Greetings,
Some compose unfinished symphonies, like Franz Schubert. Others write unfinished Weekly Reports, like… well, let's skip naming people! But I loved the comment made at the beginning on that particular unfinished Report when forwarded to me, "Below is the text of what I have written. Use it or junk it…"
Junk it? Actually, it is a masterpiece ya'll will love! But before quoting it, here is some additional news of interest…
FESTIVAL OFFICE
Mr. Carl McNair has tentatively approved the speaking schedules for the North American Feast sites. Unless they are notified otherwise in the next few days, non-paid elders may proceed with housing arrangements at the site they indicated as their first choice. In a few cases, to help balance the speaking schedules, a few men are being asked to take another of their choices.
Paid elders should wait before making housing arrangements. We should be able to notify the full time ministry as to their assignments shortly after Mr. McNair returns from the Eastern Conference. If anyone has questions please call Don Davis at 858-673-7470 ext. 213 or e-mail [email protected].
JACKSON HOLE FEAST SITE
From Dana Glatz concerning the JACKSON HOLE WYOMING FESTIVAL SITE:
A packet of housing information, including prices, is being prepared and should be available within the next few weeks. Several establishments are offering discounted rates to our members, with numerous options available to suit a wide variety of tastes and pocket books. To take advantage of any discounts, members MUST identify themselves as Living Church of God members attending the fall convention when booking reservations and/or making inquiries.
Some members may have already made their reservations and neglected to do so-thus not been given a discounted rate. They will need to re-contact the establishment with the necessary information to receive that rate.
LEGAL AFFAIRS
"A sure sign of the worldwide scope of the Work is the increasing number of registrations and legal formations of the Church in international jurisdictions: Western Europe is no exception. In addition to now being incorporated in Scotland—UK, and registered as an association in France, the Church is now incorporated in the Republic of Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland—UK). This is one of a number of "footholds" that the Church has been in the process of planting in and around Western Europe. Further registrations and formations are being pursued in Mexico, South America, Sri Lanka and other areas. Living truly is a global ministry and worldwide work!"
— Tom Turner, Legal Liaison
INTERNATIONAL
The following are excerpts from Rod McNair's report who just returned from visiting the Philippines
"On Friday, April 13, I conducted a meeting of the Board of Trustees, in the Church office […] On the Sabbath, the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, we had a high attendance of 127. This is the highest combined Metro-Manila attendance we've had for a number of years […] I was happy to meet several new persons, starting to attend for the first time […] One of them commented to me that he had come from another fellowship, but was now quite satisfied that he saw the "fruits" and the 'spirit' of what he was looking for, here in the LCG!
"On Sunday, the Metro-Manila brethren had a potluck picnic in Quezon City, which was well-attended and enjoyable, despite it being held in April, one of the hottest months of the year! Thankfully… an afternoon thunder shower came up, which cooled things off for a little while.
"During the next several days, while in the office, I was able to contact all our ministers by phone. They passed on their reports of good attendances during the Holy Days., there were some illnesses they reported on, some quite serious.
"We also discussed some new local access TV stations coming on line for very reasonable fees, including Ormoc City (Leyte), Sogod (Southern Leyte), Lilo-an (Southern Leyte), Nabunturan (Mindanao), and Bansalan Cable (Mindanao).
In the Mailing Department, we are looking for ways to improve our Tomorrow's World subscription list, such as a "Renewal/Introductory Copy program.
I found an excellent spirit of cooperation and dedication among the brethren during my trip. In addition, I can say that the ministers and staff are working very hard to do their very best, with the resources they have, and still find ways to improve. God is surely blessing and guiding the Church and the Work in the Philippines."
THE MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE
Right this minute I received the following E-mail from Mr. Carl McNair, "For those of you who plan to attend the Mississippi Conference: I just spoke to Mr. Meredith and suggested that you wear dress casual for the meetings. He, Mr. Ames and I may wear a shirt and tie, but you should feel free to wear slacks and sport shirts if you like . Keep COOL! CEMc."
CONCLUSION
And now, I will sign off and let you appreciate Mr. Carl McNair's (once) unfinished Weekly Report:
DKA
Greetings.
"I began this week by doing some very needed yard work where we live here in Champagne Village, Escondido, CA. My wife informed me that if I didn't clean up the place the park authority would send their crew to do the work and send us the labor charge. Well, that was enough to get the Scottish blood flowing! Dr. Pace found some of my muscles were "sorely taxed" by the activity.
Next week Mr. Meredith, Mr. Ames and I will be in Louisville, Mississippi for the Eastern Regional conference. We are expecting 87 ministers and wives there. Please pray for safe travel for everyone, and for a profitable and enjoyable conference.
Seriously, many of us are "maturing." Our maturing means the body has ceased to function as it used to do, and this is discouraging to us unless we have a mature outlook that matches our aging bodies. Should we not rejoice that we have borne fruit for the Kingdom of God through years of labor? If not, why not?
As I look at the leaders of the Church, I am impressed by the dedication I see — after many years of dedicated service. But, I also see our bodies getting weary. The apostle Paul exhorted the brethren at Thessalonica to "be not weary in well-doing" (2 Thessalonians 3:12). How can we fulfill the commission God has given each of us, and not become weary?
I remember as a child growing up on the farm the work cycle — year after year. In the late winter my father would plow the fields as soon as the earth was dry enough to plow. Then in early spring we would often work late into the night planting seeds for a new crop. Once planted, we would have a short rest before tilling and weeding time — but from then until "lay-by" we would work long hard days in the fields. Moreover, this was above our morning and evening milking and other chores. Then there was the spring hay crop to get in, plus working for our neighbors (@ $1.00 to $3.00 per day each) hoeing their cotton and corn. This would continue until mid to late July — when our late hay crop would be ready to harvest. Since at that time our parents were not "religious," I confess there were times when I prayed for rain so we could have a day of rest!
Then came the BIG harvest of cotton and corn in October, November, and December! Hey, those were the good old days of yesteryear! What a wonderful life we had down on the farm!
I sometimes feel like we are living those years over. The Work of God goes on until we "mature" and pass away and others pick up the tools and carry on, and this will continue until God says, "it is finished!" Then we will receive new bodies, which will never tire.
Carl E. McNair