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EPHESUS Preview Issue [Fall/Winter 2013]
4 Ask the Pastor 14 Bridging the Gap 18 Reaching Out
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In This Issue
“And the Word
became flesh and
dwelt among
us…”
John 1:14
December Graduates
Ask the Pastor
Induction Ceremony
Children’s Sabbath
Education Day
Thanksgiving Baskets
We Love our Seniors!
Bridging the Gap
Ephesus Men Give Back
Reaching Out
Baptisms and Profession of
Faith
Pray4Togo
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December Graduates Yeiszmen Johnson
Shambra Maxwell
Shantel McGill
Brook Williams
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Ask the Pastor
Are we obligated to tithe on
child support, pensions,
and retirement income? —
Sister M.
2 Cor. 9:7
When I calculate my tithe,
should it be on my net or
my gross income?
Proverbs 3:9-10 says
that God has asked for our
first fruits, which is the first
and best of all that we re-
ceive. That means we should
tithe from our total income
before taxes (gross).
Should I tithe if I am in
debt?
Tithing is an act of wor-
Pastor Pooler answers your questions
ship. If there is anybody in
the world who needs God's
wisdom/blessings in the area
of finances, it is a person
who is already in debt. Re-
turn Tithe & Offering! (Luke
6:38)
Is it OK to take my tithe
money and put it towards a
worthy cause?
Malachi 3 says we are
actually stealing from God if
we don't return an honest
tithe to your local church, as
well as give liberal offerings
as we are blessed.
Should I tithe from the
profits from the sale of my
house?
Any profit made from
the sale of a house ought to
be tithed upon, because it is,
in fact, part of our first
fruits. Even if the profits are
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to be reinvested in a new
home, a tithe should first be
given.
Should a person tithe on
an inheritance?
Because an inher-
itance is part of our
"increase," we should give a
portion of it back to the Lord
to honor Him.
What about insurance pay-
ments received upon the
death of a spouse-should a
person tithe on the lump
sum, or just on the interest
earnings?
Again, look at the prin-
ciple of tithing on our
"increase." If insurance pro-
ceeds are paid in a lump
sum distribution, a tithe
should first be paid on the
entire amount. If paid over
time then return as you re-
ceive. A tithe should be paid
on any increase received
(interest, dividends, etc.)
from the investment of those
funds.
Should I tithe on alimony
or child support from my
ex?
Alimony is part of your
income from which a tithe
should be given, but child
support belongs to the chil-
dren and isn't part of your
personal "increase. " unless
used on things other than di-
rectly for your child.
Wouldn't you be exempt
from tithing if you were on
a fixed income (Social Se-
curity, pension, annuity, re-
tirement, etc.) and barely
making ends meet?
Gods desire is to bless
His children, and it is for our
good that He has instituted
the principle of tithing in His
Word. For example: If our
church were full of retirement
age persons who held the
attitude that "I shouldn't tithe
on retirement or give an of-
fering" then our doors would
quickly close. Tithe and offer-
ings help sustain ministry,
fight back the curse of the
enemy and cures us from the
cancer of selfishness. (Luke
21:1-4)
"Don't tip God, partner
with Him! "
Have a question for the
pastor? Please send it to
Tiffiney Miles at
tiffalmil@yahoo.com
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Pathfinder and Adventurer Induction Ceremony The Pathfinder and Adventurer Induction Ceremony was held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Ephesus. Fifteen Pathfinders, Adven-
turers and counselors were inducted into the club.
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Pathfinder and Adventurer Induction Ceremony The Pathfinder and Adventurer Induction Ceremony was held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Ephesus. Fifteen Pathfinders, Adven-
turers and counselors were inducted into the club.
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Above (l-r): Anazelya Gibson, Jordan Reed, Kareem McClendon and Jordan Jones star in the drama “Super Detec-
tives” for Children’s Sabbath on October 5, 2013. The play took all of the kids through the Bible, finding the promis-
es of God to deal with challenges of life, including adoption, loneliness, bullying and death of a family member.
Children’s
Sabbath On October 5, 2013, the chil-
dren of Ephesus SDA hosted their
special Children’s Sabbath, under
the direction of Nina Nelson. The
abbreviated church service show-
cased children ministering through
song, prayer and scripture reading.
The service also included the
drama “Super Detectives” which took
four children discovered Bible verses
to tackle every day issues. For Chil-
dren’s Sabbath, Nina Nelson wanted
to encourage the church to “search
the Scriptures” for answers to every
issue in life.
“The Bible has answers for
challenges that children and adults
face,” Nina said. “And with today’s
technology and guidance from par-
ents, children can see how to search
the Bible and to hear what the Bi-
ble has to say about certain top-
ics.”
Nina also wanted to remind
the church that any person, young
or old, can share the Gospel.
“They can deliver a message to an-
yone of any age,” Nina said. Par-
ents and other adults are also en-
couraged to provide opportunities
for children to spread the good
news of Jesus inside and outside
church.
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Above (l-r): Pastor Prince Lewis, special speaker for Ephesus SDA Education Day, ooks on as Denise Marshalleck-
Smith, principal of Columbia Christian Academy (CAA), comments during the debate between the topic of Christian
education and public education during AYS Sabbath evening meeting.
The Education Department
hosted an education Sabbath on Oc-
tober 19, 2013, under the leadership
of Ryan Nelson.
Educators in the church were
acknowledged, and a special recogni-
Education
Day
tion was given to Anne Jones for her
many accomplishments while in the
education field.
The guest speaker for the day
was Pastor Prince Lewis from Flor-
ence, SC, who preached about the
importance of education and its
effect on salvation.
The Education Department
held an AYS program in the evening
to debate between the topic of
Christian education or public educa-
tions by assessing the advantages
and disadvantages of each.
A panel of educators, who
work in either a Christian or public
school, commented on their experi-
ence and advice on both types of
education.
The purpose of the AYS pro-
gram was to inform people about
both types of education in order to
make a better decision on which
school is right or their child.
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Every year, Ephesus church
gives back to the community by cre-
ating Thanksgiving baskets. The
community service endeavor was
led by Hospitality leader Anne Jones.
This year, volunteers donat-
ed food throughout October and No-
vember to fill up the baskets with
bread, collard greens, canned goods
and turkeys.
Pathfinders, Adventurers and
Singles’ Ministry also collected
canned goods from different com-
munities.
Because of the help and sup-
Left: The Pathfinders sort canned goods
that they collected from the community to
put into the Thanksgiving baskets.
Below: Bushels of collard greens that were
given for the Thanksgiving baskets.
Thanksgiving
Baskets
port from the church, over 60 fami-
lies were blessed with Thanksgiving
baskets this year.
Members took baskets to
friends and families in need. The
Pathfinders and Adventurers also
shared the blessings of God to vari-
ous communities in Columbia.
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We LOVE our Seniors!
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We LOVE our Seniors!
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Pathfinders and
Adventurers adopt
Grandparents
The Pathfinders and Adven-
turers have revived a tradition. The
two clubs have decided to adopt old-
er members of the church as their
grandparents.
This year, the Pathfinders and
Adventurers created a Adopt-a-
Grandparent program in which club
members were assigned to befriend
church members ages 70 and older.
So far, club members have adopted
31 church members.
Instead of having a traditional
Pathfinder end-of-the-year party, the
Pathfinders and Adventurers hosted a
luncheon on Sunday, December 15,
2013 to honor their adopted grand-
parents.
The event included a deli-
cious lunch prepared by Gwen Pres-
ton, music by Ephesus men’s group
Sons of Abraham, poetry by several
Pathfinders and a “Back-in-the-Day”
fashion show which Pathfinders and
Adventurers showcased fashions
from different decades.
The Adopt-a-Grandparent
program first began in the late 80s as
a requirement for the Pathfinder
club, but was later neglected. This
year, Pathfinder counselor Sarah
Wade brought back the requirement
in her Pathfinder class. The other
Pathfinder and Adventurer counse-
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lors also agreed to incorporate the
program into their classes.
Each Pathfinder was assigned
to one grandparent that he or she
chose, and if the grandparent had a
spouse, that person was also as-
signed to that Pathfinder. Adventur-
ers were given one grandparent per
Left Page: Pathfinder Kayla Barnes (top left)
with her adopted grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. Edmunds.
Above: Ruby Robinson (left) with Pathfinder
Devonte Harris.
Left: Pathfinder Ajoua Boafo (left) sits with
grandparent Phillis Jamison.
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Adventurer class.
As part of the requirement,
the Pathfinders and Adventurers
must keep in touch with their grand-
parent at least once a week by call-
ing them and doing a follow-up by
sending them a card.
The Pathfinder and Adven-
turer counselors hope that the chil-
dren will be able to seek counsel
and wisdom from their grandpar-
ent , and to realize how the seniors
can play a valuable role in their lives.
Above: Pathfinder Milaun Johnson with the
Morrisons.
Left: Mr. and Mrs. Scott enjoy their time at
the luncheon.
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Ephesus Men’s Ministry
supported the annual fruit fund-
raiser by purchasing apples and or-
anges for the community.
This year, Men’s Ministry
walked across the street to the
Fresnius Dialysis Clinic to share
healthy fruit with patients that
come daily for dialysis treatment.
The staff was very happy to
receive 29 bags filled with fruit,
Christmas cards, brochure and flyer
inviting people to come and wor-
ship with their friends across the
street at Ephesus Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Church.
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Reaching Out: Children’s
Sabbath School Volunteers
with “God’s Fisher’s of Men” by Ganisha Gibson
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On September 28, 2013, the
children's Sabbath School depart-
ment hosted a service and breakfast
in the Waverly community for
“God’s Fishers of Men,” a nonprofit
ministry that helps individuals who
are homeless.
The outreach was indeed a
memorable one as the youth
demonstrated the love of Jesus with
eagerness, courtesy, and gusto.
Many hearts we're touched
as the children uplifted the name of
Jesus in praise and worship, being a
blessing receiving a blessing as they
served. The kids learned the value
of Acts 20:35 which says, " ...and
remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, that He said, 'It is more
blessed to give than to receive'."
The core goal of this commu-
nity service was for the children to
experience last quarter's Sabbath
School themes, focused on worship,
service, community, and grace in ac-
tion. All glory belongs to God who
made it all happen!
Each Sabbath “God’s Fishers
of Men” provides breakfast and
lunch for those who are homeless,
and the ministry also gives away
clothes and devotional services. We,
the youth Sabbath school division,
are asking that the compassion of
giving be continuous in supporting
this ministry as they endeavor to
share the love and Word of God with
physical and spiritual food to those
less fortunate.
Special thanks goes to
the parents, youth and everyone
who came out to give their time in
food preparations and gave dona-
tions towards this cause.
Let us keep giving, serving
and loving until Jesus returns!
"And The King will answer
and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to
you, inasmuch as you did it to one of
the least of these My brethren, you
did it to Me'." Matthew 25:40
How We Can Help:
“God’s Fishers of Men” is always in
need of items to help those who are
homeless. The ministry is asking for
t-shirts, blankets, socks, paper
goods, food and water. Monetary
donations are also acceptable.
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Baptisms and
Profession of Faith
Above (l-r): Lisa Evans becomes a member by profession
of faith, Shantel McGill gets baptized on December 21.
Left: U’Nita Putnam joined the Ephesus family on
September 14.
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“The event raises awareness about the imprisonment of Pastor
Antonio dos Anjos Monteiro and church member Bruno Amah,
imprisoned on false charges since March 2012.”
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO LEARN MORE
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Come Worship With Us!
Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church
7709 Wilson Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29203
803.786.2800
Pastor John Pooler, III
Service Times Sabbath Morning Praise and Worship 8:00am
Sabbath School 9:15am
Divine Worship Service 11:00am
AYS One hour before sunset
Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Connection 7:00pm
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www.EphesusSDA.org
Every department,
Every ministry,
Every member,
has a story
for Christ.
Share it with us.