FEBRUARY 2019 PAW PAW ADVENTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER
          
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   Love is patient, love is kind.  
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongs.
 
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
 
 

PASTOR'S CORNER

Keeping with our "Love Shines Through" theme, I want to share a message of hope during a deep, dark, hopeless experience. It is not my own experience, however; instead, I'd like to invite you to click on this link here to check out the 1st episode of a series of videos produced by Pr. Rob Bell in the 2000's called "Nooma". (Yes, Rob's from Grand Rapids...in case any of the scenery looks familiar.) The episode is around 11 minutes long (as are most of them in the series), and it really spoke to me as I personally wrestle with what to do when life gets hard. I hope you're as blessed and encouraged by this as I was, and I hope God's love will continue to shine through the darkness into your life.

               Blessings,

             Pastor Michael Taylor 
                             
 
 
P.S. We recently created a Facebook "group" (different than our standard Facebook page) for the church family to engage each other with things going on throughout the month. We celebrate milestones and significant accomplishments, plan trips to the park, and even play games together. To request access to this group, click here.
DECISION 2019: ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

 
$250,000 Goal for 2019

Let no one say that the   snowiest day of the season stopped PPAC from getting together to consider Decision 2019 on January 19. After a vespers of prayers for guidance, and the Harvesters' meal, Tony Belcher, chair of the Master Plan committee, highlighted the history of the Cornerstone improvements for the past several years. He also outlined the significant building needs facing the church right now, which came as no surprise to the nearly 100 people in attendance for the meeting. The needs are obvious and immediate - here are a few of the most pressing areas of focus.
  • Fellowship space - The fellowship room can accommodate fewer than 100 people, so potlucks, VBS, Pathfinders have outgrown the space. Even when the church uses the outdoor space in the summer and the SS classrooms in the other seasons, there isn't enough room.
  • An elevator - Those who have trouble negotiating the stairs to go between floors must go outside and around the driveway to come in the basement door at this time, which is certainly a hardship.
  • Additional Sabbath School classrooms - Sabbath School currently has 5 classrooms and 9 classes, with a couple of others awaiting space to get started.
  • Space in the foyer - Since this is a friendly church and people like to visit, we need more space, including a place to put coats and additional storage.
  • Additional space in the sanctuary - The church is frequently too crowded. Lack of space tends to discourage further growth. 
The project will likely be done in phases, starting with the goal to raise $250,000 during 2019. This will allow a matching loan from the conference to get started on Phase 1. C hris Randall,   Dave Burghart and Tony elaborated on the financial and fundraising aspects of the project.

Several members asked questions and offered their support for the project by saying PPAC and God would be able to do this. The pastor asked that everyone prayerfully consider the needs of the church and start  thinking about how they may want to contribute.
 
The Master Plan/Cornerstone Committee welcomes input - please speak to a member of the committee with ideas and questio ns:  Tony Belcher, Mike Johnson, Pauletta Johnson, James Hood, Cynthia Salgado, Chris Randall, John Boothby, Jim Bermingham, Joe Sarcona, Chuck Randall, Pastor Taylor.
   
GREAT LAKES ADVENTIST ACADEMY
CHOIR, BELLS AND ORCHESTRA
SABBATH, FEBRUARY 16

One of the highlights of the winter will be the performance of the music department from Great Lakes Adventist Academy. Our church will host the choir, orchestra and bell choir for the church service. Take a look at these pictures and you might be able to pick out some of our own PPAC kids - we have six at GLAA (Chelzy Bodi, Solana & Suvan Campbell, Ian Mosquera, Lynn and Brandon Mukwada)!   
 
   
   
 
 
If you are interested in helping out with lodging or food for the group, contact Pauletta to volunteer. 
 
WANT TO WATCH A PERFORMANCE?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DTwl1F_f9A  
 

 
SERVING THE COMMUNITY


From the children and families who received gifts through the DHHS Christmas For Kids project -  
 A GIANT THANK YOU
 
Community Services would like to remind you of:
  • With so many uncertainties and changes in the governmental safety nets, organizations like 
    • UNITED CHRISTIAN SERVICES,  
    • ELEANOR'S PANTRY
    • DECATUR HUMAN SERVICES
are scrambling to meet the crisis needs of people in Van Buren County. Your donations of time, money and assistance are needed more now than ever.
  • Adopt a Teacher could use additional resources - mark your tithe envelope or give on line.
  • If you live outside of Van Buren County, find an organization that helps others and get involved.
     
  • Make assistance part of your regular budget by marking your tithe envelope or give on line; your donation is so important. Mark Community Services or Member Assistance. 
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CHURCH OF REFUGE - COR       
  
The Church of Refuge flyer says, "Adventist youth today yearn for a sense of purpose and belonging. Over the last decade, COR has been providing Adventist churches with the resources, training, and network needed to connect with this generation. Since its founding at the SDA Theological Seminary by the Center for Youth Evangelism, COR's unique approach has been adopted by divisions and pilot churches around the world, with the goal of creating truly inclusive, cross-generational places of worship and c ommunity." Learn more at https://www.cye.org/ministries/church-of-refuge

Did you realize that YOUR church, PPAC, is not only one of the "pilot churches", but it is also one of the models that Ron Whitehead, the Director for the Center of Youth Evangelism among other roles, used to establish Churches of Refuge. Christianity is in danger of losing an entire generation of believers - The Church of Refuge (COR) initiative is committed to providing accepting churches with deep theology, strong missions, and rich faith communities for young adults from all walks of life. PPAC is deeply committed to this mission by living these 9 COR concepts:
  1. Sabbath:  COR congregations are committed to providing a meaningful Sabbath experience.
  2. Discipleship:  COR congregations are committed to discipleship through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  3. Acceptance:  COR congregations are committed to accepting people just as Jesus did.
  4. Community:  COR congregations are committed to building community.
  5. Support:  COR congregations are committed to supporting senior youth and young adults with their life challenges.  
  6. Service:  COR congregations are committed to demonstrating God's love through acts of service.
  7. Leadership:  COR congregations are committed to senior youth and young adult leadership.
  8. Budget:  COR congregations are committed to investing financially in senior youth and young adult ministry.
  9. Change:  COR congregations are committed to change that leads to improved senior youth and young adult support.

  
OUTREACH SERIES IN APRIL
 

 
PPAC is planning an April series to reach out to the Pa w P aw co mmunity, particularly targeting the young adult demographic - and those who think like young adults - and those who wish they were young - and those who just need Jesus! 

The evening series will take place during the  first three weekends of April and will be held at a public location in Paw Paw. Pastor Nathaniel Gibbs and his talented wife, Jharony, will be leading out. We've appreciated the ministry of Pastor Nate a few times and know the messages will be dynamic and Spirit-filled.

Start thinking of who you will invite and how you can be involved. See the Pastor if you want to be on the planning team - only 2 months to get everything ready for this important outreach event!
 

 
ALL-CHURCH CAMPOUT
   
GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST TODAY!!!!!!   
JULY 12-14, 2019
DOUBLE R RANCH, BELDING, MI  
Click on this link to register  
or contact Joe or Mona Sarcona
Deadline is January 31 - ACT NOW!
  
Spend the weekend or a day, Ride a horse, Take a float trip,  
Appreciate worship with a special guest speaker,
Bring your own camper or Rent accommodations,
Sing, Pray, Tell a Story, Eat, Laugh,  
Play Games, Take a Walk, Roast a Marshmallow,
Make new friends, Enjoy the friends you already have, 
Bring friends! 
 
WOMEN'S MINISTRIES - ADORNED
 
 
The Women's Ministries Team encourages women to get involved with a new program based on the book, Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together, by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. The following quote summarizes the plan:
 
"Woman to woman. Older to younger. Day to day. Life to life. This is God's beautiful plan. The Titus 2 model of older women living out the gospel alongside younger women is vital for us all to thrive. It is mutually strengthening, glorifies God, and makes His truth believable to our world.

Imagine older women investing themselves in the lives of younger women, blessing whole families and churches. Imagine young wives, moms, and singles gaining wisdom and encouragement from women who've been there and have found God's ways to be true and good. Imagine all women-from older women to young girls-living out His transforming gospel together, growing the entire body of Christ to be more beautiful. This is Christian community as God designed it. Read this book and take your relationships to new depths, that your life might find its fullest meaning as you adorn the gospel of Christ."
 
Women's Ministries has 5 books available. Please talk to Gwyne Kramer, Dawn Hood, Lynee Posthumus or Tana Moon if you are interested in getting a book. A sign up sheet is available in the foyer if you haven't already signed up to be matched with a prayer sister.


 
12 STEPS TO HEALTH IN 2019
 
Is this the year you take steps to improve your health? Health Ministries is challenging us to focus on developing a new healthy habit each month.  
 
According to author James Clear in Atomic Habits, the 1st Law of Behavior Change is to make the change obvious. https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits For example, if you want to go for a walk after work, put your walking shoes by the chair where you always sit. That will remind you to put those shoes on instead of sitting in the chair. If you want to stretch before bed, place a diagram of stretches by your bedside. If you want to go to the gym in the morning, have your gym bag ready and place it in an obvious place. Use cues such as time and location to set specific goals: I will stretch at 9:30 Monday and Wednesday in my bedroom for 20 minutes, or I will walk Monday, Wednesday and Friday after dinner for 30 min.
 
Your stacking habit can look something like this: I will drink 16 oz of water after my walk, after my stretches, or before I go to the gym.  According to Clear, "The more tightly bound your new habit is to a specific cue, the better the odds are that you will notice when the time comes to act."    
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STEP TWO (February's Challenge):  To meet the February Challenge, you must do ONE ACTIVITY AT LEAST SIX DAYS A WEEK. Here are some ideas to get you started:  
  • 30 minute walk
  • 10,000 steps
  • A gym work out
  • Reps of push ups, sit ups, wall sits or something of your choosing
  • Yoga, stretching
  • Light weight training
  • An exercise program you are already doing
STEP ONE (January's Challenge):  If you have been KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR WATER INTAKE, don't stop now! Keep hydrated and add the exercise habit. Stack those habits and discover a NEW YOU! 
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WINTER SERMON SERIES
 
LOVE SHINES THROUGH 
 
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many references to the Messiah who would come to redeem. Some are promises and some are actually types of Christ. Join us each Sabbath morning this quarter for "Love Shines Through" and let those promises change your life. 


If you have missed any of the series, you can catch up by watching archived sermons at http://www.pawpaw.church/watch-our-services.html  
 
   
PAW PAW HARVESTERS     
  
 
The Pathfinders extend a huge THANK YOU to the church for the $1,387.00 donated on Saturday night, January 19. The Cornerstone Committee purchased the supplies for the free dinner prepared by the Pathfinders, but many people took the stuffed shells analogy to heart by stuffing the d onation jars with funds for Oshkosh.   
 
January and February are busy months for Pathfinders, even with questionable roads and frigid temperatures. The club meets twice each month and often has additional activities going on. This is the time of year to focus on earning honors and completing the demanding course work for the year in preparation for Investiture.

Check out the Michigan Pathfinders site for information about activities and preparation for the summer Oshkosh trip.

If you are snowed in and wondering what the philosophy is behind Pathfinders, take a minute to read part of the Pathfinder Manual. http://www.pathfindersonline.org/philosophy-objectives?fbclid=IwAR1QqCbf4WPeN4ppTab6N9GqAGYIdPR3ecpG19UeTSRBSdxpM8S1vbRIkO8

Our Pathfinders are hard at work raising funds to enable the Harvesters club to make the Oshkosh trip. Here are some ideas on how you can help them!

1.    Consider DONATING SALEABLE ITEMS FOR THE PATHFINDER GARAGE SALE.  If you are cleaning your closets, set aside a box for the Pathfinder sale.

2.    Consider DONATING YOUR COINS to the Pathfinders.

3.    Consider DONATING THE BOTTLE SLIPS to the Pathfinder club.

4.    Ask about the AMAZON SHOPPING LIST, to be created soon for the Pathfinder needs prior to attending the big event. If you donate through Amazon, Chris will issue a donation receipt that you can attach to your invoice and submit it to your accountant at tax time! This is a REALLY easy to help out! The link to the list will be shared with you soon!

6.    Track the progress of the PATHFINDER "OSHKOSH OR BUST" BULLETIN BOARD in the basement. There will be a visual representation of the necessary funds for various items needed - these include tents, meals, travel, outfitting the new trailer, and many other small items. 

We Harvesters thank you for your always generous support of the children of the Paw Paw Church.
 
ReFRESH GROUPS - GriefShare
 
 
 
GRIEFSHARE
 
Twice a month, on Wednesday evenings, 8-10 people gather in the Fireside Room to share supper and their journey of healing. GriefShare is a widely-used and effective national program https://www.griefshare.org/ facilitated locally by our own Vicky Merrills, MSW. The curriculum can be accessed at any point, so it isn't too late to join.
 
One participant says this keeps her from getting stuck in grief. "As we watch the video together, then share insights, questions, doubts, fears, memories, scriptures, and encouragement, the Comforter does His work. I'm so grateful for GriefShare and my church family."  
 
If you or a friend are experiencing loss,, it is time to connect with the group.  The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 , 6:15 - 8:15, supper provided!
 
   
ReFRESH GROUP - JESUS IN JEANS
 
 


Our annual "Jesus in Jeans" Sabbath is coming up at the end of April. We are already hunting down projects to provide assistance to those who need help. If you know of a project that would be able to be accomplished between April 27-May 11, please let Pauletta know. We want to make a difference in our church and in our community. We want to be Jesus in Jeans!
 
If you want to get involved right away, check with Pauletta, Donelle, Jan or John Steffen who can pair you with a project today. We can always find snow to shovel, errands to run, food to share and places to give! 
'Master, what are You talking about?
When did we ever see You hungry and feed You, thirsty and give You a drink?
And when did we ever see You sick or in prison and come to You?'
Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth:
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored,
that was Me - you did it to Me.'
Matthew 25:40-41, The Message
OUR GIANCARLO - SHARING HIS FAITH

 
What a pleasant surprise it was to open the emailed Michigan Update on January 11 and find a video of our own Carlo Leonor as the feature for the week. Carlo was a student literature evangelist last summer, working primarily in the Grand Rapids area. His telling of a moving story is worth your time to watch. https://vimeo.com/304664126 May we all be filled with the burning desire to lift the burdens of others by sharing our love of Jesus. 

Do you receive the Michigan Update in your email each Friday morning? Andy Im, Communications Director for the Michigan Conference of SDA, will be happy to include you in his email blast - sign up at https://www.misda.org/news/support/communications
 
THEY'LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS  
BY OUR LOVE
   
2019 would be a good year to sign up for the online or print version of Adventist Review, https://www.adventistreview.org/ 
The January 2019 issue was full of timely articles on LOVING OTHERS

1.  A Kite, A String, and A Bridge by Bill Knott, the editor of the Adventist Review.  In answer to the question,  "How do we make peace among us?" he tells a story of a kite contest in 1847 that help solve the problem of building a bridge between the US and Canada above Niagara Falls. Using simple physics and a string at a time, t he idea was hatched for the bridge. If you are anxious about the government, the world church or relationship faults at any level, this article will ignite your thinking.
 
2.  Adventists are Nice?  explores the desirability and reality of a culture of kindness inside and beyond the borders of our church. Should we be kind? Are we nice? Colossians 3:12 says, As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with  compassion, kindesss, humility, gentleness and patience. Still true 2000 years later? In your life? In your church?  
 
3  In the HOUSECALL column, two doctors point out how helping others improves your health - benefits all around when you extend yourself to step up to meet a need. 
 
4.  Dedrick Blue challenges us with this statement, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controv ersy", in his article, The Violence of Silence.  
  
5.  But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were d ead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5. This verse opens the Olga Valdivia article, Making Connections: It's not that Hard.  We are called to be a bles sing, to follow the example of Jesus and share his love and grace. 
 
 
Become a faithful reader of Adventist Review in 2019!!!
 
LET'S BE NICE!!!!! 

Focusing on the Review article cited in the above segment, we are going to search for answers to that important question, "Adventists are Nice?" right here at PPAC. If you see an Act of Niceness/Kindness, take a picture and send it to Jan Bermingham. Here are a couple of examples from the January 26 church service:
 
Teagan Randall loves to sit with the Taylor family and keep at least o ne of the girls engaged during church. Her dedication to helpfulness is an in spiration to all of us - and a reminder that we should lend a hand so a busy parent could actually participate in the worship service. (Hint - the Taylor family would welcome a cohort of Teagans!)    
 
 
We know Tristan Henry as the King of our Resident Huggers, but he also is an Encourager. "You can do it!" is his motto and he'll provide the cure for stage fright if you need it! 

A MONTH OF KINDNESS
 
February 2019 - SHOW A LITTLE LOVE  graphic-heart.gif






1.
Send cards, messages or emails to 5 people you haven't seen for awhile.
2.
Do something to convey love to someone at church - or absent from church
3.
Make an easy casserole and deliver it in person to a neighbor or friend
4.
Make a kindness pact with a friend or family member - hold each accountable for at least one kind act per day
5.
Leave a Glow Tract or a post-it note of encouragement on a mirror in a public bathroom
6.
Apologize to someone with whom you need to make amends
7.
Leave a $5 bill with a post-it note encouraging the finder to enjoy a treat today
8.
Compliment at least 5 people at work or school - notice something special and acknowledge it
7.
Give a frazzled parent a break by entertaining their child in church or giving the child something to keep him/her occupied
10.
Add at least two names to your prayer list and pray for them for the entire week
11.
Write a love letter to God
12.
Take a friend to lunch and share how much the friendship means to you
13.
Bring a healthy snack to share with others at work or school
14.
Tell those closest to you how much they mean to you - with words and actions
15.
Sign up to volunteer and follow through
16.
Write a note of
appreciation and encouragement to your pastor
1 7.
Double your usual tip when you go out to eat today - or one day this week

18.
Tell your boss, co-worker, child's teacher, or someone else how much you appreciate them

19.
Support a local business
20.
Pick a random associate and ask if you can pray for/with him/her - then do it
21.
Leave a treat in the mail box for your mail carrier
22.
Offer comfort or encouragement to someone you know is struggling
23.
Greet visitors warmly - and greet those you may not know well. Ask questions and get to know one person better.
24.
Make a special breakfast for your family - or invite a friend for a meal
25.
Call someone who could use a word of encouragement and spend a few minutes chatting and listening
26.
Send or deliver a hand-written note of appreciation
27.
Donate to a favorite organization or agency
28.
Do something for a neighbor or acquaintance that takes time and effort



For other ideas, check out these sites:
Random Acts of Kindness: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

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Joyce and Pat Alburtus
   
Not many can claim waterskiing brought them together, but Joyce and Pat Alburtus got to know each other on Lake Cora. Pat, who grew up in the northwestern Detroit suburbs, came home to where his parents had moved to Paw Paw after his tour of duty with the Air Force in France. His mom worked with Joyce and connived a way for the two to meet. After a tentative invitation, Pat finally showed up at the lake for a lesson with Joyce and her boat. Although he didn't get up on skiis that first evening, he bought his own skiis the next day and the rest is history, so they say.
 
The couple still lives in the first house they bought in Lawrence, which has always been Joyce's home town. You don't have to talk with her long to hear her speak fondly of Dr. Fred Boothby (John's grandfather), who was a key person in Joyce's life. While no one in her family was a Seventh-day Adventist, Joyce became interested and was baptized through the influence of Dr. Fred, who sponsored her to attend Adelphian Academy and Andrews University. After she  returned to Lawrence, she worked as a nurse in his practice for several years before working in two other Paw Paw clinics.  
 
Pat learned accounting in the Air Force and has put his love of spread sheets to use at Checker Motors, the manufacturer of premier cabs in Kalamazoo and Ameriwood Industries in Dowagiac for most of his life. He currently is an accountant with Randall Residence.
 
Joyce's commitment to her faith meant she wouldn't marry Pat until he shared her dedication by being baptized. They were faithful, key members of the Lawrence church until it closed several years ago. They found a new church home at PPAC and easily share their love of Jesus with members and others. They have served in many capacities; Pat currently uses his accounting skills as one of the church treasurers. Joyce has been a deaconess and has helped with children's divisions. They have acted as surrogate parents and grandparents for more than one PPAC family. 
 
Joyce is a friend to everyone and is great at organizing dinners with friends. She can still be found playing basketball in her driveway, but misses the huge spray of water she used to make while water skiing. Her potato salad is legendary and she is always willing to share a dish of something homemade with others. Both Path and Joyce love cars and consider a trip to a big auto show a great way to spend a day. Pat has determined he isn't ready for retirement, so he calls work his hobby, although he also appreciates an occasional nap. 
 
The Alburtus family is no stranger to tragedy, having lost both of their children; Holly in 2012 and Fred in 2014. Giant holes remain in their hearts, but they have chosen to stay close to God and accept His comfort and strength. Others in the congregation who have suffered loss have turned to them for support. When you ask Joyce how she does it, she simply says, "You just get up in the morning and do what you have to do. You can't stop moving."  The couple has three grandchildren.    
 
THE CAMPBELL FAMILY

The Campbell family has been part of the PPAC family for the past few years.  Doug and Juanita like to quip that they were blessed to be born into SDA homes and they have been regulars at 15 churches in Michigan, but PPAC is their favorite, by far! They are products and proponents of Adventist Christian education and youth activities such as camp and Pathfinders. Both serve as elders; Solana and Suvan have been active with music, drama, VBA and music ministries. The family hosts one of the ReFRESH groups at their home, particularly appealing to young adults.  
 
The couple met at Great Lakes Adventist Academy, but didn't start dating until their college days and married after graduation, prior to Juanita's enrollment at Loma Linda Medical School. Doug grew up in the Detroit area; Juanita was born in Singapore, but spent her childhood in Michigan.   
 
Doug has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan and and MBA from Cornerstone University. He began his career working with medical devices in Southern California, then transitioned to the automotive industry when he returned to Michigan.   He has been an Engineer with Stryker for the past 13 years, again focusing on medical devices.  
 
Juanita is a proud graduate of Andrews University and Loma Linda University. After completing her pediatric residency in Grand Rapids, Solana showed up, followed 21 months later by Suvan. Juanita says she followed the guidance in Proverbs 3 by taking some time off to enjoy motherhood and make sure she had some strong input into their formative years. Juanita eventually worked as a Dermatologist in Battle Creek before returning to her first love, pediatrics, a year ago. She is loving her position as a Pediatrician at the Family Health Center in Kalamazoo.  
 
Solana, a junior, and Suvan, a sophomore, are very active students at Great Lakes Adventist Academy.  We know Solana as a writer of skits and plays, a leader of Praise Time as a singer and piano player, and a leader in Vacation Bible School. Suvan is a talented musician and shares his love of the cello with our congregation. It probably comes as no surprise that he is also a basketball player. Both kids enjoy watching movies and playing with the three pampered pooches that complete the family -  Sakee (English shepherd, age 13), Lulo & Beami (Standard poodles, ages 6 & 4).   
 
The family wishes for more time on the road or in the air to new places. Doug enjoys cooking and says he can still outplay his son at basketball. Juanita appreciates every minute she can carve out with her family; they both appreciate being able to travel around Michigan following the kids' music performances. As you might guess, all four list learning as one of their hobbies. Another no-surprise is that Solana counts talking as a favorite pastime (she calls it practicing the lost art of conversation).   
 
PPAC is grateful for the Campbell family, their dedication to the Lord and their commitment to their church and community. 
 
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS
UNITED PRAYER:  January 19 was the end of Ten Days of Prayer and the congregation tried their hand at United Prayer for the Vespers Program. Led by Pastor Shawna and accompanied by music with Jason Randall, small groups used sentence prayers to praise God for who He is, confess what separates us from Him and each other, bring requests to Him (particularly for wisdom in discussing Decision 2019) and thank Him for what He does.
 
    
     
 
YUMMY STUFFED SHELLS:  The Pathfinders served the wonderful meal they had prepared, much to everyone's delight!
 
   
 
And if you would like to listen to Tony Belcher's presentation, here is the link on Facebook.
 
PRAYER PARTNERING


Several PPAC members participated in the Ten Days of Prayer sponsored by the General Conference in January. Maybe you were one who appreciated the blessing of praying with a partner and seeing God working through those prayers.
 
Maybe some of you are disappointed you didn't participate - it is never too late to get started! Pick a prayer partner, set up a phone, video chat or face-to-face time and start praying 15 minutes a day. You can do this in 10 consecutive days or once a week for 10 weeks. All of the resources are on the website, https://www.tendaysofprayer.org/ 
 
Make the arrangements today and go after that DEEPER EXPERIENCE. If you have already done this once, do it again!!! 
 
 
 
 
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
 
  ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS, 1ST QUARTER 2019 
 
All are welcome to join us on Sabbath mornings, 10-11:50am, in the sanctuary, for a chapter-by-chapter study on Revelation, led by Jim Merrills. The lessons for the 1st Quarter of 2019, entitled "The Book of Revelation" will lead you into a deeper study of the book. Please let Barb or Randy know if you need a hard copy of the Adult S.S. Lesson or you may access the lessons online at https://www.sabbath.school/LessonBook or https://absg.adventist.org/current-quarter. Additional resources, including videos and podcasts, are available on these sites. What is more important than spending three months digging into Revelation?  
 
There are a number of other resources available through the ABC, such as the companion study book, or commentaries ( Revelation, by Ranko Stafenovic and God Cares, Vol. 2, by C. Mervyn Maxwell, to name a couple).  
 
Also, Jim Merrills, the host of the Facebook "Revelation" group, will be sharing additional insights and illustrations throughout the quarter. Join his group and benefit from the discussions.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/60336139095/  
 
   
   
FEBRUARY CALENDAR 

February 2:         Pastor Taylor 
February 6:         Fab 50's, 11:45, Fireside Room
February 6-10     GLAA Home Leave
February 9:         Pastor Taylor, Fellowship Meal, Pathfinder Meeting - Staff Meeting - Fun Night at the Gym
February 13:       GriefShare, 6:15, Fireside Room
February 16:       Great Lakes Adventist Academy Music Program
February 18:       Finance Committee, 6:30 pm, Church Board, 7:00 pm
February 23:       Pastor Taylor
February 24:       Pathfinder Meeting

 Check the bulletin, watch our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/237516840175558/ , and sign up for our text message alerts.
   
PRAYERS AND PRAISE

  • The Kniss Family, 723 E. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, 49079
  • Jim Vettese - Continued recovery from January surgery
  • Meredith (Liam) Steele - Upcoming surgery, 616 Benson Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
  • Coleen Bledsaw - Celebration for her all-clear health report! Praise the Lord! 5223 Mapleridge, Portage, MI 49024
  • Nancy Boothby - Health challenges, 3060 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
  • Anita Ashton - Send a card or come and visit! 6600 Constitution Blvd, Unit 8, Portage, MI, 49024
  • David Scofield - Health Challenges, 10640 Paw Paw Lake Dr, Paw Paw, MI 49079
  • Becky Lynn and Karl Driskel - Karl continues to experience significant health issues and Becky Lynn spent a couple of days at Borgess, 11031 M-60, Three Rivers, MI 49093
  • Mary Kay Bever, 4220 Leisure Lane, Apt E435, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
  • Lewis and Ardyth Owen, 6154 Valley Drive, Paw Paw 49079

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DECEMBER FINANCIAL REPORT

  • Tithe was $61,636 for December. This results in a fiscal year total that is 12.0% behind the previous year. Remember that 100% of Tithe is remitted directly to the Conference and represents 58.5% of our total receipts for the year.
  • Income/giving to Church Budget was $20,894 in December. Compared to our monthly target of $14,663 we are now $3,314 (5.7%) ahead of our YTD goal and 2.4% ahead of the previous year.
  • Cornerstone (capital/building projects) received $2,237 in December. It is exciting to see our various projects (Memorial Garden, downstairs bathroom remodeling) come to fruition.
  • The PPSDA Promise (education endowment) investment account has a current value of $134,257 with an additional $9,115 in the PPAC Trust account to be transferred. The annual meeting for PPSDA Promise was held on January 20 to review the investments and set the contribution amount to the PPAC education plan for 2019.
  • Our reserves continue to be healthy and earning interest in the Revolving Fund at the Lake Union Conference. In total our cash on hand, general operating reserve, and capital replacement reserve have increased 7.3% comparing 12/31/17 to 12/31/18.
  • Roughly 75% of our giving (dollar value) is now coming via the web. This is certainly easier for Deacons and Treasurers as it reduces time for counting, possibility for error, and ultimately time and travel to the bank. If you haven't yet tried online giving please give it a try! Go to either: www.AdventistGiving.org--> Paw Paw Seventh-day Adventist Church; or https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANFFT1/envelope/start or http://www.pawpaw.church/ and click on Members to find the tab for giving. 
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 FACEBOOK PAGE, WEBSITE, YOUTUBE - WE ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE! 
Don't miss anything that might be going on - even if you aren't there, you can be there!

Check out the Facebook page, which has very frequent updates, videos, pictures, and other posts.  https://www.facebook.com/pawpawsda

Check out the Paw Paw SDA website, http://www.ppsda.org/ where you will find a variety of information about past and upcoming events, including links to other church related sites.

The Paw Paw YouTube Channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/ppacav    
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