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ACCM launches masters program

Ambassador College of Christian Ministry launched its masters program for those in pastoral ministry.

The masters program began with a pilot class for 20 pastors to study Pastoral Theology with Russell Duke. The masters program will provide a quality in-service professional development program for WCG ministers who have not completed or who have not enrolled in regionally accredited ministry studies.

Like the Associate of Christian Ministry program, the ACCM masters program is part of the church’s ongoing commitment to equip those serving in ministry. The masters program is specifically designed to support those in pastoral ministry, although the program will be open to other qualified individuals who wish to continue in this course of study.

By making classes available online, ACCM enables pastors to engage in ongoing learning in a convenient, flexible and self-paced manner. Successfully completed classes count toward in-service training requirements and toward a denominationally recognized Master of Pastoral Studies qualification.

The ACCM masters program is composed of both core and elective classes. These classes include Pastoral Theology, Church History, Leadership, Preaching, Counseling, Church Administration, Pastoral Ethics, Missions Theology, Ethics, Polity and various other survey classes.

Tampa-Lakeland: ‘He Is Risen 2004’

TAMPA, Florida—What better way to remember the events of the season than to relive them in a dramatic production? That’s what the Tampa-Lakeland congregation did on Sunday, April 11th, in their annual resurrection celebration, this year titled “He Is Risen 2004.”

Under the direction of Ellie Kurzawa, the circumstances surrounding the life and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ, unfolded to the edification of the congregation.

After a stirring introduction by Selma Claxton, the play itself was narrated by Lynn Rowe as Luke, telling the story of Jesus to his granddaughter Rebecca, played by his real-life granddaughter, Lindsey Rowe.

The opening scene of the play illustrated Jesus’ love for children, played by Leslie Ann Mozon, Cassie Pitt, Randall Rowe, Hannah Quade and William Davis. Todd Rowe played the part of Jesus. Jesus also used the actions of Mary Magdalene, played by Donna Rowe, to teach his disciples about forgiveness.

In the next scene, Jesus and his disciples visited the home of Lazarus, played by Herman Brijlall, and his sisters Martha, played by Marlene Hart, and Mary, played by Laura Quade. Jesus went on to explain the symbolism of footwashing and the elements of bread and wine to his disciples, played by Leslie Mozon, Leroy Davis, John Quade, George Gramlich and Mendel Claxton. At these points in the play, there were breaks for the congregation to participate in a footwashing ceremony and partake of the bread and wine. An offering was taken up while Jesus and his disciples sang “I Love You, Lord.”

The final scenes of the play, which took place after Jesus’ crucifixion, included touching soliloquies by Flora Mozon, playing the part of Susannah, and Willa Chlon, playing the part of Jesus’ mother, Mary. When Mary Magdalene saw the risen Jesus, she ran to tell the other disciples and the production ended with an exhilarating rendition of the song “Celebrate Jesus,” and Rebecca telling her grandfather Luke that she wants to be a Christian, too!

The cast of the play also took the show on the road this year by presenting the play on April 10 for the Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, congregation. The Tampa-Lakeland and Sarasota-Bradenton congregations are both pastored by Pete and Eileen Kendall. Laura Zager Quade.

AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CHURCH BOARD—From left:
David Jordison (secretary), Leah McLean, Margaret Cohen,
Randall Bourchier, Aub Warren, Colin Hardy, Rod Matthews,
John Chandler (investment committee member) and John
McLean at a Feb. 19 board meeting.
[Photo by J. Michael Feazell]

BACCALAUREATE SPEAKER—
J. Michael Feazell delivered the
baccalaureate address May 15
at Spring Arbor University in
southern Michigan. The Feazells’
daughter, Elizabeth, was among
the graduates.
[Photo by Nathan Smith]

COMMISSIONING—The Cadillac, Michigan, congregation has a new leadership team. Alden Sims Jr., former pastor, retired, and David Fiedler, district superintendent, commissioned a pastoral team. Left photo, from left: Mr. Sims,
Mr. Fiedler and the new leadership team: Ray Griffee, Susan Davis and Brian Smith. Top photo shows members of the congregation.

Chicago West conducts food ministry

VILLA PARK, Illinois—Henry and Roxanne Rhodes of the Chicago West congregation started a food ministry that involves several denominations. Baptisms have resulted from this ministry.

FOOD MINISTRY—Jeff Krage and
Glenda Kasza load a box of food into
a van April 16. [Photo by Marcia Krage]

Food is collected from Dominick’s (Elmhurst, Illinois), Wild Oats (Hinsdale) and People’s Resources (Wheaton) at various times each week.

The Chicago West congregation works with members from the WCG Chicago South congregation (South Holland, Illinois), Chicago Central Church of God (Chicago), Sunny Place Church of God (Addison), Harvest Bible Church (Rolling Meadows), Lithuanian Mission (Lemont), and First United Methodist Church (Glen Ellyn).

Food is distributed to families, the homeless, township and church pantries, missions and shelters. The ministry reaches individuals within a 50-mile radius of Lombard, Illinois.

Dennis and Jeff Krage and Phyllis Urbanek are other key participants from Chicago West. The Russian Baptist Church (Lombard) established its own food ministry with assistance from the WCG Chicago West congregation. Marcia Krage.

Houston marks Cinco de Mayo

HOUSTON, Texas—Houston Community Christian Fellowship conducted a service May 1 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

This date is honored in Mexican history as it marks the defeat of a well-equipped French army by a smaller ragtag army of Mexican peasants who used hoes, picks, frying pans and other household items as weapons.

John Flores recounted the story of the 1862 battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico. He titled his message, “What We Can Learn From History.”

The worship music, led by John Mays, was sung in English and Spanish simultaneously.

A litany of thanksgiving, prayer of confession and a psalm of praise was offered up by Hispanics in the congregation.

Pastor Mark Mounts tied this history into his message titled “Who Shall Be Great,” taken from Matthew 20:20-28.

Norma Rios from San Antonio sang a song in Spanish as special music.

The celebration was capped off with a potluck dinner that included traditional Mexican food.

Entertainment during the meal was performed by 11-year-old Jennifer Rios. Jesse Soto.

Fort Worth, Texas, church to celebrate 40th anniversary

FORT WORTH, Texas—The 40th anniversary celebration for the Fort Worth congregations will take place July 3. A special service will be conducted at Daybreak Fellowship at 101 W. Glade Rd., in Euless, Texas, at 11 a.m. This is the location where New Hope Christian Fellowship meets each week.

The service will include a message from Carn Catherwood, district superintendent. A potluck dinner after the service will include a slide show with pictures of members over the past 40 years. All are invited to attend. Please call Max or Oleta Devereaux if you have any questions at 1-817-285-9344.

Augusta, Georgia, church to celebrate 25th anniversary

AUGUSTA, Georgia—The Augusta church will celebrate its 25th anniversary July 17. The address is Worldwide Church of God, 285 Flowing Wells Rd., Augusta, 30907. Telephone 1-706-863-9562. The pastor is John Moskel.

The service will begin at 10:30, and a potluck will take place afterward.

For more information contact elder Bob Stewart at 1-706-863-9562 or Margi Saxton

at 1-803-594-1141. Michael Butler.

EARL GRANT RETIRES—J. Michael Feazell
(left) and John McKenna (right) attend a retirement
party May 21 at Azusa Pacific University for
Earl Grant (center). Dr. Grant is a longtime
friend of the Worldwide Church of God. He
conducted seminars in church growth for WCG
regional and district leaders in Pasadena in the
late 1990s. [Photo by Mickey McKenna]

SPECIAL MUSIC—Walter
Pinder leads special music in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 17.
J. Michael Feazell, WCG
Publications director, gave
the sermon.
[Photo by J. Michael Feazell]

Needed: Spanish translator

The WCG is looking for qualified Spanish-language translators who can donate their time and expertise.

We are interested in individuals educated in Latin America but now living in the United States. The task consists of providing a written translation (from English to Spanish) of selected gospel tracts and booklets. The person or people should be proficient in writing Spanish and familiar with biblical and theological terms. Access to e-mail and Microsoft Word is a must.

If interested, please call Lorenzo Arroyo at 1-925-777-1296 and or send e-mail to him at lorenzo.arroyo@gci.org

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