Sabbath services on a cold January 6, 2018 morning began with a song service led by Angela Volpe, accompanied by Mark Kent on the piano. The opening song was “I’ve Found a Friend”. Barbara Ellis welcomed everyone.
John Ellis read the scripture reading – Proverbs 18:24 “A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.” He then had prayer.
John Ellis then read a mission story from Puerto Rico. Church members there started an outdoor ministry that eventually evolved to a mission of food and Bible study for the homeless people. This led to an outside communion service that deeply touched the homeless people concerned. He then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Jakob (sophomore) and Oliver (junior) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.
Moises (sophomore) then played a violin solo. Barbara Ellis had the superintendent’s remarks on friends. Barbara Ellis then announced the classes and had the closing prayer.
The congregation then became two Sabbath School classes, one taught by Jim Brenneman in the church sanctuary and one in the back of the sanctuary “behind the glass” taught by Ricardo Reid.
Following are a few notes from the theme talk:
1. Some people don’t want people to get too close but are warmhearted when you get to know them.
2. Some are like a teddy bear, warm and comforting.
3. Then there are bubbly friends.
4. There are praying friends who communicate with God whenever they think you need it.
5. A house with friends doesn’t need elaborate and expensive furnishings. It exhibits love.
6. Fate doesn’t allow us to pick our relatives, but we can have the privilege of picking our friends.
7. A friend comforted John Huss as he was being led to the stake by merely taking hold of his hand.
8. As a friend, you have many opportunities to help those you are friends of. Just sending thank-you notes can change people’s outlooks.
9. Proverbs 18:24 “A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.”
10. Mark 5:19 “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”
Personnel Other Than Students:
Angela Volpe – Mark Kent’s fiancé
Jim Brenneman – teaches some of the academy English and social student classes / works with the grounds department
John and Barbara Ellis – former Laurelbrook staff members retired and living nearby / John – retired mechanic, local church deacon
Mark Kent – Laurelbrook IT person
Ricardo Reid – assistant boys dean / head local church elder
