Hello everyone,
Mr. Gerald Weston has been here for the last few days discussing our youth programs, the Canadian Work, new projects and general planning in his area of responsibility for 2005. You will be hearing about some of those plans in the near future from Mr. Roderick C. Meredith, who chaired the meetings.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Our trip to the Atlanta Church area last weekend was inspiring. It was like going home to family and friends. We had 73 brethren in attendance for Sabbath services and their warmth, service and enthusiasm was unsurpassed. Sharon and I were able to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lowe that evening—Mr. Lowe is our Elder there. Thankfully, his health has greatly improved. We had an enjoyable meal with the Lowes, Mr. and Mrs. James English and Mr. and Mrs. Norm Silsbee, all long-time friends. The next day we spent several hours with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ponder. Mr. Ponder is the Area Pastor in Atlanta. We had a wide-ranging and very spirited discussion about needs, plans and progress in his Church Areas. We deeply appreciate the great job the Ponders are doing in serving God and His people.
International Feast Sites 2005
Following are descriptions of a few of our 2005 international Feast of Tabernacles sites. The U.S. and Canadian Feast sites will be listed in the upcoming Festival Planner.
North Wales, United Kingdom
The Feast of Tabernacles 2005 will again be held in Llandudno, North Wales. Services will be held at the Risboro Hotel. Rooms are available at the Rosboro for 25 (British pounds) per person B&B. Reservations can be made immediately at the Risboro (phone 011-44-1492-876-343 from outside the UK) or at other establishments. When making reservations mention you are with the Living Church of God. For further information contact Jim Bennett (phone 011-44-1492-540-834 or [email protected]) or Douglas Winnail ([email protected]). Additional information will be available on the LCG members' website (www.cogl.org).
Albé, France
This year the Feast of Tabernacles in France will be held in Albé, one of the most beautiful French villages. This village is located in the heart of Alsace, a lively and dynamic region in the center of Europe. Albé is easily accessible from a number of areas such as Karlsruhe, Germany; Basle, Switzerland; and Strasbourg, France (the seat of Europe's parliamentary institutions). In Albé we will have multiple opportunities to fellowship with brethren from different countries and to learn about the Kingdom of God in a relaxing setting. The Feast site resort is situated across the Haut-Koenisbourg castle and can accommodate 140 visitors. The total cost for nine nights (full board including three meals a day and wine for lunch and dinner) is 494 euros per adult in shared accommodations; 598 euros per adult in a single occupancy studio; and 393 euros per child under 12 years old. Children under 2 years old stay for free. If you would like to attend this beautiful Feast site please contact Mr. Dibar Apartian by phone at 704-844-1970 or by email at [email protected].
Glentana, South Africa
The Feast of Tabernacles in South Africa will be held once again this year in beautiful Glentana, George. The area consists of a remarkable blending of mountains, rivers, indigenous forests, colorful shrubs and wild flowers, glorious beaches and rich farmlands. George is situated on a 10-kilometre plateau between the Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. This area is known as the "heart" of the Garden Route. The Garden Route is a tantalizing combination of lofty mountain ranges, small lakes, lush indigenous forests and sheer cliffs, which, at times, plunge into the Indian Ocean, or seemingly endless beaches. Some of the most exciting land-based whale-watching points in the world exist along the Garden Route coast. Because of vast expanses of water in dams, lagoons and lakes, the area is a haven for water-sports enthusiasts. Sailing, skiing, canoeing and diving are some of the pursuits favored. Anyone interested in attending the Feast in South Africa, should contact Mr. Syd Hull by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 27-11-664-6036 or 27-82- 920-5029 (cell).
MEDIA
In our efforts to preach the Gospel into all the world, we are looking to identify individuals who are bilingual and would like to help in translating some of our key booklets and articles into other languages. If interested in potentially helping the Work in this area, please contact Steve Stiffler at [email protected] – Please indicate which languages you speak. Thank you for your help.
COMMENTS
We have ended the year 2004 with a 3.6 percent increase over 2003 in total Church attendance in the Living Church of God. This is the yearly average and while it is not dramatic, it is steady, gradual growth and we are very thankful for it.
But what about our individual spiritual growth? Are we really growing in our personal individual lives or not? It is an either/or question! When individual progress and growth becomes widespread throughout the Church, like a groundswell, I believe that is when we will have a breakthrough in growth throughout the Work. They go together! Now is the time for each of us to honestly and carefully examine ourselves to see if we are in fact growing, day by day. Then, wherever it is needed, we must change so growth will continually take place. That is one of the most important aspects of our calling from Almighty God. Ephesians 4:15-16 talks about that very thing, "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
Have a restful and happy Sabbath day,
Charles E. Bryce