Greetings from Charlotte,
By this time next week, we may know who is going to be President of the United States. There is no doubt that some leaders are better than others, but no matter who wins, he or she cannot reverse the moral slide that is at the heart of our problems. It also remains to be seen what kind of reaction there will be from the losing side. Never in our lifetime have we seen so much vitriol cast toward each opponent in such a divided country. For sure, elections in any country, including the United States, can be vicious and the electorates may be divided somewhat equally, but this election seems different, with each side claiming a win by the other side is an existential threat to democracy. This should remind us of what the recent Holy Days and Festivals are all about—a new kind of government.—Gerald Weston
Church Administration
Tomorrow’s World Presentations
Last week, Mr. Peter Nathan took advantage of his travel to South Africa for the Feast and gave a Tomorrow’s World Presentation in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, which drew a total of 30 guests. This week, Mr. Weston will travel to Missouri to give presentations in Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for the Tomorrow’s World Presentations.
Living Education
Living Education-Charlotte is currently in full swing in our 7th year, but we’re already planning for 2025–26! We’ll begin accepting applications on November 15, so if you would like to learn more about the program, just go to https://www.lcgeducation.org/charlotte.
Feast of Tabernacles
Service Appreciated!
From the Festival Office, we wish to thank so many brethren for their service at the Feast. As they say, “Many hands make light work!” The countless hours putting together flower arrangements, manning Information Tables and Business Offices, getting to the hall early to set up sound equipment, standing out in the rain directing traffic in parking lots, serving in special music, and so many other service areas were much appreciated. It all helped us to have a smooth-running Feast that was encouraging and uplifting. Your service was much appreciated!
Festival Survey
If you have not yet filled out the Festival Survey, please do so by Sunday, November 10. We are asking all Feast-goers ages 13 and up to fill out the survey. Your feedback is important and helps with planning future Festivals. You can access it at fotsurvey.lcg.org.
Living Youth Program
LYP Europe 2025 – Mark your Calendars
We are again planning to hold our LYP Europe camp in Chevetogne, Belgium in 2025. Campers and staff should plan to arrive on Monday, 28 July and depart on Monday, 4 August. All are responsible for their own tuition and travel fees. Begin planning and saving now so that you can attend our European teen camp in 2025. Watch for future announcements. We will call for applications in March 2025. In the meantime, if you think you might be interested in attending, please contact Mr. Rees Ellis and let him know ([email protected])—this will assist us in our planning.
Men’s Training Camp – 2025
Attention men! Plan now to attend one of our 2025 Men’s Training Camps! At this point we have two dates for 2025. The first Men’s Training Camp will be held February 14–16 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The second will be May 2–4 in Weston, Oregon. Watch for more details soon!
Comments
Goals for the Coming Year: The Scriptures advise, “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26–27). Returning from the Feast is a good time to set goals for the coming year. What changes can you make to improve your relationship with God, your family and others? How can you use your time more effectively? What can you do to serve others? How can you prepare for the Kingdom of God? We need to think and pray about these important aspects of our lives. The Apostle Paul urged Christians to “walk circumspectly” and make the most of the opportunities we have (Ephesians 5:15–16). Peter advised his audience to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Consider reviewing the Bible Study Course or reading a booklet each month or taking a Living Education course. Now is a good time to set goals and prepare for the future and the coming Kingdom of God.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy – October 31, 2024
The Brilliance of God: The God of the universe is brilliant in so many ways. His ability to remember and anticipate mankind’s mistakes is humbling. His creation constantly illustrates “His invisible attributes” (Romans 1:20) and His involvement with mankind. About 150 years ago, plastic was invented. This amazing substance has transformed the world in many positive ways, but as we now understand, it is also causing serious health and environmental problems. Plastic brings up the age-old question related to science and technology: “Just because we can do it, should we?”
One of God’s brilliant creations is a specialized type of bacteria known as Ideonella sakaiensis. Why is it so incredible? Though these bacteria apparently existed long before plastic was invented by mankind, their design enables them to counteract the mistakes of humanity today. This species has the ability to feed on and break down the primary type of plastic used to make plastic bottles. They feed on other substances as well, but their unique ability to digest plastics is both astounding and thought-provoking.
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ will return to the earth and establish His peace-filled Kingdom. Following His return, the earth will need to be cleansed of its pollution so humans and other living things can live in a safe and healthy environment. Contrary to the mistaken beliefs of many who believe that plastic will remain in landfills indefinitely because it does not break down, such bacteria—and possibly others that remain undiscovered—may eventually breakdown this man-made product. The God of Creation, in His astounding brilliance, apparently foresaw this need long ago—long before mankind discovered the formulas for making plastic. While scientists are working on ways to turn this bacteria into a “super” plastic eater, there could also be negative side effects as mankind tampers further with God’s perfect creation. To discover more about the brilliance of God, read “Big, Beautiful Diamonds.” —Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, and Annette Wright