Greetings from Charlotte,
War clouds continue to gather over the Middle East as long-prophesied events appear to be looming on the horizon! At the same time, in once-professing-Christian nations, practices that have long been considered illegal, evil and perverted are now being promoted as legal, acceptable and even normal—in spite of what the Bible clearly reveals. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings this week. He also guided an encouraging Council of Elders teleconference where we heard updates from Regional Directors and Regional Pastors from around the world. Today, Mr. Ames is taping a new Tomorrow's World program. The latest Living Church of God "Around the World" video is now online—see announcement below. Living University classes are off to a good start this semester. Last weekend's Regional Conference in the Cincinnati area went very well. It is always helpful to spend time with brethren and interact with leaders in our local congregations. We are also watching the Middle East situation carefully, as we have a Feast site in Israel this year. Please pray that God will guide and protect His people wherever they observe His Holy Days.—DSW
Church Administration
U.K. Regional Director's Report
Greetings from Northamptonshire. In the first week of July we moved from our office in Boughton to our new premises in Kettering. Although the arrangement is the same—a residence with an office attached to it—our new home and office in Kettering are much better suited to our needs and will enable us to serve the Church more effectively. Though my travels have been curtailed by my medical condition, I am still able to function in my role as Regional Director for Europe and Africa. I keep in constant communication with all of the Area Pastors across the two continents through Skype or by phone, and whereas in the past I have made trips to see them, some are now able to visit me instead. Mr. Mario Hernandez visited at the end of June, and he and VG Lardé and I talked at length about the needs of the French magazine, Le Monde de Demain. VG is also working with Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka with the Social Media in French. We are off to a small start, but the future is promising.—Rod King
Visit to Africa
Thank you for your prayers concerning my latest visit to Ethiopia, Burundi and Kenya. I conducted two Bible Studies, and spent time counseling and visiting those whom God seems to be calling in Ethiopia. Fourteen people attended the Bible Study in Addis Ababa on June 8, where I spoke about Abraham's promises and reconciliation with God for mankind. Although not many in number, there is a definite interest in the Truth in Ethiopia. The Ethiopians have a keen interest in biblical history and Israelite heritage traced back to King Solomon. It is also interesting that time in Ethiopia is counted from sunset. Our members in Burundi were most excited to have a visit and Bible Study, with 21 members and visitors in attendance. Mr. Simon Muthama met me at Nairobi airport the next day. On my way back to Belgium, I stopped over in Addis Ababa for more meetings. The visitors in Addis Ababa and members in Burundi asked that I greet everyone and remember them to you all! Please pray for them in return, especially that God will grant them favour, courage and blessings so that they will be able to worship in peace and harmony.—Rees Ellis
Tanzania Report
My two-week trip to Musoma and Kisorya/Ukerewe in Tanzania went very well. As always, the brethren were warm and enthusiastic. Seventeen brethren attended the Sabbath service in Musoma on June 15. On the following Sabbath, June 22, the Kisorya, Muluseni and Ukerewe brethren combined for services with an attendance of 86. It was inspiring to see brand new people coming into the Truth. We baptized four people while I was there, including a married couple. There are now 20 baptised members in Kisorya, Muluseni and Ukerewe.—Simon Muthama
2013 Charlotte Winter Weekend
The Charlotte congregation will be hosting our annual winter weekend event in December. Activities for all ages are being planned. Arrival will be Friday, December 20 and departure will be Tuesday, December 24. Bible Studies, Sabbath services, a dinner-dance and seminars will once again be held at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This hotel was very popular last year with everyone who attended and is an excellent value. A special group rate of $92, which includes breakfast, has been negotiated at this all-suite hotel. Plans are underway for a full day of sports tournaments and games, complete with a tasty lunch on Sunday. On Monday morning there will be various seminars for teens, singles, and married couples, followed by singles and youth activities in the afternoon. More details will be announced in the coming weeks. Please start planning now to join us for a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, fun, food and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
The World Ahead Will Not Be Published Next Week
Because next Thursday is the Feast of Trumpets, The World Ahead will not be published next week.
Internet Department
New Web Video "Shorts"
Some of you may already have seen examples of our new Web video animation "shorts." These are short Web animations with huge potential Internet reach. They are exciting because they not only convey powerful Bible messages, but they can also reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people that we may not be able to reach through satellite or network television or classic Internet. If you haven't already seen our first examples, please visit the Living Church of God Facebook page or go to TomorrowsWorld.org/shorts. There, along with these new animation video shorts, you will also find a few new Tomorrow's World telecast shorts, which have produced truly explosive results. As we know, God commands His Church to preach the Gospel to every creature, all around the world. So, we are producing and promoting these in English, French and Spanish and using them as additional tools, that, with God's help, will play a small part in helping us fulfill Mark 16:15 and Matthew 24:14. We thank you for your prayers for the success of these and our other efforts to preach the Ezekiel warning, and the Good News of Christ's return and the coming Kingdom of God!—Wyatt Ciesielka
"Around the World" Video
The latest Living Church of God "Around the World" video is out and includes encouraging updates about growth in God's Church, from our Headquarters and Regional Directors. We hope you enjoy this brief video update and we thank you for your prayers for your brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the Work of God all around the world. You can access the video at the following link: "Around the World" Video.—Wyatt Ciesielka
Living Youth Programs
Online Teen Bible Studies to Resume on September 6
The online Teen Bible studies are scheduled to resume next Friday evening, September 6, with a study entitled, "How To Use Your Second Tithe." If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible studies yet, I encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The Bible study runs from 8:00-9:00 p.m. (EDT) and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible study at www.livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this wonderful opportunity for Godly fellowship and learning. For those of you who are unable to make it to the study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible studies can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.—Sheldon Monson
Feast of Tabernacles 2013
Chemical Sensitivities: We want to remind everyone to be aware while at the Feast of the sensitivities to perfumes and colognes that some of our brethren have. For some of our brethren, because of serious allergies, walking by someone with a lot of perfume or cologne is not just uncomfortable but can send them to the Emergency Room. Let's use extra care to show love to others in this way at the Feast—please use moderation.
Beach Parties—Appropriate Swimwear at the Feast: Appropriate beach attire for women and men is swimwear that is modest and in good taste. We are to be guided by the two great commandments–to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31)—so as not to offend God or neighbor in our dress at the Feast. Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in their family to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).
Children's Conduct and safety in Meeting Hall and Adjoining Rooms: Parents, while at the Feast, please remember that children are not permitted to run or engage in horseplay at services. Children darting in and out among fellowshipping brethren can be a trip hazard. For the elderly, this can be life-threatening. Parents need to be aware of and responsible for their children at all times. Also, for their own safety, young children are not allowed to wander around unaccompanied on Church property (including leased/rented property at the Feast—these places are open to the public). Young children should not go to restrooms or wander the halls of hotels unaccompanied by an adult.
Children—Sitting With Their Parents: God wants families to rejoice together at His Feasts! Experience has shown that children and teenagers pay attention and therefore learn more from the messages when sitting with a parent than when sitting with a group of children off by themselves. Therefore, it is advised that children and teens sit with their parents during services. An exception may be allowed where an individual child or teen sits with a friend who is sitting with his or her parents. The Feast is a time for families to grow together. Let us use the precious time we have during services to further that goal.
2013 Festival Survey: Every year we have a survey taken to get valuable feedback from brethren attending the Feast. We will once again have the Festival Survey at the Feast available online (as well as having paper forms handed out). The Web address for filling out the Feast survey will be fotsurvey.lcg.org. We ask everyone at the Feast to be sure to fill out the survey form during the Feast, as it provides us with helpful information on festival planning for future years.
Sabbath Times/Contacts for the Day of Atonement and Sabbath of September 28: A chart listing the places, contact information, and times for Living Church of God services on the Day of Atonement and on the Sabbath of September 28 will be posted on the MyLCG Web site. Log in to your MyLCG account at the following address to access the chart: www.cogl.org. We hope this information will be helpful for you as you plan your travel, especially so you can minimize travel on God's Sabbath.
Hymnals: Brethren are encouraged to bring a hymnal (one or two songbooks per household) from their local congregation's supply for use at the Feast, if they don't have a personal hymnal to take. For those who do take a congregational (blue) hymnal, please be sure to bring the hymnal(s) back to your congregation after the Feast, so that the number of hymnals returned to each congregation is equal to the number of hymnals taken. Please make sure that all hymnals are clearly marked as to which congregation they belong.
PayPal Payments Deadline: September 1—Repeat Announcement
Online PayPal pre-payments for festival activities for U.S. sites must be made by Sunday, September 1. This will give the Accounting Department at Headquarters time to disburse funds to the U.S. sites. After September 1, brethren attending U.S. sites should wait until the Feast to pay for any additional activities. Please check with your local festival coordinator for details of payment methods accepted at the Feast. For international sites, please check with your festival coordinator for more information.
Boerne, Texas—Repeat Announcement
The Feast is just two-and-a-half weeks away! We have many interesting activities for you! However, to complete the arrangements and get accurate counts on the number planning to attend each event, we would appreciate if you would review the Activity Schedule on the Feast Registration Web site and sign up for the activities you and your family would like to attend, including teens, young adults, singles and seniors. Please register for the activities you plan to participate in and submit your payment right away! You can pay online, or download an activity voucher and pay by mail. The Holy Day luncheons, Family Fun Evening and Dinner, Family Day at Enchanted Springs Ranch, Seniors and DELS Luncheons and other activity attendee counts need to be submitted to our caterers/vendors by September 2. We also have a need for ushers, for those of you who would like to serve in that capacity. Thank you, we are looking forward to seeing y'all soon!—Dan Hall
Finance Department
Hall Rentals (U.S.): October hall rental vouchers should be faxed to Accounting at 704-841-1922 or mailed (Attn: Accounts Payable) by September 1 to ensure processing before the Feast of Tabernacles.
Reimbursements (U.S.): Please note that our last scheduled day to print reimbursement checks will be Thursday, September 12. We will not be able to print any checks again until Thursday, October 3. Any invoices we receive before September 10 will be paid before the break. Any invoices we receive after September 10 will not be able to be paid until October 3. If you have any questions about specific invoices or payments, please contact Haley Ridgeway in Accounts Payable at 704-844-1960 ext. 2236 or send e-mail to [email protected].—Jerry Ruddlesden
Human Resources
Employment Opportunity: Staff Accountant—Repeat Announcement
The Headquarters office is looking for an experienced Staff Accountant. Job duties would include, but are not limited to: supervising and maintaining Accounts Payable workflow and systems; interfacing with Purchasing, vendors including hall rentals and employee expenses; responsibility for 1099 reporting and compliance; General Ledger reconciliation as assigned and preparation of Audit Schedules. The successful candidate will be a team player in the Finance Department and must be customer service- and deadline-oriented. Knowledge and experience with accounting systems such as Microsoft GP or similar accounting packages and Excel spreadsheets is a requirement as well as a minimum 3-5 years of experience and a degree in accounting. This job is in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 resume, along with a cover letter to: Human Resources Department, Living Church of God, 2301 Crown Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC 28227. E-mail: [email protected]; FAX: 704-844-1973.—Jerry Ruddlesden
Comments
The Fall Holy Days: Over the next several weeks, we will observe the Fall Holy Days that picture the culminating events in God's Great Plan of Salvation for mankind. These days reveal how God is going to put an end to the evils, the deception and the suffering in this world by sending Jesus Christ to banish Satan and set up the Kingdom of God on this earth where the saints will reign with Christ for one thousand years—after which, all who have ever lived and died without knowing God's Plan will have the opportunity to learn God's way of life. While the world has been blinded to the real meaning of the Fall Holy Days, we need to remember that Jesus told His disciples, "blessed are your eyes for they see… Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matthew 13:11-17). As we observe the Fall Holy Days, let's rejoice and be deeply grateful for the incredible privilege we have been given to understand and prepare to participate in the fulfillment of these "great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:2-4).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—August 29, 2013
Japan's Nuclear Troubles: Two and a half years after a tsunami severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant outside Tokyo, the plant is leaking a large amount of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. Faulty pipes and leaking basements under the affected reactors are leaking at the rate of 300 metric tons per day—75% of what is being stored (Bloomberg, August 26, 2013). The Japanese government has now taken over the problem (ibid.). Experts fear that the rate of contaminated water leakage could be far greater than what is being reported (BBC, August 22, 2013). The Chernobyl disaster in Russia was small in comparison to what is happening in Japan (ibid.). Health experts warn that the high levels of radioactive water will eventually make their way into the ocean food chain—causing additional problems (ibid.). Bible prophecy reveals that at the end of the age, worldwide catastrophes will occur that will kill every fish in the ocean (Revelation 16:3). Fukushima-like catastrophes on a larger scale could contribute to such destruction. Despite good intentions, man's ways frequently lead to death and suffering. Fukushima is yet another example of man's ways gone awry. When Christ returns, disasters like this will become a thing of the past. For more information on God's glorious Kingdom, read our free booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?
Dire Future for Damascus: Allegations that the Assad regime used biological weapons against its own people are prompting Western powers to consider military intervention in Syria in order to protect the lives of innocent civilians (The Telegraph, August 25, 2013). France and the U.K. are planning to assist a U.S.-led attack on Syria, with verbal support from Germany—although Germany will not be directly involved (ibid.; EU Observer, August 27, 2013). However, Iran has threatened that if the U.S.-led coalition attacks Syria, Israel will be targeted in return. This prompted Prime Minister Netanyahu to respond, "if we identify any attempt whatsoever to harm us, we will respond and we will respond in strength" (New York Times, August 28, 2013). While the Arab League has condemned Assad's government for the chemical attack, it will not outwardly support a U.S.-led invasion of Syria (New York Times, August 27, 2013). Amid all these threats, it is worth noting that the Bible has long foretold the fate of Damascus, "Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap" (Isaiah 17:1), and "her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day… I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus" (Jeremiah 49:23-27). The potential attack on Syria by the U.S.-led allies could result in the prophesied destruction, but the fulfillment of these prophecies is imminent—the God who gave the prophecies cannot lie (Titus 1:2)!
Return of Jamaican Voodoo: The "Christian" nation of Jamaica claims to have the highest ratio of churches to people of any nation on earth (BBC, August 12, 2013). Since colonial times, Obeah (Jamaica's version of voodoo) has been illegal and punishable by "flogging, imprisonment, among other penalties" (ibid.). However, the Jamaican government recently abolished these punishments and many are calling for the full decriminalization of Obeah (ibid.). Many doubt the government will take up such a trivial matter, since Obeah is practiced relatively freely in Jamaica and without penalty (ibid.). Yet, the growing acceptance of pagan practices long ago imported from Africa is significant in ways that few realize. Bible prophecies indicate that just before Jesus Christ returns to this earth, there will be a "falling away" or spreading "rebellion" against God's way of life as revealed in the Scriptures (2 Thessalonians 2:3). It will be a time similar to the days of Noah when "all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth" (Genesis 6:5-12; Matthew 24:36-38). This end-of-the-age resurgence of paganism will result in serious consequences as human populations increasingly reject the laws of God (Isaiah 24:5-6; Daniel 8:23-24). Jamaica, like other professing Christian nations, is slowly allowing sinful ways to creep back into what was once an Obeah-rejecting society. For more information on this phenomenon, be sure to view Dr. Roderick Meredith's powerful sermon on "The Great Rebellion."—Scott Winnail, John Meakin, and Danielle Pierre