with this work. We have a number of these interests right here in the Ooltewah-Collegedale area. Church members are needed who are willing to be trained and who will go out into God’s vineyard (virtually and physically) to work with these people who are wanting to know more about God’s Word. 

If you are interested in helping out in this soul-winning opportunity, watch the zoom presentation this Sabbath, Oct. 31 at 3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to find out more about how to be part of this great work. Then watch for a follow-up training event a week later on Sabbath, Nov. 7 at 3:00, which will give detailed information on how to give virtual Bible studies, and will explain three ways to follow up on leads, and how to connect with your community through prayer. To register to be part of this zoom presentation, click on https://www.gccsda.com/events/reach your neighbor2020

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Men of our church are not allowing anything to distract them from the path of service and spiritual growth. Here is the latest update from Edymar Penagos: 

Haney’s Hungry Hombres is back!

• For the first time since January of 2020, we will be breaking bread together. Please plan to join us for breakfast by the bonfire on November 8th. Biscuits and single serving beverages will be provided. We will meet outside at the church at 8am behind the fellowship hall. Since this event will be outside, masks will not be required but we will be following all of the other social distancing guidelines.

Men’s Sabbath School class:

• The men’s SS class is going to hit pause on the 33 series and instead will be studying Revelation and final events prophecy. But wait, there’s more.  The goal will not only be to understand and recognize the final events in earth’s history, but how we (men of God), are going to continue to live our lives grounded in the principles that we have learned over the last several years in men’s class. In other words, as we continue to navigate these uncertain times, how will you reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, love unconditionally, demonstrate integrity, serve humbly and investe eternally? Please plan to join us this sabbath over at the school, class starts at 10:20am. Men were designed by God to be strong and lead, will you answer the call?   

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men– men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”  Education, p. 57

Love in Action:

• We have 5 projects that need to be completed before the end of November. I am currently in the process of evaluating the projects and hope to email everyone more information by this time next week. Remember, we are not in the business of fixing things, we are in the business of demonstrating love. These projects are about growing closer together as a family while loving our neighbors as God commanded. 

Ignite the Fire Men’s Retreat, by Blueprint for Men:

• “We are living in some of the most challenging and uncertain times. During the past year we have experienced a global pandemic, social and racial unrest, political friction, wildfires, hurricanes, and more.  We all sense that the end is near and that we must seek God and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will ignite a fire that lights the whole world! And to this end we present the theme of our weekend… Ignite the Fire!”
• For more information and to register, click the following link: ignite the fire retreat
• If the cost is an issue, please reach out to me directly. I want every man who wants to attend to be there.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 

COMMUNITY SERVICES. This Monday once again we need your help in making sack lunches for the homeless in Chattanooga. Volunteers please contact our church Elder Edwin Reynolds at 423-316-7280 or reynolds@southern.edu.

Lucas Patterson has been our powerful engine in the Community Services for the last several years. His personal involvement and his example motivated many of us to participate in the important community outreach programs. I am personally grateful to Lucas for inspiring me to rearrange my priorities and to experience the joy of helping the less fortunate in our community. Lucas chose to step down from the leadership position with the Community services. It will not be an easy task to find someone who will be as passionate as Lucas. Church pastoral staff is immensely grateful to Lucas for years of his service. We hope to see Lucas come back whenever he is ready. 

The Cereal Barrel ministry needs your support. Julia Easter asked me to remind our church that we are all called to care for those who may not afford buy food for their families. Please, bring a box or two of cereal and leave it in the Cereal Barrel in the lobby of our church. Thank you! 

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PRAYERS.

Please convert your ministry, your department, your Sabbath school class into a Prayer Engine.

• Pray together for our nation during the Pandemic and the presidential election.
• Pray for our church members to extend grace to others. 
• Pray for unity. 
• Pray for humility.

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RESOURCES. 

Our church will continue 3 Sabbath services. 9 AM in the Sanctuary. 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall and 5 PM in the Sanctuary (masks are required) 

Weekly Church BULLETIN

Online TITHE AND OFFERINGS.

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With Christian love to all of you,

pastor Peter

MESSAGE. 

“Then he put another parable before them: “the kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny grain of mustard-seed which a man took and sowed in his field. As a seed it is the smallest of them all, but it grows to be the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, big enough for birds to come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32) “The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. … So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that is the beginning of the new life …”. (COL, 78)

MINISTRY.

The Adventurer Club spent last Friday night and all day Sabbath participating in the Georgia Cumberland Conference’s virtual Family Fun weekend. We earned the Camel honor, His Word and Children of the Bible honors while enjoying good food and fellowship. Our club may be small this year but we are doing a lot of fun things as we learn to be Champions for Jesus; this year’s theme. Thank you church family for your prayers and support for our Tiny Timberwolves!

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This week OAKS students are on break. Here are some fun photos and a brief update from the school principle from a couple of weeks ago:
“OAKS is facing our current challenges head on and having some fun in the process. We had a Hat Day Spirit Day recently where teachers and students alike wore fun hats to celebrate school spirit. Students are also preparing for a new national test that will be given 3 times a year on a computer. This will give teachers real time data on student growth for the whole school year. We are excited by the potential flexibility this will give us in adjusting instruction to meet student needs. OAKS is healthy and united. Thank you for your prayers. -Ms.Caswell”

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Our Sabbath School Council showed me again what a dedicated group of leaders we have in our different divisions and classes. They are willing to do whatever is necessary to encourage more members to attend. Some classes are requiring masks while others are having a zoom alternative, along with in-person attendance. Overall attendance has continued to steadily grow. We have decided to continue collecting for Sabbath School Expenses during this Covid time.  Another thing we decided to do is have a 13th Sabbath Program probably in the New Year. So we are asking parents to please help the little ones to learn their Memory Verses.  A particular need right now is for a couple of pianists in the lower divisions to alternate with the two faithful ones coming each week. Thanks to all who help to make our Sabbath Schools a success!
Connie Reynolds, Sabbath School Coordinator

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Good news! New air purification systems have been installed in every room of the church including the sanctuary and Fellowship Center hallways. 

The iWave-C is a self-cleaning, bi-polar ionization generator that actively treats air quality in light commercial systems up to 12 tons. As the air flows past the iWave-C, the device emits positive and negative ions, creating a plasma region that actively purifies the supply air, killing mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil . The ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke and static electricity, as well as controlling odors (cooking, pet, VOCs) and other particles (no more sunbeams) in the air without creating ozone or any harmful byproducts.

PRAYERS. 

Our sincere condolences to Easter Fowler with the passing of Gene Fowler. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Read here more about Gene Fowler https://www.heritagechattanooga.com/tributes/Gene-Fowler

RESOURCES.

I hope you remembered to register for the Health Ministry event taking place this Sunday at our church. Here is a link taking you to the Health Ministry page: https://www.ooltewahchurch.org/healthministry

Last Sabbath Worship Service is available here.

Church Weekly bulletin.

Online Giving: Tithe and Offerings

Three worship services tomorrow, October 17, – 9 AM and 11:30 АМ (masks recommended) and 5 PM (masks required).

Let the peace of Christ enter into your hearts and minds.

With prayers for you and love to you,

pastor Peter

MESSAGE.

“The kingdom of God begins at the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming. The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established…. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of the soul with Him who is its life. The greatest manifestation of its power is seen in human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ…. ” OFC, 225

MINISTRY.

A heartfelt Thank You to all who came to help at the Samaritan Center last Sabbath night! I couldn’t join the team, but I heard from Pastor Matthew that a good number of our church volunteers participated in this important community project. Please, make plans in advance for the first Sabbath of November.  If you have questions about this or other community projects contact Lucas Patterson.

Last week I was happy to see that some of our church members who didn’t feel safe attending the morning services since March, joined our first-ever Sabbath Evening Worship Service where face coverings were a requirement for all who wanted to attend.  Our church will continue with the Sabbath Evening service weekly through the month of October. 

“Our theme this year at OAKS is “HOPE,” focusing on the hope that we can have not only through all of life’s circumstances and challenges, but ultimately the hope we have in Jesus’ second coming. The text that guided the selection of our theme is Jeremiah 29:11-14. This week was our Fall Week of Prayer and we were blessed to have former Ooltewah SDA Associate Pastor, Aubrey Toup as our speaker. Our students were blessed by her daily stories and practical tips for how they, too, can have hope. Thank you, Pastor Aubrey, for making the time to connect with us throughout this week. You were a blessing!” – Aaron Hall

This Sabbath evening all Sabbath school leaders and teachers are invited to attend the Sabbath School council at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Connie Reynolds, the SS Superintendent will chair the meeting. She has a lot to share. I hope you’ll make an effort to attend. Here is a link to the ZOOM option of the meeting: Topic: Sabbath School Council Meeting Time: Oct 10, 2020 06:00 PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84436928528?pwd=MVdVYkU0U2NCMVFNNzFkNmRiS2xxUT09 Meeting ID: 844 3692 8528 Passcode: 7fMLDL

In my previous blog I promised to post a few photos from Julianne Palmer’s baptism. Please see below:

PRAYERS. 

I was very grateful to the administration of Morning Point for allowing me to visit Barbara Kraner. She is feeling weak but her spirit is strong. She loves her church and she is very grateful for your prayers.

Prayers for Julia Easter (health related concerns).

Sharon Harrell is going through some serious tests and needs our prayers. 

This week was a tough one for Galena and me. We lost our close friend and partner in ministry who died of COVID19 in Russia. Here is a link to the tribute posted by Elder Ted Wilson on his Facebook page. The second link is from the Adventist World site . For the last thirty years we worked together sharing the Gospel over radio, TV, local and satellite evangelistic meetings in hundreds of cities across Eastern Europe. Pastor Daniel Reband was 67. Two weeks ago he was asked to lead at the communion service in a local church. It was there that he was infected with COVID19. Five days later his lungs were fully destroyed by the virus. I was on the phone with him last Sabbath afternoon. He could barely talk, but still sounded positive. He died the next day. Please, pray for his dear wife Luda, his children and precious grand-children. 

As I am grieving Daniel’s death I feel the burden to ask all of you to be extremely cautious with this virus. I don’t want to lose another person I love. Please, know that I love you; you are my special friends. Let’s do all we can to keep one another safe. 

RESOURCES. 

MESSAGE.

“The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand.” ― Ellen G. White, Patriarchs And Prophets

MINISTRY.

A brief report with pictures from David Reynolds: “Sept 18-20 the Ooltewah Timberwolves Pathfinder Club joined the GCC “Changed” Cyber Camporee right here in our own front yard. We had evening and morning worships, honors and activities, and even a 5K run on Sunday morning. Here are some pictures to help you visualize the good time we had.” 

Two weeks ago our Youth and their parents had a great time on a kayaking outing on South Chickamauga Creek. Pastor Matthew shared with me the following photos: 

On Monday night we had our monthly Church Board meeting. The Board voted new Church Operating Guidelines during COVID19. Here is the link to the updated document.  The Board also considered changing mask requirements for one of the Sabbath morning services. After a thorough and passionate discussion 😉 we agreed not to implement this change at this time. Meanwhile your pastors will experiment with the Sabbath evening worship service. This will help us evaluate the need and see the number of people interested in attending the 5 PM worship service where a face covering will be required. This will be the same service as in the morning with some slight modifications. We understand that some of our members do not feel safe attending church where masks are optional, and we want to provide the in-person worship service opportunity for them also. This is a temporary arrangement, and we’ll share the report with the Church Board at our next meeting at the end of the month. 

Baptism. This evening we’ll celebrate Julianne Palmer’s baptism at Harrison Bay! Ron Malloch completed Bible Studies with Julianne and she is giving her life to the Lord today through a beautiful outdoor baptism. Today is also Julianne’s birthday! Happy two birthdays, Julianne!!! I’ll share pictures with you next week. 

Community Service. Last month we had very few volunteers at the Samaritan Center. Those who came had to work harder and longer 😦 Unfortunately, Galena and I  will not be able to help tomorrow 😦 Can some of you take our place, please?  If you can, please, text or email me before the sunset tomorrow. Thank You!!! 

Here is more from Lucas Patterson: 

VOLUNTEERING AT SAMARITAN CENTER: The Samaritan Center in Ooltewah needs our church’s help sorting donated items at their outdoor loading dock this Saturday, October 3, beginning at 7:45 p.m. Many hands make light work, so please consider joining us even if you can’t stay the entire time. Community service credit is available for students looking to fulfill school requirements. For more information, call/text Matt Geraghty (423) 206-0394.

PACKING LUNCHES FOR HOMELESS. Our church purchases supplies and packs 150 sack lunches for the homeless twice each month. A team of 6-8 volunteers assembles the lunches in our church fellowship hall before delivering them to staff at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen for distribution. Our next packing session is Monday, October 5, at 8 a.m. For more information, call/text Lucas Patterson (423) 582-1678.

PRAYERS.

My lifelong friend and colleague in evangelism in Eastern Europe, pastor Daniel Reband is hospitalized in Russia with COVID19. He is in the ICU in critical condition. Prayers for Daniel, please. 

Prayers for President Trump and First Lady Melania as they overcome their COVID19 infection. Let the Lord be with our nation during this trying time. 

Prayers for Sharon Harrell. She has several health concerns.

Prayers for Fred Turner. Health concerns. 

RESOURCES. 

Here is a link to the APOCALYPSE online Bible Seminar. Read more here. 

Would you like to know what you can do to EFFECTIVELY take charge of your own health and happiness? Join us at our fellowship hall to learn the ABC’s of the immune system so you can feel hopeful and empowered! Soup and bread will be served. $5 donation at the door. Seating will be spacious, face masks optional. This event will also be live–streamed on ZOOM and YouTube. Pre-Registration Required by Oct. 14th Online Registration  Questions? Call 423-708-8186 and leave a message. 

Online church bulletin.

Online Giving. 

FROM MY HEART. Last weekend Galena and I visited our children in Flagstaff, AZ. The weather was absolutely wonderful. The landscapes around Flagstaff are breathtaking. Our Sabbath family service was sweet and uplifting. Here are a few photos from that trip 🙂

See you tomorrow.

With love and Hugs,

Your pastor Peter