Greetings from Charlotte,
This week, food shortages have caused riots in Venezuela, tropical storms are opening the hurricane season in the Caribbean and growing financial concerns are unsettling economies in our globalized world. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith chaired a Council of Elders meeting conducted by phone this week. Mr. Ames and Mr. Wallace Smith are working on scripts for new Tomorrow's World programs. Dr. Jeff Fall reports that Mr. Harold Way has been able to return to services in California, but is still dealing with the effects of a stroke he suffered just after the Feast last year. I had a very profitable and inspiring trip to Fayetteville and Joplin last weekend for services and a Regional Conference. Also last weekend, Mr. Rod McNair and Mr. Martin Fannin conducted a Tomorrow's World Presentation in Etowah, Tennessee that drew 62 visitors, and Mr. Rick Stafford's Bible Study in McAllen, Texas drew 35 visitors. This weekend, Mr. Rand Millich and Mr. Phil West will conduct TWPs in Peoria and Springfield, Illinois. Your prayers for God's blessing on these efforts to preach the Gospel are much appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Death of Mrs. Jan Hemphill
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Mrs. Jan Hemphill due to complications following surgery for a brain tumor. Jan was the beloved wife for 26 years of Sydney, Australia pastor Graeme Hemphill. She died peacefully at her home with family present on Thursday, August 21. Mrs. Hemphill was a 1984 graduate of Ambassador College, Pasadena and after graduation worked in the Auckland, New Zealand office of the Church for five years before returning to Australia. She is greatly missed by all who knew her.—Graeme Hemphill
New Telecast Presenters!
Dr. Meredith has announced that there will be two new presenters for the Tomorrow's World telecast. The first new presenter will be Mr. Gerald Weston, who will be the third main presenter for the program, along with Mr. Ames and Mr. Smith. The second new presenter will be Mr. Rod McNair, who will function as a guest presenter. Dr. Meredith asks that we please pray for both of these men, that God will continue to guide them and use them.
The addition of these new presenters was prompted by the ill health of Mr. Rod King and the challenges that Dr. Meredith faces as he ages.
Tomorrow's World Presentation in Etowah, Tennnessee
On Sunday, August 23, a very successful Tomorrow's World presentation was conducted in Etowah, with 61 visitors and 43 members in attendance. Mr. Rod McNair delivered the first part, discussing five key signs announcing the return of Jesus Christ. Mr. Martin Fannin then gave the second part of the presentation, covering God's Holy Days and His master plan. The response was extremely positive, with several families expressing interest in attending Sabbath services in the near future!—Lenny Bower
Midwest Regional Conference
This past weekend, 123 elders, deacons, deaconesses and local Church leaders gathered in Joplin, Missouri, for a Midwest Regional Conference. Following services and a congregational dinner attended by nearly 200 brethren, Dr. Douglas Winnail opened the conference with a global perspective on the activities of the Living Church of God. This was followed by a report on the region by Regional Pastor Rand Millich and a report on the LYC Pre-Teen Camp in Texas and plans for the Feast at the Lake of the Ozarks by Area Pastor Gene Hilgenberg. On Sunday, Dr. Winnail gave presentations on social trends and our ministry, the importance of sound doctrine and qualities of leaders. Mr. Millich covered methods of ministry and principles of counseling. This was followed by a question-and-answer session. Dr. Winnail closed the conference with comments about building an atmosphere of faith, the importance of unity and needs of the Work. A special thanks to the Joplin brethren for their warmth and hospitality—they certainly took very good care of us and fed us well!—Gene Hilgenberg
Ministerial Visit in Uruguay
Mr. and Mrs. Aarón Bravo recently traveled to five cities in Uruguay. They visited several people interested in the Church, one of whom is already counseling for baptism. One of their visits was with a Palestinian Jew. He and his family fled from the Middle East looking for peace. He was given plenty of study material and also some food because they are in a situation of extreme need.
The Bravos also looked for open doors for preaching the Gospel through mass media in Uruguay, and God miraculously opened a door to Radio Cristal AM 1470, which covers 60 percent of the country's population. We are to begin airing on September 4 for a space of an hour. This leaves Paraguay as the only Spanish-speaking country in South America where the Gospel is not being preached over mass media.
The members in Argentina are happy they can support the preaching of the Gospel and also collectively give aid to others in need, a testimony of the good news of God's coming Kingdom to disadvantaged and neglected people. Thank you to all of God's people for your prayers and support to make it possible to do the Work in all the South American cone.—Armando Orrego
Feast of Tabernacles
Appropriate Dress at the Feast
Basic Principles of Dress and Decorum: As we prepare to be "lights to the world" at the Feast, it's good to review some basic principles about our outward decorum and dress. When we look to the Scriptures we find definite instructions about dress for both men and women—instructions that our modern liberal societies and also some members of God's Church seem to forget or ignore—unless they are reminded periodically. Jesus stated in a parable that some invited to the wedding supper will be turned away because they are not dressed appropriately (Matthew 22:8-14). Individuals who feel that God only looks on the heart and therefore is not concerned about how we dress when we come before Him, are simply missing the point of Scripture. We have taught for decades that when we come to church, we are coming before the God of the universe and we should dress in the best we have, to show proper respect to God.
In most modern cultures, coats, collared shirts, ties and nice slacks are considered appropriate attire for men on special occasions. Jeans, T-shirts, tennis shoes or other sportswear, and open-collared shirts revealing a hairy chest are simply not in good taste at special occasions or at Church services—in spite of what Hollywood celebrities might wear to Oscar and Emmy awards extravaganzas. This may vary in tropical climates, yet, in all climates there is a distinction between what is appropriate and what is not. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 explains that ladies should dress "in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation." This does not condone the trendy and immodest apparel that is commonplace for many women in our society today: short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines displaying cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, belly-baring tops, etc. These are simply not appropriate forms of attire for Church services and many other situations! We come to church to worship God, not to display our bodies. Just because something is comfortable or acceptable in our modern society does not make it appropriate at church. When women dress in a manner that attracts attention to their bodies, they become a distraction to others from the real reasons for being at church.
Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and recapture true values (Matthew 17:11) so we can be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14-15). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ's glorious reign on earth! (Source: "Example and Bringing Honor to God" by Dr. Douglas Winnail, Ministerial Bulletin, July-August, 2012)
Beach Parties and Appropriate Swimwear
Appropriate beach attire for men and women is swimwear that is modest and in good taste. We are to be guided by the two great commandments—to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31)—so as not to offend God or neighbor in our dress at the Feast. Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in their family to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).
Children's Conduct in the Meeting Hall and Adjoining Rooms
Children are a joy to parents and fellow Feast-goers. The Feast is about families—and it's inspiring seeing children attend the Feast with their families! But it is necessary to remind parents (in the announcements portion) that children are not permitted to run or engage in horseplay before or after services. Children darting in and out among fellowshipping brethren can be a trip hazard. For the elderly, this can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Ushers or deacons don't need to "grab" children who are misbehaving—unless required to avoid injury—but they should tell them to stop if need be.
Child Safety at the Feast
Parents must be reminded that their responsibility for their children does not cease when they come to services at the Feast of Tabernacles. While precautions are taken, and there are activities for children, the Church meeting or event is not a childcare facility. The Church does not take responsibility for the care of children during Church meetings or events. Their absolute safety cannot be guaranteed. The ultimate responsibility for the care of children always remains with parents or guardians. To parents and guardians: Please ensure that the conduct of your children and young people is adequately supervised throughout their attendance, and that your children are fully under your control. Children/teenagers under the age of 18 years must never be left wandering unsupervised.
Children—Sitting with Their Parents
God instructs, "You shall rejoice in your Feast, you and your son and your daughter." Clearly God wants families to rejoice together at His Feasts. Experience has shown that children and teenagers pay attention and therefore learn more from the messages when sitting with a parent than when sitting with a group of children off by themselves. Therefore it is the policy of the Church to have children and teens sitting with their parents during services. An exception may be where an individual child or teen may sit with a friend who is sitting with his or her parents. Obviously, a teen attending whose parents are not in attendance would be exempt. The Feast is a time for families to grow together. Let us use the precious time we have during services to further that goal.
Speakers—Send Your Titles to Festival Site Coordinator
Speaking schedules for the Feast of Tabernacles have been sent out to all those who will have speaking assignments at the Feast. Those who are on the speaking schedule are asked to send in their title(s) of their messages to their Festival Site Coordinator by September 1. Plan now to put in the time, prayer and preparation to bring messages that are inspiring, stimulating, and that focus on the wonderful message of Christ's reign on this earth!
Local Church Services on the Day of Atonement and the Sabbath Before the Feast
Pastors: If you have not already sent in the information about services in your congregations on the Day of Atonement (September 23) and the Sabbath immediately preceding the Feast (September 26), please do so immediately so that it can be compiled and made available to brethren who are trying to finalize their Feast travel plans. We need to know whether or not services will be held, the time of any services, and contact information.
Activity Payment Deadlines—Repeat Announcement
Many of our coordinators are trying to finalize numbers for the planned activities. Please note the instructions—including deadlines and methods of payment—for the Feast where you will be attending. This information can be found on the Web site for each Feast site (check www.lcg.org for more information). Everyone's attention to this will greatly facilitate final plans falling into place!
PayPal Payments Deadline September 18—Repeat Announcement
Online PayPal pre-payments for Festival activities for U.S. sites must be made by Friday, September 18. This will give the Accounting Department at Headquarters time to disburse funds to the U.S. sites. After September 18, brethren attending U.S. sites should wait until the Feast to pay for any additional activities. Please check with your local Festival site coordinator for details of payment methods accepted at the Feast. For international sites, please check with your Festival site coordinator for more information.
Living Youth Program
LYC Ohio Photo Competition
Living Youth Programs is currently running a photo competition from the LYC Camp in Ohio. If you were a camper at Ohio and took some photographs that you think reflect camp, e-mail up to three of them to [email protected]. We'll need to receive your submissions by Friday, September 4. The photographs will be posted on the Living Youth Facebook page for everyone to select their favorite. The winning boy and girl photographers will each receive a $100 gift card to a sporting goods store.
Living Youth Camp 2015 in Guatemala
The 2015 Living Youth Camp will be held from December 13-18 at Misión El Faro located in Punta Palma, Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. (See their Web site: http://www.misionelfaro.org/en/.) This is a beautiful location on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, watered by many rivers and surrounded by lush vegetation. Arrival will be in Puerto Barrios, from where we will travel by boat for about 20 minutes to the beautiful pier Misión.
Both English and Spanish-speaking campers are welcome to apply and we will have simultaneous translation for classes and other camp activities. A planned boat excursion is to start in the Atlantic and continue by river on Río Dulce, passing through caverns and hot springs and ending at the historic San Felipe castle.
If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me at [email protected]. The registration deadline is October 5.—Cristian Orrego
Friday Evening Youth Bible Studies Resume October 16
Friday evening online youth Bible Studies are planned to resume after the Feast of Tabernacles, on October 16. Mr. Sheldon Monson is scheduled to continue giving the Bible Studies and everyone, regardless of age, is welcome to "tune in." Information about joining the studies will be available on the Living Youth Web site at http://www.livingyouth.org after the Feast of Tabernacles.
Finance
Tithe of the Second Tithe
It would be greatly appreciated if those who are able to contribute a tithe of their second tithe would do so at this time (if it has not already been sent), to help defray the administrative expenses of the Festival season. The tithe of the second tithe is used to help brethren with limited funds attend the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as to pay for hall rentals and other expenses associated with arranging for the annual Festival observances.—Jerry Ruddlesden
Hall Rentals—Repeat Announcement
October Sabbath hall rentals should be sent in to the Accounting Department on or before September 15 to ensure that we can process the request before the Festival break.
Comments
Sobering Signs of the Times: The Old Testament records numerous events that are for our admonition today (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). In Genesis 18 and 19, God sent two angels to warn Lot and his family that the cities where they lived—Sodom and Gomorrah—would be destroyed because of their wicked and perverted ways. The reason given is the widespread acceptance and practice of homosexuality. The citizens of these cities had forgotten why God destroyed almost the entire human race only 400 years before (Genesis 6-7). Lot's family enjoyed the abundance of the region (Genesis 13:10-13) and had grown accustomed to and tolerant of what was going on around them, and they were reluctant to leave. Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back longingly at what she was leaving behind. As we see our modern societies going the way of Sodom again, we need to remember these Old Testament examples and learn the lessons of history. This is why the Apostle Paul urged Christians to "come out" of this world and its perverted ways (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) because God's judgment on our modern societies is coming! We need to wake up and recognize the real significance of what is happening around us and earnestly pray "Thy Kingdom come."
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 27, 2015
Another Korean War? "The deadline set by Pyongyang for South Korea to halt propaganda broadcasts over the border passed without incident on Saturday evening, although tensions remain high on both sides of the Demilitarised Zone. North Korea… issued an ultimatum that its forces would conduct 'military operations to destroy' the South's loudspeakers unless they were withdrawn by 5pm local time. Pyongyang also warned that it is ready to 'wage all-out war'" (Telegraph, August 22, 2015). "South and North Korea resumed talks Sunday afternoon to ease tensions after an exchange of artillery and mutual threats have renewed fears of open confrontation… But even as the parlay resumed, South Korea's military is reporting that it detected unusual troop and submarine movements in North Korea that indicated Pyongyang gearing up for a possible strike… at least 50 of the North's 77 attack submarines had left their bases and were undetectable by the South Korean military as of Saturday… 'It seems that the North is pursuing dialogue on one side and preparing for battle on another side'" (Deutsche Welle, August 23, 2015). Jesus predicted there would be "wars and rumors of wars" as we near the end of the age (Matthew 24:6). For more on this subject, read our article "Will Wars Ever Cease?"
The Really Big One: The New Yorker recently discussed the potential of a major earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone—between northern California and Vancouver Island (July 20, 2015). The Zone packs far greater energy than the famous San Andreas Fault to the south. The author writes "An earthquake will destroy a sizable portion of the coastal Northwest. The question is when" (ibid.). This overdue quake could range in magnitude from 8.0-9.2. According to a FEMA director, when the fault gives way, "Our operating assumption is that everything west of Interstate 5 will be toast" (ibid.). "The area of impact will cover some hundred and forty thousand square miles, including Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, Salem… Olympia… and some seven million people" (ibid.). "OSSPAC estimates that in the I-5 corridor it will take between one and three months after the earthquake to restore electricity, a month to a year to restore drinking water and sewer service, six months to a year to restore major highways, and eighteen months to restore health-care facilities" (ibid.). For more, see Shepard Smith's report "Mega-quake would destroy big portion of the northwest." These doomsday predictions based on scientific studies also fit with Bible prophecies. Jesus foretold that just before His return, "there will be… earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7). Later prophecies in Revelation 8 indicate that a major cataclysmic event will occur that destroys one-third of the sea's ships (v. 9). Future global catastrophes are not just "the stuff of Hollywood movies," they are really going to happen! For more about the coming "end of the age," read our free booklet Armageddon and Beyond.
Biblical City of Gath Unearthed: "Archaeologists think they may have discovered in Israel the home of biblical giant Goliath. The… Bar-Ilan University Expedition, led by Professor Aren Maeir, located the lost city of Gath during excavations of an area now divided between... Palestine and Israel… The recent discovery of the entrance gate of the biblical city has been the biggest finding" (The Daily Telegraph, August 13, 2015). The Bible refers to Gath as the home of "a champion… of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath" (1 Samuel 17:4). David also hid in Gath to avoid King Saul (1 Samuel 21:10). Ten years ago, "Archaeologists digging at the biblical home of Goliath… unearthed a shard of pottery bearing an inscription of the Philistine's name, lending historical credence to the Bible's tale of David's battle" (The Independent, November 12, 2005). While critics claim there is no evidence to support Bible stories, archaeological finds continue to validate the content of Scripture. Jesus stated, "For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light" (Luke 8:17). Even though "scoffers" were predicted to come in our modern age (2 Peter 3:3), the actual evidence demonstrates that God's word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). This is why God calls upon us to "prove all things" by using evidence to validate His Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:21). To learn why the Bible is unlike any other book, read our booklet, The Bible: Fact or Fiction?—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, Chris Sookdeo, John Meakin and Justin Ridgeway