WASILLA, Alaska—"We have a ‘month of Sundays’ behind us, and so far things have been going very well," said Al Tunseth, pastor of the Wasilla congregation, on their move to Sunday worship Feb. 2.

"This process started two and a half years ago, with some families wanting to move to Sunday then," Mr. Tunseth said. "They are still with us, and it looks like we will keep all of our members through the change."

From the start, the congregation had two reasons for moving to Sunday: 1) It would benefit several families who had children involved in Saturday activities, and 2) They would be better able to serve the community and reach out to the unchurched.

Members heard a number of sermons on "Christ Is Our Sabbath." Mr. Tunseth gave a sermon on "Sunday Is the Day of Choice," in which he made the point that untold numbers of Christians have been choosing Sunday for 2,000 years.

"Our attendance numbers are up a bit," Mr. Tunseth said. "We have had four new people attend since we have moved to Sunday."

TALKING PROPHECY—Mike Feazell (left), National Publications director, was interviewed on Cable 55 television in Duarte, California, March 26, by Neil Earle, pastor of the Glendora, California, church. Mr. Earle, on his program, A Second Look, asked Dr. Feazell about prophecy since it can be a hot topic during times of war. The program can be viewed on the WCG website at www.wcg.org [Photo by Ron Grove]

VANCOUVER, Washington—"I wasn’t expecting to receive anything. I was just trying to apply my Christian beliefs to my work," said Craig Cameron, an elder in the Vancouver congregation, about an award he received March 8.

As a sales representative for Georgia-Pacific’s Lumber Division, Mr. Cameron was one of seven recipients of the Eagle Award for distinguished achievement through commitment and willingness to go the extra mile.

He was cited for "turning a claim and potential lawsuit into a positive situation for the company. Thanks to his outstanding customer service and prompt handling of the issue, the customer was satisfied, our key customer was happy and the company was saved considerable expense."

Mr. Cameron said: "When I got involved, the situation was quite heated, and I prayed for guidance. I simply applied Christian principles of showing the customer that I cared about them and their problem and that I would treat them fairly. God then opened the door to a solution."

Mr. Cameron, his wife, Joyce, and other recipients were treated to a weekend getaway at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, where they received their awards. Dan Fricke.

RICHARDSON, Texas—Chris Rummel, a member of Grace Family Church in Richardson, participated in a mission trip to Costa Rica, March 9 to 15. Mr. Rummel was on spring break from his master’s degree studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

He was part of a group of 17 people, primarily Methodists, who went on the trip sponsored by SMU’s Campus Ministry. The mission group helped build a church and provided crafts and Bible stories for children.

Mr. Rummel said the Costa Rican pastor and several members publicly spoke of their gratitude toward the missionaries because the new church building was badly needed. In addition, the Costa Rican members were impressed with the dedication of their American helpers, who prayed every day at the work site, asking God’s blessing on the members and the construction project. Frank Lewandowski.

COMMERCE, Texas—For many American college students, spring break means wild partying in exotic locations. But for 25 to 30 teen and young adult Christians who converged on Commerce the week of March 16, spring break meant worshiping the Lord, serving the needy and fellowshipping.

Joe Shipman, Mike Smith and Steve Kramer started the spring break tradition last year as a week of praise and worship. Mr. Shipman and Mr. Kramer are members of Grace Family Church, a WCG congregation in Richardson. This year, Mr. Kramer and co-organizer Sabrina Abney of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, added several service projects.

Participants came from various parts of Texas and a number of other states: Ohio, North and South Carolina, Illinois, Arkansas, Wisconsin, California, Massachusetts, Oregon and Colorado. Many were in town for the March 15 wedding of Mr. Shipman and Emily Thomas, then stayed for the week of praise.

Activities began with a worship service March 14, with music by Grace Family’s teen band. The band also performed for the church’s regular service on March 16. Worship leaders were Cynthia Chizen and Tammy Ford. Also assisting with the band were musicians Peter and Andrew Gordon. That afternoon, teens Ryan Dusek and Michael James were baptized.

The rest of the week included daily worship and Bible studies, volleyball, paintball, a dance and a lake barbecue.

The group visited Oak Manor Nursing Home in Commerce several times, talking with the residents and playing worship songs. The young adults also made cards of encouragement, volunteered at the Boys and Girls clubs, provided babysitting for a parents’ date night and painted a church.

"This year was more uplifting than last year because of the addition of service projects," Mr. Kramer said. "We not only built up the Body of Christ with Bible study, and prayer, but we also helped build up the community." Frank Lewandowski.

LAKE ST. LOUIS, Missouri—The Lake St. Louis congregation, pastored by Gary Dry, was part of an ecumenical worship service Jan. 25 during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Attendance was about 125.

Nineteen members of the congregation attended a service where members of eight area congregations came together in a show of Christian unity. Denominations represented included the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Worldwide Church of God, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The congregations represented ranged in size from the Lake St. Louis WCG congregation with a membership of 35 to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with about 13,000 members.

Ministers from each participating denomination presided over a portion of the service. Music for the service was provided by the Lake St. Louis worship team, which performed three contemporary selections.

The character of the evening’s music and the inviting personality of the worship team prompted many comments from participants and organizers of the event—even several weeks afterward. The minister of the Episcopal congregation is looking forward to having the worship team perform as a guest musical ensemble at one of their services. Gary Dry.

LAKE ST. LOUIS WORSHIP TEAM—Top row, from left: Kip Hunter, vocals and lead guitar; Eileen Schnelle, vocals; Linda Fentress, piano; and Darren Webb, bass guitar. Bottom row: Kathryn Howell, vocals, mandolin and worship team leader; Mary Warapius, rhythm guitar; and Nanae Hunter, percussion. [Photo by Gary Dry]

EVERETT, Washington—The Everett congregation will celebrate its 25th anniversary June 14 at Evergreen Middle School, 7621 Beverly Lane, in Everett. The worship service will begin at 2:30 followed by a potluck social at 4.

For more information, contact Ken and Cathy Emerson at 1-360-659-1677 or by e-mail at ceewee@juno.com

VANCOUVER, Washington—Sergeant Heather (Miles) Bradshaw of Vancouver, and her husband, Sergeant Mike Bradshaw, were to be deployed to Iraq at the end of April or early May for a tour of duty. Heather and her parents, Ken and Judy Miles, ask for prayers for the protection and safe return of Mike and Heather. The Bradshaws are currently stationed in Germany.

    Heather Bradshaw

COLUMBIA, Missouri—Ross Jutsum of State of the Heart Ministries, led a worship service at the Columbia church Feb. 22. This event was designed to rekindle old friendships as well as cultivate new ones. Dr. Jutsum performed many of his current favorites as well as music from a new CD.

The service concluded with people gathering for prayer and a fellowship meal.

"We had hopes for 60 to 80 to attend," said Pastor Bradley Bruns, "but we were blessed with 103. We want to offer events like this on a regular basis."

COLUMBIA VISIT—Ross Jutsum leads worship.

PORT COQUITLAM, British Columbia, Canada—An Ambassador University alumni reunion will take place June 27 to July 6 at Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

This event is open to any Ambassador alumni and faculty who attended or taught there for any length of time, their family and friends.

Everyone is responsible for their own food and accommodations. The most economical option for accommodations is camping (fees range from $12 to $26 per night). For more information on the park check out the website at www.parks canada.gc.ca/jasper

The town of Jasper also has bed and breakfast places as well as hotels, where prices range from $80 to $300 per night. Check out the following web sites to get more information: Jasper Tourism and Commerce: www.jaspercanadian \rockies.com; or Jasper National Park: www.jaspernationalpark.com

For information or a registration form please contact Craig and Debbie Minke, 3460 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam BC V3B 4L7, Canada; telephone 1-604-944-7110; e-mail cminke@shaw.ca The registration fee is $15 per family or party. Participants will be mailed a list of all registrants in mid-June, along with more details.

OPELIKA, Alabama—About two dozen families at Beulah New Fellowship Church near Opelika call Bill Guthrie pastor. Seven grandchildren call him grandpa. But for the meter readers in the Pioneer Electric Cooperative service area, he is the boss.

Mr. Guthrie is the Alabama supervisor for Tru-Check, a company that reads meters in more than a dozen states, including several co-ops in Alabama.

"We’re more than meter readers though," Mr. Guthrie said. "We’re another set of eyes and ears for the co-op and for the members."

Mr. Guthrie says he’ll never forget the day that one of his meter readers came upon a member of Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative who had apparently suffered a stroke and fell in a yard with no one within shouting distance to help—until Tru-Check came by.

"The meter reader called 911, took off his jacket and wrapped it around him and stayed until the paramedics arrived. "I’m convinced what our meter reader did saved the person’s life," Mr. Guthrie said. Annette Winston.

PASADENA—J. Michael Feazell, National Publications director, was interviewed Feb. 25 on the Bob Dutko Show on WMUZ Detroit Christian radio about his book The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana—The New Orleans church will be host for its second Inner City Mission in New Orleans, July 21 to 27.

The cost for the week is $245 per person. Teens (13 and older) and men and women of all ages are welcome. A deposit of $50 per person is due by June 15. After June 15, the deposit is nonrefundable. Final payment is due July 15.

The hands-on mission work will take participants to housing projects, the French Quarter, soup kitchens, the New Orleans Mission, homeless shelters, prayer walking, painting and repair projects, a youth detention center, day camps and perhaps a sports camp.

Each morning begins with chapel for praise and worship. Participants will learn from missionaries the how and why of Jesus’ commandment to go into all the world with the gospel.

Included in the costs are housing for six nights, three meals a day, snacks, daily bottled water, mission coordination, group meeting space, a T-shirt and Bible. Discounts are available for more than one from a congregation.

New Orleans attractions include Six Flags of New Orleans Theme Park, Audubon Zoo, D-day Museum, the Aquarium of the Americas and IMAX Theater, and Mississippi River boat cruises.

"New Orleans is much more like a foreign mission field than a typical city in the deep South of the United States," said Pastor Mike Horchak. "It is one of our own nation’s most strategic mission laboratories. This mission trip is a catalyst for life change." Please contact Mr. Horchak for an information packet. Telephone: 1-985-386-6168; e-mail: michael.horchak@wcg.org

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—Mike Stewart, a member of the Pikeville pastoral team, will moderate a two-day retreat June 6 and 7 at Pikeville College.

Messages will center on the acronym S.E.R.V.E. Friday evening, June 6, a Southern Baptist pastor will speak on Surrender to God. A Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor will lead participants to Enter God’s Presence. Saturday evening another Southern Baptist pastor will teach us to Re-Order Our Priorities. A Church of God pastor will encourage us to Vow to Endure. The conclusion will be a Full Gospel pastor who will inspire us to Enter the Harvest Field.

The S.E.R.V.E. Retreat is free and open to everyone. For more information call 1-606-639-6102 or send e-mail to mike.stewart@gci.org Debby Bailey.

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines —Dante Abatayo of the Maramag, Philippines, church, who is undergoing training at the Asian Center for Missions (ACM), has been doing prison ministry in Cagayan de Oro City along with his fellow ACM students.

One prisoner had previously inflicted much pain and suffering on his wife. Because of this, she did not visit him for two years. Then, however, the prisoner found relief and joy after getting to know the Lord Jesus through the effort of an ACM student and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Dante found the address of the prisoner’s wife and talked to her. Then she visited her husband, and he asked for forgiveness. This time his wife believed him because he had been transformed by Jesus. His sentence was lowered from six years to three years.

SURREY, British Columbia, Canada—Alan Redmond has agreed to serve as district superintendent for Western Canada, according to Gary Moore, regional director. Mr. Redmond pastors the Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Warroad, Minnesota, churches.

"Alan has served in our pastoral ministry both in the west and in the east, and has proven to be an effective pastor," Mr. Moore said.

Mr. Redmond is working on a master’s degree in theology. He is a director on the board of the provincial evangelical ministerial association.

SPOKANE, Washington—Virginia de Leon, a reporter from the Spokesman-Review, and her photographer attended the worship service at Spirit of Grace Fellowship on March 23, the first Sunday after the Iraq war began. She was writing an article about what pastors and congregations were saying about the war.

She interviewed Pastor Glen Weber and many members of the congregation and listened to the entire sermon. Mr. Weber spoke from Matthew 8, where Jesus was asleep in the storm while the disciples were frightened. He assured the church that Jesus remains calm even in the midst of what seems like trying times for us—including a war in Iraq—and that he can give us peace of heart.

Reporter Virginia de Leon (right)
speaks to Rick and Kim McIsaac.
[Photos by Gary Roberto]

Reporter Virginia de Leon (left)
speaks to Pastor Glen Weber right
as member Garry Adams listens in.

ARIMA, Trinidad—About 45 people from 10 Caribbean countries attended a governance conference March 7 to 9.

"This was the first time since 1997 that we have invited leaders from all the Caribbean churches to meet at one conference," said Charles Fleming, regional director.

Over the past few years the Caribbean Office had sub-regional conferences, which made it less expensive for participants to attend by conducting conferences closer to their home country.

"However, with the need to set up a new governance structure for our church, we decided to all get together so Randal Dick (superintendent of missions) could outline the new approach to governance we are adopting."

Mr. Dick outlined the main principles and showed the church leaders how to write policies that can help them set up a formal structure of empowerment and accountability.

"Over the next few months the leaders in each country will be writing some of the basic policies that will govern our national churches," Mr. Fleming said.

Randal Dick preaches at service in Trinidad.
[Photos by Charles Fleming]

Derrick Davis makes a point during the conference.

Attendees serenade the kitchen staff.

BIG SANDY, Texas—New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, the Worldwide Church of God Big Sandy congregation, will celebrate its 50th anniversary July 4 to 6.

On Friday, July 4, you are invited to attend the City of Big Sandy parade, community events and Explosion in the Park fireworks display. After the fireworks we will have a Meet and Greet at the New Beginnings church building.

Saturday’s schedule includes a worship service followed by a Share the Fare potluck. In the evening we will have a "Ya’ll Come Barn Dance."

Sunday activities will include a worship service and an old-fashioned barbecue in the park. We will acknowledge several individuals who have been instrumental in the development of the Big Sandy congregation, throughout the weekend.

All who would like to come and celebrate with us are invited to attend. Feel free to drop in on any or all of the activities. If you plan to attend the barbecue in the park, we are asking for a donation of $5 per person to cover the costs.

NEWARK, New Jersey—The 24-7 Community Church, the Newark WCG congregation, celebrated Black History Month, Feb. 23.

"The spirit of the congregation was upbeat because the great heritage of a people that played a significant role in building a nation was evident," said Pastor Franklin K. Howard.

As you entered the sanctuary you were met with the imposing portraits of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. These were official portraits issued by the U.S. Postal Service as part of its Black History series.

"This is truly a nation of diversity," Mr. Howard said, "but Black History is distinct in that it is a story that was hidden and despised because of the once racially biased climate of his nation. The purpose of Black History is not to diminish the history of other groups in this country, however we must recognize those who played a significant part in building this great nation, but who never were significantly recognized in American history."

Rashonda Toliver, a teen, performed an African American praise dance. Her performance set forth the rich elegance and power of a people who came from the shores of Africa to the shores of America.

Then, Mr. Howard gave a sermon titled, "Somebody Paid a Price." A poignant moment of the sermon related to his childhood experiences of racial injustice, which was once prevalent in this country. Mr. Howard also related to the congregation how his father and others were treated as second-class citizens. He said that his father and others paid a price so that he could have a better life, and that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we might have eternal life.

After the service, Mertice Evans organize a Black History program put on by the youth ministry and a guest praise dancer. A Pursuit of History game showcased many of the achievements of African Americans in this country. Lawrence Evans.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003