Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Church Family,

I thought this was a beautiful story and one that reminds us that even when we may sometimes be very different from those we are called to minister to, sometimes that difference can become the very means that God uses to reach the heart.

In the news:

This Sabbath I will be sharing the morning message. We will NOT have a fellowship meal this week.
AYA this Sabbath at 7:30 pm lead by pastor Alex and the youth, featuring a special program for the mothers of our church. All moms and families are invited.
Last night the school presented at Strawberry Festival a wonderful program highlighting it’s growing music program. The caliber of the music program has grown exponentially over the last few years as our young people grow in their knowledge, skill, and appreciation for music. A big thank you to the staff and volunteers who are making this a reality. Here are some pictures though I failed to get any of the strings playing.
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This coming Monday we will have a church finance committee meeting at 6pm and a church board meeting at 7:15pm.
8th grade graduation will be this Thursday at 7pm at the school Gymn. All are invited.
Anyone interested in participating in a mission trip in the summer of 2019 is invited to attend a planning meeting on Thursday, May 24 at 6:30 pm in the church youth room. We will discuss and vote as a group where to go, fundraising, and address other pertinent information regarding the trip.
The evangelism council that was listed in the bulletin this week will need to be rescheduled. We will meet at 8pm Thursday, May 24 at the church following the mission trip planning meeting.
Pastor Alex is planning a young men’s overnight retreat for May 19 at 8:30pm. They will discuss and explore the traits and values of a God-fearing man.
The girls overnight retreat that took place last weekend was a huge success. Here is a beautiful report as shared by Suranny:
- The overnight activity we had for the girl’s ages 14-18 was a success! Praise the Lord!
  I asked some of the moms what their daughters responses were. One daughter told their mom “It was the best day of my life.” The mother told me “Something happened to her heart that night she was at your house. She sees purity differently.” Another mom told me “my daughter was thrilled, they had such a fabulous time and talked about all the special things that were done that night.” “Not only was a special time for them to be pampered but it was also such a high spiritual time as well” another mom shared “My daughter loved it.”
  
  I am humbled by their comments. These precious girls of our church gave their lives, emotions and feelings to Jesus. We had a beautiful ceremony with candles and a sparkling juice toast deciding that they would save their purity for the person God has chosen for them in marriage.
  
  Prior to the commitment mentioned above, we burnt our “regrets”. Regrets from watching inappropriate movies that had led our minds away from what is pure and right, we blazed our regrets from being engaged in inappropriate conversations or anything that has kept us from being pure. The burnt regrets was a powerful symbol for all of us showing us that Jesus forgives and makes us new.
  
  We also pampered the girls. I had an amazing team of volunteers who did the girls hair, facials, manicures, and pedicures. I am so grateful for their help. I ended that event feeling so blessed and so touched by the girl’s openness and desire to be pure for Jesus.
  
  I love the girls of our church. Pray for them and encourage them through your love and example.
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“Health Fair/FREE Health Consultation in Spanish today May 12th at the parking lot of the store and restaurant “La Perla” from 3:00 -6:00 pm. Located at 821 E Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville TN 37745. Consultations include: blood pressure and blood sugar checks, BMI, a health risk assessment and a doctors consultation, all services are free! Please tell your Spanish speaking friends!”