Hello everybody,
Because several of the Headquarters ministers were traveling during the Passover season, it has been a couple of weeks since we sent out an update. We are all back home now after successful and inspiring visits to a number of the congregations, some in far-flung areas of the world.
The date for the Second Passover this year is Friday, May 16, and should be observed the previous evening, May 15, just after sunset.
Plans are shaping up for our upcoming Council of Elders conference here at Headquarters, taking place on May 12-15. By the way, congratulations are in order to Mr. and Mrs. Rand Millich! Dr. Meredith has just appointed him to the Council of Elders and he will be attending this meeting in May.
Right after the C.O.E. conference, we are going to hold a Festival Coordinators conference as well, here at H.Q., on May 19-20. Please pray for God's blessings on all of these meetings.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Rod McNair writes:
From Mr. Casing, it sounds like the LYC camp in Davao is going well — by the time you receive this update, it will be completed. Mr. Casing said that 50 campers and 19 singles/staff arrived on Sunday, and were all participating in the LYC program. Mr. Benitez and his party arrived safely, after their ordeal in Lanao. Mr. Benitez wasn't feeling the best, so had to rest, but otherwise they arrived safe and sound. The peace and order situation is good. Mr. Casing said the biggest problem they have is from the cats that come around at mealtime! We're grateful that God has blessed the event, and we had a successful beginning to the LYC program in the Philippines. Many, many thanks to Mr. Casing, all the ministers, and the whole staff for their hours and hours of preparation and hard work to make it possible. And many thanks for the youth and campers who made the camp possible as well!
Paul Shumway writes:
We have a gentleman in the Boston congregation who turns 100 on May 4th! He is our only member living in Boston and doesn't make it to services very often. He is quite spry and alert for his age. He received a letter of congratulations from President Bush. This delightful gentleman is:
Zefferino (Tony) Cortez
100 Norway Street
Boston, MA 02115
We send our love, respect and congratulations to Mr. Cortez: 100 years young and still going strong as our only member in Boston. Imagine what he could tell all of us about the changes he has seen in this world since 1903!
Gerald Weston announces:
YOUTH CAMPS
Attention all young people! This year we have preteen camps located in California, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ontario, Canada. We also have our LYC teen camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Deadlines have passed for some of the camps, but we still have openings for campers and
some for staff. If you are interested in having the summer of your life, check out the camps in the January/February 2003 Living Church News, or at our teen website where you can download an application: www.youth-web.org. Some staff positions are now filled, but there are still openings at most of the camps, including some at LYC Michigan.
YOUNG SINGLES
Living 4 Tomorrow - A Time 4 Young Singles
Michigan 2003
Living Church of God young adults are invited to attend our first ever "Living 4 Tomorrow - A Time 4 Young Singles." There will be classes and discussion groups on Christian Leadership, Family Matters, Creating a Culture of Purity, and Doctrines of the Church. Recreational activities will include team sports, dance classes and a dance, barbecues and plenty of "Fellowship Time." The fee of US $100 covers the cost of all lodging, food, and activities. Space is limited to 48 selected participants who
will live in one of three modern lodges.
The location for "Living 4 Tomorrow" is Trout Lake in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Arrival day is Tuesday, July 15 with a get acquainted barbecue scheduled for that evening. Departure date is Sunday morning, July 20. If you are interested in applying, you can find an application on line at: www.youth-web.org or by contacting Gerald Weston at: [email protected], or phone at 905 814-1103. Apply soon, as openings are expected to fill up quickly and airline tickets are at bargain basement prices.
COMMENTS
We are happy to report that Mrs. Sheryl Meredith is doing very well. Mr. Meredith said she is getting stronger all the time. It was great seeing her at services last Sabbath, visiting and fellowshipping with everyone.
In closing, I want to remind all of you about the importance of playing the "Must Play" tapes from Headquarters. We have noticed that most are very diligent about this policy. However, some are not doing this. It is imperative that the "Must Play" tapes are viewed in a timely fashion in all of the churches and video groups. These tapes are usually sermons given by Dr. Meredith and serve as a way for him to address all of the brethren around the world with information about the Work and knowledge from God's Word that only he, as the Presiding Evangelist, is able to give. Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter.
We hope all of you had a wonderful Spring Festival season. Now it is onward to the Feast of Pentecost!
Have a delightful Sabbath,
Charles E. Bryce