CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP—Recipients of Professional Certificates in Christian Leadership are from left: Lorraine Pelley, Barbara Edwards and Tammy Tkach. [Photo by Sheila Graham]

AZUSA, California—Professional Certificates in Christian Leadership were given to Tammy Tkach, WCG Women’s Ministry Support coordinator; Barbara Edwards, executive assistant to Randal Dick, superintendent of missions, and Lorraine Pelley, who with her husband, Dennis, pastors the Pasadena congregation.

The program is sponsored by Azusa Pacific University’s Christian Women in Leadership (CWL) as a function of the university’s Haggard Graduate School of Theology. The presentations were made Feb. 2.

Mrs. Tkach described the importance of the certificate program for women: "The CWL program helps us as women realize we have great potential to influence the world for God in ways we hadn’t imagined or dreamed. I’m pleased I was able to take classes and receive my certificate."

The certificates were presented by William Yarchin, department chair for the undergraduate Theology Department, Sarah Sumner, chair of the Ministry Department, and Karla Franko, director of Christian Women in Leadership.

To qualify for the certificate one must complete three core classes and two electives in various aspects of ministry. Students may choose from more than 15 classes, including Principles of Leadership, Public Speaking and Planting a Cell Church. All instructors have masters degrees or above.

According to its mission statement, the continuing education program is "designed to provide instruction in leadership training and specific ministry skills to Christian women." Mrs. Tkach says she looks forward "to helping others discover and realize their potential" through the training she received. Sheila Graham.

KANNAPOLIS, North Carolina— District superintendent Keith Brittain reported that two congregations in the Mid-Atlantic District started Sunday congregations.

The Baltimore, Maryland, church, pastored by Peter Whitting, moved to Sunday at the beginning of January. It had been averaging about 100 in attendance, but shot up to 147 on its first Sunday service. "We knew this would level out somewhat, but it has still held in the 130s," Mr. Brittain said.

Joel Irusta, pastor of the Greensboro, North Carolina, church, started a service on Sunday afternoon for an extended care facility with some WCG members coming over to support the outreach and provide a praise group.

"At first it was mainly white patients who came, but when it was seen that Joel had African-American members coming with him, the next time African-American patients joined in," Mr. Brittain said. "Now the attendance runs higher for the service at the facility than that of the congregation on Saturday."

DALLAS, Texas—Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart music ministry visited Dallas North, Dec. 8. After the worship service and a buffet, Dr. Jutsum conducted an evening of praise, hymns and entertainment.

Solo performances were given by Crystal Cartwright and Kelly Stinson, and scripture readings were done by Crystal Cartwright, Stephanie Clauson, and first-grader Elizabeth Fahey. Doc Gibbs performed a few of his impersonations, as well as accompanying Dr. Jutsum throughout the evening.

The Dallas North congregation was the first to host Dr. Jutsum and State of the Heart music ministry. Dr. Jutsum has visited Dallas North with State of the Heart every year since 1997. He travels extensively throughout the year presenting his ministry of music. Nancy Bydlon.

BEULAH BEACH, Ohio—The Great Lakes District invites you to a worship retreat in Beulah Beach June 7 to 9.

The focus of the weekend is a celebration of joy—the joy of Jesus himself that is expressed in us as we come to know him better. The weekend will feature joyful praise in song led by a praise band, prayer and times of sharing.

Passionate preaching from Ted Johnston, district superintendent, and others will lead participants toward greater joy in and through Jesus. In addition to four worship services, the weekend will provide plenty of time for private, family and small group prayer, relaxed meditation, fellowship and recreation on the grounds of Beulah Beach.

The Beulah Beach Retreat Center is near Vermilion, Ohio (between Cleveland and Toledo). Situated on the shore of Lake Erie, the center offers cottage, motel-style and bunkhouse-style housing, and campsites. A list of nearby motels is available from the contact person noted below. All participants will share meals in the center’s cafeteria.

For recreation, Beulah Beach offers walking paths, a swimming beach and a fishing pier. Canoes and paddleboats are available on a private pond with volleyball and basketball facilities on site. Children and adults will find plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy together.

Approximate costs for on-site housing, five meals in the cafeteria and all registration fees are as follows: Adults staying in cottages (prices vary for each cottage): range from $118 per adult; adults staying in Lakeshore Lodge (motel-style housing): $98 per adult; adults staying in Bethany (bunkhouse-style housing): $69 per adult.

Children staying in rooms (cottage, motel or bunkhouse) or in campsite with adults: ages 12 to 16: $46 per teen; ages 4 to 11: $23 per child; ages 0 to 3: free.

Campsites (bring your own tent or recreational vehicle; bathhouse and full hookups provided): range from $86 per adult (depending on number of adults in campsite), cost for children staying with at least one adult is as noted above.

For those housed off-site, the cost of the five-meal food package and retreat registration is age 12 and older: $48 per person; age 4 through 11: $25 per person; age 0 to 3: free.

For those who wish to come for Saturday only and wish to purchase the Saturday dinner, the cost is (including retreat registration): age 12 and older: $18 per person; age 4 to 11: $9 per person; age 0 to 3: free.

Check-in time is Friday evening, June 7, from 4 to 6:30 (later times can be arranged) with the opening worship gathering at 8 p.m. (after dinner). Services also take place Saturday morning, afternoon and evening. Checkout time is Sunday morning starting at 11:30, after the closing worship service.

A registration form is available by writing to Rita Schrimpf at 9783 Acme Rd., Rittman, Ohio, 44270 or by e-mail at gracemail@neo.rr.com.

PHOENIX, Arizona—The Men’s Empowerment Network and the Community of Hope Church invite you to their fourth annual retreat at the Living Waters Worship and Teaching Center at Cornville, Arizona, May 24 to 26.

The retreat is titled: "Men and Women—One in Christ."

Cost: Registration is $100 per person, which includes registration, lodging for two nights and six home-cooked meals. Registration and payment is due April 29. A registration form is needed for each person. Register early to reserve your place with a roommate.

For more information, write to Barry Fall, c/o Community of Hope Church, 5902 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix Arizona, 85018, or send e-mail to fallberry@hotmail.com or ArtMathis@communityofhope church.org or visit their web site at www.communityofhopechurch.org

MUNICH, Germany—Munich members met other Christians from the Nuremberg area, Jan. 19.

"Our primary objective was to live Christian community in the same spirit," said Hans-Juergen Mittag, pastor of the Munich and Nuremberg churches. "We were already acquainted with each other through our involvement in small groups, but now we were eager to celebrate a joint worship service. We arranged a whole-day retreat, which included a Bible study in the morning and a worship service in the afternoon. We also sang and prayed together."

Helmut Kremmler of the Munich church conducted a devotional on fellowship, and Ernst Gleede, a retired Lutheran pastor, gave a morning Bible study on Ephesians 4:7-16.

"It was clear to all of us that we came together to worship Christ in the same spirit," Mr. Mittag said.

Mr. Mittag gave the sermon that afternoon. The group prayed together and also recited the Nicene Creed. Later, they partook of the Lord’s Supper.

MISSOULA, Montana—The Missoula church has become involved with a homeless facility called Missoula 3:16.

Missoula 3:16 is a nondenominational, nonprofit, charitable organization serving the homeless and needy of the Missoula area. Their motto is "Taking Jesus to the streets."

Pastor James Annatol has been giving a series of sermons on discipleship over the past year. The main emphasis of the messages has been James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?... Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Faith is an action word. The congregation has prayed for ways to learn to help in the community.

About one year ago the Missoula 3:16 organization moved into the building where the congregation meets. Since that time a relationship has grown and matured.

Members of the congregation supplied manual labor to help set up for their annual Christmas dinner. Jessica Wallace played Christmas tunes on the piano while the workers set up the hall for the dinner. The congregation paid for 50 meals and gave $100 to help with the Christmas meal. Each week members bring bags of food and clothing to donate to Missoula 3:16.

On Feb. 1 Missoula 3:16 leaders spoke to the congregation about their operation and gave ideas how members can help..

Walter Herbst, president of the board of directors of Missoula 3:16, gave the sermon and outlined why we all need to serve and how we can help.

Also attending the service were Deb Lester, Archie Boyd, Pam Herbst and Mike Lewis. Mr. Lewis gave his testimony about how one year ago he was living on the streets, he had no job, his wife was in jail and he had an alcohol problem.

Today he has a job in a store and is learning to be a butcher. He has accepted Jesus into his life and is serving with Missoula 3:16 in the promotion of Jesus. Mike Wallace.

HABITAT QUILT—Members who designed
and assembled quilt for Habitat for Humanity.
[Photo by Louisa Chan]

PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia, Canada—Members of the Prince George church rallied together to design and assemble a queen-size quilt for a raffle to benefit the area Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

Habitat is an international Christian organization that builds houses in partnership with low-income wage earners.

"Last year we conceived the idea of making a Habitat quilt with house designs to use as first prize in a raffle to benefit the Habitat group," said member Lister Chen.

The Faith Relations committee of Habitat was receptive to the idea, and Mr. Chen made and presented a sample to the congregation asking for their help. Most of the women were interested in helping and most took the pieces of cloth to complete block designs of houses, which was the theme of the quilt.

They showed creativity by sewing a variety of houses in many styles, designs and colors. North American houses, igloos, English cottages, beach houses and African huts were depicted in the 36 blocks.

Helen and Lou Schwartz put the quilt together and presented it at a worship service. The quilt was also shown at the annual general meeting of Habitat.

"We are hoping for $800 in profits from the raffle sale," Mr. Chen said, "which will be a welcome contribution to Habitat as they build their first house this summer."

DALLAS, Texas—Two members of the Dallas Central church went on a mission trip to Peru Feb. 14 to 20. The members, Octaviano "Tavi" Nino and Odar Garcia, had previously been on a Peru mission trip in June.

On the February trip, the two men traveled with a Baptist church group, visiting the church’s three missions and witnessing in neighborhoods. The group also conducted evangelistic services and talked with youths about Christ. "Forty-three people came to Christ" during the trip, Mr. Nino said.

Mr. Nino and Mr. Garcia also spent an afternoon with the WCG congregation in Trujillo, Peru.

The two men brought a suitcase filled with books, notebooks, crayons and pencils donated by the Dallas Central children’s church. Part of the supplies were given to the Baptists and part went to the WCG.

In addition, the men gave money to the WCG congregation and the Baptists. Frank Lewandowski.

NEW YORK, New York—About 400 clergy members of the Ground Zero task force gathered on Wall Street Feb. 21 in the 160-year-old hall that housed the original stock exchange. Among them were Daniel Bierer, pastor of the Manhattan and Westchester, New York, churches.

This hall has been made available by the Regent Wall Street Hotel for use to feed and supply rescue workers since Sept. 11. It is also being used by the church that lost its building at ground zero.

"There has been an incredible change in the church and the community," said Mr. Bierer. "We gathered together to state, in part, that things in the church must never be the same again. We are committed to making sure that reconciliation continues within the body so that the gospel message can be effectively delivered."

The governors of New York and New Jersey both sent representatives. The president of the New York City school board attended. Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered a message of thanks to the church. Senator Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) also spoke.

Anne Graham Lotz was the keynote speaker. She delivered a message on prayer, repentance and confession from Daniel 9.

FOUR GENERATIONS—Ruby McAllister (seated)
with from left: daughter Ginny Rice great-grandson
B.J. Rice and grandson Anthony Rice. Not pictured:
great-granddaughter Miranda Rice.
[Photo by Monica Cunningham]

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana—The Baton Rouge congregation honored Ruby McAllister on Feb. 2 for 50 years in the Worldwide Church of God.

Her grandson, Pastor Anthony Rice, gave a loving tribute. Great-granddaughter Miranda Rice pinned a corsage on her. Elaine Spears read a poem she wrote in honor of "Mamaw" (as she is affectionately called). Claire McDaniel gave her a bouquet of flowers on behalf of her mother, Larain.

The celebration continued after the worship service with a covered dish meal, decorated cake and fellowship.

Ruby and her mother began listening to the World Tomorrow radio broadcast during World War II. They were both baptized in Louisville, Mississippi, the summer of 1951 during a baptizing tour.

Over the years, Ruby attended services in Mobile, Alabama; and Jackson (where she was ordained a deaconess); Hattiesburg and Laurel, Mississippi. In 1996 she moved to Baton Rouge to live with her son-in-law and daughter, Richard and Ginny Rice. Ruby turned 85 Nov. 3. Irene Ranel.

SHERWOOD, Arkansas—"Our radio ads have been going on for a couple of weeks, and already they have borne fruit, said Pastor Gene Griffin.

"We have one family that has started coming as a result of hearing our ads over American Family Radio, 91.7 FM," Mr. Griffin said. "I am continually in prayer that God would cause some of our former members to return."

This prayer is being answered more and more. The first to return was a deacon who quit about three years ago. He attends regularly now. A former Ambassador student contacted Mr. Griffin through the congregation’s web site, and came to church.

A former member who quit five years ago started attending again in January. She comes regularly and brings her four children. One of the young women who was baptized was a former prospective member who quit attending three years ago.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada—The Winnipeg church sponsors Hands of Hope ministry founded by a member couple, Charles and Sandra Norris.

The ministry provides basic needs, especially furniture, to destitute people and new immigrants. The ministry just began last year, but is growing quickly and is having a positive impact.

Barry Fisher, a member, commented: "While working in the office, I received two phone calls from past clients who received furniture from us. A man called and said it was the best thing that ever happened to him when he got the furniture for his family. He is on disability with medical problems and was sleeping on the floor. He is so happy now to have beds for his family to sleep on. He said to thank the NeighbourLink people as well as the Worldwide Church of God people who did this wonderful thing for him and his family."

A woman said that receiving the furniture changed her life, as she was depressed, but found that her faith in people came back to her after receiving the furniture brought by church member Lee Evans. She called him Santa, as it was just before Christmas that the delivery was made.

TORORO, Uganda—William Wilberforce Othieno, who pastors the Eastern Uganda members around the provincial town of Tororo near the border with Kenya, wrote of a new house church established on Sunday evenings with an attendance of 20 people.

Some of the new contacts are from Christian Living for Africa, a WCG magazine published in East Africa, and others have shown interest after having attended the funeral service of a longtime member who had been a light in her community.

"This reminds us of the importance of church ceremonies when the extended local community is present," said James Henderson, regional director for Africa. "All our ceremonies—weddings, baptisms, funerals and blessing of the children—have a witness value not only for the church itself but also for all who attend them."

GOMA, Congo—Jacques Muzalia, our contact in Rwanda, expressed appreciation to members for their prayers and concern for the churches there after the volcanic eruption at Goma, on the border between Rwanda and eastern Congo. He indicated that around 80 percent of the business section of the town had been destroyed and that the rebuilding of people’s lives is going at slow pace.

Wencelas Kamwenubusa, who looks after our church of around 50 in Burundi, says that the congregation has survived two years of life in the internment camps there.

"Life has been hard for our small group of faithful Christians in this war-torn area, and I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers," said James Henderson, regional director.

FIRST CD—Testify Music Ministry’s
first CD is "Mighty God." Group members
are (front row, from left): Luke Windon,
Sandra L. Moore and Ray A. Moore.
Back row: Henry Maxwell, Diane McDonald,
Judy S. Smith and Lola Grandberry.
[Photo by Robert Sherman]

DETROIT, Michigan—A Gospel music group in the Detroit East church named Testify has produced a CD of original songs on IGF Records.

The music incorporates Gospel, rhythm and blues, classical and spirituals, creating a blend of Feel Good Gospel.

Testify has traveled to many WCG congregations throughout the United States and Canada. Its mission is to give testimony by praising and worshiping Christ in song.

For more information contact Testify Music Ministry, c/o Sandra Moore, 11867 Riad St., Detroit, Michigan, 48224. Telephone or fax 1-313-527-3339.

DETROIT, Michigan—Daniel Trombley, 19, son of member Debbie Trombley, is serving on the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in the Afghanistan war zone.

Mrs. Trombley was among several Detroit area residents interviewed by The Detroit News after President George Bush’s State of the Union address Jan. 29.

Mrs. Trombley told the newspaper she is grateful because her son "is where he wants to be and is pumped up about it."

Mrs. Trombley was photographed for the paper holding a photograph of her son along with her husband, Marty, and their other children, Pete and Sara. She said: "I thank God that [Mr. Bush] is our president. I admire his leadership, his character, his values and his patriotism."

SAN ISIDRO, Philippines—Fifteen people from Kasiglahan, Erap City and Payatas were baptized March 8 in the mountains of San Isidro, Montalban.

The baptisms were done by Rex dela Pena, Fred Millamena, Ving Millamena, Ave Matriano and assisted by Angie Tabin, Luz Pangilinan and her daughter, Eba Sulpico.

The Kasiglahan members are part of the people displaced by the Payatas tragedy in 2000 when the dump site collapsed claiming more than 700 lives. In August 2000, an outreach Bible study program was conducted in Kasiglahan, spearheaded by Nelson Roxas, a Quezon City church leader now in the United States.

When Mr. Roxas left for the United States, a group of Quezon City members continued the outreach program and visited Kasiglahan and ministered to them every week.

Other WCG congregations and ministries, particularly the IRIS Ministries in Florida and the SonLight Club from NewLife Fellowship in Pasadena, sent boxes of gifts, used clothing, toys and school supplies for the underprivileged children of Kasiglahan.

Thirteen women and two men accepted the sacrifice of our Savior. From Kasiglahan the following were baptized: Leonida Gomez, Beverly Domingo, Sonya Durana, Madelyn Padullo, Karina Padullo, Gemma Espenilla, Cheryl Aupe, Veronidja Merdevil, Rosalie Sollano, Raymuna Talosig, Danny Talosig and Perlito Sibbu.

From Payatas: Elena Roldan and Epifania Dalo.

From Erap City: Elena de la Fuente. Rex dela Pena, associate pastor, Quezon City.

BOSTON, Massachusetts—"We had our second teen and young adult service in February, and it was incredible," said Pastor Al Ebeling.

"We had six teens attend who haven’t attended with us in more than five years."

Rachel Techiera, an 11th grader, told Mr. Ebeling that her English teacher gave them an essay for final semester grades and the question was, "Is luck a word we use to explain something we don’t understand?"

Rachel said that as she was writing the essay, it turned into a written witness for her, and she ended up witnessing to the teacher with her essay. The teacher loved it. She got an A-plus, and she realized she wanted to come back to church.

"The teens really seemed to enjoy seeing one another and are looking forward to next month," Mr. Ebeling said.

Mr. Ebeling also noted that their weekly Bible study has met with some overwhelming response. They are viewing the tape series, "The Way of Agape." Several people have come in off the street and some are now regulars at the Bible studies.

OSLO, Norway—Pastor Carl Frederick Aas officiated at the funeral of prominent Norwegian lawyer, Birger Nilsen, March 1.

Mr. Aas had met Mr. Nilsen, when, during the last six years, Mr. Aas was personnel manager of a publishing company in Oslo.

One year ago Mr. Nilsen was diagnosed with cancer. Mr. Aas called him to express his sympathy. In October Mr. Aas visited him in his home. They talked about life, death and God.

Three days before he died Mr. Aas visited him in the hospital. He slept mostly as he was quite sick. But they prayed together, and Mr. Aas said that "he was relieved that we could go to God in prayer."

Mr. Nilsen’s family asked Mr. Aas to officiate at the funeral. Apparently Mr. Nilsen had told his family and friends how much he appreciated the concern, encouragement and explanations Mr. Aas gave him.

Norwegian television channel TV2 called Mr. Aas the morning of the funeral and asked if they were allowed to film part of the funeral. However, the family wanted to keep the funeral a family matter and allowed film to be taken only outside the chapel.

More than 300 people attended, and Mr. Aas received many positive comments afterward about the message of hope the WCG emphasizes in funeral sermons.

"I have seen how important it is that we express our concerns for other people who are in distress," Mr. Aas said. "We need to be willing to open up and show genuine concern for others who are suffering."

FORT DE FRANCE, Martinique —A new area of cooperation between Dutch and French members began officially Feb. 23 in Albina, Suriname, said Pastor Jack Brunet.

Members from each side of the Maroni River, which separates Suriname (former Dutch colony) and French Guiana, met together for fellowship, worship and prayer.

"It was special to see harmony and brotherhood," Mr. Brunet said.

Nine members living in French Guiana fled the civil war in Suriname a few years ago. Twenty-five members from French Guiana led by Marius Gunther came on a dinghy across the Maroni River, and the 15 members from Suriname, led by Theo Esajas, came by bus from Paramaribo.

Henk Buist and Wim Langejan from the Netherlands and Mr. Brunet from Martinique joined them in Albina.

Mr. Langejan led the songs in Dutch. Mr. Brunet sang one in French, and then he gave a message about getting the vision that God has for each of us but also for these two congregations: growth and maturity in Christ.

Mr. Buist gave a message about the love of Christ through the healing process illustrated in Mark. The messages were translated into Dutch, French and Taki Taki.

CHARLESTON, West Virginia—The Charleston church celebrated the 97th birthday of Swannee Chamberlin, which took place Jan. 13.

Mrs. Chamberlin grew up on a farm in Putnam County, West Virginia, among 16 siblings (three sets of twins).

Mrs. Chamberlin’s working career centered on World War II service with the U.S. Army Air Force at what is now the Miami International Airport in Florida. After the death of her husband, she returned to West Virginia to care for a terminally ill brother. David Todd Carden.

Mike Greider & Swannee Chamberlin

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002