Greetings from Charlotte,
This has been another eventful week on the world scene, with deadly wildfires in Australia, heavy snows in England and another powerful earthquake in Indonesia. Here in Charlotte, the Media Department (television, radio, sermon and Living University lecture production and duplication operations) moved to its new building. This will bring a few inconveniences over the next several weeks before we can be back to "business as usual." Mr. Meredith has been writing and has held a number of meetings this week. We have also seen positive results from a number of recent Public Bible Lectures. Please remember God's people around the globe who are facing difficult situations, and strive to stay focused on the mission that God has given to His Church to prepare this world for the return of Jesus Christ.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ogwyn are on their way to Joplin, Missouri, to participate in the local family weekend. In a report by Mr. Ogwyn this week, we learned that we recorded at Headquarters almost 2,500 GOTOs (requests to speak to a minister or to attend Church) in 2008, of which more than 1,000 came through the Internet (about 43%). The rest came through other channels, such as phone calls or letters.
Church Administration
Sermon DVD Update and Additional "Must Play"
We hope our Headquarters sermon DVDs have been helpful to you. Most of the time, we are able to keep up with the DVD needs of most congregations. However, there is a possibility that our move down the street to the new media production building may cause some shipments to be delayed. If this occurs, you may need to play an older sermon or two in some congregations. Preference should be given to DVDs a congregation has not yet seen, but if a congregation has seen every HQ sermon DVD, please do not hesitate to replay an older sermon that was a particular favorite or especially helpful to a congregation.
Please note that although it is not indicated on the DVDs recently mailed to our congregations, Mr. Richard Ames' "Unconditional Love" sermon #510 has been designated as a "Must Play" by Dr. Meredith, as it addresses a fundamental concept of Christian living that we should all desire to review and practice more fully. We hope your congregations will find it especially meaningful as they prepare for the Passover.
Standards of Dress—Women's Pantsuits at Church
From time to time, we receive inquiries about the appropriateness of women wearing pantsuits to Sabbath services. Over the years, the Church has taught that women should wear dresses and men should wear coats and ties to services, based on the principle that we should come before God wearing the best that we have. This tradition was obviously modified in some non-Western cultures that had different standards of formal attire. At a recent Council of Elders meeting, some observations were made on this topic. Deuteronomy 22:5 states that men and women should not dress in clothing of the opposite sex as transvestites—like you might see at a homosexual "pride" parade. However, women's pantsuits do not really fall into that "transvestite" category, since they are tailored for women, and men would look very odd wearing a woman's pantsuit.
Today, pantsuits are considered dressy attire for women. Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice frequently wore pantsuits at important public occasions, and I remember an audience with the Queen of Jordan in which the Queen's assistant was dressed in a nice pantsuit. On several occasions, discussing standards of attire for the Church, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong stated that we don't want to be the first to adopt a new style—but we don't want to be the last to adopt or permit a style that is not immodest and that does not conflict with the Scriptural admonitions. During colder months of the year in some climates, some women especially need to stay warm. Some women with health problems cannot risk the reactions that would come from exposing their arms or legs to sunlight. There are some world cultures in which normal attire for women includes pants. For some women who travel to services on public transportation (trains, buses, etc.), pantsuits are far more modest and practical than dresses would be. The overall guideline is that women should wear clothing that is modest, feminine and in good taste (1 Timothy 2:9-10). This would obviously exclude shorts, tight jeans, and similarly revealing or informal attire, which would be totally out of place at Sabbath services.
When we dress for services, we are not dressing for a style show; we are preparing to worship and honor God. God is pleased by our humble and teachable attitudes, not by our deliberately wearing "frumpy" clothes that we hope will make people think of us as more religious. It is not wrong to be stylish in a balanced way and also be appropriately dressed for services. However, we need to remember that true religion is not about specific lengths of skirts, or specific types of clothing—it is about learning to think and act like Jesus Christ and being lights to the world (Philippians 2:5-9; Matthew 5:13-16). Let's not become judges of other people's clothing. We may not understand the details of their circumstances, and our judging can lead to strife, hurt and division in local congregations. Let's keep our minds on the big picture of learning how to develop the character and perspective of God—which includes getting the proper balance on subjects like dress.—Douglas S. Winnail, CAD
Australia Update
Mr. Michael Gill reports: On Sunday morning Australians awoke to the greatest bushfire catastrophe ever experienced in this country. All of the brethren are safe and well and we are very thankful to God for His protection. We have three Melbourne families living in the vicinity of major outbreaks but, thankfully, they are safe at this time. They are prepared to leave their homes at the first announcement of an alert. After Sabbath services I returned to our apartment in the northeastern suburbs and was able to see the incredible smoke clouds rising up to form thunderheads that later generated their own lightning strikes. One report mentioned that a 200-foot Mountain Ash Eucalypt tree ahead of the fire was seen to be ripped out of the ground as if it were a matchstick. Fire embers were spotted 10 miles ahead of the main fire, so powerful were the winds. Sadly, arson is suspected in a number of the firegrounds. It has been a truly devastating experience for so many Australians here in Victoria. This morning, sadly, the death count was 181 and the authorities are expecting it to rise. Whilst our Creator is intervening powerfully, the people continue to rely upon themselves with rarely any mention of God. As the fires raged, Mr. Richard Ames' program, "Life After Death," aired at 7:00 a.m. on the Melbourne C31 television station.
United Kingdom and South Africa Update
Excerpts from Mr. Rod King's reports: We could not have had more contrasting weather this past week than that between Melbourne, Australia and London, England. In the U.K., we experienced sub-zero temperatures and the heaviest snowfall in many years, while Melbourne had 47°C (117° F) heat…. I called a friend of mine who lives in the area of the fires…. Here is what he told me: On Saturday afternoon he was catering for a group of 25 people at the cellar door of his winery. He noticed smoke and flames close to town and so drove his car to investigate. At the cross roads he was met by a wall of flames so he turned his car back and, just as he got to his drive, he met the 25 guests preparing to leave. He warned them to go back and so saved these 25 people from certain death. His winery is situated on a long country road with 50 houses. There are now only 10 left and 29 dead people. At this point, in relating to me what had happened, he broke down in tears and said he believed God had saved him, his wife and his property. Sobbing, he told me, "Rod, they will find over 400 dead by the end of this."
This Sabbath we will hold our first service in Nottingham. We expect 11 people to attend, with prospects for more in the future. I will then travel to Cambridge for our second service. We should have about 15 people there, with some visiting for the first time. Mr. Meakin is proposing a new video group in his area, which will help some people who until now have had to travel up to three hours to attend Church. We are steadily adding video groups so that the U.K will have enough venues for new people coming in from the telecast.
In South Africa, we will be starting a new group in Durban soon, as we expect to have a few join us who have sought us out. They want to be a part of a Work that is preaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lufkin (Texas) Public Bible Lecture
Mr. Dan Hall, South Central U.S. Regional Pastor, reports: Last Sabbath, the Lufkin, Texas congregation hosted its first Public Appearance with 23 new people attending for the first time. Some arrived three hours early and ate lunch with us, while many remained and fellowshipped for two-and-a-half hours after the lecture! The Lufkin brethren were inspired and all of us are looking forward to the follow-up lecture this coming week.
Atlanta Update
Mr. Jack Lowe reports: We had 17 visitors last Sabbath, 14 of these are from the Bible lectures. Most said they like what they have heard and would be back. The Atlanta brethren allowed their light to shine, and made a positive impact on the visitors.
Kingston, New York Family Weekend
The Northeast area will host its Kingston Family Weekend during the Spring Holy Days this year. The dates will be April 9 to 11, with arrival on the afternoon of April 8, and departure on the morning of April 12. For those arriving on the afternoon of April 8, we will be enjoying a Night To Be Much Observed meal together that evening. April 9 is the First Day of Unleavened Bread, and Mr. Richard Ames is planning to join us for this Holy Day. On Friday, April 10, there will be a full schedule of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for the whole family, as well as "break-out Bible Studies" for different age groups after lunch. On Friday evening we will have a family Bible Study, followed by fellowship and snacks. On the Sabbath, we will have a morning brunch, Sabbath singing, relaxation and an afternoon service. After the Sabbath, our area Spokesman Clubs will host a Ladies Night, followed by an evening of dancing. Kingston is located halfway between Albany and New York City, just off I-87. If you are interested in coming, and for more registration information, contact Juan Bermudez at [email protected].
Spring Holy Days Singles and Family Weekend in Greenville, South Carolina
The Anderson, South Carolina congregation is hosting the second Upstate SC Spring Holy Day Weekend from April 10 to 12. A Singles' Bible Study (open to all) is scheduled for Friday evening. The Greenville Hilton in Greenville, SC will be the location for Sabbath services and the "Springtime in Carolina Banquet and Ball." Dress for the ball is semi-formal/formal. Details about the event and a registration form are online at: www.lcg-anderson.org (not an official Church website). If you plan to attend, complete the registration form and remit payment in time for receipt by March 27. For further information, contact the event coordinator, Manuel Burdette, at 864-638-7719 or by email at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you in Greenville!
Living Youth Camp Adventure Program
As previously announced, the Living Church of God will be offering a Wilderness Experience in Voyageur's National Park this summer. Therefore, we will not be having the LYC Adventure Backpacking trip in 2009. Mr. Meredith has approved the continuation of this Adventure Program on an annual basis beginning again in 2010. Stay tuned for more details.—Sheldon Monson, LYC Adventure Camp Director
Feast of Tabernacles 2009
International/Hawaii Festival Registration Postponed
Please note: early Festival Registration for Hawaii and International Feast sites, originally scheduled for February 22, has been postponed to a later date. More information will be forthcoming soon.
Comments
The Most Important Quality: Most of God's people understand the importance of keeping the commandments, the Sabbath, the Holy Days and the dietary laws. They also understand the importance of government, tithing, faith and watching for the fulfillment of prophecy. Yet sometimes, in our zeal to obey the laws of God, we can overlook something else that is even more important—and that is the need to develop and exercise Godly Love. We are told in the Scriptures that without Godly Love, all these other things will amount to nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Here, the biblical word for love (agape) refers to an unselfish outgoing concern for others. In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul states that Godly Love is patient and kind, it does not envy and is not proud or rude. Godly Love does not seek its own way; it is calm and not easily provoked, nor does it jump to conclusions or assign motives or sit in judgment of others. Instead, Godly Love is gracious and forgiving. It is positive and focuses on what is right and true. It never fails or falters. Godly Love is the most important fruit of God's Spirit that we must nourish and cultivate if we hope to become like our Father and our Elder Brother Jesus Christ. God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). And we have been created and called to become like Him (1 John 3:1-3). Let's make that our goal. Let's ask God to help us learn to love Him and learn to love others as He does, so we can develop this most important quality—of Godly Love.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—February 12, 2009
Vatican Joins International Law Enforcement Agencies. In October 2008 the Vatican joined the worlds' largest police cooperation entity: Interpol. Now, the Vatican is considering joining Eurojust, the EU's cross-border, judicial cooperation group. Although Vatican City has only 492 permanent residents, it has its own diplomatic core, world ambassadors, mint and currency. Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit Vatican City each year, and crime committed by some is the reason for this "religious organization" joining civil police groups (EU Observer, January 12, 2009). As the Vatican and the Pope push for a greater role in European politics, they also appear to be integrating themselves more permanently into the civil, political and judicial fabric of the EU. End-time prophecy reveals that an intimate relationship will exist between the civil/political Beast power and the "church" known as the Harlot of Revelation (Revelation 13:11-15; 17:1-5). It appears that we are witnessing the formation of these two major end-time entities and the development of their intimate relationship.
Australia Is Burning. As of February 9, 173 people had died in the wildfires in Victoria, Southeast Australia. In addition, 5,000 were homeless and more than 750 homes had been destroyed (Sky News, February 9, 2009). In Victoria, fires have burned more than 1,100 square miles/2,850 square kilometers of land in more than 400 independent blazes, some of which have been attributed to arson (AP, February 10, 2009). According to many sources, these are the worst fires in Australia's history and are largely due to the ongoing severe drought. Fires began on the hottest day in Melbourne's recorded history. "Witnesses said the sky had turned to ash, began to rain embers and the fires which obliterated entire houses in seconds had turned parts of the picturesque Victorian countryside into something resembling a nuclear holocaust" (The Times, February 8, 2009). Long ago, God warned the Israelite-descended nations of the penalties they would face if they failed to obey His laws, "your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you shall be iron. The LORD will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed" (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). In the last several months fires have ravaged southern California and southern Australia, primarily because God has withheld "rain in due season." But God offers a simple solution to this current catastrophe, "…if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God… The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season…" (vv. 1, 12). But will God's rebellious people heed?
God's Ways Work for Teens. According to the recently-released results of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health, research on adolescent sexual behavior reveals that young people who abstain from sex have the following characteristics in common: 1) Future orientation, with a focus on long-term goals [vision]; 2) Willingness to postpone current pleasures for larger future rewards [denying self]; 3) Perseverance, as in the ability to stick to a task or commitment; 4) A belief that current behavior can positively affect the future; 5) Impulse control, including ability to control emotions and desires [sound mind]; 6) Resistance to peer influence [wisdom]; 7) Respect for parental and social values; 8) Sense of self-worth and personal dignity. "Abstinence also is associated with better physical and mental health across socioeconomic groups, according to a summary of the study in U.S. News & World Report. Young people who make abstinence decisions do better in school, too. Abstinent teens are far more likely to attend and graduate from college than those who are sexually active" (CitizenLink.com, January 13, 2009). God promised thousands of years ago that if we follow His commandments, we will be blessed and we will enjoy an abundant life (see Leviticus 26:1-13, Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Modern research is proving that God's principles and promises are true—even for the youth. This IS the "evidence of things not seen" and the "substance of things hoped for" (Hebrews 11:1). God's ways DO work, even for young people!—Scott Winnail