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Spring!

3/21/2022

It is spring! You may have noticed flowers beginning to bloom and plants budding. Perhaps like me you have already been outside prepping soil and doing some preliminary yard work to get things ready. This last week I did something new. I picked up a couple of bird feeders. One is a caged one for woodpeckers and other like birds, and you put a large piece of suet in each side. The other is one for the smaller birds, and is full of sunflowers. Two new things for our property, and now we have lots of visitors.

As spring brings a newness to our surroundings, consider the newness that Christ has to offer each one of us. He makes all things new. If anyone is in Christ they are a new creation. I long for the new, how about you? It’s been a rough two years, but I know God is still on the move and in the business of making things new! Look at what He says in Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. We can anticipate newness from God. What are you hoping He will make new in your life?

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Birds and the Kingdom

2/21/2022

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Spring is upon us! I am excited about this, because as some of you know I have taken up a new hobby—birding! Now whenever I go on a walk or hike, I am sure that I have my binoculars with me and a birding app at my fingers so I can identify new species. After my first month of birding I’ve successfully identified 45 species of birds, with approximately 9,655 to go!

With birding, I’ve noticed that I approach the outdoors differently. I’m much more aware. Much more in tune with what’s going on in the treetops and around me. I’m always looking around, seeking to find a new bird, or practice identifying and studying the ones I’m familiar with. In my small experience with the hobby, I’m keenly aware of just how vast the study of birds really is!

In light of the nature of birding, I cannot help but think of the Christian walk in its similarities. We are called to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). We must ever be growing, learning, pursuing God and His Kingdom, and especially His righteousness. This subject is so vast, that in this life we will never "check the box" and say “done!” Instead, we are to always be changing in light of what He reveals to us day to day.

So this is the challenge to you and to me this month--to pursue Him every day. To grow just a little more each day. To learn just a bit more about Jesus and His call on our lives. And to seek His Kingdom above all things.

God bless you!

Pastor Nate

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Giving Thanks

10/28/2021

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Hello everyone! It is Fall. I love this time of year because so much outside changes. Have you noticed all the leaves changing colors? It seems like every venture outdoors is full of surprises as we see God’s artistry in the natural world. It is especially beautiful when a gust of wind comes along and causes a mass of leaves to float gently to the ground. But fall also brings rain. Mud. Puddles. Increased stopping distances and treacherous driving.

I’ve noticed that in life we have a choice. To pay attention to what is beautiful and encouraging, or pay attention to what is ugly and disappointing. I’ve also noticed that when I take the time to recount what I am grateful for and give thanks, my attitude changes. I feel better about life. And I also feel closer to the Lord. In fact, the Bible tells us that this is what God really wants for us! “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This month we are going to focus on what we are grateful for, and we need your help! In the foyer is a box and cards for you to share what you are thankful for. Put in as many as you would like! Let’s fill it up! Also, feel free to leave a comment below regarding what you are thankful for! During the service each Sabbath we will share these notes of thanksgiving to be encouraged by God’s many blessings.

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Body-building!

5/5/2021

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The human body is a remarkable network of systems and organs. As a biological miracle, God has fearfully and wonderfully created each one of us to live, function, thrive, and fulfill His purposes. When all of the body is functioning well, we call that reality “health.” When one of those vital parts of our body isn’t functioning well, we call it “disease” or even “failure.”

When it comes to the Gladstone Park church body, God’s will is that “we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

What a picture of health! And it requires each of us working together for growth and vitality to carry out mission. Consider this month how you can serve the Lord as an active part of the church body. Please fill out the Ministry Involvement Survey either on our church website, or with a hard copy provided in the church foyer. God bless you!

Pastor Nate

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Resurrection and New Life

3/31/2021

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It’s Spring! Sunshine, budding plants and singing birds are bringing joy to our lives. Just like a year ago, I’m missing our annual Easter production, Follow the Lamb. This time last year we were entering a time of lockdown, fear, and uncertainty. Much like the disciples after the crucifixion. But now, with the pandemic waning, momentum is beginning to increase as we are entering a new season of church life.

When Jesus rose from the grave, it changed everything. New life was breathed into the movement which came to be known as Christianity. This was all due to the unstoppable power of the Gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That powerful gospel is just as true today as it was 2000 years ago, when the resurrection news changed lives and grew the church.

Consider today that Jesus is breathing new life into His church in Gladstone. Life that transforms hearts and launches us into mission. Life that brings us together and send us out. What does the good news of the gospel do to your life? What should it mean for church life? Let’s seek the resurrected Lord’s will, and anticipate good things from Him in this new season!

Nate Hellman
Pastor
Gladstone Park Seventh-day Adventist Church

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Bundle Up!

1/29/2020

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Hasn’t it been a bit cold lately? I know that some of you wear summer clothes all year long and are seemingly immune to temperature extremes (you know who you are), but it has been cold! And unfortunately, there has been no snow as of yet. I heard somewhere that it was supposed to be a really bad winter, but here we are. Just chilly rain, rain, rain. When it’s cold outside, one of the best things to do is to find someplace warm. Maybe next to a roaring fire with a hot drink, book, and a pet in your lap (you introverts know what I’m talking about). We naturally keep our homes warm in the winter and wear warm clothes longing for Spring to...spring. When it’s cold, we look for someplace warm.
When we look around the world today we see the signs of the times on the increase. We also see evidence of what Jesus says about these days, that “the love of many will grow cold.” With all the division and strife among people these days, coupled with the individualized nature of our culture, it’s easy to see love take a back seat. So how does one “bundle up” against the coldness of the world? Naturally, by being filled with God’s love. Observe:

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” - Colossians 3:14

We are called to be intentional in “putting on love.” Our world has plenty to offer otherwise, but love is what warms up the cold world. The love of God accepted and then reciprocated to others is what changes things around us. Today, young people and people in general aren’t looking for something trendy, hip, or dazzling. They aren’t looking for something cool. They are looking for something warm. As Jake Mulder says in his book Growing Young, for people today, “warm is the new cool.” People are longing for a warm, loving community.

So I challenge myself and I challenge you to make love a priority this month. Go out of the way to love others. I hear that people will then know we are Christians! What are some ways in which you can love others well?

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Pastor Nate Hellman has a passion for Jesus and His Mission, and for family. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, drawing, study, writing, disc golf, home improvement, and especially spending time with his wife Emily and their 4 children.

Spring!

Birds and the Kingdom

Giving Thanks

Body-building!

Resurrection and New Life

Bundle Up!

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