Greetings Everyone:
I apologize to those of you who could not "open" the Update last week, for whatever reason. Because of the Council of Elders meetings last week (Monday through Thursday) and a meeting Thursday evening of the Regional Pastors who were able to remain over, I was unable to draft the Update until Friday afternoon—late.
Last weekend and this Monday, I spent in bed with a severe throat infection, following a week fighting it off. Mr. Doug Winnail spent Sunday through Wednesday nights with us—so naturally he came down with the miserable stuff after his departure Thursday evening… retribution for his walking off with the keys to my Jeep!
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Mr. Meredith left today (Thursday) for Denver, Colorado, where he will visit the Church this Sabbath. He worked hard this week to finish "Who or What Is the Antichrist?" This will be the literature offer in the upcoming semi-annual letter mailed to all TW subscribers. Members need not request the booklet. It is scheduled for mailing to all member households sometime in December.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Charles Bryce is in the process of moving his family to Kansas City, Missouri, this week. Mr. Gerald Weston and his wife have sold their house in Missouri and are in the process of moving to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is a major move, obviously, and they both would appreciate your prayers for a smooth and safe transfer. Pastoral (and Executive in this case) moves may be very disruptive to the families and to the Work. We expect total support for both Mr. Bryce and Mr. Weston in their new assignments, and we hope all of you affected by these moves will get to know them and respect them for their personal qualities as well as for their respective offices.
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Mrs. Lisa Parman ceased her employment November 15th. She and her husband (Frank Parman) are moving "back home" to Washington. Their home will be in Woodinville, WA and they will be heartily welcomed by seventy-five Tacoma brethren. We will miss Frank and Lisa in the San Diego congregation, but we are happy for their opportunity to live near their respective families again.
Assuming Lisa's duties in the Financial Affairs office will be Mr. Lucky Lehman Lyons. Lucky will begin working December 1st. His wife Lori and their daughter Deborah will follow a bit later.
ANNOUNCEMENT (a repeat from last week)
The Louisiana congregations of Living Church of God will be hosting a "Louisiana Family Weekend," three full days of activities—December 22-23-24. For some good "old-fashioned" family fun, come join us at Chicot Lake State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Alexandria, La.
ANNUAL TAHOE SINGLES WEEKEND: This is a follow-up announcement regarding the Lake Tahoe singles weekend on December 21-24, hosted by the Reno congregation. If you are a single in the Living Church of God and interested in attending this weekend of skiing and fellowship, please contact Rod McNair right away. You can get all the cost information and obtain an application by writing to [email protected] or calling 530-822-0530. Full payment for the weekend is due November 25, so hurry!
CONCLUSION
Everyone knows that America and Britain are currently engaged in a military action in Afghanistan as one part of the war on terrorism. Here in America we are constantly reminded of the fracture between patriotic and un-patriotic factions of our society. While most members of the Church feel a deep love and appreciation for our country and its blessings, we are challenged by the fact that our primary citizenship is "reserved in heaven" (Philippians 3:20) and we refrain from personal entanglement in the wars of this world. Yet, we must be subject to governmental authority within God's law while we receive the benefits of "dual citizenship." A position such as we hold requires humility and a commitment to Christ. Historically, our position has led to members being required to perform service to the community.
Non-involvement in the military actions of this world has been a distinction of the true Church of God from Apostolic times. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Church of God: (Philippians 3:20, KJV) "For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." "Conversation" is from a Greek word (politeuma) that is properly translated citizenship as, "the goings out and in of social intercourse, i.e. citizenship."
I hope that we can respect those who do not share our views, and that we can appreciate the blessing we have in America, Canada, and the United Kingdom to practice our belief.
Have a great Sabbath!
Carl E. McNair