LOS ANGELES--A memorial service for Joseph W. Tkach was conducted at Wat Thai of Los Angeles in North Hollywood, California, Sept. 30. Phra Wichian Thammakunathan, abbot of Wat Thai, conducted the service along with three other resident monks: Phra Sumana Sumanatisso, Phra Maha Suparb Siripanyo and Maha Thongsri Aopakaro.
Gifts prepared by Herman and Isabell Hoeh were presented to the monks by church members Raymond Epperson, Daniel Reedy, Ronald Reedy and Mitchell Vasseur.
The memorial provided an opportunity for the Thai community to show their respect to Mr. Tkach, the church, Ambassador University and Ambassador Foundation.
After the memorial service, about 12 members and friends of the Worldwide Church of God were given a tour of the temple and adjacent Thai school by Mrs. La-or Anekanonda, a longtime friend of Dr. Hoeh and others who visit Wat Thai.
Wat Thai of Los Angeles and the Worldwide Church of God have enjoyed a warm relationship for many years, including joint participation in teaching English and Western culture to Laotian refugees in Thailand from 1980 to 1985.
Three men serving as regional pastors were ordained as pastors Nov. 3 at the regional pastors conference in Pasadena. They are Craig Bacheller, pastor of the Miami, Florida, North and South churches; Don Mears, pastor of the Big Sandy church; and Fran Ricchi, pastor of the Cleveland, Ohio, East and West churches.
Gene Nouhan, associate pastor in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Murphy, North Carolina, churches, was transferred to pastor the Tallahassee, Florida, and Moultrie, Georgia, churches this past summer.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--Ministers from Southern Africa gathered at the regional office Oct. 30 for 21 2 days of meetings with Randal Dick, assistant director of Church Administration International.
The church must seek opportunities to "go, preach, baptize and teach," Mr. Dick said. One session covered the empowerment of members to use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of all members and the work of the gospel. Many members are already active in using their spiritual gifts to visit widows and the sick, being hospitable, quietly and without recognition.
"We all felt the conference was a tremendous success in laying a foundation for reorienting ourselves and our congregations for the work that still lies ahead," said Peter Hawkins of the South African Office.
LONDON, England--Sixteen members in the London South church were given five pounds each and told to multiply it. To date they have returned more than 710 pounds.
The women sold Caribbean foods, luxury chocolates, marmalade and dried flower arrangements.
The men used their skills from tailoring and antiques to photography. Reports were shared at an annual gala lunch Sept. 3.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offered to send a representative to meet with any who wanted advice to set up individual small businesses. Jackee Brown.
TOPEKA, Kansas--The church here celebrated the end of its first year of Sabbath school June 24. Certificates of completion were given to each child, and more than 50 volunteers out of a congregation of 200 were recognized.
[ Worldwide Church of God | Worldwide News | November 14, 1995 ]
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