Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

PASTOR'S COMMENTS

The Bible teaches that natural disasters will intensify before the End. Jesus spoke of wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences as being "but the beginning of the sufferings" (Matt 24:8; Mark 13:8). "But the beginning" presupposes that there will be more and worse disasters yet to come. These will cause such a "great tribulation" that, Jesus said, "if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved" (Matt 24:22; ct. Mark 13:20). This time of great punishments to befall humanity before Christ's Return, is described in the Bible as "The Day of the Lord." The prophet Isaiah tells us that those days of global suffering "will come as destruction from the Almighty" and "every man's heart will melt and they will be afraid" (Is 13: 6-8).

Disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruption, tornados, and hurricanes can have a sobering effect upon the human mind. They can challenge complacent, self-centered, and self-sufficient people to acknowledge their finiteness and helplessness and thus to seek God. It was the earthquake which marked the death of Christ that led the centurion and his soldiers to confess, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt 27:54).

The recent rash of natural disasters causes many to ask: Are natural disasters increasing today? The answer is not difficult to find. A search in GOOGLE for "increase in natural disaster" shows 7,100,000 pages of reports and studies. Many of the reports are issued by credible organizations, warning of the dramatic increase in natural disasters. For the sake of brevity, only a few reports can be cited here.

The World Disasters Report 2004, says: "Over the past decade, the number of'natural1 and technological disasters has risen. From 1994 to 1998, reported disasters averaged 428 per year -from 1999 to 2003, this figure shot up by two thirds to an average 707 disasters each year."

A study on "Natural Disasters and Sustainable Development," prepared in 2002 for the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, states: "During the past four decades, natural hazards such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, storms and tropical cyclones, wildland fires, and volcanic eruptions have caused major loss of human lives and livelihoods, the destruction of economic and social infrastructure, as well as environmental damages. Economic losses have increased almost ten times during this period."

A report published by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters shows that "over the past decade, the number of natural and technological disasters has risen sharply. Both hydro-meteorological and geophysical disasters have become more common, becoming 68 percent and 62 percent respectively more frequent over the decade. This reflects longer-term trends.

Recent disasters have caused some to wonder, as expressed by the headline of U.S. News & World Report, "Is Mother Nature Going Berserk?" To the Christian this trend indicates not that "mother nature has gone berserk" but rather that divine judgments are being manifested in a special way in our time, to call mankind to repentance before the final judgment at Christ's Coming.

The Book of Revelation offers shocking details of horrific plagues by which "a third of mankind was killed" (Rev 9: 18; 9:15). The present intensification of natural and man-made disasters must be seen as clear signs of God's final warning to mankind of the impending divine judgment. These disasters tell us that, as in the experience of ancient nations, God will not allow human rebellion and wickedness to continue much longer (Gen 15:16). Soon Christ will come to bring an end to the colossal crises that are engulfing our fragile planet (Rom 8:19-22). But, could it be that we have become so accustomed to natural disasters that we no longer grasp their eschatological significance? Since these things are about to happen, "What sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God"? (2 Pet 3: 11).

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

"There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all who are living. The controversies of the past are to be revived. New controversies will arise. The scenes to be enacted in our world are not even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human agencies. But God's servants are not to trust themselves in this great emergency. The program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord. The world is not without a ruler. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of the nations, as well as the concerns of His church in His own hands....When the strongholds of kings shall be overthrown, when destruction shall come upon the wicked, [God's] people have the assurance that they are safe in His hands. In patience they are to possess their souls".    (Untitled Ms. 84, pp. 1-10).

Pastor Fry

CHURCH NEWS

Attendance

Attendance so far this year is averaging 53 people! Thanks to all of you for inviting your family members and friends to come and worship with you. We're also getting significant numbers of visiting travelers and other interested visitors, many of whom find us on the internet. In fact, if you Google "SDA church Columbia SC", you'll find us at the top of the list of almost 16,000 entries returned! Our Google listing is complete with a map to our church, as well as a picture of our building. Thanks to the Lord for His help in getting our presence known to all who seek.

Doorknob Hangers

Thanks to all who have helped to distribute our doorknob hangers, which are plastic bags imprinted with WBAJ information, and containing books and pamphlets as well as Discover Bible School enrollment cards. Please pray that positive results will follow and souls will be brought to the kingdom because of this ministry.

The Conqueror's Seminar

Need help in overcoming habits? Pastor Gary Moyer, Carolina Conference Executive Secretary, will be our Worship Hour speaker and afternoon Seminar speaker on Sabbath, May 23. His topics will be how to change bad habits into good ones, and living a more productive, positive life. All who are ready for a change are invited! There will be a Fellowship Meal after the Worship Hour.

Gareth's graduation from Ouachita Hills Academy

Gareth Fome' will graduate from academy on the 22nd of May. He has invited all of us to his graduation. We wish Gareth God's blessing as he seeks entrance into college to study to be a minister.

Small Group Ministry

Pastor Fry is looking for four or five individuals who would be willing to invite friends and neighbors to their homes for viewing a series of video evangelism topics. You can choose the topics to show. We have Health, Prophecy, Creation, and Music. These are hosted by Dr. Walter Veith and Brian Neumann. This is a great way to share the gospel message in a non-threatening way as well as a relaxed atmosphere in a home environment.

Testimonies

The Editor would like to encourage those of you who have an interesting conversion story of how you came to learn the Adventist message to write out your story in 100-200 words for inserting into our Church Newsletter. We love to hear how the Holy Spirit has led you into the truth of His Word. If you will do this, please submit it to Pastor Fry.

New Members

We would like to welcome Susan Balcerzak, Marion Marple and Helen Koon as new members to our church family. Please reach out to them and make each one feel at home with us.

New Church Family Membership List

A great big thank-you to Gregory Sheroian for his diligent work to produce an accurate membership list for us. Thank you Gregory.

SENSIBLE LIVING

A Special Ministry

The purpose of Sensible Living is to help others develop a True Christian Character through healthy living and healthy relationships. To "prosper" means to be successful, to grow. I believe that God wants us to be successful in all aspects of our life, but most importantly with people, with our relationships, in order that we might lead others to Christ And, he wants us to be "in health",  healthy ... so that we feel good and that He can communicate with us ... without interference. He has a lot he wants to tell us. [We can be thankful the Lord sent us Sensible Living Ministry, Pr. Fry] 

Susan Balcerzak

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

1. Voted to add additional classroom for children's Sabbath School.
2. Voted to purchase an additional Communion set, due to our increased attendance.
3. Voted not to pursue the purchase of the Shop Road property.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Plans are in process for the Columbia Midtown community services ministry. Doris Sheriff, Rose Sheroian and Helen Koon attended the Community Service Spring Federation Meeting to learn ideas of what other churches are doing and share their ideas with others. Many things were learned and discussed which would enhance the ministry of the Midtown church, among which is that of having a thrift shop that would provide funding for the various outreach activities approved by the church. A three to five year plan is being developed and will soon be ready for consideration by the church.

Please pray the Lord will provide a facility and consider how you can be a part of this vital ministry that will bring compassion and help to those in the City of Columbia who are in need. 

Helen Koon

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Oh, God, when I have food, Help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work, Help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a warm home, Help me to remember the homeless;
When I am without pain, Help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and bestir my compassion.
Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed, those who cry out
For what we take for granted.       (Samuel F. Pugh)

A NOTE FROM OUR FUND RAISING CHAIRMAN

Our Building Fund continues to grow. It now stands at $75,000.00

An Anonymous donor has offered a $10,000.00 matching grant to our church if we can raise another $10,000.00 from sources outside Midtown Church. We already have $750.00 towards our part. With God's help we can do it. Keep praying and working and we soon will have our own building. 

Charlie Davis

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Members who will be celebrating their birthdays soon:

Eugene McPherson on May 6 
Gareth Fome' on May 10
Doris Sheriff on May 17

MIDWEEK AT MIDTOWN

Attendance at our Midweek at Midtown Prayer and Bible Study hour continues to remain high. If you haven't yet stopped in, it's never too late. We welcome all members and visitors to join our group and participate in the Bible Study. Our study is on How to Prepare for Christ's Second Coming. The emphasis is on the spiritual aspect.  At this time, we are starting chapter nine, which is about The Greater Time of Trouble.

We also pray for our church, and other requests, as well as the needs recorded on our Prayer Request cards from our Worship Service. Stop by any Wednesday evening at 6 PM here at the Capital Senior Center. 

Bob Sitko

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES

On the second Sabbath of each month, we have a Full Lunch, and on the fourth Sabbath of each month, we have a light lunch consisting of salads, soups, sandwiches and deserts. Please come and enjoy the fellowship of eating together and getting to know others better.

BITS OF WISDOM

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer (DA 669,670).

How To Answer "Once Saved, Always Saved"

Are you Saved? Yes! God has saved me from my past sins. He is saving me from Satan's power right now. And I know that if I choose to let Him, He will continue to save me until He comes and takes me to heaven! Praise His Holy name! 

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

The Udder Side of rBGH

Commercials say that milk has something for every body. That "something" may be something more than milk drinkers are expecting! A recent study raises new questions about the safety of rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), the genetically engineered hormone which is given to many U.S. dairy cows to increase milk production. It has now been shown in several studies that IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is found in higher levels in rBGH-treated milk. While IGF-1 is a naturally occurring hormone-protein in cows and humans, even very small increases in systemic levels may not only protect tumor cells from dying, but also speed tumor growth and aggressiveness. According to cancer researcher George Tritsch, Ph.D., former of Rosewell Park Cancer Institute, "increases in IGF-1 at such low levels could readily enter the bloodstream of individuals drinking milk from rBGH-treated cows." In addition, he stated, "As an individual ages, indolent tumor cells appear in various organs such as the breast, ovary and prostate. Such tumors grow slowly, so clinical cancer doesn't manifest itself until old age or after the individual would have died of other causes. Stimulation of these cells by elevated levels of IGF-1 would result in clinical cancer showing up in a decade or two or even less." Something for every body? Yes! But is that "something" you want?

(Cancer Research 1995; 55:2463-69)  

TIP OF THE MONTH

Nothing beats homemade guacamole. Roughly mash the flesh of one avocado. Mix in 2 Tbs. Diced sweet onion, 6 diced cherry tomatoes, the juice of 1/2 lime, and (if you want some heat) 1 minced jalapeno pepper.

VESPERS

Friday Night Video Vespers

Each Friday, at 6 PM, you can watch an inspirational sermon from one of our church's great speakers, such as Dwight Nelson, Steve Wohlberg, C.D. Brooks, or others. The program lasts about an hour, and is a great way to start the Sabbath. Check our website, MidtownChurch.net, or call the Church at 803-834-9115, to find the location. These video programs are held in various members' homes in the downtown Columbia area, so check to see who is currently hosting them.

Bob Sitko

Church Location

Midtown Church meets at the Capital Senior Center on Park Circle, behind Maxcy Gregg Park, Sabbath (Saturday) Morning at 10 AM for Sabbath School and 11:15 AM for the Worship Hour. Please come and join us for fellowship and worship.

All photos by     ©2001-2012, Columbia Midtown SDA Church, 701 Gervais St. #150-301, Columbia SC 29201