Growing up in a communist country as a Christian I was always looked upon as the “odd one”. It was not something I enjoyed. We all want to blend in, to feel that we belong to those who we study or work with is. This was not an option in my case. Attending church, believing in God’s existence, following a Christian lifestyle was putting me in the spotlight. With all the pain of being rejected and ridiculed I was learning to stand for my faith and my identity. This is actually our calling wherever we live. As the children of God we should “not conform to the pattern of this world” (Rom. 12:2). Let us learn to live according the values of the Kingdom of God.
This Sabbath morning I am preaching about how to Stand Out For God.
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Health Ministry leaders of our church along with the evangelism committee agreed to start an eight week Reversing Diabetes seminar led by Stephen and Karen Wickham. They plan to start the program on March 25. To make this seminar happen we need lots of volunteers willing to help once a week on Thursday nights. Volunteers will serve as greeters, table hosts, food sample coordinators, etc. The full list of the volunteer positions needed to be filled will be available in the church lobby this Sabbath morning. If we do not get enough help we’ll have to postpone this program. Please sign up! This will be a great way to invite people from the community and to help them find a better quality lifestyle.
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This Sabbath night is our church’s turn to help at the Samaritan Center. I am looking forward to a great time with many volunteers who already became our regular team members.
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Here is a great update from Edymar about our church’s Men’s Ministry:
“That’s a wrap! February came and now it’s gone. How would you rate it? Same old, same old? I pray that is not the case. As I continue to marinate on the following three principles: practicing rigorous authenticity, surrendering the outcome and doing uncomfortable work, things that may have seemed uneventful or even meaningless, take on new light. For example, the last men’s breakfast on 2/28 had no agenda, just fellowship and food. Sounds rather uneventful, even meaningless, doesn’t it? I say nay!
As the morning progressed, I watched and listened to the men interact while cooking and then eating. I could hear new bonds forming and existing ones strengthening. Some men found new purpose while others had theirs reaffirmed or further developed. At first glance, the kitchen and dining hall appeared to be filled with a bunch of hungry men chomping down on some delicious grub but in reality, there was much more going on. The morning was filled with iron sharpening iron. I saw men who were eager to connect to, grow with and support other men. I heard men that decided they were not going to be Ok with the same old, same old, men who made the decision to practice rigorous authenticity, surrender the outcome and do the uncomfortable work. Yes, all that was achieved over some delicious breakfast with “no agenda” all because these guys chose to connect.
Men, as most of you know by now, we are launching small groups specific to men and the challenges they face in the next few weeks. The groups are already forming and I pray that you strongly consider participating. If so much can come from a breakfast with no agenda, imagine what can happen from a focused group of guys looking to grow closer to God and each other? To sign up, click here. I look forward to spending more time with YOU as we pursue a stronger connection to our Lord, Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ.”
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Please be advised that last Sabbath, February 27, we had a person with a positive COVID19 case in church attendance in the sanctuary for the 9 AM service. Those who were in close proximity to the infected individual are aware of this case. They are in self-quarantine and will not be in attendance this Sabbath morning.
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Church bulletin, Adventist Giving and other helpful links are available on our church website www.ooltewahchurch.org
Unfortunately I cannot send my blog directly to your email address any more. If you are interested in receiving my weekly updates you will need to subscribe to it on the blog home page. Here is the link http://www.pastorkulakov.com . In the right section of the page you’ll see a box where you can enter your email address and subscribe to the future post notifications. The good thing is that you’ll the the option of unsubscribing anytime when you are tired of my messages 🙂
See you tomorrow.
pastor Peter
Here is an update from our Men’s Ministry leader: “I must say, these love in action reports are some of my favorites to share. Last Sunday, we started a project for a single mom of a typical curious and rambunctious boy (see attached picture). This was the text she shared with us after we left: “Feeling so very blessed today. So overwhelming. God knows exactly what he is doing and who to put in your life. He has definitely made us realize how awesome a church family we have. Thank you to the men that came today and did so much for my son and I. God bless you all!”
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 