Each One, Reach One!

This year’s church theme is, “Each One, Reach One.” I’m excited about this, not because the words have a nice ring to it, or because we’re clever to cook up a catchy little phrase like this, but I get excited when I think of the terrific potential this has if we were to catch onto its significance.  Think about this with me for a minute, if you would. 

In Gary Gibbs book, Winsome Witnessing, he shares some observations that are rich with importance.  He asks us to compare an evangelist that baptizes 1,000 converts a day (which admittedly is pretty steep, but you’ll see where this is going in a moment) to a person winning one person to Jesus the first year, then discipling that one person to win someone else the second.  It would look something like this:  Evangelist after one year – 365,000 converts; one person reaching one person the first year – 2 converts.  Evangelist after two years – 730,000 precious people; two persons reaching one person each the second year – 4 precious people. 

Not excited yet?  I understand, but hang in there just a few more moments.  On the twenty-third year the evangelist has 8,395,000 converts to Christ, while each one reaching one that year brings in 8,388,000 converts to Christ.  The next year the “each one, reach one” method doubles the number the evangelist brings in, and by the twenty-sixth year the discipling method gathers in seven times the amount of the evangelist!  And all of this comes from just one dedicated follower of Jesus focused on reaching one person a year for Jesus. 

Now can you see why I see this years’ theme as an exciting proposition.  But before we see these wonderful results, we need to individually think and pray about that “one” that the Lord has in mind for us to bring to Him this year.  So who is he, who is she?  Do you know?  Has God put someone on your heart to reach for Him?  If not, that’s okay, He’ll show you if you ask Him.  If you know who that person is then don’t be afraid or ashamed, just be willing and make yourself available, and God will teach you what to say, when to say it, and how to say it in order to bring that “one” to Him.

Right now, let us pray the prayer Jesus told us to pray and as we do we will see what the Lord can do through one individual, who putting self aside makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. “Lord of the harvest, I earnestly plead that you will throw out laborers into your harvest, and I give you permission to begin with me.“ (Luke 10:2 - paraphrase)

Pastor Chris Buttery

CENTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (January 26 to 31): 

Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with Pastor Chris Buttery – "Jesus Only"

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 – Pastor Michael Butler; @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Pastor Chris Buttery + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School; @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Pastor Chris Buttery; @ 2:00 PM - Discover Your Divine Design with Pastor Chris Buttery

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Discover Your Divine Design Seminar: Every Christian wants to know God’s ultimate purpose for their life. While many know this they struggle to see how they can best fit in and serve within the body of Christ. This practical seminar continues this Sabbath @ 2 PM in the Camellia Room (including the 14th, & 28th), and is geared to matching who you are with areas of ministry, and to help you reach your full potential for the kingdom of God. No need to wonder anymore; you’ve been given a divine design!

Violin Virtuoso: Jaime Jorge will be presenting a special benefit concert for Abundant Life Broadcasting Network this Sabbath, February 7 at 4 PM right here at Central.  An offering will be taken for tower rental and equipment.  Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and blessed by Jaime’s music. Be sure to bring a friend!

Your Neighbor Thrift Store (YNTS): Don’t forget to stop by YNTS to pick up all types of items for your home and personal needs- paper products, new and used clothing, new and used furniture, plus vegetarian food products. Store hours are Monday to Thursday - 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday - 10:30 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM.  The store is located at 6700 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA. Tell a friend or neighbor!

Business Meeting Report: A special thanks to each of our members who attended our recent business meeting. For those who would like to look at the ministry reports and plans for 2014/15 you can view them on our website by going clicking here.

At the conclusion of our meeting those present were invited to participate in a brief brainstorming/ visioning session with the goal of collecting valuable feedback that could be integrated into the mission and ministry of the church. The tabulated results below reflect the condensed input from the various breakout groups highlighting what they consider to be the church’s highest priorities:

1. What factors contribute to our church’s strength? What are we, as a church, doing right at present? 1. Uphold Truth; 2. Focus on Evangelism & Friendly; and 3. Diversity of Ethnicity & Ministries

2. What are we as a church currently doing to disciple and nurture our members? What new ideas/suggestions do you have to add or improve to what we are already doing to not only deepen each persons commitment to, and saving relationship with God, but also to strengthen their love of service? 1. Training & Engaging Members in Ministry; 2. Social Gathering, Mentoring Members, & Small Groups; and 3. Utilizing Social Media for Connectivity

3. What are we presently contributing to the community on an ongoing basis to better it?  What new ideas/suggestions can you offer that will not only meet felt-needs, but also help to develop enduring relationships? 1. Health Ministries; 2. Homeless Ministries; and 3. Recovery Programs & Your Neighbor Thrift Store

4. What are we currently doing to share the everlasting gospel with our community?  What new ideas/suggestions would you like to share that would fulfill the church’s objectives while involving all ages?  How can we reach every person in our assigned territory with the everlasting gospel? 1. In-Home Meetings; 2. Media Ministry & Book Ministry; and 3. Public Evangelism

This information will be considered when plans are being made for church and public ministry.

BULLETIN BOARD - An assortment of happenings, announcements, and resources from around the Seventh-day Adventist Church

News & Announcements

Dr. Herbert Douglass Memorial Service: Elder Douglass’s memorial service is planned for Sabbath, February 14, 2015 @ 4 PM at the Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4600 Winding Way, Sacramento, CA.  In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, contributions in the memory of Dr. Douglass may be directed to either Adventist Heritage Ministry, P.O. Box 141, Battle Creek, MI 49016 (www.adventistheritage.org), or Just As I Am Ministries, 2501 Hwy 193, Lincoln, CA 95648 (www.justasiamministries.com). 

Antichrist Agenda: Amazing Facts recently produced a “news flash” on the advances that Pope Francis and the Catholic Church have been making towards increasing their influence on the world stage. In light of Bible prophecy it’s breathtaking. Take a look and perhaps share it with your Christian friends where appropriate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGQhigQEDo

An Appeal To The 2015 General Conference (GC) Delegates: Recently a short video was produced by the Council of Adventist Pastors that may be worth looking at regarding the upcoming women’s ordination question that will be presented at this years GC Session. It is suggested in this video that the question about women’s ordination to gospel ministry isn’t really about women in ministry but about methods of Bible interpretation. If this is the real issue then this topic is more important than most realize. Click here to watch the message: 

Prayer Retreat: This year’s NCC-sponsored Prayer Retreat at Leoni Meadows takes place March 13 to 15 with Dr. David Levy, M.D., well-known author and neurovascular surgeon. Contact Naomi.Parson@nccsda.com or call (916) 955-4583 to register or for more information.

Resources

Ellen G. White Letters & Manuscripts with Annotations, Vol. 1: “Now you can read between the lines. Introducing a new series that will give you access to all of Ellen White’s letters, diaries, and manuscripts together with explanatory notes. The notes provide an exciting, new level of illumination to the text. They give the date of composition, identity of the addressee, and the background to events or issues alluded to in the text. You’ll also find clarification of old expressions such as “plank road,” “cariole,” and “snug dealing.” Allusions to hymns, poems, and other literary pieces have been identified.” This first volume covers the first 15-years of her ministry. Order yours today from the Adventist Book Center.  

Fed Up: It’s Time to Get Real About Food – This number one, best selling documentary available at Amazon.com will change the way you look at food in your grocery store. Christopher Rosen of Huffington Post says, “It’s a wake up call to everyone who eats.” Check it out here.