Greetings from Charlotte,
Last week, Americans celebrated Thanksgiving, while the worst U.S. drought in decades parched 60 percent of the country and heavy rains and flooding ravaged much of the UK. In the Middle East, Egypt is once again divided by internal strife, and millions of people displaced by the violence face food shortages and suffering as winter weather arrives. On the other side of the world, China has launched a new aircraft carrier and a prototype stealth fighter in a bid to become the leading naval power in Asia. The warning signs that Jesus listed in Matthew 24 are becoming more evident every day. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith held a number of meetings this week. Tomorrow's World television programs over the last two weekends have drawn very good responses. Mr. King's program, "Revelation Unveiled," received 6,131 responses, and Mr. Ames' program, "The Prophesied Beast," received more than 7,000 responses. Dr. Wil Pierre will make a TWP in the Dominican Republic. I will be in the Harrisburg, PA, area for services and a TWP.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Special Presentations
Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida: The weekend of November 17 and 18 saw Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa host follow-up special presentations on, "Where Is the Church Christ Built?" In Ft. Lauderdale, 35 guests attended, 15 of whom were first-time attendees, bringing the total number of new people in Ft. Lauderdale to 90. The most rewarding and exciting part of the second session is that seven of the guests were invited to services. As one would expect, the backgrounds of those seven are quite varied, but one lady grew up in the Church and appears delighted to have "discovered" a Church that teaches what she grew up hearing and being taught. Another lady who was invited to services commented, "You can't send us away now, we need more." We are eager to see if they all return this week and in the coming weeks. In Tampa, 31 guests attended the second session, 12 of whom were attending their first presentation. The total number of new people in Tampa was 82. Regrettably, at least for the present, no guest was ready to attend our services. Nevertheless, seeds have been sown and we hope that some of them fell on fertile ground and take root to produce fruit in the future. The TWSPs provided opportunity for our brethren to serve those God may be calling, giving all of us a sense of excitement in doing the Work in a personal way. Also, they were a great refresher course for all of us about the end-times in which we live, the basic doctrines that indeed do set us apart as God's elect, and the calling that has been given to us to preach the Gospel.—John Strain
Prayer Updates
Mr. Dan Hall, Regional Pastor in Texas, reports that his wife, Nancy, is out of the hospital after surgery for ovarian cancer, but is still dealing with a partial blockage of her small intestine. Mr. Terrence Kennell, an elder in the Ft. Lauderdale congregation, is at home after surgery for an abscess on his skull. Yden Skeete, the little girl in Barbados who had brain surgery last week for removal of a tumor, is doing well but is having post-surgical issues. Your continued prayers for Nancy, Terrence, Yden and others looking to God for their complete healing will be appreciated.
20th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte
The 20th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte is now only three weeks away! To all who have registered, thank you very much! If you plan to attend and haven't registered, we really need you to do so as soon as possible. To register for the various activities and for activity payment instructions, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. If you do not have Internet access, your local Festival Advisor may register for you.
PLEASE NOTE - menus for the dinner dance are being posted on the "Overview and Schedule" page. All adults already registered for the dinner need to go back into their registration and choose their entrée as soon as possible. Payment for the dinner and indoor climbing activity must be received by December 17.
A special group rate of $89 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. (Additional breakfasts are $14 plus tax for ages 13 and up and $7 plus tax for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free.) Reservations may be made at the hotel's Passkey Web site: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10296231. You may also make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 704-357-1414 and identifying yourself as being with the Living Church of God.
For those planning to play in the basketball or volleyball tournaments, please get your teams together and complete the online registration by Monday, December 10. Please note that all teams must have a minimum of seven players and that the basketball tournament is being limited to a maximum of eight teams. There will be a fee of $25 per team (basketball only) to help pay for the referees. We will also have free play courts available for anyone not on a team. Please see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend/events for more information and updates. If you are looking for teammates or roommates, you may post your request on the Facebook page.
For those of you planning to participate in the indoor climbing activity at Inner Peaks Climbing Center on Monday afternoon, you must complete their online liability waiver at http://innerpeaks.com/e-waiver as well as the Church's Participation Agreement, prior to the event. Those under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian's signature before they can participate. Please note: Those with bad backs or other similar injuries should not participate due to the strenuous and jarring nature of the activity.
We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte for a "December to Remember!"—Jim Meredith
Living Youth Programs
Teen Bible Study—Sunday Evening
This Sunday evening the topic is "Jeremiah: God's Messenger in Hard Times," presented by Mr. Marc Arseneault. The chat room is open at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) and the Bible Study runs from 7:00-8:00 p.m. You can access this Bible Study at www.livingyouth.org.
Internet Operations
Tomorrow's World Facebook page: The Tomorrow's World Facebook page now serves more than 32,000 fans from all around the world. As we reach more and more people, many of these fans post comments and questions, or message us directly to inquire about Bible doctrine or prophecy, to request prayer, and sometimes to ask about attending Sabbath services. If you are a Living Church of God member who already uses Facebook, we encourage you to participate on the Tomorrow's World Facebook page. If you see a post that you like, please share it. If, from time to time, you see a question or a comment that you would like to reply to, please consider doing so. This is a way that you can help us, and is another small way to "let your light shine" (Matthew 5:16). Of course, please consider that any posts should reflect honorably upon God and His Church, and as such should be made "with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). Additionally, if you reply to someone who was making a doctrinal or prophetic point, it is usually very good practice to include a reference and a link to a Tomorrow's World article or telecast in your reply. We thank God for the big growth that we have had in Social Media this year, and we thank each of you for your prayers and your continued support.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living University
Living University—Registration for Second Semester
Registration for second semester classes is now underway. Classes will begin January 16 and students may register anytime between now and January 16. For those who have never taken a Living University course, you will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected course. The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester. A complete listing of "Spring Semester" courses (spring in the northern hemisphere), can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "Spring 2013 Class Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com Web site. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Michelle Broussard at [email protected] or 704-708-2294.
ENGL 112: Argument-Based Literary Research. This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies used in professional and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. This course is important because it prepares students for the writing challenges of upper-level theology courses.
SPCM 150: Introduction to Communication. This course provides a foundation for speaking, including critical listening and methods of writing, organizing, delivering and critiquing speeches. It addresses problems of effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis and presentation of subject matter in oral communication. Upon completion, students should be able to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals, congregations and other groups; clarify information as needed; and facilitate an open exchange of ideas.
THL 212: Old Testament Survey II. This course is the second in a sequence of two and deals with the Major and Minor Prophets, focusing on the background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book and outstanding people and events. Emphasis will be placed on the Old Testament as the background and foundation for understanding the New Testament. This course will essentially begin at the book of Isaiah and move through the remaining books of the Old Testament.
Human Resources
Employment Opportunity: Please review and announce the following job opening.
TV Production Manager
Job Description
The TV Production Manager will have the following responsibilities:
- Manage various video productions, personnel, editing suites, and various audio / video related equipment and software for the Living Church of God
- Manage and produce televised productions, and manage related workflows and schedules
- Manage a TV studio and its related equipment and materials
Requirements
- Minimum of an Associate's Degree in Film / Video Production is required; a Bachelor's Degree or higher is preferred
- Several years of TV production management is required
- Demonstrated knowledge of video editing software is required (i.e. Avid Media Composer – PC)
- Demonstrated experience with digital video cameras and hardware is required; as well as experience filming and editing in HD for broadcast TV
- Demonstrated knowledge of Windows and Mac systems required
- Have knowledge and experience managing and producing televised productions—including specific knowledge of all aspects of audio / video production, including: filming, editing, Avid Unity media management, closed captioning, duplication, and various methods of distribution
- Have experience managing a TV studio, its personnel, and its related equipment and materials
The right candidate for this position will be a "team player" able to produce results quickly in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. This job is in Charlotte, NC. The Church will pay for reasonable moving expenses. Applicant must meet the legal requirements to work in the United States, and must be a Living Church of God adherent, in good standing, who is truly dedicated to the Work.
If you are interested in this position, please send your résumé, along with a cover letter and a letter of reference from your local area pastor, to:
Human Resources Department
Living Church of God
2301 Crown Centre Drive
Charlotte, NC 28227
Email: [email protected]
FAX: 704-844-1973
Comments
Perspectives on Trials: Sometimes, when we encounter trials and difficulties, we wonder what is happening and whether God has forsaken us. However, in challenging times, we need to remember several fundamental scriptures. Jesus told His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). God has also promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The Apostle Paul reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28) and that even in trials, God will "make the way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). James records that trials are opportunities to exercise faith in God and His promises and to build patience—while we do our part to work through the challenges we face. Let's strive to remember these encouraging promises that God has made, and let's strive to maintain this godly perspective when we encounter trials.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 29, 2012
A Modern Pharaoh? Egypt's democratically elected, but Islamic Brotherhood-backed president, Mohammad Mursi, has brought about drastic changes since his election. He "has issued a declaration banning challenges to his decrees, laws, and decisions" (BBC, November 22, 2012). He has also declared that "no court can dissolve the constituent assembly, which is drawing up a new constitution" (ibid.). Apparently emboldened by his recent success brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, President Mursi recently fired the chief Egyptian prosecutor, and "ordered the retrial of people accused of attacking protesters when ex-President Mubarak held office" (ibid.). Opposition groups have stated that the legitimacy of the Egyptian legal system is now in question. The leader of the Egyptian opposition, Mohammed El Baradei, "accused Mr. Mursi of acting like a 'new pharaoh'" (ibid.). Since the "Arab Spring," events in Egypt have been of great interest to both politicians and the military. Bible prophecy indicates that Egypt will continue to be a "hot spot" until shortly before the return of Christ. Daniel prophesied, "At the time of the end" a "King of the South"—probably a federation of radical Arab nations—will arise to confront a European Beast power. However, this European Beast power, or "King of the North," will ultimately attack the King of the South and overrun Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia (Daniel 11:40-43). In light of these prophecies, the term "new Pharaoh" may take on real meaning. Time will tell whether Mr. Mursi will fulfill this role. For more information on these upcoming events, be sure to review our informative booklet The Middle East in Prophecy.
Adultery Tarnishes Men of Valor: Many were stunned when the highly respected U.S. General David Petraeus abruptly resigned as CIA Director, due to an extramarital affair. The general was considered an exceptional battlefield tactician during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where his leadership was praised both on and off the field. His decision to commit adultery after 37 years of marriage did not reflect the type of leadership one would expect from a dedicated four-star general of the United States. The affair not only destroyed his career, but threatens to pull down another high-ranking official, General John Allen, the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. "The adultery scandal that led to the downfall of David Petraeus as CIA director widened Tuesday as President Barack Obama put on hold his nomination of Marine Gen. John Allen as commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, one of the world's top military posts" (Wall Street Journal, November 13, 2012). General Allen was involved with various e-mails, which may threaten his position, if the FBI investigation finds credible evidence against him. This scandal has not only tarnished the Pentagon and top national leaders in Washington; it has also hurt the reputation of every veteran, resident, and citizen of the United States. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach [disgrace] to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). The face of U.S. leadership and its respect globally is damaged due to a transgression against God's command, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). When leaders make a decision, whether right or wrong, the people under their command feel the positive or negative results. Due to this scandal, the morale of troops on the ground in Afghanistan will be affected, citizens in the U.S. will question the authority of the military leadership, and nations around the globe will raise further questions concerning U.S. foreign policy. Some may question why this is happening, but God gives clear answers in the Bible for those who "connect the dots." God told Isaiah long ago to prophecy to the nation of Israel, whose "whole head [leadership] is sick, and the whole heart faints. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it" (Isaiah 1:5-6). Isaiah warned that if Israel continued to sin, God would take away, "the mighty man and the man of war" (Isaiah 3:2). Unless they repent of their national sins such as adultery, and turn to God, the modern nations of Israel (including the U.S., Canada, Britain and Australia) will continue to lose their mighty men of valor, and God will continue to allow "the pride of [their] power" to be broken (Leviticus 26:19).—Scott Winnail, Adrian Käfer and Justin Ridgeway