Tag: habit-of-worship

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A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Unify us, Lord!

Many thanks to Becky, Jake, Jessica, Chuck, Davis, Cora and Owen for helping to lead worship! Thank you Jamie for running the AV!

Older woman with glasses reading sheet music while seated at a grand piano with microphones nearby
Four musicians performing together indoors, with two singers, a guitarist, and a pianist.
Man speaking at a lectern with an open book in a classroom

During Children’s Time, Jessica and Davis illustrated the power of God’s voice to help us avoid taking a wrong path.

Boy wearing a blindfold walks toward a church chair while a woman observes during a presentation.
A woman holding a phone stands beside a boy wearing a flower headband, addressing seated children in a decorated room.

Becky shared praises and prayer requests — We are grateful that Jamie’s mother is improving and that Cindy, an 86-year-old friend of Tracey’s made the decision to follow Jesus and trust Him with her life!

Woman wearing glasses and a white cardigan reading from an open book while holding a notebook and pen in a church.

We continue to pray for Richard and his upcoming surgery. We also prayed over mid-term elections and for those in government. Becky reminded us that the Word of God in prayer is sharper than any two-edged sword. Amen.

Jake, newly returned from SDB headquarters in Jaynesville, Wisconson began the message by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Emerging Leaders conference. “It gave me a whole new perspective on Seventh Day Baptists.”

He then challenged us to grow more unified as believers, referencing scripture from the book of Acts, Ephesians and I Corinthians.

Man speaking behind a lectern while gesturing with his hands

“Unity brings a strong central direction, and brings peace among a people group.

In history, leaders like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and those in the early Roman Empire had a focused direction, which is why they were strong. When everyone is going the same direction, it brings peace.

Imagine how much stronger as believers we would be if we were all bonded instead of being split up into many different denominations.

In the history of the early church we see unity: They devoted themselves – they the apostles, to teaching and fellowship, breaking the bread, prayer … all the believers were together and had everything in common— from Acts 2: 42-47

Would we sell all our possessions to follow Jesus?

Happiness for me comes from my friends and my family – enjoyment and joy in relationships. We are all connected to one another – if we become a tight-knit community, it becomes easier to expand the church.

We as people are more connected than we realize. Decisions impact us—and the people around us. When you have an identity in Christ, people start to notice. You start giving up some of you to help someone else.  People see that. They are drawn to the lamp on a hill.

Man with a mustache speaking at a lectern in a classroom or meeting room.

Jake referenced I Corinthians 12, about the church being one body made up of many parts.

“…if the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” God arranged the parts of the body just as He wanted them to be.

Our differences matter. I don’t want to talk to a hundred “me’s.” With different gifts, we contribute in different ways. One is not less than the other. The gifts of prayer, teaching – all need to be used so we can function as a church. All jobs matter. The people who clean and do maintenance are important. What if we had no lights?

We’re all aimed in the same direction: to further the kingdom of God.

If one part of the body suffers, we all do. If one is honored, we all rejoice. We need to stay loving, and unified together. Being united is the strength we have together, to grow closer to God. 

Let’s bring as many as we can to heaven and while we’re here, make earth as close to heaven as we can.

People gathered in a church sanctuary during a worship service with a musician, instruments, pulpit, and hymn lyrics projected on screen

Help us check on one another Lord. Keep us on Your mission.

Amen.

White church surrounded by autumn trees with overlaid hymn lyrics, “Amazing love, how can it be,” and songwriter credits.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

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A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Don’t be deceived!

A woman in a floral dress speaks animatedly, pointing while sharing a moment with a smiling young girl dressed in a green shirt. They are both engaged and appear to be in a friendly conversation, standing in a well-lit room with wooden furniture.
Profile view of a young girl with long red hair, wearing a green shirt, smiling and standing with her hands behind her back.
A woman in a floral blouse interacts with two young girls in a church setting. The girls are focused on an activity, and another woman is seated in the background, gently touching one of the girls.

During Children’s Time, Marissa and Cora challenged our ability to perceive the truth. They had two cups — one with grape juice and one with soy sauce. Marissa gave Cora a sip of each and based on her expression we had to guess which one she was drinking… did she trick us? Watch the service on Facebook to find out!

What a great reminder to beware of the Father of Lies who tries to deceive us away from following Jesus!

Becky shared praises and prayer requests — including how Tracy’s prayer ministry tent is drawing in crowds of people seeking prayer.

A woman with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a blue shirt, is standing and speaking in a room with wooden furniture. She is gesturing with one hand while holding papers in the other.

We also praised God for Joel (pastor in Puerto Rico) and his recovery from surgery. We prayed for blessing on Mary Lynn, and for Jake at the Young Leaders Conference, for Mark’s recovery from illness, and for unity in our church.

And we sang and praised God together!

Two singers performing on stage with microphones, accompanied by a pianist. A woman on the left sings passionately, while a girl in the middle focuses on her performance. A man at a piano in the background provides musical support.
A serene landscape featuring a church steeple against a backdrop of autumn foliage, with the text 'Not to us But to YOUR name be the glory' superimposed.

Pastor Chuck continued his message from Philippians 2 about remaining in unity — and how our attitude should be like the attitude of Jesus Christ: “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (v.6)

A man with glasses gestures while speaking at a lectern in a church setting, holding an open book, with wooden furnishings in the background.

He shared how his father, a police chief for many years faced having to work for an arrogant man who once reported to him… and did so with grace. A powerful example of humility in the face of difficult circumstances.

Framed photo of a smiling police officer wearing a uniform, accompanied by the text 'BLESSED are the PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED Children of God' and a depiction of the American flag with a blue line.

The conflict Paul was addressing in the Philippian church was based on pride — which we know comes from the deceiver. He asked, Eve… “did God really say that?” Doubting the word of God is the first step down a slippery slope.

Unity always begins from a place of humility. “We’re doing things MY way” causes fracture and distraction. Humility does not come naturally to us — which is why we must focus on the cross of Christ where “he became obedient to the point of death.”

Jesus emptied himself of his God status when he became flesh and dwelt among us. He changed his form to become a human. If you ever doubted Jesus’s love for you, look to the cross. He took on that agony as a human. He felt the nails. Why? For you and for me, so he could cry out, tetelestai “It is finished!” The word used in the marketplace to say, “the transaction is complete.”

A man with a beard and glasses stands next to a lectern in a room decorated with autumn leaves, gesturing while speaking.

The price has been paid. Now, will we accept His forgiveness and surrender our lives to God? How much heartache, loneliness, and feelings of abandonment are you willing to take for Jesus? He died with your name on His lips.

Extreme obedience looks like Christians being slaughtered for Christ — for example in northern China in the 1890’s and now in Nigeria by Boka Haram. Will you stand at the point of a gun speaking the name of Jesus? Can you say, “Send me to heaven.”

There is a lot going in our church, our country and our personal lives. Listen to this encouragement from Micah 7: 11-13: “The day for building your walls will come, the day for extending your boundaries. In that day people will come to you…”

What we do and who we are makes us a target for that liar – (Satan) but we have a perspective that the world cannot understand. We look to the cross and the king on the cross who spoke our names – “that one is mine!” We have the encouragement that things have been laid to waste – maybe even punishment—but – God says, “I will bring your back! I will still love you. I will rebuild your walls and extend your boundary.

I love how the passage in Philippians ends: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Be like Jesus. Whatever your strengths are – think of others higher than yourselves.

A man in a navy shirt holds a book and raises one hand while leading a ceremony in a church setting. Two individuals, one in a red shirt and another in a white jacket, are standing and listening attentively.

Amen.

Text overlay with religious message on a scenic background featuring a church and autumn foliage.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

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A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Testimonies and Communion

Thank you Susie!
Thank you Darwin!

Susie Fox shared how blessed she feels to be able to use her computer. Seven years ago, just after Labor Day, she had a stroke. At the rehab center she had to learn how to write again. Trying to compose a simple email took hours and a lot of tears.

But, “What a miracle God did! So much came back. I went from the screen not making sense to being able to fluently do stuff with my computer. It was hard to say, I can’t do that–something that had been such a big part of my identity. Now seven years later, this feels like such a miracle. That is what God does. He restores things that are lost or broken. You never know when that is going to happen, and that is my testimony.”

Amen.

Darwin Van Horn talked about growing up as a preacher’s kid who knew who God was, even though as a teenager he did not feel accepted by the church. But he experienced answers to prayer. One time when his dad’s car was stuck on the side of the road and would not start, he prayed for God’s help and the car started.

He shared about feeling blessed to sing with Becky for eight years in a Christian singing group. Then how over the years God has given him the gift of being a seer, and used him in healings. On a mission trip to Kenya, they were ministering in a building during a windstorm which was causing a great deal of noise and disturbance. Darwin felt the Lord tell him to go out and calm the wind. I said, “Wind be still, and it quit.”

Undergoing recent heart surgery, Darwin shared how his lungs were deflated and his heart had to be operated mechanically. “Those two organs were dead, but they restarted them. That is a miracle.”

He asked, “Do we ask God enough for the gifts of the Spirit? I challenge us all to ask the Lord to give us more gifts.”

Amen.

Thank you Mark Pest for leading us in communion.

Mark shared about the importance of drawing close to the Father’s heart, and experiencing healing as we remember Jesus’s sacrifice for us.

Amen.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, September 19, 2026

We contend together to accomplish Kingdom work!

Thank you Mark for the warm welcome
into God’s House!
Leaning on the everlasting arms! Thank you Becky!

Mark welcomed us to worship and shared announcements. David Fox, Dean and Susie’s son, is bringing the message Oct. 3. Oct. 10 we will hold a church business meeting–bring a brown bag lunch.

Becky led us in prayer for a six-year-old little girl diagnosed with meningitis, a man with a bladder tumor, and a woman with young children who faces Guillain-Barré Syndrome. We prayed for our brother Pastor Bob Harris who worships with us online and for his family’s health needs, and for Jake and Mariela as they expect their baby very soon. We also continue to pray for Tracy who ministers to people that visit her prayer tent, and for her husband Bryan who faces serious health concerns.

Reminding us of how each and every one of us is perfectly designed by God, Marissa challenged the children to see if they could recognize church members’ baby pictures.

We are all fearfully and wonderfully made!

Many thanks to Chuck, Jessie and Davis Meathrell for beautifully leading praise and worship!

Susie Fox read Hebrews 4: 1-12 which encourages us to make every effort to enter into the rest of God, and in v. 12 reminds us that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Brother Chuck brought us a meaningful message from Philippians about spending our lives wisely.

History is full of stories of people coming to the end of their life and asking what was it all about? What did I do that ever meant anything?  Even Solomon.

What should we be doing with life?  Our priorities are messed up unless we focus on Jesus.

The apostle Paul said, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…” Phil. 1:21

To live is Christ. In the natural we don’t want to die, but Paul’s attitude about life and death is healthier – to die is to go to be with Jesus

To Live is Christ — Kingdom work takes many shapes:

In your secular job you support your Kingdom work. Raising up children to the glory of God is Kingdom work. Our duty is to be obedient to Him. Use your accounting gift to God’s glory. Or your musical ability, or driving big trucks! Whatever it is, do it to the glory of God. – I Cor. 10:31. This is part of living a fruitful life

In the midst of this world’s frustrations, know that you are here on earth on purpose for a purpose – to serve a living God. We may have limitations – but we serve a BIG God. Don’t spend your life on the couch, or only on making money—focus your life in a way that God is glorified. Know the time is coming when you will depart your body and sit at the feet of Christ Jesus.

To Die is Gain

Paul can say this having been being stoned, kicked out of town, shipwrecked and afflicted with physical pain. To die means full restoration – the burdens and struggles of life lifted away. To sit at the feet of Jesus. To enter into the rest of Jesus – to move beyond Sabbath day rest to eternal rest.

Paul’s work was valuable and needed, but he longed for heaven which is indescribably better. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us. In Rev. 21 we read about no more crying, pain, no need for sun or moon, because the glory of God will be our light! In Rev. 22—the river of life flows from the throne of God – and we will see His face. Jesus told the thief on the cross that “today you will be with me in paradise.” Did the thief understand? Do we think about heaven enough?

Paul continues…

Referencing Ephesians 2, Chuck reflected on how being a citizen of Heaven now is one of your defining characteristics. It should direct how we think and impact all the details of our lives. We’re here doing the work—but our deepest citizenship is in Heaven, our true Home.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Phil.1:27

As citizens of Heaven you and I stand firm together in one accord. We work alongside/ beside/with one another – striving, enduring and suffering. With a nod toward the Greek games, Paul uses sports language describing a team that contends together to win a prize. We have to choose one another as we fight for victory.

Anytime you are doing good work you will be challenged by the enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy. That is why in this church we pray against the enemy.

We have to work, serve, celebrate, endure – all together. Even if its hard to get along. Is suffering the direct result of faith and working for the kingdom? Yes. But is not about me, and it is not about you. It is about the Kingdom of God.

We need to choose togetherness. God didn’t call just one or two or three of us – he called all of us together to contend together for his prize. There is a true homecoming for all of us.

Amen.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Praising God together!

Mark welcomed us to worship and shared announcements. There is a baby shower for Jake and Mariela Sept. 19, and a business meeting, Oct. 10.

Becky led us in prayer for Pastor Judith and Joel and their church in Puerto Rico,
“Lord, please heal relationships in their church, and bless the new work there. We pray the same for our church – for healing of memories, and for new vision. We lift up those who need healing, and thank you for the healing you have brought. We pray for your protection over all our children, for housing situations, and we pray for our government leaders, and for the wars to end in the Ukraine and Iran.

Help us to live up to your plan for our lives as we surrender to you completely.”

The children praised God, led by Susie as she read from Psalm 150

And welcome guitar-player Davis to the worship team!

Dean Fox read the scripture from John 15:1-8 reminding us of the words of Jesus. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… No branch can bear fruit by itself… I am the vine and you are the branches… if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit … apart from me you can do nothing… this is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit—showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Brother Jake shared about God’s gift of work.
He gives us meaningful work.Our purpose as humans is to:

  • Love and worship God
  • Love others as yourself
  • Be fruitful and multiply
  • Fear God and keep His commandments
  • Care for the earth.

What am I supposed to do with this time I have now?  Work. For others and for God’s Kingdom. Work is referenced through the entire Bible, from before the Fall, to ultimate glory:

Gen. 2:15 – The Lord put man in the garden to work and take care of it. 
I Timothy 5:8 – …anyone who does not provide for their own relatives… is worse than an unbeliever.
Rev. 22:3 – Our ultimate work will be to serve God in His Holy City.

Jake defined work as mental, physical activity to care for creation, others, and for God. 

There are many ways to work:  paid labor, volunteer work and gracious acts such as ministry. Is volunteer work free? No. And we are grateful to our veterans – our freedom is not free.

What does work cost the worker?  Toil, time, fatigue, sometimes grief and pain (Ecclesiastes. 2: 22 ,23 “What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving… even at night his mind does not rest…”

What matters is doing it with a proper heart – working as unto the Lord – serving Christ. –Col 3:23.

Biblical examples: Paul was a high-ranking Pharisee who gave up everything for the work of the Kingdom. Lydia, was a businesswoman in the clothing industry. Daniel, was a  high ranking government official. They all traded their skill and labor to benefit others and benefit the Kingdom. 

Retirement is not mentioned in the Bible. A job may end, but we should never retire from working for the kingdom of God.

Work is rewarding. Is not always a bad thing.  We can enjoy the fruits of our labor. “Be happy and do good while you live – eat and drink and find satisfaction in your toil for this is the gift of God.”  Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13

Our joy comes from God.  We our grateful to God for His work. We thank you God for your work at the cross!

Amen.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

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A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Stirred up to love and do good deeds!

With gratitude to Mark, Becky, Susie, Chip, Chuck and Jessie, and guest David Fox for leading us in worship today.

We praised God together for prayers answered — especially that Samuel and William are recovering from a serious accident — infection has gone down! We continue to pray for blessing over our church family–healing, wisdom, discernment and specific needs.

The kids were intrigued by Susie’s illustration of the need for some things to be stirred up to be at their best — like milk and chocolate syrup — and the church.

We remembered that God is ever faithful as we sang.

David Fox (son of Dean and Susie) blessed us with the reminder that as we intentionally practice the “one anothers”: love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, we stir each other up to love and good deeds–and that brings our dead hearts to life.

Speaking from Hebrews 10, David shared that beyond personality types, regardless of natural leanings, we come to God’s word to find out who we are, how we should be, and who He is making us to be.

The Church is God’s “Plan A” to go to the world. Something special happens when believers gather to worship God and share that with others. God is faithful in all that He says, is, and does – this is the starting point of everything we are going to be and do.

The author of Hebrews teaches that because of Jesus, our great High Priest and perfect sacrifice for sin, we can actually enter into God’s presence with confidence. We can draw near to God in worship.

Jesus was both high priest and sacrifice – his blood makes us clean. Jesus gives us rest from our sins.  Jesus promises heaven. He reigns forever. We are saved to good works God has prepared for us to do – and some of that is ordinary life together with other believers

As we consider how to stir up one another (provoke one another) to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) we know that this a joy, a command, a burden, and a blessing. Sometimes its fun and sometimes its difficult.

But, we can hold fast because God is faithful.  God constantly reminds His people of what He has done – and continues to make more promises.  God is consistent.

What does stirring one another up to love and good works look like?

Encouraging, motivating, provoking one another….

Love one another, serve one another – greet, comfort, serve, bear one another’s burdens.  These are the heart attitudes / behaviors the auhor of  Hebrews had in mind.

These one anothers can only happen when we intentionally gather together. Coffee with a Christian friend, worship together, midweek prayer– they all matter.

Don’t neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some. Hebrews 10:25. Habitually deciding to prioritize other things over gathering with other believers is a form of idolatry. Week to week, we have different needs / gifts – and sharing those stirs us together and makes something new.  It helps us hold fast to God.

… and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  We continue to be faithful to gather together until Jesus returns–which as SDBs state, we believe will happen suddenly, personally, and visibly –at a day determined by God. Jesus is coming back, soon.

As we live in the tension of waiting, we work in the works God prepared for us to do. By God’s grace we encourage one another, and share this good news with people outside the church.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

When Jesus gave this word, only 11 disciples remained. One had already left. Some doubted. Stirring up needed to happen.  They needed to do the “one anothers”.  All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus.  He promises to never leave us or forsake us. As we go, carrying out His great commission, Jesus is with us.

God is faithful – he has both the power and the willingness to carry out the mission.  He commands the disciples to be active and fulfill the mission: in ordinary life–maybe somewhere else – but always here and now. As you go, make disciples. This business of making disciples will happen as we go forth to do all that Jesus commanded. 

Making disciples happens when we gather together in worship, stir up one another and encourage one another to hold fast.  It brings our dead hearts to life, and continues to transform us. This good news makes us holy. 

Amen.

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Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.