United States

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

We ran out of almost everything.

We ran out of professionally printed brochures, so people shared.

We ran out of name tags, but were able to make some on site.

We ran out of preprinted offering envelopes and had to use some plain white ones.

We ran out of seating space and had to use an overflow room.

We planned for 80 at the seniors luncheon, but 148 came. The food service staff quickly prepared more food.

But we didn’t run out of joy; it just kept increasing. Our cup was filled way past overflowing.

That describes the four-day festival at the Raintree Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, Sept. 18 to 21, where 560 people came to worship. With preregistration of about 350, we prepared for about 420, but when so many additional people began arriving the first day we knew our estimates were way too conservative.

Within the overall theme of “You Are Reconciled” were four parts: reunion, revival, restoration and rededication. We experienced all four of these during the festival. On the first day, Pastor Willard High spoke about reunion, followed on the second day by Pastor Greg Neller’s sermon on revival. On the third day Pastor James Newby covered restoration, and Dave Fiedler, district superintendent, wrapped it up on the fourth day with his sermon on rededication.

Mr. Fiedler said: “This worship festival was a real turnaround for our district. Thank God for his graciousness! There is a growing sense of excitement and enthusiasm! I know of several people who reconnected with the church or God this week.”

Pastor John L. Bailey said: “This was the most Spirit-filled festival we have experienced since our march from legalism to liberation began. I do believe it was a Spirit- led festival moving many to rededicate their lives to Jesus. I sensed at the regional conference in Chicago that we as a denomination are going to experience that God’s hand is upon us. Again at the festival it became evident to me that we experienced a miracle, and that this festival was given to us for being committed believers.”

Two people gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized at the festival. Heidi Cole was baptized by her father and mother, Pastor Steve and Tricia Cole of Black Creek, Wisconsin. Coretta Campbell from Milwaukee was baptized by pastors Willard High and Greg Neller, and elder Bill Williamson.

Members donated $50 and 640 pounds of food to the Dells Community Action Council, an agency that distributes food to 14 food banks. Also, $300 was donated to the Hope House, a domestic violence center serving the Dells area. Doug Johannsen, Festival coordinator.

 
Dave Davis, Joliet, Illinois, member,
holds Jemma Newby and her as yet
unnamed stuffed puppy. Jemma is
the daughter of Pastor James Newby
and his wife, Karen.
[Photo by Doug Johannsen]

 
Children’s skit [Photo by Rick Bengtson]

Seaside, Oregon

More than 350 festival-goers met Oct. 8 to 12 at the Seaside Convention Center in this small community on the Oregon coast.

Mayor Don Larson welcomed attendees Thursday, Oct. 9. On Friday, members heard from Christy Ashley, the new director of Clatsop Community Action, the agency that oversees several food banks. For the ninth year in a row Seaside attendees donated money and food to help the needy people in the area. Oregon ranks first in the nation in hunger, and Clatsop County ranks among the highest counties in Oregon, so our contributions are meaningful.

This year’s donation of $5,139 and 597 pounds of food (valued at about $950) brought praise from community leaders. The WCG is recognized by the residents of Astoria and Seaside for its  support for the coastal food bank.

Linda Bates from Salem volunteered her singing talent to entertain residents of an assisted-living center on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9. 

Sermons and seminars focused on this year’s theme “Growing in Our Walk With Jesus.” Afternoon events included a variety of seminars and a Not-Just-for-Seniors  family luncheon for all ages.

Three people committed their lives to Jesus Christ and were baptized. Sarah Anne Woodfield, children’s church director, said that three children professed faith in Jesus Christ. Joel Lillengreen and Paul Hailey.

 
Dylan & Dulcinea Hatch
[Photo by Fred Warmbier]

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Nearly one thousand people came to worship, celebrate, fellowship and enjoy the ninth Come Celebrate Christ festival at Myrtle Beach over the Columbus Day weekend.

It started Friday evening, Oct. 10, with a procession of young people, singing and shouting “Hosanna.” It ended with communion and everyone waving glow sticks in a darkened room to the tune of “Go Light Your World.”

More than 100 youths met in services tailored to them Saturday and Sunday. Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, conducted an Everyday Commandment seminar Sunday afternoon for 130 people.

The theme this year was “The Priesthood of All Believers.” A group of volunteers found a special way of ministering. Some donated to buy food to serve a meal at the homeless shelter in downtown Myrtle Beach. Others went to the shelter Sunday night to serve the meal, sing, fellowship and worship with the shelter’s residents.

After a praise and worship session, Pastor Howard Blakeney of the Myrtle Beach congregation preached the good news of salvation in Jesus by telling his life story of how the Lord Jesus saved him and his family from their broken state. Many people came from off the street to join the standing-room only crowd.

Mr. Blakeney called on those who wanted to surrender their lives to come forward. We estimate the number to have been between 15 and 20. Martin Manuel.      

Eastern Caribbean cruise

Two hundred and sixty-two members took part in Holland America’s Eastern Caribbean cruise Oct. 11 to 18. With a theme of “Jesus Christ ... Yesterday, Today, and Forever,” the four worship services emphasized the totality and sufficiency of our relationship with Jesus.

Bill Quillen of Frisco, Texas, gave the opening message in which he spoke of Jesus’ anticipation of his own birth. “Jesus knew that he would be born as a human, so that made human beings very special to him,” Mr. Quillen said.

In the main message during the second service, Doug Johannsen, pastor of the St. Paul and Champlin, Minnesota, churches, asked the question: “Would we be silent?” in which he spoke about Jesus and the prisoners he was crucified with.

Richard Parker, pastor of the Orange County and Long Beach, California, congregations, asked what Jesus wants of us today. Finally, Jeb Egbert spoke on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 where we read that we shall forever be with our Lord.

Ports of call included St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Holland America’s Half Moon Cay. Jeb Egbert.

 
WCG members on bow of MS Zaandam. [Photo by John Egbert]

Troy Meisner from Spring Valley, Minnesota,
teaches his sons Ian (left) and Hunter the basics
of civil engineering. Ian and Hunter thought it would
be a good thing for their family to stay on the island
and visit Minnesota on the weekends.
[Photo by Doug Johannsen]

Mexican Riviera cruise

One hundred and thirty-five celebrants rejoiced together on the Holland America cruise to the Mexican Riviera from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas to Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta and back again. The collective chorus worshiped God—with praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—ringing out with harp, piano, guitars, flute, conga drums and tambourine. 

Sermons focused on the Christian walk with God. Mike Swagerty exhorted everyone to make friends with yet-to-be-believers to lead them to Christ. Russell Duke encouraged everyone on life’s journey to follow the example of faith in the travels of Paul, the “poor, wayfaring stranger” (Philippians 3:17-21). Tammy Tkach talked about the power of worship in the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, Advocate, Leader into truth—to walk in step with his lead and to live in his gifts (Galatians 5:22-26).

In the final service, Franklin Guice led the congregation in communion with our Lord and Savior; Joseph Tkach expounded on the spiritual discipline of community in the worship of God and service of Christ through common personal encounters in life (Matthew 25:31-46). 

Several other Christians joined the worship services during the week. A Presbyterian minister and his wife came because, according to his wife, he was “experiencing withdrawal pains,” missing fellowship with brethren. Russell Duke.

 
The collective chorus worshiped  with harp, piano,
guitars, flute, conga drums and tambourine.

 
Holland America cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
[Photos by Warren Duke]

Russia group tour

Ninety members toured Russia for our WCG group festival. The tour started in the capital city of Moscow, where worship services were conducted each morning before visiting the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Armory Museum.

After Moscow, our daylong coach tour took us through the Russian countryside to the ancient capital of Russia, Novgorod.

From Novgorod, it was on to St. Petersburg, the Venice of the North, made even more special as the city was celebrating its 300th anniversary since Peter the Great began construction on a world-class city in 1703.

Worship services in Moscow and St. Petersburg focused on understanding our identity in Christ, relationships of love and concern and discussion on prophecy and the book of Revelation and its value throughout time. Worship leaders Murdock and Vera Gibbs from Dallas, Texas, provided hymns, songs and special music.

In St. Petersburg, members toured the Hermitage Museum and an enjoyed Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s ballet, one evening.

We are already planning activities for 2004. Watch The Worldwide Church of God News for additional information. Ronald Kelly.

 
WCG members in Red Square in Moscow. [Photo by Ronald Kelly]

Canada

 SURREY, British Columbia—A variety of festival gatherings took place across Canada. Beginning with a weeklong church retreat sponsored by the Montreal English congregation in September, events took place from Newfoundland to British Columbia. These celebrations focused on various aspects of our salvation in Christ. Uplifting worship, edifying messages and warm fellowship characterized these occasions. 

Ross Jutsum, of State of the Heart Music Ministry, started things off in Penticton, British Columbia, with inspiring worship. Gary Moore, Canadian regional director, and his wife, Tamara, participated in the Montreal church retreat at Camp Vendee, Quebec, as well as the festivals in Penticton and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, residents of Labrador and Newfoundland were joined for evening services by members from outside of Canada and from other denominations.

Many members from the Maritime provinces gathered in Moncton, New Brunswick, during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate their thanksgiving to Jesus. Steve Botha, pastor of the Brooklyn, New York, church, who was instrumental in starting many of the Maritime congregations in the 1970s, was guest speaker. On Saturday morning he led a breakfast workshop dealing with Improving Your Marriage.

One hundred fifty festival-goers in North York, Ontario, focused on the theme, Living in Christ. Among the highlights of the festival was a series of studies titled The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church. A colorful drama and musical based on the Book of Esther, written by a member, was performed by our own players.

In Winnipeg, members celebrated their freedom in Christ with a number of activities including a praise worship evening, a church variety show and a Christian concert.

The Edmonton, Alberta, congregation was host for a Festival of Faith celebration for 300 members and guests. Sermons and seminars reflected the theme Prophecy in Perspective. Bill Hall.

 
North York, Ontario
[Photo by Romulo Kim]

 
Reg Lilly and Joe Wright, St. John’s
Newfoundland, Canada
[Photo by Chris Starkey]

United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and Scandinavia

The four United Kingdom and two European sites administered from the United Kingdom, met with a theme of “Walking in the Grace of God.”

Bangor saw 130 enjoying worship and praise in this Northern Ireland seaside town. David Stirk, festival coordinator, reported: “We laughed together during the entertainment at our seniors afternoon tea; we laughed together on our bus tour to the Bronte homelands and breathtaking mountains of Mourne; we laughed together at our dinner and talent show evening; and we laughed together at our pub quiz.”

Parts of two services were dedicated to asking for healing for the many who are sick and suffering among us, and many remarked how helpful this was.

Two sites enjoyed the worship-leading talents of Ross Jutsum, who filled an entire day at Bangor and took several services at Paignton with his inspirational music and encouraging words.

At Paignton in the southwest corner of Britain, notable was the increase in the number of young people attending. Harry Sullivan, coordinator, remarked that fellowshipping seemed continuous from morning to late evening.

Seminars covered aspects of marriage, women reaching out, the Dead Sea Scrolls and worship leading. At the contemporary, Caribbean and barn dances, energetic people were on the floor all evening.

A memorable musical event was the world premier of Duncan McLean’s oratorio Job.

Sixty members met in London over two weekends.

At Bridlington, on the east coast of Britain, 140 were present for all or part of the festival. Coordinator Robert Harrison said: “Our members like nothing better than to sit or stand socializing, talking and sharing. Social evenings gave them that opportunity while young children enjoyed the pleasures of a Bouncy Castle.”

A congregational service enabled members to have direct participation, and two seminars were conducted. One centered on our care of the planet and immediate environment, and the other showed how we can make a difference in the lives of others by touching them with the love of Christ expressed through us.

At all four main sites David Silcox conducted question and answer sessions.

No report has yet been received for Perth, but about 150 members attended there.

The two U.K.-administered European sites were Athens, Greece, and Malta.

At Athens the focus was on Sonlife study materials presented by Pastor Jim Valekis and his wife, Becky, from Dayton, Ohio, provoking much discussion and enthusiasm.

The group spent two days touring the ancient sites of Mycenae, Epidauvrus and Corinth, and three days touring the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina, the Oracle of Delphi, and Athens and its Acropolis.

Plans are for a similar festival next year at Thessaloniki in northern Greece, reported Michael and Sonja Marcou, members who have lived in Greece since 1996 and who organized this year’s event.

Thirty members met in Slima, Malta. New this year was a boat trip to St. Paul’s Islands. While there, Barry Bourne, pastor for the  Malta congregation, gave a Bible study on the apostle Paul’s shipwreck on Melita (Acts 28:1).

On youth day, the young people enjoyed the educational entertainment at the Mediterraneo Marine Park. A Maltese night and a farewell dinner were traditional highlights again this year. John Stettaford.

Lido di Jesolo, Italy

Around 190 members attended this year’s festival near Venice, Italy. This included more than 100 international guests.

This year’s celebration of Christ had as its theme, “The Church.” Sermons, Bible studies and seminars analyzed each member’s role in the church.

Guest speakers were James Henderson, superintendent of African Missions, who also conducted a seminar on mission and church planting; Jeff Broadnax, representing two U.S. sister congregations of the Italian churches; John Karlson; and Francis Bergin.

Professor Pietro Bolognesi, head of IFED in Padua (Institute for Evangelical Formation and Documentation) and area representative of the Italian Evangelical Alliance, accompanied by his son, attended one of our worship services in the spirit of our ongoing friendship.

Other activities included a Lord’s Supper, an evening of worship music, two youth days, an evening of entertainment and a dance on a boat touring St. Mark’s Basin in Venice. Daniel Bosch.

Majorca, Spain

One hundred forty-five members, including 100 international guests, attended the festival in Majorca, Spain.

The theme was “A Celebration of God’s Love in Christ.” Speakers were Pedro Rufian, Robin Jones,   Anthony Michael Davis, Len Maylin, Javier Perez Font, and Ted Millhuff.  

Martin Valenzuela, worship director, led two praise and worship services in which members gave testimonies of what God is doing in our congregations in the different nations represented.

Some members visited the Drach Caves with the largest underground lake in Europe. The visit included a romantic musical presentation on the lake.

The Spanish-speaking members had a lecture and workshop about the vision for the church in Spain for 2004 and about policy governance, and another workshop about small group principles and guidelines.

Magda Montoya from the Manchester, England, congregation   was baptized. Pedro Rufian.

Oslo, Norway

Nearly 50 people from six nations attended the festival 45 minutes outside of Oslo. The theme  was the Sermon on the Mount. Every morning small groups discussed the implications of the sermon given the day before

All of the services were in English. One day was set aside for prayer for the sick, the needs of friends, family members, the world in general and the church.

We have already started to prepare for our spring festival starting April 6. For more information please contact Carl Fredrik Aas by e-mail at cfaas@online.no Carl Fredrik Aas.

Australia and Asia

Caloundra, Queensland

Services and seminars focused on celebrating and sharing our community of grace. Seminars included Sharing the Gospel, Parenting, A Healthy Spiritual Life, and facilitating small group studies.

Youth activities took place most days, including two youth services, cafe church, a youth forum and a beach afternoon. A ladies afternoon brought together more than 60 women for discussion and a seminar presented by Daphne Sidney.

“Conducting an annual celebration during the school holidays enabled many more families to participate,” said festival coordinator Bob Regazzoli.

 
Caloundra, Australia, baptism

Gold Coast, Queensland

“We spent our whole time with the set theme of Building Spiritual Community,” said coordinator Kerry Gubb. “We determined that the theme would be not only addressed and discussed, but tasted at every opportunity.”

Thanks to the generosity of so many, we were able to provide free daily hot drinks and Danish to all attendees, a Tweed River afternoon tea cruise for pensioners, pizza and drinks to everyone at the Family Trivia Quiz night and a fully catered roast dinner for all on the final night.

Mandurah, Western Australia

Responding to God’s grace and truth was the theme of the festival conducted in Western Australia.

Randal Dick, superintendent of missions, was guest speaker. Messages addressed the reality of Jesus Christ’s incarnation, the hope of the glory of Christ in us now, as well as his eternal promises and how we experience grace-filled lives.

Mooroolbark, Victoria

“Generous God, Generous Life” was expressed in a range of community service events that enabled members to extend God’s generosity to others. These included a family movie night with about 200 community visitors attending; family fun day with about 300 people from the community involved in free activities for primary school age children; a Cleanup Mooroolbark afternoon; corporate blood donation at the meeting hall; luncheon for about 20 members of the Disabled People’s Company; and three free card-making classes for about a dozen children each time.

Ulladulla, New South Wales

  A youth service in Ulladulla focused on the world’s physical need for fresh water and its spiritual need for God’s living water.

  “The young people were serving the whole church with their message and everyone was encouraged by their seriousness and the substance of their presentations,” said coordinator Rod Dean. 

Activities included a bush dance, dirty bingo and a seniors dolphin watching cruise. A food donation was made to Yurana House.

Malekula, Vanuatu

A singing contest took place on the last day of the festival at the church’s building in Rory Village, to which members of other denominations in the area were invited.

A new member, John Tomaki, was baptized at a church picnic at Pinalum Beach. On Sept. 15, long-time member Pierre Tolily died of cancer, and his funeral was conducted by William Davies.

 
Vanuatu picnic

Genting Highlands, Malaysia

The festival in Malaysia featured seminars including communicating values in child rearing and how to be a people helper. The latter was presented by Dr. Sellapan and Ling Chwee Wan, both of whom have completed Christian counseling courses.

Another feature was a 26-minute film titled Journey of Change, produced by Alaric Tay about doctrinal changes of the 1980s and 1990s and their effects on the Singapore church.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Two pastoral care seminars were presented by Wendy Schwartfeger, a Rotorua Hospital chaplain, and Rod Matthews, regional director. Ruth Matthews spoke to a women’s breakfast.

Members donated food for the Salvation Army foodbank.

 
Rotorua, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Members met in Betty Thompson’s home. Dennis and Brenda Gordon from Wellington visited for the first three days. After that, videotapes of the previous day’s service in Rotorua were couriered to Christchurch for the members to enjoy.

Sigatoka, Fiji

Women’s ministry members toured the western part of the island on the first day of the festival. Two days of children’s and youth programs took place the first two days to take advantage of the school break. A visit to a Hindu community provided an opportunity to share the good news.

Secunderabad, India

Three people were baptized in Secunderabad. Activities included a family evening at a local resort where members could swim and enjoy a delicious meal. Eleven guests attended a seminar and the rest were members of the church. 

 
Secunderabad, India

Mahabalipuram, India

“Blast From the Past” saw the senior members of the church relate their experiences and challenges when they were teenagers. Some of them sang old songs or performed dances popular more than 50 years ago.

Each day started with a prayer meeting at 6:30 followed by services after breakfast at 10:30. The afternoons were reserved for discussions and interactive studies.

“The love, hospitality and generosity of the brethren were exceptional,” said Pastor Joe D’Costa. Aub Warren.

Philippines

 Members met at six festival sites in the Philippines. Following are reports from Legaspi City and Cagayan de Oro.

Three hundred thirty members attended Festival 2003 in Albay Oct. 16 to 19, during which 21 people were baptized.

The festival opened in the afternoon of Oct. 16 with messages from Rey Taniajura and George Escara.

The next day Eugene Guzon, national director, told members that Christians are recipients of rich treasures in Christ, treasures that they can share with others. After lunch, a seminar on Marriage and Family took place.

About 160 men attended an event Oct. 18. Joining us were men from other evangelical churches in Legaspi and male students from Jose Manzano’s class. Dr. Manzano, an elder in the Legaspi church, is a university professor. The event was sponsored by the Worldwide Church of God and Men of Promise.

   In his lecture, Don Cua, chairman of Men of Promise, showed that God’s blessings attend the descendants of men faithful to Christ. Building on God’s promise to Abraham, Pastor Dave Magalong, vice president of International Communicators’ Open University, taught that God gave men new identity in Christ that empowers them to exert positive influence around them.

That same afternoon, the women had activities for children and the young people. Later in the evening, members got together for a family night of fun and laughter.

In Cagayan de Oro City, 505 members attended Festival 2003 Oct. 23 to 26. Rey Taniajura was the guest speaker for the first day.

Members distributed rice, canned goods, noodles, used clothing and toys to needy households near the WCG Cagayan de Oro City meeting hall in the afternoon of the first day. In the evening, the youths and singles enjoyed time together singing, dancing and enjoying  dinner. 

On the second day, 80 students (including our youths) attended a youth symposium on personality development. In the evening, the seniors and married couples enjoyed dinner.

On the third day, the morning’s worship service took place at the beach, as it was family day. In the afternoon, five were baptized.

On the fourth day, Eugene Guzon, national director, was the guest speaker during the worship service where he spoke on “Blessed to Be a Blessing.” Len Joson.

Latin America

Centro San Juan de Dios, Colombia

At this resort about two hours from Bogota, we got together with leaders from our different groups around the country.

Sunday, Oct. 12, Hector Barrero and his wife, Paulina, returned to the church hall in Bogota to conduct the regular worship service. After the service they returned to the festival location. On Monday they finished activities with the Lord’s Supper followed by the baptism of a young person. Hector Barrero.

 
Young people in Colombia

Africa

 Throughout September and October, a number of festivals and conventions took place in about 15 countries on the African continent. These were primarily fellowship events, although in some instances they included seminars on Christian living and related subjects. Services were available in most normal venues for those who could not, or did not wish to, attend out-of-town sites.

  Although such festival events are of great encouragement to the African churches, they are not the primary focus of church activity in Africa. There is so much to do for the gospel in this part of the world, and the African churches are mission-driven, zealous to spread the good news of salvation through Christ. James Henderson, superintendent of African missions.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003