October 2008 Newsletter

Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

No. 4

October 2008

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

Holes in our heads, or helmets of salvation?

Many testimonies from believers in hostile nations tell how they have responded to hatred with love and to inflicted pain with forgiveness. The world regards such Christians as simpletons, too heavenly-minded to relate to everyday problems. Godly wisdom is regarded as inferior to the world's sophistication. Someone wondered if we are "too romantic" with such an approach to persecution and suffering especially since we do not emphasize military, social or political solutions.

An interesting fact is that scientific research shows that black holes are burned into the brain by hatred, anger, bitterness and other negative emotions.

Dr. David Amen, Dr. Marian Diamond, Dr. Caroline Leaf and other neuroscientists and biochemists describe the toxic chemical flood our bodies release into our brain when we think malicious thoughts. Microphotographs reveal these chemicals burn tunnel-like holes in branched nerve cells called dendrites.

Dr. Leaf calls these burned places "emotional black holes." By contrast, positive thoughts actually create more dendrite nerve fibers in the brain. She says, "You can grow a new memory over the old memory." One of the elements she mentions in this healing process is forgiveness.

The world laughs at the biblical motto, "Jesus Saves." The truth is, He does. His love and mercy can bring healing to abuse victims and preserve the minds and hearts of our persecuted brothers and sisters. When Christians are under stress, or even torture or imprisonment, and they praise God, sing or quote uplifting Scripture, they are putting on the helmet of spiritual and physical salvation. As some have pointed out, "All believers can be light in a dark world - light to futile, toxic thinking. The dendrites of our minds can literally flourish as we study and live by the Word of God, allowing it to stop the negative chemical bath and create a new network of dendrites that act as a super highway, bypassing, even shrinking the 'holes' of the past."

Most of my life I have been aware of the positive effects of reading the Psalms and the healing power of God's Word. The Apostle Paul's use of the term "helmet of salvation" was not merely poetic license. This helmet is not a religious luxury. It is a necessity, for it is our best defense against the Devil.

Pastor Fry

There are multiple lines of independent intelligence forecasting a significant collapse in America prior to, and after the election. Whether or not it comes to pass depends on the angels holding the four winds of strife, or whether they begin to let go.

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

"The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force." (CL 10). "Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. God's people should be preparing for what is to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise." (8T 27,28)

"The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old." (GC 614)

"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 circumstance, 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)

DEEPENING CRISIS

The great number, remarkable variety, increasing intensity, and frequency of man-made and natural disasters occurring all around us, clearly point to the nearness of the end. God is gradually withdrawing His Spirit as wickedness deepens. The immense depth of immorality in our world today is enabling Satan to control minds, as well as the forces of nature, to an even greater extent than in previous years. Although the angels have been told to hold the winds, yet throughout the entire world we see clear evidences that their grip is gradually loosening.

There is an almost total abandonment of moral principles by so many, as shown in a dramatic increase of abortion, gambling, pornography, crime, and corporate corruption, as well as political turmoil. Along with this there are the intensified efforts of Catholic and Protestant leaders to unify their efforts to achieve common goals: a leading one of which is the enactment of a strict National Sunday Law "for the good of the nation and to appease the wrath of God against immorality."

Some among our people are saying that this Fall, the "national ruin" of our nation predicted in the Spirit of Prophecy will occur. But please know that Inspiration has repeatedly told us that the national ruin of America will not begin until after our nation yields to Catholic and Protestant urging -- and a National Sunday Law is enacted. (Keep up your courage, keep your eyes open and stay close to our dear Jesus.)

Pastor Fry

CHURCH NEWS

Transportation Needs

We continue to receive phone calls and internet inquiries about transportation to our church. There are a lot of people who have heard of our church and want to worship with us, but who lack transportation. Fortunately, we are located on several bus routes, and that helps somewhat. But some people who don't live near this service need to rely on the kindness of others to get to our church. Will you help by volunteering to transport someone, even if just one Sabbath a month? The Lord will be so pleased and will bless you beyond your imagination.

Doug Leonhardt

Baby Shower

A baby shower for Brittany Pawlowski was held on October 4 at the Capital Senior Center. Thanks to everyone who planned, organized, and attended this festive occasion to honor Baby Lauren. For photos, go to our website, MidtownChurch.net, and click on "photos".

Bob Sitko

Discover Bible School

Our church will be starting a correspondence Discover Bible School under the direction of Doris Sheriff. We want everyone to get involved in this Outreach Ministry. If you haven't yet volunteered, please fill out a School Participation Form and return it to Doris as soon as possible.

Bob Sitko

Building Fund Raiser

As our membership nears 50, it's becoming evident that we need a building of our own. We've been looking at several properties nearby that would lend themselves to becoming our church home, but the price for these properties is very high. We need your prayers and financial support to enable us to proceed. Pastor Fry has composed a suggested fund raising letter that we can all mail to family, friends, co-workers, and businesses. All you have to do is insert the salutation and your signature, then mail it to your contacts. Pick up a few copies of this letter and start sending them off -- God will bless your efforts and make an affordable building available to us.

Bob Sitko

Church Business Meeting

At our church business meeting on September 20, the members accepted all eleven goals in our three-year growth plan. These include a Discovery Bible School, Sabbath Conference, Bible History seminar, WBAJ broadcasts, Literature Evangelism, Van Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Health Ministry, Internet Ministry, New Member nurturing, and Family Camps. Our target membership is 50 after one year, 75 after two, and 100 members after three years. Our present membership is 38, with 11 transfers pending.

Bob Sitko

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Adventist Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR)

Please continue to pray for all of those affected by these tremendous persecution tragedies in India and consider opening your hand wide to your brothers and sisters in this persecution by making a donation to Adventist Community Services.

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

The church Board has asked the church to appoint Charles Davis to be our Building Committee Chairman for this coming year. We will be blesed by his leadership, as the Holy Spirit leads him in this position.

A NOTE FROM OUR TREASURER

We continue to meet our budget each month for which we can praise the Lord. We are praying to the Lord for our own church building. Our Building Fund must continue to grow if we are to realize this very important project.

Mary Grace McPherson

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Elizabeth Baynard on October 26
Doug Leonhardt on November 8
Mary Grace McPherson on November 13
Mary Ann Fry on November 23
Charlie Davis on November 25

MIDWEEK AT MIDTOWN

Attendance

Our average weekly attendance at our Worship services for the year has really increased and our membership now stands at 49. We're getting significant numbers of visiting travelers and other interested visitors. We're also getting excellent turnout for our Midweek at Midtown Bible Study and prayer hour on Wednesday evenings, often exceeding 24 attendees. We're studying Preparing for the Second Coming, based on the book Preparation for the Final Crisis. Anyone interested in preparing for Jesus' return come out to the Capital Senior Center on Wednesday nights from six to seven and join our study group.

Bob Sitko

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES

Come join us for good food and fellowship every second and fourth Sabbath after the Worship Hour. It is a great time to get to know each other!

LITERATURE EVANGELISM

Eugene Bolden and others will soon be starting a door-to-door literature distribution in the Greater Columbia area with Bible School sign-up cards and selected literature.

BITS OF WISDOM

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we should not allow our peace to be spoiled. However unjustly we may be treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a spirit of retaliation we injure ourselves. We destroy our own confidence in God, and grieve the Holy Spirit. COL 172.

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

The Oldest Living Tree on Earth Holds Promise as an Extraordinary Medicine

The maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba, has been on our planet for thousands of years. It is completely unaffected by blight and air pollution. A Ginkgo sprouted less than 100 ft from ground zero in the spring after the dropping of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima. Its extract is the most widely prescribed medicine in Europe and Asia. It has been shown in global testing to be effective as an anti-aging medicine. It widens blood vessels to the brain, heart and extremities and acts as a protectant against free radicals which causes tissue damage. It shows promise in the treatment of age related complaints of circulatory, memory loss and mental deterioration.

Often Prescription Drugs Destroy Vital Nutrients

Dr. Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible lists 64 prescription and non-prescription drugs that rob our bodies of nutrients. For example, aspirin removes Vitamin C, Vitamin B and folic acid. Cortisone and prednisone deplete zinc. Laxatives and antacids steal Vitamins A, D, E and Vitamin K. Diuretics destroy potassium. (by the way, did you realize that one cup of kale has 100 times the amount of potassium as one banana?)

Dr. Mindell's book is available at most book stores -- a worthy addition to your home library.

Karen Covington

TIP OF THE MONTH

Do you want to work more vegetables into your diet? Toss a bag of baby spinach into your pasta sauce. Or add a handful of broccoli florets or frozen peas to your brown rice or other whole grain a few minutes before it is done.

VESPERS

Friday night Video Vespers have started back up. 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

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

Be sure to pick up your Fourth Quarter Sabbath School Quarterly (October to December) if you have not already done so. If you have a Quarterly already, but forget to bring it to Sabbath School, you can pick up a copy of the week's lesson on the literature table.

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.