Laurelbrook Academy SDA Church

Sabbath services on January 13, 2018 began with a song service led by Eric (junior), accompanied by Jara (sophomore) on the piano and Jeremy Westcott on the organ.  The opening song was “All Things Bright and Beautiful”. 

Rodney Herra had prayer and read the scripture reading – Luke 12:6-7 “6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” 

Brenda Herra welcomed everyone and shared that nature and revelation alike shows God’s love.

Sarah (senior) then read a story about a father who was a police officer and had two sons.  While hospitalized, he was converted and became concerned about his sons. One son left drugs and other harmful substances and became an Adventist pastor.

She then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Citlali (senior) and Itzel (sophomore) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.  

Brenda Herra had the superintendent’s remarks on nature.  Bubba Herra then sang “The Wonder of It All”, accompanying himself on the guitar for special music. Brenda Herra then announced the classes and had the closing prayer. 

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

Following are a few notes from the theme talk:

1. Nature is God’s second book.
2. The young son of one family brought home a kitten, eventually called Tom. When the family went on a trip, a family living across the city kept him.  Tom was tucked away in a bag and taken to the friend’s house. Tom left shortly afterwards and made it back to home.  When he didn’t find his family, he went back to the friend’s house. He had made the trip of five miles twice.
3. 12,000 wild geese come every fall to Jack’s house and family on the shores of Lake Erie across from Detroit.
4. One goose was taken from Ontario to Oklahoma but found his way back.
5. A toad was taken 10 miles away from home in Boston but was back the next evening.
6. God has given these creatures a love of home and given them abilities to regain that home.
7. God will guide us home, too. 

Personnel Other Than Students:
Brenda Herra – wife of Rodney Herra / student vocational coordinator
Bubba Herra – son of Rodney and Brenda Herra / academy boys’ dean / men’s work coordinator
Clifton Brandt – works with the boiler, water, and sewer systems
Jeremy Westcott – one of the academy classroom teachers
Ricardo Reid – assistant boys’ dean / local head church elder
Rich Sutton – Laurelbrook president
Rodney Herra – works with the auto body shop and the farm and maintenance programs

Rachel (junior) ran the P.A. system for the program.