Dear Church Family,

Many lessons to glean from the following paragraph:

When the Israelites first settled in Canaan they acknowledged the principles of the theocracy, and the nation prospered under the rule of Joshua. But increase of population and intercourse with other nations brought a change. The people adopted many of the customs of their heathen neighbors and thus sacrificed to a great degree their own peculiar, holy character. Gradually they lost their reverence for God and ceased to prize the honor of being His chosen people. Attracted by the pomp and display of heathen monarchs, they tired of their own simplicity. Jealousy and envy sprang up between the tribes. Internal dissensions made them weak; they were continually exposed to the invasion of their heathen foes, and the people were coming to believe that in order to maintain their standing among the nations, the tribes must be united under a strong central government. As they departed from obedience to God’s law, they desired to be freed from the rule of their divine Sovereign; and thus the demand for a monarchy became widespread throughout Israel.

White, E. G. (1890). The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets as Illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old (Vol. 1, p. 603). Pacific Press Publishing Association.

In the news:

1. The Greeneville Adventist Academy Mission Trip report has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 P.M. at the church. This will feature stories and pictures from the recent trip to Bolivia. All are invited.

2. Tomorrow is International Sabbath at our church. All are invited to wear their international dress if they have such and also bring a dish and join us for fellowship dinner. They are asking that we mark our dish if it is vegan. Note that there will be overflow seating and tables under the pavilion to help accommodate everyone. Also, all those marching in the parade of nations are asked to gather in the foyer at 10:40 A.M. so that we can begin the parade at 10:50 A.M. Finally, after the postlude tomorrow, they are asking everyone who marched to please gather on the platform for a group picture.

3. Tomorrow night we have Pathfinder & Adventurer Investiture at 6:30 P.M. All are invited to come as we see how God has worked through our young people this year. Note that there will be a picnic supper under the pavilion at 6 P.M. for all who would like to join. Everyone is on their own for food so bring a picnic and join in the fellowship.

4. We will have Finance & CSC Committee at 6 P.M. in the fellowship hall this Monday evening.

5. We will have church board at 7:15 P.M. in the fellowship hall this Monday evening.

6. This Wednesday we will continue our journey through Zechariah with a look at chapter 7. We will meet via ZOOM at 7 P.M.

7. There were 15 of us that represented our church this past Sunday at the Georgia-Cumberland Constituency session at Georgia-Cumberland Academy. It proved a great day and everything was very orderly and smooth. A highlight was the morning devotional by Pastor Bradshaw. It was a powerful message indeed!

8. The CSC is needing more volunteers for the food warehouse, 50lb lifting Wednesdays 7:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 1-2 persons needed; Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 1-2 persons needed. Call Brenda Reese at 423-741-5707.

9. Our next LIVE STREAM will be at our place on Sunday, May 22 at 4:30 P.M. Remember this LIVE STREAM is for those ages 50-69 and their families. If you would like to bring something for the meal, a salad of some kind would be welcome. RSVP is preferred but not required. Also, you may like to bring something to roast marshmallows with and a camp chair. We will have another LIVE STREAM for those ages 70+ on Sunday, June 12 at 4:30 P.M.

10. Looking Ahead:

• Sabbath, May 14 – Youth Sabbath (Jenna Felan preaching)
• Sabbath, May 14 – AYA Old Timey Music with Dan Sanford
• Wednesday, May 18 -8th Grade Graduation
• Thursday, May 19 – Senior Graduation
• Sabbath, May 21 – Baccalaureate
• Sabbath, May 21 – AYA will feature a choral sing-a-long.
• Sunday, May 22 – Live Stream (50-69 yr olds)
• May 29-June 4 – Carolina Camp Meeting
• June 1-June 4 – Georgia-Cumberland Camp Meeting
• Sunday, June 5 – Men’s Ministry Breakfast / Bible Study
• Sabbath, June 11 – Pastor Nate’s first Sabbath
• Sabbath June 11 – AYA will feature AFM Missionaries
• Sunday, June 12 – Live Stream (70+ yr olds)
• Tuesday, June 14 – Dinner with the Doctor
• Sabbath, June 25 – AYA Old Timey Music with Dan Sanford
• Sunday, June 26 – GAA Yard Sale
• Sunday, July 3 – Men’s Ministry Breakfast / Bible Study
• July 18-22 – Vacation Bible School
• July 29-31 – Church Camp Out Make your reservations now.
• Sabbath, August 6 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Blessings as you prepare for the coming Sabbath!

In His Service,

Pastor Jeremy