Greetings from Charlotte,
In recent weeks the weather has been on a rampage. The central Philippines has been ravaged by several major earthquakes that killed hundreds in addition to the super typhoon that has claimed the lives of thousands and displaced nearly a million people. This week a severe storm system (the worst in a century) devastated the Midwestern portion of the United States. The violent storm system spawned numerous tornadoes with winds of nearly 200 miles per hour as it roared across 12 states—killing 12 people and causing a billion dollars in damage. Also this week, the Mediterranean island of Sardinia was drenched by a freak rainstorm of "apocalyptic" proportions that dumped more than 17 inches of rain in 24 hours—submerging homes, downing bridges and killing at least 18 people. The Scriptures have long foretold that such "fearful sights" would mark the approaching end of the age (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:7-11.) Thankfully, all of our members in the Philippines and in the Midwest have survived these catastrophic situations. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been conducting meetings, and Mr. Ames is preparing for Tomorrow's World Presentations next weekend in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Mr. King taped several new television programs before he and his wife began their trip back to the UK on Wednesday. We are also working on details for the Feast of Tabernacles 2014, next month's Winter Weekend, and preparing for Living University classes to be offered next semester (see announcement below). Our prayers—including "Thy Kingdom come"—can be offered for the thousands of people that have been impacted by these recent catastrophes.—DSW
Church Administration
Tornadoes and Storms in the American Midwest on Sunday
The national news covered very well the severe destruction that was caused by the tornadoes last Sunday in Central Illinois and other places. Tornadoes have come through this area in the past but none were as destructive as this one. One man was killed and many injured in Washington, Illinois, and the mayor estimates that 1,000 homes were either damaged or destroyed in that town alone. About 130,000 homes in the Peoria area lost electric power. However, all of the members in the area are safe and did not suffer any property damage. The path of the EF4 tornado that hit Washington came within a mile of our home. We were without power for more than 25 hours, but with a fireplace and backup generator, it was just an inconvenience for us. For so many others, it was a life-altering experience as they huddled in their basements or any other place that could give some protection while their homes were completely destroyed. As we pray for their peace of mind and the restoration of their lives, we can also pray that God would help them to understand that He allows traumatic weather for the great purpose He has for all of mankind.—Irv Woelfle
Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Update
We have now been able to confirm that all of our members affected by the typhoon are alive and well! Some of our members and ministers have been able to make it to the disaster area and have located the last unaccounted-for members. In spite of the massive strength of and devastation caused by the typhoon, we have no reports of even any injuries! We have been able to get emergency supplies to many of the brethren. Additionally, we have been able to help some of the brethren relocate to other islands and settle in with family members and/or Church brethren. We thank God for His mercy and protection of His children.
There is still a long road ahead to help the brethren repair, rebuild and/or relocate. We thank the many of you who have donated to our disaster relief fund; this will allow us to help those affected. If anyone is interested in helping these brethren rebuild their lives, you may make a tax deductible donation at www.lcg.org. Be sure to designate your donation as "The Disaster Relief Fund." Thank you for your continued prayers and support in this time of need.—Jim Meredith
2013 Charlotte Anniversary Weekend—Registration Deadline & New Activity!
If you plan to attend the Charlotte Anniversary Weekend and have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible. We need everyone to register by December 9 for the events they plan to attend! For detailed information of the events and to register, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. If you do not have computer access, your Festival Advisor may register you. Please note that an additional seminar for mature singles has been added. If you have already registered online and would like to attend this seminar, you may go back and add it to your registration. There are still rooms available at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. The $92 rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. You may use the hotel's Passkey Web site at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/LivingChurchOfGod2013 to reserve your room or call 704-357-1414 and mention the Living Church of God to book your reservation. For those of you planning to play in the basketball or volleyball tournaments, please get your teams together now. We need all teams to register online by December 9. Please note that all teams must have a minimum of seven players and we are limiting the basketball tournament to a maximum of eight teams. We will also have free play courts available for anyone not on a team. For more information and to see updates as they are available, go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend/events. We hope many of you can join us for a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, fun, food, and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
2013 Kansas City Family Weekend—Repeat Announcement
The Kansas City Family Weekend is fast approaching and one major deadline is only two weeks away. November 27 is the deadline to reserve $79-a-night rooms at the Holiday Inn. (This rate applies only to Friday and Saturday nights, December 27-28.) After November 27, prices can go up to $119 a night. All Friday and Saturday activities will be at the Holiday Inn and the hotel is offering our group a free continental breakfast of Danish, muffins, coffee and juices.
You may make your hotel reservations by calling 800-238-9938 and saying you are with the Living Church of God. Or you can go to the KC Weekend Web site at lcgkc.org (not an official Church site), click on "KC Weekend," then "Housing" and find the link and the discount code to make online reservations.
Activities: On Friday evening, December 27, there will be a Bible study at 7:00 p.m. Sabbath morning may include a seminar or Bible Study (check the KC Weekend Web site for updates). Sabbath services will be in the afternoon.
Saturday evening will include an Italian feast, catered by the Holiday Inn, for $10 a person. We do ask that all who sign up for the catered meal pay in advance via PayPal (there is a $1/person surcharge if you use PayPal) or by mailing us a check. See our food section on the KC Weekend Web site for what's included in the meal and for payment details. After dinner, we are planning fine entertainment by some of our talented brethren. Speaking of talented people, are you someone talented who enjoys using your talent to serve God's people? We're looking for participants now! Songs, instrumentals, skits, dance troupes... Please sign up on the KC Weekend Web site. There will be a dance after the dinner and entertainment portion of the evening. Or if you choose, head over to the water park. Tickets are $10 a person, which is a significant discount from the normal rates.
Sunday, December 29, will include basketball, volleyball, children's activities and fellowship time, once again at the Okun Fieldhouse. Please begin assembling your volleyball or basketball teams now. Register your team or your activity online as soon as possible to help us in our planning.
We look forward to seeing you soon!—Michael Keesee
Living Youth Programs
No Online Teen Bible Study on Thanksgiving Weekend
There will not be an online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, November 29, because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. However, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies, including last evening's on "Where Are Enoch and Elijah?," can be found on the Living Youth Web site at livingyouth.org.—Sheldon Monson
Living University
Registration for Second Semester
Registration for second semester classes is now underway. The Spring semester will begin on Wednesday, January 15. Students may register for the spring semester (fall in the Southern hemisphere) anytime between now and January 14. 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. Below are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester, including two new ones. A complete listing of second semester courses can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "2014 Spring Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com Web site. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Michelle Broussard at 704-708-2294 or [email protected].
PHED 226: Christian Camp Leadership. This newly re-designed course is intended to prepare students for service as a camp Counselor, Activity Director, or member of the Staff. Emphasis is placed on techniques of Christian camp counseling and leadership, program development, and camp safety. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various philosophies, administration, and programming of Christian camps and serve in the capacity of a Christian camp Counselor, activity leader, or member of the staff. This course is highly recommended for both those who already serve at our Church summer camps (pre-teen, teen, and adventure) and for those who plan to serve at our summer camps (U.S. and international) in the future. The course is developed and delivered by the Church's Director of Living Youth Programs, Sheldon Monson.
THL 215: The Lost Tribes of Israel in History and Prophecy. Developed and delivered by Dr. Douglas Winnail, this popular course examines what is known about the Israelite people and how they became "lost" to the world. The course will document the dispersion of the Ten Tribes from the fall of the Kingdom of Israel to their present day locations, as well as how the unique contributions of the Israelites influenced the course of human history and the development of the modern world. Subject matter will focus on biblical keys for identifying the Israelite people, as well as evidence from history, archaeology, anthropology and genetics that supports the biblical record. Views of critics and supporters of the idea of the Lost Tribes will be discussed, along with the roles and responsibilities of the Chosen People and prophetic implications for modern Israelite nations.
THL 226: Christian Leadership. This course deals with important principles of Christian leadership and service necessary for all godly leaders. It takes an in-depth look at important aspects of Christian character that God wants all His servants to develop and analyzes "why" God views these areas as essential for those whom He has called. Topics include foundations of leadership, leadership skills, challenges facing leaders and case studies of great leaders of the Bible and secular history. The course also draws conclusions about leadership from studying the Leadership Style of Jesus. The course is useful for those currently in or aspiring to leadership roles. Lectures are delivered by Dr. Douglas Winnail.
Comments
The Importance of Compassion: When we hear about and see the catastrophes and suffering that millions are experiencing in this world, how do we react? Do we care? Are we concerned? Do we react as Jesus would? We are told in Scripture that God loved the people of this world enough to send His Son to die for the sins of mankind (John 3:16). Jesus Christ acted out of compassion when He provided food for a multitude (Mark 8:2). He was moved with compassion when He saw the plight of the people in His day (Matthew 9:35-38). He expressed that same compassion when He looked over the city of Jerusalem prior to His death (Matthew 23:37). We also read that when Christ returns, He will have compassion on the rebellious Israelite people as they return from captivity after the Tribulation (Jeremiah 12:15). We need to be sensitive to the fact that the rapid-fire reporting of tragedies in the news media and the callousness that permeates our modern societies (Matthew 24:12) could rob us of our capacity to feel and exercise compassion. As Christians, we are to develop the mind of Jesus Christ and the character qualities of God our Father—who are both "full of compassion" (Psalm 78:38; James 5:11).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 21, 2013
Increasing German Resentment of the U.S.: "A new poll by German public television (ARD) indicates that only 35 percent of Germans still see the United States as a good partner. That figure has fallen 14 points since just this past July when about half of all Germans saw America as a partner they could trust. The new poll… also indicates that 61 percent of Germans now see the United States as an untrustworthy partner" (McClatchyDC, November 8, 2013). Another headline asks the question, "Is the U.S.-German love affair really ending?" (McClatchyDC, November 2, 2013). "In the coming months, the United States and Germany are likely to become further estranged" due to differing views on a growing number of issues (Washington Post, October 18, 2012). Die Zeit recently described the "fracturing" of the German-U.S. relationship and the German feeling about it as being like the "hurt of a disappointed lover" (October 31, 2013). Bible prophecy points to a time when God will "uncover" the sins of Israelite-descended nations like the United States, "in the sight of her lovers" (Hosea 2:10). Bible prophecies indicate that former "lovers" will come to despise and turn against America and her Israelite allies (Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 16:37; 23:9-30). We appear to be watching this happening today. For more on this topic, read "A Clash of Eagles: America and Germany in Prophecy."
Public Veneration of Peter's Bones: "Pope Francis on Sunday will preside over a Mass in St. Peter's Square at which an urn containing the relics [supposedly the bones of Peter] will be shown for public veneration. The urn is usually kept in the Apostolic Palace for private veneration by popes, but it will be publicly displayed for the first time to mark the end of the church's 'Year of Faith'" (Associated Press, November 18, 2013). The Catholic Church has long claimed that Peter was the first pope and that he died in Rome, yet, the facts of history tell a different story (see our articles "The Petrine Deception" and "Papal Primacy?"). The Catholic Church has venerated the bones of saints for centuries. However, the practice of enshrining and venerating the bones of the dead has long been a pagan religious ritual. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the mummified bodies of pharaohs. Satan tried to obtain the body of Moses, apparently to make it an object of worship, but God did not allow this to happen (Jude 9). When King Josiah purged the nation of Judah from paganism, he burned the bones of pagan priests on their altars (2 Kings 23:20; 2 Chronicles 34:3-5). Pagans also placed the bones of sacrificed children in the foundations of their cities (1 Kings 16:34). According to the Scriptures, we are not to worship bones or people, because God alone is holy (Revelation 15:4) and worthy of worship (Matthew 4:10)! For more information on how this and other practices made their way into modern Christianity, read our booklet, Satan's Counterfeit Christianity.
The "Francis Effect"—Power of Papal Personality: "POPE FRANCIS has inspired a surge in attendances and confessions in the Roman Catholic Church, reversing decades of decline... In the eight months since he was chosen, cathedrals in Britain have seen a rise of about 20% in congregations, drawing in both new and lapsed members… Attendances at the Pope's weekly address [in Rome] have surged to 85,000 last month against 5,000 for his predecessor, Benedict XVI" (Sunday Times, November 17, 2013). "In less than a year one man seems to have stemmed the decline. Catholic officials, who once appeared resigned to a 'smaller purer church', are now talking of a 'papal bounce'" (ibid.). "In the 18 years he was a bishop and archbishop in Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio was ruthless in his radicalism" and he has brought that radicalism to the Vatican (ibid.). Some have described the sweeping papal changes of this pope as the "most important step in the history of the church for the past 10 centuries." One Cardinal noted "Four years of Francis… would be enough to change everything" (ibid.). Bible prophecies have long foretold the appearance of a powerful end-time world church (Revelation 13:11-17; Revelation 17). Its dynamic and charismatic leader and the system he represents will "speak pompous words against the Most High" and desire to "change times and law" for 3.5 years just prior to Christ's return (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5). Whether Pope Francis is this end-time figure or not remains to be seen. But, his "rock star" style and effect on the Church is setting a powerful precedent. For more on this intriguing topic, read our booklet, The Beast of Revelation.—Scott Winnail; James Ginn; James, Susan and Daniel Bennett