Sabbath Thought:

     I came across this interesting quote this week, “Don’t mistake the light of an oncoming train for the light at the end of the tunnel”. This struck me in a way that made me think about the importance of practicing proper discernment. As I thought of this quote, I was reminded of a very well-known section of scripture in Matthew 6:25-33. “Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

     As I further considered that quote along with Matthew 6, one of the obvious realities responsible for much of the stress we experience came to mind. That reality is, sojourning in a world that we’re not a part of, especially as the morality of this corrupted society continues to decay around us. If we’re not careful, we can add to this stress simply because we fail to put God first. That somewhat simple step happens to be a vital key when it comes to discerning the choices we make on a daily basis. Without that vital step, the problems will always seem larger than the solution and what we think is the answer only adds to the problem.

    When God and His instruction aren’t the framework in which we operate, our perceptions on any given situation can be far different than what they actually are. When we allow our fears, insecurities, biases, and anxieties, to influence our choices, worry then distorts how we discern. When we’re overcome by a sense of worry, the peace we seek will never be experienced. God knows the effects of worry on our lives. That’s why He instructs us to first recognize who supplies our needs and prioritize our lives around that source, before we can access the answers and peace we desperately need.

    Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” If we want to experience that level of peace, if we’re to practice discernment that leads to a life not defined by fear or worry, we must do as the Apostle Paul instructs in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    Let’s make sure that the first step we take in discerning our situation is seeking God first! By putting God first, our situations will be revealed for what they are. We then can be assured that no matter what our eyes tell us, our faithful God will supply those needs, because He’s directing our steps. Then and only then, can we properly discern and distinguish between the light of an oncoming train and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have a wonderful and spiritually enriching Sabbath,
Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. Who hid themselves from God because they were naked?
*Hint: Genesis 3:8-11

2. Who does Jesus compare to ravenous wolves?
*Hint: Matthew 7:15-20

3. What did God do to Moses’ hand as a sign to the people that He had appeared to him and was chosen as His messenger?
* Exodus 4:4-7

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (April 29th): 2:00 PM
2. Next Sabbath – (May 6th): 2:00 PM - (GCE Weekend– General Conference of Elders): Sabbath services will be webcast live from Cincinnati. Split sermons will be from President Rick Shabi and GCE Chairman Len Martin. Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT – Please be seated 15 minutes prior so that local announcements can be made. Link: https://www.ucg.org/webcast
3. Book Discussion Group: Next meeting will take place this Sabbath, April 29th, at noon! We will be covering chapters 4-6 of "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by W. Phillip Keller.
4. Jordan Evans: (From Jordan) Just got off the phone with my doctor, the full body scan looks great. The cancer stayed localized to my neck and it looks like the surgery got as much as possible and the radiation treatment should take care of the rest. He said this is still cancer so he can’t say anything for sure until we monitor it long term. But as of right now I just stay on my medication and there will be periodic blood work and ultrasounds to monitor my neck!
5. Feast of Tabernacles Registration & Housing: Members may begin making housing reservations this Sunday, April 30 for the Feast of Tabernacles.  Please register first for the site you will be attending to be assured that it remains open.

Feast Site Alerts:

St. George, UT: a contract is not yet in place, but we still expect that will be finalized soon.  Therefore, be cautious about making any non-refundable deposits.  As soon as the contract is finalized and announcement will be made, plus a direct email will be sent to all registrants.

Galveston, TX: Both the Baymont Inn and Super 8 are not honoring the contracted and published rates in the Festival Planning Brochure.  They are charging $10 more per night if anyone wants to stay there. 

Lake Geneva, TX: Site is full, but a wait list is available

Branson, MO: For those who qualify for early housing and were considering staying at the Baymont Inn – it has changed ownership and temporarily not ready for business.  The new name is The Boardwalk Inn and their new phone number is (417) 417-0411.  They are honoring the rates listed in the Feast Planning Brochure and online at the Branson webpage.  They will begin taking reservations on May 8.

If you need help, with your housing reservation you may send an email to USFestival@ucg.org or call (970) 484-5878.

6. United Youth Camps: The United Youth Camps program will once again host five teen summer camps, seven pre-teen summer camps, one teen winter camp as well as the young adult boundary waters adventure. The details for each camp can be found at uyc.ucg.org. It is important to note that several camps have an application deadline of May 1—just two weeks away, so please apply right away! If funds are a concern, scholarships are available, so please speak to your pastor if you need one. (Camp Video will be presented on April 29th)
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. Donations Pantry: Our donations pantry is running low on a few items. If you are able, please help. The canned/packaged food items, paper products and cleaning supplies seemed to help our brethren here in North Canton and beyond. Thanks to all for participating. We will have another Sabbath for donation on May 13th. Contact Debbie Kuhns with any questions or suggestions.
9. 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.