Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

Fascinating World of the Great Controversy

The fascinating world of the Great Controversy is now being played out before our very eyes in the field of global finance as the Beast from the sea in Revelation 13:1 maneuvers for a global system that will enforce the Mark of the Beast. Can we not see the issues of collapsing markets, the military on high alert, and the drama of end-time events unfolding before our astonished eyes? Can we not see Protestantism clashing with Romanism, capitalism with Marxism, as this Beast prepares the world economy for the imposition of the Mark of the Beast? Can we not see the Biblical economic theory in conflict with the Beast's economic theories?

It is quite obvious that we are extremely close to the beginning of end-time events — which the Spirit of Prophecy reveals will be introduced by the enactment of a National Sunday Law in America. This is because several highly significant factors are all swelling massively in number and intensity throughout the entire world: (1) The moral crisis, which has many aspects. (2) The astounding number of natural disasters which are increasing dramatically. (3) The financial, credit, and banking crisis which has exploded upon us. (4) The energy crisis, which will only get worse — even though prices may appear at times to drop. (5) A worldwide food shortage, which is likely to intensify, as the cost of basic food supplies increases. (6) More crises will soon break upon us, such as a pollution crisis which will affect both water and air. (7) The latest crisis with the Big Three automakers going bankrupt without a bail-out from the taxpayers, which will affect three to four million American workers.

My friends, we are living in one of the most momentous times in the history of this world. The testimony of Jesus regarding economic realities of the lamblike beast, and the imposition of the Mark of the Beast should jolt us all awake. The wonderful plans of the founders of our nation, to prevent tyranny and preserve freedom was for every family to be agriculturally self-sufficient, which is the very thing the Lord calls upon us to do in preparation for the Mark of the Beast. Many things prophesied are all coming together before our very eyes. Economic meltdown is different from all previous collapses. This one happened in one week's time.

The Bible is clear that some kind of centralized control of the global economy will take place in order for the Beast and the image of the Beast to be able to place anyone who will not receive the Mark of the Beast under economic boycott, so that they will not be able to buy or sell, unless they submit to having the Mark of the Beast.

My friends, we are very close to facing global collapse. World finance is now being brought under the control of the image of the beast. The pressure is building for the angels to let loose the winds of strife. In Revelation 18 we see the Loud Cry, which is the call to come out of Babylon before the sudden collapse of Babylon the Great and its global economy. As our nation spins out of control, God has set before us an open door into His own heart — into the control room of the universe — before God Himself. Bible passages deal with the depth and scope of God's call to enter into the chambers of His protection. God will keep His faithful ones from the hour of temptation.

Are you beginning to see how Satan could use this crisis to further his plans to "help save the world" through a return to religion and worldwide Sunday Laws?

My friends, if you are trusting in Jesus and by His enabling grace, obeying all that He asks, you are perfectly safe right now. Keep close by His side, and nothing the future can bring will harm your eternal destiny. That is a promise from our Father.

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

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).

CHURCH NEWS

Special Prayer Meeting December 3

The Conference Church Planting Committee has recommended to the Conference Executive Committee that the Midtown Company be organized into a full-fledged church. The Executive Committee will meet on December 8. Before then, the Church Planting Committee (six persons, including the Conference President) will meet with us on December 3 for Prayer Meeting. They want to visit with us and talk over our plans for the future, as well as get to know us. PLEASE prayerfully put this date into your plans and try YOUR VERY BEST to attend. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!

Church Nominating Process

On November 15, the following members were elected by the church to the Nominating Committee to come up with a slate of officers for 2009: Elizabeth Baynard, Walter Fry, Doug Leonhardt, Doris Sheriff, and Bob Sitko. The church nominating process is vitally important to the well being of our church and to the effectiveness of our mission here in Columbia! In this process every member has an opportunity to prayerfully and directly affect the leadership of our church. You, the church members, have selected the Nominating Committee, who in turn will nominate the church officers and ministry leaders for 2009. These individuals should be members that the Committee has observed to be balanced, godly, and practical Christians. They should be individuals who know the church family and have been actively participating in the mission of the church. When the nominating process is finished, the church will have an opportunity to vote for or against any member the Nominating Committee chooses. How to do this will be explained at the first reading of the chosen officers.

Harvest Hope Food Bank

Pat Stephen is helping to raise food supplies for the Harvest Hope food bank. This is being done through the Friendship Center that she regularly attends.  It is not too late to donate whatever canned food you can to Pat. It will be very much appreciated.

Bookmobile

On November 22, the Bookmobile from the Conference Book Center was in the Columbia area, stopping at the First Church from 6:30 to 9 pm. Use the Bookmobile to save shipping costs on your book orders by phoning your order to 800-366-1844 and then pick up your books next time it is in the area.

Discover Bible School

Our church has started 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.

Building Fund Raising

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.

Outreach

We have launched an outreach project to reach every house in the urban area of the city of Columbia. We will do this grid-by-grid. Every home will receive a WBAJ doorknob hanger with a Steps To Christ booklet and a Discover Bible enrollment card in it.

Ebenezer Church

The Ebenezer Spanish Church in Cayce has agreed to our using their church for baptisms. We are grateful for this as Winter is no time to baptize in the lake. 

Bob Sitko

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

At our Church Board meeting on November 4, the members discussed new Conference Accounting software, possible Baptism locations, community health seminars, the Discover Bible school, and discussed the Nominating Committee; authorized the purchase of four new children's chairs, the purchase of books to hand out in evangelism, as well as recommending that we not accept the van donated by the Beihls at this time.

On November 1, the church members voted to elect Charlie Davis as Chairman of the Church Building Committee

A NOTE FROM OUR TREASURER

Just a reminder to those of you who turn in your tithes and offerings in an envelope. Please remember to mark the envelope as to where you wish your offerings to go.

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. We continue to get responses from our Fund Raiser letters. Keep up the good work of sending the letters to family and friends. 

Mary Grace McPherson

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Mary Gene Davis on December 3
Nicoleta Hodis on December 19

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!

BITS OF WISDOM

An acrostic of Grace and Hope!

God's Riches At Christ's Expense

Having the love of Jesus, Obeying the commandments, Proclaiming the Three Angels' Message, Eagerly awaiting Christ's soon return.

"God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way." - Ford

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

Maybe It's Time to Reset Your Biologic Clock!

A study in California demonstrated that changing your own biological clock can greatly relieve chronic severe headaches. Dr. Lee Kudrow found that either changing your sleep schedule - going to bed and getting up 2 hours later, — or exposing yourself to bright fluorescent lights for a few hours every evening at dusk, put an end to chronic headaches after a course of merely 2 weeks!.  

New Hope for Shingles Sufferers!

Shingles (herpes Zoster) is a painful skin disease affecting the nerves. Symptoms include pain and small blisters that form over the nerves which are commonly involved on the face, ribs, chest and spine. Conventional treatments include pain killers, tranquilizers, steroids, antivirals, ultrasound and hot and cold packs. A study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology however, documents the seemingly miraculous relief experienced by sufferers who used the salve Zostrix. The active ingredient in Zostrix is the cayenne pepper extract capsaicin. The patients were instructed to apply a salve containing .025% capsaicin to their skin 5 times daily for 7 days, followed by 3 times daily for an additional 21 days. At the end of 4 weeks 25% of the patients reported that their pain was completely gone! Another 50% gained substantial relief.

Pregnancy and Caffeine!

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that pregnant women who drink as little as 1.7 cups of coffee a day will more than double their risk of miscarriage. 

Karen Covington

TIP OF THE MONTH

For a whole-grain crunch, sprinkle a few tablespoons of Grape Nuts cereal over a tub of plain or vanilla soy yogurt mixed with berries or cut-up peaches or bananas.

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.

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