April Sabbath 2024

 It is great to have these lessons on The Great Controversy written by Mark Finley. 

Listening to his overview of the lesson is very interesting and a wealth to learn from.

It is so great to see so many arrive in time for the lesson discussion and participate in it too.

Many of us shared a Bible passage we know well and enjoy repeating or singing it. 

As this is the time to store His Word in our hearts.

Don't think we have the quarterlies as yet but if you can find it online it is very good to read on there too. 

Others who give outlines of the lesson or a daily lesson are:

Hope Channel

Mark Finley

3ABN

Bruce Cameron 

After the lesson and Mission Spotlight 

Howard played the piano until the song leaders were ready and it was very nice to have that soft music to listen to. 

Karen and Delicia lead out in the Praise Time.

It is great to have different songs now for the children which we all enjoy singing. 

I've Got Peace Like a River is a fun one. 

Shireka had a really good Children's Story about the Great Banquet.

You are invited. 

Beverly as platform Elder.   Just before the sermon by his wife, Howard had out special music. 

It was beautifully done.  Thank you to both Howard and Krystal. 

She invited Krystal Bailey to share the message this morning and it was a treat to hear. 

Krystal shared a story at the beginning of her talk and I recorded it so you could hear it too but it might be a little long to add it... check back later to see if it can be added. 

It was about a little girl buying a miracle for her little brother. 

She went on to talk about Miracles and just what they are and how we can see a miracle take place and be in the miracle story and still later forget the God still makes miracles each day. 

We looked at many miracles in the Bible that are there to show us how much God loves us and wants to build out faith. 

Did the Israelites have memory loss when they thought they were trapped ... not long before they had seen miracles? 

We need to think and remember God's previous leading.

Trust that the God who has brought you this far will lead you farther. 

We can trust the next chapter as we know the Author. 

"Why are you crying about this?  I have lead you here and I will lead you again." 

Keep going. 

He will be with us!!

There is a greater miracle then the physical healing or getting the group out of trouble.

Getting our stubborn and selfish hearts back to Jesus.  The conversion of a life is the greatest miracle of all. 

Jeremiah 17:9

Ezra 36:26

Renewal of people is the greatest of all miracles.

He changes:

Gossip to encouragement

Cowardice into bravery

Worry to trust

Gluttony to temperance

Indifference to caring

Jealousy to happy for them.

It is the power of the gospel.

Then we went to enjoy a meal in the fellowship room... 

And that was Sabbath morning at OCC.  So glad you joined us. 

Bright Sabbath

 Last Sabbath there was a conference wide Men's Retreat at Camp Hope. 

Not knowing about it I stopped in,  greeted a few men and went inside to use the washroom. 

On returning outdoors I was some what out numbered and was asked if I was one of the cooks, who got high marks. 

A man walked towards me and after saying a pleasant "hello" looked at me and said I know you don't I?  I was sure he did and he gave me a warm hug.  

It was Keith Corbett.

Walking back to my vehicle I was met with a young dentist who had parked beside me. We engaged in a nice conversation and then was mistaken for Pastor Robbie when sitting in the dentists car and Robbie s father in law came outside!

I had seen Pastor Robbie jogging by just before so knew he was there but not in the car... all in all it was an interesting time.

We talked about the new playground that is being put in at Camp Hope between the 0 to 2 building and 3 and 4 building.

Donations are happily accepted. ( actually the donations might be fulfilled by now)   Kandus and Bill are both inquiring on who wants to help out.  Look for the new play area at this years Camp Meeting... such a great addition. 

Looks like the land is cleared and it will soon be started.

Makes me soooo happy.

After surprising my granddaughters and watching them ride bikes we enjoyed the beauty at Harrison Lake.

Harrison Lake area was so pretty this weekend.  The blooming trees and tulips and lake with mountains was beautiful.

On Sunday Sakura Japanese Festival was held in Vancouver at Van Dusen Gardens.  So many attended and parking was hard to find but I found out that Oak Ridge SDA church is nearby AND they have a lovely playground installed between the sidewalk and the front wall with their name on it.

I was very impressed.

So good to see progress and that children s needs are being responded too.

Doug  L sent me this photo and I just love it!

Older people s needs are being met also here within out church family.

My dad has been sick with an infected pressure wound and I was so thankful to see him dressed and wake listening to Liza.  So very grateful to the ones that take time to see my dad... Howard D and Arnie S and Doug and Liza and Bonnie and Doug and Ruby are some.  Others might visit also but don't know.  Pastor Josue came and visited with my dad and had prayer with him also.  So thankful. 

Visiting Gladys B is a really nice occasion too. She is so happy for the little visits. 

Wonder what happened at OCC this Sabbath... 

Memorial Service at Rutland Church

 On Friday, April 12th , there was a service for Lenore Linda Duncan. 

It shocked her family and everyone who heard about Lenore and saddened everyone too. 

Lenore was a very big driving force behind many committees, work with Duncan Logging and other get togethers.

She liked to include people and enjoyed serving them meals at her home. 

We are sad to feel the loss of her presence among us now but long for the day when we all meet again with Jesus. 

Sabbath April 6th

 Walking in to the church was so nice as Bonnie was playing the piano and it sounded so welcoming of the Sabbath.

The second lesson of the next quarter was The War Behind All Wars. It is study based on Revelation.

The discussion was helpful for learning and understanding more about the struggle in Heaven, a surprising place to find a war.

It is great to see people come into the sanctuary and join in.

Bonnie told us about the Sprouting Class on the 21st.  Come join in and enjoy a little bite at the end too. 

Bonnie has played the piano for OCC for so many years and we sure do appreciate her.

Doug enjoys sharing stories at Children Story Time.  He really gets into the story. 

Can you think what he is doing here??

Doug shared about this time not too long ago when he watched a Sharp Shinned Hawk on the ground and found it was eating his supper.  Not only that but it had fallen asleep before finishing dinner. He got some fine and interesting shots.

This photo is from Google and shows a sitting Sharp Shinned Hawk.

 

Dave clapping along to Fruit of the Spirit song..

Delicia had the special music and it was very beautifully done.  Thank you for sharing this music with us. 

Lori had the scripture and prayer. 

Doug also had the sermon this Sabbath.  It is always interesting and full of good points when Doug speaks.  He told of walking with Liza after work one day, in Mission Creek Park and seeing these two rocks.  BE STILL.   It told him strongly which sermon to share. 

Doug starting his talk for the morning. 

How to untangle from STRESS

Go to the Bible and see...

Doug put himself in this verse and we can too. 

Thank you Doug for this timely message. 

On World Tartan Day little Tartan Lottie Bunny was a good listener. 

Little homey touches from Shirley.

End of the morning meet and greet. 

No, he did not greet and meet at OCC but found him on Sunday evening on the rolling hills. 

A friendly Hello from Beverly and her son in Hawaii on the beach. 

We miss you when you are away Beverly but so glad you can spend time with your family and enjoy the sunshine and blue blue water.