Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

Greetings, my friends. We are happy to introduce our first monthly newsletter. In praying about what the Editor should say in the first edition, we decided to share our Midtown Mission Statement with you.

The mission of the Columbia Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church, in harmony with the world church, is seeking to fulfill the gospel commission by proclaiming the good news of salvation, while attempting to make our world a better place to live in through practical and loving ministries to our community.

To the stranger seeking fellowship, to the weary in need of rest, and to all who seek strength for life's challenges, we extend a warm welcome to you! We are members of a world family of believers who recognize that God has created us and that He loves all equally. Therefore, we welcome people of every nation, race and language into our fellowship.

We are Bible-loving Christians who accept God as our Father, Jesus Christ as our Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our Guide. We further believe that the Bible is the inspired, fully authoritative word of God, and are teaching the full Advent Message. We base our faith wholly upon God's Word. As a result, we accept its teaching that sinners are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.

We take our name from the conviction that the seventh day (Saturday) is the Sabbath of the Lord established at creation, honored by Jesus and His apostles, and will be observed in the new earth. We are Adventists because we believe that, according to His promise, Jesus will soon return to establish His everlasting kingdom.

If you are searching for a church home, please consider this a personal invitation to become a part of our family.

Pastor Fry

EVANGELISM NEWS

Thanks to everyone who supported our recent Bible prophecy seminar at the Convention Center! It was such an encouragement to see everyone's support each night, as we studied together what Bible prophecy has to say about the times we're living in. The more I look at world events, and at patterns in our society and nation, the more I realize that we are living in the last days of history. Jesus is about to return, just as Bible prophecy predicts! That's why I'm spending time and energy helping people get ready for His return, and that's why I'm encouraged that you came to the seminar. Time is running out for this world, and everyone needs to be preparing for Jesus to come back in glory. Don't let anything prevent you from being ready when He comes.

Some people learned new things from God's Word during this seminar, things they had perhaps never heard before. Whenever we learn something new about Jesus, we should follow the example of the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul taught was true. We know God will bless all those who are really seeking to follow Him and prepare for His coming. In case there are remaining questions about some of the material covered in the seminar, feel free to contact me or Pastor Fry at church on Sabbath (Saturday) morning.

You can also contact me at davidbeihl@southern.edu. May God bless you with His presence as you draw closer to Him!

David Beihl

EVANGELISM NEWS

Summer is normally a time of inactivity ... vacations, trips to the beach, and just lounging around doing nothing. But not here at Midtown! These past couple of months have seen a flurry of activities that continues even now. We've had prophecy seminars, church socials, Baptisms, picnics, Prayer Meetings, with lots of improvements in the works. Just look at the activities of the church Board listed below to get an idea of what's in store. 

Bob Sitko

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

At the June Board meeting, the church Board discussed several properties they were looking at for a permanent church home. Among these were the Baptist Church on Bull Street near Taylor, and 1812 Washington Street. The Board also considered a couple of churches that were willing to rent to us, including the Wesley Memorial church on Devine Street, and the Eastside Baptist Church in Forest Acres.

Some of the Board's actions were:

• Approved a church social at Elizabeth Baynard's home.

• Discussed Children's Sabbath School issues, including subscriptions to activity magazines.

• Voted to hold Communion services on August 30 and December 20 this year.

• Looking into acquiring a church telephone, probably a cell phone that can be taken to church on Sabbath mornings to answer questions from visitors unfamiliar with our location and times of service. A recorded message giving this information is planned for all other times.

• Looking into getting a couple of directional signs that can be posted near Pickens Street and Park Circle, to direct visitors to our meeting location at the Capital Senior Center.

• Approved holding fellowship lunches on the second and fourth Sabbaths each month.

• Making a Midtown Church I.D. for brother Eugene Bolden to wear when he is doing street evangelism. We are so grateful that brother Eugene is able to do this very important work for the Lord, and anything we can do to help him will be a blessing.

• Pastor Fry and perhaps other Board members will meet with various committees at the Conference regarding our search for a permanent home. We've been looking at a property on Assembly Street that David Beihl has found, and Conference officials have taken an interest in our efforts. 

Bob Sitko

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mary Grace and Eugene McPherson celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on June 24th.

BIRTHDAYS

• David Beihl, on June 6 

• Bob Garner on June 10 

• Elwillie Taylor on June 27 

• R.J. Sherman on July 12 

• Vera Hill on July 25 

• Pat Stephen on August 19 

• Debbie Beihl on September 18 

• Gary Beihl on September 23 

• Thomas Beihl on September 28 

• James Middleton on September 29 

SABBATH LECTURE

On August 16, there will be a historical lecture on the change of the Sabbath, at the South Carolina Archives and History auditorium, 8301 Parklane, Columbia, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Following the lecture will be a panel discussion, so bring any questions you have about the Sabbath. There will also be many resources on the Sabbath question to take home. For more information, call Sensible Living at 800-837-3139. 

Bob Sitko

BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER MEETING

Every Wednesday evening at 6:00, Pastor Fry leads a group in Prayer and Study. After song and prayer, the group discusses current events that point to the soon coming of Jesus, then studies from the book Last Day Events. Study guides and questions for next week's study are passed out to all the participants. We've been having a great turnout (sometimes exceeding 50 percent of membership!) So stop in on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. for a prayerful, enjoyable and thought provoking study hour. 

Bob Sitko

BAPTISMS

On June 28, three new members were baptized into our church, and one member was re-baptized. Another new member was baptized into the West Columbia Church by Pastor Fry. The baptisms were held in Lake Murray, at Elizabeth Baynard's home. Although the weather was threatening, the rain, lightning and thunder held off until the baptisms were finished. Pastor Fry baptized Gareth Fome', Eugene Bolden, and Jacob Pawlowski, and re-baptized Joshua Baynard. Pastor Fry also baptized Burt Barber into the West Columbia Church. A large crowd of family and friends from the two churches watched, sang songs, and congratulated the new members. Thanks to Debbie Beihl for providing the music, and to Elizabeth Baynard for hosting this event.

Bob Sitko

CHURCH SOCIAL

On Sunday, June 29, a Church Social was held at Elizabeth Baynard's home on Lake Murray. Everyone who attended had a great time, with lots of good food and fun activities. Thanks to Elizabeth for making her home available for this special event.

Bob Sitko

BEIHL FAMILY PICNIC

On Sabbath, July 12, the Beihls hosted a picnic in Guignard Park in Cayce. Lots of good food, including haystacks, was available. At the picnic, David Beihl presented a set of Ellen White books to our new members, Jacob Pawlowski and Eugene Bolden. 

Bob Sitko

TRANSFERS AND NEW MEMBERS

In June, Sam Fiorini transferred his membership to the Columbia First Church.

In June, Jacob Pawlowski, Gareth Fome', and Eugene Bolden were baptized into our church.

Two requests for transfer to our church are awaiting acknowledgement from the church being transferred from. Bill Mathis and Ronelin Zearfoss are awaiting completion of their transfer and should receive notice within the next month. 

Bob Sitko

ONLINE BIBLE STUDIES

For many years, Doug Leonhardt has been giving Bible studies over the Internet. The lessons include five groups, with ten to thirty lessons in each group. The studies are The Good News, the Great Controversy, Revelation Now, Standing on the Promises, and the Gospel Workers Manual. The questions can be answered right online, or can be printed and mailed back. The answers are checked by Doug, and the student's progress is reported back to him or her. At the end of each course, a certificate of completion is sent to the student. Several churches print out copies of these lessons and use them in their own studies. The lessons were originally authored by Pastor Tony Cirigliano. Students from around the Columbia area and around the world have discovered and taken part in these Bible studies. Check them out at www.Bible7.net, and perhaps enroll in one or more of the courses offered there. 

Bob Sitko

MIDTOWNCHURCH.NET

If you haven't taken a look at our church website, www.MidtownChurch.net, check it out. It's updated at least weekly, with all the information in our weekly church bulletin, so you can print a copy of the bulletin before you get to church! It has lots of photos of activities such as fellowship lunches, baptisms, etc., and even has some of Pastor Fry's sermons that you can listen to in case you missed one or would like to hear it again. 

Bob Sitko

LITERATURE EVANGELISM

Eugene Bolden has taken an active part in Literature Evangelism by passing out literature on the streets in downtown Columbia. Pray that he is successful in planting the seeds of truth in the minds of some of the people he comes in contact with. May God bless his efforts! Thank you, Eugene, for taking on this important work of evangelism.

Doug Leonhardt is also involved in Literature Evangelism in a different way. He keeps our literature boxes full at the bus station and the train station. You may have noticed our bright yellow newspaper box at the Greyhound statlon or our Literature box at the train station. Doug keeps them stocked with donated magazines, pamphlets, and books. Some of the leftover materials from our recent Prophecy Seminars will be used for these literature boxes. 

Bob Sitko

BITS OF WISDOM

• The faith that justifies always produces first true repentance, and then good works, which are the fruit of that faith (OHC 52).
  
  

• God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage!
  
  

• If you talk about me, let it be on your knees!

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

Tooth Care may save your life!

One of the most unlikely ways to prevent heart disease (man's number one killer), is keeping your gums healthy. A University of NC at Chapel Hill study validated that periodontal disease is a significant risk of heart disease. The pockets formed from the gums pulling away from the teeth, have one of the highest concentrations of bacteria in the body. Gum disease is an infectious disease resulting in bacteria being pumped into the blood stream damaging the heart's walls and valves. The bacteria also releases clotting factors that can spur strokes. Prevention can be as simple as routine flossing. 

Karen Covington

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Midtown Church meets at the Capital Senior Center on Park Circle, behind Maxcey Gregg Park, Sabbath (Saturday) Morning at 10 AM for Sabbath School and 11:15 AM for the Worship Hour. 

All photos by     ©2001-2008, Columbia Midtown SDA Church, 701 Gervais St. #150-301, Columbia SC 29201