Dear Church Family,

From my reading this morning:

God cannot do much for man, because he misinterprets his blessings, and concludes that he is favored on account of some goodness in himself. It is not safe to speak in the praise of mortals; for they cannot bear it. Satan has the special work to do of flattering poor souls, and he needs not the help of the Lord’s servants in this matter. How few realize the weakness of human nature and the subtlety of Satan. Many in these last days are preparing themselves for affliction and sorrow, or for complete separation from the favor of God, because of their pride and self-righteousness. They will fall through self-exaltation. SP 53-54

In the news:

1. This Sabbath we will share in a special international Sabbath celebration. There will be a parade of nations with various native costumes and flags.  The message this Sabbath will be translated and is entitled, “To All the World.”
2. AYA this Sabbath will feature Heritage Academy. They will be presenting a chorale and bell choir musical vesper program this Sabbath evening at 7 pm. Make plans to attend and share in the blessing!
3. A “HOW TO” class on juicing will be presented by Walt Cross on March 28 at 6:30 in Fellowship Hall. Contact Pam Pickett for more information.
4. An “old fashion” prayer meeting will begin Friday, March 29, at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  It will be a time for prayer for our loved ones.  For more information contact Sheryll Morrison.
5. Our mid-week study will resume this coming week ​beginning Wednesday, March 27.   The study will be on the book of Daniel.  Brenda Chalfant will be conducting the morning study at 10:30 a.m. and Chuck Reese will be at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to attend this mid-week study series, please contact the office to register.
6.  Just a reminder that next Sabbath we will be celebrating the Lord’s supper together during the worship hour and there will be one joint Sabbath school class that week due to the setup for communion.
7. Next Sabbath we will have the “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” program. If you haven’t signed up, please contact Kathy Nomura immediately and share with her your plans as to whether you would like to host or be a guest.  This is always a fun event that requires everyone to pre-register in advance.
8. A finance committee meeting is planned for April 1^st at 7:15 p.m. with a finance committee meeting preceding it at 6 p.m. Note the date change is due to the week of prayer taking place the following week nightly at 6:30 p.m.
9. Just a reminder that all of the sermon outlines and messages from our recent prophecy series are available online at allaboutprophecy.com.
10. Just a reminder that Randy Skeete will be with us for our Spring Revival & Retreat beginning April 7 and running through April 13. He will be presenting each night at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary.  All are invited to attend.  Remember the week of prayer will culminate with the Oaks retreat on April 12-13 at the Oaks Retreat center.
11. Evan Fox is seeking members to accompany him to in-home Bible studies. Whether you come along as a silent prayer partner or to eventually lead the study yourself, he could use your help.  Here is a testimony from Carolyn Root who went with him this week on a study:  I was blessed to observe Evan give a Bible study to a woman who requested follow up Bible studies. Evan taught on Daniel 2 & the multi mineral man. All of us were uplifted after studying God’s Word and praying together! The woman is eager for her next lesson! Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He gave us His Sprit, His Drive, His Power, to go seek and reach the sinners!    Contact him at 423-242-3975 or foxet91@gmail.com
12. Remember that Messiah’s Mansion is coming in a few weeks.  Here is a flyer regarding the event sponsored by the Kingsport and Johnson City Adventist Churches.
13. Dinner with the Doctor is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
14. Lastly, our family began work on our garden this week.  In my reading, I found this article to be rather inspiring as it speaks to longevity and gardening.  The following statement from the book Education also speaks of the importance of this practice in the training of our children.

For every child the first industrial school should be the home. And, so far as possible, facilities for manual training should be connected with every school. To a great degree such training would supply the place of the gymnasium, with the additional benefit of affording valuable discipline. . . .

As a relaxation from study, occupations pursued in the open air, and affording exercise for the whole body, are the most beneficial. No line of manual training is of more value than agriculture. A greater effort should be made to create and to encourage an interest in agricultural pursuits. Let the teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture: that it was God’s plan for man to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of the world’s greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil. Show the opportunities in such a life. The wise man says, “The king himself is served by the field.” Ecclesiastes 5:9. Of him who cultivates the soil the Bible declares, “His God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isaiah 28:26. And again, “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 27:18. He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth trusts and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as does the tiller of the soil.  ED 218-219

Blessings as you prepare for the Sabbath!

In His service,

Pastor Jeremy