Greetings from Charlotte,
As the people of the central Philippines strive to deal with the devastation caused by the biggest typhoon ever to strike that part of the world, and governments around the globe struggle with internal divisions and seemingly insurmountable problems, the Living Church of God Council of Elders meetings this week were marked by a strong sense of purpose and a spirit of unity. Dr. Meredith led most of the meetings. We heard reports from around the world, and we addressed a number of practical and doctrinal issues. We also discussed the challenge of preaching the Gospel in an increasingly secular world and considered a number of ideas for utilizing television, the Internet and other media, Tomorrow's World Presentations and Living University to accomplish our end-time mission more effectively. It was very encouraging to see how God is opening powerful new doors for doing His Work. Mr. Jim Meredith was appointed to serve as the Disaster Relief Coordinator for the LCG to work with local and regional Church leaders in addressing needs created by unexpected events. Mr. Rod King has remained in Charlotte after the Council meetings to tape new Tomorrow's World television programs. Mrs. Meredith is at home as she deals with the late stages of cancer. Please continue to pray that God will hear the prayers of His people and strengthen all who are facing serious challenges in their lives.—DSW
Church Administration
Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Update
We have good news to report! As of today, we have been able to confirm the safety of all of our members in the affected area, except for one couple. God has been very merciful in protecting His people from this super typhoon and the brethren there are very aware of it. They have seen first-hand the power of nature, but also the even greater power of God. Isaiah's words, "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that He cannot save" (Isaiah 59:1), should be ringing in the ears of all of us as we see Him saving His people from these kinds of disasters. Two of our elders from Manila, Mr. Basilio Osillos and Mr. Jes Puzon, are attempting to get to the area to check on brethren and conditions, and determine their needs. According to some reports, many of the brethren have already made it to the homes of family and members on other islands. Many had homes that were heavily damaged, so they will need to make long-term living arrangements. At Headquarters, we are staying in constant contact with our brethren in the Philippines and we will offer them every bit of support that we can. Many have asked how they can help our brethren out; the answer at this point is in prayers. We do have a disaster relief fund that has helped many brethren around the world, so if you would like to help in that way it would be much appreciated. If you would like to make a donation to our disaster relief fund, you may do so at www.lcg.org or send a check to Headquarters. As the situation becomes clearer, we may need to do more, but right now is not the time for "boots on the ground." If the time comes for that kind of help, we will let you know. We will continue to post updates on the Web site and on the LCG Facebook page.—Jim Meredith
2013 Kansas City Family Weekend
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
2013 Charlotte Anniversary Weekend
Online registration for the Charlotte Anniversary Weekend is now open. For more detailed information of the event and to register, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. We need everyone who plans to attend to register for the various activities you are going to participate in as soon as possible. If you do not have computer access, your Festival Advisor may register for you. A special group rate of $92 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel.This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. You may go ahead and make your reservations by using the hotel's Passkey Web site at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/LivingChurchOfGod2013 or call 704-357-1414 and mention the Living Church of God to book your room. 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 as soon as possible. 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 available updates, see 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
Upstate South Carolina Spring Holy Day Weekend in Greenville, April 18–21, 2014—Repeat Announcement
The Anderson, SC, congregation is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our seventh Upstate SC Spring Holy Day Weekend from Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21, 2014.
Currently planned events include: a Friday night Bible Study, services on the Sabbath, a banquet and ball Saturday night, a picnic and recreational activities on Sunday, and Holy Day services on Monday. The Bible Study, Sabbath services, Holy Day services and the banquet and ball will be held at the Greenville Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville, SC. Further details about the event and registration instructions will be announced in early January 2014. For further information, contact Manuel Burdette, 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!
Living Youth Programs
Online Teen Bible Study—Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study Friday evening, November 22, will be on "Where Are Enoch and Elijah?" and will be presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for the online Bible Studies yet, I encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The chat room is open at 7:30 p.m. (EST) and the Bible Study runs from 8:00-9:00 p.m. You can access this Bible Study 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 "Lazarus and the Rich Man," can be found on the Living Youth Web site.—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. The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester, including two completely 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].
ACCT 251: Principles of Financial Accounting. This practical course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations. This course is useful for those planning and managing any type of budget.
ENGL 262: World Literature II. This course introduces selected seminal works from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas from the eighteenth century to the present. Emphasis is on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. A review of these works will give the student greater insight into why the world and our culture is what it is today! Required for the Bachelor and Associate degree programs.
SPCM 150: Introduction to Communication. This course provides a foundation for speaking to individuals and groups of people, including critical listening and methods of writing, organizing, delivering and critiquing speeches. It explores problems of effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis and presentation of subject matter in oral communication. Upon completion, students should be able to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals, churches, and other groups, clarify information as needed, and facilitate an open exchange of ideas.
Comments
Watch Bible Prophecy! Jesus told His disciples to watch for the fulfillment of Bible prophecies that indicate that the end of the age and His second coming are near (Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13). These same prophecies reveal that most people will be surprised by these climactic events because they do not understand the prophetic significance of world events they are seeing in the news. This is why God has given His Church a "more sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19-20, KJV) so His Church can function as a watchman to proclaim to Israelite nations and the world the real significance of events that are making news today. The Scriptures reveal that God has a plan and purpose that He is working out on earth and He is guiding the course of history according to that plan (Isaiah 46:8-11). As we see world events fulfilling these ancient prophecies, we need to draw closer to God with regular prayer and study—and watch Bible prophecy—so we will not be caught by surprise when Jesus Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 14, 2013
Putin and Merkel: World's Most Powerful People: According to a Forbes magazine ranking, "Russian leader Vladimir Putin has trumped US President Barack Obama as the most powerful man in the world, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel retains her title as the world's most powerful woman" (EU Observer, October 31, 2013). The Forbes article continued, "With his signature healthcare legislation under fire, allies outraged over spying and a barely-averted default on US debt, Obama can no longer be seen as the most powerful man in the world" (ibid.). President Obama has fallen to second place on the men's list, followed immediately by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Pope Francis. British Prime Minister David Cameron is number eleven (BBC, October 30, 2013). Long ago, God warned that if the Israelite-descended nations refused to obey Him, He would break the pride of their power (Leviticus 26:19), and they would become the tail instead of the head (Deuteronomy 28:13, 44). Today, we are watching the self-inflicted demise of nations that God intended to be lights to the world. For more on this globe-changing topic, read our free booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
The Future of Britain? A recent Economist article entitled "Little England or Great Britain?" suggests that Britain faces two choices: to either rebuild its greatness or continue its decline on the world scene (November 9, 2013). Coming events that will impact this future include: the vote on Scottish independence in 2014, a British referendum on EU membership in 2017, along with immigration and other issues (ibid.). Bible prophecy clearly indicates that Britain will continue to lose prestige and leadership. Due to its increasingly anti-God attitudes and sinful ways, God prophesied: "He [your enemy] shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail" (Deuteronomy 28:44). God also noted that Ephraim (British-descended peoples) "shall be desolate in the day of rebuke" (Hosea 5:9), and that he "is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked by human precept" (v. 11). The near future of the British-descended people will be difficult and filled with serious consequences for rejecting God. However, at Christ's return, God will have mercy on a repentant Ephraim (Jeremiah 31:15-22). At that time, God promises to "forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more" (v. 34). For more on this important historic topic, be sure to read our Tomorrow's World article entitled "The Modern 'Battle of Britain'"
Devastation in the Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan (Typhoon Yolanda) slammed into the central Philippines last Friday killing more than 2,000 people and inflicting damage on more than 41 provinces (Associated Press, November 11, 2013; November 14, 2013). More than 9.7 million Filipinos—about 10 percent of the entire population—have been affected by "the most powerful storm on record to strike the Philippines" (Bloomberg, November 11, 2013). Total damage could reach $14 billion—only $2 billion of which is insured. Sadly, the typhoon struck less than four weeks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the Philippines (ibid.). The devastation and need for food, water and shelter should move all Christians to cry out to God for His mercy and intervention. Because mankind is turning away from God, super-disasters like Typhoon Haiyan are prophesied to increase at the end of the age. Jesus spoke of "the sea and the waves roaring" (Luke 21:25), of powerful "earthquakes in diverse places" (v. 11) and that these would just be "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:8). Human beings have forgotten that God exists and that He controls the weather and that He uses it to fulfill His will. For more information on this topic, read our free booklet, Who Controls the Weather?—Scott Winnail, Ron Ramsingh and Bill Long