Also, Anna Gray is hosting our fellowship meal this Sabbath. No special food theme… just bring something your family enjoys, but remember, we will be having a lot of extra people this week … so extra from your kitchen would really be a blessing!

The following Sabbath I will be having a “Valentines” sermon. Not just for married people, but some insights on how to have healthy and pleasant relationships with the people around you that you care about.

A Wednesday evening Bible study option for church members.

Bible-Basics Class

Taught by ARISE Gospel Workers: Josh Rayburn and Katelyn Carr

Learn How To:

Give a Bible study
Use you Bible Concordance
Mark you Bible
Share Your Faith
Do’s and Don’ts of Visitation

We have names of people who are waiting for someone to come and study with them!
Free topical study guides will be provided to those who attend.

Starts February 25, 3pm, Eugene Adventist Church – Fireside Room.

Please register so that we may have materials on hand for you. Please notify Josh Rayburn if you would like to attend this class.

joshrayburn@hotmail.com

Have you read the book, The Great Controversy? If not, I encourage you to do so this year. Read on….

The Adventist Church will soon begin to circulate copies of The Great Hope to others. We are being encouraged to prayerfully read the complete version of The Great Controversy.We all need to become acquainted (or reacquainted) with it so we can be prepared to answer questions from people who receive The Great Hope (the abridged version of The Great Controversy). Many of our members have never read it. We all need its message as much as our neighbors and friends. While reading, ask the Lord to lead you to people who will be the most receptive to receiving The Great Hope. This very important “get-acquainted” phase ofThe Great Hope Project is scheduled to last through May. Ask for the leading and grace of the Lord as you study.
the goal is to distribute three million copies of The Great Hopethroughout the North American Division during the months of June through December. But we are not suggesting that this goal is to be met by massive mailings. God and our money and efforts will be much better served through a relational distribution to family, friends and acquaintances. After reading The Great Controversy we will be better prepared to talk with friends and family about any questions they might have after we have personally given them a copy of The Great Hope.

Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.” Revelation 22:17. The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church. Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, “Come.”

It is fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul-saving depends alone upon the ministry. The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a burden for souls is to be given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities. Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Saviour’s commission is given to all who believe in His name. God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands. Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.” Matthew 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.

Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14.

White, E. G. (1911; 2002). The Acts of the Apostles in the Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 4; Acts of the Apostles (109–111). Pacific Press Publishing Association; Pacific Press Publishing Association.

For those of you going, you will need to be at the Big Lake snow park area by 6:30pm. The snow cat will leave the parking lot promptly at 7pm.

Next Sabbath the Emerald Christian Academy band and choir will be having our worship service. Those that have heard their presentation at the other area churches really enjoyed the presentation. We will be having extra guests next week, so your help with the fellowship meal would really be appreciated. Extra people coming … extra food needed! Thank you!

This Sabbath their will be a fellowship meal after the worship service. The theme will be Haystacks … but … this will not be a general church potluck. It is going to be a meal for our guests. You may stay and join them for lunch if you bring some haystack “fixin’s”. Chips, beans, tomatoes, toppings and that sort of thing. Pleas bring enough to feed your family and then extra to help feed our guests. Patty Beemer and Della Rodman are hosting the meal.

February 21st — 6pm Finance Meeting, 7pm Church Board

Our church is needing a Treasurer to replace Don Rodman who needed to resign. If this is something you might be interested in being considered for please let Pastor Greg know. A job description will be available to anyone who would wish to review it.

A person does not need to be an accountant to do the church books, but you do need to be someone who enjoys working with numbers. The Treasurer must be a trustworthy person and someone who can keep the information available to them confidential. The Treasurer should also be a person who is a financial supporter of the the church through their own tithes and offerings.

Thank you to those who have committed to giving to make this project possible. When you give your contributions please put them in a tithe envelope and mark the amount as, “Gospel Worker”.

Blessings,

Pastor Greg

This past week’s Sabbath School lesson has stirred up quite a bit of discussion, especially in Jay’s class! Next Sabbath I will be preaching on the topic of the God-head. I want to bring confidence to those who need more clarity on what the Bible teaches. Was Jesus “born”? Is the Holy Spirit a person or just a divine force? I’ll address some of those issues … but not with the naive belief that I will be able to settle all debate and answer all questions. This topic has been controverted for centuries. I will only attempt to share with you what the traditional Adventist understanding is and why or how we have come to that understanding. Just to forewarn you … the Adventist understanding has changed over the years … I will share with you when that took place, how it came to be changed, why it changed. The answer will bring confidence, rather than confusion (which I think some would desire to make of this fact). Pray for God’s blessing upon me as I prepare that sermon.

There will be a fellowship meal tomorrow, hosted by the Elders. Lisa Wienke is coordinating the meal . The theme is Italian … sorry this email is going out so late! … whatever you have fixed will be appreciated. Remember members, the main goal of the fellowship meal is to provide a meal for our guests and visitors. It gives us a chance to visit and get to know them. You are welcome to attend but please bring a food item of sufficient quantity that it would feed your family and a couple of guests.

Do you live on the west end of town? Merilee Simmons (Danebo Ave) is looking for a ride to church until she can afford to repair her vehicle.

One of our senior members, Arlene Nesary, passed away on Monday. There will be a memorial service for her on Sabbath afternoon at the Santa Clara Church at 3:30pm. The Santa Clara Church address is 750 Wilkes Drive, Eugene.

Also this Sabbath evening at 5pm the WIEMAR Choir and Orchestra will be at our church for a concert. Come and be blessed! Bring a friend. Invite someone from the other churches.

There will be no church potluck this Sabbath, nor the next. It would be a great time to invite someone home for the Sabbath meal … if you are set up to do that. This week, after church, Shirley and I are going over the mountain to Bend to spend a part of Christmas day with Shirley’s sister and Shirley’s dad. Hopefully the weather will not complicate the drive.

The church sanctuary has looked very nice this holiday season. Thank you to Tami and Judy for doing the decorations … and to Anna Gray for donating the evergreen wreath.

This Sabbath we will be having a special Christmas program coordinated by Steve Waterson. Thanks to all the musicians and singers who are helping with the special presentation. Kendall Everett will be doing the readings between the musical numbers.

Friday evening, December 30th, we will be having our annual Friday night communion service here at the church. It will start at 6:30 pm with a soup / sandwich fellowship meal and then followed by our communion service. It will be a time of fellowship, singing and devotional thoughts.

Church Board – Tuesday – 6:30pm

Thursday, December 15th, 7pm – ECA musical program. Come and support the students!

December 17th there will be a Christmas concert here in our church – presented by Don Corcoran’s choir and orchestra. This will be a very special presentation that you will not want to miss! Don’s presentation will be during the worship service. A special offering will be called for during the concert – the proceeds will help cover the many expenses related to the operation of this musical ministry.

-Thank you to the generous donor who supplied the funds for our new welcome banners!

-We have a large potluck to look forward to this week as the ARISE graduation may draw extra visitors. Please plan your delicious contributions accordingly.

-ARISE Prayer Partners: You will have a small, but special, role to play in the graduation service Sabbath afternoon.

Lincoln Steed – Editor of Liberty Magazine will be the speaker at our church on March 17th, 2012. I have invited him to come and speak to us regarding the recent statement put out by the Vatican which outlines (in very clear language) their intent to push for a world-wide “AUTHORITY” that would have the power to dictate new rules to the nations of the world for the “good of the people”. The letter also calls for an end to Capitalism in favor of a universal redistribution of wealth … administered by the “World Authority”.

Light Bearers is needing volunteer. The old and new Laurelwood campus’s have donated their libraries and we are incorporating these books into our current library. Please call Cindi at 541-988-3333 ext: 204 if you have an interest.

Also during the month of December. EVERYTHING in the store will be discounted by 25%.

Light Bearers Ministry

37457 Jasper Lowell Rd.

Jasper, OR 97438

541-988-3333 ext: 204

Mission Video

This Weeks Devotional

Latest Audio/Video Uploaded

This week is HOME FELLOWSHIP SABBATH. The first Sabbath of the month we set aside for inviting guests and new members to our homes for a meal. The ARISE students have a 3pm meeting on Sabbath afternoon … so if they do wish to come to your home for lunch be aware that they will need to leave pretty quickly (probably by 2:30pm – depending on where you live). Many of them may choose to just have a meal at their dormatory. I’m not sure we will know for sure until Sabbath morning. I’ll send out more info later this evening if I receive any further details.

Discover Prophecy Seminar continues Sabbath evening at 6:30pm. Pastor David Asscherick will only present one lecture and then he will answer questions from the audience.

Next Week – Friday night at 7pm – Matt and Jose’ Minikus concert.

Sabbath – 2pm - ARISE graduation service at our church (no Spanish services that day).

Sunday – 6:30pm - the last Discover Prophecy presentation.

December 17th – a Christmas concert at our church – presented by Don Corcoran’s choir and orchestra. This will be a very special presentation that you will not want to miss!

Lincoln Steed – Editor of Liberty Magazine will be the speaker at our church on March 17th, 2012. I have invited him to come and speak to us regarding the recent statement put out by the Vatican which outlines (in very clear language) their intent to push for a world-wide “AUTHORITY” that would have the power to dictate new rules to the nations of the world for the “good of the people”. The letter also calls for an end to Capitalism in favor of a universal redistribution of wealth … administered by the “World Authority”.

GleanerNOW Christmas Give-aways Begin Dec. 1
Subscribe to the weekly GleanerNOW! e-newsletter and you will be automatically entered into several GLEANER Christmas drawings. Three winners will be announced each week in the Dec. 1, 8 and 15 e-newsletters. Each winner will receive a prize pack provided by the Pacific Press and well-known author, Joe Wheeler. Each prize pack includes two of Wheeler’s famous Christmas in My Heart story books, plus a two-DVD pack featuring the Hope Channel series with Wheeler reading 16 of his Christmas stories. Then, on Dec. 22, the grand prize winner will receive the final prize pack, PLUS a new Kindle Fire tablet! To subscribe go to www.GleanerOnline.org and click on the GleanerNOW! button.

Don’t hesitate to email me at gleaner@nw.npuc.org or call 360-857-7043 if you have any questions. God bless and Merry Christmas!

Desiree D. Lockwood
Gleaner Ad Manager
& Copy Coordinator
360.857.7043

Light Bearers is needing volunteer. The old and new Laurelwood campus’s have donated their libraries and we are incorporating these books into our current library. Please call Cindi at 541-988-3333 ext: 204 if you have an interest.

Also during the month of December. EVERYTHING in the store will be discounted by 25%.

Light Bearers Ministry

37457 Jasper Lowell Rd.

Jasper, OR 97438

541-988-3333 ext: 204

Mission Video

This Weeks Devotional

Latest Audio/Video Uploaded

Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani faces execution at any moment for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ.

This Prayer Chain is calling ALL Christians into action NOW on behalf of this Iranian pastor, who faces execution!

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani never practiced the Muslim faith and converted to Christianity at age 19, becoming a pastor later. But the courts say that since his mother and father were practicing Muslims, he must recant his Christian faith or die. So far, in three court appearances, he has refused to do so – RISKING EXECUTION AT ANY MOMENT. The Iranian Supreme Court often acts quickly in administering the death penalty.

According to a report, when asked by judges to “repent,” Yousef replied: “Repent, What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?”

The judges replied: “To the religion of your ancestors – Islam.” To which Yousef replied: “I cannot.”

It’s time for the body of Christ to act, to pray, to plead for the life of our Brother before Christ so that His servant may be spared.

The Bible States , “If God is with us, who can stand against us.”

When I was a very young boy I was placed in a foster home. I was glad to be in a warm, caring environment … but it wasn’t home! My mother had promised to come and get me some day soon, but “someday” seemed so far way. I missed my real home.

That first year I came down with a case of mumps right at Christmas time. I was sick, in bed and listening to the household members decorating the Christmas tree. I was so excited. It was going to be my first tree … and it was going to have colored electric lights on it!

Soon the decorating was all done and I was anxious to go to the living room and see the tree that I had been trying to envision in my mind’s eye. And then, I was given the worst possible news. Because of my sickness, I was told, I would not be able to look at the tree because the tree’s lights would harm my eyes (I don’t know if that was true or not, but that’s what I was told).

I cried and plead, “Please, please, let me look at the beautiful Christmas tree!” After many tears and much begging a plan was devised. I was given a pair of dark sun glasses and then told I could glance at the tree, but only for a few seconds. I was taken to the room with the tree and I gazed at the wonder before me! Green, yellow, blue and red plus some shinny tinsel, popcorn and cranberry garland and a glowing star on top. There was so much to see in only a few short moments! I tried hard to capture the image in my mind so that I could remember how beautiful that tree was.

Our life here on this earth is similar to that Christmas experience. The scriptures tell us that we are really just strangers in this world. Heaven is our home and Jesus will soon come and gather us to be with Him forevermore. In the meantime though, we are left with only faint glimpses of the beauty that God has in store for us. God has tried to reveal His plan for our lives and His love for us. God desires for us to see and understand His mercy and grace as revealed in all that surrounds us … but for now, we can only see dimly, but soon, we shall see Jesus face to face in all of His unveiled majesty and glory. What a Christmas that will be!

Greg Middlestetter