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Sabbath,December
26,
2009--Links
to Prior Reports
Good Day to everyone! We missed sending you a
report last week because of a snow storm that left about 2 feet of snow
in its wake and downed power lines. Electricity was finally restored
Friday, the 25th, just in time for Sabbath, so we praise God
for that blessing. Without it, we would not have been able to worship
together this Sabbath.
Last Sabbath, the 19th, Pastor Allen
broadcasted the worship service from Charleston Area Medical Center,
where his mother was a patient. She has now been discharged, and we are
very thankful to report that her health is improving. Sister Ann Ford,
however, continues to remain at home, following a fall on her porch a
few weeks ago, so we want to continue to remember her recovery in
prayer. Also, Brother Aland Ashton in Peru continues to struggle with
health problems and is scheduled for more surgery soon. Let’s remember
him and his family in prayer.
Our Sabbath School was a blessed place to be as we
met with our recently snow-bound church family. Also, dear friends
joined us for worship this Sabbath, Brother Ed and Sister Sandy Cyrus.
Sabbath School began with prayer and song service. Then Sister Arlene
Bailey shared a devotion about the Holy Spirit. Little Sister Ashleigh
Holt shared a Bible quiz that had been prepared by Brother Michael
Woodward, and then Sister Elaine Nailing led the congregation in their
sharing and praise time. After prayer requests, Pastor Allen Stump
offered intercessory prayer. The adult Sabbath School class continued
their study about the throne in Revelation 4, and the children’s class
studied how Joseph remained faithful through his trials and also
reviewed the seven seals of Revelation 6 and 8.
Our worship service began with prayer and the
opening hymn, “To Us a Child of Hope Is Born.” Following prayer
requests, Brother Ed Cyrus offered intercessory prayer for the
congregation. The Smyrna Chapel Choir sang “Give Me Jesus” for special
music, following which Sister Onycha Holt shared a children’s story
about Commander Allen Gardiner, his resignation of his commission in the
British Navy, and his then missionary journeys to different parts of the
world, especially to the Tierra del Fuego region close to Chile and
Argentina.
You may see a presentation of this story by clicking here.
Pastor Allen Stump then shared a message entitled
“No Room for Christ in the Inn.” It was a blessing to all of us to
contemplate Christ’s birth and also to consider if there is no room in
our hearts and lives today for Christ.
You may hear a copy of this message
with the children's story and the special music by clicking here.
We were very happy to greet our church family in
different parts of the world following the close of the service. We pray
that God will richly bless you during the coming week.
The Smyrna Chapel group shared in a foot washing
and communion service this Sabbath, following a light lunch. We wanted
to end the year with this sacred service and this was the last Sabbath
of 2009 that Pastor Stump can be with us as he will be in Costa Rica
next Sabbath. We entreat your prayers that God’s Spirit will use him to
be a blessing to our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica and that much
good can be accomplished by this visit. Also, please pray for his safety
during this trip.
May God richly bless you with his Spirit as the old
year closes and the new year begins. We all long for the return of our
Saviour, but until then may we be found occupying till he comes!
We hope to worship with you next Sabbath at 11 am
(EST) and at prayer meeting next Wednesday at 7:00 pm (EST), and until
we meet again, may God richly bless you!
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Links to Recent Prior Sabbath
Reports
This picture is on the front cover of
the January 2010 Old Paths.
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