FROM THE WORD

Designer Christianity

Religion statistics expert George Barna recently suggested that America is headed for “310 million people with 310 million religions.”  With people who make-up-God-as-they-go, side-by-side with self-proclaimed believers who take the Christian label but shed ties with doctrine and practice, Barna’s prediction might not be too far fetched after all.

Some have called our generation a “designer society” customizing our clothing, food, education, and unfortunately religion too.  People believe in God, believe the Bible is a good book, but then believe whatever they want.

Sociologist Robert Bellah first saw this phenomenon emerging in the 1980’s.  In a book he co-authored, Habits Of The Heart, he introduced Sheila, a woman who represented this trend.  Sheila says: “I can’t remember that last time I went to church.  My faith has carried me a long way.  It’s Sheilaism.  Just my own little voice…It’s just try to love yourself and be gentle with yourself.  You know, I guess, take care of each other.  I think God would want us to take care of each other.”

Bellah went on to say something shocking...

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CENNTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (February 7 to 13): 

Tuesday @ 10:00 AM – Women’s Bible Study

Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with Elder Buddy Harper

Wednesday @ 7:00 PM - Spanish Group Prayer Meeting 

Various L.I.F.E. groups (in-home small group Bible studies) take place across Sacramento. To locate one near you contact our small groups’ coordinator, Richard Anger @ (916) 681-3990

Sabbath @ 9:00 AM - Morning Manna – JeAnn Davis 

Sabbath @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Pastor Chris Buttery + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School Classes

Sabbath @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Pastor Chris Buttery 

Sabbath @ 1:00 PM – Men’s/Women’s Ministry Luncheon

Upcoming Events

Pathfinder Sabbath. Join us on Sabbath, February 20 for Pathfinder Sabbath during the main service. Be blessed as our aspiring young people lead out in the service, coupled with an encouraging message from Pastor Fred Dana.

Central Church Retreat. Plan now to join us for our annual church retreat at Leoni Meadows, March 4-6, 2016 with featured speaker Randy Skeete. Activities for children and youth.  Applications can be picked up at the church office, hostess desk, or on our website – www.saccentral.org/church-retreat.

Ministry Opportunities

Gardening Ministry. Our Garden Ministry assists the church in beautifying the property grounds. A team of volunteers meets each Wednesday morning to plant, weed, prune, and water. There are no special qualifications needed just a desire to see God’s house look beautiful. Please contact the church office or Karen Medeiros at k.medeiros@sbcglobal.net if you can help.

Family Matters

Welcome! We want to welcome the following individual to her new ministry positions here at Central: Hope Beale – Assistant Music Ministry Leader. May God use you in a powerful way in your newly elected position.

Smart Thrift is accepting donations. If you have items that need to be picked up, please call Teri Harper at 916.457.6500.

Watch Us on Television! Enjoy viewing Central’s flagship programs, Central Study Hour, every Friday night at 8 PM and Sabbath morning at 6 AM (PST) on 3ABN Proclaim! Also enjoy our Receiving the Word, 30-minute programs weekly on Sunday at 11 AM, Tuesday at 11:30 AM (NEW TIME), Wednesday at 8:30 PM, and Thursday at 9 PM (NEW TIME) on Sacramento Faith TV (Comcast – 20; CCI – 19; AT&T – 14). These can also be viewed on our website (www.saccentral.org) and our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/thecentralconnection). Let everyone know where they can receive timely Bible messages!

Podcasts Available! If you didn't know, every Central Study Hour and worship service can be viewed and downloaded by going to our website (https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/sermons). This is an easy way for you to invite friends and family to listen to important Bible messages coming from Central church. The podcasts are uploaded a week after the live presentation.

If you want others to enjoy receiving this e-newsletter as much as you do, please invite them to sign up by going to https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/central-happenings/

BITS & PIECES FROM ELSEWHERE

News & Events

Sacramento Adventist Academy invites any 8th to 11th grade student considering Sacramento Adventist Academy for the 2016-2017 school year to attend this year’s Visitation Day, Wednesday, February 17. To sign up and/or find out more call 916.481.2300 or email office@sacaa.org. 

Sacramento Adventist Academy would like to invite you to advertise your business in their 2015-2016 school yearbook. If you are interested, please contact Mel Wade at mwade@sacaa.org. Deadline is February 15. 

Orangevale Adventist School invites kindergarten and first grade students, and their parents, to their Visitation Day on February 24 from 9 to 11 AM. This is for the next school year (2016-2017). Please RSVP at 916.988.4310.

Covered & Kept Ministries is hosting a fundraiser, “Family-Fit Skate Night”, on February 14 from 6 to 8 PM at Foothill Skate Inn, 4700 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento. Pre-register at www.coveredandkept.com, or call Karen Johnson at 916.519.7077 for more information.

Black History Program, “I Have a Dream…”, will be presented at the West Sacramento Adventist Church, 2860 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento on February 20 at 6 PM.

Resources

The Testimonies for the Church.  These inspired nine volumes on mp3 reveal articles and letters that contain instruction for the church today.  The church members of yesteryear faced the same issues, dangers, and opportunities that challenge us today. Get your copy today.

Conflict of the Ages Audio Book: These audio books will draw you into the great stories of the Bible making you feel like you were there at that moment in history. Books include Patriarch’s & Prophets; Prophets & Kings; Desire of Ages, Acts of the Apostles, and The Great Controversy. Click here to order yours today.