PARTICIPANTS--Indianapolis P.M. and Hope, Indiana, members
who served at Billy Graham Crusade. [Photos by J. David Perry]
DALY CITY, California--The Daly City congregation, which began six months earlier as a church plant, had 24 in attendance June 27, when district superintendent Mike Swagerty and his wife, Sandy, visited.
A group of eight members began an outreach ministry on Saturdays to a shelter that feeds the homeless and other hungry people. At the same time they began to meet for services at one of the members' homes on Sunday morning.
At first it was just the same eight people who faithfully ministered to the needs of the poor in their community and met together for worship. When Mr. Swagerty attended June 27, 24 were in attendance, including eight children. Two were former members befriended by Richard Roberts, the facilitator.
Two others were from Richard's place of employment who wanted to be part of the group. Two teens were there because one WCG member serves in a big brother program, and they wanted to come along.
"What really inspired me was the church service itself," Mr. Swagerty said. "I caught a new vision of what the first century church must have looked like meeting in someone's home.
"We sang, prayed, studied, fellowshipped, shared and broke bread together. There was a real sense of family. And what an ethnically diverse group of people. Represented were individuals from Czechoslovakia, the Ivory Coast of Africa, Trinidad, the Philippines, Samoa, African Americans and various European Americans. Truly a rainbow of God's family here on earth. And yet nothing but love and mutual respect for each other, united in our common love of Christ.
"I have no doubt this group will continue to grow," Mr. Swagerty said, "as they love to worship, and love to reach out and serve. They patiently form relationships, and then wait for God to spark an interest in the person, which they can then use to draw the person to Christ. "I know we all need a little encouragement, and this was a real shot in the arm for my wife, Sandy, and me."
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana--The Indianapolis P.M. and Hope congregations served at the Billy Graham Crusade in Indianapolis June 3 to 6.
Early this spring, 30 members began taking the crusade-sponsored Christian Life and Witness classes to become counselors at the crusade. Not everyone ended up counseling, but the classes were valuable for teaching how to evangelize one on one and how to help someone rededicate his or her life to Jesus Christ.
Twenty-four members served at the crusade as ushers, on the co-labor team, in the choir, as counselors and on the administrative staff.
For many it was a first-time experience to lead others to commit their lives to Jesus and to help many rededicate their lives to him. Carma Pollard and David Perry.
PARTICIPANTS--Indianapolis P.M. and Hope, Indiana, members
who served at Billy Graham Crusade. [Photos by J. David Perry]
ORR,
Minnesota--Jonathan Whitney, 19, died unexpectedly of severe respiratory arrest, June 29,
while working on the staff at the Summer Educational Program (SEP) in Orr.
For most of his life, Jonathan had battled respiratory problems because of allergies.
At the time of his death, Jonathan was a sophomore at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, majoring in computer information technology and business.
His parents, David and Yvonne Whitney, flew to SEP with their family Friday, July 2. The next day a memorial service was conducted at the camp in Jonathan's honor.
Mr. Whitney gave a eulogy in which he extended heartfelt appreciation to the SEP family for their efforts to revive his son. He spoke of Jonathan's lifelong health challenges, but also of his refusal to be limited by what others viewed as a handicap.
Jonathan's mother shared that he was driven to achievement by anything that posed a challenge. She said it was useless trying to convince him that he would be better off avoiding certain activities.
Jonathan was buried in Leiding Cemetery in Orr, overlooking Pelican Lake and the eastern shoreline of the SEP camp.
A scholarship fund has been set up for youths in need to attend the SEP camp. Send contributions to the Jon Whitney Memorial Fund, c/o SEP Office, Box 2211, Frisco, Texas, 75034.
Jonathan was originally from Goffstown, New Hampshire. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three sisters, Katherine, Jessica and Kristen; one brother, Justin; grandmothers Dorothy Whitney and Rita Brodeur; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. David Whitney and Jeb Egbert.
ST. LOUIS, Missouri--Ten WCG ministers and wives participated in five days of intensive instruction in evangelism and discipleship at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in St. Louis, June 21-25.
Karl Reinagel,
pastor of the Des Moines and Chariton, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, congregations, said:
"It was like a second honeymoon with Jesus Christ."
David Fiedler, district superintendent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said: "This conference deepened my appreciation for prayer, broadened my contact with the larger Christian body of Christ, and turned my eyes toward a dying world in need of Christ. I'd recommend it to anyone."
WCG ministers and wives in attendance were David Fiedler; Calvin and Nona Devries of Des Moines, Iowa; Al and Suzanne Kersha, Columbia, Kirksville and Jefferson City, Missouri; Jim Lee, Lake St. Louis and St. Louis South; Mark Queener, Belleville, Illinois; Karl Reinagel; and Jim and Grace Stokes, Belleville and Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
The school was host to 800 ministers and lay leaders from 42 states, two provinces in Canada, 16 other countries and 56 Christian denominations.
PINELAKE, Florida--Seventy-five members, pastors and lay leaders gathered at Pinelake Retreat Center west of Orlando for an inspirational weekend, June 11-13.
District superintendent Bob Persky and his wife, Kay, gave presentations based on the conference theme of Becoming an Agent of Revival.
Larry Hinkle, pastor
of the Port St. Lucie and Boca Raton, Florida, congregations, shared his training from
Evangelism Explosion in how to lead a non-believer to Jesus.
Mrs. Persky shared the story of her son Brad's healing and how that has enriched her zeal for worship. Mr. Persky gave presentations on Discovering Your Ministry Identity, Team Building and The Joy of Salvation. Ken Smylie.
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina--The Fayetteville congregation celebrated Pentecost, May 23, by gathering with the Advent Christian congregation.
Members of both churches attended the Advent Christian Church's Sunday school, met for a joint Pentecost service and shared in a potluck meal.
Bobby Murray, the Advent Christian pastor, and a combined choir, led the Pentecost service. Special music was performed by Linda Whipple of the Wilson, North Carolina, congregation, Julie Averitt of Fayetteville, and the combined choir.
Jonathan Stepp, associate pastor of the Fayetteville congregation, gave the sermon. Micah Royal.
MUSKEGON, Michigan--After pastor Norm David gave the sermon at Pentecost services in Muskegon, he invited everyone to join him in rededicating themselves to God and the new Worldwide Church of God.
They all held hands as Mr. David prayed for the congregation. Then they shared communion and broke into groups of four to six for prayer.
May 29 six members of the congregation united with other Muskegon area churches for a prayer walk to pray for the concerns of the residents in the area, at their request, and for peace in the community. Michele Templeman.
MOBILE, Alabama--A graduation ceremony and brunch took place May 16 for seven members who completed a church leadership training program.
The course was designed to train lay members in works of service to the church and to prepare them for community service and outreach. The course consisted of 20 hours of instruction and spanned six months.
The training included multi-cultural awareness, small group formation, outreach and effective music ministry.
The graduates Mary Adkins, Andrew Britton, Bobby Edmonds, Mary Foreman, Cleveland Frison, Rosylen Frison and Barbara Thornhill. Many of the graduates have already assumed new areas of responsibility within the congregation. Frederick Moore.
 Edward Faulk |
LORAIN, Ohio--The Lorain congregation had a testimony service May 1. Jim and Naomi Owens were worship leaders.
Nine members shared experiences from their personal lives. They are pastor Edward Faulk, Laura Lee, Rueben Hall, Andy Lebanik, Kathy Johnson, Jerry Stephens, Jolyn Haslage, Mike Smith and Kim Skinner.
The newly formed Women of Grace chorus, directed by Kim Skinner, performed special music. Kitty Smith.
PASADENA--More than 100 WCG members from Southern California joined with about 5,000 brothers and sisters in Christ from other denominations at Lake Avenue Church, May 22, in Pasadena, to learn about developing leaders of excellence and integrity among the laity.
John Maxwell, author and lecturer, started the daylong seminar with the three signs of a great church: 1) people receiving Jesus Christ as Savior, 2) lay people being involved in ministry; and 3) lay people answering the call to service.
Mr. Maxwell gave examples of how impossible it is for pastors to do everything and the need for leaders to replicate themselves by developing a winning strategy to establish a lay ministry within their church.
Mr. Maxwell said, "Give me 20 of your lay members and I will give you back 20 ministers." Ron Grove.
BONN, Germany--The Worldwide Church of God in Germany was granted guest status in the Working Group of Christian Churches (Arbeitskreis Christlicher Kirchen) June 8.
Also, the Bonn congregation has been invited to become a member of the Evangelical Alliance Bonn. This membership extends only to the Bonn congregation and can later be expanded to more WCG congregations in Germany.
"I believe that God had his hand in opening these doors for us," said Alois Mair, administrative assistant in the Bonn Office. "No longer is the WCG classified a sect or cult here in Germany, but we are now accepted as Christians by other churches.
"Our membership in both of these Christian Associations will make it easier for us to reach new people, rent halls and take part in joint evangelistic activities. I believe that fellowship with other Christians will enrich us and vice versa."
NEW ALBANY, Indiana--The New Albany Women's Ministry, led by Carolyn Burgess, has found that by designating specific months for clothing and food drives they can contribute to more than one community program without overwhelming their small congregation.
A February food drive helps St. Vincent de Paul's Open Hands Kitchen in Louisville, Kentucky, feed the hungry in the tricounty area.
The center also provides shelter for the homeless and educational programs to help recovering alcoholics and addicts re-enter the work force. Members donated hundreds of clothing items to these programs this year.
The Home of the Innocents drive in July benefits homeless, abused and special needs children by providing items that range from diapers and personal care items, to children's clothing, books and toys.
In addition, the congregation has a coat drive in the fall, as well as an on-going drive to collect pull-tabs from aluminum cans. These help the Brown Cancer Center send children with cancer to summer camp.
The Women's Ministry also sponsors an adopted child in Rwanda. Peggy Head.
BINGHAMTON, New
York--"At a meeting of the Broome County Council of Churches, I introduced a copy of
the Millennial Madness video," said Oleh Kubik,
pastor of the Binghamton and Elmira congregations.
After initial skepticism, several of the pastors asked for a copy of the video. By the end of 1998, portions of the video were being played in several Christian churches in the southern tier of New York.
"Several videos were ordered for small groups--especially for those bitten with false prophecy interpretations," Mr. Kubik said.
"For several pastors, prophecy in their churches has become a big distraction to preaching the gospel. They have complained that no matter how much they have tried to focus on the message of the gospel, their members have wanted to discuss interpretation of the latest news event. It has been a big frustration to them to have people distracted by more exciting speculations than the story of the indwelling Christ."
The Greek Feast site still accepts applications at the original price. For example, two people can share a room for nine nights for a total of $579 per person--all inclusive, except airfare.
The package includes lodging, breakfast, dinner, whole-day trips to ancient sites with lunch provided, a one-day cruise to three islands and evening entertainment.
For information contact Delores Schroeder at 1-626-304-6140; fax her at 1-626-304-6130; or send e-mail to Delores_Schroeder@wcg.org K.J. Stavrinides.
OMAHA, Nebraska--The Omaha congregation will celebrate its 35th anniversary Oct. 23.
Worship services will be at 10:30, followed by a potluck at 12:30. Slides, church history and reminiscing are planned.
To attend, please contact Mark Schneider at 3704 S. 87 Ave., Omaha, Nebraska, 68124; telephone 1-402-991-0564; or by e-mail at ms93087@aol.com
LOS ANGELES,
California--Leigh Sniffen, a deaconess in the Pasadena A.M. congregation, was one of 23
participants who completed six months of intensive training in Leadership Development in
Interethnic Relations (LDIR).
The program, recognized in the President's Initiative on Race, is sponsored by a coalition of organizations including the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, the Martin Luther King Dispute Resolution Center and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Central American Resource Center.
These organizations promote harmony among diverse ethnic groups throughout various areas of Los Angeles.
Primary goals are enhancing cultural awareness, building skills and sensitivity for working with people who are different from ourselves and developing community projects.
Mrs. Sniffen and her geographical team implemented a model for relationship enhancement workshops, targeting nonprofit organizations whose staff consist of employees with ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Mrs. Sniffen is looking forward to using this training to benefit the community and the congregation. Bermie Dizon.
ROCHESTER,
Minnesota--The Rochester congregation was asked to organize the communitywide gathering
for this year's National Day of Prayer, May 6.
Two hundred fifty people of various denominations gathered at the Assembly of God church in Rochester. Pastor Don Engle and his wife, Alix, organized the event. Hymns and music were performed by WCG members Novella Meisner and Jonathan Engle. Jeannine Engle.
BALTIMORE,
Maryland--The Cosmos and Creation Conference conducted its 18th annual meeting June 4 to 6
at Loyola College in Baltimore. Among the 50 attendees was John McKenna, senior editor in
denominational publications.
The attendees gathered to interact with Philip Hefner of the Chicago Center for Religion and Science. Dr. Hefner is a Lutheran theologian and editor of the Zygon Journal.
Dr. Hefner gave two lectures--Science, Religion and Story, and Evolution as Epic. They served as background for three discussion sessions during which the group asked Dr. Hefner questions on a wide range of concerns about the relationship between theology and science.
TUCSON, Arizona--Known in his Media Productions class as Mr. Everything, Daniel Maldonado has earned the 1998-99 Student of the Year award for his devotion and hard work in the media class at Pueblo High Magnet School.
This award is normally given to seniors, but Danny's teacher made an exception and gave Daniel the award as a sophomore.
Daniel also won the regional Vocational Industrial Clubs of America gold medal in a statewide competition this year. Danny produced a few projects that have led him to achieve his success. These include producing a University of Arizona mall promotion, a University of Arizona bookstore promotion and a City of Tucson traffic control video.
In the class studio, he helps out with the morning news show that media students put on for their peers. This includes set up, camera, lights, audio, floor manager, technical director, director and van crew as well as being Mr. Fix-It. Cristina Maldonado.
FRESNO, California--Donnalee Dunne of the Fresno congregation has completed her second master of arts degree at California State University Fresno.
The degree is in fine arts, and was culminated with a solo exhibition of 41 paintings in the Phebe Conley Gallery on campus. The exhibition of landscape paintings is titled Quintessence: Portrait of Earth.
Donnalee works in the media of oil and acrylic on canvas and panel, and in computer. Her work has been shown in other galleries across the nation and at the California State Fair.
Donnalee's first master's degree was in English, with a creative writing option. She has been published in several national magazines.
Her latest art and writings can be viewed on the Internet at www.raldon.com
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin--The Milwaukee congregation was host for a workshop on the Great I-AM presented June 25 to 27 by John McKenna, senior editor in denominational publications.
The three evenings of lectures and interaction between the congregation and Dr. McKenna were based on a series of articles he wrote for the WN earlier this year.
Pastor Greg Neller and his wife, Tammy, suggested that this weekend was a true blessing of God for the congregation.
David Fiedler, district superintendent, attended the workshop June 27. Mr. Fiedler said, "I felt for the first time I was on Dr. McKenna's wavelength and could see clearly what he has been trying to say to us about our God."
Festival in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Florida--For the third year in a row, the Pensacola congregation will be host for a four-day Festival, beginning Friday evening, Sept. 24.
Services will be conducted that evening and Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. A family dance will take place Saturday evening.
For more information send e-mail inquiries to John Young at Jyoung1068@aol.com, or call at 1-850-857-6762.
Applications may be sent to John Young, 11164 Horizon Rd., Milton, Florida, 32583.
Festival in Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, congregations will be hosts for a weekend Festival celebration Sept. 24-26. The weekend will include praise and worship services, preaching and workshops at the Omni Hotel in Richardson, Texas.
For more information, please call Tom Pickett, Fort Worth pastor, at 1-817-249-2728 or Lynn Hebert, Dallas Central pastor, at 1-972-303-9366.
Golf tournament in Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS, California--A golf tournament will take place the morning of Sept. 29 at the Festival in Palm Springs.
The tournament will have a shotgun start. The cost will be about $50 (subject to change), which includes golf fees, a golf cart, a bucket of range balls and lunch after the tournament. The tournament is limited to the first 72 people to sign up.
Call Randy LaMere at 1-760-322-2202 or send e-mail to him at RRL642@aol.com
BREMERTON, Washington--On June 6 the Bremerton congregation conducted its second prayer and fast vigil of 1999.
Nineteen members committed to pray during a designated hour within a 12-hour time frame.
The focus was on those facing life-threatening illnesses; church unity; church finances; and completion of the sale of church properties in Big Sandy, Texas, and Pasadena.
Elder Jim Jobe said, "Because our fellowship in Bremerton is small and spread out, the prayer and fast vigils give our congregation the opportunity to become unified as we pray about the trials of other people less fortunate than ourselves, within our communities and around the world." Linda Schow.
DODGE CITY, Kansas--Cynthia Bruns, wife of Bradley Bruns, Dodge City pastor, was nominated April 10 to the board of directors of the Christian Woman's After 5 Club.
These women of many faiths gather to share their love of God, their practice of Christianity and the knowledge that God uses all of us, and we can each make our light shine as brightly as we choose.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruns open their home every Wednesday evening for a WCG house church meeting with 10 to 12 members and guests.
Mr. Bruns owns a lawn service, and Mrs. Bruns operates a day care and preschool in their home.
MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina--A family contempory Christian music concert will take place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Sept. 25 as part of the activities for Festival '99: Come Celebrate Christ.
The concert, which will start at 7:30 p.m., will feature the contemporary Christian music group Brother's Keeper. Their hit song, "Rain On," is at No. 10 on the national charts, as compiled by CCM magazine, and has already hit No. 1 on some local charts.
Also appearing will be Christian comedian Keith Deltano. Keith will also speak at a youth worship service on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. The concert is free with a love offering to be taken up to cover costs. The host for both events is Impact Teen Ministries, a youth ministry started by WCG members Robby Cloninger and Frank Ancona.
For more information, contact Frank Ancona at 1-336-722-1454.
BEATRICE, Nebraska--Ethyl Naylor, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, entertains residents of the nursing home where she lives.
Mrs. Naylor plays the piano for nursing home residents. Few people knew she could play the piano.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999