HYDERABAD, India—The Hyderabad church was host for a three-day convention on family enrichment for church members, other Christians and friends, June 3 to 6.

Pastor Danny Zachariah reported that about 60 people attended at least one of the sessions, and about 10 people attended for the first time. A children’s camp was conducted simultaneously for 12 campers.

Each day began with everybody assembling for worship. The children and adults then had their individual sessions, and everyone came back together for meals.

The adults had sessions on Pressurizing Children to Perform, Parenting, Love vs. Arranged Marriages, Communication, Values Parents Must Teach, and Understanding Differences.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—Elder Joseph Franklin asks for prayers for his country as kidnappings and robberies are on the rise, in addition to the ongoing difficulties the nation suffers.

"What is encouraging so far is the fact that the local WCG congregation did not lose trust and confidence in its Master, Jesus Christ," Mr. Franklin said. "We hope that such news will not just sadden our brothers and sisters who listen to the radio or watch television, but will give them a boost. Our youths are waking up. Praise our Lord!"

PASADENA—Sam Dunlap, 55, a 35-year employee of the church, died of liver failure July 9.

Mr. Dunlap began work part-time for the Landscape Department in 1964. He went full-time in 1966 and was department manager from 1974 to 1987.

He is survived by his parents, Chester and Eva Dunlap; a brother, Cliff; sisters Cora Grassman and Linda Young; his daughters, Michelle Turner, Sherri Cortez and Carma Kilineck; seven granddaughters and one grandson.

A memorial service, conducted by J. Michael Feazell, took place in the Ambassador Auditorium July 13. The service focused on Sam’s faith, his love of the outdoors, his love of his children and grandchildren, and his sense of humor.

During the memorial service, Sam’s daughters and current and former co-workers gave personal and written eulogies. All focused on Sam’s talent for developing close friendships and the loss they now felt.

During his illness, the doctors said they had never seen a patient receive so many visitors or receive so many phone calls. Ron Grassman.

MANILA, Philippines—Last year Charlie Beruega and his family began to face a serious trial. He had sarcoma, a kind of eye cancer.

Doctors recommended rest. He lost his job and was jobless for almost eight months. The family had financial and other problems.

"And we forgot to call on God," said his wife, Marites. They went back and forth to the Philippine General Hospital with no hope in sight.

One day, Charlie took his family to the Manila South worship service. Charlie grew up in the WCG, where his mother has been a member for many years now.

After a second worship service, Charlie asked Henson Fen Santos, associate pastor, to anoint him and to pray for his healing.

Charlie was scheduled for a second biopsy and was taken into the operating room, but the operation was rescheduled because the operation was deemed unnecessary at that time.

The family continued attending church. During Charlie’s last checkup, the doctors noticed that the swelling at the back of his eyes was becoming smaller. A great improvement—he can read again. One of the doctors said: "Maybe you are well now. Maybe it’s a miracle."

"For us, this is an assurance coming from God," Mrs. Beruega said. "My husband and I have proven that if one is faithful and completely relying on God, for sure, we can endure all trials and be able to overcome. We found that we should not lose hope. Jesus is with us. God loves us so much. He is always with us. He is so good."

Mr. and Mrs. Beruega were baptized June 3.

SAYRE, Oklahoma—The Sayre Circle of Love Fellowship took part in a National Day of Prayer ceremony on the courthouse square May 3. The event was sponsored by First Baptist Church with praise and worship and prayers for the nation, state, county and city. A prayer written by evangelist Billy Graham was read followed by the group singing "God Bless America."

After the ceremony, about 25 people gathered at the Circle of Love building for lunch provided by women of the interdenominational prayer group that meets monthly at Circle of Love. Seven denominations were represented. Shirley West.

CASTLEGAR, British Columbia, Canada—The Missoula, Montana, and Castlegar churches combined for a sister church weekend May 25 to 28.

Fourteen Missoula members (plus two Japanese exchange students) traveled 400 miles to Castlegar for a weekend of worship and fun.

Last year the members from both churches decided to begin cross- border sister-church exchanges. George Patrickson, Castlegar pastor, gave the sermon at a worship service May 26. After a potluck, both groups put on a talent show. The next day the group had a picnic at Pass Creek Park. Around 4 p.m., many of the participants drove to Trail, British Columbia, for a swim in an indoor natatorium. That evening an impromptu pizza party took place at the home of Rod and Wendy Westfall. Mike Wallace and Robert Bertuzzi.

TALENTED KIDS—Participants
in the Castlegar-Missoula talent show.
[Photo by Mike Wallace]

KALAMAZOO, Michigan—Members of the Kalamazoo church, pastored by Wilhelm Mandel, attended a weekend workshop June 30 and July 1 conducted by Ted Johnston, Great Lakes superintendent.

The purpose was to guide the congregation into the future by identifying and clarifying the congregation’s shared set of core values, defining its shared mission, and then developing strategies for pursuing their mission.

Mr. Johnston was assisted by Roger Abels, pastor of the Fort Wayne, Indiana, church.

The first part of the process had members working in teamed discussion groups answering the key question, "Why do we do what we do?" The answers listed the important commitments of the group. These were then pared down to a short list of essential values held in common that will act as the congregation’s beacon for all its decisions and programs to come.

The members then turned to the mission statement and quickly agreed that the great commission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19-20 meant that making disciples was its mission.

In the final part of the workshop process, members asked how the congregation would proceed to accomplish the mission based on its essential core values.

Seeking strategies is an ongoing process that will take prayerful thought and discussion as the members accept the responsibility Christ has given to them. Daniel Erickson.

OAKLAND, California—On May 19, Embrace Oakland Day, Christians from many denominations joined to pray for Oakland.

The East Bay Ministers’ Prayer Network, in which Pastor Jim Roberts participates, collaborated with Pray the Bay, an organization dedicated to unifying churches in all nine Bay Area counties to pray for their communities.

Thirty-five churches in Oakland served as host churches and partnered with churches from other Bay Area cities. WCG congregations joined with Living Word Ministries.

Each of these church teams assembled at the host church and spent the morning walking up and down assigned streets. They prayed blessing and peace upon homes, schools and individuals they passed. They blanketed the entire city in prayer.

During this time, preparations were being made at a park for a Health Faire. Through the afternoon, about 65,000 pounds of groceries were distributed to homeless and low-income families. Free health services and children’s activities were available. Various gospel bands and choral groups performed.

City officials were present, and a just-retired Oakland Raider football player and minister, Napoleon Kaufman, was keynote speaker. Several hundred people made decisions to include Jesus Christ in their lives.

One San Francisco member and 10 from San Leandro participated in either prayer walking or food distribution. One member organized a grocery unload and rebag crew.

"Participating pastors and churches are determined to do their part to invite God to change the spiritual climate of our Bay cities and penetrate them with the gospel," Mr. Roberts said. "Embrace Oakland did wonders to bring denominations together and help us all realize we can have more impact through partnership than by working in isolation."

RALEIGH, North Carolina—Every Thursday evening, members of Celebration Christian Fellowship (Raleigh WCG congregation) gather for a prayer meeting.

"The weekly prayer meetings began about a year ago and many miraculous healings and answered prayers have taken place as a result," said Shane Bazer, youth pastor, who organizes the prayer ministry. "It has been a real blessing to our congregation and a light to those we pray for."

The group prays for about one hour, first giving upward prayers of thanks and praise. Then they move on to inward prayers for the needs of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. In addition to submitted prayer requests, they go through the church directory and pray for one or two families each week. They also pray for the ministers in their district.

Lastly, they pray outward for those who do not yet have a relationship with our Lord and Savior. They send cards to almost everyone they pray for, letting them know they care enough to cry out to God on their behalf. They include a sticker or business card that includes the church name, phone number and website address.

To include members who cannot attend the prayer meetings, the group has created a Prayer Builders ministry, which has two elements: Prayer Partners and a Prayer Calendar.

Mr. Bazer asked Barb Egbert in the national youth office if there were any teens or young adults involved in ministry work that they could pray for. Mrs. Egbert sent a list of about 50 youths across the country who are on fire for Jesus and have dedicated themselves to building our church and the kingdom. Each person in Raleigh who signed up to be a prayer builder was assigned a young kingdom builder they could regularly pray for and encourage through notes and phone calls.

Additionally, each person signs up for one day each month that they would dedicate to praying (and maybe fasting) for the particular needs of the congregation or denomination.

PASADENA—Nathan Braden, maintenance electrician, left the employ of the WCG July 6 to become an electrician at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He had worked at church headquarters for 15 years.

Jim Carter

Jim Carter, supervisor in mail processing, worked his last day in PTM June 29. He had worked at headquarters for 22 years, including 12 years full-time.

Mr. Carter said that he and his wife, Rosie, and their children Bob and Jen, would most likely move to the Houston, Texas, area where his family is.

KENNESAW, Georgia—More than half of the Atlanta Northwest Christian Fellowship congregation joined other Metro Atlanta residents the evening of Sept. 24 to participate in the annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk.

Participants carried red illuminated balloons on a three-mile walk around Chastain Park to show support and love for those who have battled leukemia or lymphoma, and survivors carried white illuminated balloons.

The church’s team, Team Brittany, was founded in memory of Brittany Bonner, a 13-year-old church member who died July 14, 2000, after a short struggle with acute myelogeneous leukemia. Team Brittany raised more than $4,000, which will be used to fund leukemia and lymphoma research and to provide financial assistance for patients undergoing treatment.

This year, the walk will be in downtown Atlanta at the Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, Sept. 8. The church’s team captain is Katrina Mullins.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has chapters across the United States, and is host for annual walks in many major cities. Participants in Atlanta raised more than $110,000 for last year’s walk.

For more information about participating in a Light the Night Walk in your area, check the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org Jennifer Widner.

TEAM BRITTANY—Kennesaw, Georgia,
members at Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s
Light the Night Walk, Sept. 24. [Photo by Pierre Naggiar]

David Fiedler

MINOT, North Dakota—The Minot church was host June 9 for a combined worship service for the Minot, Bismarck and Dickinson, North Dakota, congregations, as well as others in the local community.

David Fiedler, district superintendent, spoke on Praise and Worship, the Trinity and Reconciliation and how they relate to the transformation God has brought about in our church.

A potluck was followed by a question and answer session. Harold and Charlotte Davis.

Richard and Renee Roberts

SAN FRANCISCO, California—Richard Roberts, pastor of the San Francisco Sunday congregation, received an award April 23 for outstanding volunteer service to Unity2000, a Daly City based teen organization.

Mr. Roberts volunteers with the youth group program encouraging and planning youth activities in Daly City.

The ceremony took place at city hall and was telecast on the local cable channel.

Mr. Roberts was also awarded a certificate of appreciation April 28 for outstanding volunteer service to San Francisco General Hospital, where he serves as a chaplain. Willie Brown, San Francisco mayor, gave the opening remarks. Pastor Robert Walter, who heads the hospital’s Chaplaincy Department, was thankful for Mr. Robert’s dedication to God’s calling. He goes to the hospital to visit and pray with the sick and hurting throughout the hospital in the intensive care unit, psychiatry ward, emergency room and the jail ward.

He is also involved with the prison ministry and baptized a new Christian last year at the San Francisco county jail.

Mr. Roberts was born in Trinidad and Tobago. His wife, Renee, is from La Union, Philippines.

ORLANDO, Florida—The semi-annual gathering of the Pinelake church took place May 4 to 6 with 80 in attendance from north, south and central Florida. Pinelake is a Christian retreat center west of Orlando.

The gathering was called the Pinelake Celebration because of the emphasis on musical celebration and finding joy in Jesus.

Praise and worship music was given by the Christones Praise Band of the Tampa congregation. The Jacksonville choir provided an hour of vocal selections. Charles Taylor, pastor of the Miami church, and his wife, Keysha, presented personally composed praise songs. Keysha closed their presentation with a sacred dance giving God praise.

Bob Persky, district superintendent, gave several presentations and led in communion. Pastor Larry Hinkle shared helpful information on discipling. Pastor Ken Smylie led a prayer and healing service.

Ginny Jones, a member from Fort Myers, later shared the following report: "I was the recipient of intercessory prayer about five weeks ago at Pine Lake Retreat. During the Saturday evening service, Pastor Smylie asked those who wanted prayer for themselves or others to step forward. I have been suffering with daily pain from polymyalgia rheumatica for the past 16 months.

"I was encircled by eight or more people who prayed on my behalf while hands were laid on me. I felt an intense heat on my both arms and mid back. I had a great night’s sleep and on the way to the service the next morning I realized I had no more pain.

"I have been pain free for five weeks. I thank my God daily for the blessing he has bestowed upon me because I have been healed."

The next Pinelake Celebration is scheduled for November. For more information send e-mail to Mr. Smylie at ken_smylie@wcg.org or call him at 1-352-374-6585.

TETON VILLAGE, Wyoming—One hundred cyclists, support staff, friends and family from Canada, the United States and Australia gathered here July 3 and 4 for the 25th anniversary of the 1976 U.S. coast-to-coast bike trip.

The original group was made up of Ambassador College students and church youths. Led by Larry Haworth, 90 cyclists and support staff traveled from Fort Stephens, Oregon, to Fort Story, Virginia, 4,291 miles in 66 days, June 8 to Aug. 13, 1976. They pedaled up to 111.9 miles a day in temperatures up to 105 degrees.

The reunion dinner took place July 3. Gifts were given to those who had the most children, traveled the farthest and changed the least. A plaque of wood and copper patina picturing a cyclist was given to Mr. Haworth for his leadership. Names of the participants were engraved on the spokes of the bike wheels. The group viewed two videos of the trip.

On July 4 they enjoyed a pancake breakfast, parade, potluck picnic, outdoor music concert and fireworks. Plans are to have another reunion in five years. Lister Chen.

CYCLISTS REUNION—Cyclists at reunion in Teton Village Wyoming, July 3 and 4. [Photo by Marv Wegner]

1976 TRIP—Cyclists stop at Yellowstone National Park, June 29, 1976.

Leslie and Darlene Schmedes

ST. JOSEPH, Missouri—Leslie Schmedes, an elder in the St. Joseph church, and his wife, Darlene, serve as mentors at Edison School.

U.S. News & World Report wrote an article about the mentoring program, which is based on a publication from the Michael Gurian Institute. Mr. Gurian is an educator, family therapist and author.

Several schools in Missouri have adopted his methods of practical discipline and education strategies that are mainly aimed at male students, according to an article by Alonzo Weston in the St. Joseph News-Press.

Mr. Weston noted that "the school relies heavily on Leslie Schmedes and the other 50 or so volunteers at the school to help make the program work."

Mr. and Mrs. Schmedes have been mentors at the school for the past three years.

Ben Zacharias, a Summer Educational Program counselor, was guest speaker at the Dallas Central congregation’s monthly youth service Sunday, June 10.

"How wonderful it is that God is breaking down barriers between young people and older people," Mr. Zacharias said. He quoted 1 Timothy 4:12, which says that we should not look down on a person because he or she is young, but that even young people need to set an example for other believers.

He added that Chrissy Gordon, children’s church director, is an example of a Mother Eunice, who spiritually nurtures young people. Frank Lewandowski.

DENVER, Colorado—Pastors and wives, ministry leaders and members from much of the Rocky Mountain and Southern Plains districts gathered in Denver July 13 to 15 for a Christ-centered district conference.

It was a time of fellowship, spiritual rejuvenation, relaxation and worship that included lectures, breakout sessions and meals together.

Each morning and afternoon session started with praise and worship, providing everyone the chance to come before their Savior and God. A 75-minute praise and worship session took place Saturday night, and the conference ended Sunday with a worship service that included communion and an opportunity to give an offering to God. Praise groups from the Denver North, Denver South and Helena, Montana, churches led the worship.

The focus of this conference was on stewardship and discipleship. Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, explained that we need "stewardship to survive" and "discipleship to thrive." The Worldwide Church of God has a wonderful future ahead, he said, but it needs the ministers and members to lock arms in service to our Lord, fulfilling his great commission.

Other sessions included women in ministry, evangelism, conflict resolution, youth ministry and church administration.

As everyone left for home Sunday afternoon, there was a feeling of rejuvenation and positive direction in the church. Many members commented about how much they appreciated being invited to and considered a part of a ministers conference. Ministers and members alike were stirred to accomplish the work we have been commissioned to have a part of. Gerald Schnarrenberger.

BEAUMONT, Texas—Interrupted but undaunted by tropical storm Allison, the Beaumont church and Pioneer Presbyterian Church joined hands across denominational lines for a Vacation Bible School and evangelistic campaign.

The Vacation Bible School began as scheduled June 4 and ran for three days before Allison made her soggy appearance. Activities started again June 14 for the remaining day and then the groups launched into the evangelistic campaign June 15.

An average of 50 children a day attended the four days of Vacation Bible School, and an average of 62 people a day attended the three-day evangelistic campaign.

Following the theme of "Sun Creek Junction," the children performed skits before each worship service.

Lloyd Crosby, Pioneer pastor, started the campaign off Friday evening, June 15, with a sermon titled "God Does Really Love You." James Scales, WCG co-pastor, followed Saturday evening with "When God Sends Forth His Spirit." Co-pastor Gene Koch finished the campaign Sunday morning with "God’s Strong Desire for You." Charles Hyatt.

James Scales

Gene Koch

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada— One hundred sixty-five women from more than a dozen denominations attended the Edmonton women’s ministry annual retreat at a lodge overlooking a prairie lake.

Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist, Messianic Jewish, Alliance and Baptist churches were among the fellowships represented. Other women said this was their first experience with religion. They came because a friend invited them, but they really had no idea who God is.

The first speaker, Ingrid Gula, a WCG member, spoke about her struggle with depression. In her job as a counselor, she has used her own experiences to guide girls who are depressed.

The second speaker, from an Alliance church in Edmonton, told about growing up in Morocco as a Muslim and at 16 being whisked away by her new husband to Alberta. On the bus to work one day, she met a woman who changed her life. At her lowest point, she was severely beaten and almost died. Her new friend shared her house and gave sanctuary to her and her baby. Through her friend, she eventually became a Christian. "Be like my friend who made a difference in my life and spoke to me on the bus," she said.

The last speaker, a Pentecostal pastor’s wife and the director of a major children’s ministry in Edmonton, spoke on being in the Valley of Baca (weeping) (Psalm 84:6). Christians spend a lot of time in Baca and we need to learn how to live there, she said.

In the final message, Dorothy Nordstrom, retreat coordinator, said: "We were designed to connect with each other by a connecting God. Jesus Christ is the real heart connector. God’s desire has always been to connect with us, but we were the ones who kept breaking the connection. With Jesus living in us, we can now connect with not only each other but with God." Maria Sinkler.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida—A festival with the theme "Come Celebrate Jesus and His Kingdom, Now and in the Future" will take place here Oct. 2 to 7 with a service Oct. 9 if enough interest is shown. The Jacksonville church is host.

Worship services and housing will be at the Howard Johnson’s resort on the beach. Cost for rooms is $50 to $60 a night. Call the hotel directly at 1-904-471-1247. Be sure to mention the WCG group.

Call Pastor Marty Davey at 1-352-473-8497 with your name and the number attending with you.

St. Augustine is a historic city with many attractions and amusements.

PENSACOLA, Florida—The Pensacola-Milton church will have its fifth annual Celebration of Jesus Christ Oct. 5 to 8. The theme is letting your light shine. The congregation will be hosts for a catered lunch Saturday, Oct. 6, and a family dance that same evening.

Contact Pastor John Young at 1-850-857-6762 (leave message please) or write to him at 11164 Horizon Rd., Milton, Florida, 32583.

Warren Wilson

CLARKSBURG, West Virginia—The Clarksburg church combined its annual summer picnic with a reunion for former church youths and their families June 2 at a picnic shelter in a park.

The idea of the reunion was to reach out to former teens, particularly those who no longer attend.

The worship service began at 10:30 a.m. at the picnic shelter. About 35 to 40 guests attended the service, with many more coming afterward for the meal and activities. Young people came from as far away as Florida and Louisiana. Many had not seen each other since they had stopped attending WCG services.

Pastor Warren Wilson’s sermon was titled, "Unconditionally Loved and Accepted." He stressed that God’s love for us is unconditional and that he accepts us, not on the basis of our works, but on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ.

He concluded the sermon by saying: "If any of you who grew up in the church were given the impression that God’s love was conditional on your obedience, or that God might love you, but would never accept you because you couldn’t keep his laws perfectly, then I want to apologize to you for the wrong impression you were given. God loves you unconditionally and accepts you if you put your faith in Jesus Christ."

Several young people came up to Mr. Wilson after the service and said the message had been helpful to them. A mother told him that she wished her two grown daughters could have been there to hear it.

After a meal of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, side dishes and desserts, young and old played volleyball and basketball, while others visited and got reacquainted.

"It was a delight to see the Holy Spirit at work that day healing, restoring and reconciling people," Mr. Wilson said.

Gina Ferrari VanLanduyt

PARADISE, California—Gina Ferrari VanLanduyt, 11, was selected by band director Cydney Dixon to perform at the California Music Educator Association’s annual solo ensemble, Sonstina, accompanied by her grandmother, Judy VanLanduyt.

Gina attends the Chico, California, church with her grandparents, Larry and Judy VanLanduyt. Alys Carrick.

Curtis May

MONTGOMERY, Alabama—Curtis May, director of the church’s Office of Reconciliation Ministries, was nominated to have his name placed on the Wall of Tolerance Memorial in Montgomery.

The wall was designed by Maya Lin, architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The memorial is being constructed blocks from where Rosa Parks helped launch the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. It will be around the corner from where Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. It will be in the same historic complex as the Civil Rights Memorial, which honors 40 slain heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Arthur Carlisle.

OPELIKA, Alabama—Mozell Benson, a member of the Opelika church, received an award and grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., for her quilt-making skills.

Senator Richard Shelby announced June 13 that she had won a $10,000 grant, one of 13 grants awarded this year. Peggyann Kozak.

Mike Greider

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia—Pastor Mike Greider was host for a Pentecost event June 3 for more than 1,200 people from 40 churches across the tri-state area of Huntington, West Virginia; Ashland, Kentucky; and South Point, Ironton and Proctorville, Ohio.

John Dawson, founder of the International Reconciliation Coalition, was the main speaker. Also, a preview of the video Transformation II, the Glory Spreads, was shown. This is a documentary of how God has brought transformation in several communities where the body of Christ has come together to pray for revival.

Mr. Greider also serves as city facilitator for Mission America and the coordinator for Mission Tri-State.

More than 45 pastors have signed a covenant of unity saying they are working together for the advancement of the gospel in their region.

BELLEVILLE, Illinois—The Belleville church displays new signs in front of their place of worship whenever they use the facility. The signs can easily be read by traffic coming from either direction.

Pastor James Stokes commented that previously people would pass right by the building, which they rent from the Boilermakers Union, and never know that it is used on Sundays as a church. He sees the signs as one of the ways the church is trying to become better known in the community.

BELLEVILLE CHURCH SIGN—
The Belleville, Illinois, church displays
this sign when it uses its rented facility
for services. [Photo by Mary Anne Burns]

DALLAS, Texas—The Dallas Central church conducted a Father’s Day service Sunday, June 17.

Elder Ted Dusek asked members to reflect on their human fathers as well as our heavenly Father.

Elder Jack Smith asked: "Who taught you to be a father?" He said that being a Christian father is a skill that must be taught, yet typically no one teaches it. Mr. Smith is a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but feels he is just beginning to learn how to be a father.

Vince Fischelli said he has observed the importance of fathers based on the life of his younger brother. Their father passed away when Vince was 18, but his brother was much younger. His brother did not have a father figure.

Mr. Fischelli said: "Walk with God and walk with your sons. Talk with your kids. The biggest thing your children can learn from you is how you live your life. Do everything with dignity and Christian love." Frank Lewandowski.

Jonathan Stepp

NASHVILLE, Tennessee—During the Easter weekend, the Nashville church had its annual Resurrection Sunday celebration at the NaCoMe church campgrounds east of Centerville, Tennessee.

The focus of the event, led by Pastor Jonathan Stepp, was committing the church to the new covenant great commission. The church established its mission statement and motto based on its agreed-upon values and priorities in about four months of congregational work sessions.

Mr. Stepp preached a series of sermons based on the established Christian church calendar delineating the Passion of Christ through to the time of the early church’s founding on Pentecost Sunday. Bradford Rosenquist.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001