Greetings everyone,
Short-time fever has infected folks here in the office. Some are trying to work and pack up at the same time—with amazing success. Mr. Meredith wrote his last co-worker letter from San Diego. I do not know if mailing staff will mail it out before packing up the equipment, however. I tip my hat to Mr. Gaylyn Bonjour, the mailing staff and volunteers for doing the impossible—getting the mailings out in a difficult situation.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
This was the last week for Mr. Meredith in the San Diego office. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith departed Thursday morning to get established in their home and office in Charlotte, NC. The official opening of the office facility has been moved back a bit due to delays caused by weather and unforeseen construction issues.
The Thanksgiving Sabbath service FOR MEMBERS is now scheduled for the 29th of March.
The office operations will be officially closed February 24 through March 16 to allow for the Headquarters move to Charlotte, North Carolina. From March 17 through March 26 the office will be semi-operational—pending reconstruction progress.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
A correction for Missouri Pre-Teen Camp opening—from Mr. Randy Gregory:
The dates for the Camp Sherwood Forest Missouri Pre-teen Camp are incorrect in the latest issue of The Living Church News. The camp actually begins one week after Pentecost, on June 15.
The announced date for the beginning of the Camp in The Living Church News (on June 8) is the day of Pentecost.
Once again, the correct dates for the camp are June 15-22. Everything else in the published announcement is correct.
Atlanta Singles (and Family) Weekend—from Carl Ponder
The Atlanta brethren plan to kick off the spring Holy Day season by hosting an exciting "Singles and Family Weekend"! Since we are few and far between, this is an excellent opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances.
Events will include the Night To Be Much Observed meal, Wednesday night (April 16th); First Day of Unleavened Bread services Thursday, followed by activities Thursday night; activity day in Atlanta Friday, followed by Friday night Bible study; Sabbath Services and semi-formal dinner dance on Saturday evening.
Most activities will be held in the beautiful Wyndham Hotel in the heart of Atlanta. Those flying to the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport may have shuttle service from the airport provided. Some Atlanta brethren may share their homes with friends or those in need.
Note: We will require registration for this event and a $60 per person fee to cover costs of dinner and dance ($30.00 for those under 12 years of age). Please fill out and mail a registration form no later than March 15, 2003. For forms and information go to our web site, www.lcgatl.com, or contact Mr. Art Andrews via e-mail: [email protected]
***
Mr. Dibar Apartian departed for Charlotte, NC last Sunday. He was delayed in Dallas for a couple days due to the "blizzard of 2003." Like Moses and the Children of Israel, this winter he has traveled "under a cloud" by day. Do you think he will experience the "pillar of fire" next summer? Let's hope not!
***
Change of Administration—The administration of CAD will officially transfer to Mr. Charles Bryce March 1st at headquarters in Charlotte, NC. During the transition, there will be a week or two before Mr. Bryce is situated to receive calls. I will continue to serve you in any emergency during this period—or until Mr. Bryce notifies you otherwise.
My e-mail address remains: [email protected]
My phone number will be: 760-751-9615
My mailing address is:
Carl McNair
P.O. Box 27468
San Diego, CA 92198
Charlotte, NC office information—The administration office and mailing addresses are:
Physical address: Living Church of God
2301 Crown Centre Dr
Charlotte, NC 28227-7705
TV Mailings: PO Box 3800
Charlotte, NC 28227-8000
Other Mail (see repeat announcement from Finance, below):
PO Box 3810
Charlotte, NC 28227-8010
Telephone numbers—beginning March 10th—
Main Number: 704 844-1970
Main Fax: 704 841-2244
FROM FINANCE—(Repeat announcement from Business Office Staff)
Greetings from the Business Office! Thank you for generous support thus far in 2003. We are very thankful to see a 10% in increase in income for 2003. Many have asked when should tithes and offerings be sent to Charlotte, NC—where to send them.
Please begin to mail tithes and offerings to the following Charlotte address after February 21st:
Living Church of God
PO Box 3810
Charlotte, NC 28227-8010
You should receive envelopes with the new address with the February Co-worker letter, which should be mailed within two weeks. Also note that any mail sent to San Diego will be forwarded on to Charlotte after February 21st.
COMMENTS
How concerned are we about equality?
As a child, when there was a piece of pie or candy to divide, we always scrutinized the division—and usually the one who divided had to let the other one "choose first."
Children are very concerned about "equality and fairness."
Why do we adults forget the importance of equity and fairness, and presume to take advantage of one another? Have we forgotten the need to operate fairly?
The prophet Ezekiel addressed the issue of equity (in two instances), because the people were so corrupt that they justified themselves and accused God of being unfair and unequal! (Ezekiel 18:25, 29; 33:17, 20)
Our Heavenly Father is concerned about equity—and fairness! When Israel was being established as a nation He established a law of equity—even the "stranger" in the land was to be treated equitably.
Exodus 12:49 One law shall be to him that is home born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Numbers 15:16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Verse 29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.
When we deal partially are we not saying to God, as our forefathers did, that the way of God is not equal? When we take or give advantage because of partiality, do we think that we can justify our actions to Christ, and to our Heavenly Father?
The Apostle James affirms that the same principle is "apostolic" Christianity.
James 2:1-7 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Have a great Sabbath, and may God grant you love and peace toward one another, and toward all who love peace.
Carl E. McNair