I have been answering this question in my messages on Sabbath morning. Not everyone can join us every week, but I think it is important for all to be able to consider the topics from Sabbath morning. So, I am going to include in this space some of the points that we cover so that we can consider and act together.
I have been doing some research, trying to find a mission project that we could support and bless, which in turn would be a blessing to us. One mission organization, in their literature made the statement, ‘everybody is to be a missionary’.
I actually disagree. Those gifted by the Holy Spirit as evangelists, or apostles, should be "missionaries". These believers have special abilities to reach beyond the circle of church fellowship and invite non-church neighbors to join in living a life of faith in Jesus.
Others, non-evangelists, will aid and support them in their mission, still others will help all in the church to grow in grace and faith. There is a place for each believer to work in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls.
Peter, who was certainly qualified as an evangelist, expected and called for this kind of help:
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.But do this with gentleness and respect…
In this verse, I find these steps:
If you follow Christ
You will have hope
This hope will profoundly affect your life
Non-believers will then ask you questions
You will answer these questions in an encouraging and kind way.
If these conclusions are correct, and I think they are, then together, we have some thinking, planning and training to do.
Be Blessed!
Pastor Albert
Acts 2:17 “ ‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These texts will be the subject of our Wednesday evening
Bible Study and Fellowship
Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. (See the "Ongoing" section below)
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.
Condolences: It is with sad hearts that we share the loss of our long-time friend and Rolling Hills Church member, Winona Finney. She went to her rest in Jesus, Friday, May 1, 2020.
Our love and condolences go out to her husband, Charles, her family and friends. If you would like to reach out to Charles Finney he may be reached at:
150 Via Bandalero
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Home: (805) 481-8845
Cell: (818) 521-0262
Church Board Meeting: At Monday’s meeting we especially monitored our finances. We will be ready and able to resume operations once the quarantine restrictions are lifted.
We noted that we have not been receiving the level of donations compared to this time last year. We suppose that it is due to the quarantine restrictions.
Carpet Cleaning: In anticipation of reopening, we are now searching for a reputable company to clean and sanitizeall of our carpets. And we will need to do other things as we prepare.
Reopening: The network news had reports of restrictions being phased out and, according to tonight’s reports, churches might be ‘allowed’ to resume operations in a week or two. We will abide with the recommendations of...
From Southern California Conference (SCC) (Our Headquarters): “As far as churches are concerned, we maintain the mandate, in accordance with the state of California, that churches cannot yet hold in-person services. While we are all eager for the day when we can congregate together again, this day is not here yet. SCC leadership and the Corona Virus Intervention Committee (CIC) have intentionally chosen to remain cautious while working to develop the safest and most effective reopening protocol for the SCC territory. We do not want to rush reopening, as we recognize that it could mean the difference between life and death for vulnerable members of our constituency.
We will keep you updated as we formulate a thorough reopening protocol. Thank you for your commitment to ministry in the Southern California Conference during this challenging time.”
Adventist Giving: The Church Board discussed the Adventist Online giving. There are two ways to participate: Credit card or bank routing number.
If I were to make my donation by credit card there is a small fee charged for that method by the credit card company. It’s how they are able to ‘give’ airline miles, or some other perk to the credit card user. But, following the principle, “There is no such thing as a free lunch”, most of us prefer to use the bank routing number. In most banks, there is no fee associated with this method.
It is an easy process of going online (see the section below, “Online Giving” for the link) and making a donation by bank route number. I will use that method for our next donation and let you know for sure how easy it is.
Outreach Literature: We have ordered, and received 100 copies of the Special Edition of the Signs of the Time Magazine, “COVID-19: Facing the Crisis with Confidence” to distribute. We are making it available to passersby and those who walk their dogs or come to see the views. Every day there are several visitors who could benefit.
If you would like a copy we will gladly mail it to you.
GLOW Tracts: These outreach tracts are also available, in a small stand, which is prominently featured at the entrance walk to our church. We hope they will be taken!
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
“I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
