Greetings from Charlotte,
Our world is becoming more violent by the day as nations invade other nations, airplanes full of people disappear, and people kill other people to make a statement. The Scriptures have long foretold that violence would increase as we approach the end of this age (Matthew 24:6; 2 Timothy 3:1-3). Yet, it is encouraging to know that the True Gospel is about a coming time of peace that Jesus Christ will establish on this earth. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has written a co-worker letter that was mailed to more than 12,000 people. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are off to New Orleans where Mr. Ames and Mr. Glen Harrison will make a Tomorrow's World Presentation this weekend. Mr. Gerald Weston will also make a TWP in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada this weekend. Last Sunday, Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka and Mr. Ron Poole made a TWP in Asheville, North Carolina that drew 24 n ew people on a rainy afternoon. This week, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Elliott and Mr. Peter Nathan have been visiting the office in Charlotte. As we approach the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread, please pray that God will watch over and protect His people from Satan's attempts to discourage and divide the people of God.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Presentation in Asheville, North Carolina
The Asheville congregation hosted a Tomorrow's World Presentation on Sunday, March 16. The dreary, wet, rainy day could not dampen the enthusiasm of those God had called to hear His word. The format for the presentation was different than the last one we hosted. Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka powerfully presented the first part of the program: "After Armageddon—Five Keys to End-Time Prophecy." Twenty-four visitors and twenty-one members then enjoyed fellowship and snacks during a short break. Mr. Ron Poole clearly presented the second part of the program: "The Mystery of God's Holy Days." Several commented they will see us again on the Sabbath. The new format was a huge success! What a great and wonderful God we have!—Gary Maney
Moves and Changes for 2014: We plan to make the following changes in assignments for the U.S. Field Ministry during the summer of 2014.
Ken Frank – move from Richmond/Norfolk, Virginia to Charlotte to join LU faculty
Jason Fritts – move from Michigan to Richmond/Norfolk/Winchester as pastor
Bill Long – becomes Associate Pastor in Michigan and northern Indiana
Peter Nathan – joins the LU faculty in Charlotte
Dan Hall – moves from Dallas, Texas to Atlanta as Regional Pastor for southeastern USA
Gary Stein – becomes Pastor of Dallas, Texas
Rodger Bardo – becomes Regional Pastor for Arizona, New Mexico and Texas
Phil Sena – move from Austin to pastor congregations in western New York state
Rick Stafford – Pastor for Houston, Austin, Temple and Corpus Christi and Regional Pastor for Caribbean
Glen Gilchrist – move from Seattle to Austin, Temple and Corpus Christi as Associate Pastor
Brandon Fall – move from Sacramento, California to Seattle/Tacoma, Washington as Associate Pastor
Richard Franz – move from Atlanta to pastor St. Louis, Rolla and Columbia, Missouri
James Sweat – move from Chattanooga to pastor Asheboro, Raleigh and Jacksonville, North Carolina
Darrell Lovelady – move from Los Angeles to pastor Nashville and Chattanooga
Stephen Elliott – to pastor southern California congregations
Wilner Pierre – move from Charlotte to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as Associate Pastor and also to pastor congregations in the French Caribbean
New Publication in French: Le Journal
The twofold mission of the Church includes preaching the Gospel to the world and feeding the flock. Although we had weekly DVD sermons in French and all the co-worker letters translated into French, many brethren have been praying and waiting for doctrinal articles. Here we go! Under the supervision of Mr. Hernandez, we have started a bimonthly Church magazine entitled "Le Journal." The March-April issue contains 20 pages of doctrinal articles translated from the Living Church News. It is being printed and sent to the members prior to the Spring Holy Days. The first comments are very positive and we give thanks to God for this new publication in French. Also, I would like to warmly thank our team of volunteer proofreaders who review this magazine in addition to Le Monde de Demain (the French-language Tomorrow's World magazine): Mr. and Mrs. Arsenault, Mrs. Duval and Mr. and Mrs. Hardy. They contribute greatly to the overall quality of our publications.—VG Lardé
Northeast Region Upcoming Events
This is one more reminder for the upcoming Family Weekend in Kingston, New York. Deadline for registration is April 1, so there is still time to plan to spend the last few days of the Spring Holy Days with the brethren from congregations throughout the Northeast. For information and registration, just go to http://nelcgfamilyweekend.weebly.com (not an official Church Web site).
We're also planning to host an Adirondack Adventure over the July 4 weekend. This will be a "Pack and Paddle" experience, and will be a great way to learn life lessons in the great outdoors. The Adirondacks are home to some of America's most beautiful mountains, the Lake Placid Olympic training center, and rivers and lakes galore. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.—Jonathan McNair
Passover 2014—U.S. Congregations—Repeat Announcement
All Pastors: 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. Also, 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. (U.S. pastors will automatically receive one copy of the Passover Service recording.)
You can direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected]. The Passover Service will be observed on Sunday evening, April 13.
Carolina Singles Weekend 2014—Repeat Announcement
Registration is now open for the Carolina Singles Weekend 2014! We look forward to what is shaping up to be another memorable Memorial Day weekend. Don't miss this opportunity to spend some time in Charlotte, NC with family and friends. Vital messages, exciting activities and pleasant fellowship await you here. We look forward to you joining us then!
For details about the weekend and information on how to register, please see the Charlotte LCG Web site (charlottelcg.org) (not an official Church Web site).—Jonathan Bueno
Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend in Greenville, April 18-21
Time is running out to register for the seventh Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend, sponsored by the Anderson, South Carolina, congregation! The weekend is scheduled for Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21. It promises to be filled with inspiring spiritual messages, uplifting fellowship, and fun activities. Come celebrate the last part of the Days of Unleavened Bread with us in Greenville, SC. We are pleased to announce that the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God, Dr. Roderick Meredith will be our guest speaker for the weekend.
Planned events include a Friday afternoon bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail; a Friday evening opening dinner and Bible Study; brunch, a Bible Question-and-Answer Session, and Sabbath services on the Sabbath; the Black Hat Banquet and Ball on Saturday night; a picnic and recreational activities, including a 5K road race and softball games, on Sunday; and Holy Day services on Monday, the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. Services and the Banquet and Ball will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville.
Additionally, we invite those with musical talent to perform special music for the Sabbath or Holy Day services or to perform appropriate danceable music for the Ball. Please contact us with your proposed performance selection.
We have secured a room rate of $89 per night for guests staying at the Hyatt. This guaranteed rate expires March 28, 2014. Further details about the event, prices of meals, and registration instructions are located at our local Web site: lcganderson.org(not an official Church Web site). Or, you may contact Manuel Burdette for further information at 864-638-7719 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you in Greenville for the best Spring Weekend ever!—Manuel Burdette
Television Department
Ukraine Television—Repeat Announcement
God has instructed His Church to preach the Gospel as a warning to all the nations (Matthew 24:14), and in the midst of the recent dramatic events occurring in Ukraine, He has opened up yet another big door to now broadcast the Tomorrow's World telecast to all of Ukraine in the Ukrainian language! Final preparations are underway and programming should start next month. Look for us on the powerful Amos2 satellite in Ukraine, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Moscow time; and also in Ukrainian on YouTube anywhere in the world.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Internet Department
New Tomorrow's World Web Site Update!—Repeat Announcement
The final touches are being made to the new Tomorrow's World Web site, and we again thank you for the hundreds of positive comments and excellent suggestions that so many of you have made. If you haven't tested the new Web site yet, please check it out at beta.tomorrowsworld.org. We plan to go live soon, after which time we will focus on migrating our French and Spanish Tomorrow's World Web sites. As many of you will notice, this new site is "responsive" in that it automatically optimizes for mobile and tablet devices which now make up a majority of our visitor traffic. There are also a few very powerful new features built into the new Web site, some of which we have not "turned on" yet… so as we often say on the telecast, "stay tuned" for some exciting updates soon. And most of all, thank you again for your prayers for the success of this major new Web Site launch.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Feast of Tabernacles
2014 Festival Registration Will Open on March 30!
Festival Registration will open for the Feast of Tabernacles 2014, on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 12:00 EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, USA). At that time, you will be invited to register for the Feast site of your choice. You will also be able to note what volunteer service opportunities you would like to sign up for at your site. Find out information about each of the sites that are being planned for 2014 by going on the Festival Web site: fot2014.lcg.org. (You can also access it by going to the Living Church of God Web site (lcg.org) and clicking on "Feast of Tabernacles.")
If you do not have Internet access, please contact your Festival Advisor to print off information for any site(s) you are interested in attending. If you do not know who your Festival Advisor is, please check with your local Pastor.
Pastors: In preparation for Festival Registration on March 30, please make sure that Headquarters has been notified about any changes in your local congregation rosters. For example, please let us know of any Church Youths (CY) who have turned 18 and now should be listed as Prospective Members (PM). Please also let us know of any other changes in status of any brethren in your area (i.e. baptisms, etc.) or if any brethren have moved to another congregation. Send these status updates to [email protected].
All brethren: Please make sure your MyLCG account is working. This will be necessary for you to register online. To test it, go to www.cogl.org and sign in to MyLCG with your username and password. If you don't have one, you will have the option of creating one. If you have any problems logging into MyLCG, please e-mail [email protected].—Festival Office
Congregations and Feast Site Assignments
To find out what Feast site your local congregation is assigned to, consult the following list:
Boerne, TX
New Mexico: El Paso/Las Cruces
Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Hawkins, Houston, Lufkin, Midland, San Antonio, Temple
Gatlinburg, TN
Alabama: Athens, Birmingham
Georgia: Blairsville
Kentucky: Berea, Louisville
North Carolina: Asheville
Ohio: Cincinnati
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Crossville, Knoxville, Nashville
Virginia: Bristol
West Virginia: Bluefield, Logan, Ripley
Indian Wells, CA
California: Concord, Fresno, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Maria
Hawaii:
Nevada: Las Vegas, Reno
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Arkansas: El Dorado, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison, Little Rock, Mena, Russellville
Iowa: Des Moines
Illinois: Peoria
Indiana: Indianapolis, Terre Haute
Kansas: Chanute, Wichita
Louisiana: Monroe, Shreveport
Missouri: Columbia, Joplin, Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, St. Joseph, St. Louis
Nebraska: Omaha
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
Tennessee: Memphis
Myrtle Beach, SC
DC: Washington
Maryland: Baltimore, Salisbury
North Carolina: Asheboro, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Statesville
South Carolina: Anderson, Walterboro
Virginia: Norfolk, Richmond, Williamsburg, Winchester
Navarre, FL
Alabama: Montgomery
Florida: Pensacola
Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Ferriday, Lafayette, New Orleans
Mississippi: Columbus, Jackson, Laurel, Ocean Springs
Palm Harbor, FL
Florida: Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Lake City, Ocala, Tampa
Georgia: Atlanta, Braselton, Columbus, Macon, Thomasville
Puerto Rico: San Juan
Park City, UT
Arizona: Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Tucson
Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver, Meeker
Montana: Great Falls, Helena
New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Utah: Layton
Wyoming: Casper, Saratoga, Thermopolis, Wheatland
Seaside, OR
Alaska: Anchorage
California: Eureka, Redding
Idaho: Boise
Oregon: Portland, Grants Pass
Washington: Richland, Seattle/Tacoma, Tonasket
Tannersville, PA
Connecticut:
Delaware:
Massachusetts: Auburn
Maine: Freeport
New Hampshire: Lebanon
New Jersey: Cranford, Hammonton
New York: Albany, Buffalo, Corning, Melville, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse
Pennsylvania: Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Tannersville
Rhode Island: Providence
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Iowa: Dubuque
Illinois: Chicago
Indiana: Fort Wayne, Knox
Michigan: Detroit, Kalamazoo, Lansing, McMillan, Traverse City
Minnesota: Duluth, Minneapolis
North Dakota: Bismarck
Ohio: Akron, Columbus, Lima
Wisconsin: Appleton, Merrill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells
South Dakota:
Living Youth Programs
Online Teen Bible Study—Friday Evening
There will be no online Teen Bible Study Friday evening, March 28. However, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's on "Are We Living in the Last Days?," can be found on the Living Youth Web site.—Sheldon Monson
Registration for LYC 2014 Camps—Repeat Announcement
We are still accepting registrations for four of the camps in the United States—Ohio, Texas, Missouri and West Virginia. If you haven't applied already, you can find out more information at lyc.lcg.org. The Adventure Camp, however, is now full. If any of you are still interested in participating in this camp, please send an e-mail to Mr. Sheldon Monson at [email protected] and your name will be placed on a waiting list.
Pastoral Evaluations for Camp—(Notice for Pastors Only)—Repeat Announcement
Every year, as part of the application process for both campers and staff for the various LYC camps, we send pastoral evaluation requests to pastors of applicants. These help us to put applicants into the right staffing positions at camp, as well as aid in selecting and placing campers. If you can return the evaluations as quickly as possible, it will help us to process applications: we can't accept an applicant until we receive the evaluation back. Each evaluation should take no more than a few minutes to complete. If you have any questions regarding the pastoral evaluations, please contact Jenny Penman at [email protected].—Sheldon Monson
Young Adults
Young Adults Activities and Adventure Camp—Repeat Announcement
We are planning to have a winter activity for the younger adults (ages 20-35) in the Church, after the Charlotte Family Weekend in December. We are looking for the ideal venue for this winter activity that will include skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other fun activities, as well as Bible Studies and discussions that will relate to the young adults. So if you are interested in attending this activity, put December 28 to January 1 on your calendar!
We had hoped to be able to offer an Adventure Camp for the young singles this summer, but for a number of logistical reasons, it has been decided not to have this activity. However, we are definitely planning to have one in the summer of 2015.—Jim Meredith
Finance Department
U.S. Only: The green Holy Day envelopes were mailed to U.S. households March 12. These pre-coded envelopes save the staff hours of processing time when they are used for Holy Day offerings. We would suggest that you place these envelopes with your Bible and notebook that you take to services. If you do not receive your envelopes by March 26, please e-mail [email protected] and we will resend them to you.—D. Jerry Ruddlesden
Mileage Reimbursement—Repeat Announcement
Ministers, unpaid elders, and others who are reimbursed for their Church-business-related mileage: there is a new 2014 mileage form on the MyLCG site. This form has the new reimbursement rate of $0.56, which is different from 2013. Please use the new form when submitting 2014 mileage for reimbursement. Thank you for your service to God's people and for using the updated form for Accounting purposes.—Josh Lyons
Comments
Need for Wisdom: Solomon wrote that one of the most important goals in life is to gain wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) and that the value of wisdom is even greater than rubies or gold (Proverbs 8:11; 16:16). Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs to help others gain wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-6), and he emphasized that the most important key to obtaining wisdom is developing a proper fear of God—having a sincere desire to follow God's instructions (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Wisdom helps us discern between right and wrong, and it leads to happiness and a longer life (Proverbs 2:10-11; 3:13-16). As Jesus grew up, He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52), because He obviously followed the instruction in Proverbs 2:1-5 to seek after wisdom, to cry out [in prayer] for discernment and to treasure the commandments of God. The Apostle Jame s urged us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). The Apostle Paul admonished us to study the Scriptures "which are able to make you wise" (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Do a word study of the terms "wise" and "wisdom" to gain a better understanding of this vital subject. As you grow in wisdom, you will be developing one of the attributes of God and Jesus Christ (Job 9:4; Romans 16:27).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—March 20, 2014
Super-Plague Could Reappear: The deadliest plague ever to hit mankind killed between 30-50 million people during the 6th century AD—nearly one half of the Earth's population (Times of Malta, January 28, 2014). "Some 800 years later, the Black Death wiped out 50 million Europeans between 1347 and 1351" (ibid.). Recently unearthed remains of two 1500-year-old victims in Bavaria, Germany, showed the disease to be a different strain of the same bacterium that caused the Black Death in the fourteenth century. This has led scientists to conclude that "If the Justinian plague could erupt in the human population, cause a massive pandemic, and then die out, it suggests it could happen again" (ibid.). These observations are consistent with end-time Bible prophecies that have long foretold that great death and destruction will precede the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the age. The prophet Ezekiel warned that 1/3 of the Israelite descendants would die by pestilence (plague) and famine (Ezekiel 5:12). Jesus Christ also warned of severe pestilence at the end of the age (Luke 21:11). Bible prophecies and statements of scientists appear to be coming together. For more about conditions that will appear at the end of the age, be sure to read our informative booklet, Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ's Return.
Zu Guttenberg Calls for German Leadership in Ukraine: In a recent article analyzing the crisis in the Ukraine, former German Defense Secretary Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg called for coordinated action by EU and the U.S., and he criticized their lethargy and dis-unified front. He also called for greater German leadership in the crisis: "My fellow countrymen will not be happy to hear this, but Germany will have to play a core role in this process. After all, Germany has more experience with Europe's transition countries than probably anyone else" (The American Interest, March 12, 2014). Mr. zu Guttenberg also commented, "Brussels and the [EU] member states should get back to highly disciplined coordination very quickly. The Europea n Union lacks established mechanisms to deal with situations like the near-outbreak of a war on its borders. Instead, it is largely up to the ability of its political leaders of the day if the EU is to be capable of doing anything beyond issuing stern reprimands." (ibid.). Speaking of Russian President Vladimir Putin, zu Guttenberg warned: "His unwarranted saber-rattling can set a whole cascade of events in motion that has the potential to lead to a much wider and completely out-of-control conflict very soon" (ibid.). Troubles in the Ukraine could be a catalyst to further galvanize Europe. The conflict also highlights Baron zu Guttenberg's interest in his native Germany, and also his vision of necessary and decisive action. Bible prophecies reveal a "strong leader" will emerge in Europe just before the return of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 13:1-8; 17:12-13). Time will tell who will fulfill these prophecies. Fo r more on the coming European Beast Power, read our timely booklet The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Soon-Coming Reality?
Watch India! "India remains the biggest buyer of arms in the world, importing nearly three times as many weapons as its nearest competitors China and Pakistan over the last five years" (Agence France-Presse, March 17, 2014). "Indian imports of major weapons rose by 111 percent in the last five years compared to 2004–08… India replaced China as the world's biggest arms buyer in 2010… The main supplier of arms to India in 2009-13 was Russia, accounting for 75 percent of all imports" (ibid.). During the same period, "India's traditional rival Pakistan increased its weapons acquisitions by 119 percent, growing from 2 percent of the global total to 5 percent du ring that period" (ibid.). Bible prophecies record that at the end of the age, a great power will arise in the East (Daniel 11:44). This multi-national force will be a 200 million-man army that will destroy a third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-19). It will cross the Euphrates river from the east and bear down on Jerusalem and the King of the North (Revelation 16:12). Events in Asia could lead to the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies. Students of prophecy need to remember another prophecy that "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). For more about events that will occur at the end of the age, read our booklet Armageddon and Beyond.—Scott Winnail, Deborah Lincoln-Strange, and Justin Ridgeway