QUEENS, New York—Anthony Forteza, a member of the Westchester, New York, church, was killed in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in Queens, Nov. 12. He was en route to South America on business.

He is survived by his wife, Nannette, and their children, Natalie, Anwar and Adriana.

Craig Bacheller, Queens pastor, noted that no Worldwide Church of God members lived in the immediate area where the plane went down.

BOREHAMWOOD, England—Pastor General Joseph Tkach attended the United Kingdom Board meeting, Oct. 28, and visited the North London congregation Oct. 27.

"Many asked that I pass on greetings to their brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in America," Mr. Tkach said. "Many advised me that they are praying for us, especially in light of the terrorist attacks."

John Halford, European regional director, gave Mr. Tkach a donation from WCG congregations in Europe. Mr. Halford explained that they had all been touched by the tragic events of Sept. 11.

"The members in Europe realize that they all owe much to the generosity of the American members, and wanted to show their love and support in their time of need," Mr. Halford said. "Each nation contributed to the donation from their festival offering."

Mr. Halford asked Mr. Tkach to use the money to help the victims and their families. Mr. Tkach forwarded the donation to one of our pastors in New York to assist others in the recovery operation.

CHAMPIONS—Olympia, Washington,
softball team. [Photo by Larry Lindsley]

OLYMPIA, Washington—The Olympia church fields two softball teams in the Independent Church League (ICL), with one team taking the division championship.

According to Steve Carlsburg, ICL president, who presented the Coed E Division trophy to the champions during church services Sept. 1, the ICL started in 1966 when "a local pastor saw the need in the community for organized church-sponsored recreation."

As the season neared its end, one player sent the following e-mail to her coach. "I wanted you all to know how thankful my husband, Rod, and I are that we were able to play with you guys this season. Rod was shocked at how nice all of you are. He’s never really "gone to church," so meeting all of you, playing on your team and witnessing the team spirit and faith in our Lord before and after the game was a huge step forward for him." Paul Winder.

FLORENCE, Montana—An essay titled "Freedom’s Irony," written by Jessica Wallace, 16, was published in the November issue of Perspective, a magazine produced by Dr. Laura Schlessinger, conservative talk show host.

In her essay about the causes of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Jessica wrote: "We are still a united people, a changed, but united people. And we will survive. But, not without the freedom that brought us here.

"Yes, freedom may make us vulnerable to evil, but it also gives us the drive to overcome it."

Jessica is the daughter of Mike and Bonnie Wallace. They attend the Missoula, Montana, church.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Mohan Jayasekera returned to Perth, Australia, Sept. 10 from a pastoral visit to his homeland where, as chairman of the board of the Worldwide Educational Institute (WEI), he reviewed preparations for the conclusion of another academic year, had meetings with academic staff and faculty, looked at recruiting efforts and, with management staff, assessed the financial situation.

Sri Lanka is suffering from an ongoing civil war. The economy is having a hard time, especially after a terrorist attack on parked planes at Colombo international airport. Over the years, other organizations have started offering courses somewhat similar to those offered at WEI, and with declining personal income in hard economic times, it is more difficult to maintain the student enrollment levels.

However, other opportunities have opened. WEI has been contracted to provide classes to raise the quality of written and spoken English for Sri Lankan Airlines employees.

Mr. Jayasekera also visited remote congregations in the mountains east of Colombo. In Badulla, where we have a congregation pastored by Linton Silva, Mr. Jayasekera participated in the baptism of six people, and found that the congregation had grown to about 80 in attendance.

SENIORS HONORED—
Carol Nix (left), sitting in for
her husband, Ralph, and Peg Hart.
[Photo by Anne Marie Marson]

SOLDOTNA, Alaska—Nearly 100 members and guests gathered over the Labor Day weekend at Solid Rock Bible Camp in Soldotna for a "Retreat With Jesus" played host to by Pastor Tom Landess and his wife, Michelle.

Worship services each day included songs of praise, special music, sharing, intercessory prayers and messages of faith, service, strength and hope. Guest speaker was Janine Espy, executive director of Love Inc.

Guy Engelbart, district superintendent, gave insightful thoughts on discipleship and planning in congregations. Communion services were conducted on the first and last days.

Elder Al Tunseth and his wife, Dee, were presented with watches and a plaque for 25 years in the ministry. Older members were given certificates for their years of service. The children put on a drama featuring a "Jerusalem News" broadcast of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Barb Ann Johnson.

CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee—The Clarksville women’s ministry conducted a flea market Sept. 22 and 23 with handcrafted items and other things.

The women’s ministry has been active this year with various outreach projects including Easter baskets for children, Mother’s Day gifts, providing a van for a retreat in Nashville, Tennessee, helping senior citizens, a foster grandparent program, support to Disabled American Veterans, an ongoing donation for two women in nursing homes plus two others for weekly hair care, donations to Samaritan’s Purse to build a temporary house in El Salvador for earthquake victims, sponsoring a round trip to Memphis, Tennessee, for a cancer patient, collecting toiletry articles for a safe house and ongoing mentorship for a girls school. Courtney K. Hefte.

TYLER, Texas—A Disciples Concert raised more than $500 for Gospel for Asia Ministries, Sunday, Oct. 14, at Bergfeld Park in Tyler.

Five native missionaries were sponsored.

The event was organized by Big Sandy members Michael Gonzalez, radio host for KBJS 90.3 FM Christian Radio, Jerome Ellard and Annette Rios.

Volunteer participants included guest speaker Pastor Terry Borens, his wife, Alva, and friend Amy Maddox; Bernard Borah, a Gospel for Asia representative; Teen Mania Ministries praise team and drama team; Mission Second Chance sound and light technicians Kenny and Kathy Brown; Potter’s Cast drama team from Green Acres Baptist Church; and Christian rock group SteepleChase of Tyler. Jerome Ellard and Annette Rios.

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Times published a review of J. Michael Feazell’s book, The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God in its Nov. 10 issue.

The review was written by Mark A. Kellner, who was a WCG member from 1975 to 1979. Mr. Kellner wrote: "This behind-the-scenes view of a religious group shedding almost every doctrine it once clung to is a story perhaps without parallel in American religious history."

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—The San Antonio women’s ministry invites you to attend "The Intimacy of Prayer Retreat" Jan. 25 and 26 at Tapatio Springs Resort in the Texas hill country.

The retreat will emphasize the importance of prayer in one’s relationship with God and includes workshops on journaling your prayers and praying God’s word.

The following Christian speakers and authors will take part in the retreat:

l Claude King, co-author of Experiencing God and In God’s Presence: Your Daily Guide Into a Meaningful Prayer Life.

l Joan Bond, founder and president of Women’s Neighborhood Prayer, International, who crosses denominations and races in prayer for our nation and communities.

l Ann Lieb, certified trauma and loss specialist and consultant who coordinates a 38-school crisis counseling team.

l Alice Patterson, founder and director of Pray Texas, a servant ministry to reach communities for Christ.

A registration fee of $40 per person includes breakfast and a lunch buffet on Saturday. Rooms, which accommodate two to four women, cost $110 per night. The registration fee and room payments can be sent to David Orth, 4326 Parkwood, San Antonio, Texas 78218, or you may contact Gina Aguirre at gina_aguirre@juno.com

DALLAS, Texas—Pastor Lynn Hebert and his wife, Sherry, were thanked Oct. 28 for their love and dedication to God and the Dallas Central members by deacon Bruce Hard. Mr. Hard also presented the Heberts with a card signed by many of the members in remembrance of Pastor Appreciation Month.

"We love you, and we want you around here a few more days," said Mr. Hard.

Vince Fischelli prayed for the Hebert family while the congregation’s Prayer Partners and other members laid hands on them.

In addition, Mike Read prayed over elders Jack Smith and Ted Dusek. The service also included the church’s gospel choir performing "Jesus," a song about how Jesus transforms our lives. The song included a solo by Tammy Ford. Barry Ford directs the choir. Worship leader Joel Gehman and Lori Simms sang a duet. Frank Lewandowski.

Tom & Alberta Ecker

John & Mitzie Farmer

PALM SPRINGS, California—The Banning-Palm Springs church celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 27. Members from the San Bernardino and Moreno Valley congregations joined with those from Palm Springs to share in the festivities.

Pastor Tom Ecker welcomed everyone and recognized those who were at the first service. John Farmer, a tri-church elder, led the congregation in worship, followed by a stewardship message from his wife, Mitzie.

Then, Dewayne White, who has attended the congregation since its founding, gave a humorous review of the early years titled "Reflections of 25 Years."

Jim Pierce, a professional singer, musician and bandleader, and Claire Belford, a member from Moreno Valley, gave separate presentations of special music.

Curtis May, district superintendent, gave a sermon on Ephesians 1:1-14 titled, "Your Spiritual Bank Account." He showed that despite our weaknesses, trials and difficulties, we are rich in Christ.

After services, Terry Lortz of the advisory counsel presented Mr. May and his wife, Jannice, with a plaque and gift, thanking them for their service to the Palm Springs congregation. The presentation was followed by a buffet social with background and dance music by Mr. Pierce. Stuart Meier.

PASADENA—Church Administration announced the following ministerial ordinations.

Richard Young, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

John L. Bailey, Janesville, Wisconsin.

Linn Hoadley, Pasadena.

Ihor Kulbida, Rochester, New York.

Clarence Webb, Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Derek Jiru, Ranongga, Solomon Islands.

Sir Moses Pitakaka, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Isei Colati, Suva, Fiji.

Neil Brockman, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

ROSEDALE, Maryland—The people sang "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord!"—and the Lord did.

Fishnet 2001, which took place Sept. 8, was "an ecumenical, evangelical outreach effort," according to the event organizer, Patricia Quick, who thought "it would be a great idea to have a big jamboree of Christian music, free food and fellowship to reach out to people in the area."

Among the attractions: live Christian music (a wide variety of groups and styles), free food (hot dogs, drinks, pastries, potato chips) and balloons, a prayer tent, health fair and booths for each of the sponsoring Christian fellowships.

The day’s events included morning and evening services, outdoor stage performances by Kingdom Christian Ministries, and an indoor performance by The Bell Stars, a group of disabled teens and adults who are accomplished bell-ringers for Christ.

Christ New Life Community Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Baltimore, Maryland, played an important role in making Fishnet 2001 a success.

Pastor Peter Whitting conducted the morning service and also participated in that evening’s altar call and communion service. Baltimore members also helped in the planning, promotion, setup and coordination of the day’s activities.

Community outreach was successful in terms of presenting the gospel to the unchurched in practical ways. This grassroots effort witnessed to about 500 to 1,000 people, many of whose hearts were touched. However, Fishnet’s greatest success lay in preaching to the choir—showing us what can be accomplished when Christians transcend denominational differences and open doors for the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts of people.

"Today I saw a snapshot of heaven," said Gerry Rickel, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. "Pentecostals, Catholics, Evangelicals and Lutherans were united to worship and serve God." Rev. Rickel encouraged Christians to come out of their "spiritual ghettos" of insulated denominations and experience the totality of brothers and sisters in Christ sharing Jesus. Daniel Borchers.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001