Update

BEAUMONT, Texas—Beaumont members enjoyed their first worship service on Sunday morning, Feb. 6, after previously meeting on Saturdays. A potluck lunch followed.

The congregation previously rented a facility from a church that conducted Sunday services. God has blessed the congregation with a new building in Fair Park near Interstate 10 that gives them better public visibility. By meeting on Sunday they can better accommodate the unchurched and those who couldn’t formerly attend because of work schedules and children’s school activity conflicts.

PASADENA—Michael Morrison, WCG Today executive editor, spoke at two events in March.

On March 4 and 5, he presented two workshops at the San Bernardino-Riverside Association of Sunday Schools convention in Highland, California. His topic on March 4 was “Correcting Doctrinal Error (From Those Who Have Been There),” and on March 5 it was “Getting It Right After You Got It Wrong—Reconciliation Is a Big Word.”

The WCG participation in this conference was coordinated by the WCG churches in the area pastored by Tom Ecker.

On Monday, March 14, in Tempe, Arizona, he presented an academic paper titled “Argumentation in Hebrews 7” at the Pacific Coast regional meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, California—In 1907, a postage stamp cost two cents, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, Theodore Roosevelt was president, and two special people were born: Mary Verhaeren (Koehler) and Vivian Jody (Mullenix).

Almost a century later they find themselves members of the tri-church area of the WCG in San Bernardino County.

Sixty church members, family and friends gathered at the Mullenix home in Highland, California, March 12, to celebrate the women’s 98th birthdays. Greetings were included from WCG President Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy, and other church officials.

Mary’s life began Feb. 13, 1907 in Antwerp, Belgium. When she was 7, she and her family escaped to Holland, then to England, during World War I. The family then returned to Belgium and came to America in 1920.

Mary met a young Marine, they married, and in 1928 moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked for Ford Motor Co., and their two children, Jeanette and Richard were born. In 1944, the family moved to San Diego, California, where one of Mary’s jobs was in a bakery.

Mary has four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. An excellent seamstress, Mary sewed for her entire family, even making her husband’s suits. Mary joined the WCG in 1965, where she met and later married fellow member, William Koehler.

For Vivian, life began on April 20, 1917 in Moores Creek in rural Kentucky. Her father was a Lebanese peddler who immigrated to the United States and settled in Kentucky. The fifth of eight children born to Florence and Thomas Jody, Vivian attended Eastern State Normal School in Richmond, Kentucky, and taught school throughout the area. One day, her brother, Joe, brought Carl Mullenix, a fellow Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) member, to their home for some home cooking. The next year on April 30, 1937, in Berea, Kentucky, she and Carl began a marriage that would last 66 years until his death in 2003.

Vivian and Carl moved to West Virginia, where their two children, Ronald and Sharon, were born. Their family lived in Ohio and Oklahoma, and later moved to San Diego, California. Vivian and Carl were baptized into the WCG on Jan. 30, 1972. In 1976, after Carl’s retirement, they moved to Highland, California, and became members of the San Bernardino church.

Pastor Tom Ecker said: “God has blessed you with 98 years of life that has grown to be a reflection of his gracious love. Thank you for lives that have blessed many.” Ron and Sharon Mullenix.

RALEIGH, North Carolina—When Celebration Christian Fellowship moved to its current location in 2002, youth Sunday School attendance was about 17.

Yet, just a few months ago, we started leasing more class space because our classes have grown. Combined regular attendance is now 35 young people. They bring so many friends that we often have five or more visitors who are college-age or younger. Our teen class, which used to be the smallest, often has 20 in attendance.

A few of the young people in our church have been born into existing church families. Seven of the children (all from one family) started attending in 2003 (without their parents) after the eldest attended Higher Ground camp in South Carolina. One other teen also started attending without her parents after attending Higher Ground in 2003.

Several have been brought to CCF by members who are their neighbors or by members who work with their parents. Many have been introduced to CCF through monthly youth activities. We schedule these to give our young people an opportunity to invite their friends to an event that is a little less threatening than simply going to church. Don Mason.

Teens gather for Gateway to God

ELLINGTON, Missouri—The fourth Gateway to God Discovery weekend took place March 18 to 20 at Logan Valley Christian Retreat in Ellington.

The event, sponsored by New Creation in Christ, the St. Louis, Missouri, congregation, began Friday evening, March 18, as 52 campers and 34 staff gathered for a weekend of fun and worship.

The first activity was a hayride and bonfire that gave campers a fun way to get to know each other. Throughout the weekend, campers enjoyed basketball, volleyball and a high ropes challenge course.

Chapel services were led by Allan Barr, Southeast district superintendent, with messages on “What Is a Savior?”, and “Can Jesus Be the Lord of a Teen?” Saturday night featured skits from each dorm with themes such as peer pressure, family troubles and inviting friends to church.

Praise and worship was led throughout the weekend by Fusion 150, a teen praise band from St. Peters, Missouri.

The weekend came to a close on Sunday with the baptism of David Schoonover Jr. by camp director and Pastor Karl Reinagel. Also in attendance were Randy Bloom, Central district superintendent, and Robert Ehlen, pastor of the DeSoto, Missouri, congregation. Sarah Loranger.

David Jackson, worship leader,
releases rap CD

David Jackson (RED DOG), a WCG member, released a Chris-tian hip-hop CD titled “The Testament.”

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana—David Jackson (RED DOG), a lifelong WCG member, released an 18-track Chris-tian hip-hop CD titled “The Testament,” March 25.

Christianity is the prevalent theme in his work. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the main theme of the CD.

WATERVILLE, Minnesota— Forty- seven teen campers, six mini-campers and 33 adult workers met Feb. 19 to 21 at Camp Omega south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, for a weekend of fun, learning and praising the Lord.

Jill Fagerstrom (left) and Cynthia Rotzien with the snowman they built. [Photos by Doug Johannsen]

The theme, “Live Out Loud,” was carried throughout the event by John Stonecypher, pastor of the Des Moines, Iowa, congregation, during his Christian living and chapel messages, and by worship leader Novella Meisner of Rochester, Minnesota, and her worship team.

Five days before the event the snow had melted, so activities director Jeff Skrove substituted an outdoor orienteering challenge course for snow tubing.

That evening, during the bonfire sing-along, it began to snow. Afterward everyone returned to the dining hall for an evening of games hosted by Pastor Charles Holladay.

Arts and crafts classes conducted by Betty Johannsen included making beaded necklaces or bracelets, and using hot glue guns to make creative crafts out of birch wood, bark and red dogwood twigs.

The outdoor broomball course was coached and refereed by Troy Meisner, Ray Olson and Nat Seltzer. Dance lessons were given by Jeff and Sarah Skrove as well as by Novella Meisner during the Sunday evening dance. Mini-campers were led by Lisa Seltzer, Sarah Skrove and Betty Johannsen.

This year our camp staff included two pastors from the Eagle Lake Church of Christ in Mankato, Minnesota (Jeff Peterson and Steve Frederick) as well as several youths from their congregation. Members of the WCG congregation in Mankato have met for services in the Eagle Lake church’s building for some time. Doug Johannsen.

TYLER, Texas—The New Covenant Fellowship, the Tyler WCG congregation, hosted its second Women for Christ one-day retreat March 12 with a focus on Walking Daily With God.

Thirty-eight women from surrounding church areas attended. Four speakers, Tricia Owens, Lynne Leach, Sandy Orban and Sue Berger, touched on ways the women could walk daily with God and include him in all that they do. The retreat also included many songs of praise and worship led by Sandra Adair. The women from New Covenant Fellowship provided a potluck lunch for those who attended. Janalee Swisher.

Pastor David Orban spoke on “Letting the Walls Come Down,” from Ephesians 2:14-18, noting that we must become one in Christ Jesus.

Faye Washington spoke on the lives of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. Bre’ana Flanagan and C.J. Bell Junior High students from Marshall, Texas, read an essay on James Farmer.

On Jan. 13 Bill Stenger spoke on his life and the life of his parents in “One Generation From Slavery.” Marie Woods talked about perseverance; Joyce Hewitt talked about Cathay Williams, who was a Buffalo Soldier (African American soldiers who fought in America’s wars); the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. The Inspirations, from the Longview church, sang Negro Spirituals.

On Feb. 20, Mr. Orban spoke on “The Wrongs of Slavery,” and his wife, Sandy, spoke on “The Treasures of Heaven.” Walter Johnson spoke on the Buffalo Soldiers.

Speakers on Feb. 27 were Kelly Barfield and Mavis Bailey. Karen Hale played and sang a medley of Negro Spirituals.

The church was decorated by Joyce Hewitt, Marie Woods and Ida Robinson. Charlie Hewitt.

GREEN LAKE, British Columbia, Canada—The 12th annual Green Lake Christian camp-out will take place July 29 to Aug. 7, on the shores of Green Lake, in central British Columbia.

Everyone is invited to participate in this camp-out hosted by WCG members. Activities are planned for children and teens.

For registration forms and more information, please contact Craig and Debbie Minke, 22899 14th Ave., Langley BC V2Z 2W8; telephone 1-604-532-3750; e-mail cminke@telus.net. For pictures and downloading of registration forms go to churches.wcg.org/vancouver-bc/ministries.htm

LAS VEGAS, Nevada—On March 13, the Las Vegas youth ministry conducted most of the Sunday morning service.

To begin, several girls read poems concerning personal spiritual growth, the value of friendship and how God gives us all we need to learn his way to follow his path in our lives.

Alysa Smith gave a talk explaining how important a good education is for teens today.

Cleo Dawson, youth pastor, delivered a message on Mark 4:1-8, the parable of the sowing of the seed of God’s word. Dawson emphasized the fact that teens have to choose what life-style to live after hearing and being taught from God’s Word.

After the sermon, the youth choir sang “In the Sanctuary.” After this, prayer was offered for the youths and youth ministry leaders.

Youth leaders Mary Dawson, Sandra Thrower and Gracie Lane were given plaques of appreciation for their dedication in working with the teens. The congregation joined with the youths in singing “The Family Song.”

LEXINGTON, Kentucky—More than 40 elders’ wives enjoyed a time of renewal, refreshment and strengthening for the work of the ministry at a Connecting & Bonding conference March 18 to 20 at Embassy Suites.

Connecting & Bonding is directed by Jannice May. The theme for the conference was “Remaining Faithful in the Busyness of Life.”

Over the weekend the women were divided into friendship teams, where they shared in small group discussion, prayer and building relationships. The friendship teams provide a way for staying connected throughout the year by phone calls, e-mails, cards and letters.

One principle shared over the course of the weekend was that God is not looking for perfect faith, but faithful people.

Guest speakers were Sylvia Frejd, Sharon May Morris and Linda Kline. They covered a range of topics giving practical help for our Christian journeys.

Silvia Frejd served as worship leader, as well as presenting an inspiring session on daily devotionals. The women were encouraged to deepen their devotional lives by being filled with the word of God.

Sharon Morris presented two sessions, Safe Haven and Being a Hope Giver. She explained how important it is for our homes to be refuges from the stresses of life. She stressed the importance of being encouragers to our family and friends and all we meet.

Linda Kline gave a presentation titled Remaining Faithful. She shared her own story of coming to know God and remaining faithful to her Christian calling through much adversity and years of waiting for direction. As director of Psalm One Ministries, she shared some of the resources available for ministry wives.

The conference ended with a communion service led by Marge Friddle. Ruth Miller.

The church in Italy will host a summer festival Sunday, Aug. 28, to Friday, Sept. 2.

The event will include worship services and seminars, entertainment, a dance, youth activities and excursions. Simultaneous translations into English will be provided.

For more information, contact Daniel Bosch, Worldwide Church of God CP 67, 24030, Brembate di Sopra (BG), Italy; telephone 011 39 035 21 78 08; fax 011 39 035 21 77 53; e-mail wcgitaly@tin.it.

JASPER, Alberta, Canada—An Ambassador University reunion will take place in Jasper, June 29 to July 5.

This reunion is open to all Ambassador alumni and faculty, anyone who attended the college for any length of time, their family and friends.

For more information contact Craig and Debbie Minke, 22899 14th Ave., Langley BC V2Z 2W8; telephone 1-604-532-3750; e-mail cminke@telus.net.

AHOSKIE, North Carolina—With God, all things are possible, and nothing is impossible with God. These truths from God’s Word certainly apply to his intervention for the women’s ministry in Wilson, North Carolina.

Beatrice Askew had been praying for some time asking God to use her in ways to serve others. The women’s ministry in Wilson joined her in that request, knowing that prayers would be answered in God’s time and way.

It wasn’t long before God began to open doors. Beatrice became a walking buddy with a staff member at Piney Wood Elderly Care Home in Ahoskie. This friendship grew and before long Beatrice began volunteering at the home. As she came to know the residents and staff, God showed her the need for his gospel to be shared with them. For most of the residents, going to church was something they were no longer physically capable of doing. So, God made a way to bring church to them!

Beatrice asked the women’s ministry if they would be willing to bring a praise and worship service to the residents of Piney Wood. Planning began, and in December 2003, the women’s ministry conducted its first service for the residents and staff of Piney Wood with 52 in attendance.

Helen Johnson, women’s ministry coordinator, gave the first message, titled “You Are Not a Mistake.” Everyone made new friends and formed prayer partners. In May 2004, this service with the nursing home became a regular bi-monthly event. Since that time regular worship services have been conducted on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Pastor Don Mason encouraged this outreach and felt that God was showing the women that he had a work to accomplish in the Ahoskie area.

On Jan. 9, Pastor Don conducted the first service of the Ahoskie church plant, with 22 members and four potential members present. What started out as one person’s desire to find where she could serve others turned into a church plant that is working to serve those who need and desire to hear about God’s love. Phyllis Smith and Silvia Judd.

Jonea received a $500 scholarship from the South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors. She also was awarded the Erin Moore scholarship, the Homebuilders Association scholarship, for the 2004-2005 school year at Southeast Area Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, where she is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering and Design.

Anoria has been inducted into Chi Sigma IOTA, the counseling academic and professional honor society. She is in her second year of the masters program for counseling and human services at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Jonea and Anoria are the daughters of Colin and Jill Wunder and granddaughters of John and Virginia Wunder. They attend the Sioux Falls church.

PASADENA—“Dialogue is the beginning of conflict resolution. We agree to listen,” said Leigh Sniffen, a conflict resolution specialist with the Los Angeles Dispute Resolution Cen-ter.

Curtis May (right), ORM director, speaks with Bernard Melekian, Pasadena police chief. [Photos by Ron Grove]

Sniffen, a WCG member, was chairperson for a March 24 panel discussion hosted by the WCG’s Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM).

The “Removing Walls/Building Bridges” forum featured presentations by Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian, Joe Brown of the NAACP, Najeeba Syeed-Miller, executive director of the Western Justice Center; and Curtis May, ORM director.

ORM planned the event as a follow-up to Pasadena’s Black History Month celebration. The event took place at the Jackie Robinson Center in Pasadena.

Chief Melekian and each of the four speakers covered topics relevant to reconciliation on the community level.

According to the Pasadena Star-News March 25, the chief “apologized for any role Pasadena police have played in depriving residents of their civil rights over the years.” He went on to say: “We cannot solve the race relations problem in America, but we can solve the race issue in Pasadena with the police in Pasadena. We can build a model.”

Najeed Syeed-Miller, a lawyer and a native of Kashmir, outlined five ways to reduce the dynamics of conflict.

Joe Brown addressed shift-ing employment patterns, boosting academic achievement and housing policies to keep pace with the city’s expanding ethnic diversity.

Chief Melekian shared Brown’s concerns, adding that America’s vast prison population traces to two issues primarily: “In 80 percent of the cases, people are behind bars because of shattered families and illiteracy.” Re-sponding from the audience, Eddie Newman of the Pasadena Unified School District agreed that illiteracy was the one problem it should be possible to do something about.

May’s talk emphasized the breaking down of walls and the continuation of the education theme. He recalled that he escaped the worst effects of growing up in segregated Alabama because he had “great teachers who cared about me and would not let me give in to futility and hopelessness.”

He concluded his remarks by quoting Romans 13:8, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”

LAS VEGAS, Nevada—While Pastor Tom Melear and elder Cleo Dawson were at the regional conference, the Las Vegas praise team conducted a special service March 6.

During the first part of the service, we heard testimonies from members relating personal experiences they have had, confirming God’s hand in each of their lives. Each testimony was followed by inspirational songs concerning God’s love for us.

Then we had a time of reflection. With music playing softly in the background, the congregation took time to meditate and to reflect on the areas in our lives where we need more of God’s guidance, as prayers were offered up to our heavenly Father for his help and intervention for us all.

In the second part of the service, a member was seated at the front of the sanctuary, his eyes covered with a blindfold. We were invited to come forward and write on a transparency any sins we are facing that we desire to have God remove from our lives. The blindfolded man wiped them clean, crumpled them and set them aside. This reminded us that once we come to God and confess our sins, he wipes the slate clean, and he doesn’t see or remember them any longer.

For the final part of the service, we gathered at the Lord’s table and shared communion. Gayle Johnson.