October 2009 Newsletter

Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

No. 16

October 2009

PASTOR'S COMMENTS

The Christian Struggle

Even though believers have victory (1 John 2: 14), the apostle cautions them on two counts. First, "do not love the world or the things in the world" (1 John 2:15). Obviously, "the world" does not refer to the physical world, which is pronounced good (Gen. 1:31). Nor does it refer to the world of people, whom God loves. It means the world of sin: the present evil system under the control of Satan. This system stands in opposition to God's priorities, explained in 1 John 2:12-15: forgiveness of sin, knowing and living with God, leading a victorious life over sin, and abiding in God's Word. To be a Christian one must renounce the world of sin and the things that such a world claims as its own.

Second, John mentions three specifics of the world that a believer must reject: "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (vs. 16). Together they typify a lifestyle and a worldview dominated by the love of self, rejection of God. And glorifying in the things of the world. Witness, as examples, the destructiveness of those who embraced this worldview: Eve's embracing the serpent's words because the fruit was "pleasant to the eyes"; David's arrogant misuse of power and his urge to satisfy the desires of the flesh, which ended in adultery and murder; Jezebel's dehumanizing pride that destroyed Naboth. A Christian does not belong to such a world. They have moved on to another world, where to die is to live, to love is to serve, and to worship God is to obey Him at all costs. Jesus said that we are "in the world" but "not of the world" (John 17:1 1,14).

Here are some things to pray about for the well-being of our Midtown Church family.
1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in our church, homes, and lives.
2. Pray for a fresh conviction of truth that "we have heard from the beginning" (2 John 6).
3. Pray that in our everyday lives we will become champions of the truth and of the One who is all truth.
4. Pray that as we live and teach the truth, we will do so with sensitivity to others, with self-control and humility, and, above all, with a spirit of love.

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

"Christ and the world are not in partnership. The apostle says, "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Conformity to the world will never be the means of converting the world to Christ Christians must be entirely consecrated to God, if the church is to be efficient in its influence for good upon unbelievers. The slightest diversion from Christ is so much influence, power, and efficiency given to the enemy. The church was called into existence to counteract the influence of Satan; but as member after member of the church allows his ability and power to be diverted, one in one line and another in another line, connections are formed with the world, and the enemy of all righteousness triumphs. Almost imperceptibly the world's standard, the world's maxims and customs, are introduced into the church; and as these find room, the objectionable maxims and customs more boldly appear, and leaven the influence of the church; and Satan's devices are successful, just as he has designed they should be. In this way there is brought into the church a mixed company, a divided service. Many profess to love God, yet they are serving mammon, and bowing at worldly shrines. The world is brought into the church, but not through repentance, contrition, and conversion, but because church-members become wedded to the world. Where this unholy union is preserved, contention, criticism, faultfinding, strife, and decided hatred of one another comes." (RH8/23/92)

CHURCH NEWS

WBAJ HAS BEEN OFFERED a wonderful opportunity during this month of October! One of our listeners, who is not a member of our church, has offered to match all funds donated during a fundraiser on the radio. This means that every dollar you give becomes TWO dollars. Please talk this over with the Lord to see what He would like to have you give. WBAJ has helped direct many souls to Jesus, and we do not want to let this effort stop or slow down for lack of funds. Listen to WBAJ radio for further details.

Business Meeting: The church discussed the property on Washington St. and after much discussion as to the needed repairs, the church voted to cease any interest in purchasing it.

Prayer meeting and vespers will start at 6:30 PM instead of 7:00 PM from now on. Please keep this in mind and tell those who come that are not our members.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37: 3-5

How the Lord has led us in the past six months! From a vision and desire in our hearts to the reality of the Adventist Community Thrift Shop (ACTS) where we can come together with brothers and sisters of like faith to work for the good of the Lord in the lives of those who come through the doors of the shop. How wonderful is the Lord and worthy to be praised for all of His kindness to those who desire to be His instruments!

We will open the doors to ACTS in just a few days, a place that will provide wonderful witnessing opportunities. Let us pray that our hearts will be ready to receive the blessings God will bestow on us and others as we witness for Him in the duties of the shop, as we converse with our customers, as we serve those in need, and as we share and encourage each other.

If you have not yet volunteered to help in the shop, it is not too late. Please see Rose to sign up. We need the help of all who have the time and are willing to share in service to others.

May the Lord bless this Thrift Shop ministry!

Helen Koon

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

Voted to budget $100 per month for books to distribute.

Voted to cap the Church Board's authority to disburse funds at $500 per item in a budgeted account, but not to exceed the balance in the account. Anything over this amount must be brought to the Church in business.

Voted to accept Jerry White's request for baptism. May the Lord bless you, Jerry.

MIDTOWN BIBLE SCHOOL

Dear Brothers and Sisters, please keep our correspondence and internet Bible Schools in your prayers. We have enrollment cards on the check out counter at the thrift store and will appreciate your taking cards from the table on Sabbaths and giving out to friends and acquaintances each week. We have had 3 new students enrolled this month but we pray for many more. Time is short! Let us get the word to as many as possible.

Doris Sheriff

BUILDING FUND

Our Building Fund continues to grow. It now stands at nearly $114,000. Let's continue to work towards our goal of $250,000 for a down payment.

Old gold, necklaces, rings, earrings, diamonds, old coin collections, anything of value that we can turn into building blocks for a representative church building would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Charlie Davis, Chairman

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Members who will be celebrating their birthdays soon:

November 8, Doug Leonhardt
November 13, Mary Grace McPherson
November 23, Mary Ann Fry
November 25, Charlie Davis
November 27, Ed Moresco

MIDWEEK AT MIDTOWN

The time of our Prayer Meeting is 6:30 PM. 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. We do have a lively discussion as we study Face-To-Face With Jesus. Our goal is to learn more about our dear Savior.

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 6:30 PM here at the Capital Senior Center.

We are told in Steps To Christ, p. 98, that, "Those who are realty seeking communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting."

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 desserts. Please come and enjoy the fellowship of eating together and getting to know others better.

BITS OF WISDOM

"The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood and induces mental and physical health" (4T 56).

"God does not require us to give up anything mat is for our best interest to retain. In all mat He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God(SC46).

To get what you want, stop doing what isn't working!

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

Chilling Infections

Many women suffer from chronic, recurring urinary infections. While there may be a number of causes, new research from Norway suggests that chronically cold hands, feet, and buttocks may all increase the incidence of urinary tract infections. Retaining urine for long periods of time rather than regular voiding may also increase the incidence of urinary tract infections. (Scandinavian Journal of Primary Care 10:72-75)

Comment: Many of today's fashions promote chilled limbs through total exposure or inadequate covering. Such fashions can lead to urinary track infections, overheated torsos, and possible overall bad health. To ensure that this does not happen, in cold weather, be certain that your feet, legs, and arms are as well covered and protected as your chest and torso are.

VESPERS

Friday Night Video Vespers

Each Friday, at 6:30 PM you can watch an inspirational sermon from one of our church's great speakers, such as Dwight Nelson, Steve Wohlberg, Dr. Walter Veith, or others. The program lasts about an hour, and is a great way to start the Sabbath. Check our website, MidtownChurch.net. These video programs are held at Doug Leonhardt's home in the downtown Columbia area.

Bob Sitko

Church Location

Midtown Church meets at the Capital Senior Center on Park Circle, behind Maxcy Gregg Park, Sabbath (Saturday) Morning at 10:00 AM for Sabbath School and 11:15 AM for the Worship Hour. Please come and join us for fellowship and worship.