Dear Church Family,
This week I was reminded of the importance of keeping perspective and appreciating the moments that are gifted to me each day from my Creator. I wanted to share with you the song that brought this important reminder to my attention as it captures so poetically the delicate gift of time that we are granted in this life.
Ellen White puts it well when she writes:
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.”—The Ministry of Healing. p. 253.
In the news:
1. This Sabbath we will resume our series on John with a message entitled, “The Shepherd’s Signature.”
2. AYA this week will be at our home at 6 p.m. where we will have vespers and then the baptism of our sons Jason & Jordan in the stream in front of our home with a hot dog supper to follow. There will be an insert in this week’s bulletin with directions and instructions regarding parking. In brief, please park in either the field behind our home or the church parking lot (we asked permission) in front of our home. If you want to bring something, salad, or anything that compliments a hot dog supper is welcome. 
3. Shaun Dietrich shared the following request with me this week: Jonathan and his family plan to return to the states for furlough beginning May 25. Would anyone have a couple car seats (that are not outdated!) we could borrow for three months? We need one for Eliora who is 1 1/2 years old and 22 pounds and one for Liliana who is 5 1/2 years old.
4. Just a reminder that the church board voted back in April that due to the widespread availability of the vaccine, beginning Sabbath, May 22, our church will return to normal status meaning that masks are optional and perfectly fine but no longer officially recommended by our local church. When fellowship meals resume, hand sanitizers will be made available and encouraged.
5. 8th-grade graduation will be this coming Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the GAA gym. All are invited.
6. Senior graduation will be this coming Thursday, May 20 at 6:00 p.m. It Is Written speaker/director John Bradshaw will be the guest speaker for the evening. Congratulations to our graduating seniors.
7. Note there will be no prayer meeting this coming week due to 8th-grade graduation.
8. Author and speaker Melody Mason will be with us for Sabbath, May 29. She will share Sabbath morning and Sabbath evening for vespers. In anticipation of this weekend, you may wish to read her book, “Daring to Ask for More.”
9. We are looking to resume fellowship dinners soon and need to regroup So if you are willing to serve as a team leader or serve on a team for this important ministry, please contact the church office next week.
10. Don’t forget to make your reservations for our annual church camp out at Cades Cove, July 30 – August 1. Click here to be taken to the CADES COVE reservation site. Remember, reservations need to be made soon if you plan to camp as sites are filling up. We usually congregate in the A & B sites as much as possible.
11. Looking ahead:
May 19 – 8th Grade Graduation at 7 p.m.
May 20 – Senior Graduation at 6 p.m.
May 22 – Senior Baccalaureate
May 22- Darby Jones Concert at 7 p.m. for AYA.
May 29 – Melody Mason speaks for Sabbath morning, afternoon and evening.
June 5 – Adriana Carlton’s baptism.
June 7 – GAA begins receiving yard sale items.
June 27 – GAA yard sale.
July 18-23 – VBS
July 30-Aug 1 – Church Campout.
12. Here is the latest Greener Pastures episode with Tina sharing how to make fresh soy milk and soy yogurt.
Blessings as you prepare for the coming Sabbath!
In His Service,
Pastor Jeremy
The Greeneville Grapevine 