Hello from Charlotte,
The wildfires rampaging through Southern California are seriously affecting our brethren there. They need our prayers, and while it is a great relief to know that none of them have been injured and, (so far as we know) none of their property has been damaged, the conflagration isn't over yet. The western U.S. and Canada is like a tinder box due to years of drought, and these devastating fires can flare up anywhere at anytime in that region. Let's keep beseeching God, asking Him to intervene and protect His people. Following is a note giving an example of what an ordeal this has been for those who are experiencing this tragedy:
"All Julian was evacuated yesterday to Borrego Springs, CA. We will be here along with the official count being 450 people, animals and ash until we can go 'home.' Our area was burned last night. We do not know the status of our home. It may be several days before we can go home due to fire, smoke and visibility. The Red Cross and many other companies have been extremely helpful. We even get a free tee shirt if we take a shower today! I need to buy thongs in the only store here. Some people have been shuffled from relief center to relief center trying to outrun the fire. This is the first one with showers. So the simple things are greatly appreciated among all the tears of joy or distress. I noted a box of Kleenex strategically placed near the TV. Ron and I are at the library where we can have E-mail access for 15 min. a day. I have so many to answer that it may take a long time to get back to you."—Ron and Barbara Wheeler. San Diego congregation.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Living 4 Tomorrow—A Time 4 Young Singles
Living Church of God young adults are invited to attend Living 4 Tomorrow – A Time 4 Young Singles in beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The format will be similar to the one held in Michigan this past summer, but new classes are planned on subjects covering Christian Leadership, Family Matters, Creating a Culture of Purity, and Doctrines of the Church. Recreational activities will include a dance, team activities, and plenty of "fellowship time." The fee of US $155 covers the cost of all lodging, food, and activities. Space is limited, so get your application in early.
Arrival day is Wednesday, December 31, with a get acquainted dinner scheduled for that evening. Departure date is Sunday morning, January 4. Applications can be found at the following web site: www.youth-web.org or you may request an application from Gerald Weston by calling 905-814-1103 or by e-mail at: [email protected]. Apply soon, as openings are expected to fill up quickly and airline tickets can be expensive if you wait too long.
Annual Lake Tahoe Singles Weekend
The annual Lake Tahoe Singles Weekend has been scheduled for December 25-29 (Thursday through Monday). We have already booked the lodge, and are looking forward to another year of great skiing and fellowship. Applications are now available—if you are interested in attending, please contact Rod McNair for applications or for more information at [email protected]. Completed applications are due November 17, and should be sent to Rod McNair, P.O. Box 63, Sutter, CA 95982.
Midwest Family Ski Weekend—from Mr. Randy Gregory
Marquette, Michigan December 25-28
Dec. 25 Arrival. Welcome reception and dinner. Meeting for skiers and snowboarders. Games Night. Pre-teen activity. (Skiing is available from 12-5 pm.)
Dec. 26 Ski 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Free lessons for beginners. 12:30 pm, snow picnic on Marquette Mt. Dinner. Bible Study.
Dec. 27 Bible Study; Sabbath service; hymn sing; children's Bible activity. Snacks. Dinner-Family Pizza Party (free); Singles & Young Married Couples dinner in private room at local restaurant (everyone pays for their own). Family Dance on Saturday night.
Dec. 28 Family Weekend concludes. Skiing available.
Dinner is provided free for everyone each night. Marquette Mountain is providing lunch for all on Friday, Dec. 26. Participants are welcome to join us for any number of days! There will be activities for all ages!
Please contact Linda Blanchard for accommodations and costs for the Ski Weekend. Registration forms are available by postal mail, fax, or email. Each person attending is asked to send $10.00 for meals and expenses. Thank you!
Linda Blanchard
27402 Co Rd 436
McMillan, MI 49853
906 586 6834 phone
906 586 3815 fax
[email protected]
COMMENTS
Encouraging and inspiring information keeps coming in from many parts of the world about this year's Feast of Tabernacles. "The most spiritually rich Feast yet" seems to be the conclusion of many of the brethren and ministers. What a difference for all of us to gather for eight days where God has placed His name, when compared against the society to which we have all returned. The world today contrasted to the world tomorrow, leaves us longing for God's Kingdom to be established on this earth. And the sooner the better!
That is one of the reasons we keep the Feast. It reminds us every year, in clear graphic detail, of the stark, dramatic differences between Satan's world and the way the world will be when Jesus Christ is in charge. We come to understand clearly and vividly that we are in this world but must not be of this world. John 17:14-16, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." We are pilgrims passing through on our way to a better time and place, and we can hardly wait to get there and help others make that journey as well.
In the meantime, we have been charged with finishing God's Work by His strength and power. Let us build on the momentum from the Feast and press forward as never before. The contrast between now and then is only going to get greater and greater, which will whet our appetite more and more for all that we celebrated at the Feast to become a permanent way of life. Remember Paul's admonition found in Gal. 6:9-10: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not [do not lose heart]. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Have a delightful Sabbath,
Charles E. Bryce