April 2005 Contents

This is our April cover.

Regional conferences
start in California

By Tom Hanson

SANTA ANA, California—The first WCG regional conference in 2005 took place in Santa Ana March 4 to 6 for ministers and members from the Southwest region.

John Biswas, director of the Bengali Evangelical Association, was ordained as an elder. [Photo by Robin Connelly]

The theme for this year’s conferences is “Church Forward.” Sessions included Planning the Journey, Funding the Journey, Discussing the Journey, Traveling Together, Bringing the Children, Staying the Course, Stopping to Rest, Alternate Routes and Joy in the Journey.

John Biswas, director of the Bengali Evangelical Association, was ordained as an elder. He oversees 14 congregations in Bangladesh, and plans are under way to plant several more. For more information visit BEA’s web site at www.bengalimission.org.

Two church employees who have reached their 25th anniversary of working for the church were presented with plaques and watches for them and their wives: Tom Hanson, editor of WCG Today and Odyssey, and his wife, Tina; and Phillip Rice, pastor of the Phoenix, Arizona, church, and his wife, Lil.

SEP is the place to be

By Jeb Egbert

FRISCO, Texas—The Spiritual Enrichment Program (SEP) regional camps are the place to be in the summer of 2005. The summer of 2004 produced a bumper crop of outstanding spiritual fruit, with more than 900 campers and 300 staff members attending the seven regional camps dotting the country. 

Over the next few pages, you will be introduced to several of the SEP programs being planned for this summer. Our theme for SEP 2005 is “Extreme Makeover” (a takeoff on the television show on how people can change their appearance) where young people can change their lives.

Our emphasis will be how campers and staff can invite Jesus into their lives, leading to the greatest transformation imaginable. 

In addition to existing camps in Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, South Carolina, Illinois, Ohio and Eastern Canada, this year we will add a camp in Florida, part of which will take place on a cruise ship.

We also anticipate adding a camp in 2006 in Texas, and potentially more camps later. The most exciting aspect of these programs is the testimonials of campers and staff members who attend. This is a vibrant, vital area of ministry that is impacting hundreds of lives. 

So if you or someone you know (including nephews, nieces or grandchildren) could benefit from a week of Christ-centered SEP fun, make plans now to apply for one of our camps for this summer. You can access applications and receive additional information at our web site www.wcg.org/youth. Join us this summer and learn why we say: “SEP is the place to be!”

Higher Ground
Summer Camp:
a life-changing experience

By Shane Bazer

TRAVELER’S REST, South Carolina—The Higher Ground summer camp in Traveler’s Rest has the quintessential summer camp feel, with wooden docks on a large, placid lake, cabins strewn throughout the wooded grounds, a chapel perched on a bluff overlooking the lake and dozens of activities throughout the 230 wilderness acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Amazing as the facility is, it is the love and joy of Jesus that sets Higher Ground apart from the typical secular summer camp. A dedicated staff of men and women who have a strong personal faith in Christ come back year after year to share that joy with campers from more than a dozen states who partake in the Higher Ground experience.

The wide variety of activities makes every day a new and exciting experience. Just a few of the activities for 2005 will be water polo, archery, paintball, basketball, drama, soccer, dance, crafts, tennis, a zip line and more.

Over the years, many congregations have helped send unchurched youths to Higher Ground, and the harvest has been plentiful. At camp, we aim to love every camper, no matter their situation, in the way that Jesus Christ would love them. Campers are eager to bring their school friends back to camp to share in the life-changing experience.

Higher Ground accepts about 200 campers ages 8 to 18 and accepts staff members 17 and older. The cost per camper is $350, and any of their siblings receive a discounted rate of $275. Parents and drivers can stay the week for $250.

Higher Ground’s web site, www.carolinacamp.com, features a promotional video of camp as well as photos and an extensive frequently asked questions section. You can download an application from the web site or apply online. Staff applications can also be found on the web site.

Camp dates for 2005 are Tuesday, June 28, through Sunday, July 3.

SEP Connecticut:
More than just a pretty setting

By Jeff Broadnax

PLYMOUTH, Connecticut—SEP Connecticut is more than just a beautiful camp setting. We don’t just offer the nation’s best camp food, the friendliest volunteer staff around and a 675-foot zip line, we have young people from Brooklyn to Bangor, Syracuse to South Jersey. Most importantly, we’ve got the blessing of Jesus Christ all over our camp.

Staff will arrive on Saturday, Aug. 20, with campers coming in the next day. The camp ends with a final chapel service on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. 

SEP Connecticut is open to  third to sixth grade preteens and seventh through 12th grade teens. Applications are available at www.wcg.org/youth. Campers, if you bring four new campers, your tuition is free. 

This year, our early bird camper tuition is $175 until July 1. That’s just $10 a week if you start planning now. After July 1, the price goes up to $200 until our application deadline of Aug. 1. Parents note: you may also pay by credit card on the web site.

We are guided, directed, blessed and protected by our Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is that all who come to SEP Connecticut at beautiful Camp Mattatuck will experience real life with him. 

Our days are jampacked with fresh opportunities for our campers and staff to reach higher and experience all that God has in store for them. Campers enjoy enthusiastic worship, thought-provoking chapels, archery, riflery, swimming, volleyball, football, soccer, arts and crafts, dance, baking class, a final banquet, canoeing, a high and low ropes course and other special events. 

At night, our campers enjoy a moment of silent reflection before they reminisce with each other a-bout the day’s activities.

Every day is special at SEP Connecticut. The rustic setting and tent living make it a real camp experience, but a week with us is a week you will not soon forget.

To join our staff, please apply online or contact us at SEP Connecticut, c/o Jeff Broadnax, Box 662, Mohegan Lake, New York, 10547; telephone 1-914-736-6593; e-mail Jeffrey.Broadnax@gci.org.

We welcome staff applicants in all areas, yet we are in special need of male counselors, certified waterfront personnel and anyone with ropes course and canoeing credentials and experience. The single financial cost for staff is a $20 fee for a national background check.

SEP Florida—
Bahamas cruise

By Marty Davey

Paradise Island

MIDDLEBURG, Florida—If you want to learn more about Jesus Christ and strengthen your relationship with him in an environment of sun, sea and Caribbean culture, this camp is for you.

Camp begins Tuesday, Aug. 2, at our land-based camp in Cler-mont, Florida, just outside of Orlando. You can check out the facility online at www.pinelakeretreat.com.

WCG church in Bahamas.

During the first three days, some of the things you can enjoy are basketball, volleyball, mini-golf, swimming, canoeing, low ropes challenge course, great food, friendships and fellowship and daily inspirational praise and worship services and Christian living classes.

Accommodations on ship

Then on Thursday afternoon, we get on the bus and head to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to board the ship Regal Empress for a two and a half day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and back. The ship is operated by Imperial Majesty cruise lines, and you can learn more about them from their web site at www.imperialmajesty.com.

You do not necessarily need a passport, but you will need a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, and a photo I.D. if 16 or older.

While on the cruise, you’ll be treated to some great meals, a live band and dance, swimming, and touring the ship with your fellow campers and dorm counselors. Most of the sailing takes place overnight.

As we arrive in Nassau Friday morning, our sister congregation there will take us to their church building for a praise and worship service and lunch.   

After lunch we plan to spend a few hours with their youth group on the beaches of Paradise Island. We’ll return to the ship that evening and sail back to Florida, where we’ll arrive Saturday morning.

Once back on the mainland, we’ll return to the land-based camp for the rest of the weekend and more uplifting SEP activities.

The cost for the camp and cruise is $400 per person. You will have to arrange for and cover the cost of travel from your home to our land-based camp near Orlando and your trip home. We can help with pick-up and drop-off at the Orlando airport, upon request.

Since this type of experience necessitates careful supervision, we will probably have to limit our number of campers to around 60 or 70, so you’ll need to apply soon if you want to be included.

Applications and details are available at our camp web site at www.sepflorida.com. Staff information and applications are also available there.

You can e-mail me at martydavey@bellsouth .net or call me at 1-904-282-1055.

Heartland SEP rocks!

By James Newby

CENTRAL ILLINOIS—Heartland SEP will take place July 31 through Aug. 6 at Eagle Crest Camp in Central Illinois.

The camp is open to young people ages 10 to 19. The cost is $275 per person before June 30.

The camp’s success is evidenced by friends inviting friends to camp, campers coming back year after year, a 40 percent increase in participants and 80 percent staff retention.

Activities will include archery, arts and crafts, basketball, Christian living, dance, high ropes, journalism, paintball, photography, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

Most of all we accomplish our mission: the Spiritual Enrichment Program is all about bringing young people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Dave Fiedler, North Central district superintendent, said: “Having served on the staff at Heartland SEP the past two years, it has become apparent to me that this is the most needed and important ministry in our church at this time.

“Young people are the future of any organization. How much more true is that in the Body of Christ. The 40 percent growth we experienced last year is a strong indication that we are filling a need.

“Churched youths are building wholesome relationships with other youths and deepening their relationship with our Lord. Unchurched youths are being introduced to Jesus and encouraged to follow him. All this happens in a fun atmosphere during an action- packed week each summer.

“A side benefit of camp that is equally vital to our fellowship is the experience many young ministry leaders are gaining as camp staff. These are tomorrow’s leaders exercising and developing their God-given gifts.”

For more information contact Mama Holmes, moms727@winco.net or 1-309-334-2500; or James Newby, James.Newby@wcg.org or 1-815-744-6430, or visit the web site at www.heartland.wcg.org.

SEP Ohio:
purpose driven camp

By Jim Valekis

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio—SEP Ohio, now in its fourth year, offers two separate camp experiences—senior camp for teen campers ages 13 to 18, which takes place June 26 to July 1, and junior camp for children ages 8 to 12, which takes place July 31 to Aug. 4.

In addition, SEP will host a Ministry Development Program (MDP) for teams of ministry workers, ministry leaders and pastors. This event will be conducted concurrently with the junior camp. 

SEP Ohio takes place at beautiful Camp Cotubic near Bellefontaine. The camp features 150 acres of rolling hills, a 14-acre lake and amazing fun-filled activities. But most importantly, SEP Ohio is a place where campers and staffers encounter Jesus.

Jesus and his joy and love are experienced in many ways at SEP Ohio, as recounted by Tina Frantz, one of the SEP Ohio leaders: “I have been asked, What does SEP Ohio have that makes it so awesome? There are several reasons. 

“First, SEP Ohio has a sound like nowhere else with its hardworking praise band Laus Deo (Latin for “Praise Be to God”). The band is made up of six young adults ranging in age from 20 to 32.

“Second, can you say Blob? SEP Ohio has one—a 40-foot air-inflated water-raft that you jump on and propel someone else into the water with. Other activities include a 170-foot waterslide, a sandy swimming area, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts, a miniature golf course, high elements ropes course, initiative course, and grass fields for games including a mud war with the staff and counselors.

“Third, we are a purpose-driven camp. Every activity is used to make a point and to help campers interact positively in the world, all the while teaching them to make disciples. Each activity helps everyone to work together and challenges them in new areas, and helps them grow and exceed their own expectations spiritually and physically.

“Fourth, we have a top-notch Christian drama program. We use costumes, music, props and occasional movie themes and tons of fun to put together dramas that will leave you laughing or crying, or just wanting to change something in your life. These convicting dramas have been the talk of the camp every year.

“Our staff and campers come from all over. If you come to SEP Ohio you’ll make new friends and learn about different people and places. I have been with SEP Ohio since it started, and it gets better every year.”

The costs for SEP Ohio are $295 tuition for the senior camp ($270 siblings discount), and $250 tuition for the junior camp ($225 sibling discount).

You can download an application at www.sepohio.com or write us at SEP Ohio, c/o Jay Richie, 2301 Nutt Rd., Centerville, Ohio, 45458 (telephone, 1-937-885-0311, e-mail jay@sepohio.com). Camp Cotubic is a member of Christian Camping International/USA.   

SEP California:
Join us on the mountain!

By Dennis Pelley

BIG BEAR LAKE, California—Imagine yourself being challenged to the max by a high ropes adventure course 7,000 feet above sea level. Visualize yourself and a friend gliding your canoe over a pristine private mountain lake at a 270-acre retreat. Picture yourself singing contemporary Christian music with 200 other enthusiastic worshipers in a beautiful praise and worship center.

No need to imagine—you can experience all this and much more by coming to SEP California.

This year’s SEP will again be at Cedar Lake Camp in Big Bear Lake (www.campcedarlake.com). The retreat center is large enough for us to run two camps simultaneously July 10 to 16. We will have a senior camp for those ages 12 through 18 and a junior camp for those ages 8 through 11. 

Our mission for SEP is to “bring Jesus Christ to young people and model his way of life.” This year’s SEP theme is “Extreme Makeover.”

Camp activities include praise and worship, chapel messages and discussions, Christian living classes, prayer journey, speech class, drama class, talent show, archery, BB guns, canoeing, team building, basketball, volleyball, swimming, water polo, dance, arts and crafts, high and low ropes adventure (for teen campers) and a waterslide park (for preteen campers).

Here are comments from campers who attended SEP California in 2004:

“Camp was breathtaking.” Jessica Morgan.

“It’s an amazing place to worship God. You are free, and you learn so much more about the Lord, our Savior. SEP is an unforgettable experience. The people you meet and the friendships you make will never be forgotten. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” Kathleen Sorensen.

“The thing that touch-ed me the most was the prayer journey. It allowed me to have some quiet time with my Creator and Savior. I was able to reflect and realize that my walk   had to be strengthened, and on Saturday night I was baptized.

“I am thankful that God’s purpose is to help teens all over the world strengthen their faith and walk. I also loved how all the activities revolved around God.” Felecia Williamson.

Here are some staff comments.

“Wow! Who would ever think that staying in a room with teenage boys, sleeping only a few hours a night on a marginal bed, eating school cafeteria food and playing sports at 7,000 feet against people 35 years younger than you, would be so much fun? Not me!

“SEP was a terrific experience, and I’m grateful to God for letting me go. Prior participants told me I’d come back changed, and I didn’t know how much.” Mark McCulley, counselor.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the effort that everyone poured into camp, and the prayers that were offered up on behalf of the camp. It was such an honor to get to be at the mountaintop, and to witness God transforming people’s lives and hearts.” Tiffany Scherich, counselor.

SEP Rockies has
a new home

By Cliff Snyder

GOLDEN, Colorado—Starting this summer, SEP Rockies will be at Camp Wondervu, northwest of Golden.

Camp dates are Aug. 7 to 14 with the staff arriving Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.

Camp Wondervu will give us lots of room to grow physically and spiritually. Our goal remains: deepening relationships with Jesus Christ while maintaining the fun of the camp experience.

New activities

Our new camp facility has a beautiful lake, so we will have canoeing this summer as well as other watersports. We will offer high and low ropes courses, rock climbing and rappelling on site. The camp has a full-size softball field, two basketball courts and two volleyball courts. We offer paintball for an additional fee.

Fund-raising, rates and dates

Because we are using a new facility and have new activities, camp tuition will increase this year. Now is the time to start fund-raising and saving for camp.

Paying tuition on time helps us make plans. Tuition received before April 30 is $275. Tuition received from May 1 to June 30 is $300. Tuition received after July 1 is $325. The sibling discount is $25.

Adults are encouraged to serve in the following areas: kitchen, clean up, laundry, activities assistance and music.

For more information, call SEP Rockies at 1-303-840-3553, write to 11837 Larkspur Dr., Parker, Colorado, 80134, send e-mail to sarah.miles@milestone-inc.com or visit the web site at www.seprockies.org.

Camp ministry involves growing relationships with God and our neighbors (both of whom we are commanded to love, and which is our true purpose in life), serving one another (ministering) and finding one’s place in God’s family.

Camp addresses each person’s walk in life no matter where they may be. Some campers are unchurched, while others have attended church all their lives, some are active in their local congregations and some are not. Each camper is being built up in faith, becoming equipped to serve in local churches and communities, and still others are being trained for positions of leadership.

Camp is a life-changing experience for all who become involved.  Everyone benefits from being involved with an SEP camp because it’s about Jesus.

SEP Washington:
bring your friends

 By Amy Johnson

SEP Washington 2005 promises to be another exciting camp full of many new activities, and the opportunity to learn more about God.

It will be a great way to end your summer as it is scheduled to be Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 (ending just before Labor Day weekend).

Our mission is to provide an atmosphere of love where we build relationships with every person who comes to camp and enrich their lives with the Word of God, and to equip people to go share the good news of Jesus Christ.

SEP Washington is a Christian camp open to everyone ages 7 to 18, for a fun-filled experience they will never forget.

Here are some highlights so you can get an idea of what to look forward to this summer and get started early on inviting your friends. If you bring three paying friends who have not been to SEP before, you will receive a $150 scholarship to camp. That’s 50 percent off the camp tuition.

Bring all your friends because you won’t want to miss the chance to catapult your friends into the air and watch them fly into the lake as you jump onto the Blob. Also, you can cruise alongside them on the go-cart track, jump BMX bikes, race down the waterslides, try to stay on the Torpedo as you dash around the lake, try tubing and waterskiing, go rock climbing, swing down the zip line, try the high ropes course, and at the end of the day indulge yourself with delicious food prepared by our own kitchen staff.

Camp SEP Washington is a place where you can meet new people from all over the country, and join in praise and worship at our daily chapels. Each chapel will have captivating dramas that will help you learn more about God.

Our camp is staffed by dedicated Christians who volunteer their time and energy to make the experience for the campers the most memorable it can be.

For updated information, pictures and applications check out our new camp web site at www.sepwashington.com.

Here are some comments from last year’s staff and campers.

Bill and Joy Funsten: “We felt our youths left camp knowing that their church family loves them very much, that God has a purpose for them and that with him they are not alone. Getting away from distractions of everyday life helped foster spiritual growth.”

Arrisa Merriner and friend Anna Roska: This year I came back from SEP Washington with a much better relationship with God. Our theme was “Get Real With Jesus.” We had lots of fun activities, and my counselors gave me great lessons. I really do love camp. 

Myra Stokes: My husband, Jeremy, and I had an amazing time at SEP Washington. We have both worked at SEP in the past in Minnesota, California, Canada and Scotland, but this past summer was like no other.

There was no doubt that God’s presence was working powerfully at camp. Seeing the number of commitments made by the youths—whether it be reading their Bibles daily, praying for their friends or giving their lives to God, is an amazing thing to witness and be encouraged by.

SEP Eastern Canada:
bilingual camp

By Dennis Lawrence

VENDEE, Quebec, Canada—Less than two hours northwest of Montreal, nestled in the gentle Laurentian Mountains, and beside beautiful Lac Windigo (Spirit Lake), lies the village of Vendee, which has been the home for our Eastern Canadian youth camp for many years.

In this final year at this location, we’re planning a special camp for 2005, before we move to another location for 2006.

Our camp is bilingual, with En-glish and French as languages of the camp, worship, education and activities. Camp becomes a workshop for you if you want to broaden your language skills. Do you want to see how two “nations” can work and live side-by-side? Camp is a pattern for what, we believe, God wants for all humanity, and you can be part of it.

Our camp accommodates 80 campers for 10 days (July 16 to 25), for $275 (Canadian). For this, besides the friendships you can gain and enhance, you’ll have tennis, volleyball, soccer, baseball, dance, canoeing and waterskiing, as the main activities of the day.

Our camp seeks to build each camper’s relationship with their God and Savior. Campers will participate in daily worship services, as well as Christian education.

Our goal is to not only help someone come to Christ, but to begin a personal walk as a disciple. The planning team wants campers to become forces for God’s kingdom work in their own churches and communities.

Youths need opinion leaders, and we help campers understand how to be one and suggest ways and venues for standing out as one.

We will provide leadership and camp ministry training for our older campers. Our hope is that some will decide to not only have Christ in their lives, but will recognize a call to ministry, too. We will articulate the reality of how special it is to be involved in ministry. For the past two camps, we have had a special time with this group of campers and will be enhancing this for Camp 2005.

Campers have come from far and wide over the past few years. We have campers from many areas of Canada, including all provinces of Eastern Canada. We have campers from the American Northeast, as well, and even have had campers from as far away as California. Flying into Montreal can be affordable, and we will work with parents to arrange for camper pickup, and transportation to and from camp.

Why not think about a nearby, but international camp for 2005? You can get an idea of last year’s camp at www.wcg.org/youth/camp vendee. For more information contact Dennis Lawrence at dennis.lawrence@videotron.ca, Lynn Lawrence at lynnegbert@yahoo.com or call them at 1-514-425-5371.

Church attorney
Ralph K. Helge,
four others, retire

 The Worldwide Church of God honors the following church employees who have retired.

Ralph K. Helge

Ralph K. Helge

Ralph K. Helge, who has served the WCG for 46 years, most of that time as the church’s general counsel, retired Feb. 25.

Mr. Helge received his law degree from DePaul University in Chicago in 1954. In 1958, he was baptized and moved to Pasadena to attend Ambassador College. He began work as a church attorney in December of that year.

Mr. Helge was instrumental in defending the WCG from the unconstitutional receivership imposed by a California deputy attorney general in 1979 and the successful settlement of a major lawsuit involving WCG copyrighted material in 2003.

Earle Reese

Earle Reese has worked for the church since 1963, first in what later became the Mail Processing Center. In 1968 he began to work in the Legal Department and during that time became a paralegal. He was ordained an elder in 1989.

Gene Michel

Gene Michel has worked for the church for 51 years.

He came to Ambassador College in 1951 and graduated in 1953. He married Betty Bates, the first Ambassador graduate, in 1952.

He was hired full-time in the business office Sept. 1, 1953. He became property manager in 1973, a position he filled until his retirement.

 Bill Kubon

Bill Kubon, a former New York City police officer, was hired as a patrol officer for the Security Department in 1988. He became department manager in 1994.

He was ordained an elder in 1986.

Gerald Chapman

Gerald Chapman served in the church’s press and publishing departments from 1963 to 1995. He was laid off in 1995 and rehired as a patrol officer in the Security Department in 1997.

Window on the World

Short-term mission trip
to the Philippines

By Randal Dick

PASADENA—Many have asked when there might be an opportunity to engage in mission exposure (short-term mission) that involves the WCG.

I’m delighted to announce that the WCG in the Philippines has arranged with Northwest Christian adventures a pioneer opportunity for an outstanding short-term mission experience.

I can’t think of a better place to start a mission exposure program than the Philippines. Our Filipino congregations have an exceptionally deep commitment to world mission.

More members there have formal mission training than in any other nation in the Worldwide Church of God. More Filipino missionaries serve in more countries than anyone else in the WCG fellowship.

The July 31—Aug. 22 itinerary allows for what we hope is an ideal balance of mission exposure, mission education, fellowship and a bit of sightseeing.

Tour and travel arrangements are being handled by Northwest Christian Adventures, a Christian organization that provides professionally guided tours.

To apply, e-mail Marni Burnsides at mburnsides@stmartin.edu. Deadline for applying is May 6.

Even if you are not thinking of going on this trip, your prayers for its blessing and success are needed and much appreciated.

For more information visit the Northwest Christian Adventures web site at www.tourmore.org/missions.htm.

WCG Women’s
International Conference

UNION, New Jersey—The Union women’s ministry will host the 2005 Women’s International Conference Sept. 9 to 11 with a theme of “Be All You Can Be in Christ Jesus.” The conference will take place at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey.

“We hope those planning to attend will invite guests who have not yet accepted Christ,” said coordinator Sandra Delmonte.

Topics and workshops include managing personal finances, preparing a living will, maintaining personal health, loving one another, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit and growing in faith.

The registration fee of $103 includes Friday evening refreshments, Saturday breakfast buffet, concession lunch and dinner dance, Sunday breakfast buffet and luncheon, and all conference materials.

This fee does not include a hotel room. Make check or money order payable to WCG Women’s Conference Union and mail to Box 256, Franklin Park, New Jersey, 08823.

To reserve a room contact the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel at 1-888-627-8184 or 1-800-325-3535. Room rates are $89 for single, double, triple or quad. Be sure to ask for the WCG group rate. Register by June 17 to obtain the WCG rate.

For more information, contact Sandra Delmonte at 1-732-422-9816, or e-mail  GanGan2@aol.com or visit the conference web site at http://free2.angeltowns.com/2005wcgconf/ If you are interested in group airline and ground transportation please contact Sandra immediately so she can get an accurate count.

News of people,
places and events

Church announces
employee  transitions

PASADENA—The WCG  announc-ed that the following employees have retired. Their years of service to the WCG are in parentheses.

Gene Michel (51 years), Facilities; Ralph Helge (46 years) and Earle Reese (41 years), Legal Department; Gerald Chapman (39 years), Publishing and Security;  and Bill Kubon (17 years), Security.

The church also announced that with the sale of the remaining portions of the Ambassador campus, the following employees are leaving the employ of the Worldwide Church of God. Their years of service to the church are in parentheses.

Gary Leonard (25 years), Cheryl Corson (20 years), and Reggie Nicholas (5 years), Facilities; Amy Pieper (18 years) and Ruthie Fuller (17 years), Finance & Planning; Hank Trujillo (13 years) and Patrick Murphy (6 years), Security; and Ron Grassmann (36 years), Carlos Garcia (23 years),  Ramon Basulto (5 years), and Jose Santos (5 years on-call), Landscape; and Eric Helge (21 years part time), Legal Department.

“I thank all the employees for their dedicated service to the church and its mission,” said Joseph Tkach, WCG president. “For those who are retiring, as well as those who will be seeking other employment, we are deeply grateful for them, their devotion to Jesus Christ and their excellent quality of work. It has been a privilege to work alongside such fine people. We pray that God will bless these outstanding men and women in every way. They will truly be a blessing to their new employers.”

Pasadena Spanish churches
combine to meet on Sunday

PASADENA—Raul Ramos, pastor of the Congregacion Hispania de Christo in Pasadena, noted that his Saturday and Sunday congregations decided to combine and meet regularly on Sun-days.

“We had our first service as a new combin-ed group on Feb. 27,” Ramos said. “Members brought their favorite dish from their place of origin, so we had food from Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States.”

The leaders of the Saturday worship service had approached Ramos about combining with the Sunday congregation. “On the couple of occasions they visited the Sunday worship service and attended advisory council meetings, they were impressed by the excitement and growth of the Sunday group,” Ramos said.

After surveying the Saturday members, it was unanimously decided that the two groups should combine and meet on Sundays. 

SPOKANE, Washington—Spirit of Grace Fellowship participated in Black History month with a variety of activities.

The first two weeks, Valerie Zorn, an African-American member, commented on some of her experiences and played songs from the African-American experience in history.

The third week Pastor Glen Weber read prayers from black pastors of the 1800s, particularly noting their hope and expectation even though they were living in difficult times as slavery was being challenged by society.

Wilma Bob, a Native American minister, her husband, Tom, their two adult children and their spouses, and several grandchildren presented songs of worship, along with traditional Native American dances and drums, which told lessons about God in people’s lives. One of the dances performed was “Warrior Dance,” which tells the story of overcoming Satan.

Rev. Bob spoke about the challenges they have faced in recovering aspects of the Native American culture while leaving out the parts that come from the occult. She also spoke about the hard times Native American Christians have faced from the “white church” in expecting them to be white rather than to walk in their own cultural ways. 

 
The Bob family sing a worship song in their language
and style. [Photo by Wayne Fogle]

Beaumont conducts first
Sunday service

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.

Average attendance has increased from last year.

  James Scales and Gene Koch co-pastor the congregation. Charles Hyatt.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2005