Christmas Arithmetic

Second quarter Sabbath School lessons overview including major themes will be presented by Dr Andrew Tompkins on March 28, 4:00-5:30 PM in the PMC Commons. Although targeted to the Sabbath School teachers, everyone is invited. For additional information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.

Pioneer Operating Budget

Have you ever experienced being abandoned? Do you sometimes feel forsaken? Dr. Jen Theule, a psychologist of the Canadian Psychological Association, when writing about child attachment describes it as an emotional relationship between two people in which one is dependent on the other to fulfil their needs and provide nurture and protection.1 In the case of children, they depend on their parents or significant caregiver (such as a teacher) to provide for their needs over time. When this is not forthcoming, the child experiences several emotional disconnects, which can cause an adverse impact on how they operate in relationships in later years. However, when the process of attachment is successful, children grow up feeling secure. When it is not successful, they grow up experiencing various types of insecurities.

The Scripture assures us in many places that our Creator will never abandon us. One such scripture is Isaiah 49:15, which says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (ESV). God will never forsake us, and we can trust His word. So, as we return our tithes and offerings today, let us give with a willing heart to our local church budget, so that our children and youth can be nurtured for the glory of God.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700.