Sabbath Thought:

     I was listening to a podcast this week highlighting the prominent mindset of this current generation.  Not only do we see a people who simply reject God, they actually find no value in seeking God, objective Truth, or Morality. This got me thinking about the honor as well as the responsibility that comes from that miraculous call from our Father to come out of this evil world, (Isaiah 52:11, Revelation 18:4).  

     A vital aspect of this high calling to walk out of this Babylonian system requires that we develop a sense of awareness so that the subtitle and manipulative influences of this corrupted system doesn’t catch us unaware, infiltrating our minds, and blinding us to the path that God has provided as a way of escape.

     God has given us this stern warning because He knows that if we’re not doing our part in that exodus from Babylon, its influence can take hold of our minds so strategically that we can easily become indoctrinated, especially if we knowingly allow ourselves to be exposed to it or dabble in it.

     Consider the corrupted environment of Sodom and its effect on the lives of Lot and his family, (Genesis 19). Even with his knowledge of God, even in the presence of the angels and knowing the power they held and who had sent them, he still was flawed in his discernment of the situation and the response he chose to take. Even when his family knew destruction was upon them, some refused to leave. Even when they were walking away as the destruction began to take place, Lot’s wife turned back.

     As I thought about the reality of our situation today and that example along with the warnings written in scripture, some not so pleasant, yet obvious questions came to my mind. Questions that we need to consider when it comes to heeding that call to “Come out of her My people”.

     With such blatant signs of the times we live; Why is acknowledging, identifying, and overcoming sin becoming so hard for Christians today? Why is the decision to stand up for the truth and holiness, to hold fast to the faith once delivered, and to come out of this world become such a struggle for a people who know the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
     It’s possible the answer is that we’ve allowed the corruption and deception of this society to develop within us a longing for sin more than a relationship with God, an attraction for lies more than a desire for truth, an appeal for the ways of death more than a desire for what leads to an abundant life.

     If we’re fully committed to our covenant, we must ask ourselves these questions and be honest with those answers: Do I love my sin more than I love my God? Do I love a lie more than I love truth? Do I love death more than I love life?

     If we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul; we’ll heed that voice to come out of her, we’ll depart, we’ll not touch, and we’ll set our minds to fight against those influences that seek to change our perceptions on what God identifies as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, Matthew 22:37-40, Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

I pray you all have a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Sabbath,

Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. What sound made Peter cry and why?
*Hint: Matthew 26:69-75

2. When God made the Woman, what was Adam doing?
*Hint: Genesis 2:18-23

3. What did Moses throw into bitter water to make it sweet (drinkable)?
* Hint: Exodus 13:22-25

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (June 10th): 2:00 PM
2. Next Sabbath – (June 17th): 2:00 PM
3. Spring/Summer Picnic: Tomorrow, June 10th is our annual Spring/Summer Picnic which will take place after Sabbath Services. The location will be the same as last year, Price Park: 1000 W Maple St, North Canton, OH 44720.

Everything you will need to build your own sandwiches will be provided. We ask that you please bring your favorite picnic side, dessert, or drink to share with the brethren. Let’s all plan to be there and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of food and fellowship with our church family.

4. Linda Ritter: The Heart Cath revealed that the cause of Linda’s latest symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue) is due to a faulty Aortic Value. Linda had the valve replaced back in 2018 and looks like she will need it replaced once again. She will have further test next week will confirm this diagnose. Your prayers for healing, comfort, and God’s guidance during this time is greatly appreciate by both Dave and Linda.
5. Festival Assistance: For those who will need festival to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year. Please let myself, John, or the festival advisor know so that we can get the request in asap.
6. Sabbath service change: Starting July 8th, sabbath services for the second sabbath of each month will be at 11:00 AM.
7. West Michigan Camping/Tubing Weekend, July 7–9: You are invited to join the West Michigan UCG congregations for a weekend of fellowship, camping and fun-filled outdoor adventure! There is a special outdoor Sabbath service on July 8 at Sandy Beach County Park in White Cloud, Michigan, and an organized tubing trip on the Muskegon River for Sunday morning, July 9. If you would like further details or a copy of the flyer advertising the event, contact Christina Morris at 269-903-1902 or stinamsu@yahoo.com.
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, it has a long tradition within the local community and the church as a relaxing retreat. A beautiful creek winds through the secluded canyon hollow where we will camp.

We have the entire property for two days, and one side on Sunday. Activities planned include a Friday evening Bible Study (8:00 PM), Sabbath Services (11:00 AM), an afternoon potluck, kettle popcorn over the fire, and many campfire discussions. The campground has covered pavilions with a small kitchen, nicely maintained bathrooms, and shower facilities. 

Tent camping is most popular, though there are a few RV/Camper sites.  There are also hotels in the area for brethren who are non-campers.  Please contact Mary Miller or Susan Miller to make your reservations, especially for RVs and campers. 

Please plan to provide your own meals and drinks, aside from the Sabbath Potluck where everyone shares the meal with abundance.

Fees to cover property usage: Campers: $25 per camper/ $35 per family per night –

Non-campers: $10 per person / $20 per family per day

Arrival Time: Friday, June 23 after 3 PM - Departure: Sunday, June 25 by 2 PM

Nearby hotels are available for those who do not wish to camp. Alcohol is prohibited on the property. If you wish to come, or just have questions, please contact Mary Miller (mary@crawfordmfg.com, 330-204-6972) or Susan Miller (330-204-1756)

Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/5lOeXEQOS

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