Nov. 17, 2021
Devotional Thought
Greetings Church Friends and Family, our scripture for today says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Heb 11:1 (NIV)
Faith and trust are very closely related to each other. “... Faith is confidence (a firm trust) in what we hope for and assurance (proof) about what we do not see”, according to the author of the book of Hebrews. And if we do not have this faith in our hearts, we can’t make God’s heart rejoice.
Are you struggling to believe some time? Just go and look at the faith of a child. Children believe without insisting on evidence, just like that, because they trust and love their heavenly Father.
According to an anonymous quote, “Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing Who holds the future.” Faith has very little to do with feeling: it asks you to take and make God’s promises your own, even if it’s not yet been realized in your life. In and of yourself, it is impossible to believe because only God can plant and work out faith in your heart.
The text that best summarizes faith for me comes from Mark 9: 23-24. “23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!””
When you believe, everything is possible for you. It is then that God will help you in those areas where you may still occasionally experience some doubts. Believe in Faith!!
What’s New?!
Thanksgiving Brunch & Service
We will have a Thanksgiving Potluck Brunch on Saturday, November 20th, held
during the regular church time (11:30am), to celebrate the harvest of blessings as a
church family.
As the seasons are changing, may we count the many blessings we have: a warm
home to go to, dinner to comfort us, and a church community to grow within life.
Let’s continue to reflect on these things as we make preparations for Thanksgiving.
It’s easy to become busy with the list of tasks to be done, but let’s strive to do it all with a heart full of gratitude because of the love Christ has first shown us.
As a family-style potluck, we’d like your help with setting up Saturday morning
before Sabbath School (as our Renters will use the fellowship hall on Friday evening).
We’d also like your help with food set up, clean up, and restoring the fellowship hall. We look forward to this time we can partake in this very special Thanksgiving meal together as a church family!
Please consider bringing your favorite vegetable dish, casserole, bread, stuffing, fruit, dessert, beverage, etc. to share with at least 10 people, according to your last name (AND anything else “kosher” you’d like to bring additionally):
- A-K - Scrambled Eggs/Tofu, Tatertots, vegetable dish/casserole.
- L-N - Bagels and cream cheese, Pastries/Donuts, Bread, Rolls, or stuffing.
- O-T - Fruits, Nuts, Cheeses, Crackers also vegetable dish/casserole.
- U-Z - Beverage and a Dessert or Pie & toppings.
“But don’t feel limited by the above list! If you have a favorite family dish, feel free to
bring it, regardless of your last name!”
Examples of Suggested Foods to Bring:
- Tofurky/Casseroles –
- Cranberries – sauce, chutney
- Yams – baked, mashed, casserole
- Potatoes – mashed, casserole
- Salad – lettuce, spinach, veggie, fruit
- Fruit – sliced, cut-up, in jello
- Rolls and Butter – nice bread, dinner rolls
- Dressing or Stuffing – baked separately to go with tofurky or other main dishes
- Cooked Vegetables – green beans, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, veggie casserole
- Pie and Topping – apple, pumpkin, pecan, or cherry with whipped cream or ice
- cream
- Pastries / Donuts
We will gradually be phasing in various elements of the Google Suite setup to make it easier to import Calendars, collaborate in planning, see our prayer request list and journal, Sabbath participant schedules, and more.
Until then, please keep the following in mind:
November
20 – Thanksgiving Brunch & Church Service (See breakdown further below)
December
?? - #GrowingTogether Coachinar" (Group Coaching)
10 – Agape Feast Communion (Friday evening) – More info to be announced
31 – Old Years / New Years Prayer Time
January
11 - #GrowingTogether - Webinar #2
More info to be announced Have something that should be included in our Calendar? Email Pastor Eugene eugene@arlingtonadventist.com and we will include it in our Google Calendar, and a working Google Doc that will continuously be updated.
Old Year / New Year Prayer Service
Plan now to join us - The Thursday Night Prayer Group would like to invite all to a quiet, reflective service on New Year’s Eve from 7:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m. This is an opportunity for the community to gather, say prayers, reflect, and praise God for the many blessings received throughout the year. It also allows us to greet the New Year rejoicing in the Power of the Holy Spirit and to develop a lifestyle of intimacy with God. Please plan to attend December 31st, 9 p.m to 12 a.m
(We are tentatively also planning to have communion service available. - Will update closer to the time)
(We are tentatively also planning to have communion service available. - Will update closer to the time)
Weekend at-a-Glance
Children’s Sabbath School
We started our Children’s Sabbath School program back again Nov. 6. What a blessing it was to see our kids back on campus. Thank you to all of our coordinators, teachers, parents, and our church for making this happen. There are still a few things that we are working on to ensure the safety of our children. We also want to ensure that technological needs for each class are met. If you are interested in getting involved or helping in this or anything Children’s Ministry-related, please speak to Suni, Jim, or Pr. Eugene.
Please note. ALL Volunteers, have to go through a Sterling Volunteer training and submit to a background check in order to serve in ANY capacity as far as Children’s Ministries are concerned. For those currently helping, please ensure that your volunteer screening is current. We will be double-checking our list with the conference soon.
- The information will be emailed out this week for those needing to renew or submit to the training and background checks. A list has already been compiled for all Church Board members and Sabbath School Teachers.
Adult Sabbath School
You can download PDF copies of this quarter’s Lesson Studies at https://absg.adventist.org/current-quarter - Then study along with Hope Sabbath School - https://www.hopetv.org/hopess/ that also has mini study guides that will aid your experience. Official Sabbath School Lesson app (Includes all Adventist Sabbath School Lesson quarterlies from Beginners to Adult is available in your device’s App / Play Store.
Available on Apple Devices in App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sabbath-school-4/id922307330
Available for Android devices
Sermonette
Sermonette this week by Pr. Eugene: Near the end of our Thanksgiving meal together, we will sing a song or two and then share the message entitled: Smile!
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
We smile because we are thankful. Go ahead, try it. Smile, it’s Thanksgiving! - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
KCSC (Knowledge Seekers Christian School)
Foodbaskets
Knowledge Seekers is providing food baskets to some families within the Lewisville community. We need your help in making sure that these families have a meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Please consider donating the following items:
- Stuffing mix
- Macaroni and cheese mix
- Rice
- Canned or dry beans
- Canned veggies (green beans, corn, etc)
- Fresh root vegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes, yams/sweet potatoes)
- Canned sweet potatoes
- Mashed potato flakes
- Gravy mix
- Chicken/veggie broth
- Cranberry sauce
- Canned pie filling
- Cake mix
- Cornbread mix
- Cooking necessities (vegetable oil, salt, pepper, etc)
- Evaporated milk
- Pie crust mix
- Canned chicken
- Laundry basket or reusable shopping bag
Thank you!!
WE NEED HELP!!!!!
Are you looking for ways to support your child's school but do not know how? Look no further! We desperately need help in several areas! Here are some areas where we can use volunteers:
Are you looking for ways to support your child's school but do not know how? Look no further! We desperately need help in several areas! Here are some areas where we can use volunteers:
- Hot lunch
- Lunch supervision
- After Care (on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
- Bake sale (setup, supervise kids, etc)
- Fundraising Events (to assist with the planning and execution of our events)
- Advertising (contacting surrounding churches and community groups regarding events)
- Nap Supervision (for kindergarten)
- Storytime (Kindergarten - first grade)
- Office support (making copies, filing, phone support, returning calls)
Please let Mrs. Huffin know what you would like to help with and we'll get you started right away!
Please note. ALL Volunteers, have to go through a Sterling Volunteer training and submit to a background check in order to serve in ANY capacity as far as volunteering at the school is concerned.
From our MAIN CAMPUS at the
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY // Wednesdays at 9:30a
Join Pastor Kevin live on Facebook as he continues with a deep dive into the book of Daniel. Next week we'll dig into Daniel Chapter 7, exploring Daniel's visions of the four beasts!
Prayer Requests
Yes, we have several prayer groups that meet during the week, but some have expressed the need to be able to communicate prayer requests to bring before the Lord during our worship service, and they either do not attend in person at present or do not feel comfortable presenting their requests in person. This may also help us cut sometime during our service if we have the requests ready to go.
Please submit your prayer requests that you want to be prayed over during church service, to Pastor Eugene, 1. Via email (eugene@arlingtonadventist.com) or 2. Via Text Message or WhatsApp. (512.708.0600)