Churches provide free water to jamboree goers

AZLE, Texas—Members of Azle Christian Fellowship, a WCG congregation in Fort Worth, handed out free bottles of water to the citizens of Azle as they parked their cars to attend the city jamboree.

This idea came from a Church of Christ member who presented it to the ministerial alliance. He said that God had put it on his heart that we all join together and present a bottle of water to those who came for the jamboree. A label would show Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman with the quotation of John 4:13-14 alongside the drawing. Jamboree goers would then read the following quotation as they drank the water: “ ‘Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.’ John 4:13-14 NAS. Provided by the Local Area Churches.” Tom Pickett.

 
Label placed on bottles of water passed out to people
attending the city jamboree.
 

 Dillon church conducts community service event

DILLON, South Carolina—The Dillon church conducted its first community service event Aug 2.

Members set up a stand in front of a store, where we offered free soft drinks, cookies and lollipops for the children. Several people were in the parking lot offering to return shopping carts for customers. This was a tax-free weekend for those buying school supplies, so more people were shopping than normal, which meant more exposure for the church. The members wore T-shirts with their church logo on them so they would be recognizable.

Our goal was to “serve the community by exemplifying Jesus’ love through service to others.” Our purpose was to “share the love of Jesus by sacrificing what we have to give to others.”

Many people stopped by to get refreshments, and many had a hard time understanding why we weren’t taking donations. One of our older members, Dan Michael, who walks with a cane, helped return carts and picked up trash in the parking lot. David Mioduski.

Pastors and mission leaders discuss HIV and AIDS in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—The National Conference of Protestant Churches brought together 250 pastors and leaders of missions July 14 to 18 under the leadership of World Relief to discuss the problem of HIV-AIDS, according to Pastor Joseph Franklin.

The conference stressed chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage.

All 250 leaders signed a resolution to preach more often on those points and to mobilize our churches to get involved in this campaign against HIV-AIDS by three sets of actions: prevention, advocacy and accompaniment (care for those infected).

World Relief, an international organization, is working in Haiti to educate the population on this topic. The WCG in Haiti cooperates in this endeavor. The church invited World Relief personnel to its meeting hall for a lecture on HIV and AIDS. Seventy-five people attended.  Joseph Franklin.

Pikeville, Kentucky, church organizes gospel sing

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—Mike Stewart, team pastor, and the Pikeville congregation organized a gospel sing at Long Fork Park in Virgie, Kentucky, Saturday, Sept. 6. 

Four groups participated with music ranging from contemporary to Southern Gospel. This outreach was an opportunity to share Jesus through music in the community. Debby Bailey.

Art Myers elected American Legion chaplain

MASON CITY, IOWA—Art Myers, longtime member of the Mason City congregation, was elected chaplain of the local American Legion Post. 

Art served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. A post chaplain is elected on the grounds that he has demonstrated a sense of spiritual maturity and seeks to be a model in moral and ethical matters. The chaplain is charged with serving as a spiritual adviser to all members, and is given the responsibility of “reminding members that true service to their country is impossible without service to God.”

The chaplain encourages members in their personal and collective moral and spiritual growth. He reminds all Americans that God is the source of all rights and privileges. Art said, “It’s all about service to God and country, in that order.”  John Stonecypher.

Newark, New Jersey, has block party to reach community

NEWARK, New Jersey—The Newark congregation organized a block party June 21 to increase their outreach and awareness of the congregation in the community.

“In a community where many say bad kids live, God blessed the block party tremendously,” said Pastor Frank Howard.

In attendance were more than 125 people, 80 percent of whom were children and teens. The event took place indoors and included free food, games, gifts, popcorn, cotton candy (all donated), music and three-on-three basketball. Most of all, the gospel was spread in the form of books, booklets, storytelling, praise dancing and by example.

Members fellowshipped and prayed with the residents and handed out magazines, booklets received from Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries, Christian literature and a brochure about the congregation.

The feedback from parents, security guards, the employee on the premises and WCG church members was positive. A week before the event members went around introducing themselves and passing out flyers.

Denison members honor Arnold and Trish Clauson

DENISON, Texas—Denison members honored Pastor Arnold L. Clauson and his wife, Trish, for 10 years of service in Denison at an anniversary service, July 12.

The Swanson and Friends Band led praise and worship. Colleen Swanson, a longtime WCG member, with family and friends, have performed in several cities and states.

The congregation made several presentations. Rodney Forsyth, newly baptized, was given a card welcoming him to the family. Cherrie Hunter, a teacher, was recognized for her service to the congregation and her community. Trish Clauson was given flowers and a gift, thanking her for her years of service as a pastor’s wife.

Pastor Clauson was then presented with gifts, being reminded of the apostle Paul’s words from Romans 12:10: “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (NLT), thanking him for following Christ through these last 10 years, his service and friendship. Malcolm Elliott.

Denomination honors Garvin Greene and Fran Ricchi

PASADENA—Former district superintendents Garvin Greene and Fran Ricchi are transitioning out of the employed ministry.

Mr. Greene and his wife, Sandee, serve the Middlesboro, Kentucky,

 church. Mr. Ricchi and his wife, Elfie, serve the Cleveland, Ohio, church.

“We very much appreciate the dedicated service that Garvin and Fran have provided the WCG in their roles as district superintendents and pastors,” said Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers.

“We pray God will continue to bless them and their families as they serve God’s people in new ways.”

Mount Sterling church celebrates 25th anniversary

MOUNT STERLING, Kentucky— The Mount Sterling congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary Aug. 24 at the Clay Community Center in Mount Sterling.  

  The event was designed as an outreach to the community and was open to the public. City officials and members of the clergy were invited. Church members invited their friends, neighbors, co-workers and families. The event was also advertised in newspapers and on radio stations.

Fellowship hour began at 10:30 a.m. with a brunch. The worship service began at 11:45 a.m. with the youths singing two contemporary worship songs, followed by the young children singing a traditional hymn. Pastor James Humphries gave the sermon, titled “Rejoice With Me.”

A reception took place from 2 to 4 p.m. During the reception harpist Elaine Cook of the Lexington, Kentucky, Philharmonic Orchestra provided background music.

The event gave much favorable exposure to the congregation and was well-received by the community.

International leaders meet for conference in California

INDIAN WELLS, California—Regional leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Canada gathered along with the U.S. district superintendents for a combined denominational leaders conference and retreat Aug. 24 to 28.

Ray Anderson, professor of theology and ministry, and Doug McConnell, dean of the School of World Mission of Fuller Theological Seminary, were guest lecturers.

Joseph Tkach, Randal Dick, Michael Feazell, Dan Rogers, Greg AIbrecht, John McKenna, Charles AIbrecht, Bernie Schnippert, Michael Morrison and Ron Kelly represented headquarters.

It was a refreshing time of edification and inspiration. The following comments summarize the conference experience:

Ted Johnson, Great Lakes superintendent: “It has been a couple of years since we have had a meeting that brought together the U.S. district superintendents with their leadership counterparts overseas.  It was a great blessing to learn more fully and personally how the Spirit has granted us a common vision and strategy for our work of living and sharing the gospel.”

Charles Fleming, regional director, Caribbean and Latin America: “It was a special blessing to spend time with friends from so many different places and to hear of what God is doing in the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.”

John Halford, international publications director: “Perhaps the most valuable moments were those spent chatting informally, reinforcing our personal relationships, some of which go back decades. The conference was extremely helpful in helping us see our church’s progress, challenges and opportunities through each other’s eyes.”

Gary Moore, regional director, Canada: “The denominational leaders retreat was most encouraging and uplifting. Including the U.S. district superintendents as well as non-U.S. leaders in the meetings was especially beneficial. It is clear that we are indeed a denominational family. We have walked a similar path and face similar challenges and opportunities.

“I left the meetings encouraged and edified both by what was said formally at the meetings, and by the useful informal conversations over meals, and at breaks. Strong ties unite us, and we do need to continue to maintain and nurture those links.”

 
Curtis May and Robert Persky.

Donat Picard (left) and Carn and Joyce
Catherwood. [Photos by Michael Feazell]

Poulsbo church raises money for cancer research

POULSBO, Washington—Seventeen volunteers representing Grace Community Fellowship, a Worldwide Church of God congregation, participated in the North Kitsap Relay for Life in Poulsbo, July 18 and 19.

Under sunny blue skies and the darkness of night, they took turns running, walking or sitting on the North Kitsap High School track for 21 hours. Together with 25 other teams from the North Kitsap area, they were celebrating the culmination of months of work and fund-raising for the American Cancer Society.

This year the overall total for the North Kitsap Relay for Life was more than $80,000, and the church team raised nearly $4,000, almost $1,000 more than its goal.

This WCG congregation has been a Relay for Life sponsor for the past four years at the Bronze level (2000) and the Silver level (2001-2003).

For information about a Relay for Life in your church area, log on to www.cancer.org Linda Schow.

Fort Myers celebrates 25th anniversary

FORT MYERS, Florida—Abundant Grace fellowship, the WCG congregation in Fort Myers, celebrated its 25th anniversary June 7 and 8.

More than 80 brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus gathered for the celebration at Shady Oaks Community Center. Former pastors Dan Bierer, Steve Schantz, Steve Brown and Carl Dayhoff were welcomed speakers for the event. Each reminisced about their years serving in Fort Myers and their lives’ journeys since. Robert Persky, district superintendent, gave some closing comments and asked the blessing on the evening meal.

An Italian dinner was served by Abundant Grace’s own Chef Sabby and the pastorettes. An evening of food, fellowship, music and dancing followed.

At a Sunday morning worship service, Mr. Bierer gave a sermon titled “Surrender All.” The service ended with communion. Hugh Steiginga.

Springfield, Massachusetts, church is on the air

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts—The Springfield church worship service is videotaped and aired on two community cable TV stations.

The idea for this outreach came from a conversation between WCG member Janis Gush and her neighbor, Lewis Louraine, head of the community cable station in Belchertown, Massachusetts. Janis was told that the station would consider any program request coming from a town resident. She had noticed other religious programs on the station and asked if her church could have a time slot. Mr. Louraine told her that if the church could produce a quality tape each week he would schedule it.

Janis brought her idea to the church leadership team, who all agreed that this was a wonderful opportunity. The congregation had been praying for guidance in outreach, and many felt this was God opening a door.

Volunteers came together, one with a camcorder to tape services, another with a computer and video editing software. Charles Sawyer donated countless hours of his spare time to editing experimental tapes to be viewed by a church review team. Changes were made to the lighting, scripture overlays and order of services until it was agreed that the tapes were of good enough quality to submit them for broadcast. 

Also during this time, Art Courchesne, assistant pastor, approached his community cable commission in Granby, Massachusetts. He presented a demo tape, and the station reviewing committee unanimously approved it for airing.

The Springfield church is also organizing a direct mail campaign for Granby and adjacent towns to run concurrently with the television broadcasts. Bill Ford and Charles Sawyer.

Fort Myers to conduct Leap Into Faith Conference

FORT MYERS, Florida—Abundant Grace Fellowship, the Fort Myers WCG congregation, will sponsor a Leap Into Faith Conference 2004 at the Christian Retreat Center in Bradenton, Florida, Feb. 27 to 29.

Praise and worship leaders will be Charles and Keysha Taylor.  Keynote speaker Mark Vincent will address the group Saturday. Mr. Vincent leads “Design for Ministry.” Many WCG members met him at Christian Stewardship Seminars.

Pastor Larry Hinkle from Coral Springs, Florida, will lead the evening’s

 prayer and healing service.

Sunday morning kicks off with guest speaker Margaret Smart, a retired pastor from Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

The conference will close with a communion service led by Robert Persky, district superintendent.

All meals and lodging will be provided. For more information and reservations, send e-mail to Bonny563@aol.com or call 1-239- 267-9409. For updates and schedule please visit http://churches. wcg.org/ftmyers-fl/ Hugh Steiginga.

Retiring pastor Tracey Rogers honored

PORTLAND, Oregon—Tracey Rogers, retiring pastor of the Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon, churches, was honored at a Northwest pastors meeting in Portland, July 20.

Twenty-two were present, including Guy Engelbart, Northwest district superintendent, along with pastors and wives from Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Mr. Rogers’ grandson Joshua was also present for the occasion.

Mr. Engelbart presented Mr. Rogers with a certificate acknowledging his more than 35 years of full-time service to the WCG. Mr. Rogers began attending WCG services in Eugene in July 1959, along with now-retired minister Don Lawson (see article page 5). Both men commented when they approached the meeting place, “I wonder what we are getting ourselves into.”

“Well, for both of these men, and all of us who know them, it was many years of loving, faithful and dedicated service,” said Joel Lillengreen, pastor of the Portland East and Hood River, Oregon, churches.

Mr. Rogers was first ordained as a deacon in Portland in 1965 and then as an elder in Medford, Oregon, in 1967. He began his full-time service as an elder in Eugene in 1968.

Following are the churches he pastored and the dates of service: Reno, Nevada (1972 to 1979); Cleveland, Ohio, West (1979 to 1986); Portsmouth and Chillicothe, Ohio (1986-1991); Jacksonville, Florida (1991-1995); Rapid City, South Dakota (1995-1998); and Eugene, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon (1998-2003).

Mr. Engelbart also presented Mr. Rogers with several checks donated by a variety of sources, including church congregations and fellow pastors to help him acquire a much-appreciated laptop computer.  Then, all those present laid their hands on him and prayed for our Lord’s blessings, protection and direction, as he enters a new phase of the ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Mr. Rogers was presented with a cake featuring his picture composed of edible frosting. The cake was inscribed with the words: “Tracey—God’s Blessings to You Always.” This is the sentiment of those who have known Mr. Rogers and his late wife, Jean. He commented: “I love the Worldwide Church of God. Even though I may be retired from full-time employed service, I will continue to serve the church in every way I can for as long as I can.” Joel Lillengreen.

Terre Haute, Indiana, church celebrates 25th anniversary

TERRE HAUTE, Indiana—The Terre Haute congregation had a catered dinner for members and old friends July 13 marking the 25th year of the congregation’s beginning.

About 50 friends enjoyed good food and great fellowship after the morning worship service. Worship was led by Pastor David Perry, his wife, Jonnie, and members of the worship team from New Life Christian Fellowship in Indianapolis, which Mr. Perry also pastors.

Mr. Perry’s sermon, “Continuing the Ministry of Jesus Christ,” brought encouragement to the members and visitors alike. During the service, Don Auxier was ordained an elder. Don Auxier.

 
25TH ANNIVERSARY—David and Jonnie Perry (left)
and Vicki and Don Auxier with the 25th anniversary cake.

Jim Stokes: high-flying preacher

BELLEVILLE, Illinois—Jim Stokes, 74, pastor of the Belleville and Alton, Illinois, congregations, figures you’re never too young to try sky-diving. On Aug. 28, Mr. Stokes rolled out of a plane at 14,000 feet with his instructor firmly fastened to his back. They went into a free fall at about 60 miles an hour for 9,000 feet before opening their oversized canopy (parachute).

“From then on,” Mr. Stokes said, “we just soared like an eagle (or was it a buzzard?)” He continued in his report: “The canopy is maneuverable, and the descent can be sped up or slowed down. I made several turns and then went into a 360 degree spiral. It was awesome! We landed like a feather exactly where we wanted to.”

The cost, however, will prevent additional jumps in the near future.

 
Jim Stokes free falls.
[Photo by John Gentry Sr.]

David and Terri Harper write song for The Fighting Temptations

PASADENA—J4U Entertainment, founded by Ambassador graduates David and Terri Harper, along with Rex Rideout, wrote the song “Rain Down” for The Fighting Temptations film and soundtrack.

The Fighting Temptations is a movie starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce Knowles.

J4U Entertainment’s primary focus is to inspire the world through music, and endeavors to make a positive impact on society by using their team members’ God-given talents. J4U received production assistance and project partnership from Arthur Carlisle, a chiropractor and member of New Hope Christian Fellowship, a WCG congregation.

The movie debuted as the number two grossing movie the week it was released. The soundtrack registered number one on the Gospel charts, number 14 on the R&B chart and number 26 on the Billboard chart for top selling albums. 

Said Mr. Harper: “This has been an incredible blessing, a gift that keeps on giving, a blessing through which others are blessed!”

Mrs. Harper said: “It’s one of those gospel things that God makes possible.” Harriet Carlisle.

John McKenna presents paper to St. Shenouda Society

PASADENA—John McKenna presented a paper to the St. Shenouda Society of the Coptic Church at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Aug. 23.

After the publication of Dr. McKenna’s article on John Philoponos in Watani International News, May 11, he was invited to speak at the fifth annual conference of Coptic scholars at UCLA.

John Philoponos was a sixth-century Alexandrian who sought to relate his theology to the physics and cosmology of the world as God’s Good Creation.   

Michael Saad, senior editor, Watani International, characterized Dr. McKenna’s presentation as music to their ears, and Dr. McKenna was interviewed for an appearance on Channel 18, the Orthodox Christian Program airing on Saturdays.

“Many of the scholars seemed deeply interested in my work on John Philoponos,” Dr. McKenna said. “Since the conference I have even heard from people in Cairo, Egypt.” 

The Worldwide Church of God News was distributed at the conference.

“It was my first experience with Coptic Christianity,” Dr. McKenna said. “It was a privilege to learn about these people, who claim to be direct descendants of the pharaohs and those who welcomed the holy family to Egypt and embraced the ministry of St. Mark. I look forward to our friendship.”

Fairfax to have winter gala

FAIRFAX, Virginia—Living Hope Christian Fellowship of Fairfax will have its second winter gala Jan. 3 at Fort Belvoir from 6 to 10 p.m. 

For more information, please call Sherry Bellamy at 1-703-631-9785 or visit our website at www.livinghopecf.net.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003