Greetings Brethren,

This week I have been thinking about the season that’s quickly approaching and the importance it plays in God’s master plan for all of mankind. There’s so much packed into these days that if we wait until the sunset of their beginning before we focus on them, we can miss some vital lessons that are imbedded in their meaning. These lessons teach us so much about who and what God is and what He expects of those who love Him and desire to be a part of what He is. They also contain a great source of Hope and we need hope more than ever before!

To help get our minds properly focused on these special appointed times and start that all important process of preparing to observe them, I’ve found it helpful to meditate on what’s written in Ecclesiastes 5:1. Solomon records, “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.”

This first thing that stands out to me is how we approach the house of God, how we approach His appointed times. This starts well before we arrive, because it begins with preparation. That’s what Solomon is pointing out by saying “walk prudently”. This means we act with and show care to what we are doing and what we are about to do. We consider our actions and realize the gravity of our situation. This admonition is given to help prevent us from being caught off guard when God’s Sabbaths come around, both weekly and annually.

Although this may be outside the sunset to sunset time frame, it’s a very important aspect of how we keep these days. God instructs us to come prepared so that when we do arrive at His house, we are ready. We have anticipated their coming and have taken the necessary steps to observe them.

A second point that we can draw from here is that we must be aware of our conduct while in God’s house. Our conduct will reflect our preparation, our intentions of why we are there, and our understanding of what’s actually happening. If we desire to be there and we want the benefits that come from observing His feast, we must approach them in a Holy manner. It’s God who sets the guidelines and the standard and it’s our duty to adhere to them. Our respect and reverence toward God, His appointments, and His standards should ignite our hearts and minds to eagerly want to listen and hear Him, to feed on what He will provide, while leaving our own opinions, complaints, and agendas behind.

Our great God desire for us to come to Him and share these special appointments with Him. That’s exactly what these days are for, Holy Convocations. We have been convoked, a calling of a people together for a formal assembly. We have been formally invited to come be in the presence of our God on His special time and share in the wisdom found in His words. What an honor it is to be called to the presence of God and His household and be taught, inspired, and given hope by God Himself. 

Let’s all make sure that we are taking the necessary time to prepare not only concerning our physical plans, but also being prudent to prepare how we approach these days from the heart, seeking the spiritual intent behind what they mean for our lives now and for eternity.

Have a wonderful Sabbath!

In Christ’s Love and Service,
Ryan Hall

Announcements:

1. Service Times: 2:00 PM
2. Update on Ken Martin (Pastor Macon & Columbus Georgia / SE Regional Pastor): From MMS: Barbara Martin, Ken’s wife, wanted me to share the latest update. She writes this afternoon, “We are all gathering here at Emory (the hospital) and tomorrow when everyone is here, they will remove the ventilator, and then we will all wait as a family. Ken has won his race. If surgery were done, there would be no quality of life. Thank you for all the prayers and support.” - Ken & Barbara’s address, should you like to send cards of encouragement and support is: PO Box 3417 Macon, GA  31205-3417
3. Karen Stevens update:  Karren is still required to undergo dialysis weekly, however, the infection has cleared up.
4. Sabbath services for September 18 have been cancelled due to most of the brethren will be traveling to Feast of Tabernacles.
5. Fall Holy Days are approaching fast. Mark your calendars: Feast of Trumpets: September 7th - Combined services in North Canton - Service times: 10:00 AM/ 2:00 PM 

Location: Gateway Conference Center - 5441 Global Gateway North Canton, OH 44320

Atonement: September 16th – 2:00 PM Webcast from North Canton. Location: Regular meeting facility for both North Canton & Youngstown

Feast of Tabernacles /8th day: September 20th -28th.

6. Following Services on Aug 28th, we will be conducting a follow-up meeting for all those who signed up to for any of our committees.
7. Trumpets Potluck:  FYI: Feast of Trumpets falls on a weekday this year following Labor Day. This results in most restaurants being very busy during this time. To help alleviate the stress of navigating the busy area and dealing with time constraints, we will have a potluck between services. Everyone is welcome to join in to enjoy food, fellowship, and a relaxing time before afternoon services. A main pasta dish will be provided. Please bring sides and your favorite desserts. 
8. There will be no potluck on August 28th.
9. We do have a few shut-in that will not be attending the Feast of Tabernacles this year. If you would like to send a card, a list with names and addresses will be on information table.
10. Feast Bags for those unable to attend Feast of Tabernacles: If you would like to donate to the cost of the Feast Bags. Please send monetary donations to Scott Thouvenin, 5076 Sandy Ave SE Canton, Ohio 44707.

It’s been a tough and emotional rollercoaster of a week. If I have missed anything, please let me know asap and I will get it sent out.

Ryan Hall
Pastor / North Canton, OH, Youngstown, OH,
Pittsburgh, PA, & Wheeling, WV
770-789-6555 | http://www.ucg.org