Volume 8, Number 1
Information ~ Inspiration ~ Humor
February 2012
THE APISON APPEAL Monthly Newsletter of the Apison, TN Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Some New Year's Resolutions to Consider...
BY PASTOR JEFF BROWN
I’m not big on New Year’s Resolutions. But, I made seven of them a couple of years ago, and I am sure they are still good goals, so let me share them with you: 1. Submit to God completely. Do you know what the word “islam” means? I want to practice islam! Now that I’ve got your attention, let me explain that the word islam simply means submission. Would that be a good thing? If all of us submitted ourselves completely to God, that would be fulfilling Jesus’ words: “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Submitting our will to God’s will is hard we think we know what God should be doing, and when we pray, we often are not afraid to tell Him heal this person, help me with this challenge, help me to have a good day, bless me… me, me, me! Submission is to put God first, put His will above our will, to stop, be quiet, wait, listen, and seek to hear His voice and know His will, and submit to it.
3. Let God transform my character so that I am more loving, more patient, and more kind. I pray for unity in our church we have a lot of different types of people in our church: longtime members, newly joined, retirees, young marrieds, youth, children, etc.
2. Get on a Personal Giving Plan. How hard is that? What was Jesus’ prayer? “I pray that they may all be one. Well, for some of us, it’s pretty hard. Some people want to Father! May they be in us, just as you are in Me and I am give “as the Spirit moves.” in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent Me.” John 17:21, GNT. But if we recognize that God is the One who gives us power to earn money to make a living, that He gives us 4. Read the Bible through again. talent and ability to hold a job, we should recognize His ownership of our lives, our strength, our abilities by “It is the first and highest duty of every rational returning 10% of what we earn as He has asked. being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light, and encourage others In addition to the 10% God requires, we should to follow his example. We should day by day study systematically give a percentage of income to our local the Bible diligently, weighing every thought, and church; to our church school; to the conference (for the comparing scripture with scripture. With divine leadership, administration, support, and benefits (summer help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as camp, training events, marriage retreats) that it provides; we are to answer for ourselves before God…” and to the world church for mission work, etc. Great Controversy, p. 598 continued on page 2
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This month, I am beginning to read the Bible through, two chapters a day (that will take close to two years), in the New American Standard Bible. We will continue our series on the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. Then, sometime in the summer, we will start a series preaching through the Bible, chronologically (more about that later).
February 2012
The Apison Seventhday Adventist Church 11421 Bates Road ~ Apison, TN 37302 Post Office Box 1551 ~ Collegedale, TN 37315 Telephone: (423)236-4214 www.apisonchurch.org
5. Be positive, cheerful, and happy! My mother told me recently that I really “got a good one” when I married Joy. You can find us on Facebook, too! I am very, very thankful for my joyful wife, even for her name, because I want more of God’s joy in my heart. This Pastor: Jeff Brown......................................... .....531-7430 quote is attributed to Nietzsche, but whoever said it, it's a
[email protected] great quote!
“If you want me to believe in your Redeemer, you’re going to have to look a little more redeemed.” 6. Family worship – it’s just the two of us, and our schedules make it challenging, but it’s still our goal! We did read Love Makes A Way by Herbert Douglass as a daily devotional in 2011, but not usually together! 7. Simplicity. Two years ago, I resolved to get rid of 10% of my books. Well, that didn’t happen.
Head Elder: Glen Wintermeyer..........................443-1039 Head Deacon: Wendel Adams...........................933-7629 Head Deaconess: Jeanie Hair..........................364-4902 Clerk: Laura Becker............................. ...............504-8706
Lester Coon Adventist School Telephone: (423)2364926 www.apisonsdaschool.com
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THE APISON APPEAL A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Editor: Amanda Thomas...........................(615)419-7049 People give me books, papers, things to look at and listen
[email protected] to. Here is fair warning: if you give me something that I Writers: Penny White didn’t ask for, it will probably go in the “Given to me” box Photography/Calendar: Becky McCurdy and never get looked at. I struggle to keep up with all the Printing: Modern Way Printing & Fulfillment “stuff” in my life.
On Amazon, I saw a book about a guy who reduced his possessions to 100 items. He wrote The 100 Thing Challenge. Now, I’m not suggesting THAT! But I would like to reduce, simplify, pare down. Some friends of ours said, “If you haven’t used it in a year get rid of it!” Now that’s an interesting concept. But...I’m still working on my books. It will be easier in April, when we’re in our own house and I can spread things out in the basement and go through everything. I really don’t want to unpack in our current house and pack up again in three months.
New Editor
You have probably already noticed – but yes, the newsletter looks a wee bit different! I'm very excited as I embark on this adventure as Apison's newsletter editor. I'll admit – it's a bigger job than I first realized, but I know with the prayers and support of my church family, we can make it a success. I am very grateful for the tremendous help I have already received from Erling Odell and from Becky McCurdy – and I look forward to getting to know more of you as the year progresses. If you have anything you would *** like to share in the newsletter please don't hesitate to So there you have it: Submit, Give, Love, Read the Bible, contact me. My contact information is listed above. May Rejoice, Have Family Worship, and Simplify. Every year, God bless each and every one of you in this New Year! we start out with these big plans… Maybe this will inspire ~Amanda Thomas someone to make some positive changes in 2012.
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Family
February 2012
Women's Ministries
BY SUE BRUCE In need of some encouragement? Secret Sisters will begin late February. Pick up information forms at the hospitality desk, from Kathy Holder or Sue Bruce. Return by February 18. A "Getting to Know You" brunch will be held Sunday February 26. This will be an opportunity for the ladies of the church, from ages 9109, to get to know each other better. It will also be a time for you to let your Women's Ministries team know what would interest you. BY JUNE PAYNTER Secret Sisters will also be drawn at this time. Watch your Andrea Rose Shafer became the bride of PFC Jacob Daniel bulletin for further information. Paynter in a ceremony on December 18, 2011, at the Lawrenceburg, TN. S.D.A. Church. Pastor Lloyd * * * Schomburg performed the Ceremony. The bride is the Tuesday Morning Prayer and Praise daughter of the late Ruthi Shafer and Andy and Stacy Martinez. The groom is the son of Carmen Paynter and Daniel Paynter. Michael Thomas Paynter, brother of the groom, served as Best Man. Jacob is the grandson of Bill and June Paynter. P.F.C. Jacob and Andrea Paynter will be residing in their first home at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas where Jacob is presently stationed.
Happenings
Wedding Bells!
David Russell, Erling Odell, Delmar and Della Anderson
Roberta Botimer, Mary Lou Pride, Sue Bruce, Margaret Miles
Andrea Rose Shafer and PFC Jacob Daniel Paynter
Tuesday Morning Prayer and Praise held their quarterly birthday luncheon January10 at Morning Point after their regular meeting at Morning Point. October, November and December birthdays included Del Anderson, Edna Bird, Roberta Botimer, Sue Bruce, Margaret Miles and David Russell. We were invited by the staff and Mozelle to return often. Plan on joining us on Tuesdays at 10:30am at the church. We have seen God work in incredible ways!
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February 2012
New Members & Baptisms
Margee Frost, Baptism & Wedding
James Fore, Baptism
New Member: Dwayne Marlow, with family Lizette, Zane, Sophia, and Isabella
New Member: Sue Ann & William Brown with their grandson, Michael
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Vegan Delight
BY KATHERINE MCFARLANE
German Carob Cake
1 cup unbleached flour ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour 1 cup Florida Crystals ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 3 tablespoons carob powder 1 tablespoon Cafix or Roma coffee substitute 2 tablespoons ground flax seed (optional) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 ¼ cup water 1/3 cup oil Coconut Topping ½ cup Florida Crystals ¼ cup shredded coconut ¼ cup soy margarine 1/8 cup water (2 tablespoons) For Cake: 1. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. 2. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. 3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix. 4. Pour into a greased ovenproof dish and bake for 3540 minutes at 350F. For Topping: 1. Melt soy margarine in a pan. 2. Add the sugar and let it melt down into the margarine. 3. Add shredded coconut and water. 4. Pour over the cake when almost done, and bake remaining 5 minutes with topping. 5. Enjoy!
February 2012
Upcoming Events 2012 Prayer Conference will be February 1719, 2012 at Cohutta Springs Conference Center. Dennis Smith is a well known Adventist author and speaker on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Sabine Vatel is the pastor for discipleship at the Forest Lake Church. She will be leading out in the prayer sessions and sharing insights into the success of the "House of Prayer." A spiritfilled weekend is planned that you'll not want to miss!! Love and Respect Marriage Seminar Husbands, do you feel your wife doesn’t respect you? Wives, do you feel your husband isn’t loving? Discover one key word that can revolutionize any marriage, according to Ephesians 5:33. This seminar is for those who want to strengthen their marriage, whether you are engaged, married, divorced, dating or plan to marry in the future. Friday, February 24, 79 pm and Saturday, Feb 25, 39 pm at the Lester Coon Apison School Library. Registration is $10 per person, call Bill Wilson to register at 3962473 . Make check payable to Apison SDA Church, P.O. Box 1551, Collegedale, Tn. 37315 or place in tithe envelope with registration information. Registration deadline is Thursday, February 16 or for the first 50 people. Child care will be provided. Beyond Organic Gardening February 12 at 3pm. Find out how you can get the best from your garden by growing and picking your own produce year round. The seminar will outline ways you can grow up to 4,000 pounds of produce. We will review types of tools, soil, seed and all the elements needed to grow your garden in a 12’x36’ space or in containers. This seminar will be easily understandable for beginners, yet will have valuable new information for the experienced gardener. Presented by Allan Kennedy at Collegedale Community Church (CCC), in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, email:
[email protected] or call 423.396.5464. Women & Teen Spring Retreat What’s holding your life together? Duct tape? Super glue? Do you feel like your life is falling apart? You’re invited to a spiritual retreat to renew, refresh, and remind you Who really holds you together. The retreat will be held March 1618 at Cohutta Springs. Visit www.gccsda.com for more information. Early bird deadline is Feb. 17— register online at www.registration.gccsda.com. We can’t wait to see you there!
Ministry Expo This event will be held Saturday, March 17, at the Women’s & Teen Spring Retreat. This is the second year we will be hosting an expo that provides you with an opportunity to share your ministry with others! If you would like to share your ministry at a booth, please contact Mary Lou Buoymaster at 423.580.0603 or email her at
[email protected] no later than March 2.
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Out of the Saltshaker BY MERRILEE MCCAIN I confess I was perplexed. You see, I was supposed to be getting on a flight headed West within two days and I still hadn't heard back from my friend who was to watch my children while I was away. She had been called away on an emergency out of town. I hadn't counted on that. You don't need to guess that my faith was being sorely tried. I had already tried calling many people and none had called back to say they could help me. My mother in California was getting out of the nursing facility in two days. She was expecting my help to transition her to home living after two months of being hospitalized, after nearly dying three times from cardiovascular problems. This is the backdrop of my witnessing adventure! I got on my flight that morning praising God for His faithfulness. I prayed for Him to put me where I might be able to witness. I had already made sure that tracts were in my handbag. I asked for the joy of Jesus and His humble Spirit. On my first flight, I sat down next to a businessman who said that he had moved with his family to Apison from the bay area in Northern California where I used to live, working for Volkswagen. He said that he lived right down the street from our church. He told me the name of that street, London Lane, not once but twice. He shared how God had blessed his marriage even though he and his wife are not of the same faith. He said that his wife, a Christian Scientist, helps people use faith in God instead of drugs to be healed of their diseases. So I shared about my experiences at Wildwood. I asked him if he was interested in Bible prophecy. Yes! He said that he would read the Signs of the Times tract I gave to him and he accepted a health magazine. We talked all the way to our destination.
February 2012
He, like the first man, said that he had a great marriage even though they had differing beliefs. It came to mind to share that our nation was founded on the two great principles of religious freedom/tolerance and democracy, so how could a marriage fail if these principles were upheld?! He shared that his wife is vegetarian and that their two boys play violin/cello. Unlike my first traveling companion, this new friend would change the subject any time I took off down a spiritual path. But I believed that the Spirit was guiding our conversation. My new friend told me the story of when his little brother was old enough to understand him, he said to him, "Did you know that if it weren't for me you would not have been born?" When his younger brother questioned his truthfulness, he said "Go ask Mom, and she will confirm it to you. She wanted to get her tubes tied but when she asked me what I thought, I said, 'why don't you hold off for a little while' and then she got pregnant with YOU, so see, if it weren't for ME speaking up, YOU would not even be alive today. You owe your existence to me!"
After we both had a good chuckle I could not resist telling Mr. Robert Robinson how much his story reminded me of how we have been given life because of the saving act of our big brother Jesus. How fantastic that we are given eternal life on the basis of His becoming the Son of Man. He made us inheritors, having gone before us and given His perfect life for us. He acknowledged this but it took him by surprise. Later on, I showed him the great volume of works I had loaded onto my Apple Itouch (EGW) and invited him to throw at its search engine any topic he wanted. "Love" was his choice. He could choose any listing from the topic LOVE shown. He chose one that gave a description of the life of Jesus as exemplified by his having On my connecting flight, I wondered what else God had in become our elder brother. Coincidence?! store for me. It was looking to be a long four and a half Oh, and by the way, the lady I mentioned earlier whom I hour flight. I didn't have to wonder long. The man who politely got up to let me sit down next to him was the first had been counting on for childcare got home before I left to speak. "You are a teacher, aren't you?" he grinned. "Yes, after all everything worked out fine. And on my return flights the Lord gave me peace and quiet the whole way as a matter of fact, I am," I replied. “How could you guess?" We talked nonstop for four and a half hours. He back to reflect and pray. I never want to stop being about shared a lot about his interests, political views, and family. my Father's business! He had a very lively personality and shared all about his ~Merrilee life as an army recruiter and what it is like to work at the Jesus alone can satisfy! White House.
February, 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday PF=Pathfinders 2 Greetings from the Ad=Adventurers 1Birthdays: Birthdays: Eliah Cross Basil Cross Apison Seventh Mtg. = Audrey Madeline Meeting day Adventist Coulter Grimes LCA = Lester Church – Coon Adventist the Little Church MHSchool 6:30 PF = Ministry mtg. With a Big Heart! of Healing 7pm Prayer
Friday 3
Birthdays: Fallon Jimenez Ashley Wagner
Sabbath 4 11am Les Speer 3:00 Sunshine band
Sunset 6:11
mtg
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Birthdays: Virginia Holley
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Birthdays: Henry Hills
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10:30 Praise and Prayer Mtg.
7pm Elders Mtg.
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Birthdays: Charles Coulter Clara Laneville
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Birthdays: Archer Elmendorf Dylan Jones Ruben Rivera
6:30 PF & Ad mtg. 7pm Prayer mtg
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7pm School Board
10:30 Praise and Prayer Mtg.
Birthdays: Laura Byrd Nadine Clark Geneva Spence
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Newsletter articles due Birthdays: Floyd McCasland Isabella Anderson Jasmine Harmon
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Birthdays: Bobby Dye Daniel Paynter Louise Eirich
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7pm Church Board
10:30 Praise and Prayer Mtg.
6:30 PF & Ad mtg. 7pm Prayer mtg
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10:30 Praise and Prayer Mtg.
6:30 PF mtg. 7pm Prayer mtg
Birthdays: Rae Miller
Birthdays: Jocelyn Beason Julianna Beason
Birthdays: David Glassford Sue Brown Lois Gennick
Birthdays: Lloyd Draper
Birthdays: Russel McCurdy
Sunset 6:18
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Birthdays: Marcy Rickrode
6:30 PF mtg. 7pm Prayer mtg
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10
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Birthdays: Debbie Gearhart Layton Wilson 12:30 Fellowship meal
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Love & Respect>
Marriage Seminar>> >>>>
Birthday: Areli Rivera Christal Herthel
Birthdays: Marilyn Russell 11am Karen Glassford
Sunset 6:25
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Birthdays: Bruce Ries Tracy Simmons Kaitlyn Williams
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Pathfinder Sabbath Outreach Sabbath
Sunset 6:32
"Our plans are not always God's plans. He may see that it is best for us and for His cause to refuse our very best intentions, … In the future life, you will see that your seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among your greatest blessings! Ministry of Healing p. 349-350
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February 2012
Photo Album Christmas at Apison... Christmas Party
LCA Choir singing for church
Apison Family Christmas Vespers
Erling Odell shares a Christmas Story.