Sligo SDA Church Bulletin

OUR VISION

welcome

We will g lorif y G od by be i n g i n creasi n g ly tran sfo rmed i nto the l i keness of C hri s t

our life together

calendar of events December 29, Saturday Young Adults GLOW Study, Memorial Chapel, 9:30 a.m.

December 31, Monday Regeneration Ministries is canceled

Sligo Church Needs Receptionists: Wishing to be more involved with your church and having the opportunity to meet new people? Then, be part of a dynamic office family by serving as a receptionist on a voluntary basis at the Sligo Church office on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. If interested, please contact Kathleen Driscoll at 301.270.6777, ext. 239 or <kdriscoll@sligochurch. org> Prayer Ministry Participants Wanted: Please join Sligo’s Prayer Ministry by extending the power of prayer to our members, campus, and community. If praying for others is your ministry, contact our prayer coordinator, Myrna Bas, at <houseofprayer@ sligochurch.org> GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Attend a free information session at Olney SDA Church (4100 Olney-Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832), on either: • Thursday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m. or • Sunday January 6, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, call 301.774.7733 or 407.232.5062 ATTENTION Federal Employees: The Combined Federal Campaign ends on January 11, 2019 so there’s still time to help disadvantaged families in the community. Donate to ACSGW using code 57194. Please also consider donating food and clothing to struggling families.

MISCELLANEOUS Bulletin information deadline is Monday evening! E-mail information to: <kdriscoll@sligochurch.org> Sunset: Sabbath celebration ends today at 4:54 p.m. and commences on Friday, January 4, at 4:59 p.m.

Sligo Live: If you have a story, a subject or an individual that you would like to see featured on Sligo Live, please contact Pastor McFarlane at <dmcfarlane@sligochurch.org> or 301.270.6777, ext. 116 *Consent To Use Photographic Images: Sligo SDA Church films all worship services. Attendance at, or participation in Sligo worship services constitutes an agreement by the participant to Sligo’s use and distribution of the attendee’s image, voice, or likeness in photos, video, electronic reproduction and audio tapes of such activities.

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January 2, Wednesday Prayer Gathering, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room, 8:00 p.m.

worship schedule Join us next week here at Sligo as Pr. Charles A. Tapp continues his series of sermons on Revelation, with a message titled, “He’s Been Faithful.” Music will be provided by vocalist, Jim Williams.

Sligo Church Service, Sanctuary, 8:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Charles A. Tapp Mizo Service, Office Chapel, 11:00 a.m.

Kerala Church, WAU Richards Hall, 10:00 a.m.

profile of giving - December 22 CHURCH BUDGET: This offering pays for the outreach and

Dec. 22 Dec. 22 YTD

BUDGET FOR DECEMBER 22 YTD:

$ 19,109 $523,337

Take your next step at “Connection Central” in the Atrium Do life together: Join a Journey Group Fill out a pew menu card and place it in the offering plate Visit sligochurch.org/connect2ministry

CHRIST FIRST D E C E M B E R 2 9 , 2 018 8:45 & 11:00 A.M.

who can help

$603,445

PHONE: 301.270.6777 EMERGENCY: 301.980.1009 FAX: 301.270.3518 www.sligochurch.org Domestic Violence Hotline: 240.777.4000 National Suicide Hotline: 1.800.273.8255

BUDGET BOOSTER: Dec. 22 MTD $22,494 GOAL $20,000 CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENT: Dec. 22 YTD $ 69,856

TITHE: All of these funds are sent to the Potomac Conference to help expand the Kingdom of God throughout our region and world.

We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and our only rule of faith and practice. As Scripture teaches, we believe God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, saving us from sin by grace through faith. We believe the seventh-day Sabbath was established by God at Creation and honored by Jesus in His earthly ministry as a gift of rest and rejuvenation for all. We celebrate the church as the diverse “new community” forged through the death and resurrection of Jesus, in which all are called, all are gifted, and all are valued. We anticipate Jesus’ personal and visible return to earth to raise the righteous dead, make the earth new, and dwell with His faithful children throughout eternity . We live out our love for Jesus by growing in His likeness and by serving our fellowmen.

• • • •

This Year:

at worship THE CHURCH

what we believe

how you connect

nurture ministries of the church and the church school, along with necessary expenses such as utilities and maintenance of the church building.

Last Year:

Dec. 23 $ 14,323 Dec. 23 YTD $ 546,561

Welcome to Sligo today.Many of us have experienced so many Christmas celebrations over our lifetime that they may seem to blend together.

You might reach back and only pull out specifics of a Christmas celebration because of your specific age in that memory or because of something that was terribly wrong or wonderfully beautiful, which makes your memory have weight. Sligo Church always hopes we deliver on the wonderfully beautiful side of your cherished memories and today is no different. It is our intention that you have a wonderful experience this Sabbath before Christmas.

We pray that your family is warmed by the love of our church family and staff. We also pray that you are able to expand your family as you get to know many of the lovely people we call our congregation. Merry Christmas, and may the light of God shine on you as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

- Richard Castillo

SENIOR PASTOR Charles A. Tapp, ext. 126

ctapp@sligochurch.org

PASTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION & ADULT MINISTRIES Don McFarlane, ext. 116

dmcfarlane@sligochurch.org PASTOR FOR DISCIPLESHIP & CONGREGATIONAL CARE Pranitha Fielder, ext. 127

pfielder@sligochurch.org

PASTOR FOR YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS Joseph Khabbaz, ext. 119

jkhabbaz@sligochurch.org

Last Year:

This Year:

PASTOR FOR CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES TBD

Dec. 23 $ 71,544 Dec. 23 YTD $2,438,957 2018 GOAL $2,800,000

Dec. 22 $ 67,825 Dec. 22 YTD $2,334,887 Remaining Goal $ 465,113

PASTOR FOR MEDIA & OUTREACH Richard Castillo, ext. 136

rcastillo@sligochurch.org

Today’s designated offering goes to Camp Blue Ridge.

Loose offering goes to Church Budget.

worship.nurture.outreach

The Washington Adventist University Church

PASTOR FOR WORSHIP Cheryl Wilson-Bridges, ext. 123

cbridges@sligochurch.org

OUR MISSION

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES Ken Flemmer 301.585.6556

HEAD ELDER Erwin Mack 301.434.1622

HEAD DEACON Manuel Rosette 301.370.1255

HEAD DEACONESS Marion Hudson 301.980.1862

We s eek to g row passi onate d i sc i pl es of J es us th ro ugh wor shi p of God , nur ture of o ne a noth er,and outreach to the worl d .

7 7 0 0 C a r r o l l A v e n u e , Ta k o m a P a r k , M D 2 0 9 1 2

THE CHURCH AT WORSHIP

SANCTUARY – 8:45 A.M. AND 11:00 A.M.

Prelude Greensleeves / Richard Purvisx +Song of Gathering Hark The Herald Angels Sing / No. 122

+Sligo Live

Richard Castillo Remembering 2018 Welcome & Church Life

Erwin Mack

we honor and praise him *Hymn of Praise Joy To The World / No. 125  Prayer

Francia Bissereth

Anthem Reckless Love

we reflect

+Children’s Message Scripture Reading Luke 13: 31-33 (NIV)

Gabrielle Barrington William Mack

+Music for Meditation

Softly and Tenderly

Sermon Richard Castillo For Heaven’s Sake Offertory It is Well With My Soul

we go to serve *Hymn of Reflection All The Way / No. 516 *Benediction

Richard Castillo

Postlude Joy to the World / Fred Bock

*Congregation is standing  Congregation is kneeling where possible +11:00 service only

Adult Sabbath School

Sylvan Coke & Sheron Simpson, deacon & deaconess on duty

SANCTUARY – 10:00 A.M.

Leading our music today are: Jason West, organist Judith Pino, chorister Douglas Lira, saxophonist Felipe Paccagnella, pianist Footnotes: Francia Bissereth has been attending Sligo Church for over 10 years, where she shares her gift of helping in diverse ministries. She is the founder of “Sychar Fundraiser & Encounter,” which in the past four years has collected approximately $20,000 to support the church and Christian education in her native country, Haiti. Francia’s winsome manner and positive attitude make an important contribution to the overall ministry of Sligo Church.

William Mack & his wife, Nancy, have worked since 2013 as the Director and Asst. Director of the Adventist Child India (ACI) program based at the Southern Asia Division offices in Hosur, India. Through sponsor support, about 1,700 children are getting educated from K-12th standards in 41 different Adventist boarding schools throughout India. They are currently waiting for a reissuance of a work visa for another five years. William, as a college student, served as a student missionary for one year at Rusangu Secondary School in Zambia, Africa.

He and Nancy have three adult children: Sarah, David and Stephen, and two grandchildren.

we gather in his name

THE CHURCH AT STUDY

Song Service Theme Song In Christ There is No East Nor West / No. 587 Welcome & Prayer

Special Music Lesson Study Final Restoration of Unity

Prayer

Enoch Thomas

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR, from The Valley of Vision

Heather Griffin, pianist

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning, my ear open to thy call, my heart full of love, my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me, thy comforts to cheer, thy wisdom to teach, thy right hand to guide, thy counsel to instruct, thy law to judge, thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe, thy triumphs my joy.

Amen.

Simple Truths for Life: Sligo’s Radio Ministry, can be heard each Sabbath morning from 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. on WGTS 91.9 FM. Listen with friends, then invite them to come to church in person at 11:00 a.m. Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes for free from Simple Truths for Life by Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church from the iTunes Store. You can also go to simpletruthsforlife. org/podcast Prayer Requests: Families of these deceased: Chad Drumheller For comfort and healing: Karen Ott-Worrow & Suseela Drumheller Message from Suseela Drumheller: Dear Sligo family, I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support I received following the sudden loss of my son, Chad. You have truly helped sustain me through this heart-wrenching time. Please continue to keep my family in your prayers.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour that I may not be a moment apart from thee, but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth thy praise; testify thy love Advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, with thee, O Father, as my harbour, thee, O Son, as my helm, thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Let us hear from you! To write the pastors a note, make a prayer request, or inquire about becoming a member of Sligo Church, please use a card from the hymnal rack.

Enoch Thomas

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O Lord, Length of days does not profit me Except the days are passed in thy presence, In thy service, to thy glory.

OUR LIFE TOGETHER

sabbath devotionals

“Heaven doesn’t make this life less important; it makes it more important.”

- Billy Graham

“Let heaven fill your thoughts instead. Because when you do, everything on earth gets placed in its proper perspective.”

- Greg Laurie

The Church Office will be closed in observance of the New Year’s Holiday on Tuesday, January 1. If you have an urgent matter that cannot wait until the office reopens, please call our emergency number 301.980.1009

Treasurer’s Note: Many of you will be giving your year-end offerings this month. There are several ways in which you can give in addition to your giving at church. You may contribute through our on-line giving (Go to <www.sligochurch. org> and click on GIVE and choose one of the options). Or if you prefer, by mail, but it must be post-marked by December 31. You can also put your giving envelope in the church office Mail Slot during the week. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving your tithe and for supporting your local church by giving liberally and systematically to the Church Budget.

Save the date for EQUIP-HD, February 2, 2019: The Potomac Conference is coming to Sligo on February 2 with 14 equipping and training seminars. The program starts at 4:00 in the afternoon and ends at 8:00 p.m. Whether your passion is soul-winning, discipleship, multi-media, mentoring, leadership, worship, family life or something else, there will be at least one seminar that will help you to be more effective in responding to God’s call to service.

Register online at <www.pcsda.org/equip/> or call 540.886.0771, ext. 238 *Child-care will be provided for children who are 100% potty trained. Please register your child/children at the same time you register for your seminars.