Volume 7, Number 1

Information - Inspiration - Humor

JANUARY 2011

The Apison Appeal MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE APISON, TENNESSEE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Why are we here? “God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.”

OUR WARM LOVING TREE is looking good after only one Sabbath. Can you imagine it after two more Sabbaths?

BY PASTOR JEFF BROWN HE FIRST TIME I preached in Apison, that was the title of my message. Now, as we enter a new year, it's a good time to stop and ask ourselves that question: What is the meaning, the purpose of life, my existence? For what reason did God create me? Why am I here?

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Pastor Rick W arren is one of the best known Christian preachers of our era. As Seventh-day Adventists, we obviously will not agree with him on every point, but his books have inspired me and helped me understand the question: "W hy are we here?" A few years ago, Rick W arren was interviewed for a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I want to share with you* a portion of that interview: "People ask me, ‘W hat is the purpose of life?’ And I respond, ‘In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity.’ …. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act, the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. ... “Life is a series of problems: either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. W e can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christlikeness.

Women's Ministry thanks you for your generosity. It will be a blessing to many others. Photo: Sue Bruce

“This past year [interview was published in 2004] has been the greatest year of my life – but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys – you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. … . No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problems, my issues, my pain. But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. “… I wrote The Purpose- Driven Church first. In it I considered, "W hat is the purpose of the Church?" And I began to see these patterns over and over in Scripture, that God wants the church to worship, to help people grow, to reach people through evangelism, to fellowship and to minister to the needs of people. And I believe that these are not only the purposes for every church

as a body; they are the purposes for every individual. “The clearest expressions of the five purposes are the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. W e have a phrase at our church that goes, ‘A great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will produce a great Christian.’ W e get two purposes from the Great Commandment and three from the Great Commission. The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:35-40) says, "Love God with all your heart." That is worship. Then it says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." That is ministry. “The Great Commission (M atthew 28:18-20) says, ‘Go and make disciples.’ That is evangelism. Then Jesus says, ‘Teach them to do everything I've commanded you.’ That's discipleship. And Jesus also tells us to baptize. W e are baptized into the B ody of Christ, and the fifth purpose is fellowship. “… Ask yourself: ‘Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes?’

Continued on the Back Page

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THE APISON APPEAL

Family HAPPENINGS from Various Sources -o-

JANUARY 2011

i The wedding shower for Alicia M cCurdy and Adam Oliver was very well attended despite the busy holiday schedule. They received many beautiful and useful items for their new home together! “Thank you to all who attended and helped us to celebrate this happy time,” said Becky McCurdy. Nancy Patton, Jeanie Hair, Mark and Myra Sargent and others did so much to decorate and coordinate this event and we are very thankful for all their hard work.

i Stan Talley is experiencing some critical

Grandpa Jim Bruce holds new baby Nickolas Bruce, born recently.

i Nickolas Troy Bruce, son of W ill Bruce and Kelsi Denham, was born on November 23 at 8:06 am by c-section. He weighed 8lbs 9oz, and measured 21 3/4 inches long. Baby, parents and his grandparents Jim and Sue Bruce are all doing well. “Thanks for all your prayers,” Sue says.

i On Friday, December 10, Roberta Botimer observed her 90th birthday. She was bombarded with phone calls, cards, letters, flowers and visits by her friends. She said, “I was so blessed. A big thank you to all of my friends at the Apison church. I love you! I want the Lord to use me in His service.” Roberta was instrumental in starting the Tuesday morning praise and prayer group and the church library. She continues to contribute new books to the library. She is seldom able to attend church and is happy to hear from members by phone and mail.

Alicia McCurdy and Adam Oliver

health issues. He reports, “I saw my doctor yesterday and she said I have congestive heart failure. My legs and feet are edemic and there is some fluid on the lungs. She sent a nurse from Home Health around today who spent two hours setting up a regimen, diet, fluids, weight, glucose levels, etc. More nurses are scheduled to come with an Emergency Alert System and safety apparatus for taking baths, etc. Haven't felt my best in a little while. My feet are swollen and they don't fit into my shoes. Need your prayers.” His e-mail address is: [email protected] and his telephone is 423-606-0122. He can receive postal mail at 191 County Rd. 460, Englewood, TN 37329.

Glerys Castro gave a moving testimony of her deliverance from evil at her recent baptism at Harrison Bay State Park.

"Lord, plant my feet on Higher Ground." Following her baptism, the Bible study group members gathered for an Agape Feast in celebration of this high day. W ith Glerys, let's each of us recommit our lives to the cause of Jesus. #

Glerys Castro Baptism Held at State Park B Y G LEN W INTERM EYER W hat a privilege to see God's children make a public commitment through baptism. Sabbath afternoon, December 4, approximately 40 of Glerys (aka Ellie) Castro’s friends and church members gathered at the lake-side of Harrison Bay State Park to witness renewal of her faith in Jesus through rebaptism. For the past several months, Glerys has been part of a very special Bible study growth group. These months of Bible study have rekindled her desire to commit to Jesus anew her plan to serve Him, and others. Friends who gathered at the lakeside sang several of Glerys' favorite songs and shared a couple of her favorite Bible verses. She shared her personal, and very moving testimony, of her deliverance from evil. Just prior to Glerys' baptism, all of her friends gathered around her, placing their h ands upon her, committing her to follow in the ways of her Savior. Emerging from the watery grave of baptism her friends could be heard singing,

Benjamin Ellis Harrell was dedicated to the Lord at a recent worship service by Pastor Jeff Brown. Photo: Facebook

NEWS Praise God! We've just received word that Apison church has been given $8,000 by the conference for Evangelism 2010!

JANUARY 2011

THE APISON APPEAL baking, etc. during the Christmas holiday. Our Christmas Program was "one of the best programs they had seen" according to some of the guests. W e give God the glory and thank Him for His help and guidance, and are so thankful we can use our talents for Him. – Lisa Jennings

Kindergarten Roundup

Lester Coon Adventist SCHOOL NEWS

Lester Coon Adventist School's Kindergarten Round-up is Tuesday, February 8 from 1:30 to 3:00. Bring your friends, neighbors, and relatives who have children about to enter Kindergarten so they can check out our school. Come see what kind of "critter" greets the children this year! Refreshments will be served. – Lisa D. Jennings, Administrative Assistant

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Christmas Program Well Done

MERRY CHRISTMAS from LCA’s K-2 Class

Christmas Carols and Christ's Gift at LCA’s Christmas Program on December 8 was a wonderful combination of volunteer help, talent, teamwork and great students. W e were blessed to have Shaila Meharry direct the choir and Andrew Mashchak provide the accompaniment. Kathy Holder provided beautiful backdrops for the stage featuring the hills of Judea, the manger scene, and a Victorian house. Christopher B eason set up the PA system and ran it for us and Jordan W agner videotaped the program. Ellen Todosichuk helped get our costumes ready. Anita M cGrath and Leigh W ooten decorated beautifully by making a lovely Christmas winter scene. Sarah Eirich operated the spotlight. Many volunteers helped with cleanup. A variety of delicious Christmas cookies were provided by school families. Apison church and our school are blessed with so many talented people who are willing to help out. W hat a great team! It was enjoyable to see our children sing Christmas Carols, and it brought back great memories for many of us who used to go every year to neighbors and friends' homes with our children. Often we were piled in a hay wagon pulled behind a tractor to share songs and gifts. It was good to remember the simplicity of Christ's birth and His incredible gift given in humility, and to also remember, not so long ago, the simplicity of life when families shared caroling, sledding,

The children in K – 2 were asked to come up with words to describe Christmas, and here is what they helped write: M is for M ary, mother of Jesus E is for East, where the star shone so bright. R is for rest from school and work. R is for the reflection of God’s great gift. Y is for your Heavenly Father who loves us so much He sent His son as a tiny baby. * C is for the Christ child. H is for the hope of heaven. R is for rejoice; sin and sorrow are forever banished when Jesus comes in! I is for Immanuel, “God with us.” S is for the Savior, coming to earth a babe. T is for tidings of great joy of the baby lying in a manger. M is for the manger, a bed for our Savior. A is for the Angels telling the shepherds the good news! S is for the star, leading the wise men to Jesus. – Jeanie Allen and K – 2 nd Graders

CHRISTM AS STORIES FROM M R. SARGEANT’S CLASS -O-

My Happiest Christmas By Adrian W illiams, Grade 4 If I could plan the happiest Christmas, it would be like this . . .

PAGE 3 In the early morning, people will sing songs, and we kids will make snowmen, and have fun playing snowballs! I will go home and eat chocolate and begin looking in my stocking. I'll ride to church and sing songs and go home again and open my presents. Then I'll give some of my old stuffed animals to poor people. I'll read my Bible about how Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

My Perfect Christmas By John Coulter, Grade 4 If I could plan and design my own Christmas, it would be like this . . I would probably bake peanut butter with chocolate chips melted into the baked peanut butter; but that's not even half of it. I would string snowflakes across the wall above the couch, and put a bunch of cotton balls on the floor and couch to look like snow. I would shop and get my sister, Audrey, the latest American Girl doll named, "Lanie." For my brother, I would probably get the best and highest-quality phone there is. I would get my mom a new computer and monitor, as well as a new dinner table. Now, shopping for my dad takes some thinking, but after thinking about it, my choice probably would be the Lego Pirate Ship. N OW THAT W OULD BE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!

My Best Christmas By Josh Tinkham, Grade 3 If I could make the best Christmas ever, it would be like this . . . The day before Christmas my dad brought an army truck to the house! It was awesome. M y dad and I rode to an army base. It was fun! W e saw a tank, a Hummer, and a cannon. It was awesome! W e loved it! Later a helicopter took us to an aircraft carrier. W e rode to the Pacific Ocean and back. It was fun and awesome! The End.

My Perfect Christmas By Julianna Beason, Grade 4 If I could plan the perfect Christmas, it would be like this . . . Telling people what Christmas is about; helping God's people learn the Commandments; giving the gift of God to others. I would do all of this on a big stage in a big city.

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THE APISON APPEAL

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The Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church 11421 Bates Road – Apison, TN 37302 Post Office Box 1551 – Collegedale, TN 37315 Telephone: (423) 236-4214 -o-

Visit Our W ebsite: www.apisonchurch.org -oPASTOR: JEFF BROWN ........................................... 396-2055

[email protected] -oHead Elder: Glen Wintermeyer................................... Head Deacon: Brian Wilson ........................................ Head Deaconess: Jeanie Hair .................................... Clerk: Cyndi Fox .......................................................... -oLester Coon Adventist School Telephone: (423) 236-4926

443-5486 339-8006 364-4902 478-2833

JANUARY 2011

because she was following a vegetarian diet. From all the evidence such accusations are simply unfounded. Lawyers are working hard to see that he comes home soon. Pray for victory. 3. Continued prayer is needed for tensions over the threat to burn the Quran. 4. Finally, as we prepare for the new year, pray for the spiritual revival of our people. We are living in dangerous times. All around, our culture is going further and further from the Lord. We need to seek His wisdom to be the light He calls us to be to those around us. January is Religious Liberty emphasis month. Plan now to support the campaign to provide Liberty magazine for community thought leaders.

Visit Our Website: www.apisonsdaschool.com

The Apison Appeal Monthly Newspaper for Members and Friends -oEDITOR / PUBLISHER: ERLING ODELL Telephone: 423-591-4779

E-mail: [email protected]

PRINTING: MODERN WAY PRINTING & FULFILLMENT xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Religious Liberty Issues Are a Concern to Us All over the world, are situations needing our concern and support. For example: 1. In Botswana, three Adventist families faced a court hearing on a contempt of court charge because they refused to follow a previous order that they send their children to a public school. That order was being appealed and they felt they did not need to comply until the appeal was heard. They are homeschooling their children. We are concerned that these parents not be sent to jail. Their children need them. From what we gather there has been no evidence that the children were not receiving a good education at home. Pray that the Lord will intervene and give their lawyers the arguments necessary and the court the compassion to keep these families together. 2. An Adventist layperson from California who has a burden for health ministry was in the Phillippines conducting a seminar some months back. One of the elderly people attending his seminar passed away and the family has accused this man with causing her death

DOG IN A MANGER This Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard. During the night the neighbors came across this scene An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose baby Jesus as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night. W e should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time. This is too sweet not to share. No one mentioned that the dog breed is a "shepherd".

Who Will Help the Old Man? The old geezer who publishes this newsletter is nearing his 80th birthday. He enjoys doing it. It’s a fun job. But it does require a lot of work. It would be helpful if some members of our church family would lend a hand. He could use reporters, typists, designers, editorial consultants, people to prepare the paper for mailing (folding, stamping envelopes, etc.), photographers, researchers and writers. He has already had some inquiries about helping. Maybe there are others. Let me know if you would like to join in the fun and help the old man. My contact information is on this page. Or, see me at church. Thanks. Erling Odell

January 2011 Sun

Mon

Tue

The Seventh-day Adventist Church at Apison Tennessee

“It takes no talent to criticize or complain.”

“Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life”

2 Birthday: Jim Meglich Holly Young Raitel Liriano

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4

7:00 Elders Meeting

10:30 Praise and Prayer Meeting

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Wed

Thu

Fri

“You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.”

“A good rule for going through life is to keep the heart a little softer than the head.”

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10

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7:00 School Board Meeting

10:30 Praise and Prayer Meeting

“Don’t pull tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine.”

17 Birthday: Debbie Harrell 7:00 Church Board Meeting Martin Luther King Jr. Day

23 Birthday: Shani Saylor

24 Birthday: Peggy Tishaw

18 Birthday: Kimberlee Bruce 10:30 Praise and Prayer Meeting

25 10:30 Praise and Prayer Meeting

31 Birthday: Catherine Hustad Alicia McCurday

“It is much better to hold out a hand than point a finger.”

New Year’s Day

6 Birthday: Joseph McKissick

70 Birthday: Leonard Thomas

7:00 Prayer Meeting

Anniversary: Mark & Sarah Eirich

Sunset 5:45

8 SUPER SABBATH Pastor Brown Fellowship Meal Vespers Social

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12 Birthday: James Patterson Samuel McCurdy

WORSHIP Pastor Brown

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7:00 Prayer Meeting 26 Birthday: Arthur Aicher

Sunset 5:51 20 Birthday: Jim Breedlove Seth Miller Mary Lou Pride Audrey Schanke

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7:00 Prayer Meeting 30 Birthday: Nancy Ingram

WORSHIP Pastor Brown

5 Birthday: Larry Kitchen

7:00 Prayer Meeting 16 Birthday: Deryl Holland Patty Wright

Sat

“Children have more need of models than critics.”

21

Sunset 5:58

WORSHIP Pastor Brown

28 Birthday: Kathryn Duggar

29 Birthday: Cloey Haynes

Sunset 6:05

“If you get to thinking you are a person of some influence, try ordering someone else’s dog around.”

22 Birthday: Marcus Jimenez Love Ratliff

“The trouble with doing nothing is it’s too hard to tell when you’re finished.”

WORSHIP Pastor Brown

Please report omissions or errors to the editor.

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THE APISON APPEAL

Vegan Delight BY : KATHERINE MAC FARLANE -o-

Oat Burgers 1 cup walnuts chopped fine 2 cups quick oats 1 large onion chopped fine ½ teaspoon thyme 1/4 teaspoon marjoram 2 cups soy milk or almond milk ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sage Mix together all ingredients. Let stand 15 or 20 minutes. Form into patties and fry, or bake them at 400 degrees on greased pan and turn once.

GARDENING Winter Gardening? Yes, and it is fun! BY KAREN WINTERMEYER As one who comes from the far North, I thought surely one could possibly grow something in the winter here. I see people growing turnip greens in the early winter. So I have experimented and this is what I've learned: 1. When to plant - around September 1 or Labor Day - a week or two before or after works. 2. What to plant - any kind of greens. At the moment I have four kinds of lettuce producing: ruby red, prize head, oak leaf, romaine (romaine withstands the cold better). Additionally, we are also enjoying spinach, Swiss chard, kale, bok choy, Chinese cabbage (2 kinds), parsley, and cilantro. 3. How to keep it alive during the cold December and January days? Just let it grow. Watch as the temperature gets in the upper 30's. Simply cover up the greens with thick, clear plastic. I put rocks around the edges to hold the plastic down. Only once or twice all winter on warm, rainy days I uncover it to let the rain water in. A "cold frame" (hot bed) works, too.

To harvest I just lift the plastic to pick when I need any greens. Pick the large outside leaves and it will continue to grow. One minor problem - plants will grow tall and touch the plastic (as I just lay it on top of the plants) and where it touches those leaf tips will freeze and turn color. One could invent a way to hold up the plastic, but it is not a major problem as we have enough to enjoy eating fresh lettuce, spinach, etc., most of the winter. In the very, very cold the plants will not grow much at all, but come spring you have beautiful, large producing greens! #

JANUARY 2011

he came by night learned and rich, had status and trust 'salem standards declared him just was deeply moved by the Nazarene night visit plan, to remain unseen to Olivet, while the city slept a secret spot where Rabbi kept came 'demus, who desired to know Thy mir'cles, who but God can shew? soul-reading done, came back reply be born 'gain, by Spirit from high follow 'babtist's lead beneath the crest for entrance to the realm celeste

2011 Emphasis is Evangelism

bewildered plea, oh how can i time-aged repeat an infant's cry? said Gift of God, in wilderness serpent was raised for all to bless

Plans for evangelism at the Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church in the coming year have been unveiled. They include small groups; seminars for financial freedom, weight control, oil changing for single mothers, marriage, health matters; cooking demonstrations; and youth evangelistic meetings. There will also be picnics, a fall festival and a campout. Beginning in January there will be a 13-week financial seminar and a weight loss seminar. Then in February, there will be a mid-winter Week of Prayer. March will see a helpful course for single mothers on changing oil in their car and a health emphasis seminar. Details for these programs will be announced at church services. These events will be excellent for inviting friends and neighbors. Currently there are small groups going on, as well as a Sabbath School class on “How to Give Bible Studies” and a campaign to provide bulk subscriptions for Signs magazine for distribution plus a special Sabbath School class on “Where is God when it hurts?”

and so must I, whoever will believes I'm here, just to fulfill My Father's plan, to draw all men unto Me, Haven's gate, enter in so 'demus did, after One's rise provided great means and supplies to charter flock, and consequent scorn could not dussuade, for he was reborn. stan talley, sr., october 13, 2010 all rights reserved

At Rest i Duane and Karen Glassford and sons Daniel and David are mourning the loss of Karen’s parents. John Wesley Taylor IV, 77, of Collegedale, passed away November 26 after a brief illness. He was an Adventist pastor and Bible teacher. Born in Bolivia on to missionary parents, he served with his wife, Jessie Fay Parker Taylor, as missionaries in Latin America for 40 years. Jessie died Christmas Eve. They are survived by children John Wesley Taylor V and Karen; their spouses; and four grandchildren. #

JANUARY 2011

LCA SCHOOL NEWS Continued from Page Three -o-

My Perfect Christmas By Katie Scott, Grade 4 If I could have the funnest Christmas ever, it would be like this . . . If it was Christmas Eve, I would be so excited that the next day would be Christmas Day. I would go to the Christmas tree and count to see how many presents I had so far. W hen I got to the Christmas tree, my mouth would open. It would be like I was dreaming! It would seem like a mountain of presents that goes to the top of the roof. I'd look at my stocking and it would be stuffed full of all kinds of things. (Again, I'd think I was dreaming) All of a sudden my mom would come to me and say it was time to go to bed. That night I would not be able to go to sleep. The next morning I open my eyes wide and throw those covers out of my way! There it is: the mountain of presents! But I know I have to wait for my parents to get up. They finally get up, so I know it is time to make that mountain erupt!!!!!!

The Best Christmas Gift Tyler Segarra The best Christmas gift I ever got was an Ipod touch; it was from everyone. And they said "the smile on my face was the best that I could give" I believe them because I got them $5 presents. So the best gift I ever got was an Ipod touch and the best gift I ever gave was my appreciation which is the best gift you can give.

The Best Gift of All David Barrios During the Christmas season we often think of the gifts we we might receive, these often being electronics and other material things. W hile it is not wrong to wish for such things, we must remember that two thousand years ago God gave us the best present ever, his son. Sometimes we tend to forget that Jesus bearing all our sins and dying on the cross equals salvation. I think I would much rather have salvation than the latest iphone. For God so loved the world he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life, and that my friends is the best gift of all.

THE APISON APPEAL

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Two Kinds of Happy

The Perfect Christmas

David Glassford #1 The best gift I have ever received was about two years ago when I found this AE miniature monster truck that I really wanted. It was almost two hundred dollars but it was worth every penny. W hen I had moved to California and I found the truck at the store I never forgot about it and every time I went to the store, I would stare at that truck. One morning I saw this big box covered with Christmas wrap that was a similar size as the truck. I almost exploded with excitement but I had to wait until Christmas morning. The day came, I woke up every one and waited until everyone was around the tree. They let me go first and I tore open the wrapping off and ran outside to test drive my monster truck. #2 Giving a gift is always special but the best gift I have ever given was when I gave a coat to a homeless person. The expression on his face I will never forget, he almost cried. I had always been afraid of hugging a homeless person but when he hugged me all the fear went away and it was like hugging your grandpa.

By Tre Smith If I could plan the perfect Christmas, it would be like this. The first day of Christmas I am getting ready for a surprise for my cousins--like a surprise party. John is helping me. W hat would happen next? Now we are starting to buy gifts. The house is getting packed. Boxes upon boxes are everywhere. We only have ten days left. Later, we have one hour left, but we are already done, except I forgot to plan where we should hide. I was, well, embarrassed. Finally, I got an idea. W e'd hide in the office. We have six minutes. Finally, they came. "Ding dong," went the dorbell. I said, "O ne, two, three. Surprise!" They were in shock. It was the best day ever! #

Senior Cell Phone

Getting and Giving Shawn M arais One of the best gifts I've ever received was when I was nine years old I got my first pocket knife. I never left it anywhere I would go to school and hide it in the car and right after school I would run out and get it, and I wasn't happy when I lost it. My mom loves candles, and there was a candle set she liked. The previous week my gram had given me fifteen dollars for my grades. The exact amount needed for the candle set. I decided to buy it and I felt really good about myself when she ripped it open.

Thinking Jesus is My Christmas Present Amber Brailsford I think Jesus really is the best gift of all because without him we are empty. W e will have no happiness or fulfillment until we have him in our hearts. All the presents in the world or money in the world could never make us happy. I'm no rich person but I know rich people but even with the whole family, lots of presents they're still not happy, and I believe they don't have enough of Jesus or God in their life.

of sending a notice of your meeting or activity to the church bulletin? Great!! But why not send a copy to the church newsletter and let us help publicize it, too! Just send it to: delpix @juno.com

NEW SPEAKER John Bradshaw, 43, the New Zealand-born pastor of a Seventh-day Adventist congregation in College Place, W A, is the new speaker/director of “It Is W ritten.” He succeeds Shawn Boonstra, who stepped aside in D ecember 2010, over health concerns.

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THE APISON APPEAL

Why Are We Here?

CHRISTMAS FUN

Continued from the Front Page “W hen I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, ‘God, if I don't get anything done today, I want to know You more and love You better.’ At the end of the day, if I've done that, the day was a success. On the other hand, if I get to the end of the day and I haven't gotten to know God better and love Him more, I just missed the first purpose of life, and I've wasted the day. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings." * with permission. Source: http://www.billygraham.org/DMag_article .asp?ArticleID=492 Christianity is a relationship; that's why we're here. To know Jesus better each day, love Him more. Heaven is forever spending time with Jesus. He wants to start that relationship today; that's why we're here. #

Rules Posted for Church Gym Night 1. These rules have been voted by the church and school boards, sent out to all members and must be followed by all gym night attendees. 2. The church will designate a gym night coordinator who shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules. Anyone not following these rules may be asked to leave. The coordinator will be in charge of: (a) the P.A. System (b) the opening and closing of the gym (c) the operation of all lights, HVAC, and other electronics (d) setting out balls and other equipment before people arrive. The ball room is to be locked. 3. The stairs going up to the storerooms are off limits. Please stay off them. 4. The stage is off limits. Please do not go on the stage. 5. No outdoor play is allowed without adult supervision. 6. The restrooms are off limits for playing and loitering. 7. W e ask all adults to please help us ensure environment is safe for playing. 8. Please be careful, when throwing balls and other objects, to not hit the ceiling. 9. Please park only in the field and church

JANUARY 2011

The Adventurers enjoyed a Christmas party

parking lot. 10. Please stay out of all school rooms except the gym and restrooms. Please do not schedule any other meetings at the school during gym night. 11. Food sales are only allowed by the approval of the Principal. – Lisa Jennings

Christmas Gifts for Thompson Children This year Lester Coon Adventist School chose T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital to be the recipient of our school children's gifts. W e thank those of you who have participated, and know that the many children at T. C. Thompson who receive the gifts donated, will be blessed during this especially difficult time in their lives. – Lisa Jennings

BULLETIN BOARD M errilee is a "Green, Clean & S e r e n e " hom eschooling m other of two looking for a regular housecleaning job once a week for other hom eschooling fam ily or other child friendly environm ent. $16.00/hr. Has worked for Southern University doing detail cleaning for the past 1 1/2 years. Also has som e spaces available for teaching both young and old students violin using the fun & easy Eden Vaning-Rosen teaching m ethod. Mem ber of East Tennessee Sym phonic Orchestra. 30 years experience. I can do the housecleaning only on Fridays until 1:30pm . Contact: Merrilee McCain (423) 693-5946.

The Value of Small Groups BY GLEN WINTERMEYER Last evening as we were enjoying one another's company at our small group, I asked the question, "What do you see as the value for you from this small group?" Following are the unedited comments: "The small group encourages me to get back on track (with Jesus)." "You can't help them (people) if you don't know them." "The small group keeps me accountable without ever having to say much." "W e can support one another." "W hen going through hard times I know my friends from the small group are there praying for me and encouraging me." “It encourages me to study the Bible during the week so that between our small group meetings I will be prepared for the next group study."

New Library Books Sensing His Presence Ask God for a Miracle W hen Tragedy Strikes God W ants to Hear You Sing You are M y Witness S.H.A.R.E. (recommended by Pastor Jeff) Under the Eye At Jesus' Feet Battered to Blessed Cafe Blessings (written by the Odells' daughter) Life W ithout Parole John Carter Ellen W ill I Ever Learn? Jack Mission Pilot Heart Shift ` T Check ‘em out.