Trees are majestic! I love to visit the Redwoods or the Sequoia forests. Some of them are just amazing to gaze at, or to sit beneath and feel so small. Then there are the giants that have fallen and exposed their root systems and I am even more entranced. As much as I love to look at the tallest and broadest trees I am. somehow humbled when I see the massive root system that has held them in place and provided them with nourishment, sometimes through centuries of time. The church is sometimes compared to a tree. It is a tree that is to bear fruit, but that only happens if we rely upon the roots for life and support. Only as we are securely connected to the vine and to the Root can we have life. We need to feed that which gives us life.
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
A Tree Grows in Carmichael
April 27, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • John 15:5–8
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Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
May 25, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Ephesians 1:15–18
I have found that many people have a difficult time understanding and/or feeling comfortable with the concept of God's calling. What, exactly, is that supposed to feel like? How do I know for sure if God is calling me to a specific ministry or job or relationship? I have certainly felt a "calling" to ministry. It came when I was quite young and even when I walked away from God I knew that "calling" was still there. Then when I surrendered to Him I knew immediately what I was to do. A calling is not often an audible voice and it often is not even an overwhelming feeling. I believe that each and every one of us is called, but we are called to Him rather than to a task. Once we are surrendered to Him then we will begin to see, often slowly and step by step, how He wants to work through us by living in us. My prayer is that you will be open to His leading and His calling as you renew your minds to be transformed by Him rather than conformed to the calling of the world.
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
May 18, 2024 • Pastor Benji Ferguson • 1 Peter 5:8–11
While this isn't an official Youth Sabbath this weekend, it is a Youth Sabbath. I'm so excited that almost the entire service is High School students. Our Praise team this week even kicked me out of the band! I do not take for granted that Carmichael is a wonderful bubble in Christianity where intergenerational worship isn't just something that is a token week. It is who we are and what we do. You have purposefully and intentionally built that culture over the last two decades and it is special. My sermon this week comes from me being distracted last time we had communion. I found a text that I don't think I'd fully read before as I was processing Jesus' last night with His disciples. I talked to Dr. Steve Case afterwards and asked if he'd ever heard a sermon on that text...he said he couldn't recall one, so I decided then that it would be my next sermon. I've been challenged as I've prepared, but also encouraged. I hope you walk away from this week with more hope and gratitude than you had before. I can't wait to worship with you this weekend! Pastor Benji
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
May 11, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Revelation 22:5–6
I walk every day by faith! I know I'm safe in God's hands for eternity by faith, that is simply by believing that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He said He would do. I can't picture heaven clearly, but I see it by faith. I know I'm still a sinner, but I accept His gift of righteousness by faith. I see through a veil dimly, but one day I will see Him face to face. But, because of His promises I am 100% certain that one day, by faith, I will not only see Him, but will reign with Him forever. The Bible, the Word of God, tells me that these words are trustworthy and true. You can take it to the bank!