OCTOBER 2022 PPAC Newsletter |
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All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
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Daily . . . Weekly . . . Monthly
When missionary and explorer David Livingstone embarked on a trek across the African continent in the 1850s he reportedly took along nearly 180 pounds of books. As the journey progressed, however he was obliged to begin discarding books to lighten the burden for the increasingly fatigued men hired to carry his belongings. His library progressively diminished until it consisted of only one book—his Bible.
The Bible truly is a book worth holding onto. As the psalmist proclaims, the teachings and judgments of the Lord are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10-11). God’s Word “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). “The words that I have spoken to you,” Jesus said to His disciples—and to us, “are spirit and life” (John 6:63).
As you treasure God’s Word, here are three ways to interact with the Bible (we’ll explore these three approaches on Sabbath, October 8):
Look for treasure. As you read the Bible daily, look for a verse that speaks to you. Keep reading until you find that treasure in God’s Word.
Search for knowledge. Set aside time weekly to search God’s Word to discover what the Bible teaches on a given topic.
Dig for understanding. Each month select a passage of Scripture and systematically study it to learn the deep truth God is conveying.
“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16 NASB)
Let’s prioritize the Word every day as we read, pray, share, and grow in Jesus!
Blessings,
Pastor Sean Reed
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Thanks to Geetha Salvadas, Joshua Keter, Mona Sarcona, Cynthia Salgado and others for the pictures this month. If you take pictures of a PPAC event, please send them to Jan Bermingham! |
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If your email clips the newsletter before all of it appears, just click on See More at the bottom to see the entire newsletter. |
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THE WORD. EVERY DAY.
Read. Pray. Share. Grow
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On September 24, PPAC launched the new theme for 2022-23 and on September 25, we started a 60 day journey through the book of John. We. Want. To. Know. Jesus! We commit to:
Read
The Word. Every Day!
- Follow the daily Reading Plan for John on Facebook's PPAC Family Page. Follow the comments and make some of your own.
- Download the Reading Plan from the Paw Paw SDA Church page if you want to see the entire outline.
- Practice some new ways to do a deeper dive into THE WORD, such as S.O.A.P. or Bible Journaling.
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Pick a time every day. Decide on a place. Build a lifelong habit.
- Study alone, with your family or with a friend.
- Share what you learn!
Thanks to Steffanie Newkirk for designing the first panel for our theme. Watch for more of her work throughout the next year.
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Our theme song for the next several weeks is Ancient Words by Michael W Smith. If you were at church on September 24, you had the privilege of learning the beautiful song with Jason, Tisha, Krista, and Chris. We are focusing on reading The Word and this song reminds us why those ancient words are so powerful.
Ancient Words - read them, sing them, remember them, live them.
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
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OCTOBER 8
SERVICE SABBATH
Be The Sermon!!!!!
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PPAC loves our community - and loves to serve. Come on October 8 (Wear your Love God/Love Others T-Shirts) and consider some of the Missional Outreach opportunities in our area.
- Adopt-A-Family for Christmas
- Eleanor's Pantry
- Lydia's Closet
- Operation Warm-Up
- Jesus in Jeans projects
- Feeding America 8x a year
- United Christian Services
- CROP Walk for Hunger
- Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Berrien County
- Food Pantries in Van Buren County
- Bethany Christian Services, Christmas Drive-Through for Foster Families
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ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
Volunteer Teams and Team Captains Needed
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How does Adopt-a-Family work?
- Van Buren DHHS collects requests from clients, including needs and sizes for the family members (usually 3-5 people).
- Each team is assigned a family (or two if you wish).
- You may contact the family if you need more information. A contact number is provided.
- Shop for the items. There are funds available and room for donations if you would like to do so.
- Wrap and label the items.
- A box of groceries will be available for each family, provided by the church.
- Deliver the gifts and groceries to the home prior to Christmas.
PPAC has sponsored 18-20 families in the past - families who depend upon our generosity to have a Christmas that provides basic needs.
Sign up!
- Team Leaders
- Team Members (shopper, wrapper, deliverer)
- Donate Funds
Christmas is coming soon!!
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THE KITCHEN
High School Seniors through Age 25
9:45, October 1 and 15
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HS Senior (17-18)? YES
Between 18-25? YES
Food? YES
Good food? OF COURSE!
Thought-provoking? YES
Fun? YES
Bring friends? OF COURSE!
Surprise Chef? YES
Need Help? YES (you)
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FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO HOPE
OCTOBER 22
Communion
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October 22 is a major date for Seventh-day Adventists, commonly called "The Great Disappointment". After that most disappointing day, many "Adventists", as they were called, dug deeper into the Bible and found the answers they were seeking. The SDA church was born from the movement that essentially began with the Great Disappointment.
When we look back on that non-event, we are reminded of the depths of despair felt by the disciples after their disappointment in Christ's crucifixion. As the truth dawned on them, they embraced the hope fully and set out in earnest to complete the mission given by Jesus as His ascension.
As we look at these two events in a you-are-there format featuring Communion, be ready to let God turn your disappointments into hope. Hope in Jesus ultimately, infinitely does not disappoint!
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HARVEST MOON ACRES
1:00, OCTOBER 16
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The Social Committee extends a special invitation to everyone - come to Harvest Moon Acres i n Gobles and bring your family and friends!
Arrive between 1-1:30 on Sunday, October 16 to receive a discounted admission of $7 per person (supplemented by the Social Committee).
Take a wagon ride, explore the Fun Park, go through the Corn Maze, do the Pumpkin Shoot-Out, enjoy some cider, appreciate God's beauty of Fall in Michigan.
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BABY SHOWER FOR TAYLOR MUELLER
OCTOBER 9
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Fireside Room
11:00 A.M.
Sunday, October 9
Taylor and Matt Mueller are thrilled to be expecting a baby boy in February.
Tim and Mari Weststrate can't wait for a grandson to go along with their granddaughter born earlier this year.
Come celebrate our newest baby! See Lorena Newkirk if you are interested in participating in the group gift. Taylor is registered on Amazon Baby Registry. |
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OCTOBER 1: Pastor Robert Vulcano |
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Pastor Robert Vulcano was a Seminary pastor at PPAC three years ago. We remember his sermons and appreciated what God was doing in his life, especially after he had suffered recent tragedy. Can God Change My Heart? is a sermon shared at PPAC from 2019.
He will be returning to preach on October 1 and we will get to hear the rest of his story, the recent years, which include some powerful struggles. God has a great plan for this young man and we are privileged to be a part of his story.
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PASTOR RANDY RAMOS, October 15 |
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If you were at church on Sabbath, June 4, you heard a stirring sermon, When a Sinner Meets Jesus by Pastor Randy Ramos (watch it again or watch it for the first time!). He's returning to share another message with us on October 15. You won't want to miss it!
Pastor Randy is a native of Los Angeles and his stories of growing up and finding Jesus are inspiring. He is currently a student at the Seminary - we pray that God will continue to use him!
He reminds us that our testimony is meant for others to hear. We need to share how God has led and continues to lead us.
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Help is needed in various community ministries (see Jan Steffen and/or Donelle O'Connor for details)
- Eleanor's Pantry in Paw Paw
- Lydia's Closet needs people to help clients Mondays or Thursdays, 10 - 1
- Donations of winter clothes and funds
- Volunteers at UCS and other ministries
Some relate to numbers, so here is some data from UCS from 8-16-22 to 9-12-22
- 220 - Number of households helped
- 125 - Visits to the Porch for food
- 49 - Households using Lydia's Closet for clothes
- 24 - Households served by the Laundry Project
- $6527 - Total amount spent to help with utilities, rent, home repairs, child and baby supplies, transportation and gas cards.
UCS also refers people to agencies that will provide services and assistance. What a blessing to be part of such an organization!
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SIGN UP TO HELP WITH POTLUCKS |
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Watch for the Sign-Up Sheet for Fellowship Lunches for the next several months. We need help with setting up tables and chairs and cleaning up. If you would like to help every month, that would be GREAT! If you would like to help once in a while, that would be great, too!
Many hands make fellowship meals possible.
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CHOOSE JOY
Michigan Women's Ministries
Register TODAY (September 30)
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Michigan Women's Ministry is sponsoring a one day getaway on October 22, "Choose Joy", in Grand Rapids. Pastor Esther Knott is the speaker for the day.
Register online at MichiganWM.com.
Contact Gwyne Kramer if you would like to car pool.
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Bring your gently used jackets, coats, boots, socks, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats to church. You may also bring new items or make a donation to purchase needed items.
All sizes are needed! As you clean out your closets, remember Lydia's Closet.
It isn't cold now, but we all know those days are coming. Lydia's Closet helps keep Van Buren County warm.
Lydia's Closet accepts new and gently used items, free of stains and rips; casual and business apparel is welcomed.
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ON DEATH, DYING AND OUR FUTURE HOPE
Sabbath School Study Guide
4th Quarter, 2022
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The 4th Quarter Bible study guide deals with the subject of the great controversy between good and evil from the perspective of two major themes. One is the origin and ongoing existence of sin and death. The other theme is God’s enduring work to solve these problems and bring the world back to its original perfect condition. Special emphasis is given also to the mortal nature of human beings and how the resurrection is what leads to immortality. In reality, we should not fear death because Christ died for us and overcame the power of death. Actually, we are assured that He holds “ ‘the keys to death and to the place of the dead’ ” Rev. 1:18
This quarter we will explore the painful subject of death but through the lens of the hope offered us through Jesus.(Taken from the Introduction to Quarter 4.)
- Come to Sabbath School every week,10:00 - 10:50, for a thoughtful discussion of the weekly topics.
- Pick up your Adult Study Guides in the foyer.
- Access the Sabbath School Study Guide and Lesson Helps.
- Listen to or watch podcasts and videos on the subject:
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SEPTEMBER AT PPAC
A Recap in Pictures
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FEARLESS, the 2022 Lake Union Camporee. 2400+ Pathfinders! |
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The Paw Paw Harvesters in the Pathfinder Parade at FEARLESS: The 2022 Lake Union Pathfinder Camporee |
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Peggy Goodrich, Adventurers Leader, inducting new members. |
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Pathfinders leading Praise Time |
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Ellie and Ken Randall - 60th Wedding Anniversary on September 16th! |
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Amy and Troy leading the closing song |
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Welcoming David Beatty into membership at PPAC. YAY! |
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Wesley says the CORN ROAST is great! |
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Thanking Joe for the Corn Roasted to perfection. |
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The skills of the Corn Crew. |
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Patricia and John fixing their plates at the Corn Roast. |
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Nina on the climbing wall at the Camporee |
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Seminarian Jeremiah Davis from New York, sharing The Word on September 17. |
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So good to have fellowship lunches again!!! |
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Susan Pellandini, Troy Reichert and Micole Dyson were ordained as PPAC Elders on September 24. |
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Reeslyn and Samantha narrating "The Thirst Quenchers" |
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The Middle School Sabbath School Class Skit on September 24: We were made to thirst for God! The Thirst Quencher Squad comes to the rescue for Kasen and Kelton, who were literally dying of thirst! Read The Word. Every Day. to find the satisfaction that fame, fortune and fun can never provide. |
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The Thirst Quencher Squad in diagnostic mode. |
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Krista, Tisha, Jason and Chris teaching "Ancient Words", the new theme song |
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Lincoln, Kate, Emily and Elin listening to Grandma Barb's story about Jesus being "lost" when He was 12. |
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Lily can't imagine Jesus being lost! |
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FINANCIAL REPORT
AUGUST 2022
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By Chris Randall, Treasury Chair |
Treasurers' Report for AUGUST 2022.
- Tithe was $31,485 for the month. This results in a YTD total that is 3.3% behind the previous fiscal year-to-date. Remember that Tithe is remitted directly to the Michigan Conference for the support of evangelists, pastors, Bible instructors, and administrative support of these functions throughout the State and worldwide.
- Income / Giving to the Local Church Budget was $9,294 for the month. That is 37.7% short of our monthly goal, and leaves us 8.3% behind the YTD budget and 11.6% behind the prior YTD.
- Cornerstone (capital / building projects) received $3,141 in August. That brings our "More than Bricks" campaign to $523,841 after 43 months.
- Our reserves are healthy and earning interest in the Revolving Fund at the Lake Union Conference and General Conference. Cash-on-hand, general operating reserves, and capital replacement reserves ensure that we can continue to function through short-term crises.
We appreciate God's blessing and the stewardship of our generous members.
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October 1 - Jordyn Mason
October 2 - Andrea Campos
October 3 - Micole Dyson
October 5 - Teagan Randall
October 8 - Brooklyn Moon
October 11 - David Beatty
October 13 - Suvan Campbell
October 14 - Weston Moon
October 16 - Nathanael Henry
October 17 - Karl Driskel
October 19 - Ella Gonzalez
October 19 - Kimberly Saldia
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October 20 - Samuel Gregor
October 22 - Frida Boyd
October 22 - Ainsley Randall
October 23 - Samantha Mills
October 23 - Ainsley Randall
October 23 - Jaziel Sanchez
October 24 - Amanda Delacruz
October 24 - Kerry Mattson
October 28 - Abdiel Soto
October 30 - Ryder Posthumus
October 31 - Vicky Merrills
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October 1: Pastor Robert Vulcano
October 1: Kal Haven Trail Bike Ride, Vespers at 5:00 (Kal-Haven Trailhead in South Haven - all invited)
October 5: Fab 50s
October 8: Pastor Sean Reed, Service Sabbath featuring Pathfinders
October 8: Fellowship Lunch, Pathfinders, Adventurers
October 9: Baby Shower for Taylor Mueller, 11:00, Fireside Room
October 15: Pastor Randy Ramos
October 16: Harvest Moon Acres - All Church Hayride and Corn Maze
October 17: 6:30 - Finance Committee; 7:00 - Church Board
October 22: Disappointment to Hope, Communion, Pastor Sean
October 29: Pastor Glenn Russell
October 30: Pathfinders
November 9: Feeding America
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The Posthumus family for the sudden loss of Rob (Nate's dad) in August
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Micah Dawati, lost his dad and an aunt in August and his mom earlier this year
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Donna Hendricks, Major health concerns. 24948 Northwest Circle, Mattawan, MI 49071
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Bernie Overacker, Health challenges
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Joyce Alburtus, Continued prayers for her recovery. 228 S. Elizabeth St. Lawrence, MI 49064
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Cora Brooks, Continued recovery from surgery
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Ardith Owen, Health Challenges, 36154 Valley Drive, Paw Paw, MI 49079. A card would be welcomed.
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Nancy Boothby - Health challenges, 3060 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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The Driskel family, Karl's and Becky Lynn's health challenges, Carol's health, 11031 M-60 Hwy, Three Rivers, MI 49093-8386.
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Sharon Crux, Health Challenges, 71165 Copper Blvd, Lawton, MI 49065.
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Helen Perry, Health Challenges. 1392 Woodlure Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009 (currently at The Timbers in Dowagiac)
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Anita Ashton - 6600 Constitution Blvd, Unit 8, Portage, MI, 49024
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David Scofield - Health Challenges
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Ellie Randall - Health Challenges
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Don't miss anything that might be going on - even if you aren't there, you can be there!
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To receive text messages with church news and updates, including reminders for events and changes, send a text to 81010 with the message @ppacnews to sign up.
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After you have signed up for text messages, you can text 81010 with the message @ppacprayer to be part of the Prayer Chain.
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Ask the pastor to include you in his weekly Friday emails, which will include information about Sabbath services and activities, including the bulletin
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