Greetings from Charlotte,
A number of new ideas have been floating around here in Charlotte on how to reach a changing world. We are no longer living in the 60s where everyone received television signals through the air and were limited to three major networks. Nor are we living at the turn of this century where cable and satellite television ruled. Today we not only have hundreds of cable and satellite stations, but have the Internet in all of its various forms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Roku, and a host of other platforms). A more secular social order that is jettisoning all the old rules presents a huge challenge in finding the most effective means to preach the gospel to a skeptical generation. Therefore you will see a number of new initiatives over the next few years as we try different approaches. Not all will be successful, so don't be discouraged. As it says in Ecclesiastes11:6, "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper; either this or that, or whether both alike will be good." This weekend Dr. Meredith will be spending time with three of his sons away from Charlotte for a well-deserved break.—GEW
Church Administration
Passover 2017
Important Notice to All Pastors: In 2017, the Passover Service will be observed on Sunday evening, April 9. Please let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Service recording and letter instructions (available in English, French and Spanish). The Passover Service recording for 2017 has been made by Mr. Peter Nathan. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, we need this information before February 13 for international congregations, and by March 13 for U.S. congregations.
Also, please let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions for observing it at home. International requests should be received before February 13 and U.S. requests before March 13. Please direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Help us maintain accurate files
We would like to remind brethren to notify us when they move or change their contact information (phone numbers, e-mail address, etc.). You can update your mailing address and contact information directly through your MyLCG account on www.cogl.org. Having accurate files allows us to send you literature and other communications in a timely manner and reduces costs associated with returned mail.
Midwest Family Race and Retreat Weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas—February 17-20
Please join us on President's Day weekend, February 17-20, for the LCG Midwest Family Race and Retreat Weekend. It will again be held at the Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center in Fayetteville. The weekend will begin on Friday evening with check-in, pizza and fellowship in the dining hall. On the Sabbath, we will provide a continental breakfast, there will be a Bible Study, a spaghetti lunch, and Mr. Ames will give the sermon at the afternoon service. After the Sabbath, the Great LCG Food Truck booths will provide dinner. Get your team of four together to participate in the 2017 Amazing Race. That will begin on Saturday evening and finish up on Sunday afternoon. Childcare will be provided for those wishing to participate in the race. Rooms at Mount Sequoyah are $89 for two double beds and single beds are available at $40 per night. (These prices include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the Sabbath as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday.) Rooms are assigned first come, first served, so get your reservation in soon! Please register on our Web site www.lcgfayetteville.org (not an official LCG Web site) or sign up on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lcgfayetteville/) (not an official LCG Facebook page). If you have any questions, you can e-mail [email protected]. More information on activities and race teams is available on the Web site and on the Facebook page. For local congregations: if you plan to attend for Sabbath services only, please register for the Sabbath so we can be sure to plan for food and seating.—Gene Hilgenberg
Canadian Civic Family Weekend (Updated)
Be sure to mark your calendars! You are invited to the first Canadian Family Civic Weekend (CFCW) from Friday, August 4, through Monday, August 7. This weekend will provide brethren of all ages with a wonderful opportunity to draw closer through seminars, Bible studies, activities and fellowship.
The weekend's activities will include a boat cruise. On the boat, there will be a "summer sensation" chicken menu with an unlimited amount of soft drink, juices, coffee, and tea, while we listen to music from across Canada, and have an enjoyable dance. We also get to fire the canon on the ship. Come unwind as we sail on the coast of Toronto.
Soldiers in redcoats fire muskets, clouding the air with black powder smoke. Fifers' and Drummers' tunes drift past blockhouses, a historic powder magazine and cannons on lookout. Come join us as we take a trip back in time to the historical battle of 1812 in the gorgeous Niagara region, which has so much to offer.
A ticket covers the following:
- Seminar
- Lunch at the seminar
- Bible Study
- The boat cruise
- Dance on the boat
- "Summer sensation" chicken menu on the boat
- Visit to Fort George Historic Site
- Games night
Accommodations will be available at the Marriot Meadowvale, which is within walking distance to the Canadian Living Church of God office.
Please respond quickly as the weekend will be capped at 200 people. Let us know if you are interested in attending by filling out the "interest" form at http://eepurl.com/cuCbOn.
There is still more information to come. If you have any questions, contact Timothy Dranov at [email protected].
Be Careful with Posting Pictures—Repeat Announcement
Our world is very different from just ten years ago. It seems that everyone today has a mobile phone with a camera and many people download pictures on various Internet platforms. If you take pictures of other brethren and post them on social media, please exercise caution and discretion. Some parents do not want their children's pictures on the Internet, nor do some adults want their own there. As a matter of courtesy and propriety, it is always best to check with the person who is in the picture before you display the image to the whole world. This is a way to show love to our fellow brethren, and a common courtesy that all of us should be aware of and follow.
Feast of Tabernacles 2017
Feast Site in Brazil Yet To Be Determined
The Feast site in Brazil has not yet been determined. We are looking for a site that will be closer to brethren who have to travel quite some distance and we hope to have arrangements made in a couple months. Last year's site in Moscou may not be the site for 2017. When a site has been finalized, it will be announced in The World Ahead.
List of Feast Sites for 2017 Feast of Tabernacles
We are pleased to be able to announce Feast sites for 2017 in the United States and in some international areas. The international list is not yet complete—more information will be forthcoming as plans are firmed up.
Please stay tuned to The World Ahead for more information about the Feast of Tabernacles 2017!
United States Feast Sites in 2017:
AK, Anchorage
CA, San Diego
CO, Snowmass
FL, Panama City
KY, Northern Kentucky (formerly Cincinnati, OH)
MO, Lake of the Ozarks
OR, Seaside
SC, Hilton Head
TX, Lake Conroe
VT, Mt. Snow
WI, Lake Geneva
International Feast Sites in 2017 (partial list, added sites in bold font):
Argentina: Villa de Merlo, San Luis
Australia: Nelson Bay, NSW
Barbados: Christ Church
Canada: Kimberley, BC
Canada: Niagara, ON
Canada: Liverpool, NS
Chile: Concón
Colombia: Armenia
Costa Rica: Punta Leona
France: Carry-le-Rouet
Guatemala: Antigua
Guyana: Georgetown
Haiti: Paillant
Jamaica: Montego Bay
Kenya: Kendu Bay
Martinique: Ste. Luce
Mexico: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
New Zealand: Hanmer Springs
Nigeria: Lagos
Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby
Peru: Huaychulo
Philippines: Baguio City
Philippines: Davao
Philippines: Don Carlos
Philippines: Maranding
South Africa: Port Shepstone
South Africa: Stillbaai
Tanzania: Nansio, Ukerewe
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Tobago: Bon Accord
Togo: Afagnan
United Kingdom: Bournemouth, England
Vanuatu: Orap Village or Malekula
Feast Site Name Change: "Cincinnati" Now "Northern Kentucky"—Repeat Announcement
We have changed the name of the "Cincinnati" Feast site to "Northern Kentucky" because the host hotel is actually located in Kentucky. We don't want to give a false impression that the Feast site will be located in downtown Cincinnati.
Living Youth Program
No Online Teen Bible Study on Friday, January 20
There will be no online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, January 20 because Mr. Monson will be out of town. The next online Teen Bible Study will be on Friday evening, January 27, and it will be on "The Feast of Tabernacles—When the Whole World Will Be Called." This is Lesson 30 of the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies, we encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
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. You can find instructions for joining the Bible Study and also access it at livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this wonderful opportunity for godly fellowship and learning. For those of you who are unable to make it to the study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's on "Day of Atonement—The World at One with God," can be found on the Living Youth Web site.—Sheldon Monson
Living University
Call for On-Campus Students in Charlotte (U.S. only at this time): For those who desire a unique and exciting learning opportunity, LU is now inviting applications for full-time students to study on-campus in Charlotte, North Carolina beginning in the fall of 2017. On-campus students experience special opportunities beyond online study. Students meet for weekly discussion classes with many of their professors, including Dr. Germano, Mr. Ames, Drs. Douglas and Scott Winnail, Mr. Ken Frank, Mr. Peter Nathan, Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka, and Mr. Jerry Ruddlesden. Weekly Assemblies are delivered by many of the Church leaders based in Charlotte and around the world. Monthly student outings and other social activities are planned while students participate in congregational opportunities unique to the Charlotte congregation and Headquarters (including Spokesman Club, Women's Club, Singles' Bible Studies, Outreach activities, service during Council of Elders and Ministerial conferences, and much more). Student housing is available for both male and female students. Most of our on-campus students also participate in our "work-study" program—working part-time in different departments throughout the Work and Living University. Student work-study helps defray most living costs. Application to the on-campus program can be made online through the university Web site (www.livinguniv.com). Additional details and requirements can also be found online, as can an estimate of costs associated with on-campus study. If you are interested in on-campus LU study and have questions, please contact us. At this time we can only accept on-campus students who are U.S. citizens. Our hope is to expand this opportunity to international students in future years, as God allows. Interested students should plan to complete their applications by February 2017. Those with no previous college should submit college entrance test scores (ACT or SAT) along with other application materials and should plan to take that examination as soon as possible. You can find out more about these exams through a local high school guidance counselor or local community college or university testing service. Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. If you have questions about on-campus study or to find out more, please contact Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-708-2292 or [email protected].
Comments
The Power of Forgiveness: One important key for working together smoothly with other people is the willingness and the ability to forgive someone for words or actions that have hurt you. This is exactly what Christians must learn to do. The Scriptures state that we have all sinned, but that we can be forgiven because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 3:23-26). Jesus taught that we must be ready and willing to forgive others who have offended us—or God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:12-15). Forgiving others involves not holding grudges or harboring bitterness against others, not seeking to get even, and not gossiping or saying negative or derogatory things about others who have made mistakes or hurt us in some way. This is not always easy, especially when memories, emotions and personal pride are involved—but that is what we are admonished to do if we want to be Christians. Real Christians must learn to forgive. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that makes working together with other people possible—and enjoyable!
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—January 12, 2017
Venezuela in Chaos: Venezuela is descending into chaos! "President Nicolas Maduro announced Sunday that he has decided to raise the monthly minimum wage by 50 percent… the fifth that he has ordered over the past 12 months, for a total annualized increase of 536 percent" (Fox News, January 9, 2017). Maduro says his decision is to combat inflation which "the International Monetary Fund says… will reach 1,600% this year" (BBC News, January 9, 2017). The result? "Venezuelan families are giving their children away in a last ditch effort to save them as severe food shortages mount… Parents are turning to friends and neighbors to take care of their children, or in some cases, abandoning them altogether" (International Business Times, December 15, 2016). Sadly, the military is trafficking food which appears to be "a better business than drugs" (Time, January 1, 2017). Last summer starvation led to massive protests. In response "President Nicolas Maduro turned to the military to manage the country's diminished food supply… but instead of fighting hunger, the military is making money from it… The government now imports nearly all the country's food, and corruption drives prices sky-high" (ibid.). Corrupt and lawless governments inspired by Satan are holding people captive in a cycle of pain and suffering. Yet the return of Jesus Christ will bring liberation: "He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor" (Psalm 72:4). To learn more about this wonderful hope for mankind, read our article "Hope for the Future!"
Experts Predict Increasing Global Conflict: A new U.S. intelligence report predicts "[t]he risk of conflicts between and within nations will increase over the next five years to levels not seen since the Cold War as global growth slows, the post-World War Two order erodes and anti-globalization fuels nationalism" (Reuters, January 9, 2017). The report noted, "Uncertainty about the United States, coupled with an 'inward-looking West' and the weakening of international human rights and conflict prevention standards, will encourage China and Russia to challenge American influence… Those challenges 'will stay below the threshold of hot war but bring profound risks of miscalculation… Overconfidence that material strength can manage escalation will increase the risks of interstate conflict to levels not seen since the Cold War'" (ibid.). Global experts now expect what Christ predicted for the end of the age: "[Y]ou will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom… All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8). While increasing "rumors of wars" can be worrisome, seeing Bible prophecies come to pass should increase the faith of God's people and motivate them to "press on" toward the coming Kingdom of God (Philippians 3:14). For more on this subject watch Discerning the Signs of the Times.
Hidden Costs of Mega-Cities: A recent study warns that "future crops will face threats… from the massive expansion of cities. By 2030, it's estimated that urban areas will triple in size, expanding into cropland and undermining the productivity of agricultural systems that are already stressed… Roughly 60% of the world's cropland lies on the outskirts of cities—and that's particularly worrying, the report authors say, because this peripheral habitat is, on average, also twice as productive as land elsewhere on the globe" (The Guardian, December 27, 2017). One study author noted, "Due to urbanisation in Nigeria, 17% of rice production and 12% of maize production will be hampered… Egypt will lose more than 40% of its rice, and more than 60% of its maize." The article continued, "In Africa, there will be a 26% continental loss of wheat. Rice is forecast to suffer the most, with a 9% global decline, occurring predominantly in Asia where the bulk of this crop grows." In the book of Revelation, God says that Christ will come and "destroy those who destroy the earth" (Revelation 11:18), and these unwise approaches to building cities seem to be doing just that. In addition to environmental costs, modern cities also contribute to physical, mental, and spiritual problems. However, when Jesus Christ returns cities will change forever. For a clearer biblical vision of the future, be sure to read "Cities of Tomorrow." – Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway, Francine Prater and Chris Sookdeo