God makes everything come out right. Psalm 103:6

Simon was furious. Last night, for the first time, his lifelong dream became reality: Culminating a dusty, 900-mile trek from his Cyrene home (current-day Libya), he crested a hill and saw Jerusalem glimmering on the horizon–Mount Zion, God’s earthly home! Now, at close range, the Holy City’s limestone walls and timber gates shone like jewels under a midday sheen as he and fellow pilgrims–representing a hundred cultures, chatting excitedly in unfamiliar languages–arrived to celebrate Passover together as God’s chosen people in mutual pursuit of the Almighty: “When they said, ‘Let’s go to the house of God,’ my heart leaped for joy!” he openly exulted. “We’re here, O Jerusalem! . . . all God’s tribes gathering to worship! . . . This is what it means to be Israel!” (Psalm 122:1-5, Message) Simon wanted to create an indelible mind-picture of every moment!

Then–disgrace! Humiliation! Inside the gate, Roman soldiers ruthlessly shoved three convicts against the celebrants’ incoming surge, driving the prisoners like unclean animals to their crucifixion outside the city. Crazed mobs, menacing one Prisoner, bayed like bloodhounds chasing the kill while the Man’s heartbroken supporters wept. “He’ll never make it,” Simon predicted, watching Him faint beneath the cross He carried. The Romans apparently agreed, for they scanned the incoming pilgrims, grabbed Simon–a strapping young adult who looked like a foreigner–and compelled him to heft the heavy wood. Oh, no! Now I’m unclean! To be touched by a Roman and to carry a cross–despicable! I can’t celebrate Passover with my people tonight! Rage consumed Simon as he stooped to lift Jesus’ burden. But . . . he had already noticed something different about this Man. In that intimate moment, transferring the cross, do you suppose their eyes locked?

What might Simon have seen in the Savior’s eyes? Not fear. Not pain. Not anger. Rather, determination! “I have to get to Golgotha!” Jesus’ eyes silently signaled. I’ll get you there, Simon wordlessly responded. I’ll walk with you on your last journey. The Cyrene was the last person to help Jesus. Initially headed into the city, he did a complete about-face and followed Jesus in the opposite direction. Together, they made it to Golgotha. Do you think Jesus thanked Simon for helping Him accomplish His mission? Might Simon have lingered, pondering Pilate’s sign, written in three languages, “King of the Jews”? Did he hear Jesus say: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing”? The evangelist Mark–not one to waste words–thought it important to tell us that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus, who, along with their mother, were among the Apostle Paul’s valued Christian acquaintances. Might this family have been among the Cyrenes who spread the Gospel among the Gentiles? (Portions of this narrative are resourced from: Lonnie Melashenko and John McClarty, “Stand at the Cross and be Changed,” Chapter 1)

Do your dearest plans sometimes hang a horrible U-turn? As the song promises, farther along you’ll understand why. “Too often we settle for much less than what God wants to do through us. We read in Jeremiah 32:27: “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?” and we answer, “No Lord.” Yet, when we face difficult situations we begin to qualify our belief in God, and lower our expectations of what God will do. It is one thing to believe God could perform a miracle in the Bible, or a thousand years ago, or even in the life of a friend; it is quite another matter to wholeheartedly believe God can do anything He chooses to do in our lives! When almighty God speaks to us, what we do next proves what we believe about Him, regardless of what we say. God revealed to Moses His plan to orchestrate the greatest exodus in human history, and He wanted to use Moses to accomplish it. Moses responded by arguing with God and making excuses. . . . Do you sense there may be far more that God wants to do through your life than what you have been experiencing? Ask God to show you what it is, then be prepared to respond in faith and obedience to what He tells you. (Henry and Richard Blackaby, “Experiencing God Day by Day,” page 71)
 

This Sabbath

Continuing our sermon series, “What the Bible says about . . .”  Pastor for Administration Rick Weaver will speak for our 9:00 and 11:30 Sanctuary worship services. His sermon title is: “Practical Christianity as taught by Jesus.” Contagious Faith will provide our worship music. Trent Muse will minister at the piano. International Children’s Care representatives Kent Greve (first service) and William Hurtado (second service) will tell the children’s story. Pastor for Family and Children’s Ministries Travis Patterson will call for the offering, which will support Keene Church Ministries and Operations. Mickey Johnson will offer congregational prayer. Glen Robinson will serve as Deacon in Charge. 

Today’s Sanctuary pulpit flowers are given by Alan, Chrissie, and Kilory Weis, inviting you to attend Nikki’s wedding to Benjamin Calderon this Sunday, March 17, at 3:00 PM in our Sanctuary.  

Young Adults: International Children’s Care representative Herids Fortuna will extol God’s faithfulness in his sermon for The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00. For those of you who were away for Southwestern Adventist University’s spring vacation last Sabbath, welcome back!

Attention Parents and Grandparents! Please pick up your children from Sabbath School at 11:15. We need to allow time for our teachers to clean up and join their families for second service worship. (Children left in Sabbath School may be given a free energy drink and a pet ferret…)

Vacation Bible School 2019: Coming June 10-14 – You can make long-term impact with a short-term commitment! Visit our booth today!

Resurrection Pageant needs non-speaking actors, behind-the-scenes support, and marketplace folks. Sign up in the gathering place!

Our third Food Bank of 2019 is today! We’re open from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Annex while supplies last. If you’d like to volunteer, join us at noon!

Triumphant Quartet brings their powerful Gospel concert to our Sanctuary tonight at 7:00. Come early for a good seat! Join us for a night of music, laughter, encouragement, and inspiration. Free!
 

Our church

In memoriam – We are sad to give you this news:

• Eveline Gilley, a member of our church family for thirty years, passed away overnight Wednesday/Thursday. She had been living the past few years with her daughter and son-in-law in Washington. Her funeral service will be held Sabbath, March 23 in the Kirkland Adventist Church.
• Morris Cummings, husband of Alice Cummings, passed away this Friday morning, March 15, at Huguley Hospice. He was our church member since 1981.

Motorcycle breakfast outing – Get together on March 17 to go as a group to breakfast and enjoy the ride together. Meet in the church parking lot. Info: Ian Curnow, 817-614-9369.

Have a great time kayaking with others March 17, April 7, and May 5 at 10:00 AM. Leader: Shari Harriss, sharriss59@yahoo.com.

The Final Veggie Burger Sale for Keene Worship Choir is tomorrow, March 17, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Adventist Book Center parking lot. The choir is off to sing in Pflugerville and at the Texas State Capital the end of March, and we need your help to get there and back. Please, please help us: Purchase GREAT VEGGIE BURGERS! Thanks for your support!

Sewing/needle crafts group meets tomorrow, 3:00 PM at Chisholm Trail Academy. Bring your favorite project to work on with others who share your interest!
We will have a baptism on April 27.
If you would like to be baptized or if you know of anyone who would be a candidate for baptism, please call the church office to schedule it. We are excited when heaven rejoices for an addition to God’s family.

Every Monday, you’re invited to Meals on Wheels in our Annex! 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.

A fall prevention class meets 1:00-3:00 PM Mondays at the Annex, through April 8. Register at 1-877-847-9355 or TexasHealth.org/Classes.

Wednesday night Bible study won’t meet on March 20. See you March 27!

The Retirees Fellowship group will meet on March 21 at 5:00 PM at the Annex. The meal will be catered by the CTA senior class, and the entertainment will be by Devon Howard on the harpsichord.

Finance Committee will meet Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 PM.

Dutch oven cooking: Learn and eat together! BYO chair, Dutch oven, charcoal and food to cook. No Dutch oven? Come anyway! March 24, 3:30 PM, CTA’s back parking lot. Shari Harriss (sharriss59@gmail.com).

Embracing Singleness, sponsored by Women’s Ministries for young single women who want to come together for fellowship, thought-provoking presentations, and discussion, will meet Sunday, March 31, 3:00 – 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Speakers are Danae Songy and Laura Rosalez. Soup and refreshments will be served.

Our youth department, known as The Upper Room, is selling T-shirts (extra small to extra large) for only $10 to promote our youth and fund upcoming events. Sizes are limited!

New Life Bible School – “God is delivering me and cleaning my heart and soul and I will have peace.” – Student . . . Can you donate a pocket-sized Bible (Spanish or English) to Prison Ministries? Several of our students have asked for one. If so, bring it to the Bible School or the church.

We’re cleaning up our records on keys for the church.  If you have a church key that you’re not using, please return it to Pastor Rick.
 

Our schools

Keene Adventist Elementary School

• Please pray for our KAES students. Student Week of Prayer is March 25-29, 8:30-9:30 AM in our church Sanctuary, themed “Your Way, Yahweh!”!  Students will lead all music, drama, and preaching. Homeschoolers and adults are welcome to attend!
• KAES is Breaking New Ground! Join us as we celebrate the Gymnasium Project Dedication and Groundbreaking on Sunday, March 31, at 302 Pecan St., Keene. School tours begin at 10:30 AM. The ceremony is at 11:00 AM. Refreshments to follow. 

Chisholm Trail Academy

• Follow the trail home to CTA’s 51^st Alumni Weekend March 29-30!

Southwestern Adventist University

• On March 30, the Hal Wright Science and Religion Lecture Series will continue, featuring Jason Lisle, founder of the Biblical Science Institute. His topic: “Understanding Genesis.” You are invited to this thought-provoking lecture, 4:00 PM, Mabee Center. Understanding Genesis – There are many opinions and subsequent interpretations on the Book of Genesis. What did the author of Genesis intend and how can we possibly know, or is the important thing only what the Bible “means to you”? Discover why alternative positions are rationally impossible.
• SWAU offers the ACT test, normally available only on Saturday, on April 14 at 10:00 AM in Pechero Hall. Register at act.org.
• TEDxSouthwesternAU is a local gathering where live talks and videos previously recorded at TED conferences are shared with the community. Topics include Relationships, Data Ownership, Body Electricity, Overcoming Obstacles, and Weight Loss. March 24, 2:00 PM, Wharton. Tickets on Eventbrite until March 19.

Our community

Adventist Heritage Village Battle Creek tour is June 9-12. Reserve your trip today! Info: adventtoursus.com, 817-681-3877.
 

Our finances

FY 2018/2019 Ministries and Operations budget: $767,808.00
Donations Needed by March 31, 2019 – $575,856.00
Donations Received through March 9, 2019 – $513,041.71
Amount still needed this month – $ 62,814.29
Sanctuary HVAC (air conditioning) total cost – $550,000.00
Sanctuary HVAC project donations received thru March 9, 2019 – $302,386.40
Amount still needed – $247,613.60
KAES gymnasium project total cost target (phase 1) – $750,000.00
Southwestern Union Conference Support – $ 75,000.00
Keene Church donations received through March 9, 2019 – $231,339.44
KAES direct donations received through Nov. 30, 2018 – $315,120.79
Amount still needed (phase 1) – $128,539.77
Today: Church Budget Next week: Texas Vision
 

In conclusion

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:1-3  This New Jerusalem, 1,500 miles in each direction, ablaze with jewels, is universal in nature. “And the nations of those who are saved [written in the Lamb’s Book of Life] shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” (Rev. 21:24, 27)

“The old distinctions are no longer barriers between people. But the uniqueness of each person and tribe is preserved as part of their glory just as the unique colors of the jewels are preserved as part of their glory. In this vision, we do not have the blurring of uniqueness or memory or relationships but rather the fulfillment of the ways in which we have been originally created and the ways in which we have lived out our created individuality. But the surprise is that the uniqueness does not isolate us from each other. The ethnos (nations) of the world are honored and set free from the old competitions and fears, but the gift that each tribe and family and individual person has to bring is not an orchestrated ‘amen,’ with every voice identical. . . . No, the jasper does not become a diamond, nor the pearl a sapphire. Each voice is heard in conversation like that of a bride with her lover. . . . God who made us and redeemed us will raise us up again. He will fulfill us and the whole created order too. (Romans 8:18-25). The last vision is the best. At the center of the city is the presence of Almighty God and the Lamb.” (Earl Palmer, “The Communicator’s Commentary,” Vol. 12, p. 246, 247)

Have hope, Forever Family! Jesus is able to keep you and sustain you for all time.

Your Keene Church Pastors

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at mine end, and at my new beginning.
(Sarum Primer, 1538)

“This is where Claude Monet lives, in this never-ending feast for the eyes,” said Octave Mirbeau on March 7, 1891, on visiting the French artist’s gardens at Giverny. “It is just the environment one would have imagined for this extraordinary poet of tender light and veiled shapes, for this man who has touched the intangible, expressed the inexpressible, and whose spell over our dreams is the dream that nature so mysteriously enfolds, the dream that so mysteriously permeates the divine light.”  Monet had invested much study, time, talent, and money to make it so. He planned, planted, and weeded the garden, and in the evening the children watered it, hauling buckets from the well. With a trained eye for color relationships and the effects of light and atmosphere on color, his garden employed the same principles he used to create his canvases. He spent all his extra money on extravagant plants from around the world and eventually employed six gardeners. We recognize Giverny’s great arches of rambling roses, carpets of nasturtiums, waterlily garden and woven wisteria in Monet’s later paintings. (Excerpts from Elizabeth Murray, “Monet’s Passion,” p. 3, 4)
 

Do you wonder if Adam or Eve was an artist, too, or if one of their children flourished the first paintbrush? Take a few minutes this Sabbath to reflect on Eden, its rivers, trees, animals, flowers, and endless delights, most gloriously the first couple’s evening walks with God (Genesis 1, 2). You’ll notice that God’s creation was always intended to be a workplace for us humans. We were to “be fruitful and multiply in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground . . . and every seed-bearing plant.” (1:28-30)  From the beginning, God tasked us with stewardship.

Are you planning to stroll among the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ early spring flowers this year? A fragrant, colorful idyll that is! Children romp across lawns, birds sing, God’s artistry is on display everywhere! The garden planners’ careful husbandry is clear, too!  
 

This Sabbath

We continue our sermon series, “I Wonder as I Wonder,” this Sabbath. Pastor James Winegardner will preach for our Sanctuary worship services and Johnathan Coker will preach for the young adults’ Elevate service in the Fellowship Hall.

Brazos Chorus, directed by David Anavitarte, will provide worship music for the 9:00 and 11:30 Sanctuary worship services. Danae Songy will tell the children’s story, and Robert Stotz will bring the offering appeal, which will support Adventist World Radio. Pam Spivey will offer congregational prayer. Dennis Habenicht will serve as Deacon in Charge.

Young Adults, we look forward to spending an hour with you at The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00. Enjoy warm friendship, uplifting music, and a good sermon prepared with you in mind! 

Attention Parents and Grandparents! Please pick up your children from Sabbath School at 11:15. We need to allow time for our teachers to clean up and join their families for second service worship. (Children left in Sabbath School may be given a free energy drink and a pet ferret…)

Resurrection Pageant – We need actors, behind the scenes support, and marketplace folks. Sign up in the gathering place!

Vacation Bible School 2019: Coming June 10-14 – You can make long-term impact with a short-term commitment! Visit our booth today!

“Bible by Design” – Today, Pastor James Winegardner guides a twice-monthly creative Bible overview from 2:30-3:30 PM in Room 106.

Daylight saving time begins at midnight tonight.

Our church

In memoriam – We are sad to report that our long-time church member Maynard Irwin, father of Steve and Greg Irwin and brother-in-law of Mary Ann Brown, Mildred Willis, and Doris Sadau, passed away on March 1. His body was donated to science. Please remember his friends and family in prayer.

Learn more about birds, and how to identify them, tomorrow morning at 9:00, led by Jimmy Aiken. Meet at the church parking lot

Vegan 101 cooking is this Sunday, 4:00 PM, 300 S. Mockingbird Lane, Keene. Preregister at lilycabansag@gmail.com, 817-675-6126.

Breakfast Club – Women’s Ministry invites you to mingle at our monthly Breakfast Club at 8:30 AM Monday, March 11, Olivia’s Restaurant in Keene. Drop in, buy your own breakfast, and get acquainted with other ladies!

Every Monday: Meals on Wheels in our Annex! 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
 
A fall prevention class meets 1:00-3:00 PM Mondays at the Annex, through April 8. Register at 1-877-847-9355 or TexasHealth.org/Classes.

Grief recovery – Meet every other Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 106. Sonia Vergel leads. soniavergel@yahoo.com. Next meeting is March 12.

Wednesday night Bible Study – We’re nearing the end of Revelation! Come to our Chapel at 7:00 as James Winegardner leads our exploration.

Resurrection Pageant auditions for speaking parts will be held Wednesday, March 13, 6:00-8:00 PM, in the Sanctuary. This will be the ONLY audition time scheduled.

Support each other dealing with the challenges of diabetes on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at Texas Health Huguley Education Building, 817-568-5503.

Motorcycle breakfast outing – Get together on March 17 to go as a group to breakfast and enjoy the ride together. Meet in the church parking lot. Info: Ian Curnow, 817-614-9369.

Have a great time kayaking with others March 17, April 7, and May 5 at 10:00 AM. Leader: Shari Harriss, sharriss59@yahoo.com.

Embracing Singleness – Sunday, March 31, 3:00 – 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall – is open to single women who want to come together for fellowship, thought-provoking presentations, and discussion. Speakers are Danae Songy and Laura Rosalez. Soup and refreshments will be served.

Attention Keene Youth parents and family! Our youth department, known as The Upper Room, is selling T-shirts (extra small to extra large) for only $10 to promote our youth and fund upcoming events. Sizes are limited!

We will have a baptism on April 27. If you would like to be baptized or if you know of anyone who would be a candidate for baptism, please call the church office to schedule it. We are excited when heaven rejoices for an addition to God’s family.

We’re cleaning up our records on keys for the church.  If you have a church key that you’re not using, please return it to Pastor Rick.

A New Life Bible School – Can you donate a pocket-sized Bible (Spanish or English) to Prison Ministries? Several of our students have asked for one. If you can help, bring it to the Bible School or the church.
 

Our schools

Southwestern Adventist University

• Hal Wright Science & Religion Lecture Series will present “Understanding Genesis,” featuring Jason Lisle, PhD (Biblical Science Institute founder) March 30, 4:00 PM, Wharton.
• SWAU offers two national tests normally available only on Saturday. SAT is March 10; collegeboard.org. ACT is April 14; registration act.org. Both tests at 10:00 AM. Please arrive by 8:00 AM. Tests will be administered in Pechero Hall, 200 W. Hillcrest Dr, Room 104,

Keene Adventist Elementary School

• PreK enrollment is now open for children who turn four by September 1. Visit us, or call 817-645-9125.

Chisholm Trail Academy

• Follow the trail home to CTA’s 51^st Alumni Weekend March 29-30!
• The Annual CTA Golf Tournament to benefit Student Aid Scholarships will be Friday, March 15, 8:00 AM, with registration at 7:00 AM at Squaw Valley, 2439 E. Hwy 67, Glenrose. Teams of four can register for $300, or $75 per player. Info: Jackie Bowyer, jbowyer@cta.school or 817-641-6626. Support a worthy cause!

Our community

Triumphant Quartet brings a powerful Gospel concert to our Sanctuary next Saturday night, March 16, at 7:00. Come early for a good seat!
 

Our finances

FY 2018/2019 Ministries and Operations budget: $767,808.00
Donations Needed by March 31, 2019 – $575,856.00
Donations Received through March 2, 2019 – $495,543.76
Amount still needed this month – $ 80,312.24
Sanctuary HVAC (air conditioning) total cost – $550,000.00
Sanctuary HVAC project donations received thru March 2, 2019 – $301,624,48
Amount still needed – $248,375.52
KAES gymnasium project total cost target (phase 1) – $750,000.00
Southwestern Union Conference Support – $ 75,000.00
Keene Church donations received through March 2, 2019 – $230,764.44
KAES direct donations received through Nov. 30, 2018 – $315,120.79
Amount still needed (phase 1) – $129,114.77
Today: Adventist World Radio; Next week: Church Budget
 

In conclusion

“In what way are we made in God’s image? God obviously did not create us exactly like Himself, especially in a physical sense. Instead, we are reflections of God’s glory. God is sinless, eternal, and unlimited. Although we are given the potential to be sinless and eternal, we are also given the choice to fall short. We will never be totally like God because He is our supreme Creator. Our best hope is to reflect His character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.

“Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of His characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not defined by possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead, it comes from being made in God’s image. Because we are like God we can feel positive about ourselves. Knowing that you are a person of infinite worth gives you the freedom to love God, know Him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.” (Life Application Bible, Genesis 1)

Praise your Creator and Redeemer, friend! You’re a splendid work of art!

Your Keene Church Pastors
 

Master Designer

Cotton candy clouds, so fluffy and white,
Who put you there in a sky of deep blue?
Or do you just happen to float along,
Pretty and white in a sky so blue?

Tall mountain, deep valley, fast river, cool stream,
Show grandeur and majesty in some grand scheme
All of these wonders that we behold,
Are only a part – it cannot be told.

Master Designer, wherever You are,
All of this beauty both near and afar
Can’t just have happened, the odds are too great,
There must be a plan, we’re not left to fate.

All of this beauty is far too convincing
Master Designer, Your Word must be true,
Of all Your creations man is the dearest
Help me to simply believe now in You,
Believe in You.
(Kurt Kaiser)

“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkein

Long before he fascinated President Thomas Jefferson for weeks with tales of South and Central America . . . before a Pacific current, a bay, a glacier, a river, a China mountain were named for him . . . when Humboldt, Iowa and Humboldt, Kansas were still fields of prairie grass . . . the young, self-funded German scientist Alexander von Humboldt recruited French medical doctor-turned-botanist Aime Bonpland to depart Spain with him in June 1799 and explore–for scientific purposes–Spain’s largely unexplored American colonies; to make astronomical observations of Southern Hemisphere night skies, to draw maps; to collect; to go wherever they wished, speak to whomever they wished. Putting ashore on the coast of present-day Venezuela after sailing Columbus’ nautical route across the Atlantic, they explored the Orinoco and other rivers, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru for the next five years. They went over the Andes on foot–thinking,when they climbed Chimborazo–the extinct, snow-capped volcano, elevation 20,561 feet–that this was the highest spot anywhere on earth. Humboldt was stunned, nearly 30 years later, to learn of the Himalayas’ surpassing magnitude. They took home “forty-two boxes, containing an herbal of six thousand equinoctial plants, seeds, shells, insects, and geological specimens from the Chimborazo, New Granada, and the banks of the river of the Amazons.” Humboldt lived long enough (89 years) to see most of his ideas become old hat, and he concluded toward the end that his chief contribution had been to influence younger men. (Adapted from David McCullough, “Brave Companions,” Chapter 1)

Cultivate your sense of wonder, friend! Step out of your cubicle and wander a bit. The children of Israel had plenty of questions as they traveled, under Moses’ divinely appointed leadership, to Canaan. Wandering about, they wondered: How will we cross the Red Sea? What will we eat? How do we interact as a society, now that we’re free from bondage? What lies before us when we cross into Canaan (sure, there’s lots of interesting food there, but those people are giants!)? God was ready for their wondering. “Before they call I will answer,” He said later, in Isaiah 65:24. “While they are yet speaking, I will hear.” From Mount Sinai, He told them Whom to worship and how to live. Throughout their wilderness journey He taught how to thrive physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and socially as God’s people. Some refreshed their sense of wonder every day and made it to the Land of Canaan. Others tired of the everyday-ness of God’s goodness “Ick! Not manna again!” and perished along the way.

The Apostle Paul offers this advice as we wander and wonder: “Make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work He began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, be dressed in the Light, be up and about!” Romans 13:11-14

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor orn’ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
(John Jacob Niles)
 

This Sabbath

Today, Pastor James Winegardner launches a new sermon series: “I Wonder as I Wander.” He will speak for both Sanctuary worship services, and for The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall.

Your Keene Worship Choir, directed by Juanita Browder, will praise God in music for our 9:00 and 11:30 Sanctuary worship services, accompanied by Johnson and Lerie Dellosa at the piano and organ. The Keene Worship Bell Choir will also perform, and the Keene Worship Choir Praise Team will lead congregational singing during second service. Ken Seaman will tell the children’s story, Bud Williams will offer congregational prayer, and Rick Weaver will call for the offering, which will support Keene Church Ministries and Operations. During first service Pastor Rick Weaver will welcome Irene Dahn to our Forever Family by Profession of Faith. Steve Bradley will serve as Deacon in Charge.

Today’s Sanctuary pulpit flowers are given in celebration of Mugur and Cornelia Doroftei’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary on March 6. 

Young Adults, your worship leaders have planned wonderful music and fellowship for you at The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00, along with Pastor Winegardner’s message. Enjoy this powerful spiritual hour with your friends!

Attention Parents and Grandparents! Please pick up your children from Sabbath School at 11:15. We need to allow time for our teachers to clean up and join their families for second service worship. (Children left in Sabbath School may be given a free energy drink and a pet ferret…)

General church fellowship potluck meets today in the Fellowship Hall after second service. Bring plenty of your favorite entrees and side dishes, and lots of hospitality! 

It’s time to volunteer for the April 20 Resurrection Pageant! Actors, behind the scenes support, and marketplace “vendors,” sign up in the lobby!

Vacation Bible School 2019: Coming June 10-14 – You can make long-term impact with a short-term commitment! Visit our booth today!

Attention Deacons! We will have a Deacon planning meeting at 3:00 today in the Fellowship hall (right after potluck).

“Masterpiece,” a class similar to “Painting with a Twist,” is brought to you today at 4:30 in the Annex! If possible, bring your own 11″x14″ canvas.
 

Our church

In memoriam
We are sad to report that Nilda Merida, mother of Bobby and Ernie Drapiza, passed away last Sunday. Her service will be held in our Chapel at 10:00 tomorrow morning, with interment at Keene Cemetery followed by a potluck lunch in the Annex from noon until 3:00. A viewing will be held at Rosser Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 this evening.

We will have a baptism on April 27. If you would like to be baptized or if you know of anyone who would be a candidate for baptism, please call the church office to schedule it. We are excited when heaven rejoices for an addition to God’s family.
 It’s about balance – A fall-prevention class will meet 1:00-3:00 PM Mondays after our weekly community meal at the Annex, February 18 – April 8. Register at 1-877-847-9355 or TexasHealth.org/Classes.

From Hurt to Hope – death…divorce…depression… On Tuesday evening, March 5, at 7:00, you’re invited to the Annex for a grief recovery discussion with Bonnie Parnell, David Slee, Ingo Sorke.

Wednesday night Bible study – We’re nearing the end of Revelation! Come to our Chapel at 7:00 as James Winegardner leads our exploration.

Mobile Health Clinic comes to Keene Church! Texas Health Huguley will offer free or low-cost healthcare services on the first Thursday each month as of March 7. 9:00-11:30 and 12:30-3:00. Info: 817-568-5378.

Attention Keene Youth parents and family! Our youth department, known as The Upper Room, is selling T-shirts (extra small to extra large) for only $10 to promote our youth and fund upcoming events. Sizes are limited!

We’re cleaning up our records on keys for the church.  If you have a church key that you’re not using, please return it to Pastor Rick.

A New Life Bible School –“Father, thank you giving me new life. Help me to enjoy your blessings and fulfill your purposes.” – Student

• Can you donate a pocket-sized Bible (Spanish or English) to Prison Ministries? Several of our students have asked for one. If you can help, bring it to the Bible School or the church. Thanks!

Our schools

Southwestern Adventist University offers two national tests normally available only on Saturday. SAT is March 10; register at collegeboard.org. ACT is April 14;registration act.org. Both tests at 10:00 AM. Please arrive by 8:00 AM. Tests will be administered in Pechero Hall, 200 W. Hillcrest Dr, Room 104, Keene.

Keene Adventist Elementary School PreK enrollment is now open for children who turn four by September 1. Visit us, or call 817-645-9125.

Chisholm Trail Academy

• Follow the trail home to CTA’s 51^st Alumni Weekend March 29-30!
• The Annual CTA Golf Tournament to benefit Student Aid Scholarships will be Friday, March 15, 8:00 AM, with registration at 7:00 AM at Squaw Valley, 2439 E. Hwy 67, Glenrose. Teams of four can register for $300, or $75 per player. Info: Jackie Bowyer, jbowyer@cta.school or 817-641-6626. Support a worthy cause!

Our community

Triumphant Quartet brings their powerful Gospel concert to our Sanctuary on Saturday night, March 16, at 7:00. Come early for a good seat!
 

Our finances

FY 2018/2019 Ministries and Operations budget: $767,808.00
Donations Needed by March 31, 2019 – $575,856.00
Donations Received through February 28, 2019 – $484,260.01
Amount still needed this month – $ 91,595.99
Sanctuary HVAC (air conditioning) total cost – $550,000.00
Sanctuary HVAC project donations received thru Feb. 28, 2019 – $301,133.97
Amount still needed – $248,866.03
KAES gymnasium project total cost target (phase 1) – $750,000.00
Southwestern Union Conference Support – $ 75,000.00
Keene Church donations received through Feb. 28, 2019 – $229,867.44
KAES direct donations received through Nov. 30, 2018 – $315,120.79
Amount still needed (phase 1) – $130,011,77
Today: Church Budget; Next week: Adventist World Radio
 

In conclusion

Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24  

“We don’t know very much about Enoch. His entire life story is summarized in a few words. The outstanding characteristic of his life was that he ‘walked faithfully with God.’ (See also Hebrews 11:5) When God calls us to walk with Him, He is looking for something more than a mere friendly greeting as we meet Him on our path. It is possible to recognize God as someone we admire, but He wants more for each one of us. God wants us to match His steps, converse with Him, and take time to get to know Him more fully.

“Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to recognize that you are with me on the path of life, and to find joy in the process of walking with you. Amen” (today.reframemedia.com)

Happy Sabbath, Forever Family! Take plenty of time to walk and talk with Jesus!

Your Keene Church Pastors

The Happy Wanderer

I love to go a-wandering, 
Along the mountain track, 
And as I go, I love to sing, 
My knapsack on my back.

Chorus:
Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha 
Val-deri,Val-dera. 
My knapsack on my back.

I love to wander by the stream 
That dances in the sun, 
So joyously it calls to me, 
“Come! Join my happy song!”

I wave my hat to all I meet, 
And they wave back to me, 
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet 
From ev’ry green wood tree.

High overhead, the skylarks wing, 
They never rest at home 
But just like me, they love to sing, 
As o’er the world we roam.

Oh, may I go a-wandering 
Until the day I die! 
Oh, may I always laugh and sing, 
Beneath God’s clear blue sky!

(Schaumburger Märchensänger)