Sabbath Thought:

     Wednesday evening the family and I went to one of our favorite restaurants here in Boardman Ohio for burgers. Although the evening was wonderful, full of laughter and joking around together, everything did not go as planned, we were presented with a few challenges.

     Being familiar with the menu and that everything seems to be topped with bacon, we are very specific when we order our food to exclude the bacon. When the burgers arrived, the burgers that Nissa and I ordered were not as requested. Prominently displayed on our burgers were two large thick-cut pieces of bacon, grease drippings and all.

     I politely reminded the waitress of our specific order and she quickly took the burgers back to the kitchen. Oddly, in just seconds, our burgers were back on the table, of course with no bacon. However, although the bacon was gone, the evidence of that thick greasy bacon could be seen on the melted cheese and the drippings still smeared on the plate. It was obvious, they had simply removed the bacon and returned the burger. I don’t think they were trying to be malicious, they simply gave us what they thought we desired; remove the bacon and there you go, burger as requested.

     Once again, I politely waved for the waitress to return to the table. I then explained the reason why we ordered our burgers with no bacon. I further explained that this was not just a preference, but a choice based upon our religious convictions, beliefs that we value and uphold. It was at that moment I recognized that she finally understood her mistake and how her quick remedy must have been received. She sincerely apologized and asked if we wanted new burgers. I replied yes and thank her. I could tell she was very embarrassed, but I assured her that she acted only based upon her perceptions and didn’t know exactly why, and that we were not offended at all.

    But, this is not the end of the story. Once the new burgers were delivered, mine came back fine, Nissa’s on the other hand still displayed that thick-cut greasy bacon. This time, the waitress was embarrassed, even the manger came over to apologize. We once again assured them that we were ok, and very thankful that they were putting forth the effort to remedy the situation. They were very kind and honestly both overly apologized, but we understood why.

     You see, although the evening had not gone as planned thus far, this seemingly small inconvenience didn’t ruin the atmosphere for our family. Again, we were not offended nor did we plan on reflecting our frustrations of an honest mistake in the tip we would later leave. In fact, the turn of events gave us something to laugh about and the opportunity to share. It gave us more time with each other. I honestly felt this to be a bonding moment we all needed. We enjoyed the food, we enjoyed each other, and had a few more laughs when we returned home.

     Why do I share our burger night adventure in this Sabbath Thought? Because I was reminded of a valuable lesson that evening that I want to pass along. As we all know, living in a world that we are not a part of, can and will present many challenges at times. There will be moments where we are attacked by those who do not share our beliefs and values. However, there will be moments when we are confronted with situations that are not attacks, but simply misunderstandings. How we respond says a lot about how much we actually value those convictions we hold dearly. That response can clearly indicate just how much those convictions have shaped and changed our character or not.

     Dr. Steven Covey wrote in his book, Seven Habits for Highly Effective People, “To know and not do is to not know at all”. As the representatives of God’s Holy standards of life, we can never forget what we have learned and are learning and put it to use. In 1 Peter 3:15 we find, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

     These values should not only have a place in our heart, we are to be skillful at putting them to use. They bring us joy and we should be willing to share that joy. They bring us hope, we should be ready to share that hope. To give a defense is not to engage in an attack against those who stand in opposition, but knowing what to do with what we know; how to use that truth to edify, to show mercy, justice, and faith, (Micah 6:8).

      We also find in 2 Timothy 2:15 that we are to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This points out the fact that we should not be ashamed for the values we hold dear. If the situation arises to explain why we do what we do, we should be moved with compassion and approach it properly. We should understand that what we are facing is not just a moment we speak of what we do and why, but an opportunity to glorify God in our conduct toward those who do not know the truth.

      Each moment and each situation will be different, but the rules of engagement remain the same. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:12-15, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”This speaks to being patient with others, holding fast to our convictions, while allowing those conviction to shine in our character.

     Patience and discernment are key elements we must possess because being able to read the situation through the eyes of God is vital when it comes to being those Ambassadors of Christ. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, (1 Timothy 2:4). That’s why we speak words of life and the only words that produce life, are those that speak of the truth. But our words can’t just be words, that have to be backed and expressed with that same love Christ expressed when that truth was revealed to us.

     As we sojourn in this dark world, remember we are bearers of a great light, (Matthew 5:14-16). One of the responsibilities of a light bearer is to know the source of that light and how to direct that light. The light bearer is lower than the light, he’s reflecting it, pointing others to the source, and never presents himself as the source. If that light is to effectively shine hope in a dark and dying world, we must understand what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “… I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” What does Paul mean by those words?

    We don’t shy away from sharing the truth that sets us apart. Yet, we don’t lay aside that truth and take on their ways in order for then to understand it. It means that as skilled bearers of the truth we must know how to approach and address those in this world where they are. Simply put, we must know how to communicate that hope that has established us. We do this so that they may see an example of the powerful and positive impact the truth of God has on our lives without compromising. That’s why we must always be ready in season and out of season; we never know when we may be a living breathing sermon of the hope the world desperately needs to see and hear.

Have a wonderful and spiritually uplifting Sabbath,
Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. Who thought Jesus was a gardener when she saw Him after He had risen?
*Hint: Matthew 20:11-16

2. Who became so overjoyed when she heard Peter's voice at the door, ran to announce that he was there, but forgot to unlock the door to let him in?
*Hint: Acts 12:11-16

3. When Joseph was in prison, whose dream did he correctly interpret to mean he would be restored to his position in Pharaoh’s court?
* Hint: Genesis 40:1-13

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (February 25th): 2:00 PM – A potluck hosted by our wonderful Young Adults will follow services. The theme will be Soup & Salad and they have also planned an engaging Bible Character Game to enhance our fellowship.
2. Next Sabbath – (March 4th): 2:00 PM
3. Sabbath School: The next Sabbath School that was scheduled for March 11 has been cancelled.
4. Joe Szymkowiak Memorial: Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023, Time: 2:30 pm (Following Sabbath services) Location: Gateway Conference Center, Address: 5441 Global Gateway North Canton, OH 44320

Note: There will be a meal following the memorial service. For those who want to attend Sabbath services in North Canton, services will begin at 12:00 pm at the Gateway Conference Center.

Memorial Service webcast link: https://www.ucg.org/congregations/north-canton-oh/webcast

5. NW Team Prom: The Midwest Teen Prom has come to our area!  We would like to ask for your participation in their Sunday activities.  They plan to spend the day at The Heritage Center located on State Route 62 close to Winesburg.  We need your help by providing several dozen cookies for lunch.  Also need a few hands at the end of the day around 4:00pm to clean the facility after the games. Plan to come on over for fun and fellowship with families who come in from all over our region. Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023.  Contact Susan Miller to help out.
6. 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.

7. Spring/Summer Picnic: Mark your calendars, Our annual Spring/Summer Picnic is scheduled for after Sabbath Services on June 10, 2023 at Price Park.
8. 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
9. 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.