Local Church News
Dear Ones,
Has the return to standard time affected you and your sleep patterns? It takes a while for some to adjust. Personally I find it takes me about two weeks to shake off a sleepy spell now and then. Overall, I like standard time better than DST. Saturday night, November 1, was the night for readjustment to standard time (actually began at 2:a.m Sunday). I had the SS adult lesson that Sabbath morning. It was about the ATONEMENT. What a wonderful privilege we, as human members of God’s earth dwellers, have to be able, on this sin-cursed planet, to obtain access to the Godhead and the angel ministry!
Sabbath School
After Song Service in which Pastor Hoffer and I played our guitars, we all delved into the Sabbath School Adult lesson. Brooke Kerbs assigned me the Lessons for Nov.1, and 22.
The atonement doctrine may be compared to the physical planets that revolve around the sun. Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, mediation, second coming are six major “planets” that rotate around the atonement doctrine.
Most of these six areas of consideration are also in the Revelation Seminar being conducted in Smithsburg on Monday and Wednesday nights! Pastor Hoffer has done a magnificent job for the past four studies. Monday night was to have been Richard Tooley’s night, but because of illness, Pastor Hoffer took over the duties. Our next seminar has Paul Tooley scheduled as the presenter on Monday, November 10.
Courtney & Andelena
Cathy Jackson reports that in the junior Sabbath School, they once again played the word game Probe. Andelena and Courtney didn’t want to stop because they were having so much fun delving into the scriptures to find words that might stump teacher, Cathy Jackson.
Jeremy & Katie
Raelinda Robak led out in the beginner’s Sabbath School with lots of singing and instrument-playing. Rose Gamblin then followed up with the lesson and snack time with the help of the parents.
Jeremy is making sure Rae puts the glue on correctly!
Shannon Jackson filled in for Rod Kerbs in the youth division. Sydney and Ryker seemed to enjoy the discussion and snacks!
Sydney, Shannon, Ryker
Worship Service
Welcome and Announcements were rendered by Pastor Jim Hoffer. He called our attention to the insert in the bulletin regarding the slot machines in Maryland - an issue that was voted on in this election. Also mentioned was the acquisition of the current Revelation Seminar meetinghouse for prayer meetings after the seminars are completed. The owner’s daughter has presented Pastor Hoffer with a key to the place!
Our very own Pastor & Mrs. Hoffer
Pastor Hoffer and Vera Hoffer were presented with a plant basket containing Pansies and Coral Bells in recognition of the hard work they do for our church. October was Pastor Appreciation Month, but due to extenuating circumstances, November 1 was chosen has the day of presentation.
Shannon Jackson
Pastor Hoffer announced the Opening Hymn, Come, Come, Ye Saints # 622. Shannon Jackson who followed up by handing the children the Offering baskets ably did prayer and Praise.
Melynie telling the children's story
Melynie (Johnson) Tooley had the Children’s Story. On a large sheet of paper she had the neatly printed word LOVE centered thereon. Snipping one corner off the sheet, the children discovered there were now more corners on the sheet, she snipped another corner, and another, and another, and another, the more clipped, the more the corners grew. Love was like that, the more you give the more you increase your capacity to do so. Agape, or Christian love, was aptly illustrated thereby. Good job, Melynie!
Courtney, Andelena, Katie & Jeremy (where was everyone/)
Sydney Tooley, in a clear voice, for Scripture Reading, read Ephesians 4:1-3. Then followed the sermon by Pastor Hoffer entitled Walking Worthily. There was a study guide handed out. It reviewed the previous points that were in former studies from Ephesians and took up the fourth in the series. The attributes of the Christian were clearly and forcibly presented. It outlined the essential character inventory Seventh-day Adventists must be aware of. Excellent job, Pastor Hoffer, thanks!
Sydney Tooley reading the scripture
Closing Hymn was I Want Jesus to Walk With Me. #624. Benediction was by Pastor Hoffer.
Pastor Hoffer
The pianist was Cathy Jackson; sound technician was Mike Gamblin.
How are/is: The Billings Family? Jim and Ann Davis? Jackson Family? Robert and Wendy and family? The Harcombe Household? Lance & Sherry Strickland Family? I understand that both mom and dad were sick thiis weekend. Are you doing any better? Dr. Rose Gamblin is in Dallas, Tx. as I write this, doing church-related work there.
Jeanne, Melynie & Rose
Homeschoolers are faring well. We listen faithfully to Lifetalk Radio and hear the Review and Herald program for homeschools with Candy DeVore and Dr. Rose Gamblin, Education Specialist.
George & Richard
So Cathy Jackson works three swing shifts: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays until 11:30 p.m. I heard Sherry Strickland is possibly going to be working at the R and H, and Melynie Tooley is employed somewhere in Hagerstown. Am I correct in this report?
That is about it from here. One thing, though, before I close. I have been thinking about a special edition of the The Loop featuring all your animals, birds, fish, whatever you care for. I don’t mean every one but one or two; say; from Harcombe’s horses to Hoffer’s parrots, a dog, cat or chicken, fish, goats. etc. Any animals at the Vandeman home? What about the Billing’s household?
Send the pics to Cathy Jackson along with a statement about the pet. I think it would be a lot of fun! God loves animals. They are a lot of work, but they are fun---usually!
Good day,
Agape Love,
Dad Tooley
P.S. Don’t forget that on November 22, you are to bring your “goodies” for Operation Christmas Child. If you have any questions, contact Brooke Kerbs.
