Dear Church Family,

The following quote is significant to me in that it clearly points out that the coming Sunday law will be doubted by many which we see is the case today. Prophecy is being fulfilled. Clearly things are lining up and the Sunday law could come any time but the winds of strife continue to be kept back it seems as Rev 7 said. That said, in light of the coming Sunday law, what should be our work. To rebuke sin, to repent, surrendering all to Jesus that He may dwell in us, that the charcter of God may be perfectly reproduced in His people. This is the focus. Yes, we need to herald the warning of the 3rd angel, but we must not fail to herald the part found in vs 12 of Revelation 14. The only way to make it through last day events is to have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments and have the faith of Jesus. Both are established in us as we surrender all to Him. It is realized through the mystery of God, Christ in us, the hope of glory. This is righteousness by faith in verity.

But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before.
In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible—doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.
Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions.

White, E. G. (1911). The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan (Vol. 5, pp. 605–606). Pacific Press Publishing Association.

In the news:

1.For those camping or spending the day at Cades Cove tomorrow, here’s some helpful information for you to keep in mind:

a. For those camping, there will be a small family style worship at 8 p.m. in the area behind the camp store.

b. Some may wish to go for a bike ride around the loop tomorow at Cades Cove around sunrise as it provides a good time to see wildlife including bears and is a great way to joy the beauty of the place.

c. Sabbath School will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow with a worship sevice following. Everyone is invited to meet at the picnic pavilion in the rear of the camp ground where we met last year. I spoke to the park office and they said that would be fine. Please use the parking lot and DO NOT PARK at the pavilion. Last year we got in trouble for this. If for some reason the pavilion isn’t available, we will meet at the place behind the camp store. Kirstin Elliottt will lead in a family Sabbath School lesson study and Kevin Rojas will be leading out in the worship hour.

2. Pastor Jared will be speaking for the worship hour this Sabbath at the church with a message entitled, Lest You Be Deceived.

3. As I mentioned in an all call yesterday, our youngest son was diagnosed with COVID this week and we believe we have had at least one other church family that likely has had COVID as well in the last couple of weeks. In fact, I got word just today of two additional members who have just been diagnosed COVID positive. Please, if you or anyone in your home has symptoms such as aching, headache, sore throat, fever etc, or known exposure, please stay home and quarantine. We are concerned of a possible spread in our midst. Masks and social distancing are welcome but not required. Here are the latest CDC recommendations and the latest protocols for treatment should you come down with COVID. Also, as we have shared before, Medcram has lots of helpful information regarding COVID that you may find helpful.

4. Our Adventurer Club will have its registration for the new year this Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the school.

5. GAA registration for the new school year will take place this Sunday at the GAA gym from 4-7 p.m. We are looking at a strong enrollment this year but we still have room aviailable for most classrooms so please help get the word out.

6. There will be no AYA this week due to the church camp out.

7. The pavilion is now officilly completed, paid for, and open for ministry. Yesterday was the ribbon cuting and there was a nice gathering to celebrate the occasion. Elders Rick Greve (Ministerial) & Ray Hartwell (Trust services) were present from the conference to celebrate as were others including Marvin Smucker whose company built the structure. Thank you to Ann Siepman (pavilion comittee chair) and the others on the committee and those in our church who helped to make this a reality. What a blessing to have this and be debt free. Praise God! May we now use this for God’s glory.

8. The Pathfinders are offering frozen fruits, purees, & jams from Bithell Farms this year. Information may be found in the front lobby on the glass table. Fill out the order form and turn in to the church office WITH PAYMENT. Order date has been extended to August 7. Make checks to Greeneville Pioneers.

9. Remember that school is set to begin August 10. There will be a workbee on August 8 at 8 a.m. to spruce up the school in time for classes. All are invited to come out and help as we get ready for a new school year.

In His Service,

Pastor Jeremy