Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter, March 2022 - Vol. 3, No. 3

March 2022

Lost! But Not Really

By Randy Robinson When I was a boy, my parents took me to the state fair. It was a world of wonder, with sights and sounds and heart-pounding rides all around. (For a five-year-old, the merrygo-round was a heart-pounding ride!) A child my age walked by with a bright red candied apple, and I thought to myself, “That looks good!” Crowds of people were

In This Issue: GENERATION RAIN ECC teens had a blast at this recent retreat.

WOMEN AT PRAYER Join the women of ECC praying for the church and for each other.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS Four things you can do during a humanitarian crisis like the one ongoing in Ukraine.

CARD MINISTRY

enjoying the day. I paused for a moment to get my bearings and realized I had lost sight of my parents! My heart skipped a beat as I looked one way and then the other, hoping my next glance would find the familiar faces of my parents. Panicking, I started to cry. In an instant, I felt strong hands under my armpits, hoisting me up and pulling me against my fatherʼs chest. What a relief!

My son was around the same age when my wife and I took him to the fair. He was immersed in the sights just like I was. As I watched him, I noticed that look of panic in his eyes, and his anxiety-filled glances hunting for his parents. The crowd was thick, and I was close, but he didnʼt see me and he started to cry. The memory of my own experience flooded my mind as I lifted him to my chest. But there was a difference this time̶I knew my son was not lost. My eyes were on him 100% of the time. He thought he was lost, but he wasnʼt.

Isnʼt that just like us? Life gets crazy. Stuff happens. We glance

A thoughtful way to reach out, led by Women’s Ministry.

around looking for our Heavenly Father, but He is

PLANT-BASED RECIPES

We scream out, “God, where are you? I canʼt find

Two delicious recipes to make and share with a neighbor.

you!” But just like my dad did to me, and I did

NEW SERMON SERIES Visit or watch online to hear a new sermon series about salvation.

STORY OF KINDNESS This pilot has helped evacuate more than 1,000 refugees.

nowhere to be seen. We panic and, yes, we may even cry!

to my own son, God puts His strong arms under our armpits and lifts us to His chest. He tells us, “Iʼm here. Donʼt worry. I never lost sight of you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that God will never leave. When you feel lost, just remember: He always has His eyes on you!

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol 3, No. 3

page 1

March 2022

Generation Rain Retreat Teens from ECC recently attended the Generation Rain High School Retreat. Hereʼs what a couple attendees had to say about the event:

"It was a wonderful experience. I felt like a lot of questions of who God said I was had been floating in the air. Generation Rain let God's spirit speak through them, reminding us not only that we matter as youth, but that we are the key to this world's path to salvation. I got to know people who had similar interests as me, and had the chance to get closer to friends I'd known forever. I look forward to seeing what they have prepared for us in the future that is soon to arrive!"

"It — Arven Claude was a very fun experience. The food was well prepared and delicious. The cabins were comfortable to sleep in, so I always had a good night's sleep. The educational sessions were very informative and interesting to listen to. The bowling was my favorite part of the whole event because it was a lot of fun going up against people.

Thanks for a wonderful and remarkable retreat!”

— Guy-Marc Jean

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol. 3, No. 3

page 2

March 2022

Women at Prayer

By Sharon Reece and Merlene Blair-Brown

our walk with the Lord, since we all undoubtedly face challenges in our community and in our lives, we deem it

We invite all ECC ladies to join the virtual “Women at

appropriate and necessary to pray as a group of ladies.

Prayer” group held from 9 to 10 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person

We see group prayer at work when Daniel called his

has great power and produces wonderful results” (Jas

friends together for a group prayer as he asked for time to

5:16).

interpret the kingʼs dream: “So Daniel went in and asked the King to give him time, that he might tell the King the

At each meeting, we praise God in thankfulness for prayers answered, and briefly discuss a theme. We then earnestly pray for each other, our church, the youth in our church, and more. When our numbers are robust, we

interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Michael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from God” (Dan 2:16‒18).

break out into small groups to pray and get to know each other better. Although we recognize that individual

In that fashion we pray together. Please join us!

devotion and prayer is essential for our personal growth in Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol. 3, No. 3

page 3

March 2022

4 Things You Can Do during a Humanitarian Crisis

By ADRA.org Blog1 There is one question we get more than any other during an emergency: “What can I do?” If this is the question on your mind when you see the needs of those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we have four things you can do right now to help!

1. Donate During any emergency, the number one way you can support those affected by is through monetary support.

Your contribution to ADRAʼs emergency response fund allows our local staff to respond immediately to the specific needs of each community and remain flexible when those needs change with the evolving situation.

We know that there is power and comfort in prayer. We encourage you to attend one of the many vigils being held for the millions who are affected by the crisis in Ukraine, or to start one of your own!

3. Stay informed Staying informed is important during times of humanitarian crises. Whether you turn to verified and trustworthy social media channels, digital news, newspapers, or your favorite news channel on TV, be sure that your news source is a reliable one.

4. Take a break We are all living through very stressful times and it can be difficult to escape the constant barrage of bad news. Itʼs important to find the balance between staying informed and caring for your mental health! Be sure to take a regular break from the news and even your own social media if itʼs causing you anxiety.

[Note from the editor: ADRA is the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You can learn more about ADRA and donate to its ongoing work in Ukraine at www.adra.org. To find other humanitarian organizations seeking donations to support critical efforts in Ukraine such as providing children with psychosocial support and connecting refugee families with cash assistance and medical care, click here.]

Does your church, school, business, or group want to organize a fundraiser for ADRA? Let us know!

1. This article is reprinted from “4 Things You Can Do during a Humanitarian Crisis,” ADRA International, blog, March 7, 2022,

Email hello@ADRA.org to connect with us.

2. Gather in prayer

https://adra.org/4-things-you-can-do-during-ahumanitarian-crisis.

Matthew 18:20 tells us: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol. 3, No. 3

page 4

March 2022

Card Ministry

By Denise Halenz-Robinson During the month of February, ECC Womenʼs Ministry leaders coordinated a card ministry. We specifically reached out to members who have recently lost a family member, those who have been shut-in due to COVID or other illnesses, and members whom we havenʼt seen in a while who may need some encouragement. Every Sabbath, a table with cards and pens was set up in the lobby for people to come by and write a note between Sabbath School and church. Before the month began, we reached out to the pastors and elders for a list of who would like to receive cards. Our mailing list included a man who suffered a stroke, two ladies whose mothers had passed away in other countries, one man battling cancer, and others members we have missed seeing recently. Over the course of the month, about thirty cards were addressed and mailed by the Womenʼs Ministry team.

Even though February is over, we encourage Ellicott City Church members to remember others in prayer̶and maybe even mail them a note of encouragement! Prayer is always appreciated, and a note to let someone know you are thinking of them and praying for them is always special! Donʼt forget to send a note of encouragement to your pastors as well.

Small Group Announcement The Wednesday evening Bible study led by Fylvia and Terry will not be meeting in March and April. It will resume in May when they continue to study characters from the Bible.

Text 301-275-6608 for more information or to join the group on Zoom.

Visit www.ellicottcity.church/small-groups to learn about all the small groups active at ECC.

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol 3, No. 3

page 5

March 2022

Plant-Based Recipes Try these delicious plant-based recipes and share with a neighbor.

Vegan “Tuna” Melt

• 1 batch Easy Vegan Cheddar Cheese (or sub store-bought) • 1 15-oz can chickpeas • 1 Tbsp vegan mayo • 1 tsp dijon mustard • 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper • 1‒2 Tbsp finely chopped shallot

Recipe and photo: minimalistbaker.com

Roasted Tomato and Red Bell Pepper Soup

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped dill pickles • 4 Tbsp vegan butter

Make the vegan cheese, if desired. Rinse, drain, and dry chickpeas, then coarsely mash.

To the chickpeas, add vegan mayo, mustard, salt and pepper, shallot, and pickles, and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Prepare eight slices of bread; butter one side of each slice.

Place a slice butter side

down in hot skillet, spread 3‒ 4 Tbsp of the homemade vegan cheese (or one slice of store-bought), then top of 1/4 of the chickpea mixture, spreading evenly. Top with another slice of bread, butter side up.

Cook over medium heat for 2‒3 minutes, until golden brown. Flip, then cook another 2‒3 minutes, under golden brown and cheese is melty.

Preheat oven to 425º F. Crush tomatoes with

occasionally, until onions are very soft and

your hands into a 13x9-inch baking dish.

caramelized, 30‒35 minutes. While cooking,

Add peppers (skin side up), garlic, and

add splashes of water/broth or adjust heat if

Soup • 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes

drizzle with 1/4 cup oil. Season with salt and

needed. Increase to medium-high, add

pepper. Roast, tossing halfway through, until

tomato paste and chili flakes. Cook, stirring,

garlic is very soft and tomatoes are jammy,

until darkened, about 2 minutes. Add

• 2 large red bell peppers, halved and seeded

35‒40 minutes. Peel peppers. Mash well.

roasted vegetables and broth and bring to a

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large, heavy pot on

boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15‒20

medium-high heat. Add onions and season

minutes. Puree until smooth.

with salt and pepper. Cook until onion

To make croutons, toss bread with rosemary,

begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce to

remaining 2 Tbsp oil, and salt and pepper.

medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring

Toast until golden brown.

• 10 garlic cloves, peeled • 1/2 cup olive oil, divided • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 Tbsp tomato paste • 1/2 to 1 tsp crushed chili flakes (to taste) • 4 cups vegetable broth Rosemary Croutons (Garnish) • 1 sprig rosemary • 1 cup torn crusty bread

Recipe and photo: bonappetit.com (adapted) Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol 3, No. 3

page 6

March 2022

March Calendar You can join us in worship and prayer right from your own home, or in person every Sabbath. For Zoom meetings, the “Meeting ID” is the number sequence at the end of the URL. Day

Time

Class/Service

Details

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Adult Sabbath School

General: https://zoom.us/j/332338939

Also in-person every Sabbath. Hybrid

Van Slyke: Zoom Meeting ID̶985

classes available for ages 0‒18.

2011 4595, Passcode̶341659

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Youth (grades 9‒12)

Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior:

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Junior Sabbath School (grades 5‒6)

zoom.us/j/99481531774 (passcode

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Kindergarten Sabbath School

990312)

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Earliteen Sabbath School (grades 7‒8)

Earliteen: zoom.us/j/91696803781

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

Primary Sabbath School (grades 2‒4)

(passcode 539000)

Saturday

11:00 a.m.

Worship Service

Streaming on YouTube and Facebook

Also in-person every Sabbath.

Saturday

2:00 p.m.

Youth Church

zoom.us/j/2717214743

New Sermon Series "The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; the science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences of the unfallen worlds; the science that engages the attention of our Lord and Savior; the science that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite̶“kept in silence through times eternal” (Romans 16:25, R.V.); the science that will be the study of God's redeemed throughout endless ages. This is the highest study in which it is possible for man to engage” (Ellen G. White, Education, p. 126). What is the plan of salvation all about? Even among professed believers, there are questions about whether we can really know we are saved. In this series, we will pull back the cover on some of the deepest truths about the subject of redemption. You won't want to miss it! It is a perfect time to invite a friend to church.

Salvation begins Saturday, March 12.

March Sermon Schedule March 12 ̶ Pastor John March 19 ̶ Pastor Debbie March 26 ̶ Pastor John

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol. 3, No. 3

page 7

March 2022

Story of Kindness A former refugee himself, this pilot has helped evacuate more than 1,000 refugees from Afghanistan.

March 2022 Vol. 3, No. 3 Editor Sky Kline newsletter@ellicottcitychurch.org Contributors ADRA.org Blog Merlene Blair-Brown Arven Claude Denise Halenz-Robinson Guy-Marc Jean Sharon Reece Randy Robinson 3291 St. Johns Lane Ellicott City, MD 21042 www.ellicottcity.church

Sermon Thought From Pastor John Rengifo, “A Night on the Threshing Floor,” February 26, 2022.

In the book of Ruth, Boaz rises as a hero, as a redeemer, who changes Ruth’s life and ushers in the lineage of Jesus. A little deeper into his heroism reveals parallels to our Redeemer Jesus. Consider these four characteristics of a redeemer (gô-él) in the story specific to Ruth and identify the sacrifices Jesus made for each of us: 1. He must be a blood relative, connected to the family.

2. He must have the means to purchase the forfeited inheritance.

3. He must be willing to buy back the forfeited inheritance.

4. He must be marry the wife of the deceased kinsman (but not get the land of the kinsman nor be able to claim his children with the woman as his own—the gô-él had nothing to gain).

Click here to watch the sermon on YouTube, at timestamp 47:07.

Ellicott City Seventh-day Adventist Church Newsletter - Vol 3, No. 3

page 8