The following Sabbath, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17.

Every hand went up.

The minister smiled and said, “Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.”

Tell us a little about yourself

We are a family that loves the Lord and thrive everyday to serve Him better. Matt was born November 5; Kristel and Kevin were born on April 2, and Kassia was born on October 8. Matthew, Kristel, and Kevin love, and are active, in sports. We would love to get involved in church activities, especially the youth activities and be active participants of the church mission statement.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

We love the age mixture, the friendliness, and the way we felt welcomed. We also love how the church is involved with its youth.

Do you have any favorite memory verses or advice you’d like to share to our members?

Our favorite verses are: Psalm 37:3-4, Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 12:1-2

Adults: continue to be positive role models to our youth

SALVATION UNLIMITED is a unique and rounded Full Gospel presentation of Bible teachings that lead to a righteous, peaceful, and joyful living in Christ in this life and in the life hereafter.

Every night at 7pm (except Tuesdays and Thursdays) starting on October 10, 2008, learn the sure source of righteousness, peace and joy. Learn how to face the future unafraid by trusting the certainty of Christ’s promises!

SCHEDULE:

October 10 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Heaven-Inviting Grace

October 11 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Justifying Grace

October 12 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Sanctifying Grace

October 14 , 2008
→ “Peace and Joy in Christ’s Interceding Grace

October 15 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Law-Fulfilling Grace

October 17 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Sabbath-Observing Grace

October 18 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Seal-Qualifying Grace

October 19 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Church Guiding Grace”

October 21 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Peace-Eradicating Grace

October 22 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Need-Providing Grace

October 24 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Resurrecting Grace

October 25 , 2008
→ Peace and Joy in Christ’s Glorifying Grace

ABOUT THE EVANGELIST:
Dr. George Atiga is presently the Director of the Asian Pacific Ministries of the Pacific Union Conference and the North American Division of SDA.

As a second-generation minister, Dr. Atiga has pastored large churches and has conducted many evangelistic meetings in many parts of the world — such as Philippines, Indonesia, Canada, Russia, and the United States. Thousands of lives have been changed for the better as a result of the Holy Spirit’s power in these meetings.

Mrs. Caroline Atiga, a retired Nurse, dedicates her time giving health lectures in Dr. Atiga’s evangelistic meetings.

The following Sabbath the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone’s duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.

Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the “funeral.” In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.

Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a “dead church,” all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each “mourner” peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.

In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand, And Help Me Up

Just a Slower Walk with Thee

Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up

Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing

Guide Me O Thou Great Lord God, I’ve Forgotten Where I’ve Parked The Car

Count Your Many Birthdays, Count Them One By One

Blessed Insurance

It Is Well With My Soul, But My Knees Hurt

“But did you know there is a higher power? Does any one know what it is?” asked the teacher.

One little boy raised his hand in the back.

“Aces?”

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I like challenge and dynamics. That is why I ended up in Metropolitan SDA church. I am also a risk taker. Perhaps, that is the reason why I came to Houston where I have no relatives and friends in the beginning.

I am currently doing graduate studies in Chemistry/Chemical Biology at the University of Houston.

I like spending time with my wife and watching movies, aside from doing my research dealing with dangerous/hazardous chemicals.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

The church is like a one big family. The church is alive, dynamic, innovative, and gifted with many talents. With the active involvement of the youth and the full support of the parents/leaders of the church, I could see a bright future ahead. This is the place where I want to grow my children. Moreover, the church members are very accommodating and helpful to newcomers.

I have never found a church as kind and generous as the Metropolitan SDA church. I had been to different churches in Singapore and Houston, but Metro SDA Church is remarkable and stunningly generous and supportive.

Lastly, the church is spiritual and Christ-centered.

I am very glad to share my insights about the church.

Would you like to say any other thing to our readers and members?

Focus on Christ and not on the church physical attributes, including its members. Keep in mind that there is no perfect church. I am very certain that a perfect church is nowhere to be found in this world.

Having Christ in a church is what matters most to me, and that is what we need.

My full name is Dinah de los Santos Piamonte. I was born in July 1968 at Union, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province in the Philippines. I am married and have 2 daughters. I am a hard-working mom, friendly, and God-fearing.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

Metropolitan church members are warm-hearted, approachable, and very hospitable. I am comfortable being here, and they make me feel at home. I’m so happy to be a part of this church family.

Is there anything else you’d like to share our church members and online readers?

I would like to share 2 of my favorite verses:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence, For out of it are issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

God bless the Metropolitan Church!!!

Welcome Dinah to our church family!

I refuse to be discouraged,
to be sad or to cry.
I refuse to be downhearted
and here’s the reason why.

I have a God who is almighty;
who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful;
Jesus is His name;
though everything else is changeable,
My God remains the same.

I refuse to be defeated.
My eyes are on my God.
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.

I am looking past my circumstances,
to heaven’s throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God.
I am resting in His love.

I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine;
He will help me win the race.

I repeat, I’M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Anonymous

——————————————–
* Forwarded by Arlene Cuaresma

“Of course not,” said one little boy.

“How could he? He only had two worms!”