The last six weeks have been life changing. No one would have imagined just a few months ago that a virus would have brought our world and our lives to a complete standstill. Yet it happened and here we are in an unfamiliar scene. While we wait on instructions from our authorities, the implications about the future remain uncertain. These concerns can translate into fear and anxiety as we continue our walk through unchartered territory.
As with other urgent situations, this time must be seized in prayer. Ellen White tells us, “We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God” (The Ministry of Healing, 509). Sincere and daily prayer opens our hearts to God and allows us to receive His guidance.
When Elijah was ready to give up, he heard God’s voice of encouragement. While Moses was living as a refugee in the desert, God revealed His purpose to him. When Job sought God in his pain, God spoke to Him out of the whirlwind. While Saul was in earnest prayer and fasting, God sent Ananias to restore his sight. It was in these powerful moments of communion with God that the Lord revealed His presence to His people. In the same way, God is willing to reveal Himself to us, if we only ask.
We are all burdened with cares, duties and needs. The more difficult our position and assignments are, the more we need Jesus. Trust in His promises and bring every concern to Him in prayer. His ears are always open, even to the simplest request. As a father to his children, God welcomes us into His presence and promises to hear us. Even in the most difficult circumstances, we can always approach our Creator in prayer.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
As we go on with our duties this week, may we find those moments in prayer that will allow us to hear His voice and give us the strength and peace we need during these uncertain times.
Stay Safe and Well,
Pastor Christian
Acts 1:7 He said to them:
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This text will be the subject of this week's Mid-Week Bible Study
(See the "Mid-Week Bible Study" in "News")
Due to the contagious COVID-19, church is closed until it is safe to open.
If you need groceries, other supplies, or other types of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your church family in regards to how we can help you.
From Local Government: As found by Pastor Christian:
The city of Rolling Hills Estates has put together a Palos Verdes Peninsula Senior Resource Guide. This guide, intended for seniors and disabled residents, includes important information on COVID-19 testing, mental health support, meal and grocery delivery services, as well as ways to stay active while safe at home. Here are the links so you can see for yourself:
Please note that the information contained in these resources may change as needed. Feel free to share these resources with your friends, family, and neighbors. We hope that you will find these helpful."
Survey:
Erika O: News? I’m quarantined! Coping Getting ‘take-out’ food with my friends, trying to catch up with paperwork. Advice? “This too shall pass, with God’s help.”
Mey C:Coping I’m doing okay, and so is Rada S. Faith Reading, mostly. Our Sabbath School Lesson from online. And Amazing Facts ministry. Advice Be safe, and do not go out too often.
Behind the Scenes: Or, “What’s happening at the church?”
More and more members are joining our services, which are ‘livestreamed’ by Zoom. You can join by telephone or computer; if you need a little help in learning how, please call the church office. We’ll be glad to walk you through a practice session.
Prayer Meeting has been so well attended by Zoom we might continue meeting that way after the quarantine is lifted!
The Church Misses You: I come to my office nearly every day. The empty church and rooms are so quiet they seem to be groaning from emptiness. Maybe that’s just me, but I hear something…
Neighbors frequently visit and whenever I greet them, they almost always say thank you for allowing them to visit our grounds.
Becky, our secretary, is coming this week to do the special chore of organizing the church files. This chore has been neglected for quite a while and needs some special attention, as do some file drawers that have been neglected for years. She hasn’t been here for three or four weeks, now. I will have to work from home whenever she comes; we do not overlap our time here.
Kathy and Jonas, our custodians, come by less often, but I’m glad they came today! They found the downstairs watercooler had sprung a small, but persistent leak, which actually sprayed the double doors nearest the elevator. There was quite a large puddle in the hallway and extending into the fellowship hall. Up to now, they have cleaned out some dark corners, the kitchen and should be able to do some much needed rug cleaning. And yes, the leak has been stopped, but there is some damage to the doors. Becky will eventually get a plumber out to fix it more permanently.
The Church Board hasn’t needed to meet; most of our decisions have to do with ministry, which has largely been suspended. But we are due for another meeting as soon as the Finance Committee reviews the finances and makes a recommendation on two finance related questions.
Mid-Week Bible Study will focus on Acts 1:7 & 8, where Jesus teaches us the importance on waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s a Story and a Question: (Yes. I have told this story before, during a sermon. It’s what I call a classic story, but my family calls ‘repetitive’!) At breakfast one Sunday morning, Mom and Dad talked about what to do that day. They decided that we should all go see Grandma and Grandpa. This was a big trip, since they lived in Riverside, about an hour away.
But a little later on, Mom said something that offended Dad. He offended her right back. After breakfast, when we were cleaned up and ready to go, I found Mom sitting at the kitchen table reading. “I thought we were going to visit Grandma and Grandpa?” I said.
“I’m waiting for your father,” she said. (This phrase ‘your father’, meant she was still offended!). I meandered down the hallway to where I had last seen him, in the bedroom. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. “Aren’t we going to Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
“I’m waiting for your mother.”
We got going soon after that. By the time we got to Grandma and Grandpa’s everything was sunny and good again.
So, here’s my question, “Are we waiting for God; or is He waiting for us?”
I’ll give my answer at Prayer Meeting… and probably next Monday in the Newsletter.
ONGOING:
Ongoing Programs:
1. Daily: 100 Days of Prayer: This is a World Church call to prayer. By email, once per day, I get a reminder to pray, scripture promises to claim, a devotional thought, and the opportunity to join others in prayer and fellowship. If you are looking for a daily devotional this is a great place to start. To begin, and sign up: http://www.revivalandreformation.org/100days
2. Daily: Recommended Viewing: There are many good choices. We are especially recommending It Is Written at itiswritten.com and the Loma Linda University Church at lluc.org
3. Daily: Rolling Hills Church Prayer Call: Tuesdays – Sundays, 1:00 p.m. / Mondays 12:00 noon, we join the “Weekly SCC Prayer Call” (See the next paragraph for participation information).
4. Weekly: Mondays: “Weekly SCC Prayer Call” 12 Noonwith the Southern California Conference Prayer, Spirituality and Renewal Team. To participate call (435) 777-2200. When asked, enter the identification number: 202077# There is always a special devotional, testimonies and prayer requests are fielded. Janet Lui can answer questions: (310) 963-2578 Helpful commands:
*5 = ‘Raising your hand’ to ask permission to chime in.
*6 = To mute or unmute your phone
*86 = Increase speaking volume
*87 = Decrease speaking volume
5. Weekly: Mondays: Women’s Ministry Group: Host, Janet Lui, “Please Invite other women that you think might like this time of fellowship, devotional and prayer. Open to all women.” Mondays, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pathfinders: Sabbaths: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Specific Zoom, or FaceTime contact information will be provided directly to the Pathfinder Parents based on individual classes.
7. Weekly: Wednesdays and Sabbaths: ‘Zoom’ Services: Our Mid-Week Bible Study is full of fellowship and prayers. Our Sabbath Morning Adult Lesson (10 a.) and Homily (11 a.) We share our highs and lows, viewpoints, scripture promises, and pray requests. Here is the connection information. Please note the password (it is our address, plus the number 7)
Topic: Rolling Hills Adventist: Mid-week Prayer Meeting Time: Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. Topic: Rolling Hills Adventist Church: Sabbath Morning Time: Sabbaths, 10 a. & 11 a. Online:https://zoom.us/j/6579293321?pwd=VksvMFFBMVQxeStjQkpDMEd5ZGR0QT09 Telephone: (253) 215-8782 or (301) 715-8592 Meeting ID: 657 929 3321 Password: 283407
Ongoing Announcements:
Financial Help: The Church Board has set aside funds to help those in our church family who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. If you would like to receive such help, please contact one of the Elders directly (Betsy Adams, Raymond Barnes, Janet Barnhill, Janet Lui, Dahlma Osborne), or call me, Pastor Albert, at the Church Office. There are details and a process so that this will be confidential and smooth.
Reach Your Pastor: I am forwarding the church phone (310/541-1819) to my home phone (424/206-2949) and though it often has bad reception you can call my cell phone (626/826-8448) or text me. Email works, too: albertfrederico@gmail.com
It Is Written Online Meeting:
It Is Written will conduct a virtual, online evangelistic event starting April 17 that will reach all of North America. Over 600 churches have joined with us in online advertising, and thousands have already registered for the meetings.
The month-long series, entitled Revelation Today: Hope Awakens, will feature Pastor John Bradshaw and present the prophetic message of the Bible while speaking to hearts burdened by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. The interactive meetings will be viewable on mobile devices and online. Individuals are encouraged to register for the series at hopeawakens.com.
I encourage you to write a thoughtful note to your friends and family inviting them to join!
God has given us counsel on how we should take care of our bodies so that we can be in the best health to enjoy life and be of service to others. If you haven't read what that counsel is, or if you haven't read it recently, take some time to look through it and see how you can improve your wellbeing. Read Counsels on Diet and Foods.— Health Ministries Team
Online Giving: did you know you can return your tithes and offerings online? Adventist Giving enables us to return our tithes and offerings online easily.Go to Adventist Giving
“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
2 Peter 1: 3 – 4
As quoted in the "100 Days of Prayer" email for today
