In this issue

Big Sandy

In WCG congregations around the world, Big Sandy is a recognizable name. Many of us have fond memories of church beginnings here in the 1950s, annual gatherings in the Piney Woods, and the Ambassador campus, which served as a home for many students.

We are in a small town, and everyone knows about the church, and more than a tenth of the population attends. Page 4.

Pastor General 

When the church in Antioch gathered for worship, the Holy Spirit spoke to them: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Pastor General Joseph Tkach asks: Does the Holy Spirit speak to us today? Can we hear what he says to us today? Page 6.

Youth ministry

The Worldwide Church of God has formed a national youth ministry development team, announced Dan Rogers. Team members are Jeb Egbert and Ted Johnston. Page 8.

Window on the World

Several WCG members have affiliated themselves with Friends Without Frontiers, a small organization working together to reach people for Christ in the mountains of Mexico, writes Barb Edwards, in a guest column for Window on the World. The organization provides for the medical and spiritual needs of the people it reaches. Page 12.

Reconciliation

The Office of Reconciliation Ministries, directed by Curtis May, concluded 2002 with a whirlwind of activities. Mr. May and his wife, Jannice, did reconciliation work in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Philippines and Japan in September, October and November. Page 14.

Women's ministry

One hundred twenty-six women met Nov. 15 to 17 for the fourth Worldwide Church of God Women’s International Conference, "Women at the Well," sponsored by the women of the Cincinnati, Ohio, church.

Women from nine states and three countries attended. The conference coordinator was Vicki Hart. The weekend touched hearts in special, personal ways. Page 16.

Financial report

After several months of relatively stable donations that had averaged more than $1.7 million a month, November contributions dropped to $1.46 million, writes controller Ronald Kelly.

Total revenues for the year stand at $22.3 million. If December follows recent trends, our income for the year should come close to budgeted projections. Page 24.

Bible Study

Luke reports two events between Jesus’ birth and the beginning of his ministry, writes Michael Morrison in his Bible Study on Luke 2:22-52. These are not reported out of idle curiosity, however—both point to his importance in God’s plan of salvation. Page 25.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002