Tag: jubilee

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, July 25, 2026

God is just —and merciful. Hallelujah!

Click here to watch the service on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pataskalasdb/videos/1549006743564515

Exciting things taking place:

Armor Up! Vacation Bible School begins Wednesday, July 29, 6-8 pm for 4-year-olds through 5th-graders, register via email, and see you here at the church!

September 25-27, the Appalachian Association will host the annual women’s retreat at Camp Joy. Ladies (9th grade and up) mark your calendars for a special weekend of worship, reflection and fun.

We celebrate with Pastor Judith and Pastor Joel in Puerto Rico who just held their first service in their new building. “No one wanted it to end!”

Becky led us in prayer for for our neighbors who need Jesus, and for friends struggling with health, for flood victims, for our nation, and for the peace of Jerusalem.

In the Children’s Message, Brother Chuck read from his most recent book in which Grammy Jo assures Mia that no matter what, love never breaks and is never divided. True love grows more love.

Continuing in the book of Joshua (chapter 20:1-9) Brother Chuck shared how God told the Israelites to set up cities of refuge throughout the land. A person accidentally responsible for the death of another person could find mercy and sanctuary.

God’s merciful system is based on the principle in Genesis 9:6—about the shedding of human blood. All human lives are valuable because we are all God’s image bearers.

If there is malice or hate involved, the one who killed must give his life.

But what if the killing was accidental? Unintentional?  Manslaughter vs. murder?

The guilty party could flee the avenger and stand trial. If they were found to be without malice, they could live in the city of refuge, until the death of the High Priest, then go home.

God provided due process and mercy.

Mercy mixed in with God’s justice is the story of being a Christian in a nutshell. The wages of sin is death. None of us have the hope of getting out of sin without Jesus. We deserve justice. Death. But we receive mercy.

“I love finding Jesus in the Old Testament.  He took death on our behalf.  In the cities of refuge final freedom took place at the death of the high priest. Jesus is our High Priest.”

“Jesus creates our way to safety while we await the results of his death for us. God wants to give us every opportunity to find a sanctuary – take sanctuary in Him and be a sanctuary for Him.”

HALLELUJAH!

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, July 4, 2026

There was JOY in the House of the Lord as we celebrated God’s blessings upon the USA on her 250th birthday with a special Sabbath celebration!

Click here to watch it all on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100067508381801/videos/2096084307954739

Many thanks to the Meathrells and Darwin who led us in music. Many thanks to those who planned a meaningful service.

Becky shared Seventh Day Baptist influences on early American history such as Samuel Ward, an SDB pastor and devoted Sabbath-keeper who was a three-time governor of Rhode Island, helped develop the Declaration of Independence, and also advocated for George Washington to be Commander in Chief. His great-grand daughter, Julia Ward Howe, composed The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Scripture-based prayers were led on behalf of our nation: We joined in prayers of thanksgiving; for protection; for our leaders and those in authority; for strengthening and healing our families; for the restoration of love, unity and peace—that faith would re-awaken; and that our leaders would exercise wisdom; for the protection of children; for national repentance and for God’s presence to be recognized in our country. Amen.

In the children’s message, Jessie explained the symbolism of the colors of our flag: Red for courage, white for purity and blue for justice.

American flag flying at half-staff on a flagpole outdoors with trees and hills in the background
The American flag waves at half-staff against a partly cloudy sky.

After a responsive reading, Becky explained British hatred for the “Black-robed Regiment.” Not only did pastors fight on the front lines, along side their church members, they had been preaching freedom from tyranny for decades and were viewed as instigators of the American revolution. Many were hunted down and witnessed the burning of their homes, farms and churches. Many were tortured and killed.

Brother Chuck reminded us that “ it is for freedom that Christ set us free” and encouraged us to “stand firm then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

The service concluded as we took communion. Thank you Jesus, that you had each one of us on your mind and in your heart as you bought us with your blood—to set us free.

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, June 22, Sabbath morning began by celebrating Fathers Day with breakfast at the church.

Afterwards, we sang and prayed and worshiped together.

Brother Chuck shared from Joshua 7  about the consequences of disobeying God.Joshua and his army followed God’s instructions and defeated Jericho. However, when a small contingent was sent to take the little town of Ai—they were routed and humiliated.

Joshua and the elders sought the Lord and learned that at Jericho someone had disobeyed God’s orders about plundering. All of Jericho’s treasures were dedicated entirely to God. A man named Achan was tempted by gold and beautiful robes and hid them below his tent. Identified by lot—he and his entire family and all their possessions were destroyed and thrown into the valley of Achor.

The Israelites learned a sobering lesson. Swaggering words, “no one can beat US,” were corrected to “no one can beat GOD.” Something we need to listen to. The strength of our own country is not in our military might—but in looking to God.

At a personal level, how often do we “charge into battle” without checking to make sure we’re prepared? We do not know better than God. Is there something we’re out of line about?

Put on the armor of God! 

God’s response to Achan’s disobedience was, “This is a cancer that must be cut out.” Just as Achan’s entire family was wiped out—sons, daughters, even animals, other people are impacted when we sin.  For example, viewing illicit material funds human trafficking and the enslavement of boys and girls. Achor—literally means the valley of trouble.

It’s a hard story—a reminder that one man Adam brought sin upon us all. Praise God that through the obedience of one man, Jesus, the many will be made righteous – Romans 5: 12-19.

No sin is too bad for the blood of Jesus. Because of His sacrifice, we are saved. He bridged the separation we made for ourselves.

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

And–Vacation Bible School is coming soon! What a timely theme: Armor up!