By Richard Frankel
CHICAGO--Nine hundred thirty-four members gathered in Chicago March 1 to praise the Lord, the Almighty.
The occasion was the visit of Pastor General Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy, who were returning to his boyhood home and visiting church family.
The festive atmosphere was introduced by a celebration medley from the Chicagoland choir directed by Ivan Lane.
In his sermon Mr. Tkach encouraged us through vivid illustrations and biblical examples toward repentance, reaching out, reconciliation and relationships.
Jo Anna Collins, a member from Chicago North, said: "The message was straight from the heart. God is really moving in this church."
Bill Williamson from Chicago Northwest commented: "The sermon was excellent and embraced a lot of people. Some who had left came back today, and Mr. Tkach embraced them and showed us how to bring others back to the fold."
Jesse Bellamy, a 37-year veteran of the church and longtime elder, observed: "It was a great learning and growth experience. Everybody was charged with enthusiasm."
After lunch, while the women met for a women's conference (see box page 6), 164 men gathered for "An Afternoon with Pastor Joe." The men lifted their voices to the Lord in praise and worship. Then Mr. Tkach made introductory comments, and for two hours fielded questions from the floor.
Mr. Williamson commented afterward: "He was candid. No questions were off limits. His answers were frank. It could have been easy to say `I am not sure,' but he came right out and let us know how he felt."
Richard Taylor, a local church elder, observed: "Answers were fair, fine, very good. The road we are taking is biblically supportable. I think it went very well, very inspiring, well done."
March 18, 1997, WN, page 3
| WCG Home | Issues | Contents |
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God,1997