ESCONDIDO, California--Colin
Adair, 61, who served in the Worldwide Church of God ministry from 1966 until he resigned
in 1995, died unexpectedly Nov. 15 after a short illness.NEW YORK, New York--Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Mr. Albrecht, director of Church Relations, represented the Worldwide Church of God at the American Bible Society (ABS) national church advisory council Dec. 1 and 2.
To more effectively fulfill its mission, ABS sponsors this meeting once a year to receive input and updates from an interdenominational group of church leaders.
The two-day meetings were convened around the theme, "Building Bridges to Enter Into the Third Millennium" and were attended by more than 100 church leaders and ABS staff.
Eugene Habecker, ABS president, reported to the advisory council about current activities and planned events.
The American Bible Society has declared 1999 as "The Year of the Bible" and is continuing its emphasis on worldwide Bible translation and distribution. President Habecker and the American Bible Society were featured in the November-December PT.
One presentation was an update on the Houses of Worship website (http://www.housesofworship.net) ABS is helping to sponsor. This website helps people who are looking for a healthy, well-balanced, Christ-centered church.
Some WCG pastors and congregations are already involved in this website, and all our congregations are welcome to use its services to advertise what they are doing and how they can help those who may be in need of a new church home.
CHICAGO, Illinois--Chicago West members volunteered to give seniors a hand Nov. 14 with their seasonal outdoor yard work.
The event, called Chore Day, is sponsored by the DuPage County Senior Citizens Council. It involves raking leaves and picking up sticks for citizens who are no longer able to do the jobs themselves.
The event helps volunteers of all ages to meet their older neighbors while helping them out and for them to give back to their community.
Chicago West members were responsible for the yard work at three homes in Lombard, Illinois. They also worked on a yard of a member's neighbor who was not part of the program.
Those participating were Tom Bartell, Eberhard Block, Erica and Marianne Dean, Rose Garcia, Ann and Dan O'Malley, Justin, Kent, Scott and Sue Regnier, Marna Rundgren, Clarence Svehla, Richard Taylor and Phyllis Urbanek. Marna Rundgren.
DAVENPORT, Iowa--Members who attended the Festival in Davenport in October participated in an impromptu charitable opportunity.
During a catered lunch for women, the caterer mentioned that gratuities for the meal would be donated to the family of a young girl who needed oral surgery. Additional donations were made to the gratuity after the meal.
The next day, her plight was mentioned during worship services, and during the Festival $1,111.11 was turned in.
When the oral surgeon learned of the contributions by members, he volunteered to lower his fees so that the contribution would cover all of the expenses. Mike and Michele Urmie.
MONTEREY, California--WCG ministers and wives attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Monterey, Nov. 16-19.
The evangelism schools are used to train pastors and evangelists in the preparation, presentation and preservation of the gospel. In attendance were 850 people who represented 70 denominations in 43 states and 15 countries.
Guest speakers, singers and discussion leaders included Jack Hayford, Paul Cedar, E.V. Hill, Chuck Smith and Chonda Pierce.
WCG ministers and wives in attendance were Dee and Christine Bulante, Pasadena Filipino church; Mark McCulley, an elder in the Pasadena A.M. congregation; James Newby, Chicago Northwest, North and Joliet, Illinois; Dennis and Lorraine Pelley, Providence, Rhode Island, and Norwich, Connecticut; Raul and Sylvia Ramos, San Diego and Pasadena Spanish, California; and Yuma, Arizona; and James and Grace Stokes, Belleville and Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Mr. Bulante said: "The school has impressed on me the values of preaching the gospel, teaching the biblical text and partnering with God through prayer for effective evangelism and discipleship. It has revitalized my pastoral ministry."
Mark McCulley said: "God has gifted us to support evangelism in some way, and as we give ourselves to him in prayer we will find it."
Mr. Newby said: "I came to the School of Evangelism knowing it was God's will that I be here, and being here confirmed it from the opening song to the closing amen. "
Mr. Stokes said: "We have had an incredibly outstanding week of fellowship with Jesus Christ, surrounded by uplifting music, with wonderful Christ-inspired training. Thank you, Jesus Christ, for your love!"
ESCONDIDO, California--Colin
Adair, 61, who served in the Worldwide Church of God ministry from 1966 until he resigned
in 1995, died unexpectedly Nov. 15 after a short illness.
Mr. Adair served as regional director in the Philippines, Canada and the Caribbean. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and graduated from the Bricket Wood, England, campus of Ambassador College in 1966.
Mr. Adair is survived by his wife, Margaret, and a son, Andrew. Cards and letters may be sent to Mrs. Adair, c/o Global Church of God, 16935 W. Bernardo Drive, San Diego, California, 92127.
MURFREESBORO,
Tennessee--The Murfreesboro church chose to celebrate a surprise pastor appreciation day
for Richard and Pat Weber Oct. 24.
The event began with a brunch and included earlier services. Arrangements were made with the congregation in Cookeville so Murfreesboro could keep the Webers for the day.
During brunch, individuals spontaneously stood and told what the Webers had done for them and how they have served Jesus Christ during their years with our congregations. Nancy Gunnels.
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GRANBY, Massachusetts--The Springfield, Massachusetts, congregation and the Living Gate Evangelical Free Church of Granby conducted a joint Thanksgiving worship service, Sunday, Nov. 29, with a potluck meal afterward.
This is the second time the two congregations have met for a combined worship service.
Pastor Steven Sousa of Living Gate and pastor Bill Ford of the WCG gave split sermons on Christian thankfulness.
The praise and worship music was inspirational as both congregations sang old-time gospel favorites and contemporary praise songs to the accompaniment of a praise ensemble consisting of keyboard, guitars, oboe and drums.
The potluck and fellowship that followed helped members from both congregations realize how much they have in common as brothers and sisters in Christ who look to him as Head of the church.
Charles Sawyer, a WCG member, commented, "These combined services are leading to a closer, caring relationship between the two congregations."
The Springfield WCG conducts services on Saturday in the Living Gate Evangelical Free Church building. Bill Ford.
QUEENS, New York--Queens singles will be hosts for their annual Big Apple Dance, Jan. 16.
The worship service will be from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include a seminar and workshop.
The dinner dance will be from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Charisma Ballroom 71-46 Main St. in Flushing (phone 1-718-268-2800). It will include a buffet dinner, five hours of dancing and a professional disc jockey.
Tickets are $45 per person and must be purchased in advance. The deadline is Jan. 5. Make checks payable to Queens Activity Fund and send to Jim Dietz, 251-19 86th Ave., Bellerose, New York, 11426. For more information call Mr. Dietz at 1-718-347-6573 or Brenda Pecoraro at 1-718-470-6928. Joe Radosti.
MONTVALE, New Jersey--Keith Phillips, president of World Impact, spoke to the Montvale church about inner city ministries Sept. 26.
World Impact is an urban ministries organization with schools and offices throughout the United States.
Dr. Phillips was in the area to visit the World Impact Christian School in Newark, New Jersey, and other area churches. He challenges churches to get involved with urban ministries.
Last summer members installed wiring for computers and painted classrooms at Newark Christian School. Ron Robinson.
WORLD IMPACT--From left: Keith Phillips, director of World Impact; pastor Dan
Bierer; Fred Clark, director of World Impact Christian School, Newark, New Jersey.
EAST ORANGE, New
Jersey--Ron Robinson, an elder in Montvale, New Jersey, was installed as the new chairman
of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors New Jersey Chapter 40, it was
announced Nov. 21.
Mr. Robinson is electrical subcode official for the city of East Orange.
CANOGA PARK, California--The Central Coast (formerly San Luis Obispo) church will celebrate its 25th anniversary Jan. 23. Curtis May, district superintendent, will be the featured speaker.
For more information contact Rich and Marie Cheney at 1-805-544-5358 or Rob and Michelle Overall at 1-805- 686-1845.
The Canoga Park (formerly Reseda) church will celebrate its 25th anniversary Feb. 20. Contact Richard Harry by phone at 1-213-741-7591 or by e-mail at RichHarry@aol.com. Festivities begin at noon with services at 2:30 and dinner at 6.
GAINESVILLE, Florida--Ministers and wives from the Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, regions met for a regional conference near Gainesville Dec. 18 to 20.
Guests were Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, his wife, Barbara; Ron Kelly, church controller, and his wife, Norva; Gerald Schnarrenberger, district superintendent in Salt Lake City, Utah, and his wife, Connie; and Carn Catherwood, district superintendent in Memphis, Tennessee.
Barbara Rogers and Norva Kelly conducted a women's seminar.
FARGO, North Dakota--Children in the Fargo congregation presented a play, "The Story of Esther," at the worship service May 16.
Eighteen children from preschool to sixth grade presented the nine-scene play written by teachers Holly Jorud and Jill Berg. Tracy Wendt, Holly Jorud and Carolyn Sigurdson made props and costumes and assisted with play coordination. Jeff Berg was narrator. Jean Harju, children's ministry coordinator, assisted with the overall production.
After the production, the children sang songs that reinforced the theme of Esther. Friends and relatives outside the WCG attended the production. Jill Berg.
LUBBOCK,
Texas--Lenora Stone, a WCG member who supervises the Kingdom Kitchen of the University
Baptist Mission, received the seventh annual Hunger Heroes Award Oct. 23 from Lubbock
mayor Windy Sitton.
Lenora coordinates meals served Tuesday and Thursday evenings. She orders food, shops for groceries, orders paper goods and ensures that volunteers cook and serve the meals properly.
Pastor General's Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 visit to New York took place in Owego, not Oswego, as printed in the December WN.
The correct address for Ambassador Times (December WN) is Box 2001, Temple, Texas, 76504-2001.
Thirty-four youths from six congregations in western Pennsylvania attended the sixth annual Laurel Hills summer camp-out Aug. 15 to 18.
Activities for the boys and girls, ages 5 to 17, included swimming, fishing, hiking, basketball, kickball and indoor games and crafts. In the evenings the group gathered around a fire for marshmallows and smores (hot marshmallow and melted chocolate inside graham crackers). Jon Kurnik.
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NEVADA CITY, California--Thirty-five women from the Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California, churches met for a retreat Sept. 11 to 13 at the Celio Outdoor Center in the Sierra foothills.
The event began Friday evening with dinner, a song service and Verla Morrison talking about a Bible fellowship group.
Teddi Deppner led a worship service Saturday accompanied on the piano by Linda Wilson. Throughout the day speeches were given by Sheila Miller, Sandy Swagerty, Mattie Pittman, Michelle Wendt and Nancy Curtis based on the book A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. Sheila Miller concluded her speech by dancing and signing to "They Shall Soar Like Eagles."
Saturday evening ended with a slide presentation by Robin Baehr about mission work done by Friend Ships.
Sunday began with a dramatic presentation taken from The Magdalene Gospel by Mary Ellen Ashcroft featuring Sandy Swagerty, Cherryl Springmeyer, Sheila Miller, Teddi Deppner, Debby Miller, Kelly Howard, Becky Weaver, Michelle Calloway and Linda Deppner. The retreat ended with a communion service. Nancy Curtis.
BLUE RIDGE, North Carolina--Loretta Williams, a member of the Asheville, North Carolina, congregation, received an Outreach Worker award from Blue Ridge Community Health Services.
Mrs. Williams has worked for more than 27 years delivering health care to migrant farm workers. She has worked at almost every job in the health center from medical director to outreach to front desk.
She views her mission of working with farm workers as a privilege and always looks for ways to improve their lives.
LOS ANGELES--Mariah Thompson, 55, a member of the Pasadena congregation, was first in her age group in a 5k run at Dodger Stadium July 6. Her time was 32 minutes, 51 seconds. Carolina Thompson.
LONG ISLAND, New York--The Long Island congregation was host for a singles weekend Aug. 1 and 2.
It began with fellowship and a workshop titled Fit to Be Tied. Members of the Queens, New York, choir were musical guests for a praise and worship service. Pastor Stanley DeVeaux delivered the sermon.
A dinner-dance took place Saturday evening in Lindenhurst. The singles enjoyed a beach party Sunday at Robert Moses State Park.
EXETER, Rhode Island--Forty-five singles from 10 states attended a singles retreat Aug. 29 and 30 at Canonicus Christian Conference Center. The Providence, Rhode Island, church was host.
Interactive discussions included the following topics: God Sets the Lonely in Families (Psalm 68:6); God, Sex and Singles; and Can Singles Find Real Joy? Each session began with a variety of praise and worship music, Scripture readings, prayers, poems, stories and skits.
Host pastor Dennis Pelley and his wife, Lorraine, were joined by Naomi Bone, a Providence member, and Stanley DeVeaux, Long Island, New York pastor, and his wife, Jean Marie, to lead discussions.
Those attending came to realize that though they may be single now, they are never alone. Dale Goulden.
JOPLIN, Missouri--Joplin teens conducted services on youth day June 27.
After the service the youths had an awards ceremony for a contest to name the youth group. Jennifer Williams won the contest for her entry F.O.C.U.S. (F-Further from Satan, O-Out of sin; C-Christ's love for us; U-United body of God's Church; S-Service to others. Toni Carter.
JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina--John Washington, a member of the Jacksonville congregation, was honored by the secretary of defense for his inventive examination of fuel distribution at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina.
Mr. Washington started making several defueling devices around 1982. He found that by altering the overwing hose he could use it to defuel aircraft without spillage. Pamela Lee Ward.
APPLETON-GREEN BAY YOUTH CHOIR--Teens from the Appleton-Green Bay,
Wisconsin, church sing at youth day May 30. From left: Justin Abney, Eric Lightbody, Josh
Kloehn, Bonnie Seiler, Rachel Van Lanen, Heidi Cole and Sabrina Abney. [Photo by Rick
Bengston]
SAYING GOOD-BYE--Jim and Marge Friddle cut a cake at a retirement party
for Mrs. Friddle Oct. 29 in PTM, where she worked in the fulfillment
area. Mr. Friddle retired frm the ministry in 1995. They now live in Concord, North
Carolina. [Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998