Last night Galina and I went for a walk. The air was fresh and delicious after many hours of rain. The birds were happy the clouds went away. The sun was reflected in every drop of rain on the blades of grass and on every needle of the pine trees. Galina was happy to pick and eat ripe wild berries. As she was busy picking these delicious berries I was looking at the gorgeous variety of the filed flowers. They were of different colors and sizes; some were barely visible, others were bright and bold in their beauty, but it was this variety that made that field so breathtaking. They we complementing each other. They were right next to each other. What a great lesson for every Christian! If you want your church to be vibrant and attractive then learn to appreciate each other. Let us learn to sit with those who are different in their theology; eat with those who belong to a different political party and serve with those who may have a lifestyle different from ours. Colossians 1:16-17 – “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
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Ooltewah Tiny Timberwolves Adventurers. Laura Standish shared with me the following wonderful story: “Another Adventurer year has come to an end but what a year it was! We weren’t sure if COVID would keep us apart but thankfully it didn’t. Our small but mighty team of 4 teachers worked hard to ensure our 9 kids had an awesome year:
· We maintained our bi-weekly meetings where a combined total of 50 honors were earned,
· We participated in our Conference’s virtual Family Fun Weekend,
· We went on a hayride and ran through corn at the Ocoee River Maze,
· We enjoyed Christmas treats and games,
· And we ended the year with a fun party and camping trip right here on church grounds. A special CONGRATULATIONS to our Helping Hands who were promoted to Pathfinders: Josh Bee, Thomas Harvey, Conner Standish and Aaron Stark. This year would not have been possible without the encouraging parents, Pastor Matt for his bi-weekly devotionals, the faithful staff who made our year what it was, and to the kids who learned to be Champions for Jesus. Can’t wait to see what our next year brings! Until then, have a wonderful summer! “
Thank you, Laura and your team of leaders, for making this a special year for our children!
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With our kids being out of school we want to plan some exciting events and activities for every age group. I am glad to share with you that Cory Goss agreed to lead the Vacation Bible school this July. Thank you, Cory! We all know how much you love the little ones. Cory is inviting you to start planning this event together with him and your children. “Happy Valley Ranch” is the theme of the VBS. Children will be learning how to be happy in God. The dates are July 18-22.
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Here is an invite from Edymar Penagos: “This Sunday Men’s Ministry is inviting you to celebrate our fathers with some family fun at Booker T. Washington State park. So mark your calendars and corral your family! The weather looks perfect, and we will have a blast. There are playgrounds, basketball courts, and water everywhere. You can also hike, mountain bike or just sit and enjoy some good conversations.”
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It is very exciting to see our church’s wider participation in the Cornerstone Building Fund. We want to be sure we have adequate Sabbath school classes and a sanctuary for the next generation in our church. As of today the church has received $148,305. Every dollar counts. Please pray about the future of our church.
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STEWARDSHIP – “The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within…” (Christ’s Object Lessons pg. 384)
Additional resources and church weekly bulletin are available online www.ooltewahchurch.org
Happy Sabbath,
pastor Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 