• WE ARE OPEN SEPTEMBER 19 @ 9:30am but under a mask mandate. Which means everyone at church 10 years of age and older must wear a face covering of some kind (free and available at the doors) except officiants in a religious service, those with a medical condition or disability and those communicating with someone with a disability. The church has been cleaned and signs posted. Some pews will not be available. Hand sanitizer is available at the doors. If you're not sick, immuno-compromised, previously exposed to Covid 19, and are willing to follow these recommendations, you're welcome to join us!
• CHILDREN'S SABBATH SCHOOLS have resumed. Cradle Roll (0-2), Kindergarten (3-6), and Primary (7-9) will be meeting @ 9:45am in the fellowship hall, and teachers request that all children wear masks if able to. Juniors (10-12) will meet in their usual classroom same time in the daycare area and Youth (13+) will continue meeting in Youth room. Singspiration for all ages remains in sanctuary and begins at 9:30am.
• PRAYER MEETING RESUMED SEPT 16 Whether you are a teenager or a professional, dating or married, or if you are a tired parent, you will find encouragement, advice, and practical strategies in the new book, As Light Lingers. Pick up your $5 copy today in the church office and join the social distanced group in the fellowship hall next week. Text to pray about: Matthew 5:6.
• THE VEGEFOOD ORDER SHEETS ARE NOW ON THE TABLE in the foyer. Orders are due by October 6 at 3pm, with a delivery date on or around October 14. If you would like to share a case of something, please let the office know and we will try to find someone who would like to share it with you.
• PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING on Sunday, October 4, @ 4pm. Items on the agenda will be finalizing the school budget and the fall evangelism series.
• CAROLYN AND HANNA BUNDY are looking for a ride to church. Can you help? They are located in the Airport Hwy/Byrne Rd area. Talk to Jen for more details.
• NEW FAITH FOR TODAY CHANNELS AND APP The longest continuously running Christian TV Show is expanding its reach with two new channels (Dish Network 218) and its own YouTube Channel. It remains available on Directv Channel 368. Want to watch an episode of Lifestyle Magazine? Need a devotional? Looking for marriage and health tips? Seeking extra support after the death of a loved one? These are just a few of the many resources on the new (June 6) app from Faith For Today. Search your app store today to start your journey of faith.
• SAVE THOUSANDS ON TUITION TO ADVENTIST COLLEGE Did you know students can clep out of many college courses saving thousands of tuition dollars and maximizing their time at Adventist college by studying Saylor Academy's free online courses at their own pace, paying to take a comprehensive exam, and transfering credits to participating universities? Go to https://www.saylor.org/about/ for more info!
• FOOD PANTRY NOW AVAIL FOR CHURCH MEMBERS Are you struggling to put food on the table? Our church food pantry is available after church for you too. Please see Cathie Heath for assistance. It is also open Wednesdays from noon to 3pm. Some items we could use more of soon include: Canned fruit, Canned soups, Canned meals (Spaghetti O's, Beefaroni, etc), Macaroni and cheese, Boxed and instant potatoes, Saltine crackers, Jelly, Pancake syrup.
• CHRISTVENTISTS SERMON SERIES BEGINS SEPT 26 The apostolic church in Acts was known as a church that worships on Saturdays and doesn't eat certain kinds of food too. But they learned to hold tightly to Jesus and the teachings of Jesus. They learned to listen carefully to Old Testament prophets pointing forward to Jesus. They learned to share fearlessly what they learned from the prophecies and teachings of Jesus even if they encountered opposition and suffering. They learned to obey faithfully God not man. They learned how to pray and God blessed them with additional influence and courage. They also learned to share their possessions sacrificially. And thus became known by their love for Jesus and the world God so loved that He sent the Son (John 3:16). If the apostolic church could become known by their love for Christ and the cross as their way of life, our church can too! So join us September 26 (continuing in November) online or in person for a new sermon series based on Acts chapters 3-4 coming to Toledo First entitled CHRISTventists. And help us become known for making Jesus and the teachings of Jesus primary today too.
• FORECASTING HOPE BEGINS OCT 9 A new evangelistic series of meetings about the prophecies of Jesus' return will be streaming online five nights a week OCT 9 - NOV 2 @ 8pm EST for one hour. To watch, sign up at ForecastingHope.org/Toledo. The series will not be hosted in the church sanctuary, archived online, or streamed anywhere else on the church Facebook page or website. Invitation cards will be available in the church foyer soon.
• MISS A MESSAGE? Did you know you can read the sermon notes via PDF by clicking this link for Pastor's Mike's Sermons?
• NEW JESUS BOOK Adventist pastor Dr. Tara J. VinCross' new book about discipleship is now available. It's called “Deep Calling: On Being & Growing Disciples.” Click the link to enter the giveaway for a free copy. Or here to learn more about Tara's walk with Jesus.
• TOLEDO FIRST IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS (ages teen through adult) to fill the following positions: Junior and Youth Sabbath School teachers and A/V team members (help run sound board, run camera, operate video switcher, create graphics for announcements, run presentation software, or help with video editing skills). If you would be willing to help, please contact the church office for more info and training. Thank you to Caroline, Milton, and Kathryn for their recent willingness to volunteer.
• TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SPACEX RETURN History was made May 30 when NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley launched from American soil in a commercially built and operated American crew spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station. History was made again when they returned on August 2. Click here to see the top ten things to know about the Spacex Return. But they reminded me of ten things to know about Jesus' Return that is even more significant to know and understand. Post / Forward / Share!
• TEN COMMANDMENTS BEFORE SINAI? The ten commandments precede Sinai. We know this is true because references to the ten commandments exist in some form or fashion prior to Sinai. And God could not hold those breaking them accountable if there was no law (Romans 4:15).
  • Genesis 35:1 (No other Gods?)
  • Genesis 35:2 (No graven images?)
  • Genesis 24:3 (No taking God's name in vain?)
  • Genesis 2:3 / Exodus 16:28-29 (No seventh day Sabbath?)
  • Genesis 27:41 (No honoring father and mother?)
  • Genesis 4:7-9 (No murder?)
  • Genesis 39:6-9 (No adultery?)
  • Genesis 44:5 (No stealing?)
  • Genesis 39:10-12,16-17 (No false witness?)
  • Genesis 12:18 (No coveting?) 
• TEN COMMANDMENTS AFTER SINAI AND THE CROSS? The ten commandments remain. We know this is true because references to the ten commandments exist in some form or fashion after Sinai and the Cross. And God could not hold those breaking them accountable if there was no law (Romans 4:15).
  • Colossians 3:4 (Don't be greedy...worshiping the things of this world - no other Gods?)
  • Colossians 3:5 (For a greedy person is an idolater - no graven images?)
  • Colossians 3:8 (Now is the time to get rid of...dirty language - no taking God's name in vain?)
  • Hebrews 4:9 / Leviticus 23:38 / Matthew 24:20 / Revelation 14:6-7 (There is a seventh day Sabbath keeping that remains - remember the seventh day Sabbath?)
  • Ephesians 6:1-3 (Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord - honoring father and mother?)
  • Colossians 3:8 / 1 John 3:5 (But now is the time to get rid of anger / no murder?)
  • Colossians 3:5 (Have nothing to do with sexual immorality - no adultery?)
  • Ephesians 2:8 (Quit stealing - no stealing?)
  • Colossians 3:9 (Don't lie - no false witness?)
  • Colossians 3:5 NKJV (Put to death covetousness - no coveting?)
• TRUTHLINK Our world is filled with dark rumors and misinformation about God that has many people either running from Him in horror or trying to serve Him like slaves. [truth]LINK.org is a unique Bible study experience that achieves a high level of doctrinal clarity while showing the centrality of God’s love to every biblical truth. All you have to do is log in and get started. With the completion of each lesson, you have access to the next topic. [truth]LINK is easy to take with you on your phone or tablet, as well, so you can pick up at any time, anywhere, right where you left off in the series. I just finished these and highly recommend for friends and family.
• PRAY FOR HOPE! APOCALYPSE OF HOPE PROPHECY SEMINAR POSTPONED until April 16, 2021 - May 15, 2021. Join me in asking God to give us the opportunity to provide this series of Christocentric grace based hope filled meetings next spring.
• 3RD QUARTER BIBLE STUDY GUIDES a.k.a Quarterlies are available for pick in the yellow Signs Magazine box under the canopy entrance at church. This quarter the lessons are about "Making Friends for God: The Joy of Sharing In His Mission." You can also download your Bible Study Guide here. Or search in your app store (search for the blue and white "Sabbath School" logo in the category Education) and study in your app as well.
• WANNA N.E.W. S.T.A.R.T? Try focusing on better:
  • Nutrition. Protein comes from plants too!
  • Get more Exercise. Walk an intentional mile every day
  • Drink more Water. I like the Kroger carbonated kind
  • Take vitamin D3 supplements and try to get some daily Sunshine
  • Temperance means abstaining from that which is harmful and moderation in that which is good
  • Fresh Air especially at night if possible through open open windows; implement and practice daily deep breathing exercises
  • Rest. Not just on Sabbath but shutting off screens earlier to get 8 hours of sleep too
  • Time with God. Not just on Sabbath but at the beginning and end of every day
• SUPPORT ADVENTIST PUBLISHING BY SHOPPING ON AMAZON? YES! Simply start at www.pacificpress.com/amazon (bookmark it!). There, click the image that says “SHOP. CONNECT. ENJOY” That will open Amazon, where you shop as normal. When you check out, Amazon will send a percentage (1–10%, depending on the product category) of your total purchase (but not what you purchase) to Pacific Press.
• CHILD PROTECTION SCREENING PROCESS Now would be a good time to get recertified. The new web-based platform features a training and screening system for both employees and volunteers across all conferences in the division. All volunteers and employees may register by going to: http://www.ohioadventist.org/  and selecting Sterling Volunteers on the top of the web page.
• NEW ELLEN WHITE WEBSITE The internet is a blessing and a curse. One blessing comes in the form of a new website sharing balanced Seventh-day Adventist explanations of Ellen White and the 25 million words, 100k pages, and 49 books she wrote with a third grade education during her lifetime. The curse comes from the myriad of sites sharing inaccurate or intentionally misleading conclusions regarding her ministry. Whether others find her writings helpful or not, shouldn't one make that decision on reputable sources? One of my favorite quotes from her pen is: "Truth can afford to be fair."
• DO YOU KNOW HOW YOUR TITHE DOLLARS ARE DISTRIBUTED? By far the largest portion of tithes in the North American Division (NAD) stays locally. For example, this is how a $100 portion of tithes are distributed in the NAD (based on 2018 figures). $66 stays in the local conference (Ohio for us); $10 goes to Defined Benefit Retirement; $9 goes to the Union Conference (Columbia Union Conference for us); $9.15 goes to the NAD; $5.85 goes to the General Conference. This information is taken from the Follow the Funds article on page 11 of the May 2020 issue of Adventist Journey.
• TOP TEN LIST OF JESUS BOOKS FOR NEW ADVENTISTS I'm giving each of my children a box of my fave books. We often give away Tyner's and Vendon's books as graduation gifts. Make sure you, your kids and grandkids have read these! Try adventistbookcenter.com before Amazon
  • Searching for the God of Grace by Stuart Tyner
  • Salvation by Faith and Your Will by Morris Vendon
  • Surprised by Love by Elizabeth Talbot
  • I Used to Be Perfect by George Knight
  • It’s All About Him by Lee Vendon
  • Knowing God in the Real World by Jon Paulien
  • Why Didn’t They Tell Me? by Morris Vendon
  • Beyond Common Ground: Why Liberals and Conservatives Need Each Other by Alden Thompson
  • The Eleventh Commandment by Dwight Nelson
  • The Faith I Highly Recommend by John McLarty
• FAITHPOINTS Similar to TF Headline News but covering the entire Ohio Conference, FaithPoints is a weekly email you can subscribe to for more Adventist info across the state.
• TOP TEN LIST OF ADVENTIST RESOURCE BOOKS I'm giving each of my children another box of my fave Adventist resource books to help them. Maybe they will help you too?
  • 52 Sabbath Activities for Teen Groups by Don Pate
  • Pause for Peace by Clifford Goldstein
  • Light Bearers to the Remnant by R.W. Schwarz
  • Questions on Doctrine edited by George Knight
  • Joyful Noise by Ed Christian
  • Daniel: Wisdom to the Wise by Zdravko Stefanovic 
  • Revelation of Jesus Christ by Ranko Stefanovic
  • In Granite or Ingrained? by Skip MacCarty
  • Graffiti in the Holy of Holies by Clifford Goldstein
  • Ellen White Under Fire by Jud Lake
  • God’s Character and the Last Generation edited by Jiri Moskala
  • Homosexuality, Marriage, and the Church edited by Roy Gane
• ROKU If you have Roku, and would like to watch Sabbath School (Saturdays 9:30am) and Church (Saturdays 11am), search "Streaming Channels" in Roku for "Toledo First SDA Church" and bam, there you go. Enjoy! #HappySabbath!
• STAY TUNED Please stay tuned to the church Facebook page, Instagram, and website for the latest information.
• CALL EM ALL The latest updates are available on Thursdays via TF Headline News email and when necessary, via 30 second voicemail messages as well. If you do not receive the weekly church emails and phone messages, you may want to submit current email addresses and phone numbers to the church office (419) 882-6200; office@toledofirstadventist.org.
• THE ADVENTIST GIVING APP We want to continue to give Toledo First the opportunity to participate in the worship of giving. While you can always do so via the church website (tfsda.org), you could also download The Adventist Giving App available in both iOS Appstore and Android’s Google Play store. Just search using keyword “AdventistGiving” to download the App to your phone or tablet and thank you for continuing to support your local church!
• FRIENDSHIP DINNERS AND FELLOWSHIP MEALS POSTPONED until further notice.
• PANERA BREAD POSTPONED on FRI mornings from 8a - 9a.
• CHERRY STREET MEALS Volunteers are always needed to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner especially on Sundays and Thanksgiving. You can call Community Relations Manager Susan Graalman at 419-214-3357 or 419-214-3419. You can also email her at volunteer@cherrystreetmission.org.  
• BATTLE PLAN CHURCH CHAT "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God." - Colossians 3:16 (ASV) Are you struggling with anxiety, addiction, depression, loneliness throughout the week? Get connected with our church chat! Be strengthened by sharing scripture, devotional thought, praise, prayer requests and connecting with fellow believers morning (7a-8a), noon (12-1p) and/or evening (7p-8p). Text Brandi @ 765-716-2190 with your preferred time and get connected! "Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too." - 1 Peter 5:8-9 (TLB)
• BEST ADVENTIST RECIPE SWAP If you're looking for a favorite vegetarian or vegan recipe from academy, church, or some Adventist friend made for you, it's probably here! Search Facebook for Best Adventist Recipe Swap. Enjoy!
• JESUS MOVIES Ray of Hope, The Chosen (Season 1: Episodes 1-8); A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Harriet, Just Mercy, The Apostle, The Pilgrim's Progress, Luther, Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey, Faith, Hope & Love, Christmas Grace; The Nativity Story; The Star; The Conscientious Objector (2004); The Ultimate Gift; Shadowlands; The Shack; Cutback; Soul Surfer; Grace UnPlugged; End of the Spear; The Mission; Beautifully Broken; Running for Grace; Steve McQueen: American Icon; The Resurrection of Gavin Stone; Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed; Is Genesis History?; God's Not Dead; Fireproof; War Room; The Case for Christ; The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry; Amazing Grace; Once I Was a Beehive; I Can Only Imagine.
• GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE If you've never heard of the Geoscience Research Institute, here's their website https://www.grisda.org. Established in 1958, this organization is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church with a mission to discover and share an understanding of nature and its relationship with the Biblical revelation of the Creator God. It has all kinds of resources and articles related to intelligent design and evolution and dinosaurs and many other interesting subjects. I enjoy reading their quarterly email update. You can subscribe by clicking here and filling out the form asking to be included in their quarterly e-newsletter.
• NEW SERMONS Please see church website for sermon archives and more info at tfsda.org
  • SEPT 19 - Words With Friends Part 8: τέλος (Pastor Mike preaching from Romans 10:4)
  • SEPT 26 - Christventists Part 1: Hold Tightly (Pastor Mike preaching from Acts 3:1-11)
  • OCT 3 - TBA (Annette Martes preaching)
  • OCT 10 - TBA (Pastor Steve Cozzens Sr. preaching)
• OUR WELCOME We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, y no habla ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying newborns, skinny as a rail, or could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you sing like Andrea Bocelli or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woke up, or just got out of jail. We don’t care if you’re more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s baptism. We welcome service dogs and their handlers. We welcome Muslims, Jews, politicians, and sinners like us. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk- food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, or you’re down in the dumps, or you don’t like “organized religion;” we’ve been there too. If you blew all your offering money at the casino, you’re welcome here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat, who work hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or come because grandma is in town and wanted to go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, or both. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers, doubters, bleeding hearts...and you.
• OUR STORY Our church website has an excellent downloadable resource featuring our story and explanation of our unique Christian Adventist emphasis. It's called the Toledo First Assimilation Manual and if you've never read it, I would encourage you to do so. And don't forget, God loves you like crazy. And so do we (2 Corinthians 5:13-14 NLT).

Love ye,