NEWARK, New Jersey—The WCG’s 24-7 Community Church dedicated the computer room at Newark Christian School Feb. 24 in memory of Ronald Robinson, the congregation’s founding pastor.

The school is affiliated with World Impact, an inner city ministry. Mr. Robinson organized a work party a few years ago to wire and paint the computer room, making it suitable for a computer laboratory.

The service was highlighted by the presence of Doreen Robinson, wife of the late pastor, and their son, Jeffrey. Jeffrey, the keynote speaker and a doctoral candidate in economic development at Columbia University, spoke with enthusiasm and love for his father and fellow man. He challenged us to remember his father as a man of godly vision who could see beyond the present and turn that vision into action.

Other speakers were Pastor Franklin K. Howard; Fred Clark, director of World Impact, Newark; and Scott Smith, principal of the Newark Christian School.

"Sweet Incense" of the 24-7 Community Church presented a praise dance. A group ensemble from our sister church in Manhattan, New York, provided praise and worship.

After the dedication service, members toured the computer room and then enjoyed a meal. One hundred twelve people attended. Franklin K. Howard and David Robinson.

RON ROBINSON TRIBUTE—Doreen
Robinson and son, Jeffrey.
[Photo by David Robinson]

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana—Ross Flynn, pastor of the Detroit, Michigan, East church, gave a presentation March 25 at the annual conference of the American Counseling Association in New Orleans.

Mr. Flynn and two colleagues addressed the increasing tendency of marriage and family therapists to integrate theoretical approaches while conducting therapy. Benefits and cautions were described, as well as a summary of the most respected integrative, transtheoretical and metatheoretical efforts.

Attendees assessed their counseling strengths and examined ways in which those strengths could provide a bridge to working with commonly occurring relationship problems.

Mr. Flynn is a nationally certified counselor (NCC), a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a limited license psychologist (LLP), has applied for his marriage and family license (LMFT) and is a doctoral student at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

HOUSTON, Texas—Ray M. Rottmann received a 35-year service award from the University of Houston, May 21. During the ceremony, Mr. Rottman was introduced by Elaine Charlson, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. He was then presented a certificate of recognition and a gold watch by Arthur K. Smith, chancellor and president of the university.

Mr. Rottmann has served all 35 years in the Physics Department, where he is Lab Supervisor II. In addition to supervising 30 class laboratories, He is property custodian and departmental safety officer. He is on 24 hour call during emergency situations such as hurricanes, floods and fires that may affect any of the 258 laboratories and offices in his area of responsibility.

After Tropical Storm Allison last summer, he spent three days working in dark, humid and hot laboratories making sure that it would be safe to restore electrical power.

Mr. Rottman, his wife, Lydia, son, Lyndell, and daughter, Regina, are longtime members of Community Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Pearland, Texas. Walter Hawkins.

FORT WORTH, Texas—The Fort Worth Morning Star-Telegram published a review of J. Michael Feazell’s book, The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God, Jan. 5.

Reviewer Alan Cochrum noted that the book "is neither a methodical history of the cult-turned-evangelical denomination nor a meticulous dissection of founder Herbert W. Armstrong’s ideas.

Feazell is instead telling fellow worshippers and the world at large about the frequently unpleasant lessons he learned as a longtime church member and top official, Mr. Cochrum wrote.

"Feazell’s book is a good insider’s view—but even those who have little interest in religious current events should give his warnings some thought."

TUCSON, Arizona—The Tucson congregation will celebrate its 40th anniversary Aug. 3 at the Viscount Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway, in Tucson.

The worship service will begin at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment and a dance.

The cost for the meal is $22 per person. Checks should be made payable to the Tucson Church Activity Fund and mailed to Zita Mickens, 7532 E. 24th St., Tucson, Arizona, 85710. Please respond by July 31.

For more information, call Mrs. Mickens at 1-520-885-8330 or send e-mail to her at zmickens@ hotmail.com

DRAMA—Three "angels" (from left,
Trey Shirley, Billy Porter and Tanner
Lechtenberg) support an agonizing Tahj
Condra as a voice off-stage reads "Footprints
in the Sand." [Photos by Walter E. Hawkins]

SEEKERS—Front, from left: Trey Shirley,
Tanner Lechtenberg, Luke Hawkins, Joel Vandiver
and Billy Porter. Back: Shawna Spencer, Megan May,
Tahj Condra, Jamie Pittenger and Melaney Hoover.

PEARLAND, Texas—The Seekers of the Word drama team from Abilene Christian University presented a series of skits for the April 13 worship service at Community Christian Fellowship in Pearland.

The theme was sin (portrayed by Melaney Hoover) being overcome by grace (everyone else). Short skits covered various aspects of Christian living. The two most memorable were "Footprints in the Sand" and a monologue of what Peter (Billy Porter) must have felt as he reflected on his life from when Jesus called him until the ascension. Walter E. Hawkins.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—After hearing the gospel since April, 76 of the 90 inmates in the Calamba City jail in Laguna province accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and were baptized June 13.

On June 12, several WCG members shared the gospel with more than 200 inmates in Bilibid Prisons, the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila.

The inmates in the minimum security compound listened as Eugene Guzon, national director, and Alfredo Cacanando, president of All for Christ Ministry, spoke about true freedom.

They encouraged the inmates by showing how valuable they are to God and about the need to respond by repenting of their sins and clinging to him as first priority in life.

Two inmates gave appropriate special music to complement the messages. Remegio Cruz was master of ceremonies, and the other members helped in preparing the snacks and counseling the inmates.

After the devotional talks, the team toured the quarters of the inmates and had a chance to get to know them better.

The ministry team expressed its desire to visit the inmates regularly and to conduct Bible studies. Eugene Guzon and Rey Taniajura.

LEXINGTON, Kentucky—Lexington was host for the Southeast regional conference May 17 to 19.

Presentations included "Developing Vision," "Where Are We in Prophecy?" and "Got Leadership?" Presenters Pastor General Joseph Tkach; Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers; and Michael Feazell, director of Denominational Publications, motivated the audience to a deeper commitment to our everyday commission.

Breakout sessions dominated the second day, focusing on women in ministry, youth ministry and grace ministry. Training for church treasurers took priority in the afternoon. Carn and Joyce Catherwood led the attendees in a worship and communion service.

Ron Dick.

DENVER, Colorado—One hundred eighty people gathered at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel June 7 to 9 for a regional conference. The theme, "Making Leaders for Christ," was apparent throughout the presentations. Pastors and members alike were encouraged and instructed in pursuing congregational visions.

Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, spoke on "The Everyday Commission," making disciples for Christ as part of our daily lives. President Joseph Tkach’s class, "Got Leadership?" emphasized the nature of Christian leadership in the life of the Christian disciple. Pastors and treasurers were further instructed in the coming financial model of local church financial management. Breakout sessions were conducted on women in ministry by Pat Shaw; youth ministry by Barbara Egbert; and disciple-making principles for children’s ministry by Nancy Akers.

A communion service ended the conference.

Tim Snyder.

DENVER, Colorado—The Hayman wild fire, southwest of Denver, has not yet affected any members with more than concern, according to Tim Snyder, pastor of the Denver South church.

It was announced June 13 that containment of the fire would require three more months. The fire would not be out until after the snow falls in the late autumn. The state and federal governments, along with the military, are waging a considerable war to keep it from reaching significant populated areas. The future impact of the devastation on watersheds and wildlife are unknown at this time.

"While the fire is receiving national attention, it is not noticeably affecting life in Denver other than air quality and occasional health alerts," Mr. Snyder said.

"If the wind were to shift to a strong southerly direction (blowing toward the north), conditions could change rapidly. God seems to have been merciful with that, in that even the weather people have marveled at the containing winds, sometimes blowing in on the fire from five or six directions during a day. The fire is so large that it has begun to generate its own weather patterns and thunderstorms—some severe."

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island—The Providence church invites singles to its fifth annual singles retreat Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The retreat will take place on the campgrounds of the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag, Rhode Island. The ECC is on an old New England farm that includes a lakeside beach and acres of woodlands.

The cost is $139 for two nights, which includes five meals and lodging. Pay only $99 (a $40 savings) if you pay by Aug. 1. For more information, contact Laurie Burns at 1-401-944-2723 or by e-mail at WCGProvRetreat@aol.com

SYRACUSE, Indiana—The Elkhart women’s ministry conducted its fourth annual retreat Feb. 23 and 24 at the Wawasee Episcopal Center in Syracuse.

About 30 women were in attendance from the Elkhart, Michigan City and Fort Wayne, Indiana, areas. The theme for the retreat was "Fill Our Cup Lord." The evening of Feb. 23 was filled with a skit, a study on the women of the Bible, supper, the main program—a tea party lesson—and a praise and worship service. The next day included breakfast and a Bible study on the power of prayer. Angie Bielski.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002