Laurelbrook Academy SDA Church

Sabbath services on January 27, 2018 began with a song service led by Angela Volpe, accompanied by Mark Kent on the piano.  The opening song was “In the Heart of Jesus”. 

Clayton Brandt had prayer and read the scripture reading – 2 Peter 1:2 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” Beth Brandt welcomed everyone.

She then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Asher (9th grader) and Suriel (junior) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.  Clayton Brandt then sang a vocal solo, accompanying himself on the guitar.

Beth Brandt had the superintendent’s remarks on gifts.  The congregation gave some personal testimonies. Clayton Brandt then announced the classes and had the closing prayer. 

The congregation then became four Sabbath School classes, one taught by Eva Gonzales in the church sanctuary and one in the back of the sanctuary “behind the glass” taught by Elizabeth Castle, one in the CNA House taught by Rich Sutton, and one in the nursing home taught by Ricardo Reid. 

Following are a few notes from the theme talk:

1. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 
2. God’s Word helps us spiritually to avoid the pitfalls of sin.
3. John 1:1, 4 “1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” 
4. 2 Peter 1:19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” 
5. Revelation 19:10 “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” 
6. We are blessed to have the Bible and Ellen White’s writings within our reach. But we often get busy and neglect to read the writings that God has provided.
7. Ellen White’s writings reveal the heart and mind of Jesus given through one of His loving children.
8. Putting into practice what her writings say brings us the blessings God has ready for us.
9. Ask God to understand what you find difficult.
10. Peace, joy, and satisfaction come from following the counsels the Lord has provided.
11. Ellen White’s writings will be held in little regard before Jesus comes.  But her writings gives needed warnings for various situations of life.
12. The ancient Jews were stubborn just like us today. They rejected Christ – we reject what God has given us through the Bible and Ellen White’s writings.
13. If depression bothers us, Ellen White says to plead with Jesus to draw us to Him. If we do this, we will might as well be inside the City of God.
14. If we pray, God will work with us, especially when doing canvassing or other work for God.
15. God is just, but He also is gracious and ready and save each of us if we repent.

Personnel Other Than Students:

Angela Volpe – Mark Kent’s fiancé / academy office secretary
Beth Brandt – wife of Clayton Brandt
Clayton Brandt – works with Laurelbrook’s heavy equipment
Elizabeth Castle – works with the marketing department of the Laurelbrook Nursing Home
Eva Gonzales – works with the housekeeping department of the Laurelbrook Nursing Home
Mark Kent – Laurelbrook IT person
Ricardo Reid – assistant boys’ dean / head local church elder
Rich Sutton – Laurelbrook president