Greetings from Charlotte,
Mr. Rod McNair recorded a Tomorrow's World telecast on the subject of Christmas this week, and I recorded the third in a series of telecasts titled, "Stone of Destiny," "Why Britain Became Great," and "Sunset on Britain and America." We held a Council of Elders electronic conference and welcomed Mr. Jonathan McNair to the Council. We now have a Planned Giving booklet that will be available for those individuals who want to will or bequeath a portion of their estate to the Church. Last weekend there were 98 guests (in addition to members) who attended four Tomorrows World Presentations. We are receiving reports from several areas that we have new people checking out our services as a result of recent presentations. This Sabbath we have a presentation scheduled for Fayetteville, North Carolina, and in Fort Myers, Florida on Sunday. I'm planning on being in Michigan to officiate at the wedding of Jamie Meakin and Veronica Clayton. Jamie works in our U.K. office and lived with us during the year that we were there, and so is like a son to us.—Gerald Weston
Church Administration
Thank You from Mr. Rod King
Over the past few weeks I have received many cards and messages from people wishing me the best in my retirement. Hundreds of well-wishers have also thanked me for my sermons and telecasts. I cannot answer so many individually, but do want everyone to know how much I appreciate their kindness—and their prayers.—Rod King
Northeast Region Men's Leadership Weekend
More than 60 men traveled from across the United States to meet in New Hope, Pennsylvania, for the Northeast Region annual Men's Leadership Weekend. The theme this year was "Followership," which Mr. Jonathan McNair introduced Friday evening. We looked at some troubling facts about men in today's world and the direction families are headed as a result. On Sabbath morning, we had Church services, with the sermonette given by guest speaker Michael DeSimone from North Carolina, followed by the sermon by Mr. Rick Stafford from Texas. The men then broke into four separate groups which rotated through four different discussion groups, each covering a different topic. Mr. McNair covered the importance of being a good follower, Mr. Rick Stafford covered the Work being done in the Caribbean, Mr. Michael DeSimone looked at the fundamental outline for writing a sermonette, and Mr. Michael Aviles looked at different methods for generating ideas for sermonette messages. Saturday evening, all four groups came together and combined the elements they had learned in the discussion groups to create a sermonette on the topic of "Followership." The men reconvened Sunday morning for the final lecture on being a supporter and good follower of God and the leaders He has placed within His Church. The weekend was an inspiring one for the men, with many commenting on how encouraging it is to be able to come together with other men of like mind, in an age where it is increasingly difficult to do so.
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast Speaking Schedules
Feast of Tabernacles speaking schedules are in the last stages of being finalized and have been approved by Mr. Weston. We should be able to start sending them out early next week. Thank you to all the Feast speakers, ahead of time, for the effort, preparation—and prayer—that you will be putting into your messages for this year's Feast!
Deadline Next Week: Requesting Feast Sermon CDs for Those Who Can't Attend—Repeat Announcement
Attention Pastors: The U.S. deadline is September 1 for sending the Church Administration Department ([email protected]) the names of those in your congregation(s) who will be unable to attend the Feast and wish to receive a set of the Feast of Tabernacles sermons on CD. Sermons are available in English, French or Spanish. International requests should already have been turned in. Note: For those who have Internet access, one sermon will be uploaded each day during the Feast at www.lcg.org. The French sermons will be uploaded to www.eglisedieuvivant.org.
Activity Registration and Payment Now Open!—Repeat Announcement
Activity Registration is now open for most Feast of Tabernacles sites, so members and guests may register for activities. Payments for activities can also be made for most sites. (Please note that activity registration is not yet open for a few Feast sites, because details are still being finalized—if you have any questions, contact your Festival Site Coordinator.) Simply go to www.lcg.org, and click on the "Feast of Tabernacles" link to gain access to registration and payment pages. If you have any questions, please contact your Festival Site Coordinator.
Living Youth Program
Adventure Trip 2017 Photo Contest
Twenty-one campers each submitted up to ten pictures from the recent Adventure Trip to Mount Rainer, for a photo contest. We invite you to go to the Living Youth Program Facebook page to view all the submissions and give your favorite pictures a "Like." You can "like" several pictures but please don't "like" all of them. The pictures will be available from Friday, August 25, until Tuesday, August 29, at which time the top 20 will be posted for the final round. Viewer "likes" and judges' scores will be combined to select the winners. One male winner and one female winner will be selected, and each will be given a $100 gift card to REI. Thanks to all the campers who submitted photos.
Comments
The Importance of Hope: Today, millions of people—from children to adults—suffer from anxiety and depression. They see strife, suffering, evils and inequities that seem to have no solution—and all appears to be hopeless. Yet, having a hope in the future—something positive to look forward to—is a vital aspect of life. The Bible states, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). But, the Bible also reveals the real source of hope and the nature of that hope. King David wrote, "You are my hope, O Lord GOD… I hope in Your word" (Psalm 71:5; 119:147). The Apostle Paul said under cross-examination before a Roman governor, "I have hope in God… believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets,"—including the promise of a resurrection and eternal life at the return of Jesus Christ (Acts 24:14-15; Titus 1:2; 2:13). Paul was able to be positive in trials because he understood the basis for his hope was in the promises of God (see Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13). As Christians, we are urged to "lay hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18) and claim the "great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:2-4) that God has for those He is calling. Growing, changing, learning to serve others and developing the mind of God (Philippians 2:5; 1 John 3:1-3) can help banish anxiety and depression, and prepare us to rule with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 24, 2017
Nations Focus on Defense: Although defense spending has dropped in some nations—mainly in Africa and oil-producing countries—many nations are building up their defense capabilities. Iran's leadership recently voted to boost missile and other defense spending by over $500 million (BBC, August 13, 2017). Hungary's prime minister wants to introduce mandatory military training in schools, for children and teens (Deutsche Welle, August 14, 2017). The USA has increased defense spending this year, while European nations and Canada plan a three-year defense spending spree (Reuters, June 28, 2017). China is expected to greatly increase their military expenditures (Japan Times, March 4, 2017), as will Australia (The Diplomat, May 11, 2017) and Japan (Reuters, March 1, 2017). Jesus Christ prophesied that "wars and rumors of wars" would be one of the signs that would indicate that His return and the end of the age was near (Matthew 24:6). Yet, in the same verse, Jesus admonished His disciples and those who would later read His words, "See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." As nations around the globe appear to prepare for war, we need to be alert to the signs of the times (Matthew 24:42). To better grasp the prophetic significance of events making news today, view our telecast "How To Watch World Events."
Cholera Kills Thousands in Yemen: In the last five months, the deadly diarrheal disease known as cholera has infected over half a million people and killed about 2,000 so far—mostly children and the elderly (Deutsche Welle, August 14, 2017). The disease results from water and food supplies that are contaminated by dirty, sewage-laden water. Sadly, there is not enough clean water to improve conditions that are causing the epidemic, and there are not enough doctors or hospitals to treat the sick. The human tragedy that is occurring in Yemen is the result of men trying to gain power over other people by means of war (James 4:1-4). However, the destruction and loss of life caused by war impacts more than just the soldiers fighting battles. The cholera epidemic is just one of the many horrors of this dirty little war. The good news is that Jesus Christ is going to return and put an end to war (Isaiah 2:2-4) and bring healing to people and places that have been ravaged by violent human actions (Isaiah 35:4-7). To learn about this exciting future, read "Will Wars Ever Cease?"
Lung Cancer Doubled Among Non-Smokers: Recent studies in the UK suggest that lung cancer rates among those who have never smoked have doubled in the last ten years, and this increase may be related to severe air pollution (The Times, August 12, 2017). If this trend continues, the "number of lung cancer deaths among people who have never smoked will overtake deaths from smoking-related cancer within a decade." Other reports have turned up the dangerous effects of diesel emissions on the heart and lungs (The Telegraph, April 26, 2017). Air pollution is often a result of human greed and a focus on profits that disregards the environment and the health of the public. However, human attempts to solve one problem (diesel-powered vehicles burn less fuel) can have unintended consequences. The Bible reveals that God intended human beings to be stewards of the environment (Genesis 2:15) and to love one another (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). There is a time coming when both these principles will be followed, and cancer and other diseases will finally cease to exist (Revelation 21:4). For an informative preview of what the future holds for mankind, read or listen to The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?—Scott Winnail and Francine Prater