Alex likes to use the white board and it makes his lesson discussions different then other times. He is an artist and likes to draw out the ideas and concepts.
This past Sabbath the lesson was about Giving Back.
Mission Spotlight was shown between SS Lesson Study and Praise Time.
It is so nice to see these again.
Praise Team had lots of smiles and energy.
We all enjoyed the children's song... My God Loves Me and All the Wonders I See...
It was time for the Children's Story and Offering and then Adult Offering before we got online and listened to Pastor Brad Thorp share his talk of the 2nd one in the series he is giving over the next several days.
Head Elder Dave with announcements.
Pastor Josue sharing something important.
Pastor Brad speaking...
A card went around for everyone to write words of love and care for this special family.
Tammy had a turn to say her good bye and it was tearful but warm hearted and full of love.
The Wilfley Family at the farewell lunch on Sabbath.
This family has been in Kelowna for such a good long time it will be difficult to not have them here. The girls will be missed so much in the Kids Church and the school.
Keith talked after the memories were shared and they will miss us and our church family as we will miss them.
Thank you all who provided the flowers and arranged the tables and food for the fellowship meal.
It was lovely and plentiful.
Thank you for all who provided it.
God is such a wonderful Creator and Saviour and Redeemer...
Former Adventist Review Editor William G. Johnsson Has Died at 88
He was a missionary and theologian who authored more than 40 books and 1,000 articles.
Adventist Review Staff
William G. Johnsson, editor of Adventist Review magazine from 1982 to 2006 and founding editor of Adventist World magazine in 2005-2006, died in Loma Linda, California, United States, March 11, 2023. He was 88.
Johnsson was born in Adelaide, Australia, in 1934. After earning undergraduate degrees in technology and chemical technology, he attended Avondale College, where in 1959 he received a Bachelor of Theology degree and met his wife, Noelene.
He then attended Andrews University, where he earned a Master of Arts in systematic theology in 1966. In 1973, he got a PhD in biblical studies from Vanderbilt University. His dissertation was entitled “Defilement and Purgation in the Book of Hebrews.”
During his long career, Johnsson was a missionary to India from 1960 to 1975. At Andrews University, he served as professor of New Testament exegesis and theology from 1975 to 1980 and was associate seminary dean (1978-1980). In 1979, he was elected as the first president of the Adventist Society for Religious Studies.
Johnsson was also a trustee of the Ellen G. White Estate for most of the time he was editor of Adventist Review. After retiring in 2006, he served for seven years as part-time assistant to the General Conference president for Interfaith Relations.
Johnsson wrote more than 40 books and 1,000 articles. Since 2017, he published five books, including, Where Are We Headed? Adventism After San Antonio (2017); Jesus of Nazareth: His Life, His Message, His Passion (2018); Authentic Adventism (2018); Defilement and Purgation in the Book of Hebrews (2020); and Experiencing Romans (2021).
A longer obituary and tribute will follow, as well as information about a memorial service as it becomes available.
Read more at: https://adventistreview.org/news/breaking/former-adventist-review-editor-william-g-johnsson-has-died-at-88/?fbclid=IwAR0BkA-1bBNlV_1sJK0JpvPTkJ6Fdj7o4Z8IUxbqcB3ZklGoIR6GB_OV26k
All who came for the lesson discussion part of SS mostly all contributed ideas and thoughts or read Bible texts on the subject of Covetousness. It is a bigger problem then it first looks like. We can be assured though that with our minds on Jesus we can having the blessing of keeping this too as with all the other commandments.
So thankful for all who come out and join in at 9:50 to 10:40 a.m..
Then we watched a very nice music video for Mission Spotlight that showed people from many areas of the world and our church family abroad.
It gets us inspired to give to Sabbath School Missions for the regular offering as well and the special 13th Sabbath offering at the end of the quarter which is at the end of March.
Beverly shared about the up coming meetings by Brad Thorp. Nice to see a big banner up at the church fence too.
Thanks Heidi, Warren and Shirley for the springy flowers and banners in the church now.
Karen explained about the upcoming fellowship meal next month, after which we will plan for our Family Day outreach in fall.
Bonnie played the piano so nicely and it is great we have people able and willing to share their talents in Praise Time.
Karen lead the singing in Praise Time and it is nice to sing so many different varieties of hymns, choruses and then a song for the children which we all enjoy.
It is so great to have children at OCC... lets make sure to welcome them warmly and let them know how important they are to our service.
In thought before he speaks.
Ruby had the scripture reading just before he spoke.
Don M spoke this Sabbath and his message was compelling. ( these thoughts are bits and pieces of the talk he gave not direct quotes, just notes.)
In Luke 7 Peter argued with the Master why are we fishing now?
But because You have said, we will do it.
Simon then said depart from me for I am a sinful man.
Jesus said from now on you will catch men.
For 3 years Peter followed Jesus... he saw Jesus heal the demoniac and the storm be stilled at Jesus's words. He was there for the feeding of the 4000 and 5000.
Peter was convinced Jesus was the Son of Man.
'All of you will be offended because of me tonight,' said Jesus, but Peter said, "Not me."
Even if all the others failed Him he would not!!!
How often we make rash statements. We sing I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go Dear Lord.
Is it true?
Matthew 32:31 and onward ... "one of you will betray me tonight."
Then the Lord said, "Simon, Simon."
Verse 33 I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.
The rooster will not crow twice before you will deny me 3 times.
We are converted and we feel so strong. We soar higher then before after we have been forgiven.
I can do all things through Christ.
Some times it is hardest to forgive ourselves.
We say.. if only.
Why did I do that??
Whey did I say that??
We feel so guilty.
After the rooster crowed Jesus looked over at Peter and Peter looked at Jesus and for that moment their eyes met and that look changed Peter!! That look lingered for the rest of Peter's life.
That look touches you right down deep in your heart.
Peter was broken.
Jesus answers with LOVE. He answers with grace.
We stand in the presence of God and wait. Too repentant to leave and silently wait. Jesus says, "Go now and sin no more."
He really had it heartfelt and at the end he read a poem and then sang ( with the congregation ) Precious Lord Take My Hand, after telling the very sad story about Thomas Dorsey and what led him to write the song.
Tommy Dorsey was a popular jazz musician, playing trombone, coronet and trumpet as well as being a bandleader and composer and conductor. He was being asked to come to a city to perform but his wife was 9 months pregnant and didn't want him to leave her. He agonized and in the end decided he must go so he left and during a program he was called to leave and go home. When he arrived he found his wife had died in childbirth and his new baby boy was still alive. He held that small baby and cried out to God. In his suffering he found himself at the piano and his fingers worked out this song, Precious Lord, Take My Hand.
He will take your hand too when life sends hard times your way... He loves all the time.
He will guide.
Marilyn plays so beautiful and knows just when to begin and how to play for the talking and then the singing.
Very nice team.
It is nice to have a little after service visiting time.
On the fence advertising at OCC... March 10th to 18th.
Even if you have your eyes covered use your beak to sing!!!!
If possible try to take time to go through the lesson and be ready to join in on Sabbath at 9:50 a.m.
It was a very special Praise Service and Church Service time as it was Children's Sabbath and the children were smiling as they we so involved. It was great to see. I think parents were smiling too and the rest of the congregation also. It was a happy time.
Praise Time started with adults but then changed to Shannon leading with the children doing the songs they enjoyed from VBS or Children's Church.
Tammy was the coordinator for the service and it went smoothly from start to finish.
Glenda had the Children's Story and showed Jerrie Lou's button collection. After several very short stories about buttons the children were asked if there was a verse in the Bible about buttons. The story of Dorcas helping so many women and children who were in need of clothing made for them might have had buttons in it.
If you come up with a Bible verse with buttons in it tell me about it please. I think Pastor Josue might have so ask him.
After the Children's Story and Offering we enjoyed this special music by Damana and Keith. Her smile was so big and engaging. They played and sang, "I'll Fly Away".
Mum wanted to remember this.
It was just natural for everyone to smile after that song.
Then Destiny had the Bible Reading and Prayer and did so well.
Some young ladies were very excited about their turn for special music too.
But first it was this family's turn to sing, "Oh, Friend Do You Love Jesus". It was lovely.
Then Delisha had a little Devotional Thought which was really interesting and well thought out.
It was about the influence of a Christian home.
Doug followed with a special prayer for Families.
Thank you, Doug.
Then these three had a signing song to share.
Tammy lead them and they really put a lot into it.
So nice.
Any one wanting to join them in April for another signing song let Tammy know so she can include you.
She sure knew her part and did it very well.
Tess joined her parents and Joel and Todd in a song for her first time singing with them. What a wonderful song it was.
This lovely family had a reading they all took part in and it was unique and good to hear.
So very nice.
Then Beverly had a prayer for the families. It was special to have several prayers for specific groups.
There was a time for a video made at the academy that showed OCC children/students sharing what they like about OCC and what they would like to see more of.
It was really nice and showed some children who were not at OCC that Sabbath.
Thank you to whoever made it.
It would be fun to show on here too.
Cherri and Shannon had a interesting lesson to share thinking about the biggest thing you had ever touched and then the smallest thing you had ever touched. After Cherri talked a little more on the subject she shared a very fascinating video.
Lori had a prayer for the spouses and it was nice she included so many, even those who had lost their spouse.
Thank you.
Joel happily playing his Octapad with the group and smiling.
The Pastor having a prayer to end the program.
Keith and Damiana having a redo after the service.
It was good the second time too.
We enjoyed hearing it.
Thanks for being a part of the Children's Sabbath at OCC.
It will be wonderful to have even more children and families participant for the next one and have even more variety.
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