Vol. 26 No. 1 • January–February 2020

By Ariana Del Signore

Welcome to the United News— this new layout, we strove for a freshly redesigned in honor of the United News Redesign! cleaner feel that puts more focus on 25th anniversary of the United content, and visually harmonizes Church of God, an International UN with our website and other me- Association! In acknowledgement dia. We moved the page numbers of this landmark year, the Coun- Looking forward to the next 25 years to the top, we reduced the size of cil of Elders has chosen the theme the masthead, and we redesigned “Moving Forward With Convic- low-contrast graphics elements so tion, Commitment and Courage” they are now easier to read.” for the next General Conference Mitchell Moss, former manag- of Elders meeting in early May. ing editor of United News, served There has been much discussion as a consultant on this project. He about the next 25 years in recent commented, “I’m thrilled with the months here at the home office. In results of this redesign. Every de- a September letter, Victor Kubik sign choice we made was in ser- Tiago Gerkin/Unsplash said he believes “the best years vice to making United News a re- of the United Church of God still flection of our mission and vision lie ahead.” He asked three major as a Church, and also to imbue it questions: “Where have we been? with Ariana’s own aspirations for Where are we now? And perhaps the publication. She did a fan- most importantly, where are we tastic job propelling the project going?” today impact the years ahead of lifelong conversion, sharing the send it in! Send us feedback. Send forward, as did Matt and Clint in Additionally, at the August us and the next generation.” You gospel in genuine ways whenever us articles. Be involved! designing the elements. Here’s to Council meetings, Chairman may have noticed more pastoral they can and making meaning- Another goal of this redesign was the future of United!” Donald Ward commented on the development programs being ful relationships? How could this improved navigation and readabil- Additionally, the Good News importance of the Church “rein- held all over the U.S. and abroad publication encourage readers to ity. As you flip through this issue, section is now a completely venting itself to address . . . critical in recent years. These events rep- be kinetic and knitted—actively you'll notice that page numbers standalone insert within Unit- societal changes and provide high- resent the intentional effort to moving forward together? and content section indicators ed News. Graphic designer Matt ly relevant spiritual tools for young train future spiritual leaders. One result of these questions was appear at the top of the page for Hernandez is behind the updated people to survive and thrive.” Reflecting on the next 25 years a content examination during the easier direction. The decision to Good News logo. He commented, Mr. Kubik has also recorded of the Church, Mr. McNeely also redesign process. As I receive ma- migrate to a green masthead and “With the Good News section, several podcasts with Darris talked about the importance of terial from each of you, I plan to color scheme aims for consistency we wanted something clean and McNeely about looking forward meaningful relationships to pre- focus on printing more relevant with the members website (ucg. modern, but that is also a call to the next 25 years. These can serve unity and to develop the content and congregational news. org/members) where many mate- back to the past. The masthead be accessed online at ucg.org/ empathy to “address relevant is- People are doing great things in rials and news items referenced in design was heavily inspired by a inside-united-podcast. They have sues that are impacting the world their local areas, and printing news United News can be found. The up- similar GN design from the 70s. discussed the current leadership today—from the foundation of articles about those things can in- dated table of contents section at The idea behind this approach transition of this organization, the Word of God.” spire people in other congregations the bottom of this front page offers is that while we are looking for- passing true doctrine on to the Throughout the process of rede- to serve and grow in similar ways. a content overview. ward, we are sticking to our next generations, reinvigorated signing United News, I listened to If you know of someone distrib- Associate video producer Clint roots, especially when it comes preaching, the development of the these discussions and considered uting Beyond Today magazines, Porter, who creates motion graph- to doctrinal integrity.” pastoral ministry and preaching what this vision for the next 25 leading small group Bible discus- ics for Beyond Today TV, was ac- The goal of this redesign was to the gospel in a way that reaches years of UCG meant for this pub- sions with work friends, initiating tively involved in the redesign as ensure United News continues to people where they are without lication specifically. How could community service projects or well. He commented, “You can provide relevant and inspirational compromising the truth. the UN reflect those concepts? preaching the gospel in another create the perfect newspaper layout content to readers. My prayer is Mr. McNeely noted in one pod- How could this publication help self-initiated way, write about it one day, but the world will contin- that this publication helps to fos- cast, “The Bible is full of transi- contribute to the development of and send it in! If someone in your ue to change around it. We found it ter a sense of community and ca- tions. You see the transition from a church going forward—full of congregation inspires you, write was time to holistically look at ev- maraderie between brethren as we Moses to Joshua . . . from Elijah to Christians who are pursuing their a member profile such as the one ery design element in the UN and enter the next quarter century of Elisha . . . decisions that are made calling, pursuing baptism and found on page 15 of this issue and assess its value to the reader. With this organization. UN In This Issue Council Letter Feast Reports Travel Updates The Good News WFW Rainer Salomaa takes a personal look Two Feast sites in Update on the recent pastoral trip to at a Christian's spiritual tools—pg. 3 Africa and the U.S. Asia—pg. 11 The Eighth Commandment Recent Winter Family pg. 5 (Don Hooser)—pg. 7 Weekend held in Cin- News & Upcoming Events cinnati—pg. 2 Member Profile Nashville’s service project, upcoming Will Your Faith Survive the Time of YA weekends—pg. 4-5 Announcements Get to know a longtime member of the End? (John LaBissoniere)—pg. 8 pg. 6 God’s Church—pg. 15 President’s Letter Updates from MMS How Rooted Are You? Victor Kubik shares leadership lessons Recent ordinations and transferrals, UCG Audit and Financial Review When Do You Need a Will? (John McClain)—pg. 9 from Malawi and Zambia—pg. 3 ministerial training programs—pg. 4 pp. 12-14 pg. 16 2 Winter Family Weekend Jan.-Feb. 2020 U.S. Circulation: 14,675 Vol. 26, No. 1

Amy Wuerfel Amy United News (ISSN 1088-8020) is published 6 times per he Cincinnati Winter Fami- Evening activities included year (in January, March, May, July, September, November) by the United Church of God, an International Association, ly Weekend 2019 featured a dances for teens and adults, kara- 555 Technecenter Dr., Milford, OH 45150. © 2020 United T Church of God, an International Association. Printed in schedule packed with lots of ac- oke, family games, a band show- the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals tivities. Those included three days case, a performing arts show, and Postage paid at Milford, Ohio 45150, and at additional of basketball and volleyball, three a live appearance by Jelly. mailing offices. Canada Post publications mail agreement number 1487167. days of educational seminars and Throughout the entire event, UCGIA Council of Elders: Scott Ashley, Aaron Dean, Bob Dick, Dan Dowd, Jorge de Campos, Len Martin, Darris an evening schedule of varied during every activity—and in McNeely, Rainer Salomaa, Mario Seiglie, Randy Stiver, activities. Between the dances, between activities—brethren en- Donald Ward, Anthony Wasilkoff President: Victor Kubik board games room, waterpark, joyed the opportunity for fellow- Media and Communications Services Manager: Peter Eddington artwork expo, preteen games and ship. Whether a person is athletic Associate Editor: Ariana Del Signore other activities, there was some- or not, part of a large family or Copy Editor: Justin Palm Doctrinal reviewers: Jerold Aust, Dave Mills, Gerald Seelig, thing for everyone! single, old or young—spending Mario Seiglie, Rex Sexton, Anthony Wasilkoff The Great Wolf Lodge of Ma- time with our spiritual family is Web-first article doctrinal team: Gerald Seelig, John LaBissoniere son, Ohio, provided lodging and a the primary reason for Winter Scriptural references are from the New King James Version (© 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers) unless otherwise noted. conference facility where most of Family Weekend. Many volunteers Subscriptions: United News is sent automatically to mem- bers of the United Church of God and is free to all who Amy Wuerfel Amy the activities occurred. The cen- devote hundreds of hours to orga- request it. Your subscription is provided by the generous, voluntary contributions of members of the United Church ter bustled during the Sabbath, nizing and running it, and that is of God, an International Association, and their coworkers. Donations are gratefully accepted and are tax-deductible. To beginning with a Friday evening why many families devote consid- request a subscription, write to United News, United Church Bible study presented by Lewis erable resources to it—as does the of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, or to one of the international addresses below. VanAusdle. The next morning Church. The weekend seems to ex- Address changes: POSTMASTER—Send address changes to United News, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027 children attended Youth Instruc- emplify Psalm 133:1, that it is good International addresses: AFRICA & ASIA (except as listed tion sessions, and teens and adults and pleasant for brethren to dwell below): United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, chose from several seminars. together in unity! OH 45254-1027, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected] AUSTRALIA: United Church of God–Australia, GPO Box Afternoon Sabbath service at- Plans are already in place for next 535, Brisbane, Qld. 4001, Australia. Phone: 07 5580 8477 International calls: +617 5580 8477 E-mail: [email protected] tendance was 1,172 people, with year’s Winter Family Weekend. In BENELUX countries (Belgium, Netherlands and an additional 1,300 online, listen- 2020 it will occur at the Northern Luxembourg): P.O. Box 93, 2800 AB Gouda, The Netherlands. ing to special music and a sermon Kentucky Convention center in BRITISH ISLES: United Church of God–British Isles, P.O. Box by Tim Pebworth. Covington, along with adjacent 705, Watford, Herts. WD19 6FZ England. Phone: 020 8386 8467 Fax: 020 8386 1999 Sunday through Tuesday, many hotels and nearby sports facilities. CANADA: United Church of God–Canada, P.O. Box 144,

Julie Martin Station D, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1, Canada. Phone: (905) members played or watched the Mark December 25-29 on your 614-1234, (800) 338-7779 Fax: (905) 614-1749 E-mail: info@ sports at a nearby gymnasium. calendar for 2020 and plan to join ucg.ca CAMEROON: United Church of God Cameroon, BP 10322 Others attended Bible seminars in us for a very special time! Béssengue, Douala Cameroon. the conference center, or visited Frank Dunkle OTHER FRENCH-SPEAKING AREAS: Église de Dieu Unie– France, 127 rue Amelot, 75011 Paris, France. the on-site indoor waterpark. CARIBBEAN: United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected] EAST AFRICA (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda): United Church of God–East Africa, P.O. Box 75261, Nairobi 00200 Kenya. E-mail: [email protected] GERMANY: Vereinte Kirche Gottes, Postfach 30 15 09, D-53195 Bonn, Germany. Phone: 0228-9454636 Fax: 0228- 9454637 E-mail: [email protected] ITALY: La Buona Notizia, Chiesa di Dio Unita, Casella Postale 187, 24121 Bergamo Centro, Italy. Phone/Fax: (+39) 035 4523573. E-mail: [email protected] MALAWI: P.O. Box 32257, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi. Phone: +265 999 823 523. E-mail: [email protected] NEW ZEALAND: United Church of God, P.O. Box 22, Shortland St., Auckland 1140, New Zealand. Phone: 0508- 463-763 NIGERIA: United Church of God, P.O. Box 2265, Somolu, Lagos, Nigeria. Phone: 803-323-3193. E-mail: nigeria@ ucg.org

Julie Martin PHILIPPINES: Philippines: P.O. Box 1474, MCPO, 1254 Makati Brethren of all ages spent City, Philippines. Cell/text: +63 (2) 8804-4444. Website: time together fellowshipping, www.ucg.org.ph. E-mail: [email protected] learning, dancing and play- SCANDINAVIA: Guds Enade Kyrka, P.O. Box 541027. Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027 U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected]. ing sports at this year’s Winter SINGAPORE: United Church of God, P.O. Box 535, Brisbane, Family Weekend. Queensland, 4001, Australia. SOUTH AFRICA (and Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland only): United Church of God, Southern Africa,

John Miller John P.O. Box 1181 Tzaneen 0850. Phone: (+27) 0797259453. E-Mail: [email protected] SPANISH-SPEAKING AREAS: Iglesia de Dios Unida, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, U.S.A. Phone: (513) 576-9796 TONGA: United Church of God–Tonga, P.O. Box 518, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. SWITZERLAND: Phone: 49 228 945 4636. Website: http:// www.vkg.org ALL OTHER SOUTH PACIFIC REGIONS NOT LISTED: United Church of God–Australia, GPO Box 535, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia ZAMBIA: United Church of God, P.O. Box 23076, Kitwe, Zambia. Phone: (0026)0966925840. E-mail: zambia@ ucg.org ZIMBABWE: United Church of God, Zimbabwe, P.O. Box 928, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. Phone: 011716273. E-mail: [email protected] Internet access on your computer: The United Church of God, an International Association, has an online home page. The address www.ucg.org gives you access to general information and news about the Church, issues of Beyond Today and United News, as well as our booklets. The address www.ucg.ca accesses the Church’s Canadian website, www.ucg.org.au the Australian website, www. labuonanotizia.org the Italian website, www.goodnews. org.uk the British Isles website, www.ucg.org.ph the Philippines website, www.ucgeastafrica.org the Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda site and http://south-africa.ucg.org the Southern Africa website. President’s Letter President’s Letter | 3 Kobu Agency/Unsplash y visits to Malawi and Zam- of the men because undid his monarchy. markable in his relationship to Mbia over the past 20 years they had known them God had to reject God. In Acts 13:22 we read God’s have given me some remarkable since they were little him as king of Israel. assessment: “I have found David insight into the life and culture of boys. Their nature He didn’t obey God’s the son of Jesse, a man after My local communities. One area of from childhood was instructions, but fol- own heart, who will do all My will.” special interest was local govern- an indicator of what lowed idols and even David was courageous, he loved ment in the villages. Each village they would be like dabbled in witch- God’s law, he was ever-thankful or settlement has a chief or head- as adults, and more craft. The sad conse- in whatever state that he was in. man. Some of our United Church importantly, as com- quences surround the These inner characteristics are of God members have been and munity leaders. The story of Saul. what made David a great king. are chiefs or headmen. In one women would gath- By contrast the How do we choose our “village case, one of our ladies acted as er and discuss who next king of Israel chiefs?” Those who have respon- chief of her community while her would be selected. was David. His story sibilities within our Church? Is it How do we judge who the best leaders are for husband was studying abroad. What characteristics the Church within our congregations? is told in I Samuel 16. on outward appearance and show, The chief structure in various defined this new vil- David was an unlike- or is it based on the inner person? African cultures is very import- lage leader? Was he ly candidate among As we look at the qualifications ant. Chiefs took care of various kind? Did he have a Good and Bad Choices his brothers, the for an elder in I Timothy 3, we local civil necessities, often resolv- temper? Was he truthful or decep- broad-shouldered sons of Jesse. see that God is looking for those ing property issues and disputes. tive? Manipulative? Compassion- The first king of Israel was cho- David was only brought forward who are not hot-tempered, not Chiefs also allocate land to the ate or cruel? Was he self-promoting sen among a hoopla of public ral- after the other sons didn’t quali- greedy for money, but hospitable, inhabitants. In Zambia we have a or humble? Selfish or generous? lying for a charismatic, charming fy. This statement says it all about self-controlled, humble, gentle, few church buildings built on land Was he a bully? Negative traits leader. Read about what distin- how God at us: “But the Lord said sober-minded. Sometimes charis- “given” to us by a chief. Chiefs also could carry into adulthood and guished Saul and brought the ac- to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his ap- ma can mask undesirable quali- resolved minor violations—judg- not bode well for a future leader. claim of the people: pearance or at his physical stat- ties, but these are the ones that we ing what we would consider in the Personal characteristics would “There was not a more handsome ure, because I have refused him. should be aware of first. United States a small claims court. be discussed among the women person than [Saul] among the chil- For the Lord does not see as man We learned an important lesson In one locale Bev and I asked who knew the nature of the candi- dren of Israel. From his shoulders sees; for man looks at the outward about how the village chief was about how a chief was chosen. dates best. The candidate who was upward he was taller than any of appearance, but the Lord looks at chosen in a rural Malawi commu- The answer was interesting. most charming and charismatic the people” (1 Samuel 9:2). Saul the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). nity. It’s an important lesson for us The women of the village decid- was not always the best choice. was impressive! He probably ex- In spite of very obvious mistakes as we consider our future chiefs ed who would become the next How do we judge who the best uded a persuasive, self-confident and sins in David’s life, he was re- and servants in the church. UN chief. “Why was that?” we asked. leaders are for the Church within demeanor and the people loved The answer was that many of the our congregations? While we ask it. They made him the first king of women were mothers of the can- for God’s will and judgment to Israel against the advice of Samuel. Victor Kubik is the President of the United Church of God. He is a didates for chief. They understood be evident, He delegates to us a But he was a failure as king. He had longtime minister who has served in pastoral and administrative best the nature and temperament voice in the process. huge cracks in his character that roles in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Africa. He can be reached at [email protected]. Council Letter

y father was a bricklayer When I came in the White/Unsplash Ben pray…” not if you other translations word this a bit Mand stone mason. So was Church as a teenager, pray (Matthew 6:6). differently. For instance, the New his father. I carried on the family I easily understood He also said, “More- Living Translation says, “Work occupation by working as a brick- the importance of over, when you hard so you can present yourself to layer’s helper during summer jobs using spiritual tools. fast…” not if you fast God and receive His approval. Be while I attended university. It was There was an empha- (Matthew 6:16). a good worker, one who does not hard work, but the pay was good. sis on “getting in your The apostle Paul need to be ashamed and who cor- I had to mix mortar, set up scaf- prayer,” “doing your was a wise master rectly explains the word of truth.” folding, carry bricks and scrape Bible study,” fasting builder (1 Corin- God tells me, and He tells you, the excess mortar from between and meditation. We thians 3:10). He en- “But you, beloved, building your- the bricks. Working with concrete talked about having a couraged Christians selves up on your most holy faith, blocks was more strenuous be- good attitude instead to, “Study to shew praying in the Holy Spirit, keep cause they are heavier than bricks. of a bad one. Prayer Prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation are thyself approved yourselves in the love of God, My dad died many years ago, and Bible study be- a Christian's "tools of the trade". unto God, a work- looking for the mercy of our Lord at the age of 55. I conducted his came a regular part man that needeth Jesus Christ unto eternal life” funeral, the first one I ever per- of my way of life. So I not to be ashamed, (Jude 1:20-21). formed, as a young minister. To- also did regular fast- rightly dividing the Every tradesman has his tools. day, I still have his tools and have ing. The first time I fasted, at age pray. When I first started to pray as word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, As bricklayers, my dad and his used them occasionally. What 16, was for two days. I was alone a boy at home, I literally went into KJV). That was quoted a lot in the dad had theirs. When I came into tools you might ask? Actually, at our summer cottage near Ed- the closet in my bedroom. That early years when I began attend- the Church, I was given spiritual there are not that many—some monton. In the ministry, long worked out okay until my mom ing Church services. Back then tools to help build on my faith. trowels, a level, a scraper, a brick drives have given me much time walked in and opened the door. the standard Bible that most used They have been invaluable, and I hammer, a line of string and some to meditate. Talk about embarrassing! was the King James Version. Some would be lost without them. UN chisels for stone work. With these When I went to Ambassador I cannot imagine having come simple tools and skillful work, College, I thought it was so unique this far on this spiritual journey I watched my dad build beauti- to have prayer closets in our Rainer Salomaa pastors four congregations in Alberta and Sas- without using these spiritual tools katchewan. He has been on the National Council of UCG Canada ful fireplaces, fences, houses and dorms. I thought that it was so cool of prayer, study, fasting and med- since 1999 and currently serves on the Council of Elders. commercial buildings. to be able to find a private place to itation. Christ said, “When you He can be reached at [email protected]. 4 News and Upcoming Events Pastoral Development Program Nashville Congregation Serves Seniors Lebanon, Tennessee. The senior center currently delivers approx- imately 45 meals to home bound seniors Monday through Friday, but during the holidays and win- ter snow days there are days that the center will be closed and will not be preparing lunches. In these cases, many may go without a meal. These shoe boxes are filled Shoeboxes full of meals to be donated to the Lebanon senior center. with various canned soups and other non-perishable food items that will help cover a couple of Attendees of the 10-day Pastoral Development Program in Cincinnati. The Nashville congregation is collecting and filling shoe boxes meals for those who are in need. excited to be a part of a new com- with food items to be delivered Tina Cason munity service project! They are to a local senior citizen center in It was a real pleasure to host the hosted the participants. Many 2019 Pastoral Development Pro- wonderful bonds of fellowship gram. The 10-day program was were developed and strengthened. held November 11-20. We had a We all had such a marvelous time Updates from Ministerial and Member Services healthy mixture of seasoned pas- getting to know each other better! tors, newer pastors, ministerial Comments from the partici- At the beginning of November, gations in Columbia (Maryland), ta, Salina and Meade, Kansas. Mr. trainees and elders, along with pants were overwhelmingly pos- Rob Slocum was hired to pas- Northern Virginia and Richmond Foraker and his wife, Kristy, had their wives—totaling 32 dedicated itive and there is no question in tor the congregation in Seattle, (Virginia). Mr. Britt and his wife, been assisting the previous pastor, servants. Several were from vari- my mind that the many classes Washington. Mr. Slocum had Danielle, served those congrega- Ed Dowd. Mr. Dowd will continue ous countries outside the U.S.— throughout the program served been serving as an assistant pas- tions for the past year, assisting to pastor the Tulsa and Oklahoma Haiti, United Kingdom, Australia, “for the equipping of the saints tor in the Portland, Oregon, con- pastor Don McCoy. Mr. McCoy City, Oklahoma congregations. Sri Lanka, Malawi and Canada. for the work of ministry, for the gregation with his wife, Tina. We will continue to pastor the Del- Your continued prayers and Attendees enjoyed the coziness edifying of the body of Christ” would like to thank John Petrisor marva and Philadelphia (Pennsyl- support are appreciated as these of a home for the 10 days, as em- (Ephesians 4:12). for serving as the interim pastor vania) congregations. men and their wives transition to ployees from the home office and Mark Welch until Mr. Slocum’s arrival. Also in At the beginning of January, their new assignments and strive the Cincinnati East congregation early November, Steven Britt was Kent Foraker was appointed pas- to serve God and His people. appointed pastor for the congre- tor of the congregations in Wichi- Chris Rowland Regional Ministerial Conference Held in Minnesota Support UCG when you shop at Amazon! The United Church of God can whenever you shop at Amazon, contribute to the Work with your receive donations from the Am- enter the site first by going to usual shopping. As of November azonSmile Foundation as a result smile.amazon.com. 2019, UCG has received $10,496 of shoppers naming the United You’ll find the exact same low from this program. Church of God as their charity of prices, vast selection and conve- For more information and choice when shopping online at nient shopping experience as the FAQ’s, visit ucg.org/help and Amazon. regular Amazon site, with the add- search "How can I support UCG How To Sign Up: Go to smile. ed bonus that Amazon will donate when shopping at Amazon.com?" amazon.com, log in to your a 0.5 percent of eligible purchases Thank you for your support! Attendees of the Ministerial Conference in Stewartville, Minnesota. Amazon account and choose to UCG at no extra cost to you. By UCG as your charity. Then, using smile.amazon.com, you can A regional ministerial confer- together in love and peace. May ence was held in Stewartville, Min- we all yield to His Spirit more nesota, from Nov. 24-26. Forty-six faithfully in the years ahead! February 2020: Atlanta Ski Trip people attended from around the It was also very encouraging to Koorengevel/UnsplashBen north central region of the U.S. experience the camaraderie and On Feb. 2, the Atlanta and Please complete the ticket order This region includes the area where the love of the ministry who serve Buford, Georgia congregations are form at ucg.org/congregations/ Mr. Kubik began serving in the our brethren in the north central sponsoring the 8th Annual UCG atlanta-ga/posts/8th-annual- ministry more than 50 years ago region of the United States. Iron Atlanta Ski Trip to Gatlinburg, gatlinburg-ski-activity-714196. in South Dakota and Minnesota. does sharpen iron physically, but Tennessee, again this year! Cost To participate, the deadline for It was heartening to reunite with this is also true spiritually. There is $69/person for skiers and $79/ the $10 deposit is due Jan. 20. those in the ministry whom they was a great deal of interaction in person for snowboarders. This The remainder of the cost must had known and worked alongside this round of conferences as our includes equipment, a lesson, a day be made by check or cash to Phil- decades ago, sharing friendship regional pastor, Mitch Knapp, our lift ticket (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and a ip Aust on the morning of Feb. and experiences. pastors, our elders and their wives pass for going up and down the 2 when we gather to snowboard It is always encouraging to expe- addressed many important topics mountain on Ober Gatlinburg’s and ski: no credit or debit cards rience the bond of love and devo- to help sharpen our ability and Aerial Tramway. Space is limited will be accepted at that time. tion between God’s people wher- desire to serve God and His chil- to 25 skiers and 25 snowboarders, For more information and up- ever we go. God’s Holy Spirit is a dren more effectively. and reservations will be accepted dates, visit atlanta.ucg.org. very powerful force that binds us Victor Kubik and Mark Welch on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hope to see you there! News & Upcoming Events | 5

Feb. 2020: Chicago YA Weekend “Contending earnestly for the April 2020: Nashville YA Weekend faith and the example of Poly- crates." • Sabbath services themed mes- sages and group dinner with a new spin on the food creation competition! Jean/Unsplash Brandon • Sunday brunch at the famous Pinstripes restaurant and facili- tated workshop on becoming a bridge to the next generation. All young adults are invited the practical applications of disci- • Sunday afternoon tour of to attend the first young adult pleship, such as: downtown Chicago including the weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, • Discipleship within circles of world’s largest Starbucks! April 3-5! The weekend theme is believers and non-believers Young adults from last year's event. Space is limited to 50 partici- “Authentic Discipleship: Absolute • Being a disciple in personal re- pants ages 18-35 with a registra- Commitment to Jesus Christ in lationships and the family The Chicago congregation is seminars, this is a great opportu- tion cost of $75 plus a hotel. Real Life.” • Human sexuality as an aspect excited to announce its fourth nity to strengthen existing friend- Visit www.chicagoyaweekend. Join us in the beautiful Nash- of discipleship as single and mar- annual young adult weekend over ships and make new ones! High- com, and enter the password 1 ville area for this opportunity to ried people Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 14-16! lights include: Tim 3:15 to sign up and view the strengthen our bonds with one • Being a disciple at work and at The theme is “Becoming Pillars • Friday night welcome and weekend agenda. another while deepening our un- school of Truth for the Next Generation” seminar “Why the Church will The deadline to register is Jan. derstanding of the Holy Scrip- Registration details and costs based on 1 Timothy 3:15. With prevail till the end of the Age!” 17. We hope to see you there! tures. We are excited to present a will be announced soon! fun activities and relevant Bible • Sabbath brunch and seminar number of seminars that address Feast of Tabernacles Reports Mossel Bay, South Africa Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Left: Morning walk on the beach. Right: Mossel Bay Feastgoers enjoy each other’s company on a game drive. Brethren sing praises together during Sabbath services at Wisconsin Dells.

This was the first year that we tremely affordable and the high- special vote of thanks to Vivian The beautiful Wisconsin Dells ered to have an interactive study have held the Feast at Mossel Bay, ways are of a very good standard. and Cathy Botha and their Cape area served as the backdrop for titled “Is the Kingdom of God and it was obvious to all that the Mossel Bay is situated on the Town team who helped make over 400 of God’s people to wor- Relevant Today?” As has become choice of this Feast was inspired. South Cape Coast in a Medi- this Feast possible. ship our Heavenly Father at this tradition at the Dells, we had tre- In many ways, it was an improve- terranean climate where many The 180 Feastgoers in atten- year’s Feast of Tabernacles. mendous special music offered to ment over the Margate Feast Site, crops such as grape vineyards, dance also enjoyed the family day, Despite snow falling on the our Great God. While the num- which had been used for many fruit orchards and wheat are cul- senior’s lunch, youth activity, a Sabbath before the Feast started, ber of musicians in attendance years. tivated. Ostriches and big game ladies’ interactive workshop and we enjoyed wonderful fall weath- was lower than previous years, The Diaz Hotel in Mossel Bay is are ranched in this particularly daily beach walks. er throughout God’s Feast. This the quality was not diminished. a seaside resort, just a short walk unspoiled and beautiful area with Three ordinations and one bap- weather made it possible to enjoy With a wide range of age from the meal accommodations many places of interest to visit. tism contributed to the overall many of the local outdoor activi- groups represented, there were and the Indian Ocean. The hall Services were held in the morn- spirit of love and togetherness, ties as well as the astounding au- several activities organized to in the Diaz Hotel is large enough ings so those who wished to trav- with all the South African breth- tumn leaves changing colors. provide additional chances to to cater for any future expansion, el and enjoy experiences such ren together in one venue. A new We had the opportunity to hear fellowship. The fellowship was and this venue has been secured as wine-tasting, visits to olive dimension was created by the God’s Word expounded each cited by many as a highlight of for the foreseeable future! farms, big five game drives, os- overseas visitors who contrib- day at services, but also enjoyed their Feast experience. Con- Visitors flew into the George trich farms etc. were able to do so uted sermons, sermonettes and three congregational Bible stud- versations centered around the airport just a half hour drive away with enough time to enjoy both special music. ies. These presentations included magnificent millennial vision from Mossel Bay. Of the 49 over- church services and the Mossel Every effort was made (and will topics such as, “Where Did the 12 that has been revealed to us. It seas visitors, most opted to hire Bay experience. be made in the future) to facilitate Apostles Go?”, “Is Modern Juda- was truly a blessing to observe a car and drive themselves up At services, abundant spe- their travel and accommodation ism the Religion of the Old Testa- and keep the Feast of Taberna- the spectacular coast from Cape cial music, hymns projected on arrangements. ment?” and “The Breath of God.” cles in this idyllic setting where Town to Mossel Bay, as the cost a screen and interactive Bible Roy Demont The messages were edifying and our God placed His name. of a car hire in South Africa is ex- studies were enjoyed by all. A inspirational. The teens also gath- Devin Schulz 6 Announcements

Gerald & Kathryn Hoyer Gary Lee Bartholomew Vera Clark Faye Sherry Hull Daniel Robert Jorgensen 60th Anniversary July 1, 1948-Nov. 27, 2019 Oct. 18, 2019 Aug. 11, 2019 Dec. 3, 1963-Dec. 2, 2019 Anniversaries his 1957 Chevy Nomad, his pin- to parents John and Betty Hull, benefit of prayer from his parents backpacking trips into the more ball machines and his jukebox. she was born four minutes after and loved reading and living God’s remote mountainous regions of He could fix just about anything! her twin sister Faith. They were Word. He often woke early to kneel Idaho. In time, Dan was given Gerald & Kathryn Hoyer He will be buried at Jefferson Bar- identical and inseparable com- beside his bed and quietly pray in the responsibility of planning the racks National Cemetery. panions until adulthood and a room he shared with his two trip’s location and menu. He was Gerald and Kathryn Hoyer (Jer- throughout life. Faye made the brothers. This practice continued a strong hiker who was some- ry and Kathy) were married on Vera Clark world a better place with her wit, on trips when the family observed times difficult to keep up with or Aug. 15, 1959 in Parkland, Wash- Vera Clark, 92, of Caldwell charm and laughter. the Feast of Tabernacles. It was follow because of his belief that ington. They lived in Olympia, County, North Carolina died on Faye was a devoted member of common for the hotel alarm clock the shortest distance between two Washington, where Jerry was em- Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. She was UCG, having attended Church to go off at 4:30 a.m. points was a straight line. He took ployed as a forest scientist for the born in the mountains of western since 1963. She graduated from The family’s berry patches were us to some incredibly steep, rocky state of Washington. Kathy taught North Carolina and lived there Imperial High School in Pasade- a common place for Dan in the places, giving us a simultaneous Junior High School physical edu- her entire life. She was a self-de- na, California in 1972 and Am- summers of his youth. He could sense of terror and admiration. cation and health classes. scribed “mountain woman” and bassador College in Big Sandy, pick a gallon bucket of raspber- Dan was a patient fisherman who They met while taking moun- truly loved the mountains, often Texas in 1976. She was employed ries in minutes and still be game made his own lures from spare tain climbing class and climbing dealing with bears, snakes and at the Church’s headquarters in for tossing a grasshopper toward kitchen spoons. He could fish at with the Olympia Mountaineers. other wildlife of the area in and Pasadena, California for many his berry-picking siblings nearby. the same rock for hours until a fish Jerry and Kathy were called to- around her home! She is survived years. She loved and honored He was impervious to the scratch- would bite, but his patience did not gether into God’s Church and by her children, Terry Clark, Keith God in her daily life. es from blackberry picking. His extend to faulty gear. Dan played were baptized in 1966. They raised Clark, Brian Clark and Sheila She went back to school, ob- ability to handle pain was remark- sports hard. His competitive spirit four children (three boys and one Greer, as well as numerous grand- tained her paralegal degree and able; he never complained openly was such that he was once tossed girl) while assisting with a large children, great-grandchildren and worked “temp” jobs all over Los about discomfort. from spectatorship after repeated- church-group of teens and pre- great-great-grandchildren. Angeles, California and Dallas, Dan had a passion for trains ly questioning an ump’s calls at his teens in Olympia and Tacoma. Vera began attending Church in Texas. She loved the variety and from his childhood, an interest brother’s Little League game. He Their oldest son died from cancer the late 1960s, and did so faithfully adventure of it all. shared and fueled by his father. was also a notorious teaser. in 1998. Jerry was ordained a lo- until her health no longer permit- She loved rainstorms and Dan would visit train tracks to lis- As a younger man Dan liked to cal elder in May 1975. After Jerry ted her to do so. Vera continued to thunder and traveling anywhere ten, watch and photograph trains. travel abroad to visit church breth- retired, they moved to their pres- read her Bible as long as her eyes “green.” She was a single, sponta- He wore a Union Pacific T-shirt ren in Zimbabwe, New Zealand, ent home in Humboldt, Arizona, allowed and particularly loved the neous woman who was not afraid with the motto “We can handle Tasmania, Bahamas and the Phil- where they serve with the North- book of Ephesians and the Psalms. to travel alone. She loved country it” until it became a rag. He ac- ippines. He took repeated trips ern Arizona congregation and en- After it became difficult to see, she roads, wide open spaces and Cal- cumulated model HO scale diesel to the Philippines after meeting joy visits from their kids and eight began to listen to sermons on her ifornia beach towns. She loved locomotives that he would metic- Nancy Binos in 1996. They mar- grandchildren. The Northern Ar- tablet. Her love for God’s Word white billowy clouds, sunny days ulously take apart, rebuild and re- ried Oct. 3, 2004. He helped her izona congregation recently hon- and faith in His promises were an and sweet, fragrant nights out- paint into more authentic and de- run a store in the Philippines for ored Jerry and Kathy with cake, inspiration to all who knew her, doors. She loved bling and glitz tailed versions. His passion to be a while before returning to make flowers and gifts after Sabbath -ser including the staff at the healthcare and sparkly things that aligned a railroad engineer was derailed their home in Haines and later vices in recognition of their 60th facility where she resided. Even in well with her personality. by the requirement to work on the La Grande. Dan grew up in God’s wedding anniversary. declining health, Vera’s mind was She was often wise beyond her Sabbath, something he would not Church and was baptized on Oct. very sharp, as was her wit! She years. She could laugh at herself compromise on, so he opted to be 25, 1996. He was a member of Obituaries kept everyone who knew her in and dish out the sweetest encour- a different kind of engineer. UCG in La Grande where he led Gary Lee Bartholomew line, and we were grateful for it. agement with a heart of gold. May Dan graduated from Meridian songs, and helped with set up and We look forward to seeing her she sleep in peace and rise in glory. High School in 1982. He pursued the sound system. Gary Lee Bartholomew of gracious smile and hearing her a bachelor of science degree in me- He was preceded in death by Wood River, Illinois died Nov. 27, stories of the mountains at the re- Daniel Robert Jorgensen chanical engineering, taking class- his father Robert. Dan is survived 2019 at the age of 71. He was born turn of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Daniel Robert Jorgensen died es at Boise State University and by wife Nancy at their La Grande July 1, 1948 in Alton, Illinois. He of stomach cancer Dec. 2, 2019 at then graduating from the Univer- home; children Samuel, Matthew, is survived by his wife and two Faye Sherry Hull home in La Grande, Oregon with sity of Idaho in 1987. He worked and Erika; mother Susan of Eagle, sons, his brother, and nieces and We are sad to announce the his wife and three children by his at Micron Technology in Boise for Idaho; siblings Sarah of Middle- nephews. death of our dear sister Faye Sher- side, one day before he turned 56. about a decade. For lunch, he reg- ton, Idaho, Timothy of Eagle, Ida- He was a baptized member of ry Hull. She died on Aug. 11, 2019 Dan was born Dec. 3, 1963 in Cit- ularly took a single large chocolate ho, Jennifer of Salt Lake City, Utah, the Church of God for 23 years. after placing her life into God’s rus Heights, California, to Robert chip cookie leaving him more time Laurie of Star, Idaho, and Ben of Gary served his country in Viet- loving hands to do with as He saw and Susan Jorgensen, the first of six to focus on his work. Kamiah, Idaho; and numerous nam in 1969-1970 as a Crew fit. She is survived by her siblings children. The family moved to Ar- The outdoors were beloved by nieces and nephews. Burial was at Chief working on helicopters. He Elaine Jacobs, Jeanne Curtis, John izona, then to Boise, Idaho before Dan thanks to a family tradition the Star Cemetery in Star, Idaho, retired from Laclede Steel after Steven Hull and Faith Rivers. settling in Eagle, Idaho in 1972. continued by his father of taking with a Celebration of Life to be 33 years. He loved working on In Fort Worth, Texas in 1953, Dan learned the value and the children on two-week long held Jan. 18 in Nampa, Idaho. UN GN| 7

permanent injury in someone’s life. (See Proverbs 22:1 and The Ten Ecclesiastes 7:1.) • Kidnapping. In ancient Israel, the penalty for that crime Commandments was death (Exodus 21:16). • Stealing someone’s innocence. Examples include rape of Series children and/or adults, parents allowing adolescents to be sexually intimate, or even parents and others exposing chil- The Eighth dren to immoral entertainment. • Stealing by withholding love, respect and affection for Commandment others. God teaches us that husbands and wives have a spe- By Don Hooser cial responsibility to express marital love to each other (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Similarly, parents owe it to their children “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19). to give love and discipline—children owe it to their parents I began attending God’s Church at age 21, but I’m con- thievery would be endless, but the following are some com- to honor them. vinced that God used events earlier in my life to prepare mon types that cacn directly or indirectly violate the spirit of • Stealing intellectual property by illegally copying software me for His calling. While in high school, I stole something the Eighth Commandment. (including music and movies) or violating patents and trade- that was worth about $20. Over time, my conscience hurt • Directly stealing money or physical property from indi- marks. Plagiarism is also a form of stealing. me more and more as I reflected on what I’d done. viduals or companies. This category includes robbery, bur- • Stealing trust by breaking commitments, contracts and But that is not the end of the story. A while later, some- glary and shoplifting. promises. one broke into our storage building and apparently stole • Stealing from employers. Employees failing to be on the • Knowingly buying stolen property is being an accomplice only two things—what I had previously sto- to a thief, whether the purchase is for one’s own use or to make money as a fence (one who buys sto- len plus something that was very dear to me. Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash It seems too amazing to be a coincidence. I len goods to resell). think God orchestrated the situation to teach me a lasting lesson (see Hebrews 12:5-11). Stealing from God! Through the Eighth Commandment, we People steal from God in two major know that God intends for everyone to enjoy ways. First of all, God owns us because the right of private property, and to respect He created us—plus He sacrificed His Son the property of others. Among the Bible’s in- to redeem us (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). heritance laws, the laws regarding the Jubilee Therefore, our time, talents and energies year even guaranteed that land would remain should be devoted to serving and glorify- in the family in the long run (Leviticus 25). ing God. Otherwise, we are servants steal- People should be relying on God as their ing from our Master. Provider, relying on the Bible as their Guide- Secondly, God owns absolutely everything book, and relying on their own integrity, but He allows us to have stewardship over hard work and other practical laws of suc- most of our earnings. He only requires that cess. (See Matthew 6:19-34, Ephesians 6:5-9 we first pay a tithe (a tenth) and give offer- and Colossians 3:22-25.) ings from our earnings. In Malachi 3:8, God Sadly, raw human nature is dominated by said, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have selfishness, lust, greed and envy. And with an robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have increasingly secular and materialistic world we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” ruled by Satan, many people rely on all the We experience the temptation to steal even from childhood. Embezzling from God! Once a person un- wrong things including dishonesty and steal- derstands that God commands tithing, it is a ing. (See 1 Timothy 6:9-10.) Many kinds of very serious sin to disobey this law. stealing have been pandemic throughout his- tory, even among religious people. The victims God’s laws require full restitution for stolen of robbery often suffer long-lasting emotional scars and feel- job and working diligently when they are being paid to work. g o o d s ings of insecurity as well as the challenges of overcoming the Being wasteful, embezzling the company’s money, swiping losses. company property, falsifying an expense account or using Under the covenant God made with Israel, when a thief We experience the temptation to steal even from child- company equipment for personal use without permission was caught, he had to restore to the victim the value of hood. It is critically essential for parents to be continually are all forms of stealing. what was stolen plus an additional amount. The additional teaching God’s laws and biblical values to their children • Stealing from employees by overworking them, not pay- amount for reparation was intended as a punishment— (Deuteronomy 6:1-25). ing a fair wage or salary, not providing the benefits they were plus it helped compensate the victim for the stress and Active stealing—taking something that does not rightfully promised or withholding wages. temporary loss. The specific laws are found in Exodus 22:1, belong to you—is a sin of commission. Passive stealing—de- • Defrauding customers or clients with false advertising, 3-6, 12 and Leviticus 6:1-7. liberately withholding what belongs to another—is a sin of false labeling, false claims, hidden defects or excessive In most countries today, the “justice system” punishes omission. (One example of passive stealing is failing to noti- interest. criminals but does nothing for the victims of the crimes. fy a cashier when undercharged or given too much change.) • Intentional defaulting on loans and debts. An unforeseen That’s very sad. If we as godly individuals realize we have No matter how secretive a sinner is, God, the Judge crisis can happen to anyone, but many people borrow money caused someone a loss or injury, we should do what we can of all, sees everything, and His Word declares that or run up huge charges on credit cards with no intention or for that person to make up for the loss or expense. “thieves” . . . will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor- no ability of repaying the debts. inthians 6:10). But God is amazingly merciful. Thankfully, • Installing ransomware on someone’s computer to force The way of give versus the way of get He forgives when there is true repentance! the owner to pay a ransom. Any commandment of God that forbids bad things implies • Initiating frivolous lawsuits. the opposite—that we should be doing good things instead. Many forms of stealing • Stealing from a government by withholding due taxes or If we love our neighbors as ourselves, we will treat them like by dishonest welfare claims (see Romans 13:1, 6-7). Space does not permit stating the numerous scriptures • Stealing someone’s good name. Damaging someone’s rep- that forbid specific types of stealing. And a list of all types of Continued on next page utation, such as with accusations, slander or gossip, can be a 8 | GN

8th Commandment Continued from previous page The Bible refers to this as “the time of the end”—the clos- we want to be treated. That’s the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). ing period of Satan’s corrupt and calamitous rule on earth “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him la- (Daniel 12:4, 9). The culmination of the devil’s dominion bor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have will be the most unspeakably catastrophic period in hu- something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28). This man history (Mark 13:19). Jesus prophesied about this dis- teaches three lessons: (1) Never steal. (2) Practice the biblical tressing time: “For then there will be great tribulation, such work ethic and be productive so you have enough to provide as has not been since the beginning of the world until this Clement Falize/Unsplash for your family plus give to others. (3) Be compassionate and time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). generous to those who need help. (Regarding the third les- In referring to this monstrous period, Christ posed son, see Luke 6:27-38, Acts 20:35, Romans 12:1-13, 2 Corin- a compelling question at the conclusion of a parable He thians 9:10-13, Philippians 2:4 and Hebrews 13:16.) taught His disciples in Luke 18. He spoke about a widow Many scriptures teach loving kindness, mercy, compas- who sought intervention from a judge against an adversary. sion and generosity. One example is the law allowing “the Although the judge ignored the widow’s pleas for a while, poor and the stranger” to glean food from your farm or her persistence finally convinced him to act on her behalf. orchard (Leviticus 19:9-10, 34). Another example teaches Jesus used this story to stress that God will “ . . . avenge His that if you come across an ox, sheep or donkey, you should own elect who cry out day and night to Him” (verse 7). But find the owner and return the animal to him even if he is in verse 8 He also states, “Nevertheless, when the Son of your enemy (Deuteronomy 22:1; Exodus 23:4). God does Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (em- not condone “finders, keepers; losers, weepers!” When you phasis added throughout). find something that doesn’t belong to you, you should do your best to find the owner or turn it in at an office so the Bearing up under great distress owner can retrieve it. (Also see Proverbs 3:27-28.) Why would Jesus raise this specific question in the con- text of this parable? To understand, let’s quickly revisit A world without stealing! the terrible state of affairs preceding His Second Coming. What a dramatically different world it would be if there Living conditions will have deteriorated so badly that the were no stealing! Well, that world is coming. Jesus Christ “new normal” will be unlike anything ever experienced on will return and establish the Kingdom of God over all the earth. Food will be scarce and as a result, famine will be earth, and He and the saints will teach and enforce the Ten widespread. War, crime, lawlessness and violence will be Commandments everywhere. It will be a happy world, be- pervasive. Disease will ravage families and communities. cause honest people are happier people! Animosity will typify many human interactions. Think of the prosperity when individuals and companies These grim conditions will not only impact the general will no longer be losing money to thievery and no lon- population but true Christians will likewise be severely af- Faith is profound trust in God. ger be spending money for security systems! Think of the fected. How do we know? In Matthew 24:9 we read “ . . . they peace of mind people will have when they are living in an will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will honest world where everyone can be trusted, and no one be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” What will occur is suffering the financial losses and emotional trauma of as a result? “And then many will be offended, will betray one rescue us from evil (Matthew 6:11, 13). having been a victim of theft. another, and will hate one another” (verse 10). Furthermore, Prayer is an indispensable key to spiritual survival. God May God’s Kingdom come! GN verses 12-13 say this about God’s people: “And because law- lessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he will powerfully aid those who obey Him and prayerfully who endures to the end shall be saved.” seek His help and strength. The apostle Peter wrote: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). Will Your Faith So, the biblical answer is clear. Spiritual endurance re- Prayer is an indispensable key to quires that we maintain a strong prayerful relationship with Survive the Time of spiritual survival. God. Accordingly, let’s now return to Jesus’ closing words the End? in His parable of Luke 18:8 which states, “ . . . when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” What if you have to face these coming dreadful times? As Christ prepares for his second coming will you be Bible prophecy shows that at the end filled with prayerful, robust, fervent faith? Hebrews 11:1 of this age, humanity will undergo the How will you respond as society breaks down all around you? Will you stay faithful to God if, for example, you have defines faith as “ . . . the substance of things hoped for, the most catastrophic time in all of human to flee your home and neighborhood as a refugee from evidence of things not seen.” Even though faith is a spiritu- history. How can you successfully raging military conflict or to escape intense persecution al quality, it is described as having substance, which means it is real and tangible. endure this coming dreadful period? (Matthew 10:23)? How will you deal with these or other troubling situations if God doesn’t respond to your needs at the time you might expect? Faith is profound trust in God By John LaBissoniere Genuine faith is proof or confirmation of things we don’t An essential key to spiritual survival yet have. Faith is not an emotional feeling or sentiment but Imagine it is nearly time for Jesus Christ to begin His jour- a profound trust in God that His promises are absolutely ney from heaven to earth at His second coming (Matthew How can you and I bear up under such distress? The an- swer is found at the beginning of Christ’s parable in Luke dependable (2 Peter 1:4). 24:27). What conditions will He find when His feet touch the Speaking about the patriarch Abraham’s faith, the apostle Mount of Olives in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4)? Bible proph- 18 where He stated, “ . . . men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Unless we are persistently and Paul made this remarkable statement. “He did not waver at ecy describes a shockingly fearsome global situation in which the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in human relations have reached the point of overwhelming deeply prayerful, it will be impossible to remain faithful during that coming, traumatic period. Just as the widow faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what disorder and brutality (Matthew 24:7-9). (Our booklets, Are He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:20- We Living in the Time of the End? and Seven Prophetic Signs in the parable never ceased imploring the reluctant judge about her situation, neither should we stop asking God to 21). We can have precisely the same belief and conviction. Before Christ Returns provide more information about this It’s important to understand something else about faith. time of chaos leading up to Christ’s return.) supply our daily needs, increase our spiritual strength and GN| 9 Aaron Burden/Unsplash we experience deception, war, disease, scarcity, hunger, natural disasters, persecution and confusion? Will we be How Rooted Are You? “found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2) while humanity teeters on the edge of potential extermination? Every year in March, for the last How can we endure coming traumatic times? How can we be assured we won’t weaken and abandon God and His several years, a hundred miracles way of life? A vital key is to prepare spiritually now. Each have occurred in my basement. day we should cultivate and strengthen our faith by study- ing the Bible, applying its lessons and diligently praying for By John McClain God’s guidance and help. Our current trials should not be regarded as simply frustrating annoyances, but as oppor- tunities to enhance our faith and spiritual stamina. There- Those miracles are the sprouting and growth of tiny fore, if later we experience significantly greater troubles, we vegetable seeds into seedlings and then into plants ready will have been divinely equipped to endure and overcome to be set out into the garden. I consider that process to (Ephesians 6:10-18). be miraculous because only God can make it happen. I Part of developing mature faith involves learning and ex- cannot. All I do is to put the seed into the soil. ercising patience. Although God will not allow us to endure Here is how it works. First the root goes down into the troubles beyond what we are personably able to bear (1 Cor- potting soil; the stem goes up toward the grow lights and inthians 10:13), He may choose not to intervene immediate- then the leaves develop. The first leaves look nothing like ly in such trials. Why? To test and strengthen our faith (Acts the mature leaves that grow later. This is the same pro- 14:2). He may want to determine how well we do in “cast- cess for nearly all plants. The roots go down into the soil ing all our cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7). The apostle Peter and fix or anchor the plant to give it stability. wrote insightfully that “ . . . the genuineness of your faith, Second, the roots also absorb mineral salts and water being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it from the soil and conduct them to the plant. Finally, the is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at roots store these minerals and water, which are nutrients the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). for the plant to use as needed. These three functions of Of course, handling such trials is not easy since each of us roots are critical to the survival of the plant. experience uncertainty at times. Indeed, just as some of the heroes and heroines of faith cited in Hebrews 11 doubted “Rooted and grounded” God’s help in distressing times, we do also. Yet, just as they In Ephesians 3:17, the apostle Paul prayed for the ended up faithful we can too since Christ is steadfast to- Christians in Ephesus to be “rooted and grounded” in ward us (Matthew 28:20) and the Father will strengthen us Spiritual endurance requires that we maintain a strong prayerful the love of God. He prayed for what he knew the Ephe- relationship with God. “with might through His Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16). sians needed, as do all Christians. As we come to understand the important functions God will complete the good work He began that the roots perform for the plants, we will see that It cannot be generated from within ourselves. Rather, it is As we read earlier, Jesus asked, “ . . . when the Son of these very few words are an absolutely wonderful part one of God’s precious gifts bestowed to us upon our repen- Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Will He of his total prayer. tance and baptism (Romans 12:3). God gives us a measure discover patient, faith-filled Christians who will have ful- Paul used a horticultural metaphor in praying for of the very faith of Christ and faith in Christ (Revelation ly prepared themselves for His coming? The answer is yes! Christians to be rooted. The Bible is full of metaphors 14:12; Galatians 3:26). “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds which were well-understood in an agrarian society. Just as Jesus faithfully trusted His Heavenly Father to with great power and glory. And then He will send His The New Living Translation puts it this way: “I pray guide and empower Him throughout His earthly ministry angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will em- (Matthew 26:39), so must we trust that God will strengthen from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heav- power you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then and lead us. “But without faith it is impossible to please en” (Mark 13:26-27). Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” keep you strong. And may you have the power to under- (Hebrews 11:6). stand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, Faith not only necessitates that we trust God but take how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience Each day we should cultivate and the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand action as well. We must “fight the good fight of faith” (1 strengthen our faith. Timothy 6:12). But there is more we need to comprehend. fully. Then you will be made complete with all the full- Faith can be lost. It can weaken and wither away if it is not ness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians treasured and employed (1 Timothy 6:10). Faith cannot re- 3:16-19, emphasis added). main static or motionless. Rather, it must grow and be nur- Another verse about Christians being rooted is in Co- tured. The apostle Paul stated: “We are bound to thank God Of course, that day of rescue and reward is not yet here. lossians 2:7: “Let your roots grow down into him, and always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith As we live in this corrupt world, under the sway of Satan let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow grows exceedingly . . . (2 Thessalonians 1:3). The apostle the devil (Revelation 12:9), our faith may be tested rigor- strong in the truth you were taught, and you will over- Jude encouraged church members to continue “ . . . build- ously. But our faith can also be greatly strengthened while flow with thankfulness” (New Living Translation). ing yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the we wait patiently for God’s help and deliverance. As we en- It is interesting to note that in Ephesians 3:17, the soil is Holy Spirit” (Jude 20). Our booklet, You Can Have Living dure troubles now, let us not be like some who capitulate God’s love. In Colossians 2:7, the soil is Christ Himself. Faith provides more information about the power of faith when upset or crisis occurs (Matthew 13:20-21). Rather, let In Psalm 1, the righteous man is compared to a tree and how to build enduring faith with God’s help. us always “ . . . pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1) while planted by the river. Throughout the Bible, Christians being fully confident “ . . . that He who has begun a good are sometimes compared to trees. Although we are nev- Will you be found faithful? work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” er told what kind of plant Paul had in mind, the princi- (Philippians 1:6). As a result, with the Eternal God’s invin- ples apply to all plants. So, if we are still alive then, will we possess buoyant, cible help, we can be absolutely assured our faith will sur- Continued on next page growing faith at the closing days of this tumultuous, evil vive the time of the end. GN age? Will you and I be “rich in faith” (James 2:5) even as

Each day we should cultivate and strengthen our faith. 10| GN

How Rooted Are You? Our power source is Christ, not another Christian. Continued from previous page This is one example of letting someone take your Three major functions of roots crown. We must all be fixed in the soil and stable so these Let’s now look more closely at the functions of roots kinds of things never happen. to see why Paul used this metaphor. We will also look 2) Roots bring nutrients and water to the plant, feeding Bishop/Unsplash Jeremy at the results of not being well-rooted. the plant. 1) Roots firmly fix the plant in the soil and provide sta- Roots do a lot more than give the plant stability. They bility. The strongest root is called a tap root, which is bring food and water to the plant. Like plants, Chris- the center root, the deepest root and the most import- tians need food and water, but they also need spiritual ant root. Secondary roots are called fibrous roots. They nourishment. We get this from God’s love and from greatly increase the root volume and give the plant a Christ living in us. Notice Philippians 4:13: “I can do wide root structure. Both the tap root and the fibrous all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is the roots give the plant stability, enabling it to stand up- indwelling of Christ and God’s Spirit that brings Chris- right. tians moral and spiritual strength. Like plants, Christians need stability to withstand Most roots are below ground and are not seen. But the winds and the storms (trials) of life. Our figurative some years I have used clear plastic cups where I could roots are strengthened first by small trials or winds, and watch the roots grow. Nothing was visible at first. But later are strengthened more by larger trials or storms. soon, tiny roots appeared. Then eventually, the roots Scientists working in Oracle, Arizona, proved that filled the cups. As each plant grew bigger, it needed trees need wind to develop strong roots. They creat- more roots to support and to sustain it. ed sealed Biosphere glass domes where they could do If Christians are to grow, we need more roots to sup- scientific experiments. The domes contain a balanced port and to sustain us in our Christian growth. We mixture of plants and creatures to duplicate what would need to go deeper in understanding, which takes more be found in several natural habitats, or “biomes.” roots. We want to show more love, so we need deeper If Christians are to grow, we need more roots to support and to Unexpectedly, after some time passed, staff members roots in God’s love to understand the depth of it. We sustain us in our Christian growth. noticed that trees fell down. The conclusion was that need to be more deeply rooted in Christ. under the glass dome, with no wind, the trees had not Let’s go back to Ephesians 3 again and read verses 18 developed strong root systems. So trees fell down and and 19: “And may you have the power to understand, were uprooted! as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how Good News Resource Spotlight We’ve all seen the remains of the root ball of a tree high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the that has fallen over. The roots have been pulled out of love of Christ, though it is too great to understand ful- This new section in the Good News will high- the ground. At that point, the tree no longer has any ly. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness light a different resource for members and cowork- support or stability because it was no longer firmly of life and power that comes from God” (New Living ers each issue! Our hope is that this will help edify fixed in the soil, and it is no longer receiving any food. Translation). readers and encourage them to take advantage of Yes, Christ is the epitome of God’s love. The Son came the many tools UCG offers. to earth to show us the Father and His Father’s love. 3) Roots store water and nutrients Like plants, Christians need stability When droughts come, plants have a certain amount to withstand the winds and the of a reserve of water and nutrients that are stored in the storms of life. roots. This sustains the plant for a while. When spiri- tual droughts come, our roots in Christ sustain us for some time. The plants need the roots to be able to stand and to As Christians, we can also fall and be uprooted yield fruit in season. Christians need their roots to during a storm of life if we are no longer receiving any stand and to yield fruit in their season. spiritual food. Our Christian roots are not seen, but the results of In our basement, where the little seedlings grow, I our roots are clearly visible. put an oscillating fan on a ledge near the plants. When Finally, if you are rooted, you will be fixed and stable, the plants are about 3 inches tall, I turn the fan on the well-fed and sustained through storms. And you will Visit ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-bible- lowest speed to gently blow on the plants. As the plants grow spiritually. study/the-time-is-now to access the Beyond Today get bigger and stronger, I increase the speed of the fan When Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be rooted Bible Study Series, “The Time is Now.” to simulate stronger winds. I also increase the time the in God’s love, he was asking for a wonderful blessing fan is on, so that when the plants are moved outdoors upon them. When he prayed for the Colossians to be This four-part series, presented by the three hosts into the real world they will be able to withstand the rooted in Christ, he was asking for a wonderful bless- of Beyond Today TV, will “show you how to experience winds that will inevitably come. ing upon them, also. a personal revival to bring your life in line with God’s Next think of the damage caused when a tree falls We strengthen our roots by using the spiritual tools: unfolding purpose.” because of a lack of roots. We’ve all seen news reports prayer, study, meditation, fasting, exercising God’s where a tree fell down and knocked out the power lines Spirit. Other series in the Beyond Today Bible Studies that supply hundreds of homes. Or a tree fell down and Like the plants we see everywhere, Christians have program include the Judges, lessons from the destroyed a nearby home, or crushed a car parked in to be rooted to grow. Plants and Christians need their prophet Daniel, the minor prophets, the Feasts of the driveway. roots until the day they die. God, end-time prophecy, “how to be God’s friend” Imagine these possible headlines in a spiritual sense: May all of us be more rooted in God’s love and rooted and many more! “A Christian who was not well-rooted fell down spir- in Christ, so that we remain firmly fixed, stable, well- itually and caused damage to the faith of other Chris- fed and filled with a reserve of spiritual strength for Go to ucg/org/ beyond-today/beyond-today- tians. They allowed him to get between them and God, times of stress and storms. GN bible-study for a full list of the topics addressed. thus knocking out their power.” Pastoral Trip to Asia: Dec. 17-Jan. 5 Pastoral Trip | 11

church organization, expository their part of this educational event. preaching plans, biblical resourc- After our endeavors in the Phil- es, an overview of the Pastor’s Pol- ippines, we flew to Singapore. At icy Manual and more. Four men the time of this writing, on Satur- gave expository sermonettes that day Dec. 28, we have had a won- attendees evaluated. We also re- derful Sabbath in Asia. Services corded two podcasts. We had an were at Rosalind Yong’s condo. eye-opening presentation from We met Selvartnam Sinniadurai Ireneo and Glory Ann Suaner from Kuala Lumpur who is very from Sabah, Malaysia who spoke interested in proliferating Beyond about the church there. Addition- Today into the Malay language. Left: Those in attendance at the ministerial conference in Manila. Right: Richard Macaraeg, the McNeelys, Stella Combare, David ally, Gum Seng Aung from Myan- In the morning I spoke about Dobson and the Kubiks at the Philippines UCG office. mar talked about their congrega- grace and our new booklet on tion in what used to be Burma. the subject. The Bible study was fter arriving in Manila City. The day was well-organized. the American Military Ceme- During the conference, the followed by a lunch and fellow- AWednesday night, we were Women operated the literature tery in the Global City, Manila. women met separately to discuss shipping. In the afternoon, Darris met by senior pastor David and and registration table. Everyone At the cemetery Darris McNeely their role with their husbands in covered the story in Acts of the Denise Dobson. We spent much seemed engaged welcoming new- and I made a podcast, which can the ministry. Conversation ex- beginning of the church at Philip- of Thursday with the Dobsons, comers. About 10 members came be found at ucg.org/inside-unit- tended to how this could be done pi. Rosalind’s son JJ led songs for Richard Macaraeg (Philippines from San Carlos, the other con- ed-podcast. in a team-like way that husbands the Bible study and church ser- office manager) and Stella Com- gregation about five hours away That evening was the opening could appreciate and respect. vice. bare (Philippines office accoun- on this island of Luzon. Between night of the Ministerial Confer- Finally, we did an assessment all We appreciate the faithfulness of tant) at the UCG Philippines of- the music, the messages and the ence in Manila for all the minis- together about the entire training this remote church that meets here, fice in Makati. We saw their work attentiveness of the audience, the ters in the Philippines and one seminar. I plan to use this method far from other congregations. The and discussed details about the seminar went perfectly. Rey Evas- pastor from Myanmar. It was pat- in our U.S. regional conferences closest churches are Hong Kong, a Beyond Today magazine, Internet co opened with introductory com- terned after the Pastoral Develop- to assess the effectiveness of the 4-hour flight away and Perth, Aus- presence and video. ments before the prayer. The choir ment Program we’ve been holding program and discuss how it can tralia, a 5-hour flight. Dave and Denise Dobson are sang the Hallelujah Chorus. The in Cincinnati for five years. be improved. It was meaningful Clement Lim, a member of over doing a great job in overseeing lyrics—“King of Kings and Lord of Monday morning, we began our because everyone was involved 50 years, calls me from time to the Work in the Philippines and Lords” and “He shall reign forever classes for the 40 plus attending. and listening to each other’s com- time in Cincinnati. I first met him both are highly regarded by the and ever”—fit beautifully with my I spoke about the high calling of ments. The last presentation was at the 1993 Feast of Tabernacles Filipino brethren. We discussed message about the return of Christ the ministry and Darris McNeely to Earl Roemer, who served here in Phuket, Thailand. We plan to our Kingdom of God seminar in to set up his Kingdom. spoke about the Mission and Vi- as senior pastor from 1997 until visit him tomorrow. The people Quezon City, hoping for a good After my message another mu- sion of the Church. After lunch three years ago. He and his wife here are a very close-knit group response from our 500 plus Be- sical piece, “Let there be Peace on David Dobson spoke about the Carol helped lay a foundation for that have known each other for yond Today subscribers in the Earth,” fit well with Darris Mc- ceremonies in the Church and I what fruit we see today. decades in some cases. Manila area. In the Philippines, Neely’s message about the King- gave a presentation on the calen- We were thankful that the tran- I’d like to thank Darris and about 3000 people receive the dom of God and learning the ways dar. After dinner, Darris offered sition of senior pastor was seam- Debbie McNeely for the many Beyond Today magazine. of peace. After the presentations, an ABC class sampler on the book lessly made to David and Denise hours of teaching, and my lovely The next day, Friday, the Dob- a Q&A session covered prophecy, of Daniel. Dobson, who have been so loving wife Bev for her support. We also son’s, McNeelys, Bev and I spent suffering, the Kingdom of God and Over the course of the Confer- and caring for the Filipino breth- thank you all for your prayers and the day at Corregidor Island, locat- other topics. There were 140 in at- ence, we covered topics such as ren. I want to thank our Filipino support as we make this trip to ed at the entrance of Manila Bay. tendance, including 38 new people. the nature of God, ethics, the role ministry and brethren for making care for the ministry and brethren On the Sabbath, we held a King- We spent Sunday afternoon of wives in serving with their hus- us so welcome, and David and De- in this part of the world. dom of God seminar in Quezon with Wes and Madel Kerlin at bands as a team, evangelism, local nise Dobson and Earl Roemer for Victor Kubik

French Feast Site Announced Julien Lanoy/Unsplash cursions to nearby Opening services will begin at points of interest 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Your brothers and sisters in looking the im- such as the “perched” Registration via the UCG Fes- France welcome you to join them pressive “Rock village of St. Paul de tival registration site opens Mon- for the Feast of Tabernacles in of Roquebrune,” Vence and the city day, March 2, 2020 at 3 p.m. EST Roquebrune-sur-Argens this year! which domi- of Nice. Excursion and a €25 non-refundable book- Roquebrune-sur-Argens is located nates the village details will be shared ing fee must be paid via the Feast in the Provence region, near the and the entire once finalized. We in France Shopify E-Commerce French Riviera, about 15 minutes Argens Valley. also plan for a free site to secure the registration. The from the coastline. Amenities at the day to enjoy the lo- €25 booking fee covers the cost of It is a relatively short drive to the resort include Monaco is among the excursion cal village and an Feast administration. destinations offered to Feastgoers. famous beaches of Saint-Raphaël, Wi-Fi in the main lounge, a work- evening talent show and dance. As Visit our Facebook page (Feast of Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Max- out facility, a game room, tennis with prior years, the Feast includes Tabernacles – UCG France) for ad- ime Rich in natural beauty and courts and an outdoor heated nine nights lodging and breakfast, ditional information and updates the opportunity to sample French historical sites—including Nice, swimming pool. Fully-remodeled lunch and dinner. or contact us by email anytime cuisine from copious buffets while Monaco and Cannes nearby—this two- and three-bedroom villas Roquebrune-sur-Argens is ap- at [email protected] with enjoying fellowship with other region has much to offer and is and single-room hotel-style lodg- proximately a one-hour drive any questions. We look forward brethren from around the world. a beautiful location to be able to ing are available. Villas offer ful- from the Nice airport and shut- to welcoming all those interested In addition to daily church ser- spend God’s Feast together. ly-equipped kitchens, private pati- tle bus transport will be offered in joining the French brethren for vices and fellowship during the The village’s vacation resort is os and air conditioning. to and from the airport for those the Feast of Tabernacles in Roque- Feast, we will offer afternoon -ex nestled on seven green acres over- This all-inclusive site provides who do not wish to rent a car. brune-sur-Argens this year! UN 12 Audited Financial Statements 2018-2019

By Rick Shabi, Treasurer TABLE OF CONTENTS

t the beginning of each cal- ignations are used only for those Independent Auditors’ Report...... 1-2 Aendar year our attention purposes. Our net assets at June Financial Statements: turns to our personal taxes and 30 exceed $12.6 million. Statements of Financial Position...... 3 finances. We do the same with the • Income: The Statement of Ac- Statements of Activities ...... 4 United Church of God, Church and United News. As has tivities, otherwise known as the an International Association Statements of Functional Expenses ...... 5 – 6 become our custom, the financial “Income Statement,” provides an Financial Statements June 30, 2019 and 2018 Statements of Cash Flows...... 7 With Independent Auditors’ Report statements of the United Church overview of income and expenses Notes to the Financial Statements ...... 8 – 15 of God are printed in the first is- by category for the fiscal year. The sue of United News of the new Church’s overall “income,” which calendar year after they have been primarily consists of tithes, Holy Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, presented to and accepted by the Day offerings and other offerings the financial position of United Church of God, an International Association, as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in Council of Elders. of members and others remained accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Church’s fiscal year ended consistent, at over $19 million, on June 30, 2019. In accordance for the last two fiscal years. As of with our bylaws, an external audit the date of this writing, donations Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. of our financial statements, proce- for the first six months of this fis- Cincinnati, Ohio dures and operations is performed cal year are running at about the November 13, 2019 each year, usually during August. same level as last year. The final report is presented to the • Donors and Coworkers: At June Council of Elders at its December 30, the total number of donors and One East Fourth Street, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 meeting, then made public in the coworkers (that is, non-members on how money was spent, please P. 513.241.3111 | F. 513.241.1212 | cshco.com review the Schedule of Functional church’s newspaper. who make unrestricted donations INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT Expenses on pages 12 and 13. This year, the Ohio-based public to the Church) exceeded 13,500 Council of Elders As you can see, God continues United Church of God, an International Association: accounting firm of Clark, Schaefer individuals and/or families. Report on the Financial Statements

to provide what the Church needs We have audited the accompanying financial statements of United Church of God, an and Hackett was again engaged to • Assistance to the needy (third International Association (a not-for-profit organization), which comprise the statements of to accomplish its commission of financial position as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of activities, perform the audit. The full audit tithe assistance): On the Sched- functional expenses and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the preaching the gospel and caring financial statements. report is presented in this issue ule of Functional Expense you Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

for the members of the Church Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial for your review. will note that in fiscal 2019, in statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of around the world. We are grateful America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant As we are now six months into recognition of its responsibility to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material to Him, and to the members, co- misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. the Church’s current fiscal year, it to help those with long or short- Auditors’ Responsibility workers and donors who faithful- Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. may be interesting to you to re- term financial needs, the Church We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the ly support the Work. May we all United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to view some highlights of our past provided over $1.1 million in dis- obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material continually seek God’s will and be misstatement. and current fiscal year. cretionary assistance. By compar- An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judicious in performing it. judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial First, let me report that the ison, about $350,000 was donated statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the As always, if you have any financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the Church’s financial conditionto the Assistance Fund during the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the questions about the finances of entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes continues to be very strong, for year. evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall which we are thankful to God • International subsidy: Recog- the Church or anything in the presentation of the financial statements. attached financial statements, We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a and to the members, donors, co- nizing our commitment to mem- basis for our audit opinion. workers and others who faithful- bers outside the United States, the please feel free to contact me at UN ly support His Work. Church provides regular subsidies any time. Following are a few items and to several international areas, in- statistics of interest, with page ref- cluding congregations in Africa, erence number to the attached fi- the Caribbean, Europe, Southeast UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association nancial statements, as you review Asia, Mexico, South America and Statements of Activities Statements of Financial Position Years Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 them: others. The total amount of such June 30, 2019 and 2018

2019 2018 • Unqualified Opinion:On pag- international assistance in fis- 2019 2018 Assets: Net assets without donor restrictions: es 1 and 2 of the audit report, the cal 2019 exceeded $1.5 million, Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,834,551 7,053,425 Revenues, gains and other support: Certificates of deposit 2,554,912 2,043,222 Contributions - individuals $ 12,745,786 13,048,235 external accounting firm states its which does not include the cost of Prepaid expenses 386,285 300,241 Contributions - local congregations 377,623 392,002 Property and equipment, net 5,317,306 4,472,960 Holy day offerings and festival fund contributions 5,217,884 4,968,720 Estate and personal property donations 457,246 594,920 opinion that the financial state- printing and postage and shipping Total assets $ 14,093,054 13,869,848 Interest income 101,327 78,646 Other income 192,736 166,806 Net assets released from restrictions: ments and information “present of foreign language magazines Liabilities and net assets: Satisfaction of restrictions 528,928 522,993 Liabilities: fairly the financial position of [the and booklets. Accounts payable $ 200,001 357,697 Total revenues, gains and other support 19,621,530 19,772,322 Accrued payroll and vacation pay 560,967 507,144 Accrued insurance obligations 28,480 89,847 Expenses: Church] at June 30, 2019.” • Church buildings: During the Accrued other 110,930 97,492 Program services: Mortgages payable 591,907 325,346 Field Ministry / Local Congregations 8,315,260 7,985,818 • Cash and Restricted Fund Bal- fiscal year, the Church completed Total liabilities 1,492,285 1,377,526 Festivals 447,988 400,173 International 1,596,397 1,700,965 ances: On page 3, the Statement the construction and equipping of Net assets: Public Proclamation 5,107,486 5,044,659 Without donor restrictions 12,346,756 11,922,464 Total program services 15,467,131 15,131,615 of Financial Position, otherwise the Video Recording Studio, which With donor restrictions 254,013 569,858 Management and general: Total net assets 12,600,769 12,492,322 Council of Elders / Home Office / Insurance & Benefit Plans 3,514,202 2,959,744 known as the “Balance Sheet,” dis- was financed wholly through the Total liabilities and net assets $ 14,093,054 13,869,848 General Conference 35,905 40,571 Executive Reserve 180,000 319,597 closes our asset and liability bal- contributions of church members Total management and general 3,730,107 3,319,912 ances at year-end. Cash includes and other donors. A church build- Total expenses 19,197,238 18,451,527 both general donations and re- ing in Columbus, Ohio was pur- Increase in net assets without donor restrictions 424,292 1,320,795 Net assets with donor restrictions: stricted donations. Donor-des- chased during the year, financed Contributions 213,083 465,451 Net assets released from restrictions: ignated contributions, such as through the local church building Satisfaction of restrictions (528,928) (522,993) Decrease in net assets with donor restrictions (315,845) (57,542) Festival Fund, Assistance Fund, fund with mortgages provided by Change in net assets 108,447 1,263,253 Net assets at the beginning of period 12,492,322 11,229,069 Good Works, Building Fund and a few church members. Net assets at the end of period $ 12,600,769 12,492,322 others are separately recorded and • Expenses: While the Income accounted for in our books. Do- Statement shows overall expenses, The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. nations made with specific des- if you are interested in more detail 3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 Financial Statements | 13

UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association Statement of Functional Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2019

Program Services Management and General Ministerial Council of Services/Field Elders/Home Ministry/Local Public Office/Insurance Executive General Congregations Festivals International Proclamation & Benefit Plans Reserve Conference Totals UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association Salaries and related benefits $ 4,503,808 - - 1,660,266 1,025,145 175,000 - 7,364,219 Statement of Functional Expenses Contracted services and fees 27,116 7,266 - 284,843 226,273 - 9,099 554,597 Year Ended June 30, 2018 Broadcast media and advertising - - - 1,045,259 - - - 1,045,259 Print media and advertising 11,025 17,343 - 800,550 8,617 - 1,471 839,006 Program Services Management and General Postage and shipping 18,909 10,168 - 950,775 51,498 - 2,869 1,034,219 Ministerial Council of Building and equipment lease/rental 38,086 158,149 - - 1,508 - - 197,743 Services/Field Elders/Home Telephone and utilities 38,154 1,288 - 2,600 103,414 - - 145,456 Ministry/Local Public Office/Insurance Executive General Supplies 47,122 16,752 - 19,045 52,108 - 5,252 140,279 Congregations Festivals International Proclamation & Benefit Plans Reserve Conference Totals Travel, mileage, meals, and lodging 1,004,428 31,835 160,535 11,088 97,520 - 17,214 1,322,620 Depreciation - - - - 216,822 - - 216,822 Salaries and related benefits $ 4,286,908 - - 1,610,748 968,084 316,150 - 7,181,890 Grants and charitable support: - - Contracted services and fees 30,365 7,293 - 278,718 232,893 - 8,655 557,924 International support - 113 1,435,862 331,747 687 5,000 - 1,773,409 Broadcast media and advertising - - - 967,335 - - - 967,335 Domestic support: Print media and advertising 11,955 15,841 - 793,619 19,586 - 3,418 844,419 Postage and shipping 18,607 7,321 - 939,793 28,272 - 3,694 997,687 Assistance to the needy 957,123 204,980 - - 19,219 - - 1,181,322 Building and equipment lease/rental 22,585 154,296 - 6,182 1,258 - - 184,321 Allocations to local congregations 1,646,201 ------1,646,201 Telephone and utilities 39,587 339 - 2,426 97,831 - - 140,183 Insurance and health care - - - - 1,681,359 - - 1,681,359 Supplies 36,862 12,565 - 20,863 43,941 47 3,151 117,429 Other 23,288 94 - 1,313 30,032 - - 54,727 Travel, mileage, meals, and lodging 979,252 24,292 178,736 34,682 93,889 - 21,616 1,332,467 Depreciation - - - - 185,025 - - 185,025 Total expenses $ 8,315,260 447,988 1,596,397 5,107,486 3,514,202 180,000 35,905 19,197,238 Grants and charitable support: International support - 748 1,522,229 389,044 634 3,400 - 1,916,055 Domestic support: Assistance to the needy 923,354 177,351 - - 22,905 - - 1,123,610 Allocations to local congregations 1,612,087 ------1,612,087 Insurance and health care - - - - 1,225,623 - - 1,225,623 Other 24,256 127 - 1,249 39,803 - 37 65,472

Total expenses $ 7,985,818 400,173 1,700,965 5,044,659 2,959,744 319,597 40,571 18,451,527

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association 6 Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

2019 2018 Cash flows from operating activities: Change in net assets $ 108,447 1,263,253 Adjustment to reconcile change in net assets UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Notes to the Financial Statements Depreciation 216,822 185,025 June 30, 2019 and 2018 Contributed property and equipment (255,355) - Contributed land (28,000) - Gain on sale of property and equipment (11,003) - Effect of change in operating assets and liabilities: 1. CHURCH AND ACTIVITIES: Prepaid expenses (86,044) 24,704 Accounts payable (157,696) 239,878 The United Church of God, an International Association, (herein referred as the "Church") is a Accrued payroll and vacation pay 53,823 (641) worldwide religious association. In the United States of America, the Church is a California Accrued insurance obligations (61,367) (224,828) Nonprofit Religious Corporation (incorporated on May 10, 1995). Affairs of the Church are Accrued other 13,438 62,262 coordinated through the Home Office located in Milford, Ohio, where the state of Ohio has the Church officially registered. Net cash provided (used) by operating activities (206,935) 1,549,653 an International Association The Church is not affiliated with other religious churches, nor does it publicly appeal for funds or UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, Cash flows from investing activities: Notes to the Financial Statements involve itself in politics. The mission of the United Church of God, an International Purchase of certificates of deposit (2,554,912) (2,043,222) June 30, 2019 and 2018 Redemption of certificates of deposit 2,043,222 1,013,987 Association, is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God in all the world, Purchases of property and equipment (778,910) (714,703) make disciples in all nations and care for those disciples. Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 12,100 - The Church is overseen by a General Conference of Elders, which, in turn, appoints a 12-  Net assets without donor restrictions: Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed Net cash used by investing activities (1,278,500) (1,743,938) member Council of Elders to function as a board of directors that establishes operational restrictions and may be expended for any purpose in performing the primary objectives policies for the Church. The officers and employees of the Church are responsible for of the Church. These net assets may be used at the discretion of the Church’s Cash flows from financing activities: operation of the Church in conformance with Council policies. management and the Council of Elders. Proceeds from mortgages payable 345,000 - Principal payments on mortgages payable (78,439) (58,154) 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:  Net assets with donor restrictions: Net assets subject to stipulations imposed by donors. Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 266,561 (58,154) Some donor restrictions are temporary in nature; those restrictions will likely be met by Adoption of new accounting standard actions of the Church or by the passage of time. Other donor restrictions are perpetual Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,218,874) (252,439) in nature, whereby the donor has stipulated the funds be maintained in perpetuity. The During 2019, the Church adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, “Presentation Church has no net assets with perpetual donor restrictions as of June 30, 2019 and Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 7,053,425 7,305,864 of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities”. The standard addresses the complexity and 2018. understandability of net asset classification, deficiencies in information about liquidity and Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 5,834,551 7,053,425 availability of resources, and the lack of consistency in the type of information provided about Church support investment return and functional expenses, including allocation methodologies and presentation Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures: of a statement of functional expenses as part of the basic financial statements. The Church has Members of the Church practice tithing (which is the donation of ten percent of one's "net" adjusted the presentation of these financial statements for 2019 and have retroactively applied income for the Church's unrestricted use). The majority of the Church’s support and revenue Interest paid $ 4,896 6,016 the new presentation to the 2018 financial statements, accordingly. consist of such unrestricted donations, whether from individuals directly to the Home Office or from monies received by local congregations and subsequently given to the Home Office. Basis of presentation Members also save an additional ten percent of their annual "net" income for personal use in The accompanying financial statements include only the activity of the Home Office for the attending biblically mandated festivals or holy days. This is commonly referred to as the Church. second tithe. Members also contribute to the Church a portion of the second tithe that they save for use at the annual festivals. These contributions, known as the "Festival Fund," are The Church has associated organizations, operating in other countries, which have resources used to pay for expenses involved in festival operations and to assist needy members and their that are principally derived and expended locally. The Church provides grants-in-aid and other families so they can attend the Feast of Tabernacles. Funds are also sent internationally to services to some of these organizations. The accounts of these organizations are not included assist members. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. in the accompanying financial statements. 7 Those members who are financially able contribute to the "Assistance Fund." Monies The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with the contributed to the fund are used to assist the needy. AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, "Not-for-Profit Organizations" which requires the Church to report information regarding its financial position and activities according to the following net Members may designate that their contributions be used to support the Church internationally. asset classifications: This fund is known as the "International Fund."

Use of estimates

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 8 amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the financial statement date, and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income taxes

The Church is exempt from Federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Donations to the Church are tax-deductible under IRC Section l70(b)(l)(A). However, income from certain activities not directly related to the Church's tax-exempt purpose would be subject to taxation as unrelated business income. The Church has been granted tax- exempt status in the states in which it operates that provide exemptions from taxes.

9 14 | Financial Statements

an International Association UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements June 30, 2019 and 2018 June 30, 2019 and 2018 June 30, 2019 and 2018

Cash and cash equivalents Festivals: This function includes costs that are directly involved in the fall Festival of Tabernacles and the other annual festivals. 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with initial maturities of three months or less. Home Office: This function includes administrative and other expenses for the Home Property and equipment consisted of the following at June 30: Office. 2019 2018 Certificates of deposit Council of Elders: The expenses in this function are those that pertain to the Council of Buildings and construction in progress $ 6,318,389 5,512,842 As of June 30, 2019, the Church owned three certificates of deposit at three financial Elders, including phone and face-to-face conferences. Land 449,952 421,952 institutions. The certificates of deposit had an initial maturity of one year. The fair value of the Land improvements 421,541 396,551 certificates of deposit was $2,554,912. As of June 30, 2018, the Church owned two certificates General Conference: Expenses in this function include any expenses relating to the Furniture and fixtures 97,092 54,660 of deposit at two financial institutions with an initial maturity of one year. The fair value of those Cincinnati, Ohio, General Conference held in May. Office equipment 675,566 549,235 certificates of deposit were $2,043,222. Vehicles 69,494 81,166 Executive Reserve: This function includes funds set aside for special projects, capital Total property and equipment 8,032,034 7,016,406 Concentration of credit risk expenditures, employee benefits, or other unforeseen expenditures that may occur Less: accumulated depreciation 2,714,728 2,543,446 during the year. $ 5,317,306 4,472,960 The Church maintains its cash and certificates of deposit at several commercial and savings banks which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Church has not experienced any Allocation of functional expenses 4. OBLIGATIONS UNDER OPERATING LEASES: losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. The costs of providing various programs and other activities have been summarized on a The Church leases automobiles pursuant to operating lease agreements. The Church's future Property and equipment functional basis in the statements of activities and, accordingly, certain costs have been minimum lease payments for all non-cancelable operating leases are as follows: allocated among benefited programs and supporting services. There are no joint costs for Purchased property and equipment are recorded at cost. Donations of property and equipment fundraising activities. All expenses are charged to the various programs and other activities Years Ending June 30: are recorded as support at their estimated fair value on the date of donation. Such donations based on direct expenses incurred with exception of the following functional expense categories are reported as without donor restrictions unless the donor has restricted the donated asset to which include allocated expenses based on periodic time studies conducted by management: 2020 $ 178,645 be used for a specific purpose. Major improvements to real property are capitalized and normal salaries, contracted services, print media and advertising, building and equipment lease/rental, 2021 122,805 repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. occupancy, travel, supportive services, and other expenses. 2022 76,463 2023 28,982 Property and equipment owned by the Church are depreciated using the straight-line method Reclassifications over their estimated useful life as follows: Total future minimum lease payments $ 406,895 Certain items from 2018 have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Computer/Information Systems 3 years Rent and lease expenses for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were $197,743 and Office Equipment 5 years Subsequent events $184,321, respectively. Vehicles 5 years Office Furniture and Fixtures 7 years The Church evaluates events and transactions occurring subsequent to the date of the financial 5. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLAN: Land Improvements 10 years statements for matters requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. The Buildings 40 years accompanying financial statements consider events through November 13, 2019, the date on Effective April 1, 1999 the Church established a 403(b) thrift plan for all full-time employees. which the financial statements were available to be issued. Matching contributions were made for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 in the amount Components of programs and supporting services of $203,092 and $194,211, respectively.

Field Ministry/Local Congregations: This function includes expenses pertaining to the 6. MORTGAGES PAYABLE: field ministry, local congregations and youth camps. In November 2008, the Church signed a $350,000 mortgage with Prosperity Bank, secured by a International: This function includes expenses pertaining to the support of international church building. The mortgage was to be repaid in monthly installments over fifteen years, with congregations and offices. an interest rate at 6.526%. In June 2014, the note with Prosperity Bank was refinanced and a new mortgage was issued through a member of the Church. The new note has a principal Public Proclamation: This area contains all media related expenses. amount of $260,000 and will be repaid in monthly installments over 8 years, with an interest rate of 3.00%. The balance at June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $104,869 and $137,782, respectively.

10 11 12

UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements June 30, 2019 and 2018 June 30, 2019 and 2018 June 30, 2019 and 2018

The following table reflects the Church’s financial assets as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, In June 2014, the Church signed a $65,000 mortgage with Church of Christ, secured by a reduced by amounts that are not available to meet general expenditures within one year of the church building. The mortgage will be repaid in monthly installments over 8 years, with an 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: statements of financial position date because of donor restrictions: interest rate of 0.00%. The balance at June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $24,144 and $32,320, respectively. No interest has been imputed on the mortgage, as the amount was deemed The Church is currently making discretionary payments to certain individuals. The payments 2019 2018 immaterial. totaled approximately $962,000 and $1,124,000 for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, Financial assets: respectively. These discretionary payments are provided, in part, based upon the individual's Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,834,551 7,053,425 In December 2014, the Church signed a $25,000 mortgage with United Church of God, Fort needs and, accordingly, could be discontinued in the future. No amounts have been accrued in Certificates of deposit 2,554,912 2,043,222 Wayne, secured by a church building. The mortgage will be repaid in monthly installments over the accompanying financial statements for future payments relating to these arrangements. 10 years, with an interest rate of 0.50%. The balance at June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $13,905 The Church is self-insured for medical insurance and maintains a stop-loss coverage policy Financial assets available at year-end 8,389,463 9,096,647 and $16,392, respectively. covering individual claims in excess of predetermined amounts. Aggregate annual claims are also capped at a fixed rate. Self-insurance costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of the Less those unavailable for general expenditures In December 2014, the Church signed a $75,000 mortgage with United Church of God, liability for reported claims and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported. within one year due to: Indianapolis, secured by a church building. The mortgage will be repaid in monthly installments Restricted by donor for specific purpose 254,013 569,858 over 10 years, with an interest rate of 2.50%. The balance at June 30, 2019 and 2018 was 8. NET ASSETS WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS: $43,556 and $50,852, respectively. Financial assets available to meet cash needs for Net assets with donor restrictions are available for the following purposes at June 30: general expenditures within one year $ 8,135,450 8,526,789 In 2010, the Church received a building as part of a contribution that included an assumed mortgage with a balance of $151,000 at the time of contribution. The mortgage is secured by 2019 2018 10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: the church building. The mortgage will be repaid in 215 monthly installments of $700 and one payment of $500 maturing in December 2029, with an interest rate of 0.00%. The balance at Studio Fund $ - 392,004 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $79,600 and $88,000, respectively. No interest has been imputed Good Works Program 211,188 140,719 Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The standard’s core on the mortgage, as the amount was deemed immaterial. Building Fund 42,825 37,135 principle is that an organization will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the organization In August 2018, the Church received a building as part of a contribution that included a $ 254,013 569,858 expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard also includes $345,000 mortgage with three members of the United Church of God, Columbus, secured by expanded disclosure requirements that result in an entity providing users of financial statements the church building. The mortgage will be repaid in monthly installments over 15 years, with an Net assets of $528,928 were released during 2019 from donor restrictions by incurring capital with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue interest rate of 0.00%. The balance at June 30, 2019 was $325,833. No interest has been expenditures satisfying the restricted purposes of funds held within the Studio Fund and by and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers. This standard will be effective imputed on the mortgage, as the amount was deemed immaterial. incurring expenses satisfying the restricted purposes specified by the donors within the Good for the year ending June 30, 2020. Works Program. Net assets of $522,993 were released during 2018 from donor restrictions by The future minimum payments on the mortgage payables are as follows: incurring maintenance expenses satisfying the restricted purposes of funds held within the In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”. The standard requires all Building Fund and by incurring expenses satisfying the restricted purposes specified by the leases with lease terms over 12 months to be capitalized as a right-of-use asset and lease Years Ending June 30: donors within the Good Works Program. liability on the statement of financial position at the date of the lease commencement. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating. This distinction will be relevant for the pattern 2020 $ 83,419 9. LIQUIDITY DISCLOSURE: of expense recognition in the statement of activities. This standard will be effective for the year 2021 84,653 ending June 30, 2021. 2022 85,923 The Church is substantially supported by contributions from its members. A majority of these 2023 42,000 contributions are recorded without donor restrictions; however, the Church does receive In June 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-08, “Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for 2024 43,497 contributions that are recorded with donor restrictions. Because a donor's restriction requires Contributions Received and Contributions Made”. This standard will assist entities in Thereafter 252,415 resources to be used in a particular manner or in a future period, the Church must maintain determining whether transactions should be recorded as a contribution (nonreciprocal sufficient resources to meet those responsibilities to its donors. Thus, financial assets may not transaction) or as an exchange (reciprocal transaction). The standard also provides expanded Total $ 591,907 be available for general expenditure within one year. guidance on determining whether or not a contribution is conditional. This standard will be effective for the year ending June 30, 2020.

The Church is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of these new standards on the financial statements.

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cshco.com Member Profile Member Profile | 15 Hazel Phyllis Knapp A member profile by ry after she retired and moved to Missouri in 1997 at the age of 75. Janice Kleier and Dan For this mini bio I mostly quote Dowd her own words (in italics). My parents, Paul Lester Knapp “You shall rise before the gray Jr. and Hazel Phyllis Jones Knapp headed and honor the presence of were both born and raised in an old man, and fear your God; I southern Missouri. Dad was am the LORD,” (Leviticus 19:32, raised devout Baptist and Mom’s NKJV). family was “social Methodist” Dan Dowd: One of the privi- (Mom’s description): “They partic- leges I have as a pastor is to serve ipated in every social activity and the many faithful seniors in the party (no smoking, drinking, danc- local congregations, and in turn ing, gambling, no makeup, etc.).” to learn about their lives and the Mom always went by her mid- calling God has given to them. dle name because her mother was Above: Phyllis Knapp A few years ago I decided to go Right: Paul and Phyllis with their two also Hazel. children “back in the day.” through the local member files in Education was a primary goal in order to make note of when all of my Mom’s life from quite an early the local members were baptized. age and all through high school. I had quite a few pleasant surpris- Then came World War II. “There tizing team at the Post Office in es when I undertook this task, the Bartlesville, Oklahoma. We were came a day when I made a pro- uncle and several of my Dad’s “Shocking news! It was an- most impressive being the reason baptized in the Caney River, which found decision. I wanted a career cousins lived in Azusa. They made nounced that the Pasadena Cam- for this article. flows through Bartlesville, Au- where I could serve the community us welcome. Paul found work im- pus would close and the library Mrs. Phyllis Knapp attends gust 15, 1950. The young married and be a part of something. I be- mediately and I found a small would be packed up and sent to the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, couple of the baptism team was gan to think I might not marry and furnished duplex. Because of our combine on the Big Sandy, Texas congregation. She was baptized Raymond and Myra Cole. At this didn’t want to have just a job, but I early morning Bible study habit we campus. I was 67 years old and ex- August 15, 1950—70 years ago. I point we knew about the Seventh wanted a career.” laid a solid foundation of faith and pected to be retired, but they asked decided I wanted to know more day Sabbath from sundown to sun- In her biography, my mom knowledge through many years of me to transfer! Paul loved the idea! about Mrs. Knapp, but the rea- down but the Holy Days were still wrote a great deal about her strug- trials and difficulties.” We moved to Texas June 1990.. son I didn’t know much about a mystery. We went to California gles to get an education during “During those early California “After many months of getting the her is that for about 15 years in spring 1951 for Passover and 1st the war years, supporting herself years we drove 13 miles to Pas- library holdings in place and the her mind has been deteriorating day of Unleavened Bread, a trip of while going to college. At age 22 adena for Radio Church of God library systems up and running, I from Alzheimer’s Disease. Since 1,500 miles. If we had only known she had obtained the necessary services in the building that later was asked to establish a new de- I couldn’t talk much with Mrs. we could have gone 500 miles to 30-hour Teaching Certificate became the Ambassador College partment! So exciting! All the rare Knapp about her life, I decided to Gladewater, Texas! and was hired to teach in a one- Library. books (i.e. published before 1800) ask her daughter, Janice Kleier, to “Our first Feast of Tabernacles room school. “I felt responsible “Fast forward a few years, I began and all the church literature would put together her mom’s life story. I was Belknap Springs, Oregon. We and pleased with my grown-up teaching at Imperial School in Pas- be under my jurisdiction and wanted to share this with a wider still have that handwritten letter self. I’m glad for the experience of adena, but the State of California placed in a separate, secure room. audience to not only honor Mrs. from Loma Armstrong dated Sep- teaching in a one-room school, but required more education so while “It was a challenging and absorb- Knapp, but also to inspire all of us tember 18, 1951 telling us where this led to another major [realiza- I was teaching full time I was also ing job. I regard it as the pinnacle with the legacy of a truly faithful to meet on October 14. We were to tion]: I needed more education. I taking classes at Ambassador Col- of my library experiences. This con- member of the Body of Christ. bring warm blankets. We loaded enrolled in Southwestern Missouri lege (AC). I switched jobs and ma- tinued another seven years. Final- What follows is from Janice up the car with plenty of coffee and State Teachers College for the fall jors to work at the library and got ly, after 50 years, my unique expe- Kleier about her mother: warm blankets and our two chil- of 1945.” a bachelor of arts degree in library rience in education came to an end My mom wrote her Reflections, dren, Carl Mitchell, 4 years, and “I met a nice decent guy,” which science in June 1961. I loved it! I feel in June 1997. The Paul and Phyllis Knapp Sto- led to several long and cute sto- Janice Elaine, 1 year, and our little family of four made the three-day this was the right career for me. “We retired 500 miles north to ries. Paul Lester Knapp and Ha- “In the late 1960’s Ambassador the Springfield, Missouri, area and zel Phyllis Jones married Aug. 11, trip to Oregon. “The next Holy Day we made College began a concentrated ef- that August celebrated our 50th 1946. fort to seek accreditation. The li- wedding anniversary. We’d come “Paul had a stronger belief in plans for Pentecost, which didn’t happen—instead I gave birth to brary had to grow! I was assigned home and had almost three golden God than I did. Just a chance listen ‘cataloging and processing.’ I held retirement years. Paul got sick and to a radio talk changed our lives. our third child, William Edward, on June 2, 1952. that position for 15 years through died July 5, 1999.” Paul began listening to the World several changes in library adminis- Mrs. Knapp lived in their beau- Tomorrow broadcast. My inten- “Another momentous decision: Because the building trade was fall- tration. I spent a few months in the tiful retirement house with her tion was to prove Mr. Armstrong reference department before I was dog until October 2007 when she way off base. We began a life-long ing off in the Midwest and booming in California, we decided to sell given a special assignment (1986). moved to live with her daugh- habit of studying our Bibles 2 hours I was asked to organize and process ter and son-in-law in Wisconsin. every morning while drinking cof- everything except necessities and move to California. We packed the the Herbert W. Armstrong private She has poor memory issues and fee. Paul sent off for booklets and papers. I worked in a remote secure is reasonably healthy but frag- literature that brought about some car for the Feast of Tabernacles fall 1952 and drove to Seigler Springs, area for three years to complete the ile, although still walking around life altering changes. We, together, project.” [Side note: It was actual- the house and using a wheel- wrote and asked about baptism. California. Keeping the Feast was A recent photo of Phyllis Knapp, who wonderful! ly the basement of Herbert Arm- chair when out of the house. Mrs. turned 96 in November. In early August 1950 we received strong’s house, not far from the Knapp turned 96 on Nov. 22, a letter telling us to meet a bap- “Afterward we started our new lives in southern California. My original library building.] 2019. UN Airing on WGN America Sun. 8:30 a.m. ET Sat. 5 a.m. ET When Do You Need a Will? You may be wondering if it is time to have a Will. What if you Three Keys to Knowing God do not have a large net worth or estate, are not married, do not Jan. 5-11 Presented by Darris McNeely. have children or are under the age of 30? Do you really need to Literature offered:Is God a Trinity? have a Will in place? The simple answer is yes! Having a Will is the starting point Enemies of Evolution to any estate plan. It gives you control over the distribution Presented by Steve Myers. Jan. 12-18 Literature offered:Creation or Evolution: Does It Really Matter of your assets and is a way to show care and concern for your What You Believe? loved ones left behind in the event of your death. Surprisingly, over 50% of American adults do not have a Is Baptism Necessary? Will or other estate documents in place. The reasons why vary. Jan. 19-25 Presented by Gary Petty. Some do not want to be reminded of their own mortality. For Literature offered:The Road to Eternal Life others, the process seems too complicated, expensive or they God’s Plan Through the Festivals just have not “gotten around to it.” In the end, leaving your Presented by Gary Petty. loved ones with no Will usually results in higher costs and— Jan. 26-Feb. 1 Literature offered:God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for more importantly—your local state laws determining who re- All Mankind ceives your assets. Often, when applicable, in the absence of a Will the state also assigns custody of your minor children. All About Grace It also leaves your family vulnerable to relatives arguing over Feb. 2-8 Presented by Darris McNeely. Literature offered:What Does the Bible Teach About Grace? your wishes and estate. Here are the two most common ways you can go about get- Are the United States and Britain in the ting a Will established: Bible? • Online Service—If your financial or family situation is not Feb. 9-15 Presented by Steve Myers. complicated, many online services are free or low cost and of- Literature offered:The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy fer an affordable way to complete a Will. Since Wills are state specific, make sure when doing an online version of a Will that Three Reasons Why Jesus Comes Twice it considers your individual state laws. Feb. 16-22 Presented by Gary Petty. Literature offered:The Gospel of the Kingdom • Attorney—If you have more complex estate needs, and/or have custody issues with children, using an attorney is advis- When Heaven Comes to Earth able. A good attorney can help ensure that your beneficiaries Feb. 23-29 Presented by Darris McNeely. avoid unexpected problems and delays and they are trained in Literature offered:Christ’s Reign on Earth: What It Will Be Like walking you through the entire process. Questions to consider when making a Will: • Who will be the executor, or the person charged with ful- Periodicals Postage Paid filling your Will’s directions? Make sure to ask the individual at Milford, Ohio, and at prior to naming them in your Will. additional mailing offices • Who will be the guardians of your children in the event you die before they reach adulthood? • Who will manage the property that will go to your minor children? • Who or what organization will inherit your assets or be given a gift when you die? Remember, even if you already have a Will in place, it is im- portant to review it every five years or when a major life event occurs such as change in marital status, losing a spouse, becom- ing a parent or grandparent, or change of health. Also, once you have a Will in place, make sure to share this information with those who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. We read in Philippians 1:20 (NLT), “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” When do you need a will? The answer is easy. Right now. If you are considering designating the Church as a beneficia- ry in your Will, have questions or would like assistance, please contact our Planned Giving Coordinator, Howard March- banks at (513) 570-2343 or email at [email protected]. Howard Marchbanks, CFP ®

BY THE NUMBERS How This Work Is Supported The United News is produced by the United Church of God, which is sustained by members, volunteers, coworkers and donors. If 1,172 you would like to contribute, you can do so at people attended the donate.ucg.org. Our gratitude goes to all who assist us financially through tithes, offerings, Winter Family Weekend gifts and planned giving donations.