• WE ARE PLANNING TO REMAIN OPEN DECEMBER 26 AND FOLLOWING @ 9:30am but remain under the state of Ohio mask mandate. Which means everyone at church 10 years of age and older must wear a face covering of some kind (free and available at the doors) except officiants in a religious service, those with a medical condition or disability and those communicating with someone with a disability. The church has been cleaned and signs posted. Some pews will not be available. Hand sanitizer is available at the doors. If you're not sick, immuno-compromised, previously exposed to Covid 19, and are willing to follow these recommendations, you're welcome to join us!
• BUT IF LUCAS COUNTY GOES PURPLE we will once again close all in person services (including children's Sabbath schools) and go back online. So call the church office (419-882-6200), check the Ohio Public Health Advisory site, church website, or Facebook page BEFORE you leave for church this week and in the future. Only tech team and participants leading worship are invited to church if / when Lucas County goes / remains purple to help us stream worship via Facebook Live, Church Website, and Church Roku Channel.
• WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES to Pastor Mike and his family at the death of his mom, Karen Fortune, this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
• THE FOOD PANTRY IS WELL STOCKED! A big thank you for all the generous donations!
• CONDOLENCES Pam Neal's father passed away recently.
• GLORY! Breath of Life, in partnership with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, presents "Glory" a Christmas special that will air on ABC television affiliates across the United States on Friday, December 25. Set your DVR for 13 ABC DEC 25 @ 1:06 am for a Christmas message from Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, Speaker/Director of Breath of Life Television Ministry and pastor at Oakwood University Church, and music by award-winning musical artists Michael W. Smith, the Oakwood University Aeolians, and more!
• BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Every year beloved Adventist pastor HMS Richards used to read the Bible twice a year. Once very quickly from Genesis to Revelation in the month of January and again more slowly FEB - DEC. Many familiar with listening to audiobooks know that some programs and apps have a ‘listening speed’ feature – allowing “reading” to be done at up to twice the speed. But even so, to keep up with a project like this, many of the regular forms of “entertainment” we consume each day will need to be replaced by your Bible reading. A good thing! To get involved, sign up here to receive a daily Bible Reading Challenge email with that day’s reading assignment.
• THANK YOU for the prayers and support. Josh and Jackie are rapidly improving from Covid. We are grateful for God's provision.
• BOTTLE HOUSE PROJECT VIDEO There's an amazing bottle house in the foyer at church. But there's also video of some from Mauritania (NW Africa) courtesy of ADRA. Check out what they look like when the bottles are filled with sand and plastered with mortar and stucco.
• TEXT EM ALL The company that allows us to record and send periodic 30 to 60 second voice updates from church also provides texts now. Soon everyone who has previously received calls will also receive a message via text (unless you opt out or provided or landline number).
• DIAL IN SABBATH SCHOOL AND CHURCH RESUMES If you (or a senior you know) have limited or no internet access but want to listen to Sabbath School (9:30am) and church (11am) on your phone, you can call 1 (312) 626-6799 (*long distance charges may apply) and enter Meeting ID 951 1223 3153. When prompted, please also add the password: 4909. This meeting ID will be good until mid FEB 2021.
• TJA READ-A-THON Toledo Junior Academy kicked off their Read-A-Thon last Sunday with a fun virtual family reading night that runs through January 31st. The goal for each student is 15 hours of reading. The whole-school monetary goal is $2500 and will go toward improving the playground and creating an outdoor learning space. If you are interested in supporting a specific student or TJA as a whole, please follow the link above. 
• TWO WAYS TO HELP TJA WITH YOUR REGULAR SHOPPING 1) Amazon Smile: Simply by starting your Amazon shopping at smile.amazon.com and selecting Toledo Junior Academy as your charity of choice, a percentage of your purchase will go to TJA. 2) Kroger Community Rewards: You can link your Kroger card to Toledo Junior Academy and the school receives a small donation with every purchase. You will need to create a digital account at kroger.com. Once your account is created, you simply go to the "community rewards" section on your account page and search for Toledo Junior Academy in the organizations. Thank you for your support!
• THINK OUTSIDE THE TRASH THIS DECEMBER In Mauritania (a country in NW Africa), the Adventist Development & Relief Agency) uses plastic bottles as ‘bricks’ to build new cost-effective homes for families. What are the benefits of these bottle homes? First, they are much more resistant to erosion from the constant dust and sand filled wind. Second, they are energy efficient, keeping the inside at a steady temperature of around 64 degrees F. Third, the job of filling the bottles with sand can be given to people without jobs and even to the handicapped. And finally, non-degradable plastic bottles can be used for something constructive as opposed to filling landfills and oceans. So, as we usually do, every Sabbath in December, we will be collecting an additional offering. This year, that offering will go toward building bottle houses. Check out the bottle house in the church foyer already assembled with your previous donations of water bottles! And remember that even Jesus needed shelter over His head when He was born!
• LOUD CRY RADIO is now streaming a unique blend of Christian Christmas music minus Santa Claus. Check it out.
• ANOTHER GOOD BOOK A friend gave me a book recently. It was about a guy in Romania who made some bad choices, but eventually realized following Jesus is a better plan. So he got involved in church (no small risk in a communist country). Completed his required military service. Married his childhood sweetheart. Had kids. Lived broke. Graduated with an engineering degree. But started a textile business instead. Made money. And then gave it away to become a pastor. Miracle after miracle occurred amid his life’s greatest disappointments and joys. You and your kids will enjoy reading Miracle After Miracle: The Pavel Goia Story for family worship.
• FIRST QUARTER, 2021, BIBLE STUDY GUIDES (QUARTERLIES) are now in the church foyer cabinets as well as the yellow ‘Signs’ box under the east church canopy entrance. The lessons are about the book of Isaiah - one of the most quoted book by Jesus (His other most quoted books are Deuteronomy and Psalm). You can also download  Bible Study Guide here. Or search in your app store (search for the blue and white "Sabbath School" logo in the category Education) and study in your app as well.
• A VESPERS SERIES IS PLANNED for Sabbath evenings in January and February at 5pm. The video Bible story series, “Chosen” will be shown in the sanctuary.
• IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DE TOLEDO CONTINUES @ 11AM in church fellowship hall (but may be canceled if Lucas County goes purple). Tenemos servicio en español en la sala del comedor todos los sábados de 11-1:15. 
• CHILDREN'S SABBATH SCHOOLS Cradle Roll (0-2) and Kindergarten (3-6) will now be meeting in the school (but will be canceled if Lucas County goes purple). Primary (7-9) will be meeting in the fellowship hall, and teachers request that all children wear masks if able to. Juniors (10-12) will meet in their usual classroom same time in the daycare area and Youth (13+) will continue meeting in Youth room. Singspiration for all ages remains in sanctuary and begins at 9:30am.
• CHRISTVENTISTS SERMON SERIES RESUMES FEB 20 The apostolic church in Acts learned to hold tightly to Jesus and the teachings of Jesus. And thus became known by their love for Jesus and the world God so loved. Join us in person / online / Roku / dial in telephone Zoom.
• MISS A MESSAGE? Did you know you can read the sermon notes via PDF by clicking this link for Pastor's Mike's Sermons?
• WHY PRAY? Because:
  • God hears our prayers. "As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me" (Micah 7:7).
  • Our prayers make a difference. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
  • We have been made right with God. "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:22).
  • Our requests are in line with God’s will. "And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him" (1 John 5:14).
  • The Father blesses His obedient children with confidence in asking for the impossible. "Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments" (Psalm 119:173).
  • We are commanded to do so. "Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (Hebrews 4:16).
  • We know He is able to do beyond what we request. "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20)
• FORECASTING HOPE MOVES TO YOUTUBE Previously published links for Forecasting Hope expired NOV 15, 2020. But the good news is the entire Forecasting Hope Series is now avail on DVD (see church office) and on YouTube (click previous link).
• SAVE THOUSANDS ON TUITION TO ADVENTIST COLLEGE Did you know students can clep out of many college courses saving thousands of tuition dollars and maximizing their time at Adventist college by studying Saylor Academy's free online courses at their own pace, paying to take a comprehensive exam, and transfering credits to participating universities? Go to https://www.saylor.org/about/ for more info!
• TRUTHLINK Our world is filled with dark rumors and misinformation about God that has many people either running from Him in horror or trying to serve Him like slaves. [truth]LINK.org is a unique Bible study experience that achieves a high level of doctrinal clarity while showing the centrality of God’s love to every biblical truth. All you have to do is log in and get started. With the completion of each lesson, you have access to the next topic. [truth]LINK is easy to take with you on your phone or tablet, as well, so you can pick up at any time, anywhere, right where you left off in the series. I just finished these and highly recommend for friends and family.
• TEN COMMANDMENTS BEFORE SINAI? The ten commandments precede Sinai. We know this is true because references to the ten commandments exist in some form or fashion prior to Sinai. And God could not hold those breaking them accountable if there was no law (Romans 4:15).
  • Genesis 35:1 (No other Gods?)
  • Genesis 35:2 (No graven images?)
  • Genesis 24:3 (No taking God's name in vain?)
  • Genesis 2:3 / Exodus 16:28-29 (No seventh day Sabbath?)
  • Genesis 27:41 (No honoring father and mother?)
  • Genesis 4:7-9 (No murder?)
  • Genesis 39:6-9 (No adultery?)
  • Genesis 44:5 (No stealing?)
  • Genesis 39:10-12,16-17 (No false witness?)
  • Genesis 12:18 (No coveting?) 
• TEN COMMANDMENTS AFTER SINAI AND THE CROSS? The ten commandments remain. We know this is true because references to the ten commandments exist in some form or fashion after Sinai and the Cross. And God could not hold those breaking them accountable if there was no law (Romans 4:15).
  • Colossians 3:4 (Don't be greedy...worshiping the things of this world - no other Gods?)
  • Colossians 3:5 (For a greedy person is an idolater - no graven images?)
  • Colossians 3:8 (Now is the time to get rid of...dirty language - no taking God's name in vain?)
  • Matthew 24:20 / Hebrews 4:9 / Revelation 14:6-7 (There is a seventh day Sabbath keeping that remains - remember the seventh day Sabbath?)
  • Ephesians 6:1-3 (Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord - honoring father and mother?)
  • Colossians 3:8 / 1 John 3:5 (But now is the time to get rid of anger / no murder?)
  • Colossians 3:5 (Have nothing to do with sexual immorality - no adultery?)
  • Ephesians 2:8 (Quit stealing - no stealing?)
  • Colossians 3:9 (Don't lie - no false witness?)
  • Colossians 3:5 NKJV (Put to death covetousness - no coveting?)
• PRAY FOR HOPE! APOCALYPSE OF HOPE PROPHECY SEMINAR POSTPONED until April 16, 2021 - May 15, 2021. Join me in asking God to give us the opportunity to provide this series of Christocentric grace based hope filled meetings next spring.
• WANNA N.E.W. S.T.A.R.T? Try focusing on better:
  • Nutrition. Protein comes from plants too!
  • Get more Exercise. Walk an intentional mile every day
  • Drink more Water. I like the Kroger carbonated kind
  • Take vitamin D3 supplements and try to get some daily Sunshine
  • Temperance means abstaining from that which is harmful and moderation in that which is good
  • Fresh Air especially at night if possible through open open windows; implement and practice daily deep breathing exercises
  • Rest. Not just on Sabbath but shutting off screens earlier to get 8 hours of sleep too
  • Time with God. Not just on Sabbath but at the beginning and end of every day
• CHILD PROTECTION SCREENING PROCESS Now would be a good time to get recertified. The new web-based platform features a training and screening system for both employees and volunteers across all conferences in the division. All volunteers and employees may register by going to: http://www.ohioadventist.org/ and selecting Sterling Volunteers on the top of the web page.
• ELLEN WHITE WEBSITE The internet is a blessing and a curse. One blessing comes in the form of a new website sharing balanced Seventh-day Adventist explanations of Ellen White and the 25 million words, 100k pages, and 49 books she wrote with a third grade education during her lifetime. The curse comes from the myriad of sites sharing inaccurate or intentionally misleading conclusions regarding her ministry. Whether others find her writings helpful or not, shouldn't one make that decision on reputable sources? One of my favorite quotes from her pen is: "Truth can afford to be fair."
• DO YOU KNOW HOW YOUR TITHE DOLLARS ARE DISTRIBUTED? By far the largest portion of tithes in the North American Division (NAD) stays locally. For example, this is how a $100 portion of tithes are distributed in the NAD (based on 2018 figures). $66 stays in the local conference (Ohio for us); $10 goes to Defined Benefit Retirement; $9 goes to the Union Conference (Columbia Union Conference for us); $9.15 goes to the NAD; $5.85 goes to the General Conference. This information is taken from the Follow the Funds article on page 11 of the May 2020 issue of Adventist Journey.
• TOP TEN LIST OF JESUS BOOKS FOR NEW ADVENTISTS I'm giving each of my children a box of my fave books. We often give away Tyner's and Vendon's books as graduation gifts. Make sure you, your kids and grandkids have read these! Try adventistbookcenter.com before Amazon
  • As Light Lingers by Nina Atcheson
  • Searching for the God of Grace by Stuart Tyner
  • Salvation by Faith and Your Will by Morris Vendon
  • Surprised by Love by Elizabeth Talbot
  • I Used to Be Perfect by George Knight
  • It’s All About Him by Lee Vendon
  • Knowing God in the Real World by Jon Paulien
  • Why Didn’t They Tell Me? by Morris Vendon
  • Beyond Common Ground: Why Liberals and Conservatives Need Each Other by Alden Thompson
  • The Eleventh Commandment by Dwight Nelson
  • The Faith I Highly Recommend by John McLarty
• TOP TEN LIST OF ADVENTIST RESOURCE BOOKS I'm giving each of my children another box of my fave Adventist resource books to help them. Maybe they will help you too?
  • 52 Sabbath Activities for Teen Groups by Don Pate
  • Pause for Peace by Clifford Goldstein
  • Light Bearers to the Remnant by R.W. Schwarz
  • Questions on Doctrine edited by George Knight
  • Joyful Noise by Ed Christian
  • Daniel: Wisdom to the Wise by Zdravko Stefanovic 
  • Revelation of Jesus Christ by Ranko Stefanovic
  • In Granite or Ingrained? by Skip MacCarty
  • Graffiti in the Holy of Holies by Clifford Goldstein
  • Ellen White Under Fire by Jud Lake
  • God’s Character and the Last Generation edited by Jiri Moskala
  • Homosexuality, Marriage, and the Church edited by Roy Gane
• ROKU If you have Roku, and would like to watch Sabbath School (Saturdays 9:30am) and Church (Saturdays 11am), search "Streaming Channels" in Roku for "Toledo First SDA Church" and bam, there you go. Enjoy! #HappySabbath!
• THE ADVENTIST GIVING APP We want to continue to give Toledo First the opportunity to participate in the worship of giving. While you can always do so via the church website (tfsda.org), you could also download The Adventist Giving App available in both iOS Appstore and Android’s Google Play store. Just search using keyword “AdventistGiving” to download the App to your phone or tablet and thank you for continuing to support your local church!
• FRIENDSHIP DINNERS AND FELLOWSHIP MEALS POSTPONED until further notice.
• CHERRY STREET MEALS Volunteers are always needed to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner especially on Sundays and Thanksgiving. You can call Community Relations Manager Susan Graalman at 419-214-3357 or 419-214-3419. You can also email her at volunteer@cherrystreetmission.org.  
• BATTLE PLAN CHURCH CHAT "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God." - Colossians 3:16 (ASV) Are you struggling with anxiety, addiction, depression, loneliness throughout the week? Get connected with our church chat! Be strengthened by sharing scripture, devotional thought, praise, prayer requests and connecting with fellow believers morning (7a-8a), noon (12-1p) and/or evening (7p-8p). Text Brandi @ 765-716-2190 with your preferred time and get connected! "Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too." - 1 Peter 5:8-9 (TLB)
• BEST ADVENTIST RECIPE SWAP If you're looking for a favorite vegetarian or vegan recipe from academy, church, or some Adventist friend made for you, it's probably here! Search Facebook for Best Adventist Recipe Swap. Enjoy!
• JESUS MOVIES I Still Believe, Ray of Hope, The Chosen (Season 1: Episodes 1-8); A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Harriet, Just Mercy, The Apostle, The Pilgrim's Progress, Luther, Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey, Faith, Hope & Love, Christmas Grace; The Nativity Story; The Star; The Conscientious Objector (2004); The Ultimate Gift; Shadowlands; The Shack; Cutback; Soul Surfer; Grace UnPlugged; End of the Spear; The Mission; Beautifully Broken; Running for Grace; Steve McQueen: American Icon; The Resurrection of Gavin Stone; Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed; Is Genesis History?; God's Not Dead; Fireproof; War Room; The Case for Christ; The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry; Amazing Grace; Once I Was a Beehive; I Can Only Imagine.
• GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE If you've never heard of the Geoscience Research Institute, here's their website https://www.grisda.org. Established in 1958, this organization is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church with a mission to discover and share an understanding of nature and its relationship with the Biblical revelation of the Creator God. It has all kinds of resources and articles related to intelligent design and evolution and dinosaurs and many other interesting subjects. I enjoy reading their quarterly email update. You can subscribe by clicking here and filling out the form asking to be included in their quarterly e-newsletter.
• NEW SERMONS Please see church website for sermon archives and more info at tfsda.org.
  • DEC 26 - How the Message is the Real Christmas Story (Pastor Steve Cozzens preaching)
  • JAN 2 - Youth Day (Pastor Mike + Youth leading worship)
  • JAN 9 - TBA 
  • JAN 16 - Questions on Diet and Foods Part 1 (Pastor Mike preaching) 
  OUR WELCOME We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, y no habla ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying newborns, skinny as a rail, or could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you sing like Andrea Bocelli or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woke up, or just got out of jail. We don’t care if you’re more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s baptism. We welcome service dogs and their handlers. We welcome Muslims, Jews, politicians, and sinners like us. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk- food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, or you’re down in the dumps, or you don’t like “organized religion;” we’ve been there too. If you blew all your offering money at the casino, you’re welcome here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat, who work hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or come because grandma is in town and wanted to go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, or both. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers, doubters, bleeding hearts...and you.
• OUR STORY Our church website has an excellent downloadable resource featuring our story and explanation of our unique Christian Adventist emphasis. It's called the Toledo First Assimilation Manual and if you've never read it, I would encourage you to do so. And don't forget, God loves you like crazy. And so do we (2 Corinthians 5:13-14 NLT)!

Love ye,