Weekly Update

September 29th, 2016

Greetings from Charlotte,

Everyone is gearing up for the Feast of Tabernacles.  Dr. Meredith has been busy writing, reading reports, and keeping up with world news.  Dr. Winnail returned from Cincinnati after holding a successful Leadership Conference in the region. Mr. Dexter Wakefield has been working on eight sermons he will be giving at the Feast in Argentina.  I recorded a Tomorrow's World program titled, "More Important than the Game."  We have received several reports of severe storms in the Caribbean and Australia (see below.) Mr. Paul Shumway reports that the Barbados government has finally granted his wife Gloria's visa extension to match his two-year visa so that she doesn't have to return to the U.S. every three months.  Quoting him: "After 45 years of marriage, she now has permission from the Barbados gov't to live with me!"  In the last few weeks we have seen a high percentage of brand new people responding to the telecast in the U.K., a very encouraging trend that we pray continues.  I have noticed a different trend over a number of years that when a Holy Day falls during the week, we consistently have a lower attendance than when one falls on the weekend.  This pattern is likely related to newer people who haven't yet come to understand the importance of God's annual Sabbaths, but some members have been around long enough to know better.  Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:6 that it is impossible to please God without faith. Let's all step out in faith this Monday for the Feast of Trumpets and October 12 for the Day of Atonement.—GEW

Church Administration

Severe Storms Reported

Mr. Rob Tyler reports from Australia that the LCG "Adelaide office still stands!" after a massive and severe storm this week caused flooding, downed trees, and resulted in the loss of electricity to the entire state of South Australia. We are thankful that no members suffered significant damage. Mr. Paul Shumway reports that there has been some flooding in homes and businesses in Barbados due to tropical storm Matthew, but that our members are all OK. This storm, which became a hurricane, also affected Martinique and Guadeloupe. There are power and water shortages but the brethren are safe and their houses are undamaged. Last week, the entire island of Puerto Rico lost electricity due to an accident in a power plant, but the power has been restored. The prayers of God's people around the world for the protection of the brethren during these perilous end-times are much appreciated. 

Tomorrow's World Presents in Burlington, Iowa

Targeting an area of the country where we do not have many congregations, Tomorrow's World Presents came to Burlington on September 24. The "Wake Up, America!" messages were very well received by the 13 visitors who attended. Mr. Rand Millich discussed the question, "Has God Abandoned Mankind?" and Mr. Phil West spoke about "The Pathway to Hope." Two children were present, one a 12-year-old boy who wrote on the Feedback Form, "I learned a lot," and "I loved it... it was helpful and clear." Some of the guests requested that a Bible Study be held in their area. Bible Studies are now being planned for the first Sabbath of each month and we pray that good fruit may be borne.—Irv Woelfle

Public Bible Studies in Illinois and Missouri

The Springfield, Illinois, and St. Louis, Columbia and Rolla, Missouri, congregations each recently hosted their first in a series of Bible Study lectures. One of these was held on a Sabbath afternoon and the others were held in late afternoons or early evenings. The topic at each was Armageddon and Beyond. The 13 guests and 90 brethren who attended these lectures saw PowerPoint presentations illustrating end-time prophetic milestones and had a handout to enable them to better follow along. All listened attentively and many took notes. After the presentation, each guest received the booklet Armageddon and Beyond, written by Mr. Richard Ames, and many of them stayed to fellowship with the brethren, who are enthusiastic about hosting more Bible Study lectures beginning in December.—Richard Franz

Requests for Money via E-mail and Social Media—Must Read

From time to time, brethren are contacted via e-mail or social media (including Facebook) by individuals claiming to be part of the Church, often overseas, asking for financial help. If you receive such a request, please exercise extreme caution, as most such messages are scams sent by people trying to get money under false pretenses. You would be wise not to send money based on e-mail or social media contact. And remember, the person contacting you may be impersonating someone you know. Please respond by referring any such contact to that person's local Living Church of God pastor (or Headquarters if you don't know who their pastor is).  If there is a genuine need, their pastor will be in a better position to address it.

Maintaining Accurate Files

We would like to remind all pastors and their assistants to notify Headquarters (or their International Regional Office, if it applies) promptly of ordinations, baptisms, new prospective members, departures, deaths, marriages, births and similar changes in our membership. The "Status Change" and "Ordination Notice" forms, available to all ministers in the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org, are tools for you to report this information to us. Having accurate and up-to-date files helps us in better planning Church programs and to ensure that literature and other communications are sent to the right people at the right location.

2016 Charlotte Family Weekend—Repeat Announcement

Mark your calendars and start making plans now to attend the 2016 Charlotte Family Weekend! We will run the same basic schedule this year that we did last year, with arrivals on Thursday, December 22. The host hotel will once again be the Renaissance Charlotte Suites. Activities will begin on Thursday evening with a casual themed dance at the hotel. Friday morning there will be a number of targeted seminars followed by an afternoon activity. Friday night and Saturday morning there will be special Bible Studies for everyone. We plan to again livestream the Saturday afternoon Church service over the Internet. Saturday night there will be a formal dinner/dance for all ages. Sunday we will have the increasingly popular Sports Day with basketball and volleyball tournaments, free play, kids' games and lots of free food! Sunday night we will wrap things up at the hotel with a Games Night. Last year we had over 800 people join us for the events and we hope that this year even more of you will attend. So grab your dance shoes and your tennis shoes and come join us for an exciting weekend of physical and spiritual rejuvenation!—Jim Meredith

Internet Department

New Tomorrow's World Spanish Web Site Launched!—Repeat Announcement 

We are very pleased to announce the release of an entirely re-designed Spanish-language Tomorrow's World Web site—www.elmundodemanana.org. This new Web site is based on the same technology and contains all of the same powerful functionality as our English-language Tomorrow's World Web site. We really appreciate all of the work that has gone into translating materials for our various-language Web sites, and pray that God will use all of them and our social media pages, as well as our telecast, magazine, TWPs and other efforts, to His glory as we work to fulfill the "Great Commission" that He has given to His Church!—Wyatt Ciesielka

Feast of Tabernacles

Just Two Weeks Away!

It's coming!  As we draw near to the Feast—the highlight of the year—here are some important things to be aware of:  

Opening Night Service

The Opening Night service begins Sunday night, October 16.  Brethren are encouraged to make every effort to arrive at their Feast site in plenty of time to attend this opening service Sunday evening, the beginning of the Holy Day which is the first day of the Feast.  There will also be a special DVD welcome message from Dr. Meredith during this service.  Check with your Feast Coordinator for the time of the Opening Night service at your site.

Instructions for Accessing Feast Services by Internet and Telephone

While many of us prepare to leave our homes to attend this annual highlight of the year, let us not forget those who cannot attend the Feast because of health reasons.  Our shut-ins will be in our thoughts and prayers during this Feast, that they may be uplifted and inspired, though under less-than-ideal circumstances.  If you will not be able to attend the Feast, please take note that many of our Festival sites will offer remote, live services to shut-ins in the areas assigned to their Feast site.  Some sites will offer either live-stream (Internet), telephone hook-up or both.  Here are instructions for connecting to video or audio live streaming:

Live-Stream Access to Services during the Feast

  1. Go to the Web site: www.lcgwebcast.org
  2. In the top right corner there is a green Feast of Tabernacles "Click Here" button. Click on that.
  3. Find your assigned Feast site and click on "Request Password." That will take you to an e-mail form to the Festival Site Coordinator, from whom you must request a password.
  4. Once you receive the password, click on the highlighted "Congregation" link and enter the password to access services.

Telephone Access to Services during the Feast

If you would like access to telephone hook-up information for your assigned site (if the site is offering it), please contact the Festival Site Coordinator directly.  The names and contact information for the USA Festival Site Coordinators are below.  For international sites, please contact the Regional Office.

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 same 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.

2016 Festival Survey

Every year we take a survey to get valuable feedback from brethren attending the Feast.  We will again have the Festival Survey available online, as well as having paper survey forms handed out at the Feast.  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 (either the hard copy or the online version) during the Feast, as it provides us with helpful information to assist with Festival planning for future years.

Holy Day Offerings if Transferring to Different Country

If you are traveling internationally for the Feast, it is recommended that you leave your Holy Day Offering in your home country. This will ensure that you receive proper documentation for a tax deduction, if your country allows it. You should make an additional offering at the international site you attend, and can plan accordingly. Your attention to these instructions and your use of the preprinted Holy Day envelopes is greatly appreciated.

Travelers: Beware of Bed Bugs!

In recent years, bed bugs have made a "comeback," especially in hotels at some popular vacation spots. Therefore, it is prudent to check the beds of our accommodations when we check into our Feast hotels. If you see signs of bed bugs, you should request a different room. Here is a summary from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how to check your room for bed bugs. Essentially, one should look for "physical signs" of bed bugs, which include:

  • Rusty or reddish stains on the bed sheets or mattresses.  
  • Tiny dark spots (about the size of a "period" on a typed document) on bed sheets or mattresses.
  • The actual bugs themselves, in the seams of mattresses or cushions.

Bed bugs are not only painful and irritating, but can travel back home with you and are expensive to eradicate. God can and will protect His Feast-goers from bed bugs, if we are prayerful and vigilant. We also know that a prudent man foresees danger and hides himself (Proverbs 22:3).

Services Locator List—Contact Information

A link to the Services Locator List can be found on your MyLCG page for you to use as you plan your travels to the Feast Site you will attend, especially so you can minimize travel on God's Sabbath. It shows what towns will have services on the Day of Atonement and on the Sabbath of October 15, for those who will not be in their home congregations on those days. The chart also lists the time of services. If you wish to attend any of the services listed, please get in touch by phone or by e-mail with the contact person listed. He will give you the address and any directions that you may need in order to find it. Safe travels and a joyous Feast to all of you!

Changed Venue for Sabbath Services in Panama City Beach Before the Feast

Sabbath Services on October 15 will not be held at the Feast site. Instead they will be held at: Arnold High School, 550 Alf Coleman Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, in the Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium. Services will be at 1:00 p.m.

Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan—Repeat Announcement

Observatory Night: The Observatory Night that was planned has been cancelled by the facility due to circumstances beyond its control. Therefore, we will have a game night instead that evening. Please bring board games and cards, and we will also have a Bible game. Thank you.

Talent Night: If you would like to present something during the talent show this year, please send the details of your number to Mr. Dale Trenerry at [email protected] or by phone at 403-247-4890. Thank you.

Living Youth Program

Friday Evening Teen Bible Studies Resume November 4

The Friday evening online Teen Bible Studies are scheduled to resume after the Feast of Tabernacles, on Friday evening, November 4. The topic of that study will be Lesson 22 of the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course: "What Is God's Purpose for Mankind?" After the Feast of Tabernacles, instructions for joining the Bible Studies will be available on the Living Youth Web site at http://www.livingyouth.org.—Sheldon Monson

Finance

Hall Rentals (U.S.)—Repeat Announcement: November Hall vouchers should be sent along with the October vouchers in September (if possible) to ensure payment by October 11.

Reimbursements (U.S.)—Repeat Announcement: Please note that our last scheduled day to print checks will be Tuesday, October 11. We will not be able to print any checks again until Thursday, October 27. Any invoices we receive before October 5 will be paid before the break. Any invoices we receive after October 5 may not be able to be paid until October 27. If you have any questions about specific invoices or payments, please contact Meagan Rand in the Accounts Payable Department at 704-708-2237 or Lanna Moluf at 704-708-2234. You can also e-mail [email protected].—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 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. In that coming Kingdom, 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—September 29, 2016

Why Peace Seekers Fail: "Pope Francis joined 400 religious leaders in an interfaith prayer service for peace at Assisi on September 20, marking the 30th anniversary of the historic event organized by St. John Paul II" (Catholic Culture, September 20, 2016). At the event, which "drew together Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and other religious leaders," the pope commented, "We have come to Assisi as pilgrims in search of peace… We thirst for peace; we desire to witness to peace… [to achieve peace we must] free ourselves from the heavy burdens of fundamentalism and hate" (ibid.). "Patriarch Bartholomew [also] placed a heavy emphasis on religious freedom and on respect for nature in his remarks" (ibid.). But, will removing "fundamentalism and hate," and increasing "religious freedom" and "respect for nature" bring real peace? Bible prophecies indicate that as we approach the end of this age, human beings "will seek peace, but there shall be none" (Ezekiel 7:25; cf. Jeremiah 6:14). Describing the leaders of this world, the prophet Isaiah states, "The way of peace they have not known" (Isaiah 59:8).  Pilgrimages, prayers, lighting candles and respect for nature have not and will not bring peace to mankind. The Bible reveals that peace comes from following the laws of God (Psalm 119:165) and that Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7) to show mankind the way to peace and put an end to war forever (Isaiah 2:2-4). Seekers of peace need to read the Book that reveals the way to lasting peace. For more on this vital topic, see "Peace When There Is No Peace."

Anti-Americanism is Alive in Europe: Today in Europe, many politicians fear a Donald Trump presidency. But, he has secret fans, especially in Germany. "No European politician will say so publicly, but to some on the Continent, Trump presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for emancipation from American influence" (Politico, September 21, 2016). A growing animosity toward the U.S. is actually uniting Europe: "the evils of U.S. influence is one of the few things that European politicians from nearly every slice of the political spectrum can agree upon. In Germany, for example, one is just as likely to see an 'Ami Go Home' (Ami is German slang for American) poster at a rally for the Left party as at a gathering of the far-right Alternative for Germany" (ibid.). Germany has been reluctant to take a leadership role in Europe since the end of WWII. However, as the key economic powerhouse in Europe, its role is starting to shift. The Bible calls Assyria (modern Germany) "a rod" that God will use to punish the rebellious house of Israel (Isaiah 10:5-6). Anciently, Assyria carried Israel into captivity because of its national sins (2 Kings 17). Today, the USA and other modern Israelite nations are rejecting God and His laws as they follow the same rebellious path their ancestors took thousands of years ago. If modern Israelite nations do not repent, God will use a German-led Europe to correct this rebellious people. To learn more about Germany's role in Europe, read "Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?"

Starving Children! "Nearly five million people in Somalia are suffering from a shortage of food due to poor rainfall, floods and displacement, the United Nations says. More than 300,000 children under the age of five are severely malnourished and require urgent assistance… Malnutrition levels in Somalia have increased over the last six months with nearly half the population affected. The number of people without enough food has increased by 300,000 since February" (BBC, September 20, 2016). This desperate situation has occurred in large part due to famine and war (ibid.). Bible prophecies state that at the end of the age famines will increase (Matthew 24:7) and many will eventually die of famines and war (Revelation 6:1-8). But Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4) because God loves every individual made in His image (Genesis 1:26). The Scriptures reveal that God is pleased when His people cry out on behalf of suffering children, for His kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10). In an era when so many focus on "self," and in a society where God condemns religious and secular leaders for their excesses (Ezekiel 34:1-4; Jeremiah 23), God wants His people to be different! For more on this important topic, be sure to read "Sigh and Cry." The good news is that the tragedy of suffering children will end. Jesus Christ is coming back to fix this broken world!—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, Justin Ridgeway and Chris Sookdeo