Extend Grace to Others

” One who has been touched by grace will no longer look on those who stray as “those evil people” or “those poor people who need our help.” Nor must we search for signs of “loveworthiness.” Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.” Phillips Brooks

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2:8-9

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Last Sabbath we all were touched by the children’s performance accompanying the congregational hymn. Here is a short clip. It is so good to see our children and young people participate in worship services.

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On Wednesday afternoon I joined the Health Ministry committee meeting. We have a great team of leaders on that committee. They are planning several community seminars for this year. You’ll hear more in the next few weeks. Here is a photo of this wonderful team:

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Last Saturday night many of our church leaders featured their ministries. It was our annual Ministry Fair coordinated by the Connect Committee. Spirits were good and the organization of the event was just perfect. I only wished to see more of our members come and learn about various ministries where they can participate in the mission of our church. I hope to see more of you next time.

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A couple months ago the Discipleship Sabbath school class, led by Mike Harrell, agreed to raise some money for the Seventh Day Adventists still living in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. I contacted pastor Maxim in Kyiv and asked him to tell me their most pressing need. He asked for USB chargeable flashlights. Ukrainian cities are constantly being bombed and our church members, along with the millions of others, lose power for weeks. They cannot read their Bibles or help their children with studies and school activities. The Discipleship class raised enough money to purchase hundreds of flashlights. (The city provides mobile charging stations.) This week pastor Maxim sent me several photos of the families using these flashlights. Below is just one of these photos. Please continue your prayers for the suffering people of Ukraine.

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This Sabbath I am invited to speak at South Bay church. Pastor Matthew will be preaching at our church. I’ll miss worshiping with you. After church Galena and I are planning to get out of town for 36 hours to celebrate her 60th birthday!!!

Last Sunday morning Galena and I enjoyed a perfect walk on the Greenway with our two granddaughters.

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This week pastor John Sabo had to undergo major open heart surgery. His recovery is going well. We’ll continue to pray for John.

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Happy Sabbath.

pastor Peter