Greetings everyone,
Charlotte can be beautiful, I was told repeatedly when we were under the spell of blizzards, freezing snow and heavy rains. I didn't believe it then, but now I do, because lately we have been having California-type weather. The Queen City is beginning to look like a queen.
Mr. Charles Bryce asked me to prepare this week's Update since he will be in and out of town for a day or two. But he will be back, of course, for the celebration of this week's special thanksgiving Sabbath services.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Many in the Southeast Region are looking forward to this Sabbath's day of celebration and thanksgiving in Charlotte. We appreciate all the prayers and support for the relocation from San Diego to North Carolina.
The inspector from the fire marshal's office will test our new fire alarm system next Tuesday (April 1st). If she approves the new system, Mr. Meredith and others will finally be able to move into their remodeled offices. While Sabbath services will not be held in the Headquarters building, as many expected, there will be limited tours available after services. We are very, very thankful for what God is doing in guiding and directing the relocation for further growth and expansion of His Work—Richard Ames
FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE
As we move toward Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread, and are up and running in our business operations here in beautiful Charlotte, NC, Dr. Meredith has requested that we no longer use any San Diego addressed envelopes we may still have. The Post Office has been faithfully forwarding the mail, but the delay in reaching us can be up to and over two weeks. Additionally, just crossing out the old address may not be sufficient for proper delivery! Many may not be aware that the Post Office automatically reads the bar coding on our envelopes with its sophisticated equipment, delivering any "old" envelopes to the San Diego address regardless of any changes made on the front to the address. So please use ONLY the Charlotte addressed envelopes with P.O. Box 3810, Charlotte NC 28227 on the front. In this way, the Work is greatly benefited. If you need additional Charlotte addressed envelopes, please let us know. Your cooperation and help is greatly appreciated!—Rodger Bardo
MEDIA
Last week, the Tomorrow's World Web site (www.tomorrowsworld.org) received its first documented visit from the tiny European nation of Andorra! This brings to 161 the number of countries known to have visited the official LCG Web sites.
INTERNATIONAL
Douglas Winnail – I just returned from a very profitable trip to Scotland for a Sabbath service, visits with brethren and editorial research at the University of Glasgow. Mr. Storrier reports we have received nearly 1800 responses to the recent UK ad for the What's Ahead for America and Britain booklet. We have recently negotiated for more ads to run this summer in both Ireland and the UK. This coming Sabbath we plan to hold a combined service in Drogheda for the Irish brethren.
Mr. Clore reports from Paris that advertising space has been secured in several publications in the Paris vicinity. Mr. Kaefer indicates that responses this year to the German website appear to be running about 50% ahead of last year with well over 15,000 publications distributed since the website began. Mr. Owino has just forwarded a copy of the booklet Which Day is the Christian Sabbath? that he has translated into the Luo dialect for distribution in East Africa.
Events in Europe continue to develop at an accelerating rate and in remarkable directions that fit with Bible prophecies. Belgium, France and Germany recently announced plans to hold a special summit in April to advance the planning for a European Defense Force. This action comes as a result of the American and British-led invasion of Iraq—over their strenuous objections. The mood is growing in Europe among certain countries that Europe must make its own way in the world even if that means challenging their former ally, the USA.
Trinidad Update
We broke our weekly response record three weeks ago, when "Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ's Return" was offered. The World Cup cricket match pushed the program right into the 6:00 prime time slot, and 309 people either called or wrote for the booklet. We followed up with a week with 271 responses. When we were having our leadership get-together at the Baal's home last week, the phone kept ringing off the hook that afternoon. I finally said to Mr. Baal, "Is this what its like to have teenage daughters? I'm really beginning to get worried for what its going to be like in a few years - I've got three daughters!" They laughed. Their son Shaun was answering phone calls for the program in the back room! When I spoke to him later, he'd answered 83 calls that afternoon alone. We alternate answering the calls among different members from week to week—Jonathan McNair
TWO REPEAT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CAD
Pre-teen Camp.
Mr. Ken Frank, Camp Director, sends these important details for our Maranatha Springs, North Carolina pre-teen camp. Dates - July 13 (arrival) - July 18 (departure).
Tuition Costs: $100 first child; $95 second child; $90 third child; $30 volunteer staff; $5 - application fee for all campers and staff.
** VERY IMPORTANT: Checks NEED to be payable to: "LYC North Carolina Fund."
Please send applications and fees right away to:
Mr. Ken Frank 5083 Blarney St., Fredericksburg, VA 22407-6503
Atlanta Congregation Spring Holy Days Weekend
Mr. Carl Ponder writes: To kick off the spring Holy Day season the Atlanta congregation of the Living Church of God is hosting an exciting Singles/Family Weekend! Everyone in Living is invited! This is an excellent opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances.
The weekend will consist of the Night To Be Much Observed meal Wednesday night (April 16th), first Day of Unleavened Bread services and meal Thursday, activities night Thursday night, family day in Atlanta Friday with lunch, Friday night Bible study, Sabbath Services Saturday afternoon, and semi-formal dinner/dance Saturday night. Most activities will be held in the beautiful Wyndham Midtown Atlanta Hotel. Return home Sunday, April 20th after having a spiritually uplifting and fun filled extended weekend!
Those wishing to travel by air may fly to the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. Shuttle service from the airport will be provided. Many of the Atlanta brethren have opened their homes to those who do not wish to stay in a hotel.
NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY FOR THIS EVENT AND A $60 PER PERSON FEE IS NEEDED TO COVER COSTS of the catered meal on the Holy Day, the lunch in the park Thursday, and the Dinner-Dance Saturday night ( $ 30.00 for those under 12 years old ). PLEASE FILL OUT AND MAIL THE REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ATLANTA CONGREGATION WEBSITE. THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 31st. 2003!
Modest dress suitable for Sabbath wear will be appropriate for the dance. No tight form-fitting dresses or pants please. After all, this is God's Church.
For registration forms and more information go to the Atlanta congregation Website: www.lcgatl.com or contact: Mr. Art Andrews, 2524 Barndale Dr. Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Phone: (770) 962-6285; Email: [email protected]
COMMENTS
Throughout history, man's inhumanity against man has been portrayed in wars between nations, without solving any of mankind's problems. The Iraqi War, whatever its final outcome, will be another testimony of this undeniable truth, because "the way of peace they [men] have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:17-18).
In last week's Update, Mr. Bryce briefly spoke of this, stressing the urgency to ask in our prayers for God's Kingdom to come. He also exhorted us to examine ourselves before Passover. Many sermons will be given—or have already been given—to help us know how to examine ourselves. In this brief comment today, I would like to mention three major points that are indispensable for taking the Passover in a worthy manner.
First, Forgive others, however painful the hurt they may have caused you. Christ said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).
Second, Get rid of bitterness, whatever its cause. "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord: looking diligently, lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:14-15).
Third, Be thankful to God for His love for you and for every human being. Thank Him for His mercy, His faithfulness, and for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died so that we can live—live forever! "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Passover is undoubtedly the most solemn celebration in God's annual calendar. But it is also the most gratifying when we understand its true and profound meaning.
Before wishing Y'ALL a wonderful Sabbath, I wish you could hear how well I am mastering my Southern accent.
Dibar Apartian