Greetings Everyone:
I hope that you all had a very good Sabbath. My wife and I had a nice visit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We visited a short while with Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gregory in their home in Chicago last Friday evening. Mr. Gregory is recovering from repair of a torn retina (his right eye). Please pray that his recovery is complete and that his vision is fully restored.
After Sabbath services in Milwaukee, we met at a community room of a local bank for a potluck meal. During the afternoon the local deacon, Mr. Glen Diekmier, presented Mrs. Gregory with a gift from the Chicago/Milwaukee brethren in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary. Due to the recent eye surgery Mr. Gregory was unable to attend the Sabbath service and potluck.
Financial Affairs:
JOB OPENING
The Accounting Department is looking for an entry level Staff Accountant to assist the Assistant Controller. Candidate must be familiar with common accounting practices. This position is responsible for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. Duties include compiling and sorting documents, such as invoices and checks, and, substantiating business transactions. The position includes a full range of standard clerical assignments such as filing. Candidate must be computer literate with skill in spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, and familiarity with accounting software. Education: four year degree preferred, but will consider work experience acquired through considerable training.
For further information, contact Jerry Ruddlesden, Assistant Controller, or, Suzanne Pyle, Human Resources Coordinator. Those interested should submit a resume to:
Living Church of God
Attention: Human Resources
16935 W. Bernardo Dr., Ste. 260
San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: 858-673-7470
FAX: 858-673-0310
Email: [email protected]
Media:
For those of you who don't want to wait for your copy of Dr. Meredith's new "Antichrist" booklet to arrive in the mail, you can now download it in PDF format from the official Church Web site, or view it online at URL:
www.lcg.org/booklets/wia/default.htm
Mr. Gaylyn Bonjour reports that the Mail Processing Department plans to mail
the booklet to all member households Friday, January 4.
Lake Tahoe Weekend Report
Rod McNair
Conditions were excellent for the Singles Weekend in Tahoe held December 21-25. Resort personnel said it was the best skiing in over a decade for this early in the season! Fifty-six participants from all over the U.S. and Canada enjoyed a great weekend of skiing and fellowshipping in the high Sierras. On the last day, some of the singles staged a snowball fight, complete with a series of forts and detailed strategy for a grand finale to the whole weekend. Many thanks to the Reno brethren for their hospitality in hosting Sabbath services, a potluck, and a Saturday night dance for the incoming visitors.
Conclusion:
Years ago there was a periodical that ran a regular feature titled, "The Perfect Squelch." It was intended to be humor with a point, and I found the feature quite edifying. The following story was sent to me by Mr. James Greer (Phoenix church) – and it fits the "Perfect Squelch" category very well, including a very good illustration of how people carelessly offend little children. We know what Jesus said about those who offend little children.
Ice Cream!
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman.
With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."
It is hard to understand why anyone would speak disparagingly of a child's prayer, or why anyone would speak disparagingly of a "babe in Christ." Perhaps just out of ignorance or carelessness?
Let us pray daily for our brethren around the world. We do not want to see anyone hurt, offended or demeaned. We know that with the best of our efforts we may offend, in word or deed.
Let us all commit to striving diligently this year to serve God and one another—in love and sacrifices.
Have a great Sabbath. Keep safe and warm.
Carl E. McNair