Sabbath Thought:

     I wanted to share with you something that I learned from the events of this past week in this sabbath note because honestly, I don’t have the strength to speak it right now. It’s even hard to write this as the tears are still filling my eyes. But what I experienced was something I will remember for the rest of my life and I want to share it with you, my dear family.

     Early Wednesday morning, I was awakened to a text that would stir a sense of concern as well as a sense of urgency to prepare and act. I was already prepared for a long and busy day that included a funeral, but that text would lead to a situation that would require that I push myself beyond what I thought I could handle.

      As we were preparing to attend the funeral of Phyllis Roberts, I told Nissa to go ahead and pack an overnight bag because I felt that the events of this day would not end as we had intended. That feeling became a reality when I received another message that our dear friend and brother in Christ would breath his last breath by the end of the day. I, just like many of you, was heartbroken to receive this news. At that moment I thought I understood why that sense of urgency had come. It seemed I was given time to prepare in order that I might be able to say goodbye to a man I loved and respected face to face.

     As soon as we paid our respects to Garrett and Geri Roberts at the funeral, Nissa and I took off on the five-hour drive to Indianapolis to say our goodbyes. I tried to drive within the speed limit, but my heavy heart was pushing my foot down on the accelerator. It seemed that so much was slowing us down though, traffic in Columbus, stopping at a busy area for fuel, and the torrential rain that began just outside of Indianapolis. Finally, we made it to the hospital just after 7:00 pm.

    The instant that we stepped off the elevator at the hospital, I knew something was wrong. The situation was not as I had desired it to be. I saw Rose, and Joe’s daughter Stephanie sitting motionless in the waiting room. As I approached I asked the question that I already knew the answer to, “Is Joe still with us?” Rose embraced me and cried through the words, “No, he’s gone.” After a few moments, she explained that Joe had just died no more than ten-minutes prior to our arrival.

     Inside I was honestly perplexed. Why had God not given Joe ten more minutes, after all the effort I put into being there so that I could say goodbye. I hid those thoughts away, because I knew they were selfish, but I kept slightly praying to God to help me understand throughout the evening. As I laid my head down to sleep later the night, the answer came and it came clear.

        The answer was revealed in two scriptures, James 1:27 (ASV), “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” So why was I there? Why at that very moment?

    As I meditated on those scripture that image of Rose and Stephanie sitting in the waiting room came to my mind. It was perfectly clear, God didn’t bring me there for my needs, neither did He bring me there for Joe. God brought me there at that specific moment in time when two of His precious children would face something tragic and need comforting.

     I saw the principle found in James play out in front of my eyes. I was there to visit Rose, a new widow and Stephanie who now found herself fatherless, both in a time of affliction. What an honor and privilege to serve and not be served! What an honor to comfort those who are in desperate need to be comforted in a way that our Father comforts us. God identifies this service to our brethren who find themselves in this category as pure and undefiled.

      You see, Joe knew I loved and respected him and I knew the same about him. Joe did not fear death nor was he afraid of dying. He was a strong man of faith and rested his full assurance of faith in the faithful God to fulfill what He had promised. Joe knew and accepted that he was entering the sleep of death that very day. He was also aware that for him, the resurrection was just a moment away. God would call, the trumpet would sound, and Joe would rise, (Job 14:7-15, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Hebrews 9:27).

    We all know this plan and purpose, but God understands the pain we feel as mere mortal human beings when death of a loved one occurs. They impact our lives and it’s those who must live in a world without them for the time being where the sting of death is really felt. That is why we’re called to be a family who loves, who cherishes, and eager to serve each other as Christ has loved and served us, (John 13:34-35, 13:12-17).

     Let’s always seek to do what God identifies as Pure and undefiled religion in a time when many choose to focus on self. It easy to lose focus in moments such as this week, but with God we can serve each other as God outlines and in return be comforted knowing God is with us all in these times of affliction.

     In the way that only our Great God is able to do in times such as these, “May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

In Christ’s Love,
Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia

1. To whom did Jesus say, " Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."?
*Hint: Matthew 16:20-23

2. What type of wood did God instruct Noah to use to build the ark?
*Hint: Genesis 6:13-17

3. From which part of Adam’s body did God create Eve?
* Hint: Genesis 2:21-23

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (February 11th): 2:00 PM
2. Next Sabbath – (February 18th): 2:00 PM
3. Death of Joe Szymkowiak: Joe died unexpectedly Wednesday evening around 7:00 after complications for an Aortic Aneurysm. Please keep Rose and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers during this sudden and difficult trial. There will be a memorial in the next week or so. As soon as the details are available, I will send them out. Cards of Condolences to the family can be sent to: Rose Szymkowiak 1711 48th St NW Canton, OH 44709
4. Rebecca Cecil (Niece of Tom Disher – Pittsburgh Congregation): Rebecca Cecil is scheduled to have a mastectomy on February 14th. From what my brother tells me, she is to have one of her breasts removed. Please pray for a successful operation and recovery.
5. Sabbath School: Sabbath school tomorrow, February 11, 2023.
6. Potluck: Our next monthly potluck is scheduled for the Sabbath of February 25th. This month the potluck will be hosted by our wonderful Young Adults. The theme will be Soup & Salad and they have also planned an engaging Bible Character Game to enhance our fellowship. So mark your calendars and don’t forget to bring your favorite Soup, salad, side, or dessert to share with you brethren and be ready to see how well you know the characters of the Bible.
7. Zoom Bible Study: The next scheduled Bible study will take place February 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM
8. COE Meetings: The next Council of Elders Meeting will take place February 13th – 16th. Your prayers for God’s guidance are greatly appreciated.
9. Need input for Spring Holy Days: We are considering a combined service with Youngstown and Cleveland for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread with a catered meal. Location: Shady Hollow Country Club, 4865 Wales Av NW, Massillon, Oh 44646. The cost will be 25.00 per person. (If you need help financially – please let us know).

We would need to know asap those who would be interested. Please contact Freeman & Debbie Kuhns asap with your decision.

10. Spring/Summer Picnic: Mark your calendars, Our annual Spring/Summer Picnic is scheduled for after Sabbath Services on June 10, 2023 at Price Park.
11. Troyer’s Hollow Campout: Mark your calendars for the Annual Troyer’s Hollow Campout June 23-25, 2023! Nestled in the scenic hills of Amish Country near Charm, Ohio, Troyer’s Hollow in the Doughty Valley, we will once again come together for a fellowship focused weekend for all ages. More details to follow. If you have questions now, please reach out to Mary Miller - mary@crawfordmfg.com
12. Young Adult Winter/Ski Retreat: We are excited to announce a Young Adult winter/ski retreat, President's Day Weekend February 17th-20th, 2023! We are hoping to forge new and deeper relationships with people of like mind. We will be eating and staying together for the whole weekend. We welcome all young adults ages 18–29, single or married.

We will be staying in cabins at Pipestem State Park in Pipestem, West Virginia. Activities will include skiing/snowboarding, sledding, hiking, swimming, bonfire, sports, and lots and lots of hanging out. More information about the activities can be found on the website. We will also have several interactive discussions and Bible studies. The theme of this weekend will be focused on "how can young adults contribute to the future of the Church of God?"

Registration is open, so go ahead and register on the registration tab at ucgyawinterretreat.org, and we will see you there!

13. Seasons of a Women’s Life: The women of the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne congregations invite you to a Women’s Enrichment Weekend April 21-23, 2023. We will discuss and learn about the “Seasons of a Woman’s Life”. Rooms have been reserved at a local hotel and we will host a welcome reception there on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, ladies will meet at the Indianapolis church building for a fun weekend of learning, fellowship, and music. Prices and registration information will be coming out in January. You may contact Lizzy Creech at liz.creech06@yahoo.com with any questions. See attached Flyer for more info.

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.