More than 500 adults and children assembled in Grand Junction for a fall worship festival bearing the name "A Celebration of Grace." The festival was coordinated by the Grand Junction congregation with principal speakers provided through Church Administration in Pasadena.

Mr. Albrecht presented sermons concerning a believer’s complete rest in Jesus alone (Matthew 11:28-30) and the salvation that comes by grace alone through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:1-10). Mr. Albrecht also presented a two-part seminar on methods of Bible study that help careful students of the Bible avoid errors in biblical interpretation.

Ted Johnston, Great Lakes district superintendent, presented sermons outlining how Jesus’ sacrifice ended the Law of Moses as the identifying marker of God’s people (Ephesians 2:11-18) and concerning Jesus’ invitation to the Jews assembled at the Feast of Tabernacles to "come to me and drink" (John 7:37). Mr. Johnston also gave a seminar titled "We Believe," which examined the core doctrines of the WCG from the perspective of the Apostles’ Creed.

Allen Bullock, pastor of the Denver North and Colorado Springs, Colorado, churches, presented a sermon that discussed the importance of solitude as a spiritual discipline and another concerning how our receipt of the gift of eternal life affects us now. Ted Johnston.

Grand Junction children's choir

Three hundred forty members celebrated a festival in De Haan, Belgium, Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.

The theme was faithfulness. Gerard Claude, national director of Belgium, spoke on Caleb’s faithfulness as an example. Gerard Stevenin, president of the French board, addressed the subject of God’s faithfulness toward his children and his promises. Dominique Alcindor, pastor of the Paris church, proved the faithfulness of the Scriptures regarding Christ’s mission. Donat Picard, national director for France, spoke first on faithfulness to the church as a whole (Christ’s Body), and second, on bringing the lost to Christ through consolation. Guest speaker Jesse Korver, national director of the Netherlands, could not come because of a storm that damaged his home.

During the festival, prayer groups were organized every morning. The pastors led a question and answer session on Christian life and doctrines. People suffering from loneliness were invited to a heart-to-heart discussion.

The highlight of the festival was the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the WCG in France with a slide show. Marie-Angelique Picard.

About 250 members and friends of the WCG enjoyed a wonderful and instructive time as we corporately celebrated Jesus Christ in fellowship and worship. Our strategic regional vision calls for the festival to offer a bridge of cooperation for other Christian denominations as we seek ways in which we can further the Great Commission while promoting the true ecumenical spirit of John 17.

Markus Wagner of the Evangelical Alliance spoke on "The Jesus Strategy: Multiplication," and Andreas Hildebrandt of the Evangelical Alliance spoke on "Joyful Be He Who Has Character—Christ’s Government Program." WCG sermons covered the following topics: "The Significance of the Transfiguration," "The Love of God," "The Generation Gap," "Jesus, Our Judge," "Personal Commitment," "Blessed Are Those Who Are Poor" and "Spiritual Maturity."

Two seminars covered "Ways to Holistic Discipleship" and "Living as a Christian in a Multi-cultural Society."

Worship services were translated into English for about five English-speaking guests. We would like to welcome more English speakers in 2003. Santiago Lange.

Twenty-eight adults and children attended the festival in Malta. Worship services were conducted on three days, and the group donated generously to the offerings. The relationship between Christ and the church was the subject of the main messages.

Communication, especially within marriage, emerged as a dominant theme for the three evening studies.

Members generated their own activities for the younger members, and on two evenings members took part in dinners with a Maltese theme. Members attended a farewell dinner to say their goodbyes. Barry Bourne.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002