Greetings from Charlotte,
Bible prophecies have long foretold the emergence of ten kings or nations in Europe in the last days. Events in Europe appear to be moving inexorably in that direction (see News and Prophecy). This week in Charlotte, we had a very profitable three-day Council of Elders meeting. Dr. Meredith presided at all of the meetings. We heard reports on the recent Feast of Tabernacles, reports on the current state of the Work and reports from Regional Pastors and Directors from around the world. We also discussed a number of important topics including: how to reach a much wider audience using the resources we have in our modern electronic age, developing future leaders for the Work, and a number of doctrinal questions. Dr. Meredith's concluding comments stressed the importance of earnestly seeking God (Deuteronomy 4:29) and staying focused on the mission and message that Jesus Christ outlined for His Church (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Your prayers for these meetings are greatly appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Prayer Request
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, member Joann Elertson was tragically killed in a car accident on November 8. Her husband Jon sustained injuries including head lacerations and several broken ribs. Joann served her family, friends and the Church tirelessly and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Joann and Jon had been married 45 years. Please pray for Jon's full recovery and for all of the Elertson family at this difficult time. Cards can be mailed to Jon and the rest of the family c/o Mike and Roslyn Elertson, 1302 Riverview Lane, Watertown, WI 53094.—Phil West
Charlotte Family Weekend Registration Open!
Online registration for the Charlotte Family Weekend (December 24-27) is now open. For more detailed information on the events and to register, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. (If you do not have computer access, your local Festival Advisor may register for you.) Everyone attending will need to register for all of the listed events you plan to attend. There is also a separate sports registration page for volleyball and basketball. As in past years, a minimum number of players is required to have a team. You may go ahead and register your team even if you do not yet have the minimum number of players: you can add more players to the team at a later date. A special group rate of $96 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. Reservations may be made either by telephone (704-357-1414) or by using the following link set up specifically for our group: Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel-Reservation link for Living Church of God. Updated information on this year's event can be found on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend?ref=bookmarks. We hope many of you can join us for a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, fun, food, and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
Kansas City Family Weekend—Repeat Announcement
Registration for the Kansas City Family Weekend (January 1-3) is now open! More details are on the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lcgkcweekend) and on the event Web site (http://kcweekend.moluf.net) (not official LCG sites).
We've negotiated similar prices to last year at the Hilton Garden Inn: $81/night + tax. To get this discounted rate, call them at 816-350-3000 and tell them you're with the Living Church of God. Housing with brethren is also available, but please register early so you don't lose out on available space.
The weekend will include Bible Studies, a catered dinner, fun show and dance. On Sunday, we're planning basketball and volleyball tournaments, family games, a volleyball clinic, teen basketball games, children's basketball clinic—and did we mention Gaga Ball? (Pre-Teen campers can explain it to their parents. Trust us, people of all ages love Gaga Ball!)
Saturday night's dinner will once again be catered by the Hereford House. The beef brisket meal will cost $18/adult and $10/child under 12. If you have more than four children in your party, we'll cover their costs.
Visit the Facebook page or the event Web site linked above for details on registration, housing and activity sign-up. A password is required for the "Housing" and "Maps and Information" pages of the Web site. The password is the third word in the only paragraph on the page where you will enter it. Shhh… it's secret! We look forward to seeing you in January!—Michael Keesee
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, November 20, will be on "The Coming Utopia—Wonderful World Tomorrow!," presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The Bible Study runs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Eastern time) and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at 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, including last evening's on, "The Dramatic Return of Jesus Christ!," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Living University
Registration for Second Semester
Registration for second semester classes began this week with many students registering for January classes. The spring semester will begin on Wednesday, January 13. Students may register for the spring semester (fall in the Southern Hemisphere) anytime before the start of classes. Those who have never taken a Living University course will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected courses. This semester, along with many of our traditional spring semester classes, we will be offering two completely new courses. Watch for these in the weeks to come. The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester. A complete listing of second semester courses can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "Spring 2016 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.
THL 136—Acts and Writings of Paul: This class focuses on the book of The Acts of the Apostles and deals with Paul's life, times, and writings. In this class, Dr. Meredith's lectures focus on the background, purpose, message, and themes of Paul's letters; his personal life and character; his companions; and the chronology of the apostle's life. Emphasis is on the theology of his writings and the issues that Paul dealt with in apostolic times. This class is a prerequisite for the Epistles of Paul and the General Epistles and Revelation classes.
COMM 150—Oral Communication: This course provides a foundation for effective communication both within personal conversations and also when speaking to groups. It includes critical listening skills and methods of writing, organizing, delivering and critiquing speeches. Emphasis is placed on effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis and presentation of subject matter in oral communication. This class should help improve the interpersonal communication abilities of students as well as their public speaking skills.
ENGL 262—World Literature II: Western society has been greatly impacted by literature. Study of this literature gives students insights into the history of today's society. This course introduces selected works from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, from the eighteenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. This class is required for the BTh program and may be necessary for the ATh program.
Comments
Skills That Promote Teamwork: Members of effective organizations (teams, families, businesses, governments and churches) develop the necessary skills to function together to accomplish goals. These skills can be identified and learned. As Christians, we must develop these same skills—and many are clearly biblical. Effective team players avoid saying or doing things that offend others (Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 10:32). They are forgiving and able to overlook slights and insults because they have learned not to be easily offended (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; 1 Corinthians 13:5). Team players do not sit in judgment of others—accusing, criticizing and digging up evil things about others—instead, they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1-5; James 4:11). Team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) who promote harmony and work smoothly with others (James 3:17-18). They deal with people gently, respectfully and patiently, and are willing to listen (James 1:19). Team players do not promote themselves at the expense of others (Matthew 20:20-24)—they ask, "How can I help?" instead of, "What is in it for me?" Effective team players appreciate that a team is made up of individuals with different talents and abilities who make unique contributions to the team (1 Corinthians 12:12). Their main priority is to work together smoothly to achieve a goal while showing love to one another (Ephesians 4:16). In short, good team players have learned to be good Christians who love their neighbors! Are you developing these skills?
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 12, 2015
Europe Heading for Collapse? Europe is struggling! Catalonia, in Spain, wants independence, which "could inspire others; threatening European integration" (Time, November 7, 2015). The migration crisis, according to the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, "could lead to the collapse of the European Union and even to war" (EU Observer, November 9, 2015). His concern is that Europe may have "only several months time left" before a collapse of the European Union which he believes "can break apart" (ibid.). Since Luxembourg currently holds the "six-month rotating presidency of EU" and counts itself "among the bloc's six founding states, its words carry extra weight" (ibid.). France, which used to be the leading nation in Europe on foreign affairs and diplomacy, has little to no answers, and struggles to cope with the lack of influence it now holds as it is sidelined by a resurgent Germany (The Economist, November 7, 2015). The confusion in Europe should be no surprise to individuals following Tomorrow's World. Bible prophecies foretold these developments thousands of years ago. Explaining the final empire of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the prophet Daniel said, "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided... And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile" (Daniel 2:41-42). This end-time European power will have links to the ancient Roman Empire. If a EU break-up does occur soon, watch for a smaller group of nations to emerge (possibly 10) that will form a close alliance with the Catholic Church (see Revelation 17). For more information on the future of Europe, read our informative article, "Shadows Over Europe."
Britain Signs Nuclear Deal with China: "David Cameron will this week sign a landmark deal with China, thrusting the communist nation into the heart of Britain's civil nuclear industry. Under the controversial accord, Beijing will buy a large minority stake in Britain's first new atomic reactor in 20 years. The investment will help EDF Energy of France, which will lead the project, cover part of the mammoth £24bn cost. The Chinese are also expected to help bankroll a second EDF plant at Sizewell on the Suffolk coast. In return for its multibillion pound injection, Whitehall will give China its blessing to construct its own prototype nuclear reactor in Bradwell, Essex. The plant would be the first Chinese-designed and operated facility in the West" (The Sunday Times, October 18, 2015). Bible prophecy has long warned of Israel's demise due to its rejection of His laws: "The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you" (Deuteronomy 28:43). Also, "A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and the produce of your labor" (v. 33). Giving control of its nuclear infrastructure to "a nation they have not known" worries even the general public in Britain. God warned that at the end of the age, Britain, the descendant of the tribe of Ephraim, would act like "a silly dove without sense" (Hosea 7:11). For more on this topic, read "The Modern – Battle of Britain?"
Drug Overdose: Leading Killer! "Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury deaths in the US, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported in its annual National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA), which was released on Wednesday. The report highlights how heroin is an increasingly dangerous and popular drug in the US and how its use is increasingly linked to prescription drugs" (Business Insider, November 6, 2015). The lower cost of drugs and the potency of new drugs (80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine) make these drugs far more addictive and deadly (ibid.). Most people turn to drugs in order to find a pleasurable escape from life's difficulties, instead of learning how to handle challenges and overcome them. In addition, people who live without hope and faith and an understanding that there is a great God who will hear us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16) may seek relief through drugs. God warned that one of the signs of the end of the age would be those who are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4). Drugs are "God substitutes"! People turn to drugs for peace, escape, and protection, instead of turning to their Savior. The Bible lays out a path of life that is free from the pain and suffering of drug use and abuse. It also shows a way of escape from this lifestyle. For more information, read our encouraging article "Why Do We Get High?"—Scott Winnail, Justin Ridgeway, Sue Bennett and Chris Sookdeo