Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

PASTOR'S COMMENTS

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

I have recently heard the following poem and it seems so appropriate to current events.

(A Dream by Diane Stiles) 

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

"We must fight every day, every hour, the good fight of faith. You will meet with many trials, but if you bear them patiently they will refine and purify, ennoble and elevate you spiritually ... Very great troubles are coming upon the world, and the powers of Satan are stirring with intensity the powers from beneath to work suffering, disaster, and ruin. His work is to create all the misery upon human beings that is possible. The earth is the scene of his action, but he is held in check. He can go no farther than the Lord permits.

O how gracious is our Lord! "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands" (Isa. 49:16) ... "I will not leave you comfortless" (John 14:18). The Holy Spirit is to be given for the asking. Only think of it. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Then let us rejoice, let us be glad. Let us not look at the hellish work of the powers of darkness until hope and courage shall fail. Jesus lives, and we must let our faith pierce the blackness ... and rest in the light, rejoice in the light of the Sun of Righteousness.

Jesus lives to make intercession for us. While the blackness and darkness are closing about the world, our lives are only secure as they are hid with Christ in God. Precious Saviour! In Him alone we our hopes of eternal life to be centered We will then talk faith, talk hope, talk courage, and diffuse light on every side. "Ye are," saith Christ, "the light of the world. A city ... set on an hill ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may ... glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16). Faith must pierce the darkest cloud. Simple, earnest trust in God will glorify His name, and in that trust you may be all light in the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise Him, and glorify God for His matchless love." (TMK 284)

CHURCH NEWS

Debra Beihl has graduated from Southern Adventist University Summa cum Laude with a degree of Associate of Science in Nursing. Congratulations, Debbie.

We were saddened to hear of Elizabeth Baynard's mother passing away. Our prayers are with you and your family, Elizabeth.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Our new Web Site is: ACTShop.org. Please check it out!

Secret of Success
"Follow on, young men, to know the Lord, and you will know that "His going forth is prepared as the morning". Seek constantly to improve. Strive earnestly for identity with the Redeemer. Live by faith in Christ. Do the work He did. Live for the saving of the souls for whom He laid down His life. Try in every way to help those with whom you come in contact ... Testimonies, vol. 6 p. 416, Christian Service p. 33-34

ACTS has been opened for six months on May 2. During that time we have served a minimum of 34 individuals, distributed 33 boxes of food and 140 pieces of clothing at a value of $512.00 (thrift shop prices), gave away 500 copies of Pastor Marvin Hunt's book, 100 Bible Topics and made available for distribution approximately 1000 pieces of literature. God has truly blessed our attempts to do His work.

The success of this ministry cannot be measured by the number of souls won for Him because we cannot know the hearts of those we have served and what will be the outcome of our service. We can however count the number of tangible services we offer and rely on the Lord to use our feeble attempts to win souls for His kingdom. We can consistently "do the work He did" and individually "live for the saving of the souls for whom He laid down His life." May the Lord continue to bless this ministry and continue to use those who are able to work for Him at ACTS.

Helen Koon

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

Voted to compile a list of Greeters to welcome visitors and members at Sabbath services.

MIDTOWN BIBLE SCHOOL

We received three requests for lessons in May. We thank God for each one. The only way the request cards are going out right now is what each of you distribute and those given out at the Thrift Shop (ACTS). If each of our members will take one card to give out each week, we will distribute over 1300 in a year. Please help, and thank you.

Doris Sheriff

BUILDING FUND

Our Building Fund continues to grow. It now stands at $143,000. Let's continue to work towards our goal of $250,000.00 for a down payment. We praise the Lord for His generous blessings.

Charlie Davis, Chairman

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Members who will be celebrating their birthdays soon:

June 6, David Biehl
June 10, Bob Garner
June 13, Eugene Bolden
June 27, Elwillie Taylor

MIDWEEK AT MIDTOWN

The time of our Prayer Meeting is Tuesday at 6:30 PM. If you haven't yet stopped in, it's never too late. We welcome all members and visitors to join with us and participate in the Bible Study. We are continuing our study on the book of Nehemiah, which should prove very interesting. Our goal is to learn more about how to live for Christ in this world, which will deepen our conviction that the coming of our Lord is near.

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 Tuesday evening at the Maple St. Methodist Church (Corner of Maple St. and Preston St.) where we meet in the sanctuary.

We are told in Steps To Christ, p. 98, that, "Those who are really 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

A Recipe For Happiness  --  "Oh, Taste And See That The Lord Is Good!"

Peel and slice expectations. Mix memories with sunshine, joy and forgiveness and let set until mixed well. Blend kindness, peace and rest until smooth. Make a crust of prayer and love and bake lightly. Mix together all other ingredients and sprinkle with sacrifice. Let set for seven minutes and serve.

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

Calcium May Protect Against Cancer

New finding: In a seven year study of more than 490,000 adults, women who consumed the most calcium (1,881 mg daily, on average) were 23% less likely to develop cancers of the digestive system (such as colorectal or stomach cancer) than those who consumed the least calcium. Men who consumed the most calcium (1,530 mg daily, on average) had a 16% lower risk. Self Defense: Aim to eat several servings daily of calcium-rich foods (such as ... leafy green vegetables, navy beans and calcium-fortified orange juice) and/or take a calcium supplement.  (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland)

VESPERS

Friday Night 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 Maple St. Methodist Church, located at the comer of Maple St. and Preston St. in Columbia, SC, 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.

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