Let's See What Happened at OCC this past Sabbath ~ February 22nd, 2014

Sabbath School was a bit different this week.

Glenda Q. was leading it and had 10 helpers, or maybe we can count 11 as one helped set up the chairs and also helped to put things back in time for church service.

We had Sabbath School Squares.

A lot of great help with each part of the SSS.

Bryn leading the singing  - new words written by Dorothy Watts - sung to the tune of "To God Be the Glory."

Sylvia read a story called "The Barnabus Committee." It was a very nice story.
Don read three Bible verses about encouragement.
Doug L. shared the 8 ways we can give encouragement and then he shared something that gave him encouragement.
Vicki had a 60-second talk about how words build up or tear down. It was excellent.
Alexander L. shared four definitions of encouragement. Thank you, Alexander, for taking part.
Lori shared a short mission story about someone with next-to-nothing sharing their chicken as their thank you.
Bonnie played the piano for the song Bryn led and we all enjoyed it and sang out.
Jerrie Lou had a story about someone who encouraged a young man with his public speaking and how that impacted him for his whole life.
Lou B. helped us by passing out the words to the song. Each person is needed to do their part to make a great learning experience for us all.
Pastor Teranski was visiting so he could preach at the 11 o'clock service, but he was a willing participant at the last minute and we enjoyed him sharing a short story of a time when he was encouraged by someone. He told about the time our church made up a goodie basket for him -- filled with fruit, treats, a bit of money, cards, notes, and letters... after his lovely wife, Audrey had gone to rest.

Classes were held downstairs and upstairs and the children were in the cozy building outside for their Kids Corner.

The new sign on the outside of the building. So nice and inviting.

Cute eagle made by one little girl.

It was so nice to have Bryn at OCC this week. She played the piano for our service.

So great to have Levi and his mummy leading Praise Time.

Jerrie Lou told an interesting children's story.

Singing the children's song.

"I may never shoot the artillery"

Each time Alexander plays for special music it is delightful to hear.

"The Story of the Three Little Bears"

Scripture for this sermon talk is Romans 15:2-6

Table arrangements for the fellowship meal.

Beautiful flower arrangement at the welcome desk.

A Special Sabbath, A Baptism ~ January 11th, 2014

This Sabbath was bright and clear. The sky was so very blue.
Orchard City Church was a place of happiness as something special was to take place.

David B. was to be baptized and Pastor Bob Tetz was here for it.
We all rejoiced together!

Edith leading out in the Sabbath School program this morning.

Lori guiding us through the lesson study time in one general group this week. 

A cheery umbrella, though the day is bright and blue

Such a beautiful Sabbath day!

Never too young to enjoy friends at Orchard City Church.

David sharing his testimony.

David L. sharing a story.

It is no secret that David B. loves the Lord and wants to follow Him in every way.

Pastor Tetz praying just before baptizing David.

Amen.

Since my mum (Esther Wecker) was so very ill this day, I prayed on my way towards church that God would show me something fun and interesting to take a picture of for a little relief from the sadness. I spied it as I came up by Beverly's driveway and as I got a bit closer I laughed and said, "Thank you, Lord!!" It is just what I needed that day. I took many photos of this little snow quail and enjoyed my talk with Jesus as I did so.

A beautiful snow quail  with OCC behind - what a lovely gift from God.

The dazzling sunshine

Video Wednesday: I Am Second - Scott Hamilton

During the past few months we have neglected this feature on our blog as other, more important things have taken our attention away. But it's time now to return to this mid-week inspiration. To gain strength from the words that others have to say. To learn from the stories of their lives. To grow in our own relationship with God because of their testimonies.

Today's Video Wednesday features former Olympian Scott Hamilton. I hope you are blessed by his story.

After listening to Scott's story I was so impressed with the I am Second campaign, and I looked it up to learn more about it. Here's what I found:

I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second. ... I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours?

These videos are well-made, heartfelt, and inspiring. Perfect for our Video Wednesday feature! You will definitely be seeing more of them in the near future.

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Video found on the blog Beyond the Pale. Thank you for sending it in, Glenda!

Sabbath, February 15th, 2014

We had a wonderful Sabbath School with Liza L. She invited a lady to come and share with us about her time being lost in the wilderness, and how it led her to have a very close relationship to Jesus. She was so thankful to be found and restored to good health. Her talk was very inspiring.

This was followed by Doug L. leading in the lesson study time. Many took part in the discussion and soon the time was over and we went into our church service.

The church service was brought to us by Kevin Littlechilds and his students from Okanagan Adventist Academy.

First the Praise Time and Children's Offering.

Collecting the offering.

Jumping for Joy.

The drama group acted out the children's story and used willing volunteers from the audience to join them. A few photos will help you get the idea of the story. Sam and David and some brothers were in the story.

Sam sitting on a 'rock."

In the play he is the father - Jesse.

Wondering who will fit the shoe.

She is enjoying the story.

All of the siblings together.

Not one of these siblings..... who can it be?

Watching and waiting.

Mr. K. Littlechilds shared My Story for the service. It is wonderful to see how God has lead in his life.

A creative Reader's Theatre done by the drama team to sum up the whole service.

She did her part very well.

To close the morning there was a special song and we enjoyed hearing it!

Made in Kids Corner

A fellowship meal of haystacks was served to all who wanted to stay after the church service. Dawna L. sure did make it look pretty in reds, pinks, and whites with flowers and heart.