Greetings from Charlotte,
This week, millions of Americans will be observing the annual Thanksgiving holiday—but what will it mean for many? Just a chance to gorge on turkey, watch football and shop for deals on "Black Friday"? It is good to be grateful for the physical blessings God has showered upon us. But let us in God's Church be even more thankful for the awesome honor of being entrusted with proclaiming the Good News of Christ's coming Kingdom. This suffering world is embroiled in political instability, wracked by violence, and steeped in moral confusion, and needs this message desperately!
As God's Work marches on, Mr. Gerald Weston's November 10 semi-annual letter was sent out last week, and responses are already coming in for the special DVD offer, "The Antichrist and the Beast of Revelation." Please pray that tens of thousands of subscribers will be motivated to request this DVD and inspired to "put their shoulder to the wheel," so to speak, to help support God's Work. In the Caribbean region, Mr. Rick Stafford reports that he and Mr. Lascelles Fraser conducted a successful Tomorrow's World Presentation in Jamaica last weekend, with 23 guests attending. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Weston will be in Kansas City for Thanksgiving weekend. Please be praying for all of our brethren and ministers around the globe, for God's protection and guidance in these uncertain times.—Rod McNair
Church Administration
LCG Webcast Live Stream of Sabbath Services and Bible Study from Charlotte Family Weekend—Repeat Announcement
LCG congregations and members are welcome to join us "online" for the Charlotte Family Weekend Friday night Bible Study on December 22, and Sabbath services on December 23. The Friday night Bible study will begin at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time) and Sabbath services will begin at 2:00 p.m. (EST). To join, please go to www.lcgwebcast.org, and under "Stream Site" select "Charlotte Family Weekend 2017." Enter the password, your name (or congregation name) and the number of people viewing (for attendance purposes). Please note, this Internet broadcast is for LCG membership and you can find the password at your "MyLCG" account. (Just go to www.cogl.org and click on the "MyLCG" link.)
Charlotte Family Weekend—Registration is now open!
Online registration for this special 25th Anniversary celebration is now open. To register, log on to your My LCG page through www.cogl.org/mylcg.shtml and then just click the "Registration" button in the Charlotte Family Weekend box on the right side of the page. You must register and pay for all activities and meals by December 17th. Basketball and volleyball team registration is now open too, and will also close on December 17th. Due to the shortened time for tournament play, we will have to limit the number of teams to a maximum of 8—once we have that many signed up, we will have to close registration.
We request that everyone pay for the activities and meals using the online payment system through PayPal. This saves us a lot of extra time and effort in manually processing checks and reconciling them to registrations. If you are unable to pay online we will accept checks, but they must be postmarked no later than December 13th.
All of the times and places for the weekend events are also posted on the My LCG page—just click the "Overview and Schedule" button.
If any out of town guests are looking for housing with Church brethren in the Charlotte area, please contact Mr. Louis Crespo at [email protected] or call him at 704-516-5728. If you are looking for someone to share a room with at the Renaissance Hotel, would like to play on a basketball or volleyball team, feel free to post a message on the "Charlotte Family Weekend" Facebook page (a public page). More updates will continue to be posted on the Facebook page, so check it regularly—and "Share" it with your friends.
Kansas City Family Weekend—Repeat Announcement
We are ready to welcome you once again to the Kansas City Family Weekend, from Friday, December 29 through Sunday, December 31. This year's Saturday night dinner and dance theme is "Ambassadors From Around the World." We invite you to dress like an ambassador from the country of your choice (gentlemen, in most countries this means a suit and tie). Remember, you'll be representing that country at its best, so nothing improper or immodest. Dress in something a real ambassador might wear to a special event for the United Nations... or that you might wear before the King of kings, Jesus Christ.
As in years past, we have an Art Show where you can share your talents with us. This is not limited to just paintings and drawings! We've had wood carvings, quilting, origami, poetry—you name it. If you have a talent in the arts, crafts, or creative writing, we'd love to see it. Sign up on the KC Weekend website under the menu item: Art Show Signup.
The website link can be found at kclcg.org (not an official LCG website), where all information about the weekend is available, including registration. Information about housing and locations is behind a password, which is security.
Please register for the weekend and select events for each family member (Family Games, gaga ball, the volleyball tournament, basketball, etc.) then start building your teams for the Sunday activities. Remember, our Family Games aren't just for the young or athletic or quick—yes, you'll need them, too—but also for wise, quick-witted, artistic, musical, and regular folks of all ages. We look forward to seeing you there!
Fourth Annual Colorado Winter Weekend—Repeat Announcement
Mark your calendars! Coming up February 9-12 is the Fourth Annual Colorado Winter Weekend. Events include Friday evening Bible Study, Sabbath services, and a Sabbath Bible Study, with a special guest minister! There will be plenty of other activities for all ages, including nature walks, visit to the local hot springs, snowshoeing, snow skiing, snowboarding and other winter recreational sports.
For those interested in group housing, cost is estimated $150-200 per person (private rooms will be priced differently). Please note that the more guests we have, the lower the housing rate will be per person. So help us get the word out! Note that a refundable $100.00 deposit, payable via a PayPal link, is required to secure your reservation.
Food costs per person for the entire weekend will be in addition to the cost of housing and will be determined once we know how many people will be attending. For budgeting purposes, expect the cost to be around $50 per person.
Registration is now open for this year's Winter Weekend. Please visit our website at www.cowinterweekend.wordpress.com (not an official LCG website) and remember to register before December 20 to secure a spot in our group rental. For more details (including password to the registration website), please contact Ms. Krista Keefe at (515) 778-6716 or Mr. Shawn McMillin at (720) 879-4804.
Living Youth Program
Friday Evening Online Teen Bible Study
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, December 1, will be on "Mystery of the Kingdom of God, Part 2," based on chapter 7 of Mystery of the Ages. The Bible Study runs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. To join the study, go to www.livingyouth.org. For those who are unable to make it to the study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's on "Mystery of the Kingdom of God, Part 1," can also be found on the Living Youth website.—Sheldon Monson
Living University
Registration for 2nd/Spring Semester
Registration for second semester classes is now underway! The spring semester will begin on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. New and existing students may register for the spring semester (fall in the southern hemisphere) anytime between now and January 9. For those who have never taken a Living University course, you will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected course. A complete listing of second semester courses can also be viewed on the Living University website under the link "Spring 2018 Class Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com website. For additional information or questions, please contact Mrs. Michelle Broussard at or [email protected] 704-708-2294.
THL 212 – Old Testament Survey II. This insightful second-semester course takes a very helpful overview of the "minor" prophets, the writings, and Daniel. The prophecies of these books are discussed along with the background, content, structure, geography, teachings and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events. This class will give you far greater insight into and understanding of these important books of the Bible.
ENGL 262 – World Literature II. Our society today has been greatly impacted by western literature. Studying of this literature gives LU students insights into the history of today's society and even into the biblical world of the New Testament Church. This course introduces selected works from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas from the eighteenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. This class is required for the BTh, ATh degree programs.
THL 226 – Christian Leadership. This very practical course deals with the principles of Christian leadership and service. The lessons covered related to most areas of our every-day lives, including work, school, parenting, serving at summer camps, working in local congregations, and more. Topics include foundations of leadership, leadership skills, challenges facing leaders and case studies of great leaders of the Bible and secular history. Students will learn about important leadership principles that are applicable in a variety of settings, and view them through the lens of the Bible.
Comments
Trials Test Our Faith: The Apostle Paul warned, "know this, that in the last days perilous times will come" (2 Timothy 3:1). Jesus predicted that the end of the age would be marked by increasing trials and turmoil on a global scale (Matthew 24). Jesus also wondered aloud, "when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8), and He prayed that Peter's faith would not fail when he encountered trials and tribulation (Luke 22:32). When the challenges of life begin to mount, we need to remember that faith is one of the fruits of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and that God gives His Spirit to those who trust Him and obey His instructions (Acts 5:32). We must also do our part to stir up God's Spirit to help us overcome our trials and fears (2 Timothy 1:6-7). We can also ask for more faith (Luke 17:5). We need to remember that faith comes from hearing (and studying) God's word (Romans 10:17), which states that God is faithful and He watches over those who love Him and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 7:9). We are also told that God knows what we can handle and that He will make a way for us to get through our trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let's remember to ask God for His help and guidance and the faith we need to get through trials as we study the biblical examples of others who also faced trials in their lives.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 22, 2017
Britain's Puzzling Demise: Britain's fall from greatness has been relatively swift. The nation that ruled the air and the waves and helped bring victory in two World Wars has fallen from its pinnacle of power. The New York Times soberly wrote, "Britain is undergoing a full-blown identity crisis. It is a 'hollowed-out country,' 'ill at ease with itself,' 'deeply provincial,' 'engaged in a controlled suicide,' say puzzled experts. And these are Britain's friends" (November 4, 2017). The article continued, "'The sense in the rest of Europe is bewilderment; how much worse can it get?' said Tomas Valasek, a former Slovak diplomat who lived in Britain for many years and now directs Carnegie Europe, a Brussels-based research institution. 'After Brexit, no one is trying to help now. They've given up. Nobody on the Continent really cares that much about Britain anymore.'" Long ago, God prophesied the swift fall of the Israelite-descended nations, including Britain (modern-day Ephraim), if they turned away from Him (Jeremiah 2). The prophet Isaiah warned, "Therefore evil shall come upon you; you shall not know from where it arises… And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, which you shall not know" (Isaiah 47:11). God also foretold the reaction of neighboring nations and former allies: "All your lovers have forgotten you; they do not seek you; for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy… for the multitude of your iniquities" (Jeremiah 30:14). While Britain's decline is sobering, the Israelite nations have a surprising future ahead. For more information, listen to or read The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
Major Step Toward an EU Army: Twenty-three of 28 EU nations recently agreed to form "the nucleus of a joint army" (EU Observer, November 13, 2017). The agreement supports development of rapid reaction forces and an updated military with high-tech weaponry and armaments. This "milestone in European development" includes "binding national plans to increase defence spending and military R&D." The five EU nations that did not sign the agreement are Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal and Malta, although Ireland has "hinted" it may join by the end of the year. What some are calling "a small step toward a European army" is nonetheless a step toward military unity that many see as a catalyst for further European integration (Deutsche Welle, November 13, 2017). Bible prophecy reveals that at the time of the end there will be a European army controlled by what the Bible calls the "beast" power. This political, military and religious entity will impact world trade and eventually control the Holy Land. For more details about how this end-time military superpower will impact world affairs, be sure to read or listen to The Beast of Revelation.
Dangerous Creatures Threaten Cities: New research from the University of Toronto Mississauga warns, "Humans may be affecting animal evolution [adaptation] on an unprecedented scale as a result of widespread urbanisation" (IB Times, November 3, 2017). "Many species, such as rats, cockroaches, pigeons and bedbugs have come to depend on humans and proliferated as a consequence. There are now mosquitoes that have adapted to live in London Underground Stations and no longer need to feed on blood to produce eggs or become dormant in the winter. These mosquitoes, which can now also be found in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, can carry harmful diseases." While these adaptions may seem like interesting facts, they may also help fulfill ancient Bible prophecies. Jesus Christ foretold that one of the signs of the end of the age would be "pestilence"—diseases or infestations by pests (Luke 21:11). The Apostle John warned that the devastating plagues that will strike the earth and kill many people will involve the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:8). As animal and insect populations multiply among people in crowded urban areas, we are bound to see the spread of the diseases they transmit. To learn more about the growing dangers that threaten our modern world, read or listen to "Coming Plagues: The Pale Horse."—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, Dan Bennett