Sabbath, March 2nd, 2013

Orchard City SDA Church was a happy place this past weekend.
The Kid's Corner room was full of children enjoying their Sabbath School activities.
The adults entered the sanctuary to join in the praise service led by Bryn Q.

Glenda Q. had an interesting story for the welcome after the congregation sang "His Name is Wonderful".  Olga S. had the beautiful opening prayer.
Alex M. shared some points on how to have a vibrant hour with God first thing in the morning. He also gave us three points to follow.
Then a great thing happened next. Alex called on Gay to come up and she joined Alex and talked about the Random Acts of Kindness she is doing for her birthday this year.
They both did a really good job of sharing their ideas and experiences.
Gay does not usually go up front so it was a very special to have her talk.

Alex and Gay

After a short and informative Spotlight on Missons, we had a prayer for the facilitators and then went to our small groups for study time.

To start the church service, Melanie and her husband, David, led our church in praise time along with their two small sons.

We enjoy seeing these brothers interact

Doug F. told the children's story and did a good job of it. He told about a time when he went SCUBA diving and the boat did not work so well. Doug brought a big bag of SCUBA gear for the kids to see and touch. Doug ended by reminding us all that God is with us in every situation and cares about each of us very very much.

A flipper

The important weight belt

After children's story Bob had  the special music and this week he invited us all to join in singing or saying moo or neigh at the appropriate times in a farm song the children sing in Sabbath School.

Then Bob had the children help unwrap something.

A brand new sign designed by Alicia J.

It looks like everyone likes it a lot. Thanks, Alicia!

About ten years ago when Ali G. first went to WWU, Pastor Karl Haffner had a sermon for parents weekend that really impressed the Q. family. Ali and Glenda wanted to share that sermon with the members at OCC for a long time, but the time was never quite right.
When Lori invited Glenda to have the service one Sabbath in March, it was the right time to share the message.
Don Q. read the Bible verses (Romans 8: 18-25) in between Glenda's talk and stories about Heavenly Hope. The service ended with a photo tribute -  full of hope.
Tyler made a DVD of photos accompanied by two very special songs, "In the Light of that City" by Allen Asbury and Selah's "If We Never Meet Again Until Heaven." It was a very lovely tribute to our loved ones who are waiting for our Saviour to come again and wake them to take to Heaven with Him.

A very special thanks to Pastor Haffner for finding and sharing his sermon with us!