Oct 187 min read

Oxford SDA Sabbath Service 19th October 2024

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the LORD Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Romans 13:11-14 (KJV)

Announcements

Prayer Ministries:
1. This Sabbath, 19th October, 2024, will be our quarterly day of Prayer and Fasting. All are welcome. Those who are willing and able are free to participate in the fasting.
  THEME:
  Preparing for the Final Events and Soon Coming of Jesus: Called to Serve.
  KEY TEXT:
  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
  Resources:
  https://www.revivalandreformation.org/resources/all/prayer-and-fasting-days
2. Our Week of Prayer will take place from 10th - 16th November, 2024, at the Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church, every evening, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
  THEME: Revival and Reformation (Revived by the living Word of God).
  KEY TEXT: Ezekiel 37:1-3.
  All are welcome. Please be there with all your family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
3. Starting from 1st, October 2024, our Tuesday, Mid-week prayer and bible study sessions are held in-person at church. Please invite friends, and neighbours, as we stand in the gap, seeking the Lord in Prayer and bible study. We would also like to remind the church community (those who are willing and able) that we will be fasting and praying every other Tuesday of the week in our respective homes. Testimonies and breakthroughs will be shared when we meet for prayer at 7pm at Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church.
4. GAP prayer group is open to all members who would like to pray and intercede for others. Every day 6am and 2pm. Kindly note that we use a free conference call app for GAP prayer meetings on this website, freeconferencecall.com . To participate:
  1. Download the free App on your mobile or laptop
  2. Then call this number 03330154193.
  3. If prompted, then enter this Access ID: 521037#
Music Ministries:
- Join the Church Choir: The music department is inviting new members to join the Church Choir. If you are interested, please see Sis. Esther, Sis. Nicole, or Sis. Mutsa for more information.
Community Services:
- The Community Services team invites you all to continue bringing your donations – Non-perishable foods and clothing for all ages. This will benefit our members and the community at large. If you require support or directions in this regard, please contact the Community Services team for more information or Elder Maxwell.
Selection Committee – Oxford Church members are encouraged to vote for the
selection committee. The vote closes on Sunday, 20th October, 2024 midnight. Please click on this form link to vote for the selection committee if you have not voted yet.
The same link has also been shared on Oxford Church Communications, including WhatsApp and via email.
Jackie Brown and her family will lead a special health programme on the 2nd and 3rd November, 2024. Jackie is a medical missionary who delivers engaging and inspiring information on healthy lifestyle. On Sunday morning there will be a cooking demonstration with food tasting. Further details coming soon.
On Sabbath, 9th November, 2024, Pastor Christian Salcianu, the BUC Director of Adventist Discovery Centre, is scheduled to preach at the Oxford International Church, our sister Church at the All Saints Church House, New High Street, Headington, Oxford OX3 7AL.
If you are interested in Baptism or in the transfer of your Church membership, please see our Church Clerk or any of the Elders.
Special thanks to Sis. Boi, Sis Patience for preparing the lunch for this Sabbath.
Next Sabbath, 26th October 2024
1. Afternoon Programme: Adventurers & Pathfinders
2. Elder on duty: Elder Jules Pagna Disso
3. Lunch Rota: Sis. Boi, Patience and team to help coordinate catering.
SEC, BUC and other external events:
1. Get ready for Envision 2024! If you missed the first-ever “Envision Conference” last year, you do not want to miss it this year. Envision is a Young Adults International Conference. A weekend of inspirational speakers, workshops, music, the opportunity to meet new people, network and much more…. We have limited spaces, so don’t walk… run to register now at https://bit.ly/envisionregistration2024! The deadline for all registration and payments was 15th October 2024. See flyer and Watch for prom video for more details.
2. GAiN EUROPE 2024, the Global Adventist Internet Network conference, is set to take place from November 15-19, 2024, in Budva, Montenegro. This year's theme, "Connected. Deep and Wide," will focus on communication and media ministries for the mission, cooperation with personal ministries and publishing, and young creatives sharing faith through digital media. The event brings together leaders, communicators, content creators, and experts in various communication, media, and mission fields. The conference, organised by the Inter-European Division, Trans-European Division, and Hope Media Europe, will be held at the Hotel Splendid. Participants can expect to hear from experts and leaders in communication, media, personal ministries, publishing, and youth. Registration costs, including meals, are €380 per person for a shared room or €495 for a single room. Shuttle services will be provided from Podgorica airport, with attendees responsible for transportation from Tivat and Dubrovnik. Click here to register.
3. The SEC Communications have recently announced the newly created official WhatsApp Channel of the South-England Conference. The aim is to enhance communication platforms to reach as many members as possible with vital announcements, interesting stories, newsletter content, relevant pictures, presidential updates, and departmental events. Members and existing WhatsApp groups are encouraged to follow the SEC WhatsApp Channel.

Adventurers and Pathfinder Clubs

🌟 Join the Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs at Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church today!

Are you ready for an exciting journey of faith, fun, and friendship? Look no further! Our church is thrilled to invite children aged 4-15 to be a part of Pathfinders and Adventurers, a worldwide organization sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 🚀 **Embark on an Adventurous Faith Journey:** Discover the joy of growing in faith through engaging activities, outdoor adventures, and meaningful service projects. Pathfinders and Adventurers is not just a program; it's a pathway to building character, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection with God. 🌟 **A World of Friendship and Fun:** Make lifelong friends and create unforgettable memories! Our diverse and welcoming community at Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church is excited to embrace your child in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. 🌍 **Global Connections, Local Impact:** Be part of something bigger! Pathfinders and Adventurers connect children worldwide, fostering a sense of global community while making a positive impact right here in Oxford. 🎉 **What to Expect:** - Outdoor adventures - Creative arts and crafts - Service projects - Character-building activities - Friendship and fun 📅 **Join Us for the 2023/24 Calendar:** Every child is welcome to join our upcoming events and sessions. Embrace the opportunity to grow spiritually, develop essential life skills, and be part of a supportive community. For more information and registration details, contact Lily's mum or Alanna's dad. Let's make 2023/24 a year of faith, friendship, and fantastic adventures! 🌟 **Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church - Guiding the Next Generation on an Extraordinary Journey!**

Order Of Service

09:45 - 10:00 am

Welcome & Opening Prayer Praise and Worship

10:00 - 10:45 am - Adult Lesson Study

Church Sabbath School Session:

SS 2024 Quarter 4: Themes in the Gospel of John

Lesson 3: The Backstory: The Prologue

Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

“Jesus has said, ‘I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.’ John 12:32. Christ must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as we behold the Lamb of God upon the cross of Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold to our minds and the goodness of God leads us to repentance. In dying for sinners, Christ manifested a love that is incomprehensible; and as the sinner beholds this love, it softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition in the soul. . . . Whenever they [people] make an effort to reform, from a sincere desire to do right, it is the power of Christ that is drawing them. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened, and the outward life is amended. And as Christ draws them to look upon His cross, to behold Him whom their sins have pierced, the commandment comes home to the conscience.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 26, 27.