Sabbath at OCC July 4th, 2015

July has arrived and so has the hot weather.

We are all so so relieved that the fire in the Joe Rich area is out and not one house was destroyed. Thank God for His mercy.

Sabbath School took on a musical flavour as Diane B. read some quotes from the book "Education" by Ellen White, and then Glenda shared some stories about how a hymn had been used to share Jesus with others. Bonnie played the piano for us as we sang the three hymns mentioned in the stories.

Don lead the Bible discussion, which was the first one of the new quarter, and it was about missionaries, too.

Beverly introduced us to the missionaries at OCC. Two are not pictured here, but it was very nice to have them all worshipping with us. One young lady had invited a man from the community to join us this Sabbath and we were all thrilled to have him in church with us.

Adrian is the leader of the group. It was nice to hear a few words from him.

Arnie was so happy to come to church this Sabbath. He came in his jeans and T-shirt as when the police knocked on his door on Friday and told him to leave this home, he did not take Sabbath dress up clothes with him. We were so glad to have him just there with us and smiling so big because he trusted in God's protection for him and his family and their homes and his beloved pup, Willie.

First time Willie has been invited in to church. He was a very quiet and attentive fellow.
It was much too hot not to be in the nice cool church.

Myrna with her friends Mike and Diane Jones. Mike had our sermon and it was one I think a lot of us will remember.

The sermon title was, "Thanks A Lot!" The Bible text was 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Mike had about 5 or 6 points for us to remember and here are the ones I wrote down:
No matter what happens, be thankful.
Have a gratitude journal and write down 5 things you are thankful for each day.
God is in charge and that is enough. (This was from a dream he had and woke up to remember the words in it.)
Slow down and appreciate the little things (like the butterfly on the bush).
Quote a sweet thankful Bible verse back to God.

Pastor Mike told us about the book "365 Thank Yous" by John Kralik. If you get a chance to read it you will be anxious to see how thank yous can change your life, too.
Thank you Mike and Diane Jones for coming and sharing at Orchard City SDA Church!

Oliver had a very special song for our musical meditation time. It was about writing God's word in our hearts and never letting them go. Thank you, Oliver. It is a treat each time you share your music with us!

Adrian visiting with people after church and the sun streaking his face blue!

And to finish off this wonderful 4th of July Sabbath day, our (Don and Glenda Q.) new little granddaughter, was born at 7:52 p.m. Mummy Alison (Quiring) and Daddy Jonathan Gerrans are very happy and thankful to God for her safe arrival.