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 8, Saturday Sligo Underground, Youth Room, 11:15 a.m.

Adult SS Training Session, Fellowship Hall A, 1:15 p.m.

December 10, Monday Regeneration Ministries, Office Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.

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> Exploring the Gospels: Tuesday, December 11, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., please join Pr. Don McFarlane as he introduces the New Testament book of John. The Apostle John brings to the fore Jesus as the Divine Son of God. Bring your Bible and a friend to Sligo Church, Fellowship A. Eat Chocolate. Pathfinder Candy is back for the holidays - it tastes great and makes a wonderful gift. Stop in the Atrium today to place your order to help out the kids. Orders must be placed by December 15 and will be available for pick up on December 22.

For more information email <pathfinder@sligochurch.org> Young Adult Social: Dinner in Silver Spring - Join us December 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the downtown Silver Spring Iceskating Rink, Veterans Plaza for and evening of food with friends. Contact Leroy at 301.305-3362 for information.

Attention Federal Employees! The Combined Federal Campaign is under way. Please donate to ACSGW, using CFC Code #57194 or United Way #8402 Sligo Book Club will meet on Wednesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Discipleship Room to discuss This Must be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell.

Balancing Sorrow and Celebration While Grieving, sponsored by Montgomery County Hospice services, will be held on December 10, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. If you are grieving the death of a loved one this holiday season this event is designed to help you through this time of year.

Sunset: Sabbath celebration ends today at 4:45 p.m. and commences on Friday, December 14, at 4:46 p.m. *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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December 12, Wednesday Prayer Gathering, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

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

December 14, Friday Takoma Academy Christmas Concert, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

worship schedule Join us next week here at Sligo for our third week of Advent, to hear our Senior Pastor, Charles Tapp, deliver the homily. Music will be provided by the Sligo Sanctuary Choir, Children’s Choir & Orchestra 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 - November 24 CHURCH BUDGET: This offering pays for the outreach and

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. 2 $ 17,042 Dec. 2 YTD $ 511,404

BUDGET FOR DECEMBER 1 YTD: BUDGET BOOSTER: Dec. 1 MTD $ 7,987 GOAL $20,000

NEEDED

$538,780

Last Year:

This Year:

Dec. 2 Dec. 2 YTD 2018 GOAL

Dec. 1 $ 68,708 Dec. 1 YTD $2,234,475 Remaining Goal $ 565,525

$ 100,831 $2,263,462 $2,800,000

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

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

who can help 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

$ 12,013

CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENT: Dec. 1 YTD $ 68,508

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.

• • • •

$ 15,928 $480,617

at worship THE CHURCH

what we believe

how you connect

This Year: Dec. 1 Dec. 1 YTD

Welcome to Sligo today. As many of you know, over the past several weeks we have been taking a journey through the Apocalypse, the book of the Revelation.

And as I have shared on several occasions throughout this journey, despite the prevailing idea that many have that Revelation is this scary book about the events that will take place near the end of time, primarily it is a revelation of Jesus Christ. A revelation, mind you, which reinforces the idea that the book of Revelation is not so much about the future and what the future holds, as it about the One who holds the future.

And as we have learned in reading the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor, the God who holds the future also holds his church in his mighty hands. We are pleased to have as our speaker for today, noted theologian on the book of Revealation, Ranko Stefanovic, as he shares the message, “Satan Is a Defeated Enemy!” Dr. Stefanovic is currently Professor of New Testament at the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He has authored a commentary on Revelation titled, Revelation of Jesus Christ, which is the standard textbook on the subject in Adventist colleges and universities.

- Charles A. Tapp

Today’s designated offering goes to Adventist Community Services/World Budget.

Loose offering goes to Church Budget.

worship.nurture.outreach

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 PASTOR FOR CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES TBD

The Washington Adventist University Church

PASTOR FOR MEDIA & OUTREACH Richard Castillo, ext. 136

rcastillo@sligochurch.org 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 we gather in his name

Offertory Emmanuel (God With Us Forever) / Bryan & Katie Torwalt +The First Noel / arr. Jeff Simmons

we go to serve

*Hymn of Reflection Stand Like the Brave / No. 610

Advent 2 Prelude All the Way / arr. P. Byssainthe, Jr. +Christmas Fancies / James Curnow +Song of Gathering O Come, All Ye Faithful / No. 132

+Sligo Live

Pranitha Fielder Journey Groups Welcome & Church Life +Baptism Faith Funes

Don McFarlane

Joseph Khabbaz

we honor and praise him *Hymn of Praise Lead On, O King Eternal / No. 619  Prayer

Sharmila Raj

Anthem Breath of Heaven / Amy Grant +Cantique de Noel / Adolphe Adam

*Advent Candle Lighting

Beltran family +Cassano family

we reflect +Child Dedication Loyann Anita Simpson

Don McFarlane

+Children’s Message

Jonathan Ogburn

Scripture Reading Revelation 12:17 (NKJV)

Carl Hawkins

+Introduction of Speaker

Don McFarlane +Charles A. Tapp

+Music for Meditation

Emmanuel (God With Us Forever) / Bryan & Katie Torwalt

Sermon Ranko Stefanovic Satan Is a Defeated Enemy

*Benediction

Postlude Come Now, Savior of the Nations / J.S. Bach

+All About Christmas / arr. Gary Gilroy

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

SANCTUARY – 10:00 A.M.

Song Service

Theresa Garza

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

James Gulley

Special Music KG, Little Friends and Primary I It was a Happy Day

Lesson Study

Unity and Broken Relationships

Prayer Jeanette Bryson

Michael Dulcich, deacon on duty Kay Rosburg, deaconess on duty Leading our music today are: Paul Byssainthe, Jr., organist Judith Pino, chorister Brianna Stewart, vocalist Adrielle & Arianna Ewoo, children’s message vocalists

Norman Martin, pianist

Washington Concert Winds Jose Luis Oviedo, director Footnotes: The Washington Concert Winds are a select wind ensemble (band) fashioned after the Eastman Wind Ensemble founded by Frederick Fennell in 1952. The purpose of the smaller wind ensemble was to establish a new medium, consisting mainly of one instrument per part, and it was this model that the Washington Concert Winds followed. The Washington Concert Winds are looking forward to embarking on their Spring Tour this coming March to the island of Puerto Rico. The group still needs financial help to make this trip a possibility. If you are interested in assisting them in their travel and musical witness of our Adventist educational system, please contact their director, Professor Jose Oviedo, at <band@wau.edu> Carl Hawkins is an international public health expert and has worked for the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Agency for International Development for 36 years. Carl has traveled to more than 60 countries, most recently spending 4 years in Nigeria where he attended the Liberty Chapel Seventh-day Adventist church in Abuja.

Sharmila Raj is a lifelong Sligo member, and attended both Sligo Elementary School and Takoma Academy. She is a Senior Health Development Officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Sharmila has taught English in China, studied in England and Spain, and has traveled to more than 30 countries.

Ranko Stefanovic is Professor of New Testament at the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Prior to joining the faculty at Andrews University, he served for eighteen years as an ordained SDA minister and chaired the Department of Religious Studies, Canadian University College and the Department of Religion, Andrews University. He is a recipient of several awards for excellence in teaching; in 2013, he was awarded with J.N. Andrews Medallion by Andrews University for his contribution to the church in the area of scholarship and service. Stefanovic has authored a commentary on Revelation titled Revelation of Jesus Christ, which is the standard textbook in Adventist colleges and universities. His most recent book is Plain Revelation: A Reader’s Introduction to the Apocalypse. His lectures on Revelation are featured in a long running series on 3ABN television network. He is a sought-after speaker and lecturer at symposiums, seminars, workers meetings, camp meetings, and various gatherings across the globe. He and his wife, Estera, have two grown children.

OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Adult Sabbath School

Ranko Stefanovic

SANCTUARY – 8:45 A.M. AND 11:00 A.M.

THE CHURCH AT STUDY

2nd Advent Candle Lighting:

We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ, coming again to reign in glory.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!

Keep awake, therefore, and be ready.

The Lord is coming at an unexpected hour.

The kingdom of heaven has come near.

Prepare the way of the Lord!

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.

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, Genevieve B. P. Pelote & Pui I We mourn the sudden loss of Chad Drumheller, on November 30, at the age of 38. He leaves behind his wife, Meenal, son, Lennon and mother, Suseela. Please keep the Drumheller family in your prayers.

We are sad to announce the passing of Lt. Col. (ret.)

Genevieve Beverly Price Pelote on November 1 while visiting her son, Emanuel Pelote, in Kenya. A memorial service will be held for her on Sunday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the North American Division Headquarters (9705 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia, Maryland 21046).

Ranko Stefanovic Seminar: Sabbath School teachers and anyone else who is interested in gaining insights into next quarter’s lesson, join us for a training session commencing at 1:15 p.m. this afternoon in Fellowship Hall A. Dr. Ranko Stefanovic, author of the Sabbath School quarterly for the first quarter of 2019, speaks on the topic of Revelation.

Membership Report (first reading): Joining Sligo: Becky Barker, Antoinette Edgecombe, Monday Jonas-Mbagwu, Jennifer Madera, Edwin Martinez, Brenda RamosVirgo Joining elsewhere: Audrey Darby Budget Booster: Our Sligo Church Family has always been faithful in their giving and for this we thank you. However, as you can see in the Profile of Giving, we are far behind our goal for the Church Budget this year. To help us meet our budgeted goal, we have set a challenge of $20,000 for the Budget Booster for the months of November and December. This is in addition to what is given for the Church Budget. Your gifts toward the ministries of Sligo Church are greatly appreciated.