No one can love God and fellowship with Christ without loving others. Thus, our true love, devotion, and service to others in the name of Christ is an authentic demonstration of our communion with Christ.
This Sabbath we will have the worship service which we call “communion.” We are so used to that term that we often do not think about it’s deep spiritual meaning. Communion with Christ implies that we “abide” in Christ. We live in His presence. We seek Christ in prayer. We listen to His voice. We obey His words. We love and follow Him. However, “communion” with Christ leads us into a wider circle of His people. One cannot abide in Christ without being in communion with His followers. These followers may be weird and wild, annoying and troublesome, wayward and confused… It does not matter. If Christ needs them then I need to be in “communion” with them.
Christ was proactive in building His community. He has the same expectation when it comes to us, His followers. Seek connections. Extend love. Show grace. It is easy to love those who love us back. I invite you to show the spirit of Christ. When you participate in the “communion” service tomorrow find someone who is not on your list of your close family or friends. Show them love by washing their feet. Pray with them. Connect with them. Let this be the “breakthrough moment” in your relationships with the family of God’s children.
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We are in the second week of the “Finding Healing in Jesus” prayer calendar. We are seeking healing for our broken souls. Last year brought frustrations and grief to millions of people around the world. Some of us lost our closest friends or family members. Peace in our soul was shattered. Do not ignore that pain. Seek healing in Jesus. Offer to pray for someone who may be struggling with grief and confusion. Christ is strong to heal. He gave us the promise: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-29)
We are six weeks away from our evangelistic meetings which will start on September 10. Our community needs hope. Share hope. Disseminate the darkness by spreading the light.
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If you cannot participate in the communion service this Sabbath our elders will be happy to visit you at home. Please call or text me if you would like a “communion” in your home with one of our church elders.
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The Youth and Young Adults are invited to participate in a pool party this Sunday. You can register online on the church website: www.ooltewahchurch.org
Additional helpful links and resources are also here www.ooltewahchurch.org
Happy Sabbath.
pastor Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 
The Pool Party is not just for Youth and Young Adults but also for Juniors and Earliteens. This appears on the registration page but not in the blog itself. We want our Juniors and Earliteens to know that it is for them as well, though the hours are different.
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