Weekly Update

August 30th, 2001

Greetings everyone:

In his last update, Mr. Carl McNair spoke of "dog days," referring to mid-summer heat. Frankly, I didn't have the slightest idea what he meant, but I smiled (politely) when he showed me his draft. Oftentimes, when I don't get an American joke (was that one a joke?) I hide my ignorance under the cloak of a smile!

From what I understand, some of you have also questioned the meaning of "dog days." A reader wrote, "This expression comes all the way from Egypt […] Take a look at the following article from Microsoft Encarta 98." Another person showed me the following definition from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "The name originated with the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians; they believed that Sirius, the dog star, which rises simultaneously with the Sun, during this time of the year, added its heat to the Sun's and thereby caused the hot weather".

Poor Mr. McNair! He had no idea that his innocent remark would cause such an "uproar!" At this moment, he is on his way to the Philippines, with his son, Rod McNair. Then, he will be going on his own to Malaysia and Thailand before returning to the U.S.A. on September 16th. Please pray for his health and security. Such a tiring trip just before the Feast of Tabernacles is not an ideal project to undertake. I suggested that a younger person make that trip in his stead (me, for instance!) but he stubbornly rejected that idea.

MEDIA UPDATE

Messrs Roderick C. Meredith and Richard F. Ames have just begun their new taping. The program topics are as follows:

#111 – RCM – Law or Grace? (Lit. offered - Restoring Apostolic Christianity)
#112 – RCM – What is a True Christian? (Lit. offered – What is a True Christian?)
#113 – RFA – Does God Exist (Lit. offered - The Real God)
#114 – RFA – Who was Jesus? (Lit. offered - Should You Be Baptized?)

The September-October 2001 issue of Tomorrow's World magazine has been mailed. If you can't wait to receive your copy, it will be uploaded this weekend to the Church Web site at URL: http://www.lcg.org/mags.htm

The September-October 2001 Living Church News is at the printer. Because of the upcoming Holy Days, we will be using DHL First Class mailing for most of the eastern United States, to help ensure that all members receive their copies before the Holy Days.

FROM THE FESTIVAL OFFICE

Please remind your congregations about:

  1. Using the green, coded, Holy Day offering envelopes for the fall festivals. If someone did not receive envelopes, they may obtain one from an usher at services. Everyone should have their Personal Identification Number (PIN) in their Bible, purse or wallet, so they may write it on the envelope if they forget the one mailed to them. Offering envelopes with a PIN greatly speed the time needed to process offerings and will help insure proper credit on your receipts.
     
  2. It is time again to inspect the family vehicle for the trip to the Feast.
     
  3. Plan your trip to allow for enough time to arrive safely at your destination.

U.S.A. 2-T ASSISTANCE

We finally received from all U.S. ministers (at least we hope so) all the 2-T Assistance Forms duly filled out. Several weeks ago, in one of our Updates, we clearly stated that the deadline was August 15th but some, apparently, forgot or overlooked that deadline! Whatever the case, please inform all applicants in your respective congregations that—unless otherwise instructed by their own minister—their requests have been processed and approved. The checks will be mailed as of September 12. We sincerely thank our faithful members whose tithe of the tithe contributions have enabled us to provide for the needs of those who lack sufficient funds to celebrate God's marvelous Feast of Tabernacles.

FROM HUMAN RESOURCES

We are looking for a Buyer/Accounting clerk. Job description: Compiles information and records to prepare purchase orders for various Church departments including the Fleet Program. Obtains quotes, generates and processes requisitions, and maintains related records. Verifies bills from suppliers with bids and purchase orders for payment processing. Relies on skill acquired through considerable training and experience. Position requires initiative. This position reports to Assistant Controller. Must be willing to perform clerical and filing duties. Must be computer literate, with a strong background in Microsoft Word, Excel and Lotus Spreadsheets, Peachtree and QuickBooks Accounting and Access Data Base. Requires a minimum high school diploma with 4 years experience in an office environment. Send resumes to Human Resources or E-mail [email protected]

CONCLUSION

Habitually, the CAD Director concludes his Updates with a joke or some deep thoughts. A joke will be out of question, since mine will be in French and some of you may not quite understand it. But let me relate to you a story I just heard on the radio. It is both humorous and thought provoking… A nonagenarian consults a doctor about the severe pains in his left hip. After a brief examination, the doctor tells him in a reassuring tone, "Nothing to be alarmed about. Your left hip is simply remembering your age". The patient's quick reply, "How come my right hip is not remembering it?"

Well, y'all have a wonderful Sabbath and a safe Labor Day weekend!

Dibar Apartian