February 2019 Children & Youth Issue
"Even those I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” Isaiah 56:7

Let us bring before the Lord our prayers of thanksgiving, petitions, and intercession. God is faithful in hearing the prayers of an obedient people. We gather together in unity and love, raising our voices before the throne of grace.
 This issue is dedicated to the children and youth of Park SDA Church.

16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Luke 18:16,17
Children's Church Open House
On Sabbath, December 29th, Park SDA Church hosted a Children's Church Open House. This ministry, headed by Connie Brown and Monica Mills, has been a tremendous success! Parents and visitors at the open house witnessed first-hand how God uses both adult leaders and children to further the Gospel and present His love to the community. Children's Church is held each Sabbath for children ages 5-12.

Photos courtesy of Deshirl Rankins.
Keila Chatham leads the Children's Choir during special music. What a sermon in song!
Baby Dedications

Park SDA Church recently celebrated two baby dedications. Children are the future of the church, and the Lord is pleased when we dedicate our efforts in prayerfully guiding them in His service. We welcome Coleen and Wilayah into our family.
Coleen Cherop Cheboss
On December 29th, Coleen Cherop Cheboss was presented to the Lord. Photos courtesy of Deshirl Rankins.
Wilayah Amisial
On January 26th, Wilayah Amisial, daughter of Wilner and Jacemine Amisial was presented to the Lord.
Adventurer Helpers, Elsen and Sharon.
Adventurers Induction Jan 5th
On January 5th, Elwina Antonidass headed the Adventurers Induction during the church service. Children of all ages are an important and integral part of our growing church ministry. Photos courtesy of Mathew George.
Adventurers with parents.
Pathfinders Bible Bowl! January 26
Bible Bowl!

Sean Jackson reports that Park recently participated in the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), also known as "Bible Bowl". This is a team challenge that focuses on immersion in the Word of God. This year's focus is on the Gospel of Luke. The Area competition was held on Sabbath, January 26th. Park Panthers have passed that level and now are on to the Conference level on Sabbath, Feb 9th.  Our youth are on fire for the Lord!

Special thanks to the Club Director, Sean Jackson, and Area Coordinator, Heather Jackson, and all those who participated! Photos courtesy of Mathew George.
Kathy Shubert & Mark Hackley - Special Music
On January 29th, singer/songwriter Mark Hackley and his sister--our very own Kathy Shubert--performed special music at Park.

Mark and his wife, Jennifer, live in Staunton, Virginia and attend the Waynesboro SDA Church. Jennifer is the Principal of CF Richards School in Waynesboro, VA. Mark owns the Augusta Sign Company in Staunton. 

Mark and Kathy have praised God in music from an early age. While in middle school they formed a neighborhood gospel group, “The Shining Lights.” The group performed at local churches. Here is the link to Mark’s musical bio: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/MarkHackley . Mark's extensive musical experience includes performing his original works on acoustic guitar.
 
Kathy Shubert enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and music. She sings on the Praise Team at Park SDA church. Kathy grew up in Laurel, Md where she attended Laurel SDA church. She now enjoys living on the shore because it's close to the ocean, which she loves.

Kathy is the Administrative Assistant for Worcester County Economic Development, assisting the Director and Deputy Director with their daily operations. Prior to joining WCED, Ms. Shubert served as Executive Assistant for a tableware design business. The tableware was manufactured in Limoges, France, where she traveled to meet with clients and vendors in order to establish good business relationships. She planned and coordinated special events and trade shows in cities such as Atlanta, New York, London and Paris. Ms. Shubert also has experience in managing both retail and wholesale businesses and customer service training. In her current role, she will assist the Director and Deputy with their day to day duties and support them in their efforts to bring economic growth and prosperity to Worcester County.
A very special thanks to Kathy for this article. She is a tremendous blessing the Park SDA Church.

Photo courtesy of Deshirl Rankins.
Kitchen Remodeling! Park is undergoing a much needed kitchen remodel in the fellowship building. The project will expand and modernize the kitchen, making it more efficient for Sabbath luncheons, Agape Communion Services, and other social events. Thanks to the efforts of Calvin Hudson, Pastor Greg Carlson, Sean Jackson, Kriestine McDonald, and Rosemary Travers. Photos courtesy of Kriestine McDonald.
Margaret Brittingham 1928 - 2019

Margaret Brittingham, 91 and long-time member of Park Church, passed away on January 18, 2019.

According to her obituary, she was born on January 10, 1928 in Delaware. She was the daughter of the late Calvin Mumford and Hazel Hearthway Cox. Margaret was very family oriented and cherished each family member dearly.

Margaret is survived by Daughter, Betty Lou Howard and her husband Carey of Chincoteague, VA ; a son, Michael James Brittingham and his wife Jeanne of Parsonsburg; a daughter-in-law, Paula Brittingham of Laurel, DE, eight grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Margaret is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Clayton Brittingham, a son, Larry "Butch" Dale Brittingham, two brothers, and a sister.

Hannah's Journal
News from Hannah Wilson




Weaknesses. We all have them. One that I struggle with daily is food, especially the inability to say no to food. If its in front of me, I eat it. My standards for food are pretty low (availability being the only clear one). I appreciate nutrition in its many forms.
There are positives to never having a problem with eating what’s in front of you. When some of the foreigners grow tired of rice (it is served daily, sometimes twice a day), I never shy away from it. I love the exotic and sometimes strange vegetables in the curry they serve and have even learned to crave things like bitter gourd. I am constantly raving to the chef and appreciative of the new flavors. When the breakfast beans have a few more bugs than usual, food is fuel and I still stomach it and make myself dig in (besides bugs are great sources of protein and fiber). I grew up in a family where finishing your plate was not only important but a given. If you put it in front of me, I’ll eat it—in most cases, all of it. There are few things I won’t finish. Alas, like any strength, it has a downside. Let me explain.
It’s problematic nature becomes more evident with other food. I can hear all the reasons to not eat something—it’s too spicy for your weak American stomach, it’s too oily, it has bacteria because it’s been left out too long, IT WILL MAKE YOU SICK— running through my head as I take a bite, swallow, take another, and more often than not, eventually finish it. Hours later, I remember that moment and verbally reprimand myself while my stomach adds in it’s two cents on the matter, throwing such a fit that you’d think I’d learn my lesson. But alas, it’s in front of me. I eat it. I’d love to blame Eve for the fall of humanity, but let’s be real, if it were me, and I walked by, I’d probably blow it too.
On Mondays, we can go to the market. It’s quite the trek to get there—an hour of bouncy off-roading each way. I was able to go and wander around the marketplace filled with different shops. Walmart always did feel a little weird with it’s AC and fluorescent lights. The rows of different supplies set out with the villagers selling everything themselves outside is a nice change in pace. There are a lot of street foods to choose from (most of it fried). There is sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, deep fried chili, donuts, and banana chips.
Once I split a doughnut with a friend, and when the seller wrapped it in newspaper, my only thought was how well and thoroughly they wrapped it (it was wrapped so nicely!). I guess nursing’s 6th sense for germ awareness didn’t automatically kick in once I got my RN. What a bummer. My microbiology days far behind me, I enjoyed the doughnut. Alas, the next day, both my and friend’s stomachs twisted and turned, leaving our bodies reeling. Curling up into the fetal position was the only thing I really felt like doing, but I had to pull myself together.
When people of God suffer, nothing is wasted. They use the pain to remind themselves that they are not in control, and by letting go, they let God cultivate empathy and insight from it. Paul learned this too. “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJK.
When God doesn’t take the pain away, there is still something to learn. When I was younger, being sick was like the end of the world. I hated throwing up, and I prayed desperately to be healed. I’m not sure if I got more used to the feeling or just haven’t gotten sick enough, but now when I’m waiting to throw up with my stomach in knots, I am rooted in peace. I know at my core that I’ll be OK and that my God is with me. This peace frees me to joke with God about my food choices and thank Him for the stars at 3am (even if it’s the fifth time I’ve been up and out of my bed). Not only does the peace allow me to get through being sick with a positive attitude, but it opens my mind to the lessons I can learn while I am sick and to the strengths God can impart once I am at my weakest and most unable to help.
God has a brand of strength especially crafted to work with our human weaknesses and to help our character come closer to perfection. God has used my weakness of appetite, and my all-around weak stomach, to strengthen my abilities as a caretaker.
There are a lot of little things that make being sick a little better that are hard to think of unless you yourself have been there. Things like prepared fresh fruit, easily accessible water, special meals instead of cafeteria food, and massages all help to make it just a little less miserable. When my friend overworked herself into sickness, I was ready. I cut apples and readied pomegranates to be scooped up with ease and offered a back massage with essential oils. When another friend parked herself on the edge of a hill, afraid she would throw up, I prepared a cushion so she wouldn’t have to “Asian squat” while waiting for the nausea to subside. I would have felt helpless and unable to do anything worth doing if I hadn’t been sick and known how much little things help. I can help in a much more powerful way because I have been there.
God gives peace in trial and gifts of strength and knowledge from the process.
“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2nd Corinthians 12:10 NKJV
All things work together,
Hannah Wilson

Special Thanks to Deshirl Rankins. Deshirl has dedicated herself to serving Christ by helping those with physical or spiritual needs. Her selfless efforts have touched many lives, while presenting the love of Christ to the community. And for her email ministry, reaching out with church news and information, keeping us all up to date with events in the church and beyond. Thank you Deshirl! We love you!

Upcoming Events:

  • Prayer Meeting - each Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
  • Nursing Home visit - 3rd Sabbath of each month, 2:00 PM (following fellowship luncheon).
  • Keila asks that all children to be dressed in black and white every 4th Sabbath.
  • Talents for the Lord - 4th Sabbath of each month, 2:00 PM (following fellowship luncheon).
  • Prison Ministry - every first and fifth Sabbath from 7:45 to 9:45 AM in ECI.
  • Bible study at the Annex every Sabbath from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM (please see Jerry Wilson for details).
  • Knitting Class on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at Park Church. See Connie Brown for details.