Dear Church Family,

A helpful reminder for us as parents especially in light of the media-saturated environment in which our kids are growing up today!

Could my voice reach the parents all through the land, I would warn them not to yield to the desires of their children in choosing their companions or associates. Little do parents consider that injurious impressions are far more readily received by the young than are divine impressions; therefore their associations should be the most favorable for the growth of grace and for the truth revealed in the Word of God to be established in the heart.

If children are with those whose conversation is upon unimportant, earthly things, their minds will come to the same level. If they hear the principles of religion slurred and our faith belittled, if sly objections to the truth are dropped in their hearing, these things will fasten in their minds and mold their characters.

If their minds are filled with stories, be they true or fictitious, there is no room for the useful information and scientific knowledge which should occupy them. What havoc has this love for light reading wrought with the mind! How it has destroyed the principles of sincerity and true godliness, which lie at the foundation of a symmetrical character. It is like a slow poison taken into the system, which will sooner or later reveal its bitter effects. When a wrong impression is left upon the mind in youth, a mark is made, not on sand, but on enduring rock.—Testimonies for the Church 5:544, 545 (1889)

Think about what was classified as light reading for her day compared to today.  And consider the media of today.  Certainly, most of social-media could be equated with light reading.  The point here is that even if it is true, if it is trivial or light, it can still wreak havoc on the mind.

In the news:

1. This Sabbath we will share in the celebration of communion together. I will be sharing a message at the service entitled, “Why the Footwashing?”
2. There will be no fellowship lunch tomorrow due to the set up necessary for communion.
3. AYA will be at 7pm this Sabbath evening. Pastor Alex & Suranny will be sharing pictures and stories from Suranny’s recent trip to Thailand along with information on the mission work that is being done there.                   
4. There will be an Elder’s Meeting at our home this Sunday at 5:30pm with a light potluck supper and then the meeting.
5. This coming week for prayer meeting, we will study the parable of The Growing Seed as recorded in Mark 4:26-29. Please also read chapter 3 from the book Christ Object Lessons in preparation for the class. Classes are offered both at 10:30 am with Milton Siepman or at 6:30pm with Pastor Jeremy.
6. John & Pam Dysinger will be here with us for the weekend of March 23-24 to share practical tips on parenting and family management. Here is the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, 7 pm –  A Family of Two

Sabbath, 11 am – Quiet and Simple

Sabbath, 2 pm – _____Together

Sabbath, 7 pm – Staying Pure in a Polluted World

7. Diabetes Undone had another individual register and join the class this week bringing the total to 20 registered guests. I also heard an exciting story of how one of those attending the class shared with their table host how much they have enjoyed the class and wondered what other things we offered as a church.
8. Peggy West is in a very serious battle with cancer.  Her condition is very serious but her faith is strong.  She is still in the hospital and would love to hear from her church family.  If you would like to send a card, please mail to Peggy West, ℅ Suzy Rodgers, 6908 Guffee Terrace, College Grove, TN 37046.
9. Tina Tipton, one of the guests from the prophecy series, shared with me the tragic news that her 1-year-old granddaughter who was almost 2 drowned on Tuesday of this week. Evidently, the door wasn’t shut by one of the other children at the house and the little one wandered out the back door to the pond or lake that was out behind the house and was later found dead.  The child was the youngest of 5 kids.  Let’s remember Tina and all the family in this difficult time.  I know she would appreciate cards and if you wish to write one, please mail it to Tina Tipton, 501 West Irish Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.  Let’s shower her with love and support during this tragic time.
10. Help is needed for Archie Weemes to care for Faye while Alberta is recovering from surgery. Hours are 7am to 11am and 4pm to 8pm.  Pay is $10.00 an hour. For more details please contact Alberta at 329-2432
11. A health rally will be held this Sabbath afternoon from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Riverview Community Seventh-day Adventist church. Come learn God’s eight natural laws of health with special emphasis on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and exercise.  The rally is for everyone.  W. Dempsey, conference Health Ministries director, will be the presenter.
12. Sabbath, April 6-7 – Mark your calendars for our upcoming Spring Retreat at The Oaks.  Over the last 50 years, we have witnessed an explosion of Eastern philosophy, martial arts and traditional Asian healing techniques in the Western world. What has been the influence of these mystical practices upon the last two generations, and now within the Christian Church? Our guest speaker Eric Wilson will address these topics and more at this year’s retreat. For those who wish to reserve an RV site or a cabin please call the office 638-5014 to reserve your spot.
13. Just for fun, Tina & I have been enjoying a new recipe that is healthy, fast, and tasty.  Some friends of ours introduced us to what they call, Chocolate Monkeys.  Here is the recipe:  2 Ripe Frozen bananas.   1 Tablespoon of Carob Powder.  1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter.  1 Cup Almond or Soy Milk.  You may also add a couple of dates or touch of honey if you wish it to be sweeter.  Blend it until smooth and enjoy!                                                                    

Blessings as you prepare for the coming Sabbath!

In His Service,

Pastor Jeremy