New Beginningsª Vol. 4, No. 3 UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1998 General Conference of Elders Ð Closing Addresses WeÕve had our share of dispute. WeÕve The following reports are taken from also had individuals, just like Peter, in verse CONTENTS the closing addresses by chairman, Robert 7, who rose to address the assembled body. Dick, and president, Leslie McCullough, at Later on, we had Paul and Barnabas, whose Closing Addresses ...... Page 1 the annaul meeting of the General experience was totally different but equally What Is the Great Commission? . . .Page 2 Conference of Elders in Louisville, valid, and later on, an individual who, to the GCE Overview ...... Page 4 Kentucky, March 9, 1998. best of our knowledge had had very little Plans For Preaching the Gospel . . .Page 8 hands-on experience in that particular area, Ballot Results ...... Page 9 Feast of Tabernacles ...... Page 12 Robert Dick: but nonetheless rose, James. Letters From Our Readers . . . . .Page 28 One of the fascinating things for all of Youth Updates ...... Page 29 WeÕve reached the place of the con- us, as ministers and ministersÕ wives, is to Passover and Unleavened Bread . .Page 30 cluding comments, as we wrap up this stop, since our lives are in the Word of God, WhatÕs New on the Web? ...... Page 31 yearÕs meeting of the General Conference and meditate at times over the difference Around the World ...... Page 32 of Elders. It has been really constructive to between reading a completed story, where Announcements ...... Page 34 have had many elders here, both in our we get to see the beginning, middle and the Wisconsin Winter Camp ...... Page 36 employ and not-employed, from the United endÑall within pagesÑand living a story, States, Canada, South and Central America, where all we can see is where we are at the Australia, Africa, the Philippines and many time. The issue of circumcision raged with- more countries. We truly have been through in the church of God for years and years an experience in these last few days. I canÕt after the Jerusalem conference had made its help but be reminded of some things record- decision. Coming to total grips with the ed of the great New Testament conference issues brought forward in this chapter was in Acts chapter 15. not the product of that one event. It was the There are times when the church of product of converted people working The next issue of New God has addressed major issues, and I know toward a godly destination over an extend- Beginnings is scheduled to be that all of us would probably desire in our ed period of time. published on Monday, April 6, heart of hearts that we could always main- I would hope that this deliberative 1998. tain the highest level of Christian conduct in body would consider the historical lesson all occasions. And yet, I think also we all embedded in Acts chapter 15. We take so stop as we look at ourselves, and realize much for granted, like the fact that we can thatÕs not always totally possible. go to a supermarket and there are 30 to 40 IÕm reminded of Acts 15, verse 6, as it varieties of everything from which to says, ÒThe apostles and elders came togeth- choose, like more TV channels than you er to consider this matterÓÑone of the great- would ever want to look at, styles of cloth- est matters in the New Testament church. ItÕs ing, and automobiles in endless arrayÑbut United Church of God interesting that the focus appears to have they speak to the world we live inÑa world P.O. Box 661780 been very narrowly on circumcision. The of tremendous diversity. Those who under- focus in reality was on the entire plan of stand the time in which we live realize one Arcadia, CA 91066-1780 GodÑthe ability to open the door to the of the greatest challenges is for a body to entire gentile world. It is fascinating at times remain united and still respect the fact that (626) 294-0800 how we focus on the little parts of the big the members in that united body are diverse. (626) 294-0808 Fax issues. ÒNow the apostles and elders came We have all paid serviceÑI believe, sincere together to consider this matter, and...there serviceÑto the words in Ephesians and had been much disputeÓ (verses 6Ð7). (See ÒADDRESSES,Ó page 10) Page 2 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 From the CouncilÉ New Beginnings March 16, 1998 Vol. 4, No. 3

New Beginnings (ISSN 1088-8020) is published monthly gospel was in contrast to feeding the by the United Church of God, an International What Is the Great flock. Association, 444 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91006. These aspects of doing the Work and © 1998 United Church of God, an International Commission? Association. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. feeding the membership were rated Òthe Reproduction in any form without written permission is by Gary E. Antion first commissionÓ and Òthe second commis- prohibited. Periodicals Postage paid at Arcadia, California 91006, and at additional mailing offices. sionÓ by those who chose to separate the As I listened to the World Tomorrow two. I recall that he clearly explained we Managing editor: Peter W. Eddington radio broadcast in the late 1950s in my have only one commission which entails Copy editor: Peter Moore hometown of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, I both the preaching of the gospel and the United Church of God Council of Elders: was stirred by the message of the kingdom feeding of the flock. This is indeed the great Gary Antion, Robert Dick (chairman), Jim Franks, of God! This powerful message was commission of the Church. Roy Holladay, David Hulme, Victor Kubik, Dennis Luker, Les McCullough, Burk McNair, delivered in a challenging and enthusiastic He described how the gospel goes Peter Nathan, Leon Walker, Donald Ward manner. forth. Individuals hear the message and President: Les McCullough As I remember it, the broadcast began some are called. They respond to that call- Scriptural references are from the New King James with words similar to this: ÒThe World ing and through being visited and served by Version (© 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers) unless Tomorrow; Herbert W Armstrong brings the ministry and the church, come to con- otherwise noted. you todayÕs world news and the prophecies version. They are then fed, as the flock of Subscriptions: New Beginnings is sent automatically to members of the United Church of God and is free to all of the World Tomorrow.Ó God, by the elders, and who request it. Your subscription is provided by the gener- Then, Mr. Armstrong nourished by the brethren ous, voluntary contributions of members of the United Church of God, an International Association, and their co- usually began with a stir- I recall that Mr. through fellowship. In workers. Donations are gratefully accepted and are tax- ring introduction relevant turn, through their indi- deductible. To request a subscription, write to New Beginnings, United Church of God, P.O. Box 661780, to the world situation or Armstrong clearly vidual efforts, prayers Arcadia, CA 91066-1780, or to one of the international social conditions of the explained we have and financial support, addresses below. time. they make possible the only one commission Address changes: POSTMASTERÑSend address He proceeded to preaching of the gospel changes to New Beginnings, P.O. Box 661780, Arcadia, expound prophecy and which entails both to others. CA 91066-1780. biblical teaching relevant the preaching of the Mr. Armstrong International addresses: for the time, in a clear, explained that this one AUSTRALIA: United Church of GodÑAustralia gospel and the feed- GPO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld. 4001, Australia inspirational manner. great commission was Phone: 0755 202-111 Fax: 0755 202-122 Often he challenged the ing of the flock. This what we were endeavor- BAHAMAS: United Church of God, P.O. Box N8873, listeners with questions is indeed the great ing to fulfill. This is what Nassau, Bahamas Phone: (242) 324-3169 Fax: (242) 364-5566 and issues that usually led the mission of United commission of the CANADA: United Church of GodÐCanada, P.O. Box 144, them to request a booklet Church of God is. I quote Station D, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1, Canada or the monthly magazine, Church. Article One (1.0) of the Phone: (416) 231-9379, (800) 338-7779 Fax: (416) 231-8238 FRENCH-SPEAKING AREAS: ƒglise de Dieu Unie (Suisse and, hopefully, to contin- Constitution: ÒThe mis- romande), Rue de la Servette 91, Case postale 47, 1211 uing interest in the truth sion of the Church of Gen•ve 16 Grand PrŽ, Suisse as found in GodÕs Word, the Bible. God is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ NEW ZEALAND: United Church of God, P.O. Box 22, Auckland, 1030, New Zealand Sometimes Mr. Armstrong referred to and the Kingdom of God in all the world, SOUTH AFRICA: United Church of God, P.O. Box 4345, the preaching of the gospel as the ÒfirstÓ make disciples in all nations and care for 2125 Randburg, South Africa commission. Matthew 24:14 was often those disciples.Ó This is what I remember Phone: 011 792-4601 Fax: 011 791-0711 cited in support for this thrust of the Church Mr. Armstrong stating in the late 1960s as SPANISH-SPEAKING AREAS: United Church of God, P.O. Box 458, Big Sandy, TX 75755, U.S.A. in doing GodÕs work on earth. he came to understand the commission of Phone: (903) 636-4928 the Church (Matthew 28:18Ð20; Mark UNITED KINGDOM: United Church of God (U.K.), P.O. Box 5929, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 6YX More Understanding of the 16:15; Matthew 24:14). Phone: 01635-528063 Fax: 01635-522797 In the July 15, 1996 issue of the Commission Internet access on your computer: Ministerial Newsletter, David Hulme The United Church of God, an International Association, Later, Mr. Armstrong understood encapsulated these thoughts when he wrote has a home page on the InternetÕs World Wide Web. The that there was indeed only one great to the ministry: ÒWhen Christ spoke to His address http://www.ucg.org gives you access to general information and news about the Church, issues of The Good commission. I, as a much younger minis- disciples shortly before His ascension, He News and New Beginnings, as well as our booklets. The ter, remember sitting in the audience and set out for them a now well-known mission address http://www.ucg.ca accesses the ChurchÕs Canadian Web site, http://www.ucg-aus.org.au the ChurchÕs hearing Mr. Armstrong discuss the com- statement. Matthew 28:18Ð20 spells out the Australian Web site, http://www.labuonanotizia.org the mission. He would state that some people work of the Church from their day until Ôthe ChurchÕs Italian Web site, and http://www.ucg.org.za the had contended that the preaching of the end.ÕOver the years we have referred to this ChurchÕs Southern Africa Web site. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 3 statement as the great commission. It is Acts 8:4 As a result of SaulÕs persecu- the commission (Colossians 1:6, 23Ð29). It commonly understood to contain the ele- tion on the Church, we read, ÒTherefore was said that he and the disciples had Òturned ments of preaching the gospel and teaching those who were scattered went everywhere the world upside downÓ with the gospel mes- the resulting followers of Christ His preaching the word.Ó sage (Acts 17:6). An angel, at the very end FatherÕs way of life. Acts 8:5, 12 Philip, another deacon, of this age, is also going to preach GodÕs ÒThe dual nature of the task has been preaches the gospel of the kingdom. message to the world (Revelation 14:6). noted before, and sometimes led to friction Acts 9:17, 25, 30 Paul is converted and We must spread the gospel to this among those who were involved in one the Church members are involved as Paul world! We must also reap the harvest and aspect or the other. In other words, a rivalry escapes death. care for those harvested. If we fail to do was sometimes evident between those who Acts 12:5Ð14 The church members both, we are not fulfilling the great com- sought to carry out ChristÕs command. The provide support for the apostle Peter during mission which Christ has given to us. Some problem usually surrounded the allocation his imprisonment. want to emphasize one aspect or the other. of resources to the preaching of the gospel Acts 14:20, 22, 28 Members rescued We must not get into that type of divisive or the teaching of the Church. We need to Paul and supported him in his work. thinking. avoid such frictions in the future. The great Acts 16:5, 14Ð15 Along with preaching commission is, of course, one commission, came the strengthening of the church. Future Worth of One not two.Ó Acts 18:24Ð25 Apollos zealously Converted Person begins spreading the Word. Mission and Purpose Acts 20:28 Paul is concerned that the How much is one converted person of the Church Church be fed and strengthened as GodÕs worth? What about the awesome future flock. which is in store for those who are Christians The purpose for the Church as listed in Those examples in the Acts of the (1 John 3:1Ð2)? Is helping to bring many Article 3.1 of the Constitution reveals this Apostles give us a picture of how inter- sons (and daughters) to glory a worthwhile statement: ÒGodÕs purpose for His Church twined the preaching of the gospel and the aspect of the commission (Hebrews 2:10)? is to prepare those willing to live His way of What about the rulership which has been righteousness and self-control to function as preaching promised those in Christ (Revelation His instruments in the administration of sal- the gospel 2:26Ð7)? What about making ready the bride vation to humanity, and to demonstrate His of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8)? wisdom to His spiritual creation.Ó For sure, Jesus said that His disciples The meaning of this purpose is clear. It were to go into all the world and preach the conveys the direction in which we as gospel. He also desires that the har- a Church must go. No one reading the vest be reaped. Among His final supporting the Scriptures has any doubt that the The One people called words to Peter recorded in the Gospel gospel efforts Commission and converted gospel of the kingdom of God of John, Jesus Christ reveals His con- (ChristÕs message) is to go to this cern for the other aspect of the great world. commission. He said, ÒFeed my lambsÓ and We see in GodÕs Word that many were ÒFeed my sheepÓ and once again ÒFeed my involved in doing this great work as they sheepÓ (John 21:15Ð17). were able. Though the main thrust of carry- feeding Jesus Christ taught that both aspects ing the message to the various cities and the flock were vital in fulfilling the one commission. nations of this world was done by the apos- In Matthew 28:19, He combines the two in tles, many people helped them with it. Also, I thought this would be a helpful telling His disciples to Òteach all nationsÓ the feeding of the flock was related to diagram as we look at the commission and baptize those who come as a result. He preaching the gospel. Please note the fol- Christ gave us. further instructs that those who are called lowing examples: ÑGA and baptized be instructed (feed the flock) Acts 1:8 To those assembled for in the things He has taught Pentecost, Luke wrote, ÒBut you shall feeding of the flock are. We need not engage LetÕs understand and dedicate our- receive power when the Holy Spirit has in efforts to categorize which is number one selves to fulfilling the ÒGreat CommissionÓ come upon you; and you shall be witnesses and which is number two in importance. For by doing the work of preaching the gospel to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and what value is it if after sowing the seed for and feeding the flock! This indeed is the Samaria, and to the end of the earth.Ó the harvest, no one tends the growing fruit? mission and purpose of United Church of Acts 2:47 Peter preaches the truth, and Jesus lamented, ÒThe harvest truly is plenti- God, an International Association. NB God adds to the Church daily. ful, but the laborers are fewÓ (Matthew Acts 6:7 As the Word goes forth, more 9:37). The flock must be fed and tended. ¥ Gary Antion, and his wife, Barbara, disciples are added to the Church. GodÕs message is to go forth as a testi- reside in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Acts 6:8Ð9 Stephen, as we understand, mony to all nationsÑto every person! That He is a member of the Council of Elders, a deacon, was powerfully preaching GodÕs is a mighty task ahead of us as a Church. and is operations manager for the message. Paul felt he had worked hard at that aspect of Canadian office. Page 4 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 Overview: The General Conference of Elders Louisville, Kentucky, 1998É

hope for GodÕs coming kingdom and the work of preaching the gospel, we have Saturday, March 7 resurrection. Mr. Franks used 1 Peter 3:15 other duties. What are we doing to build the and Colossians 1:27 as support for this spiritual strength in our children? He com- Elders, along with many of their point. mended the staff involved in the United wives, joined the Louisville, Kentucky, He concluded with Micah 6:8, where camps program, for providing the best of brethren for Sabbath services at the down- we are reminded that God requires that we programs for our youthÑproviding spiritu- town Galt House Hotel on March 7. Split Òdo justly, love mercy and walk humbly al guidance to our teens so Òthat they may sermons were delivered by Jim Franks and with [our] God.Ó fulfill their God-ordained destiny.Ó He con- Bob Dick. tinued that, Òcampers learn that GodÕs way Are We Doing the Work of God? works bestÓ and that Òthe social standard is Three Basics of Christianity the law of God.Ó The second split sermon was given by On a related responsibility of the Mr. Franks began by asking, ÒWhat are chairman and president, Robert Dick. He Church, Mr. Dick turned to John 21:15Ð18, the basic issues that drive you and me, and began with Luke 7:17Ð22, regarding the where Christ asked Peter, ÒDo you love are they Christian?Ó He then retraced some preaching of the gospel. Mr. Dick showed Me?Ó Peter replied, ÒYes Lord.Ó Christ of the rich history of the early Sabbatarian how much has been accomplished in responded three times, then Òfeed My church in Newport, Rhode Island. After preaching the gospel in our time, showing sheep.Ó Mr. Dick said, ÒI pray we will never much searching, he had found the grave of the results of the ChurchÕs efforts over the lose a shepherdÕs heart.Ó When United early church leader, Stephen Mumford. past year. began, the immediate need was to establish Many of the graves in the cemetery were He asked if we are preaching the same and stabilize congregations. from the 1600s and 1700s, and included message that Mr. Armstrong was preaching ÒAre we doing the work of God?Ó The those of early church members. in 1968. He then compared the 1998 work is being done, Òthe evidence speaks At the Newport Historical Society, January/February Good News to the March very loudly for itself. This body is doing which is attached to the Sabbatarian church 1968 Plain Truth magazine. The topics cov- GodÕs work,Ó he concluded. building, Mr. Franks found the minutes ered were surprisingly similar. After com- from 1692, in a backroom vault. It is inspir- paring other past issues of the Plain Truth Saturday Evening, ing to read the actual minutes of the official magazine with those of our more recent Ministerial Meeting proceedings of these brethren. He found a United publications, it was seen that the people that were not just Sabbath-keepers, gospel message preached then is being The evening meeting was called to but people who had Christian values. These preached by UCG today. order by Robert Dick at 7:45 p.m. The were people of GodÕs church in early Mr. Dick switched gears to reflect on opening prayer was given by Roger Foster. America. They lived as Christians. our children. He reminded the congregation Chairman Dick began by expressing that Mr. Franks then listed his Three Basics and ministry that our children are ÒholyÓ to the Council wanted to address some issues of Christianity: God (1 Corinthians 7:14). In addition to our with the assembled ministers. Roy 1) Humility. He began with a quote from Isaiah 66:1Ð2, where Isaiah writes that God looks to a person who has a Òcontrite spirit.Ó He moved on to 1 Peter 5:5Ð8 where we are instructed to be Òclothed with humil- ity.Ó He commented that the context shows humility as Òan antidote to SatanÕs efforts.Ó 2) Faith and Conviction. This is the ability to put your complete faith and trust in God. Hebrews chapter 11 provides much input on this point. 3) The Hope of the Future. Point three focused on the hope that is within each of GodÕs people. Reflecting on what was writ- ten on the tombstones of the early Sabbatarians in Rhode Island, he noted that Sabbath Services: The brethren listen intently as Jim Franks they had this hopeÑwith inscriptions of speaks to the congregations and ministers gathered in Louisville. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 5

Holladay would follow him with further Home Office Location Restoration Act. The Council found that the comments. state of Ohio was concerned with prisoners The chairman explained why the selec- Then, Mr. Holladay was asked to speak abusing the RFRA and the state supported tion of a new president would take place to the gathered group on behalf of the Home its removal. They would like to see it rewrit- while everyone is in Louisville. In part, the Office Location Committee and the ten with some of the loopholes for prisoners organization cannot function properly with- Strategic Planning Committee. He said that removed. The attorney general of Ohio, out a permanent president in office and our we could title his address Òeverything you when asked, wrote to the Church explaining governing documents do not support long wanted to know about the home office loca- that they had no interest in persecuting periods of time with an interim officer. The tion and media but were afraid to ask.Ó He Sabbath keepers or groups such as the Council intends to make its final decision felt it important to address the development United Church of God. The Council does on who the president will be on Sunday of these issues in their proper historical con- not see the repeal of the RFRA as a genuine night. text. concern. He expressed the difficulty in answer- He began with Proverbs 18:17: ÒThe Mr. Holladay then explained why the ing ÒWhy?Ó questions with a simplistic first to plead his case seems just, until anoth- Council could not forward all of the avail- answer. More details need to be given when er comes forward and questions him.Ó Verse able information to the ministry. It was just answering such questions. Communication 13 says, ÒIf one gives an answer before hear- too voluminous. It was the job of the from the Council when addressing prob- ing, it is folly to him.Ó He then proceeded Location Committee and the Council to lems is a difficult thing, especially when with an explanation of how the home office digest the reams of information, and gel it mail to them is so voluminous. location study developed through its various down to the final report sent out to the min- He next addressed the flurry of let- stages. The Location Committee has striven istry. The Committee strove to be objective ters and resolutions that were mailed out to carry out the directive of the General and fair in its final presentation. in the weeks before the conference. He Conference to move to Cincinnati, Ohio, began by going back to the original since the balloting was completed at last Media amendment process that was established yearÕs conference. The question of the legal- for changing our governing documents. ity of that ballot was put to rest last May, Regarding media, Mr. Holladay said It had its limitations. A new provisional with the Council reaffirming the decision that it was the job of the Strategic Planning amendment process will be sent out to reached by the ministry. Committee (of which he is chairman) to the ministry sometime after this confer- Three location studies were completed. develop a media policy for United. For this ence. The elders will ballot on it by mail Ritchie Gaston, interim business manager past year, study has ensued and information after reviewing it. That amendment in 1995, prepared the first one. Secondly, at has been gathered by the Committee. Due process is designed to assist GCE mem- the annual meeting in Cincinnati, David to many time constraints and rescheduling bers in drafting their proposals success- Hulme expressed that more information of Council agendas, the approach toward a fully, so that their proposed amendments would be prepared for consideration, and media policy has not gone as quickly as the can go forward. the Council received a report in March of Council would like. However, all desire to The chairman and secretary intend 1996 at its Houston, Texas, meeting. It was preach the gospel as effectively as possible to put forward a plan which will assist given by David Jarvis of CB Madison. The as a Church, and no-one that Mr. Holladay the GCE members in putting forward Council asked him for more information on has talked to wants to go off and do his own valid resolutions. This will help meet the how Los Angeles compared to other cities thing. Policy in this area will be produced as deadlines for such things as Call and around the country. This information was soon as it is practical. Notice before the annual meeting. The not given to the Council. The Council then Chairman Dick then covered some amendment process and resolution decided to prepare a more thorough report, general housekeeping items before the process will allow GCE members the a third study, for the Council and ministry, evening meeting adjourned. opportunity to correct any problems with that included a broader list of criteria, their proposed amendments/resolutions, including more cities for possible location Sunday, March 8 to keep them under consideration. of the office. International Reports Some have confused the rationale of After many months of research, over the Unity Statement of last November 350 possible cities were narrowed down to Elders and wives began proceedings with that of removing the president in 19. After more material was sifted through, at 8:45 Sunday morning, at the Galt House January of this year. However, the Unity the list was narrowed down to six cities at Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Gary Antion Statement was to address Òthe rumorÓ of the Council meeting in Tyler, Texas, in gave the opening prayer. Due to a delay in an impending split and was an affirma- January of 1997. The legal issues were then the arrival of Coopers & Lybrand auditors, tion that no-one on the Council was further examined, with reports by several the beginning of the official portion of the going to orchestrate such a split in the legal firms considered. The Council felt that annual meeting was delayed until later in Church. ÒSchism is not the way to solve the home office could be located in many the day. Therefore, the meeting began with problems,Ó read Mr. Dick from the states within the U.S. with adequate legal presentations and reports from areas outside Statement. The changing of home office protection. of the United States. administration was not related to this One concern raised to the Council was Bruce Dean, chairman of the rumored ÒsplitÓ issue. the recent repeal of the Religion Freedom Australian council, gave the first presenta- Page 6 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

tion. Seven hundred brethren and 13 minis- office is looking forward to a good cent response to that offer. Suitable adver- ters are part of United in Australia. response from this offer. tising in national magazines may be a very Currently, an additional 750 people are on George Delap presented information cost-effective way to advertise and increase the ChurchÕs publication mailing list. These about the 500 people, from 17 congrega- circulation of the magazine in the coming subscribers are now ordering additional lit- tions, in the United Kingdom. Thirty other year. Three booklets have been translated erature, and encouraging financial dona- countries receive Church literature mailed into Italian, and the proofreading process is tions are beginning to come in from them from the U.K. A generous subsidy from the next. Requests have also been made for also. We recently advertised in AustraliaÕs U.S. helps make all this possible. An adver- these booklets by subscribers. As soon as ReaderÕs Digest, with responses now com- tisement was recently approved for running they are printed they will be mailed to these ing in. in an upcoming issue of the U.K. ReaderÕs waiting readers. Fifteen new people are Other media efforts are under way, Digest. Mr. Delap then spoke about some of waiting for a ministerial visit. On behalf of including display stands for The Good the concerns that the U.K. ministry has the Italian brethren, Mr. Anastasi thanked News and card-holder programs, and the about the direction of United. the international association for all its sup- Australian Web site is generating requests Winfried Fritz spoke about the German port in their country. for literature. region. Never before has an opportunity Victor Kubik provided an update on existed such as today to preach the gospel in Annual Meeting Begins the Baltics. This includes Estonia, that country. The freedoms to preach the Lithuania, Latvia and Russia, where we truth are better than ever before. Since At 11:25 a.m., after elders officially have people who are interested in United. 1997, the German-language issue of The registered with representatives from Peter Shenton, from the U.K., helps by Good News has been published, and now Coopers & Lybrand, the chairman of the visiting in these areas. We had a Feast five booklets are translated in the native lan- General Conference, Robert Dick, called site this past year in Estonia, with 23 peo- guage. A German-language New the annual meeting to order. The opening ple present. One new person with no pre- Beginnings is also published. prayer was given by John Bald. vious contact with the Church of God has Mr. Fritz expressed a need for more Only one minor correction was made been baptized. Language barriers are openness from the Council in the days in the minutes of last yearÕs annual meeting. sometimes a problem. One group of peo- ahead. The minutes were approved as corrected. ple has four languages being spoken in Mario Seiglie represented the Spanish- Tom Kirkpatrick presented a treasur- the same room, with continual translation speaking areas in his update. These areas of erÕs report on behalf of the organization. back and forth. Several different lan- the world have learned how to be resource- Salary ranges were given as required by our guage Bibles are used in services. ful with very limited funds. A Spanish ver- governing documents, a letter was read Literature in Russian is well under sion of The Good News has been very suc- from Coopers and Lybrand regarding the way, with key articles from each issue of cessful, with locally produced subscription status of our financial audit for May 1995 to The Good News being translated and cards inserted by local members them- March 1997, and then Mr. Kirkpatrick gave printed for the brethren in the Baltic selves. Five thousand subscribers have now a summary financial report for the period areas. An audiotape program has a trans- been added to the mailing list as a result! April 1, 1997 to March 3, 1998. Ending lator listening to sermons in English and Latin America has a total of 1,700 cash balance for the period in question is translating them onto other tapes in brethren, with 58 baptisms last year, and $395,000. Russian and Estonian. A new Web site, several this year also. Many are first-time Mr. Dick made some philosophical based in Russia, is about to be launched contacts with the Church of God. Also, co- comments on the process of seeking GodÕs and 23 pages of information and litera- workers and donors are beginning to add to will before balloting for Council of Elders ture have already been prepared for it. the limited funds available in this region of nominees. He reminded the assembled min- Tony Wasilkoff, Canadian council the world. Mr. Seiglie closed with Acts istry of the prayer and fasting that took chairman, spoke about the northern fron- 15:3. place before this meeting. He reminded the tier of the North American continent. Joel Meeker spoke about the French- ministry to seek GodÕs guidance in their bal- Twelve elders serve our brethren in speaking areas. Two thousand copies of the lot choices. Balloting for the four open Canada, who have numbered 532 as a French Good News are printed and sermon Council positions then took place. high attendance on the Holy Days. The tapes are sent to several European countries The meeting adjourned for lunch at Canadian council has nine members and French-speaking areas of Africa. An noon. serving, including two lay members. editorial team of four people help produce Growth in Canada is slow but literature in this area. Sunday Afternoon steady. The booklet, What Happens After Carmelo Anastasi spoke about the Death? was offered in a letter to sub- development of GodÕs work in Italy. God is The afternoon session of the annual scribers, and an amazing 30 percent blessing His work in this country. The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. Ken response came in. An article reprint of Italian-language edition of The Good News Martin was called upon to open with prayer. three Good News magazine articles, on has now been printed for a year. More than Chairman Dick walked the ministry family values, was just offered to maga- 1,000 new subscriptions have been added to through the balloting process for the pro- zine subscribers in a letter from operation the file after a 2,000-address mailing was posed resolutions and amendments. Each manager, Gary Antion. The Canadian sent outÑrepresenting more than a 60 per- proposal was read, and if necessary, com- Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 7 pared to the existing governing documents. Mr. Dick thanked David Hulme for Closing Addresses The secretary assisted Mr. Dick in this part his service as president, particularly of the meeting, reading portions of the doc- mentioning the Third World travel that he Mr. Dick returned to the stage to uments with him. Elders balloted on each undertook, and the focus that he provid- make his concluding comments. He said item and the completed forms were given to ed for our publications in their infancy. there are times when the church of God Coopers & Lybrand representatives for tal- The remainder of the Council then joined has addressed major issues, as in Acts 15, lying. Mr. Dick and Mr. McCullough on stage and he urged for the highest of Christian After a 30-minute break, the meeting as a panel for further questions from the conduct in our proceedings as a Church. reconvened for a question-and-answer ses- ministry. An overview of these questions Sometimes, when youÕre in the middle of sion with the Council. All 12 members of and their answers can be found on the issues, itÕs hard to see the conclusions. He the Council sat on stage as a panel to answer ChurchÕs Web site or on the Fax hopes that this body of ministers will real- the questions, with Mr. Dick moderating the Information Service. ize that we have to respect that, for a body session. An overview of these questions and The ministry broke for lunch and to remain united, it must respect the diver- their answers can be found on the ChurchÕs hotel-room checkout at 11:35 a.m. sity of opinions in that body. However, Web site at www.ucg.org or on the Fax this is one body and one faith, that we are Information Service by calling (626) 294- Afternoon Session all a part of, with one God and one Lord. 0818 from a fax machine. We Òmust be the work of God, before we The Q & A came to a conclusion at From 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., elders had can effectively do the work of God.Ó We, 5:25 p.m., and Mr. Dick covered some the choice of participating in one of three as the sons of God, must understand that a housekeeping items for the following day. It break-out discussion groups: organiza- phenomenal part of doing the work of was decided, by a show of hands of the min- tion, governance, or media, or have a God, is being the work of God. He con- istry, that the format tomorrow morning more intimate discussion with smaller cluded with Philippians 1:6, ÒHe who has would continue with the Council Q & A panels of Council members. begun a good work in you will perform it panel format at 8:30 a.m. After a mid-afternoon break, the until the day of Jesus Christ.Ó The secretary, Gerald Seelig, brought entire ministry re-convened at 3:50 for Les McCullough gave his final pre- forth the results of the morning ballot for the closing portion of the afternoon. sentation, explaining where he sees us Council members. The nominees balloted- going. A theme that runs through his ser- in for a three-year term on the Council were Home Office Possibilities mons is that of the kingdom of God. ÒIt announced by the chairman, and are Leon has always been very important to me,Ó he Walker, Victor Kubik, Les McCullough and Chairman Robert Dick introduced said. He feels the kingdom of God is the Burk McNair. John Elliott, one of the Cincinnati pas- key to what we are to represent in doing The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m. tors, to give a presentation on the three or GodÕs work. We need to be vocal about four locations that the Church is looking what we know in this regard. He recalled Monday, March 9 at for a home office. The Location Jim FranksÕ sermon from last Sabbath Morning Session Committee has decided to look at leased about the zeal the early Rhode Island facilities and sees advantages for each of Sabbatarians had for the gospel of the Elders and wives began proceedings the sites chosen. The Council will help kingdom. We need to find as many ways at 9:25 Monday morning, at the Galt House narrow down the selection after visiting as possible to preach that message, and Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Richard the area on Wednesday. The first com- ask God to provide the fruit. The areas Pinelli gave the opening prayer. Robert mented on by Mr. Elliott, and reinforced outside of the U.S. need our assistance in Dick introduced Leslie McCullough as the with slides, was Chester Towers, a five- so many ways, and we need to help our president of United Church of God, an story building with space available on the brethren there, especially in Third World International Association. The Council fourth floor. This is in a business district regions. reached this decision the evening before. of northern Cincinnati and a very nice He closed with Romans 8:24Ð30, the Mr. McCullough addressed the minis- facility. hope of glory. He said, ÒWe have the most ters, giving an overview of his time in the The second is Park 42, also in north incredible hopeÓ of being a part of the Church. He mentioned that he wishes to Cincinnati. A developer turned an older family of God. serve for three years and then step down factory into a beautiful one-story office Mr. Dick returned to the stage, from the position of president, allowing the complex, with a wonderful park adjacent announcing that Coopers & Lybrand would Council to reappoint him or find another that has long nature trails. not be finished tabulating the results of the president. He has served in many areas out- Park 50 is on the east side of proposed resolutions and amendments until side of the U.S., most recently in the U.K., Cincinnati, in a less-populated area, clos- late Tuesday. They will be forwarded on and has also lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. He er to a more rural setting. It is a complex cc:Mail by the secretary when available. served for 13 of the last 20 years outside of of 20-some buildings on about 40 acres, Cincinnati elder, Ed Smith, led the the U.S. and sees a worldwide work as with lawns and open areas. It has a very ministers and wives in a hymn to close, extremely important. He urged for a spirit of friendly feel with an open-air atmos- ÒGod Will See Us Through,Ó and Leonard harmony, asking for frustrations to be set phere. Mr. Elliott wished the Council Schreiber gave the final prayer. aside and for the job before us to be done. god-speed in choosing a location. Peter Eddington Page 8 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

You Do Not Have Because You growth can be dedicated to other areasÑ Plans for Do Not Ask the preaching of the gospel, or whatever other areas there might beÑbecause we Preaching the Gospel I have a favorite scriptureÑone in the already have the manpower, we already book of James, chapter 4. It says, ÒYou do have the congregations, and we have The following question was asked at not have because you do not askÓ (James people out there waiting to do some- the general conference on Monday, 4:2). IÕve challenged people in times gone thing. March 9, during a Q&A session with the by: When was the last time you asked? If we, as a group, make a prolonged Council. Les McCulloughÕs response fol- When was the last time that you took it effort to ask God to go ahead and bring lows: upon yourself to go before the throne of some of that fruit to harvestÑor bring it God, and say, ÒFather, I know your mes- to fruition so it can be harvestedÑthen ÒI agree with Mr. Bob DickÕs ser- sage is going outÑyour message has gone as people begin to involve themselves as mon, that GodÕs work is being done via out. I know that there are people out there a result of reading the magazine and The Good News and booklets, but there who have heard of the church of God. I reading the literature, and if they begin is a lot of concern expressed about know there are people out there who have to respond with tithes and offerings, we inadequate amount, or proportion of heard of the kingdom of GodÑthe soon have the manpower to serve them. We budget, being put into Ôpreaching the coming return of Jesus Christ to this have the budget already committed to gospel.Õ What are the plans for increas- earthÑwho are very confused and donÕt the manpower. ing this?Ó know which way to turn. Would You Now, one choice is that we canÑ please open their mind? Would you please please pardon meÑwe can fire some of Well, itÕs a little bit difficult right call them? YouÕre the One that does the you. We donÕt want to do that. WeÕd at this particular moment to say what calling. We try to go ahead and pluck the rather not do that. I know the Council plan you have in mind as to how to fruit. Would you please call?Ó feels that way. handle that. We have an over-prepon- Pick a city. WhatÕs your city? We canÕt make bigger sacrifices, for derance of budget that is committed to Cincinnati? Okay. How many of you in the most part, and give more of our own salaries and related expenses. If you the Cincinnati area have gone before God personal income, but we can certainly are going to commit more to another and said, ÒPlease, Father, will You open tell God, and ask God, and call out to areaÑwhichever other area it would the minds of some of those in the Christ, and ask Him, to begin to really beÑit has to come from somewhere. Cincinnati areaÑthat have heard the bless our efforts. IÕm very deeply appre- Either there has to be new income, or truth for many years, who are just sitting ciative of the support that the General the income that is being produced has doing nothing? Would you please turn Conference here has shown to the to be reallocated. And thatÕs a very dif- the lock, open the door, and give us some CouncilÑto the Church. I hope this ficult thing to try and determine at any reaction?Ó IÕve seen it work in the past. means that God can look down, and say, given point. IÕve seen people that took it to heart, ÒHey, these guys are serious! They have WeÕre in an unusual situation. and done that. I feel very strongly about their frustrations and they have their Right now the budget for salaries is 52 some of these things. TheyÕve taken it to problems, but they say that theyÕre going percent of our income. In business, that heart and theyÕve gone about doing that, to try and pull together and get some- would be terrible. WeÕre not a business. and some growth came along. So all IÕm thing done. So why donÕt we just give WeÕre a service organization. What I saying is, when was the last time that we, them something to do!Ó mean by us not being a business, is that as a group sitting hereÑthe ministry of So thatÕs what I meant when I said there are certain things that we canÕt do the Church of God, the United Church of that weÕre at an optimum position. Just in the way that would be done in a GodÑwhen was the last time that we think, if we had 2,000 more people this business situation. In one way thatÕs gave a sermon where we encouraged our time next year, how many more minis- very bad. In another way thatÕs very congregation: ÒThere is a whole field out ters would we have to have? Probably good. there around the world that needs to have none. If we had 5,000 more in the next Look at how we are positioned at the Word of God spoken to it, and that two years, how many new ministers this particular time: The Good News needs to begin to react to the Word of would we have to have on the payroll? magazine has been going out for God they already know. And why donÕt Very few. And so, if we do our part, and roughly two years. In times gone by, you members make sure you take it upon God chooses to go ahead and respond response to the Plain Truth magazine yourself to go ahead and ask?Ó Because (and this is GodÕs businessÑitÕs not my by its readership, to the point of them God does answer. business, itÕs not your businessÑitÕs His becoming donors, coworkers, etc., has business), and if He chooses to give that been somewhere around two yearsÑas We Have the Manpower growth, weÕre ideally positioned! a rough figure. Then, as time goes on, If He doesnÕt give that growth we you have more involvement from WeÕre in an optimum position if have problems, and theyÕre not just my them. growth comes along. Much of any new problems, theyÕre all of our problems. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 9

We share it mutually. But, letÕs aim to see it go the other way. LetÕs get excit- Ballot Results ed. LetÕs be encouraging. LetÕs talk to our congregations. The audit firm of Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, has reported the following results for the balloting of the following items of business of the General Conference of Look to the Future! Elders at the 1998 Annual Meeting. The number of ballots needed for passage on the first four (4) items is a simple majority of all ÒYESÓ and ÒNOÓ ballots cast. I get the sense that there is a great Gerald Seelig, secretary lethargy that has come upon the church brethren and some of the ministry, # Yes # No because theyÕre so frustrated over past ITEM BALLOTS BALLOTS PASSED problems and difficulties. They spend 1. 1998Ð99 Strategic Plan 278 64 Yes time rehashing past problems and diffi- 2. 1998Ð99 Provisional Operations Plan 304 69 Yes culties. But thatÕs past, thatÕs over, thatÕs 3. 1998Ð99 Provisional Budget 283 95 Yes done, thatÕs finished. 4. Resolution Ð Policy Regarding What we need to be thinking about Media and Evangelism 226 147 Yes is the future, and, as I said, asking God. ThereÕs no magic panacea, there just isnÕt. And I know this is a very simplis- The number of ballots needed for passage on the remaining items, all amend- tic way to say itÑitÕs a very simple thing ments, is two-thirds approval of the entire General Conference of Elders as it was that IÕm saying. But I believe with all my constituted at the time of the meeting. The number of ÒYESÓ ballots needed to pass heart that if God tells me, ÒYou have not these amendments is 312. because you ask not,Ó that IÕm supposed # Yes # No to be asking!Ñand IÕm asking you to ITEM BALLOTS BALLOTS PASSED ask. IÕm asking you to ask your congre- 5. AmendmentÐArticle 1.0 of Constitution 227 146 No gations to ask. 6. AmendmentÐArticle 4.1 (1) of Constitution 167 200 No LetÕs see things take off and go like 7. AmendmentÐArticle 5.3 of Constitution 353 23 Yes a bomb, because thereÕs a tremendous 8. AmendmentÐArticle 7.5.2 of Bylaws 333 33 Yes amount of work that needs to be done! 9. AmendmentÐArticle 7.5.3 of Bylaws 175 194 No Everywhere you turn thereÕs just so 10. AmendmentÐArticle 7.6.2 of Bylaws 311 47 No much that needs to be done. I believe 11. AmendmentÐArticle 7.9 of Bylaws 351 25 Yes that we have the most precious knowl- 12. AmendmentÐArticle 7.9.3 of Bylaws 338 30 Yes edge on the face of the earth and that in 13. AmendmentÐArticle 7.9.5 of Bylaws 336 31 Yes some cases, perhaps, weÕve sat on it. We 14. AmendmentÐArticle 8.1 of Bylaws 262 95 No need to be excited about it, we need to be 15. AmendmentÐArticle 8.6.2 (7) of Bylaws 214 144 No enthusiastic about it, and we need to be 16. AmendmentÐArticle 9.1 of Bylaws 148 216 No encouraged about it. We have a great 17. AmendmentÐArticle 9.1, 9.2 calling! We need to get in there and do and 9.3 of Bylaws 108 262 No something with it, and let God go ahead 18. AmendmentÐArticle 9.1.1 of Bylaws 241 127 No and say, ÒOkay, youÕre not all that busy, 19. AmendmentÐArticle 9.5 of Bylaws 324 46 Yes why donÕt we give you some work.Ó 20. AmendmentÐArticle 9.6 (1) of Bylaws 346 22 Yes IÕve talked with various ones, and I 21. AmendmentÐArticle 8.5 of Bylaws 195 181 No was talking with one of the regional pas- 22. AmendmentÐArticle 8.6.2 (1) of Bylaws 265 109 No tors. He said that when he goes back 23. AmendmentÐArticle 11.6 of Bylaws 355 20 Yes after the conference he has eight bap- tisms or so to do. Great! Wonderful! I T1. Technical Amendment to 6.1 of Bylaws 318 65 Yes know some of the other areas that have T2. Technical Amendment Cast & Casting to had a few baptisms also. ItÕs beginning Submit, Submitted or Submitting 277 105 No to come along, so how do you solve the T3. Technical Amendment Elect, Elected or Election to Appoint, Appointed or Appointment 268 118 No problem? Well, the way we solve the T4. Technical Amendment 7.2.1 of Bylaws 305 75 No problem is to be so completely dedicat- ed, committed and filled with zeal for T5. Technical Amendment 8.7.4.1a of Bylaws 313 69 Yes the Word of God that God says, ÒOkay you turkeys, IÕm going to work you to For a copy of the text of the proposed amendments as they were submitted, death!Ó ThatÕs it. please refer to pages 16Ð23 of the September 8, 1997, New Beginnings. Les McCullough Page 10 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

ÒADDRESSESÓ (Continued from page 1) never meant as either or. It was meant, at the about, to be thinking of. elsewhere, where God has said to us, ÒWe timeÑI still believeÑthat the issue is that From my point of view, I have are one body.Ó In fact it is so eloquently stat- we, as the sons of God, must understand always thought that the kingdom of God ed itÕs better to read it than quote it: ÒThere that a phenomenal part of doing the Work of was the whole mission statement, is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were God is living the Work of God. because if youÕre going to be there, called in one hope of your calling; one I would like to close my comments by youÕre going to have to accept that Jesus Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and reading the same scripture that I read last Christ is your Savior. YouÕre going to Father of all, who is above all, and through year in the conclusion of that sermon. The have to have repented. YouÕre going to all, and in you allÓ (Ephesians 4:4Ð6). words are just as true today. I think a year have to have been begotten by GodÕs later itÕs sobering that we come to compre- Spirit. YouÕre going to have to live your hend that the learning curve is slower than life to the best of your ability, according I still believe with all any of us would like. And yet, itÕs still the to GodÕs way of life and His law. And so, learning curve that God has placed before when I say, Òkingdom of God,Ó I mean my heart that we must us. the whole pictureÑthe whole schmearÑ be the Work of God As Paul said: ÒTo all the saints in everything that it represents. And I very before we can Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the often have, and quite probably nearly bishops and deacons: Grace to you and every sermon has had, some comment, or effectively do the peace from God our Father and the Lord something in it with regard to the king- Work of God. Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every dom of God. And I think thatÕs some- remembrance of you, always in every thing that we all really need to continual- prayer of mine making request for you all ly keep before the peopleÕs eyes. Yet it goes on to state that the measure with joy, for your fellowship in the We all really need to continually of grace that has been given to each indi- gospel from the first day until now, being keep before the people that according to vidual is distinct and different. We have confident of this very thing, that He who His judgment and His wisdom, HeÕll shared many thoughts, and many ideas, has begun a good work in you will com- reach down and chooses various people many views, many opinions. Our great plete it until the day of Jesus ChristÓ at various times, and call them into His challenge is coming back to the square that (Philippians 1:1Ð6). kingdom. We canÕt do that calling in any brought us here in the first placeÑone God, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one Leslie McCullough: common destinationÑand then to work within the diversities that are here geo- I would like to say thank you to all of The theme of the graphically, racially, ethnically, and in some those who have offered me congratulations, kingdom of God has cases administratively. and condolences, because a number have. I always been very appreciate your kind thoughts. I hope I can important to me, and prove myself worthy of them. it’s something that Many of you know me, because many we need to be of you were students at Ambassador College at the time that I was there. And so reminded of and be many times, when I go to the Feast, I have encouraged about. people come up afterward, and they say, ÒOh, just like old times. Awfully nice to hear youÑtook me back to when I was a way, shape or form. But, we do have the kid.Ó And thatÕs encouraging, I guess. If it opportunity to ask God for blessings, and took them back when they were a kid, what we do have the opportunity to ask God to does it take me back to? But anyhow, itÕs provide for us, and to call those whom always good to hear that, and I do appreci- He sees fit to call, as He sees fit to call Bob Dick ate it, and do enjoy it. themÑand to look at ourselves and real- But, as I said earlier this morning, ize that at one point, God decided to call IÕve thought several times, moving into people often wonder, ÒWhat is your each one of us. this particular event, of the sermon that I motivation? What is behind you? What GodÕs kingdom was the furthest gave last year to start the beginning of the are you made of? Where are you going?Ó thing from my mind when I started dat- conference. It was a smaller group at that I think that those that know me, and have ing my wife. I met my wife on a blind time. I still believe with all my heart that a heard me speak frequently, probably date. ItÕs the best blindness IÕve had! Her fundamental part of what God is doing with know a theme that runs through my ser- history is Church of God, at least in fam- us as a body is to bring us back to square mons more often than not is the theme of ily background, and we got to talking one one and teach us that we must be the Work the kingdom of God. And itÕs always night and she brought up something of God before we can effectively do the been very important to me, and itÕs some- about Easter, and how Christ was resur- Work of God. Some took that message last thing that IÕve always felt that we needed rected after three days and so on. year as one of contrastÑeither or. It was to be reminded of and to be encouraged I didnÕt care whether He was raised in Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 11 three days, ten days or what. At that point in whatever way that we can get it out there. hope that is seen is not hope; for why life it didnÕt make the least bit of difference. Then, we need to ask God for fruit, does one still hope for what he sees? But But I like to argue. As a result of my wife, I and if He doesnÕt see fit to call anybody, if we hope for what we do not see, we I guess thatÕs His decisionÑnothing we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.Ó can do about it. But if weÕre sold on it, We eagerly wait for the coming of and weÕre such an example of what it all the kingdom of God. ÒLikewise the Spirit represents, there are bound to be some also helps in our weakness. For we do not people that are going to begin to come know what we should pray for as we along, and there are bound to be some ought.Ó We donÕt necessarily know all people that then make it possible for us to the time the things that we ought to ask go ahead and do that much more. for, and exactly how to ask for it, and for Today I had lunch with Peter whom we should ask it. And sometimes Hawkins, talking about some of the cir- we have to hope and pray that GodÕs cumstances in New Zealand, and a need Spirit is going to do what it says here. that they have down there. After that ÒBut the Spirit [itself] makes intercession meeting I was given information and for us, with groanings which cannot be asked questions about Gabon. So, IÕve uttered.Ó And I have to assume that the Les McCullough been from Africa to New Zealand so far SpiritÕs been doing a lot of groaning. today and those people need help! And But it goes right on to say: ÒNow He received the call. We were transferred on they need all of us doing everything we who searches the hearts knows what the my job to Aberdeen, Washington, with the can to attract more people, to make the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes rain pouring down all year longÑ98 inches message available so if God wants to call intercession for the saints according to of rain that yearÑand you couldnÕt get TV. somebody, theyÕre there, so that those the will of God. And we know that all Radio reception wasnÕt much and you were people can have the blessing of knowing things work together for good to those reduced to reading whatever happened to be what we know. who love God, to those who are the lying around the house. My wife seemed to I first began writing in 1960 to Pedro called according to His purpose. conveniently leave certain things lying S. Ortiguero and to various other ÒFor whom he foreknew, He also around the houseÑThe Key to the Book of Philippines ministers, plus several other predestined to be conformed to the image Revelation, which scared the liver out of ministers in Africa, and have, in one way of His Son, that He might be the firstborn me, The Sabbath, which cost me my jobÑ or another, been involved in some form or among many brethren. Moreover, whom and ultimately, God called me. another, with the inter- He predestined, these Now, IÕm deeply appreciative of that, national work ever He also called; whom and I like to try and encourage people to since that time. I wrote We have to do He called, these He think about what a tremendous calling it an article back in 1963 something to help justified; whom He is, what wonderful things we have had as a result of a baptiz- justified, these He made available to us. Everyone of us have ing tour with Dibar them. We have to let glorifiedÓ (Romans had the exposure to, and have been called Apartian to Martinique them know that there’s 8:24Ð30). to be recipients of the very Spirit of God. and St. Lucia, and the a much better future We certainly We all would do well to be so filled with title of the article was ought to be anxious to the knowledge of the calling we have, and ÒThy Kingdom Come.Ó lying ahead. be glorified. We ought doing everything we can to broadcast, to When you stand down to be very enthusias- disseminate, to write, to promulgate, in there and you look at these people, and tic about all kinds of other people being whatever way we can, the message of the you go into these areasÑthese third world glorified and having the same truth, and kingdom of God. IÕm a great believer in areas, or wherever it may beÑand you see the same knowledge, and the same Matthew 24:14. I think we do need to how much they donÕt have physically, you incredible blessing that we have. give a message to as many people as we realize how much you have physically, as I appreciate very muchÑhave can get it to. well as spiritually, and you canÕt help but appreciated very muchÑthe opportunity Exactly how it should be done, exactly feel like, ÒOh, we have to do something to to be a part of the body of Christ, to be a what kind of a Òwarning,Ó gets into all of help them.Ó We have to at least let them part of the service to Him and to His peo- those technical arguments. I think that God know that thereÕs a much better future ple. I hope that I can continue for a long has been preaching, has been forecasting, lying ahead. time. I hope all of you are as enthusiastic has been telling, has been warning for a And so I guess thatÕs my message. about it as we all should be, because we very long time. And not very many people ThatÕs sort of been the message that IÕve have the most incredible hope. ItÕs awful- have heard it. ItÕs still a responsibility that carried from one place to another in ly easy to get bogged down because of we have. And it reflects on future times, times gone by, and shall continue to do the things that go on around us. But when obviously. But I think itÕs been a progres- so. So, in closing today, IÕd just like to we stop and realize the hope we haveÑ sive thing thatÕs continued down through read one scripture to you out of Romans, the incredible wondrous hopeÑof being the ages, and that we need to do our best to chapter 8, beginning in verse 24. It says, a part of the very family of God, all we get a message outÑto get a witness outÑin ÒFor we were saved in this hope, but can do is say, ÒThank you.Ó NB Page 12 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 Feast of Tabernacles 1998É

In this special supplement are descriptions of Feast of Tabernacles sites in alphabetical order by country. More sites are being added, but sufficient information was not available to print in this issue. At this time, additional Festival sites are expected in Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Estonia, France, Ghana, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines (Dumaguete City, Negros), and Rwanda. Information for these additional areas will be printed in New Beginnings as it becomes available. The Festival Housing Brochure will be mailed to households at the end of April. It will contain additional site infor- mation, a list of housing establishments for U.S., Canadian and some other sites, helpful tips for planning your Feast, and articles on the meaning of this eight-day festival. On the following pages, the Ò+Ó sign at the beginning of international phone numbers signifies the country code. Dollar amounts are in U.S. currency unless noted otherwise. NB

For further information, visitors 64 953222 or fax to +61 64 953154. Australia should contact: Barry Williams, P.O. Their local phone number is (064) Box 403, Ulverstone, Tasmania, 7315, 953222. Launceston, Tasmania Australia; telephone, +61 3 6425 3495; Temperatures in October range fax, +61 3 6425 5139; or write to bar- from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius (54 to Home of the renowned Tasmanian [email protected] (e-mail). 68 Fahrenheit). Spring showers can be Devil, Tasmania has a lot to offer the Barry Williams expected but generally the weather is visitor. For those wanting a quieter ideal for the Feast. pace of life, Tasmania is one place Merimbula, New South Wales The highlight of the Feast last year where you can easily get away from at nearby Eden was whale watching. the crowds. Only 450,000 people live Situated on the Sapphire Coast of At this time of year, visitors from in an area the size of West Virginia. New South Wales is the picturesque around the world come to observe Beautiful scenery must surely be the resort of Merimbula. humpback and southern wright wales hallmark of this delightful island. Only The town is well served by daily during their migration to antarctic 2 hours 15 minutes by car from air services from Sydney and waters. Launceston is Cradle MountainÑa Melbourne and is a comfortable dayÕs There are many activities for world-renowned natural attraction that drive from either city. AustraliaÕs cap- young people with Magic Mountain boasts numerous walking tracks to ital, Canberra, is just a three-hour amusement park being popular. For the some stunning scenery. drive away. If renting a car, it is best to adults, there are golf courses, fishing A two-hour drive will bring you to make reservations as part of your trip trips and fine restaurants.

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of the capital city, Hobart, the city of as numbers of cars may be limited. We are expecting two hundred greatest historical interest in Australia. Merimbula has been a popular members at this site, and to ensure a Eighty minutes away is Lillico Beach, Feast site since 1981 and we are place, early bookings are essential. where you can watch penguins return- pleased to announce that the Visitors wishing to transfer ing from their day out at sea. Within a Merimbula-Imlay Bowling Club is the to this site should contact: Rod 30-minute drive from Launceston are venue for our services. Their new audi- King, Box 1066, Croydon, numerous wineries, historic homes, torium is located on the main street of Victoria, 3136, Australia; or write and lots of lovely scenery and walks. town and is close to shops and reason- to [email protected] (e- Downtown Launceston itself ably priced accommodations. mail). boasts the amazing Cataract GorgeÑa Merimbula has some of the best Rod King must for visitors. Quality restaurants priced self-contained accommodation abound. in Australia, with two- and three-bed- Nelson Bay, New South Wales Regular flights from both Melbourne room apartments having cooking facil- and Sydney service Launceston. For the ities for around $A350 to $500 per Nelson Bay is a wonderful loca- more adventurous, an overnight ferry week. Bookings should be made tion for a Feast of Tabernacles, with from Melbourne would be a more inter- through Fisk and Nagle Estate Agents. beautiful bays and beaches, and much esting way to arrive. International visitors should call +61 of the accommodation having bay or Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 13 sea views. Nelson Bay is part of Port Stephens, which is about a 2!/2-hour drive north of Sydney and a 45-minute Key Dates to Remember drive north of Newcastle. From Newcastle airport at Williamtown, itÕs April 4, 11 & 18 U.S. and Canadian head-of-household mem- a 30-minute drive to Nelson Bay. bers should clip out their completed 1998 About 250 are expected, and will Festival Registration form (page 17 of this meet at the Nelson Bay RSL Club on Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay. Good- issue of New Beginnings) and give it to their quality accommodation is found within local Festival advisor at Sabbath services. walking distance or a short drive from the hall. Prices for fully self-contained hous- Late-April Festival Housing Brochure to be mailed to es or apartments can range from A$250 member households. to A$800 a week. There are many motels available, as well as luxury accommoda- tion at a number of resorts. The Feast May 9 Notification at Sabbath services if any sites falls during the school holidays this year cannot accept all transfer requests. Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement and as such accommodations need to be booked early. May 17 Members attending a U.S. or Canadian Feast Expected daytime temperatures are site may begin making reservations from the 18 to 26 degrees Celsius (64 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit). Activities include list of accommodations supplied in the swimming, fishing, bushwalks, boating, Festival Housing Brochure. family golf centers with par-three cours- es and night golf, as well as top-class golf courses, wineries (the site is close to the renowned Hunter Valley), cinemas, dol- An air temperature of 16 to 24 of beautiful beaches, a world class zoo, phin cruises, water sports and much degrees Celsius (61 to 75 Fahrenheit) and historic Fremantle, underwater world, more. a water temperature of 21 degrees the vineyards of the Swan Valley, Nelson Bay proved very popular last Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) make this an views at Kings Park and much more. year. It is a very relaxed site where ideal location for boating, fishing, swim- PerthÕs international airport is just friends can easily meet together and fam- ming, scuba diving, camel treks, whale eight miles from the city center. Rental ilies can enjoy many activities. watching and four-wheel driving. Close cars cost about $40 per day and are Visitors wishing to transfer to this by for a dayÕs outing is the largest sand recommended. site should contact Bruce Dean, P.O. Box island in the world, the renowned Fraser Our Feast site this year will be at 453, Dapto, NSW 2530, Australia; (042) Island. Cottesloe, one of PerthÕs finest beach 62-1427 (domestic call); +61 42 62-1427 Accommodation is plentiful, ranging suburbs, seven minutes from (international call); or write to from budget prices to Sheraton Hotel Fremantle and fifteen minutes from [email protected] (e-mail). class. Off-season weekly rates this year Perth. Bruce Dean will range from A$400 to A$900. Some Services will be held each day at resorts may offer small discounts for the Cottesloe Civic Centre, Lesser Noosa Heads, Queensland Church bookings. Hall, corner of Broome and Napier Visitors wishing to transfer to this streets, Cottesloe. This is only seven Often termed ÒThe jewel in the site should contact: Graemme Marshall, miles from the city center. crown of the Sunshine Coast,Ó Noosa is P.O. Box 929, Beenleigh, Queensland, Accommodations range from an appealing blend of excellent climate, 4207, Australia; 07 3807-8968 (domestic A$40 single, to A$110 for five people, superb coastal scenery, golden beaches fax); +61 7 3807-8968 (international fax); per night. They include television, and a city of 33,000 flanked by the most or write to [email protected] phone, tea and coffee facilities, and a visited national park in Australia. (e-mail). refrigerator. All units have their own Noosa is a subtropical paradise with Graemme Marshall bathroom. Plenty of accommodation, sheltered bays, international standard restaurants, shopping and bars are shopping, and gourmet dining. Just a 90- Cottesloe Beach (Perth), available nearby. minute drive north of Brisbane, and 20 Western Australia Maximum day-time temperatures minutes from Maroochydore Airport, this in October would be 22 degrees city will again host the Feast. Perth offers an easy going Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Services for the expected 300 will be lifestyle in a pleasant Mediterranean Currently, one U.S. dollar buys at the Noosa Bicentennial Community type climate. There are many attrac- $1.40 to $1.55 Australian. Centre. tions including Rottnest Island, miles Expected attendance is 80 people Page 14 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

This will be UnitedÕs third Feast held for family outings, mini-golf and kidsÕ in Perth. attractions, including Old MacDonaldÕs 1998 Feast of Visitors wishing to transfer to this Farm. Tabernacles Sites site should contact Stewart OÕNeill for Rainer Salomaa Australia further details by phone, +61 8 9279 Launceston, Tasmania 6154; or write to [email protected] Mont-Orford, Quebec Merimbula, New South Wales (e-mail). Nelson Bay, New South Wales Stewart OÕNeill HereÕs your opportunity to sample a Noosa Heads, Queensland taste of Europe with a French flavor! Cottesloe Beach (Perth), Western Aust. Without leaving North America, you can Canada Canada enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, golf Kelowna, British Columbia courses, woods and ponds, and many Mont-Orford, Quebec Kelowna, British Columbia recreational facilities at our convention Chile site location, the Cheribourg. This resort Maitencillo elowna is located in the Okanagan hotel will be the site of the meetings and Denmark K Ebeltoft Valley of British Columbia. This is the one of our main hotels for lodging. (A Germany fruit-growing region of the west and, limited number of condominiums, villas Winterberg along with a variety of fruit trees and vine- and other resort hotel rooms are also Guatemala yards, there is an abundance of forest. The available in the vicinity.) Nearby is the Antigua settled area lies in the valley along the magnificent Mont Orford, as well as Italy shores of Lake Okanagan, which is about scenic Lake MemphrŽmagog. Sabaudia (Latina) 120 miles (nearly 200 Many recre- Kenya kilometers) long and 3 ational, cultural and Naro Moru to 6 miles (5 to 10 kilo- tourist attractions are Mexico meters) wide. The sur- Members may begin readily available in the Acapulco rounding countryside making reservations for region. Most of these The Netherlands is wild and untamed, are suitable for family Wezuperbrug, Drenthe housing in the U.S. though laced with outings. This area is New Zealand mountain logging and Canada on famous for its mas- Taupo Philippines roads (many old and Sunday, May 17, sage therapy of vari- Davao City, Mindanao unused). beginning at 10 a.m. in ous types, performed Bacolod City, Negros Occidental The climate in by trained profession- South Africa October is usually cool the time zone of the site als in therapy centers Uvongo but not cold. It can be they plan to attend. at the hotels. Tonga warm enough for Montreal, NukuÕalofa swimming in the lake. with its cosmopoli- United Kingdom Rain is usually not a tan atmosphere, is Llandudno, North Wales problem as the area is fairly dry. One can only an hour-and-three-quarters away. United States expect cool mornings and evenings with A day tour of Quebec City, the capital Branson, Missouri some very nice afternoons. It is a good of Quebec, is being planned during the Corpus Christi, Texas idea to bring clothing that is suitable for Feast. There are many historic sites to

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of Escondido, California weather in the 50s and 60s (13 to 18 see. Closer to the Festival site are Jekyll Island, Georgia Celsius). Sherbrooke and Granby, both medium- Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii Louisville, Kentucky Kelowna has a metropolitan popula- sized cities within a 30-minute drive, Orlando, Florida tion of about 100,000, with some smaller which will accommodate any major Poconos, Pennsylvania cities within an hourÕs drive. It offers a shopping needs. Redding, California variety of activities, such as bowling, the- The food in the area is outstand- Snowmass Village, Colorado ater, ice skating, dance halls, good restau- ing, as many chefs gather yearly to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin rants, and a large shopping mall. There are exhibit their talents in a contest of Zimbabwe unending miles of trails for hiking, moun- culinary skills. French cuisine is con- Mutare tain biking, trail riding and family walks. sidered among the finest in the world. Additional sites are expected in The lake and the numerous smaller lakes This site has room for 375, and the following countries, although no that surround it are great for boating, fish- with a favorable exchange rate of information has yet been provided: ing, canoeing and swimming when the C$1.38 to US$1, our American neigh- Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Estonia, weather permits. bors should see their dollars stretch France, Ghana, Nigeria, Peru, There are about 18 golf courses with- about 40 percent. Philippines (Dumaguete City, Negros), in a short drive, and most will be open We invite you to enjoy this unique and Rwanda. until the end of October. There are centers region of Canada, get to know some of Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 15 your Canadian brethren, and enjoy the Ebeltoft this year, on the eastern coast Restaurant overlooks the bay. Services warm, sincere hospitality of the of central Jutland, the peninsula of will be in English. Canadian people. Bienvenue! We look mainland Denmark. It is a picturesque Prices, quoted in Danish Kroner forward to welcoming you this fall to market town dating back 700 years and (DKK), are for half boardÑbreakfast beautiful Mont-Orford! with a maritime history that embraces and dinner and include buffet lunch on Anthony Wasilkoff the Viking Age. Many of the half-tim- both Holy Days. In addition they bered ÒOlde WorldeÓ listed buildings include four occasions when tea/coffee date back to the 16 and 1700s. is served after the evening meal. Chile Running through the center of the Cost per person, per night, in the town, parallel to the sea-front, is the hotel: per adult in a twin bed room, Maitencillo traffic-free, cobbled main street which DKK 440; per adult in a single room, has been made into a shopping DKK 590; extra bed for child under 16 The Feast of Tabernacles will again precinct. Standing proudly alongside years, DKK 160; extra bed for youth be held in the popular beach resort, the promenade is the three-masted over 16 years, DKK 285; infant under Centro Javiera Carrera, in Maitencillo, wooden sailing ship, the frigate 3 years, DKK 50 (for cot rent). Chile. Jylland, which was launched in 1860 The hotel also has seven excellent During the Feast in this part of the and has been restored and is open to chalet apartments that can be used for Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement world, we are entering the spring season. the public. self-catering. The prices that follow Temperatures range from 60 to 80 Ebeltoft is ideally situated for our are for the entire nine-day period total- degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 Celsius). At visitors. Aarhus Airport is only a 15 ly self-catering. Meals can be taken at night the temperature becomes chilly. kilometer (10 mile) taxi ride. There are the conference rate in the hotel by Prices for the entire Feast, including direct daily flights from London, Oslo, prior arrangement. round-trip transportation from Santiago, Gothenberg and Stockholm. For inter- Cost per self-catering apartment and food and lodging for the eight days at national visitors arriving via for the nine-day period: apartment for the Feast site, is US$230 per adult and Copenhagen there are numerous daily two persons, DKK 5000 (some apart- $200 per child. connections to Aarhus. Major car ments have an extra folding bed); The beach resort is a three-hour rental companies are represented at the apartment for four persons, DKK drive from Santiago, and because buses airport. If you want to bring your own 6500; apartment for six persons, DKK are used for the trip, no rental cars are car there are excellent ferry services 8000. needed. Expected attendance is 450 from Norway and Sweden. From There is a good supermarket in brethren from the entire region. There is England, Scandinavian Seaways sails town. Ebeltoft city-center is within a family atmosphere at the site since from Harwich to Esbjerg. Of course, walking distance. everyone is close by, and because it is the our brethren from continental Europe Exchange rates will vary. off-season, we have the place virtually to can easily drive to Denmark . Currently, it is DKK 11 to the pound ourselves. Everyone eats together in the There are many attractions to visit. sterling and approximately DKK 7 to large dining hall at the Feast site. Ebeltoft Family Park is a nature and the U.S. dollar. Average temperatures There are many activities for those animal park with over 500 species will be between 10 and 15 degrees who attend: tennis, horseback riding, from all over the world and a chil- Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). basketball, soccer, beach games and drenÕs playground. The glass museum Visitors wishing to transfer to this swimming. The meeting hall is in the is an internationally recognized exhi- site please contact Peter Shenton, 23 same hotel facility, so no transportation is bition of contemporary glass art. There Cranesbill Drive, Worcester, WR5 needed. Services are in Spanish with are no fewer than six glass workshops 3HX, United Kingdom; phone: +44 translations available in English. to visit. There will be a free day when (0) 1905 351389, or write to To help with planning, and for more tours will be arranged to Copenhagen, [email protected] (e- information, members interested in trans- the capital, and Aarhus, DenmarkÕs mail). ferring to Maitencillo should contact second city. Peter Shenton Mario Seiglie in Chile, by phone at +562 The Feast will be held in the Hotel 555-2004; by mail, Mario Seiglie, Casilla Hvide Hus (Hotel White House), a 10384, Central de Casillas, Santiago, highly commended conference hotel. Germany Chile; or [email protected] (e-mail). The large double rooms all have a ter- Mario Seiglie race with sea view, television, trouser Winterberg press, hairdryer and mini-bar. The hotel has a magnificent swimming Nestled in the midst of the Òland Denmark pool and a games room with table ten- of 1,000 hillsÓ in a beautiful area rec- nis and billiards. There are saunas and ognized for its healthful climate, is Ebeltoft a solarium. For fellowship we have the Winterberg. Just a few kilometers use of their night club during the week. south, beneath the famous Kahler The Scandinavian Feast will be in As its name suggests, the Panorama Asten Mountain (842 meters; 2,762 Page 16 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

feet), is the Dorint Hotel Holidaypark same doctrines that we used to practice caters to tourists. However, we were tourist resort in the village of then. pleasantly surprised to find an audito- Neuastenberg. For the third time we All of the Central American rium for 800 people right alongside the will hold the Feast in this beautiful brethren will be keeping the Feast Central Park, and also found many area. together at this location. We expect an small and nice hotels with a maximum Temperatures at the end of attendance of about 550 from cost of 12 dollars per adult. (Children October can still be very mild, but with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and under 12 do not pay.) So it seems that chilly evenings. Costa Rica. In 1986, the last year we God wants to bring His people once Accommodation in hotel apart- kept the feast in Antigua, the atten- again to this very pretty city. ments or the holiday village includes dance was 459. God has blessed His Please consider making plans to half board (buffet breakfast, and lunch church greatly in this part of the world. visit your central American brethren or dinner), and each unit has a kitch- Antigua was founded by the during this Feast of God. You do not enette. Spaniards in the year 1521 and became have to send any money for your reser- The hall where services will be the first capital city for the country of vations. We trust that once you say you held is within the resort-hotel com- Guatemala. The city also became a will be coming, that in fact you will. plex. The hotel provides an indoor focal point for all of Central America. We will make all reservations accord- pool, sauna, bowling, tennis, beauty The first University in Central ingly. All of us will be very happy to farm, mountain-bike rental, and a America was founded there. For the have as many visitors as possible in kindergarten (up to four hours daily). first 250 years the city grew in size and order to feel that we are in fact a unit- This area offers some beautiful sight- importance until it was almost com- ed Church of God. seeing opportunities, including pic- pletely destroyed in 1773 by an earth- Visitors wishing to transfer to this turesque old German villages and the quake. Due to that sad event, the site should contact: Saul Langarica, family adventure land, Fort Fun. Spaniards decided to move the capital Apdo 1064, 01001 Guatemala City, Car rental may be necessary city to the place where it is now, Guatemala; telephone +502 (2) 56-06- because the Feast location is approxi- Guatemala City. 92; or write to [email protected] mately 100 miles (160 kilometers) Even to this day it is possible to (e-mail). northeast of the Cologne International see the magnitude of the destruction of Saul Langarica Airport, or 120 miles (193 kilometers) that earthquake. In fact, those ruins are Herbert Cisneros north of the Frankfurt International some of the main attractions of the city. Airport. One can see ruins of the magnificent Expected attendance is approxi- construction of the Spaniards. Ruins of Italy mately 180. Services will be held in convents and official buildings reflect German, with simultaneous transla- the great advancement the city had. Sabaudia (Latina) tions into English provided. The city was reconstructed again Visitors wishing to transfer to this in a colonial style. Buildings and Each year we go from good to site should write to Vereinte Kirche streets, by law, have to be built with a better! Our national council in Italy Gottes, Postfach 90 06 21, D-51116 colonial style in order to reflect the has chosen the beautiful town of Kšln, Germany. Or fax your request to history of the city. At this moment, Sabaudia as a new Feast site for the +49 2224 97 29 58 (within Europe Antigua is the most visited city in 1998 Feast of Tabernacles. Lying 100 0049) or write to Winfried Fritz, Guatemala. It is a very pretty city in kilometers (63 miles) south of Rome [email protected] (e- many ways. and 150 kilometers (94 miles) north of Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of mail). Many consider this city the perfect Naples, Sabaudia is situated along the Winfried Fritz resting place in all of Central America. shores of Lake Paola, within the The temperature ranges within the 60s Circeo National Park and linked over and 70s Fahrenheit (18 to 24 Celsius). the water by a bridge. Guatemala The accommodations are very nice. This site is only a few minutes The city really invites everyone to from the spot at the ancient Appian Antigua relax. There are also many places to Way where first-century brethren from visit, and opportunities to learn about Rome came to welcome the apostle This year the Feast of Tabernacles the history and culture of the city. The Paul, as shown in Acts 28:14Ð15. After will be held in the City of Antigua, city is also nicely situated for the nineteen centuries we can make a sim- Guatemala. The Central American brethren in El Salvador and ilar event come true again with all our brethren kept the Feast in this city sev- Guatemala, where the majority of them brethren, who are looking forward to eral years ago during the last years of live. This will save us money in trans- welcoming you personally. Herbert W ArmstrongÕs life. It is won- portation costs and weÕll be able to The surrounding environment of derful that God is giving us the oppor- help the brethren in other necessities. Sabaudia is astonishing in the richness tunity to go back once again, now that Many people would think that the of its panoramas, which are typical of the church is united again under the city is expensive due to the fact that it this very area. It will be very suitable Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 17

1998 Festival Fund To meet Festival expenses throughout the world, U.S. members are asked to send in a 10 percent donation from their expected second tithe total (a tithe of the tithe). Canadian members may make a similar donation to the Canadian office.

¥ Please indicate the amount you are sending in the spaces below. ¥ Include your personal identification number (PIN) from your latest New Beginnings or Good News label. ¥ Make your check payable to United Church of God and label it ÒFestival Fund.Ó ¥ Clip out and enclose the completed form, along with your check, in one of the labeled reply envelopes mailed to you recently from the home office. ¥ Affix postage and mail. Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Your PIN: U ______Donation Amount Enclosed: $ Name

Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code

1998 Festival Registration United States and Canadian head-of-household members should clip out and take this form to services on April 4, 11 or 18, 1998. It should be filled out and given to the Festival advisor in the local congregation. Brethren wishing to transfer to a U.S. or Canadian site from another country may have their minister con- tact the home office via cc:Mail at ÒUSFestival.Ó The information provided should include the requesterÕs name, address, telephone number, family size and the Feast site he or she wishes to attend. Any member wishing to transfer to a site outside the United States or Canada should contact the Festival coordi- nator of that site directly. Some additional information may be in the Festival Housing Brochure to be mailed in April.

Name

Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code

Home Telephone Work Telephone How many in your Number of Adults Number of Children (high ( ) ( ) household will attend? school age and under)

Where are you Assigned Site Transfer (and I have Choice of Site (Automatic transfer approval is expected for all U.S. and Canadian planning to attend? sufficient funds to transfer) sites. Pastors will receive notification by May 8 if any sites [ ] [ ] cannot accept all transfer requests.) Number of Single Adults Number of Seniors (60 and over; include spouse even if under 60)

Special Needs: Disabled Wheelchair Deaf Hard of Hearing Need Translation (specify) [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Page 18 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

Complete the other side, clip out and mail to the home office with your donation enclosed.

Complete the other side, clip out and

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of give to your local Festival advisor on April 4, 11 or 18, 1998. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 19 for singles, youths and family activi- per adult person, full board, including The Feast site is located in a millen- ties. Night and day temperature may mineral water, local wine and taxes. nial setting at the Naro Moru River vary from 16 to 35 degrees Celsius (61 There is a 10 percent discount for the Lodge, nestled in a natural forest area, to 95 Fahrenheit). third and fourth person on a reserva- about 25 miles west of 17,000-foot Mt. Those who will be coming from tion. There is a 30 percent discount for Kenya. It is about three and a half hours overseas can easily reach the Feast site children under 12 and a 50 percent dis- by road north of Nairobi. Although on their own, with connection at the count for children under 6. No cost for almost on the equator, the site has pleas- railway station, because the site is very children under 2. ant weather because of its high altitude, near the Rome domestic and interna- Except for optional tennis courts with average temperatures in the upper tional airports. and horse-riding lessons, which are to 70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius), with However, those brethren who will be paid if requested, the hotel offers cool evenings. arrive with large families or heavy lug- the use of its ping-pong tables, bicy- The meeting hall for services is at gage, and wish to make use of pre- cles, aerobic dance room, the private the lodge. The lodge also offers a arranged bus transportation directly beach, a gymnasium with its sauna swimming pool, sauna, squash court, from the airport to the Feast site and facilities, and a dance area, all free of tennis courts, horseback riding, trout vice-versa, may request it on the appli- charge. fishing, mountain climbing, mountain cation form. The cost is very reason- This location also affords visitors bikes, game drives at Ol Pajeta Game Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement able. the opportunity to easily reach and Ranch, nature walks, bird watching Also, this Feast site is especially visit other beautiful and famous places and the usual indoor games. suitable for very economical and cul- like Naples, Amalfi, Capri, Ischia and Please make your accommodation turally enriching tours to various his- the Pontine IslandsÑbefore and after bookings through Mr. Kenneth torical places like Pompeii, the Feast. Rebeiro, P.O. Box 11794, Nairobi, Montecassino, Anzio (with the Allies If you are a talented singer, Kenya; telephone/fax, +254-2-76 7161 cemetery), and of course the famous soloist, choir director, pianist or instru- (Kenya local time is GMT + 3 hours) Roman historical places like the mentalist, who is able to enrich our or write to [email protected] (e- Coliseum, Imperial Forum, PaulÕs Christian fellowship during formal mail). prison and tomb, Christian catacombs, services or casual activities, please let The daily room rates for Naro the Vatican museums, and several us know. Moru River Lodge are quoted in US other places and monuments that are a Services will be held in English dollars. Half board includes dinner, witness of pagan persecutions of true and Italian, with simultaneous transla- bed and breakfast; full board also Christianity. It is history coming alive tion. includes lunch. before your eyes. All tours will be If you are interested in attending Twin room standard: half board most comfortable, since it only takes the Feast in Italy this year, and would $45; full board $59. Twin room superi- about 45 to 90 minutes to get to each like to request detailed information or; half board $54; full board $72. area. and/or an application form, please con- Single room standard: half board $25; The SabaudiaÐRoman cuisine is tact Carmelo Anastasi, or his Feast full board $32. Single room superior: probably one of the richest and most assistants, Daisy and Giacomo Pizzuti, half board $33; full board $40. Child, delicious of any in the world. at the following postal address: La 2Ð5 years, sharing with adult: half Feast participants will be able to Buona Notizia, Via Don Minzoni 15, board $10; full board $14. Child, 6Ð11 stay at the economical, yet beautiful, CAP 24061, Albano S.Alessandro years, sharing with adult: half board upper-class three-star hotel, where our (BG), Italy; or contact the Italian $12; full board $16. Child in separate eight-day services will be held. office by telephone +39 (25) 583474 room, 2Ð11 years: half board $20; full The hotel facility stands in the or +39 (35) 582107; or by fax +39 (35) board $30. middle of the National Park of Circeo 582140; or write to [email protected] Air Kenya, a charter company, has and it takes full advantage of the (e-mail). daily commuter flights from Nairobi to blooming vegetation with its well- Carmelo Anastasi Nanyuki and back. The Naro Moru tended gardens. The hotel faces out on River Lodge has a shuttle service to one of the most limpid and uncontami- and from the nearby Nanyuki airport nated stretches of water in the Kenya that they charge passengers for. They Tyrrhenian Sea, with its own private also operate a coach service (approxi- beach. All rooms are equipped with Naro Moru mately a four-hour trip) between telephone, television set, hair-dryer, Nairobi and the Lodge. air conditioner and shower or bath. Kenya has returned to normal There are several international and The meeting hall can hold up to 250 now that the elections are over and local car rental companies. If you people. most people have calmed down. choose to rent a vehicle, drive careful- The hotel management has offered Tourists have started returning to visit ly as most roads have been surfaced us the very special price of US$49 the famous national parks and sunny but not properly maintained and gener- (approximately 85.000 lire) per night, beaches. ally have plenty of potholes. Taxi fare Page 20 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

from the Jomo Kenyatta International ty, while it received Ò4 starsÓ from The Airport to Nairobi is about US$20. Star Service Rating Guide. The The Netherlands Airport tax for international departures impressive beachfront hotel was reno- is US$20 per personÑtake the neces- vated in 1996 and is ideally situated in Wezuperbrug, Drenthe sary bills with you. the heart of hotel row. The Plaza John Bartholomew Resort is an upgrade from the 1997 On account of the very positive property yet the rates are almost the comments received from our Dutch same. brethren and overseas guests, our site We are currently working with for the 1998 Feast will again be Mexico several airlines to create a package that Wezuperbrug in the province of will include airfare and airport/hotel Drenthe. Acapulco transfers with the low room rates. Of Wezuperbrug is located in the course, hotel-only pricing will be peaceful and picturesque province of Acapulco, Mexico, known for its available. Drenthe, in the north-eastern part of beautiful weather, breathtaking Come to Mexico, spend time with the Netherlands. The Feast site has an views, warm beaches and great your brethren, walk the warm sandy interesting variety of sport and recre- Mexican cuisine, will once again be a beaches and reflect on GodÕs plan of ational facilities and is surrounded by Festival site. happiness for the whole world. One wooded areas, interesting villages and Your Mexican brethren (120 last thought, no hurricanes this year! towns, with a number of historic sites. strong) are proud to welcome you to An information package complete The city of Emmen, located 12 miles their homeland. The site will accom- with prices is available by contacting: from the site, has interesting shopping modate up to 400 international Travel Gallery, 30 South Wilson facilities and one of the best zoos in brethren from around the globe. Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106; in the Western Europe. Excellent walking The host hotel will be the Fiesta U.S. call toll-free 1-800-858-6999; or and biking facilities are available Americana Acapulco Plaza Resort. The write to [email protected] (e- throughout the area. Official Hotel Guide classifies the mail). Bungalow accommodation is hotel as a Òsuperior first classÓ proper- Larry Roybal available at the Feast site itself, within If You Want to Transfer to a Site Other Than Your Assigned Festival Site... Transferring Within the Transferring to a Site Transferring Into the United States or Canada Outside the United States United States or Canada and Canada From Other Areas ¥ U.S. and Canadian head-of- household members should fill ¥ Any member wishing to transfer to ¥ Brethren wishing to transfer to a Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of out the 1998 Festival a site outside the U.S. or Canada U.S. or Canadian site from another Registration Form found on should contact the Festival coordi- country may have their minister page 17 of this issue of New nator of that site directly. Some contact the home office via cc:Mail Beginnings. contact information is provided in at ÒUSFestival.Ó The information ¥ Indicate your preferred transfer this supplement, with site descrip- provided should include the site on the Registration Form. tions, and some additional housing requesterÕs name, address, tele- ¥ This form is to be given to the information may be provided in phone number, family size and the Festival advisor in your local the Festival Housing Brochure Feast site he or she wishes to congregation on April 4, 11 or that will be mailed late April. attend. 18, 1998. ¥ Please do not make non-refund- ¥ Automatic transfer approval is able travel arrangements until you ¥ The home office will help coor- expected for all U.S. and receive an acceptance letter for dinate the transfer of members Canadian sites. Pastors will that site. into the U.S. or Canada, and receive notification by May 8 if ¥ Further information and housing will forward pertinent informa- any sites cannot accept all trans- lists will be made available to tion to the respective Festival fer requests. those accepted for transfer. site coordinators. × Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 21 walking distance of the meeting hall, and Craters of the Moon boiling mud Philippine archipelago. Once again, restaurant and recreational facilities. pools. There are a number of thermal Davao City will be a site because it is A supermarket is located in the hot pools and some accommodation centrally and strategically located in village, 1!/2 miles from the site. Hotel units have private pools attached. this part of the country. or motel accommodation is available Within an hourÕs drive of Taupo Located one-and-a-half-hours in the surrounding towns, within dri- there is the city of Rotorua, with its away by jet, south south-east from ving distance from the site. Room- many Maori and thermal attractions. Manila, Davao City is the capital of rates range from US$70 to US$125 per Close by are areas for fly fishing, hunt- Region XI or Southern Mindanao. The night per person, including breakfast. ing and bush walking. Taupo offers city boundary itself covers both popu- Car rental is essential in order to visitors a wide range of attractions lated and forested areas, its size mak- reach the Feast site from Amsterdam making this a truly marvelous Feast ing it the largest in the world in terms (Schiphol) airport, a distance of about site. of land area. 225 kilometers (160 miles), and also to Mount Ruapehu is a two-hour It enjoys fine weather throughout profit from sightseeing. drive to the south of Lake Taupo. The the year, uniform rainfall, average Services will be held in Dutch, mountain, an active volcano, is known 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) yearly, with simultaneous translation into for its excellent skiing. The ski fields and temperatures which average 32 English. are normally operating during the degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). The Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement The weather at that time of the Feast. city is home to a million people, most year is cool, with average temperatures There is an excellent range of of whom can understand and speak ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius accommodation, from four-star hotels, English to varying degrees of profi- (50 to 59 Fahrenheit). to motels, to lodges, to homes to camp- ciency. Visitors interested in attending the ing grounds. Prices for good quality It is also blessed with fertile, vol- Dutch Feast site, or who need more hotels and motels cost from $NZ60 per canic soil, producing bountiful tropical information, should write to: night. Other less expensive accommo- fruits and vegetables. This city boasts Verenigde Kerk van God, P.O. Box dations may also be found for those on of the Òking of fruits, and the fruit for 55940, 2505 BA, The Hague, The a limited budget. kingsÓÑthe exotic Òdurian.Ó Other Netherlands; or telephone Bram de The weather is normally temper- rare fruits are the ÒmarangÓ and Bree at +31 346-572280 or Hans ate, with cooler nights and warm sunny ÒrambutanÓ among many others. Elders at +31 70-3235217; or contact days. Visitors should bring warm Beautiful tropical flowers such as them at [email protected] (e-mail). clothing, as it can be cooler in the orchids, vanda, and waling-waling Bram de Bree evenings. abound. Davao City is also home to the The New Zealand United Church endangered Philippine monkey-eating of God welcomes all visitors to the eagle, where efforts and programs New Zealand Feast at Taupo. As a smaller church, have been established to successfully the members look forward to having breed them in captivity. Taupo overseas visitors who can contribute Some of the most beautiful white towards making the occasion a time of sand beaches border its coastal blue Taupo has been selected as the rejoicing and learning about GodÕs waters. Most of the hotels and resorts 1998 site for the New Zealand Feast of way of life. are of international standards, together Tabernacles. This beautiful town is on Visitors wishing to transfer to this with international dishes, all at reason- the North Island. Located four hours site please contact the Feast coordina- able prices. drive south of Auckland International tor, Peter Boyes, 1-75 Iles Rd, Transportation in and out of the Airport, Taupo may be reached by Lynmore, Rotorua, New Zealand; or city is on a 24-hour basis. Davao City rental car or bus, traveling through the call +64 7 345-3162; or write to Ian is connected to the rest of the country green countryside of the lush Waikato Webb at [email protected] (e- by land, sea and air transport. Visitors farmland. There are also regular mail). will find the convenient city public domestic air flights from the main Peter Boyes and Ian Webb transportation system inexpensive, cities. using the popular Philippine Jeepney, The town of Taupo, population or they can avail themselves of air- approximately 15,000, is nestled on Philippines conditioned buses for longer journeys. the northern end of the beautiful Lake Davao City is the first in the country to Taupo, New ZealandÕs largest lake. Davao City, Mindanao deploy the phone-in taxi service Lake Taupo is famous for its rainbow equipped with transceivers among its trout, and has a wide range of char- In the Philippines, due to econom- 2,500 taxi vehicles. tered fishing boats to hire. There are ic and distance factors affecting travel, Unless we find a better venue many places of interest in the area, it has been decided to have three between now and Feast time, we will including the Wairakei Geothermal Festival sites this year, catering to each again use one of Kristin RestaurantsÕ Project, Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls, of the major island groups in the meeting halls along Bonifacio Street in Page 22 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

downtown Davao City. It is within It also has audio and video facilities surfing (the area enjoys a warm sea cur- walking distance of the best hotels and for small crowds. rent). lodging places and restaurants, and The room rates, which do not There are also a number of scenic one of the biggest shopping malls. include the 10 percent tax, are as fol- drives, such as the well-known Oribi International standard hotels have lows (at Php40=US$1): standard, Gorge. Another place of interest, espe- room phone, hot and cold shower, Php850=US$21.25; deluxe Php950= cially for overseas visitors, is the Zulu cable television, air conditioning, and 23.75; deluxe (with three single village near Durban. fridge, and range from about $35 per beds) Php1,100=US$27.50; family Attendance is expected to be about night and up. Other types of housing room (good for four people) 250. cost less. For more details, bookings or Php1,200=US$30; executive suite Visitors interested in attending or reservations, you many contact: Php1,200=US$30. who need more information, should write Edmond D. Macaraeg, P. O. Box For additional inquiries and spe- to: John Bartholomew, P.O. Box 1331, 81315, 8000, Davao City, Philippines; cial needs please write to: Mr. 2032 Fontainebleau, South Africa; or telephone, +63 82 241-0733; or write, Bernardo Castillon Sr., #6 Block 9, write to [email protected] (e-mail). [email protected] (e-mail). PHHC, Bacolod City, 6100 John Bartholomew Edmond D. Macaraeg Philippines; telephone +63 34 25691; or write to [email protected] (e- Bacolod City, Negros Occidental mail). Tonga Bernardo R. Castillon This yearÕs Feast of Tabernacles NukuÕalofa for the Visayas area in the Philippines will be held in Bacolod City, Negros South Africa The Feast this year will again be Occidental. The city, with a population held in NukuÕalofa, the capital city and of 420,000, is the capital of Negros Uvongo center of the government of Tonga. Occidental province, known as the The meeting hall for services and sugar bowl of the Philippines. The city This year the Feast of Tabernacles activities will be at the Pacific Royale has a domestic airport which serves in southern Africa will again be observed Hotel, right in the heart of the city about three different local airlines. It also has in the small town of Uvongo, which is three blocks from the waterfront and the a domestic shipping port that caters to situated on the eastern coastline of South beach. large ships and fast ferries. Africa. Uvongo is roughly a one-hour There are a number of cafeterias Expected temperatures will range drive from Durban International Airport, nearby, and it is only a few minutes by from 28 to 34 degrees Celsius through- so it is recommended that overseas visi- walk to the shopping center and banks. out the day (82 to 93 degrees tors rent a car. Car rental companies such Activities will include scenic tours Fahrenheit), although the thermometer as Avis have offices at the Durban airport with wonderful views, as well as visits to could dip a couple of degrees Celsius and will arrange to have the vehicle of historic sites. Coral-reef tours and snor- during nighttime rain showers. your choice available upon arrival. keling will be available, and the tradi- The meeting hall is located on the The climate is subtropical and the tional dancing at the Tonga Cultural third floor of the new Kundutel Hotel temperatures should reach the lower 70s Center would also be interesting for visi- in the Goldenfields Commercial Fahrenheit (lower 20s Celsius). tors. Complex located next to the airport. It Feastgoers should take note that the Feast During the Festival period, the tem- is only three kilometers (two miles) falls during the rainy season. perature may fluctuate between 26

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of from the downtown area. Accommodation is mostly self- degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) by day, The hotel contains three cate- catering, with a wide variety of two- or and 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) gories of rooms: deluxe rooms, fully three-bedroom holiday apartments avail- by night. air-conditioned, with color television able. Hotels are scarce, but there are two Rental cars are available, as are taxis (cable available) and refrigerator, tele- in close proximity to the meeting place. and buses. phone, and hot and cold water; family Since this area is a premier tourist attrac- The best hotel I can recommend for rooms, fully air-conditioned one tion, there are numerous restaurants as our people is the Pacific Royale Hotel queen bed and two single beds, with well as shopping centers that cater to where we will be meeting for services. color television and refrigerator, tele- most requirements. Accommodation Room rates at the Pacific Royale range phone and hot and cold water; and costs will range from US$30 to $50 per from US$65 (single, economy) to $175 executive suites, two queen beds, din- day for self-catering units. Hotel rates (fully furnished penthouse). Other hotels ing table and sofa, fully air-condi- fall into the same price range per person are also available. tioned, color television, refrigerator, per day, inclusive of dinner, bed and The general manager offered a 25 and hot and cold water. breakfast. percent discount for cost of rooms only Goldenfield Kundutel has a good Uvongo is situated close to a golf for people booking through me. food and beverage outlet catered by course and other sporting activities such Bookings for the above should come one of the best steakhouses in the city. as tennis, horse riding, swimming and directly to me at my address: Tolu Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 23

HaÕangana, P.O. Box 127, NukuÕalofa, Llandudno began to carve out a new scenic drives by bus or car, slate mines, Tonga (South Pacific); +676 32-122 career as a Victorian resort, complete mountain railways, medieval castles, art (phone); or write to with pier. It capitalized on improved road galleries and museum, and state of the art Tolu HaÕangana and rail communications from the pros- theatre. perous industrial centers of Manchester On the Great Orme (679 ft), which and Liverpool, and also on the new stands guard over the townÕs western United Kingdom Victorian craze for sea bathing. The mas- approaches like a miniature Rock of ter plan for the townÕs conversion was Gibraltar, an industrial museum demon- Llandudno, North Wales controlled by the Mostyn family who strates 4,000 year old copper minesÑthe enforced strict control of development. oldest in Europe. The summit can be This year we have organized just The townÕs unique charm and air of qual- approached on foot, by San Francisco- one Feast site for the U.K., situated cen- ity comes from the way it has preserved style passenger trams, or by alpine-style trally along the north coast of Wales. its original character. cable car. Spectacular views from the Llandudno is the premier conference We will be using the recently mod- summit take in the mountains and sur- town of Wales and a popular holiday ernized North Wales Conference Centre, rounding coasts to the nearby isle of resort. It nestles at the end of a peninsula situated centrally on the famous crescent- Anglesey. between two limestone headlandsÑthe shaped waterfront, and within easy Daytime temperatures will normally Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Great Orme and Little OrmeÑand is cra- access of most of the townÕs accommo- average in the high 50s or low 60s dled by surrounding hills and fine beach- dation. The meeting hall we are using can Fahrenheit (16 Celsius), dropping to the es. It is situated in an area of outstanding handle up to 1,000 delegates. The area low 50s (10 Celsius) in the evenings. The coastal and mountain beauty and stands affords the broadest range of varied town is well-linked by train to all parts of at the gateway to the renowned tourist facilities: as a shopping center, the U.K and Ireland, as it is on the main Snowdonia National Park, just 20-min- Llandudno has no rival in North Wales. line to the Holyhead ferry services. utes drive away. Nineteenth-century cast-iron canopies Intercity services take four hours from LlandudnoÕs history is closely linked still shelter the shop fronts, creating an London, three hours from Birmingham to the copper mines which once thrived unusual atmosphere of a grander age; and two hours from Manchester. Road on the Orme (which comes from the old there is a dry ski slope and 700-foot connections are also excellent for those Norse meaning Òsea monsterÓ). When toboggan run, ten-pin bowling, sports coming by car or coach, with the A55 mining activity collapsed in the 1840s, center and swimming pool, hill walking, Expressway linking to the national

Montrose Travel ¥ 24-hour emergency service If you feel you could benefit from Festival Travel Discounts ¥ no service fees our services, please contact us and ask ¥ all major credit cards accepted for the United Church of God travel desk. ll of us here at Montrose Travel A The Church also benefits. You may contact us at: (800) look forward to assisting you with your Montrose Travel will donate 10 percent 766-4687; (213) 245-0732; (818) Festival travel plans as well as any of all air travel commissions generated 553-3210; or write to Feast98@mon- other travel needs that you may experi- by Church members back to the trtvl.attmail.com (e-mail). ence throughout the year. Church. Montrose Travel is located at 2355 As a family business, we have over In addition, a number of airlines Honolulu Avenue, Montrose, CA 40 years of experience and currently have agreed to provide free tickets to the 91020-1821. employ over 100 professional travel Church based counselors who are available to assist on the accumu- you. We were named the ÒBest of lative number of GlendaleÓ travel agency award for tickets members 1996 and 1997. We currently hold the buy through second position listed in the Los Montrose Angeles Business Journal of fastest Travel. growing companies in the area. Discounts Benefits to members, both on of up to 15 per- domestic and international travel, cent are also include: available on rental cars when ¥ discounts off the lowest fares arrangements ¥ up to 25 percent savings are made through ¥ free overnight ticket delivery Montrose ¥ free $100,000 flight insurance Travel. Page 24 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

motorway network, and Fall foliage and scenery in the Branson, including resorts on the lake, Liverpool/Manchester being within an Ozarks can be simply spectacular. new high-rise hotels, condominiums, hourÕs drive. Many hiking trails and secluded coves houseboats, and small, quaint motels. International air access is from on the lakes add to the enjoyment. For those who have heard horror sto- London, Birmingham or nearby Branson is home to about 50 ries about BransonÕs traffic, you can Liverpool and Manchester airports. Car music shows, ranging from country relax. New roads have been built in the rental is readily available from all the artists such as Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, past couple of years, which have great- main operators at airports. There are Charley Pride, Anita Bryant, Mickey ly reduced traffic problems. In addi- plenty of local taxis. We hope to organize Gilley and Moe Bandy, to long-time tion, the facility for the Feast is locat- several coach (bus) tours for those wish- favorites including the Lawrence Welk ed well outside the high-traffic area. ing to experience the surrounding coun- Orchestra, Bobby Vinton, the Glen Whether you are looking for a site tryside. Miller Orchestra, Andy Williams, with a lot of activities for the family, There is an Accommodation Wayne Newton and Tony Orlando. It or wish to get away to the peace and Booking service available to facilitate also hosts such entertainers as Yakov quiet of the lakes and hills, there is your stay. Visitors are welcome to direct- Smirnoff, Jim Stafford and many oth- something for all who attend this site. ly contact this unit for brochures detail- ers. Expected attendance is 2,200. ing the wide range of accommodation For families, Branson has a wealth Michael Blackwell available in the area. A special UCG con- of attractions including the very popu- ference booking form has also been pre- lar Silver Dollar City amusement park, Corpus Christi, Texas pared. There are hotels and guesthouses, patterned after an 1890s city, complete and some self-catering accommodations. Corpus Christi, Òthe sparkling Prices for hotels/guesthouses range from city by the sea,Ó is located on the Gulf $25 to $75 per person per night. Please Members may begin of Mexico in southeast Texas. It is sit- feel free to contact: Accommodation uated near the Padre Island National Bookings (Conf. Dept.), Business making reservations for Seashore, the longest white, sandy Tourism Unit, Conwy Borough Council, housing in the U.S. beach in the world. 1/2 Chapel Street, Llandudno, LL30 Local attractions include tours of 2SY, United Kingdom; telephone 01492 and Canada on the Texas State Aquarium, authentic 574005 (from outside the UK +44 1-492- Sunday, May 17, replicas of ColumbusÕs fleet, and the 574-005); fax, 01492 872585 (from out- beginning at 10 a.m. in aircraft carrier USS Lexington. side the UK +44 1-492-872-585). Temperatures range from 60 to 90 Visitors wishing to transfer to this the time zone of the site degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 32 Celsius), site should contact John Meakin at 8 they plan to attend. with high humidity. Pennys Meade, Ilton, Ilminster, The Houston Intercontinental Somerset, TA19 9HH, United Kingdom. Airport is 215 miles away, and offers He can be reached by telephone at 01460 connecting flights to Corpus Christi. A 54240 (or from outside the UK +44 1- rental car is advised for this site. 460-54240); or at John_Meakin@com- with over 100 craftsmen and a fall Room rates range from $33 to puserve.com (e-mail). national crafts festival. Branson also more than $80 per night, plus 13 per- John Meakin has an IMAX theater, many go-cart cent tax. Condominiums are also avail- tracks and miniature-golf courses, able. Expected attendance is 1,100.

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of museums, paddle-boat rides on the Britton Taylor United States lakes and other activities too numerous to mention. Boats, ranging from Escondido, California Branson, Missouri canoes, fishing boats and ski boats, all the way up to pontoon boats and even The California Center for the Situated in the middle of the beauti- houseboats, are available to rent on the Performing Arts, in Escondido, is ful Ozark mountains near the Missouri- lakes. probably the nicest facility used by the Arkansas line, Branson, Missouri, draws Table Rock Lake is noted for its United Church of God for its Festival visitors from around the world. Famous bass fishing, while Taneycomo is sites. The beautiful fixed-seat auditori- for its beautiful scenery, crystal-clear noted for its trout. For golfing enthusi- um in the heart of the Civic Center of lakes and music theaters, it offers some- asts there are several PGA-rated cours- the suburban community of Escondido thing for almost everyone. es in the area. For the shopper, is about a 20-minute drive north of San Branson is situated in the hardwood Branson has many unique shops, Diego and about 20 minutes inland forests of the Ozark mountains, and sits antique stores and even three factory- from the Pacific Ocean. on two lakes, Table Rock and outlet malls with more than 200 out- The Civic Center campus includes Taneycomo, with Bull Shoals Lake only lets. an adjacent park, an art museum and a short drive away. A variety of housing is available in plenty of free parking. It is easily Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 25 accessed from Interstate 15 and good reason! It is the Hawaiian islandsÕ destination sitting on the Ohio River. Highway 78. The traffic in San Diego most lush island, with verdant valleys, With its 2,500 restaurants and 80 North County is generally much less countless waterfalls, streams and rivers, attractions, there are plenty of choices congested than in San Diego proper. and tropical gardens overflowing with available for everyone. Of course, Plenty of good, affordable housing exotic plants and flowersÑa bounty of Louisville hosts the world-famous is available within a few minutes drive stunning color and beauty. Kentucky Derby, but it is also home to of the meeting hall. Housing prices Kauai has more than 60 lovely other exciting attractions such as the range from $35 to $95 per night. beaches, from the famous Barking Kentucky Derby museum, the Nearby attractions include the San Sands Beach on the west, to Poipu Louisville Slugger Museum and Bat Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Beach on the south, to the beaches of Factory, and one of the worldÕs best Diego Zoo, Seaworld, Temecula Wine the Na Pali Coast on the north. Kauai amusement parks, Kentucky Country, San Marcos Restaurant Row, also boasts the wettest place on Kingdom. the mountain community of Julian, earthÑMount WaiÕaleÕaleÑwith 480 Louisville is also rich in the arts, Palomar Observatory, historic Old inches of rain per year. (ThatÕs only in with the nationally acclaimed Actors Town, Coronado Island, the beautiful the center of the island; the rest of the Theatre and Kentucky Center for the beaches of San Diego County, and island enjoys normal tropical weather.) Arts offering some of the countryÕs Tijuana, Mexico. On the west side of the island is finest performances. Shoppers enjoy Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement The San Diego Airport, Lindbergh the famous Waimea Canyon, labeled everything from antiques to unique Field, is only 35 minutes from by Mark Twain as the Grand Canyon Kentucky crafts. And visitors find the Escondido. Average temperatures of the PacificÑa spectacular sight world at their table through range from highs in the 80s (27 indeed. LouisvilleÕs impressive selection of Celsius) to evening lows in the 60s (16 fine restaurants. Celsius). Expected attend is about Housing costs will range from the 2,000 in San Diego this year. Members may begin mid $30s to $70 per night to accom- Steve Buchanan modate all budgets. making reservations for Temperatures should range from Jekyll Island, Georgia housing in the U.S. 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 21 and Canada on degrees Celsius). This Festival site is off the coast The Louisville International of southern Georgia. Beautiful beach- Sunday, May 17, Airport is about 5 minutes from the es, walking, hiking, fishing, golfing, beginning at 10 a.m. in Holiday Inn Airport South, where ser- tennis, and wildlife viewing are avail- vices will be held. able. A tour of MillionairesÕ Village is the time zone of the site Expected attendance is 1,100. one of the highlight attractions. they plan to attend. Come and enjoy the southern hos- Temperatures range from 60 to 75 pitality of Louisville, Looahvul or degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees LooeyvilleÑyour kind of place any Celsius), with the possibility of rain. way you say it. Major airports for arrival and Mark Winner departure are Savannah, Georgia; The convention hall in Lihue is an Brunswick, Georgia; and Jacksonville, air-conditioned theater-style auditori- Orlando, Florida Florida. A rental car is advised for this um. Housing will be available from site. Princeville near Hanalei, to KapaÕa, to Orlando is the number-one family Room rates vary per night, with Lihue, to Poipu. Prices for hotel rooms vacation destination in the world. motels costing from $35 to $70 and and condominiums range from $65 to Disneyworld, EPCOT Center, Sea condominiums from $57 to $167; local $160 per night. World, MGM Studios, Universal taxes are 11 percent. Rental homes and The island of Kauai is located Studios, Splendid China and a host of cottages are also available. approximately 100 miles from other attractions will provide enjoy- Expected attendance is 1,200. Honolulu. Hourly flights from able activities for all family members. Bob Jones Honolulu are available. A huge selection of housing is Daily temperatures should be in available in all price ranges, including Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii the 80s Fahrenheit (26 to 31 Celsius). motel rooms, suites, villas, condomini- Expected attendance at Kauai is ums and private homes ($25 and up per United Church of God members about 500. night). will have the opportunity once again to Earl Roemer Weather at that time of year is usu- meet in the Kauai War Memorial ally sunny, with daytime temperatures Convention Hall at Lihue, Kauai, for Louisville, Kentucky in the 80s Fahrenheit (26 to 31 degrees the Feast of Tabernacles. Celsius) and evening temperatures in Kauai is called the Garden Isle with Louisville is a warm and friendly the 60s Fahrenheit (15 to 20 Celsius). Page 26 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998

Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent forests, limestone caves, breathtaking declared this the Òeighth wonder of the in the fall. waterfalls and winding rivers are at world.Ó It has a 129-foot waterfall over Hundreds of restaurants are within least partially responsible for the five moss-covered lava rock. Shasta Dam is easy driving distance of the meeting million or more visitors who flock to the second largest and highest concrete facility, as are all housing accommoda- Redding each year. structure in the world. A visit to Lake tions. Orlando should once again prove Redding enjoys four distinct and Shasta Caverns includes a walking to be a very popular Feast site for mem- colorful seasons. The temperatures in tour of underground wonders, as well bers, especially those with children. October should be somewhere in the as a boat ride. Mt. Lassen Volcanic The Orlando International Airport 80s Fahrenheit (26 to 31 Celsius) by National Park provides for an interest- is approximately 20 miles from the day and mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 to 19 ing afternoon. The volcano last erupt- site; a rental car is advised. Celsius) at night. Room prices range ed in 1917, and today you can see the Expected attendance is 1,600. from $30 to $90, plus a local tax of 10 fascinating results of volcanic activity. Roy Demarest percent. Expected attendance is 1,200. Also in the area: museums, parks, Services will be held at the art center, hiking trails, biking, four- Poconos, Pennsylvania Redding Convention Center, which is wheeling, fishing, rafting, mountain located on the banks of the Sacramento climbing, gold panning, antiques, For the second year in a row, the River in a parklike setting, with plenty beautiful vistas, golf, tennis, bowling, Feast in the Poconos will be held at the of free parking. There are enough skating, sailing, and water sports of all beautiful Fernwood Resort and attractions on the grounds to enjoy a kinds. Consider trying out the house- Country Club in Bushkill, pleasant lunchtime break or spend the boats! In addition there are lakes, Pennsylvania. This site is only a little entire afternoon. Or, you may drive a streams, riversÑall here waiting for over one hour driving time from New you to enjoy. York City and we are planning again If you want to get away from the for a bus trip to the city for a Members may begin hustle and bustle of the city and Broadway show and dinner. breathe clean, smog-free air, then The temperature is generally a lit- making reservations for Redding is the place for you! You will tle cool but very pleasant at that time housing in the U.S. also find one of the nicest and most of year, between 40 and 70 degrees and Canada on convenient convention centersÑone Fahrenheit (4 to 21 Celsius). It will that lends itself to lingering conversa- probably be warmer than last year as Sunday, May 17, tion and fellowship. the Feast is earlier. The fall colors beginning at 10 a.m. in Jim Chapman should be spectacular as always. Irrespective of which housing you the time zone of the site Snowmass Village, Colorado choose, all those attending the Feast they plan to attend. here will have full and free access to The Colorado Rockies have some almost all of FernwoodÕs many facili- of the most beautiful scenery in the ties (excluding Tree Top Villa facili- United States. If you would like to expe- ties), including indoor and outdoor rience a beautiful mountain setting for pools, recreation areas and golf courses. short distance to any of the 200-plus the Feast of Tabernacles, Snowmass A wide variety of accommodations restaurants and enjoy a variety of fine Village, Colorado, is a wonderful will be available. Whether you like to food and service. A restaurant guide is choice. The Snowmass Village

Feast of Tabernacles 1998 Ñ Supplement Tabernacles Feast of rent a house, villa, spacious suite, or being prepared for your pleasure. Conference center is a high quality loca- you just need a single room, we should This will be the 11th year that the tion for services and other events. be able to take care of most needs. Feast has been held in Redding. One of There are many recreational oppor- There are many natural sites in the the most consistent comments heard is tunities you can participate in if you immediate area such as beautiful about the warmth and friendliness of wish. If you enjoy hiking in the moun- Bushkill Falls and the Delaware Water the local citizens. The people of tains, Snowmass Village is the place for Gap. The area also offers many tourist Redding have learned to appreciate the you. Several fine restaurants are located sites, restaurants and even a nearby Church and its well-mannered, right in town, or you may wish to travel outlet mall. thoughtful families. the short distance to Aspen, where you This year's projected attendance in The Sacramento Metropolitan air- will find numerous additional choices. Fernwood is 1,000. We hope to see you port is 140 miles from Redding with Rates for rooms and condominiums there! connecting flights. The San Francisco vary from $57 per night to $120 per Marc Masterson International Airport, is 220 miles night. Housing in Snowmass is lower from the Feast site. A rental car is priced than Keystone or Vail for similar Redding, California advised. properties. Cost for food is higher than One of the Òmust seesÓ is Burney average for most U.S. sites but compa- Towering mountain peaks, dense Falls State Park. Teddy Roosevelt rable to Keystone and Vail. Those Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 27 attending should remember that ders,Ó about 35 years before Rhodesia, but there are several luxury bus services Snowmass has a high elevation (8,200 now Zimbabwe, was formed. He named from Harare to Mutare, or a car may feet), so you should consult your doctor it Victoria Falls after the British queen rented from one of several international if you have any respiratory or heart at that time. This awe-inspiring water- and local car rental companies. problems. fall, one of the seven natural wonders of Please make your accommodation The Aspen airport, serviced by sev- the world, has made Zimbabwe a major bookings through: Mr. Faxson Katiza, eral airlines, is only 10 minutes away tourist destination, as has the famous P.O. Box 796, Harare, Zimbabwe; tele- from Snowmass Village. During the Hwange National Park. Another attrac- phone/fax, +263-4-77 6869 (Zimbabwe dates of the Feast, the following air car- tion, the Kariba Dam, is a magnificent local time is GMT +2 hours); or write to riers will service the Aspen airport: witness to manÕs engineering ingenuity. [email protected] (e-mail). United Airlines, Aspen Mountain with With independence and self-rule, Unfortunately the Zimbabwe dollar connection agreements with American the country was named Zimbabwe, has been devalued this year and the and Frontier Airlines, and Western Òstone house,Ó after the intriguing, mas- accommodation prices are up by that Pacific. Complimentary transportation sive, stone-built structures at Great amount on last year. Extra accommoda- is readily available from the Aspen air- Zimbabwe, dating back to the ninth cen- tion is available at the nearby resorts. port to the Village. Aspen is about four tury. All prices quoted are in Zimbabwe dol- hours by car from the Denver airport. The Feast site is located at the pic- lars (Z$) and include sales tax and gov- Snowmass is a great value for those turesque La Rochelle Hotel, nestled in ernment levy. wishing to keep the Feast in a beautiful the scenic mountains of the Eastern La Rochelle Hotel, P.O. Box 34, mountain setting. Highlands of Zimbabwe. A breathtaking Penhalonga, Zimbabwe; telephone/fax, Bill Jahns country estate of a bygone age, resplen- +263-20-22250. Hotel tariff includes dinner, bed and breakfast, per room per Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin night: All rooms have en-suite bath- Members may begin rooms: suites for two, Z$945; single Spectacular autumn colors, unique occupancy, Z$945; double rooms, sandstone formations, go-cart racing, making reservations for Z$840; single occupancy, Z$525. riding the famous amphibious housing in the U.S. Meals: breakfast Z$55, buffet lunch ÒDucksÓÑall this and more is what and Canada on Z$58, and dinner Z$95. makes the Wisconsin Dells a great Self-catering cottages: basic Festival site for the entire family. Sunday, May 17, charge, Z$190 per person per night; Services will be held at the beauti- beginning at 10 a.m. in children under 11 years, Z$105 per ful Crystal Grand Music Theater. This night; children under 3 years, free; sin- two-year-old facility seats more than the time zone of the site gle occupancy, Z$265.00 per night. 1,400 people and is equipped with heat they plan to attend. Caravan/Camping: site (up to 6 for those occasional cold spells that hit people), Z$50 per night plus Z$20 elec- northern sites. trical connection. The Dells offers a large variety of Airport tax for international depar- motels, cottages and condominiums. ture is US$20 per personÑtake the nec- Many have indoor swimming pools and dent in 40 acres of peaceful and tranquil essary bills with you. offer amenities such as Jacuzzi suites. botanical gardens, it has been refur- John Bartholomew Wisconsin Dells is a unique site in bished and transformed into an ideal its family atmosphere and accessibility. Feast venue. Most accommodations are within a few The daytime temperatures should minutesÕ drive of the Crystal Grand be warm to hot, and the evenings can Remember... Music Theater as well as the dozens of become quite cool. attractions and quaint shops. This elegant hotel, with four self- April 4, 11 & 18, U.S. and The weather at Wisconsin Dells can catering cottages and a caravan (trail- Canadian head-of-house- change suddenly. Come prepared for the er)/camping site, is located about 20 hold members should clip possibility of chilly autumn weather. kilometers (13 miles) north of Mutare, out their completed 1998 Steve Nutzman the main commercial and industrial city Festival Registration form of the region. The proprietors, Mike and (page 17 of this issue of Lyn Wicksteed, will convert the beauti- Zimbabwe ful hotel lounge into a meeting hall for New Beginnings) and give our services. it to their local Festival Mutare The site is 280 kilometers (175 advisor at Sabbath ser- miles) southeast from Harare by road, vices. Dr. David Livingstone was the first which is surfaced and in good condition. European to see the Òsmoke that thun- There is no commuter airline service, Page 28 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 Letters From Our ReadersÉ

Bible Study Course mentioned the high quality of its composi- million-a-year organization that can spend ÒI would like to thank you for the tion. tens of millions on media, and that Mr. wonderful work you did on the first lesson ÒPlease keep up the good work and Armstrong quite painfully learned that of the Bible course. I am young in the high quality. We support the Council of there must be balance in spending on nur- church and do not fully understand how to Elders and the fine job they are doing in turing the congregations for the Church to study the Bible. This tool helps quite a bit. leading United. Theirs is a very difficult grow. ÒI hope you will continue this course task.Ó ÒOur media exposure must be built up after the first twelve lessons as it is a good Minnesota prudently. It will take consistent, faithful tool for people such as myself who do not sacrifice by all of us, over a period of years. study well on their own. Good News helps with reconciliation ThatÕs not glamorous, but itÕs the truth.Ó ÒPlease keep up the good job you all ÒThank you for your magazineÑit are doing in GodÕs work.Ó came this time as my dad was dying and I ÒYou have a great Web site! I have New Mexico took it to his hospital room to read. My been using some material published by family and I were starting on the road to your organization on Genesis. I am ÒIÕm going through the Bible Study reconciliation and you had the article on involved in a study of it with my 12-year Course and am really enjoying it. that very topic. old and needed answers to some questions ÒNew people God calls will certainly ÒSuch a blessing, thank you.Ó and your site has so much great informa- have a good tool for learning. IÕve been in Wyoming tionÑall backed up with scriptureÑwhich GodÕs church over 22 years and really find I appreciate and respect. this Bible study exciting and love the way ÒEach issue of your magazine gets ÒIn trying to find out who published you start out with the very basics and foun- very well to the point of times we are in. If the information, I was checking out your dation to build your Bible knowledge upon. anyone gets to read and absorb the issues site and ran across your Fundamental ÒI devour The Good News as soon as you have been bringing up, there is really Beliefs page. Very thorough and encourag- it arrives, then slowly go over it again to no excuse not to heed to the calling of the ing.Ó allow the knowledge there to really sink times. Indeed, your message via the maga- in. Wow! zine is aptly reconcilable, encouraging us ÒJust want to thank you for giving ÒI pray daily for your inspiration and to surrender to God and his love for us. me a free subscription to the Good News thank all of you behind-the-scenes staff.Ó ÒMay your institution, your ministry, magazine. I subscribed through your California and especially your brilliant writers be Web site. I already received my first blessed as more people seek the way, the copy, the January/February 1998 issue, Good News appreciated for value and life and the truth.Ó together with the other booklets I high quality California requested. I enjoyed reading them and I ÒThanks greatly! Your publication is a look forward to receiving more of your blessing to our home study-group (usually Literature appreciated from behind bars publications. 20 adults in our living room weekly). ÒI am writing this letter to express my ÒI am a former subscriber of the ÒMay I request The Gospel of the appreciation for the literature that has been Plain Truth magazine and itÕs only lately Kingdom and What Is Your Destiny? book- sent to me from the Church. I really enjoy that I have learned what happened to the lets. reading the sermons and The Good News. I publishers, because when The Plain Missouri canÕt express how grateful I am for the lit- Truth stopped arriving, I didnÕt know erature as I am an inmate in jail and am what or whom to contact. I was recently ÒIt is long overdue, but I want to waiting to be sent to prison to serve five given the chance to regularly connect to thank you for your devotion to preaching years. the Internet and found out what really the gospel. I have a friend at work who ÒGod has really turned my life around happened when I came upon the UCG used to receive another religious magazine and blessed me. I pray that God will guide and WCG Web sites. (The Plain Truth). We frequently have reli- the church through the future and continue ÒI read most of Mr. ArmstrongÕs gious discussions and she became interest- to use it to complete His work.Ó publications and want to stick to the ed in The Good News from the beginning. Georgia truth. I believe UCG still is holding on, She has been receiving it almost since it and firm, on that truth. Again, thank you began. She cancelled her subscription to Off the Internet very much.Ó the other publication about the same time. ÒThe New Beginnings article ÒGuns or Philippines ÒMy friend has told me how much she Butter,Ó is a great start at explaining the values The Good News and has comment- prudent path the Council has chosen. Folks EditorÕs Note: The letters in this section ed on a number of articles. She has also need to grasp that we are not (yet!) a $120- may be edited for length and clarity. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 29 Youth UpdatesÉ

about your savings account, your sav- ChurchÕs youth group. She raised $1,000 in ings plan, and your work projects. Ask a year by selling candy and fruit and by the How You Can Go to them to send you what ever contribu- support of her family, relatives and other Summer Camp, tion they can afford. If you like, you adult friends. Although You DonÕt Now can send a copy of this article with your Yes, this plan is not as easy as asking letter. your parents for the money, but it has other Have the Money ¥ Write them a thank-you card immedi- benefits. For instance, while working on this ately their contributions come in. Keep plan, you will build perseverance for your A teen raised $1000 one year, with a little a record of everyone who helped you future adult life. (Perseverance is one of the help from her (adult) friends attend camp. seven laws of success.) Also, involving ¥ Write up your experience when you adults in your plan will help you build clos- by Bill Jacobs return from camp and send a copy to all er relationships with them. You can never who helped you, along with another have too many adult friends. Last summer over 1,000 young people note of thanks. Another reason is that if you make a attended summer camp in the United youth project out of camp, it will probably be camp program. Most of them had a great How This Successful Plan Started more meaningful to you than to those who time and learned important lessons about have not earned their way. life. This plan will work for two reasons: So, hope to see you there. If you want Every summer another group of young one, there are many caring adults in your to talk more about it, contact me at people want to attend but donÕt because they Church, and two, I have seen it work. A teen [email protected], or write me at this donÕt have money for tuition and transporta- did this to go on a trip to Mexico with her publication. NB tion. Are you one of these? Read on! Here is a plan for you to attend summer camp, Its Party Time Ð Lets Celebrate! even if you donÕt now have the money. You are an important part of the St. Louis UCG their age, school attended, hobbies, accom- Church. God has plans for you. How can plishments and future plans. Please send you prepare? First, you can begin by build- CELEBRATION Ð Prom 1998 Saturday Evening, May 23 your reservation to the following address: ing your friendship and support network Celebration while you are young. Second, you can learn 6:30 p.m. Ð 12:00 a.m. 13250 West Watson Road and practice GodÕs way among your friends. Join us as we honor and acknowl- Sunset Hills, MO 63127 Summer camp is a great place to work on edge our 1998-graduating seniors. Attn: Ellen both these goals. A fun-filled evening is planned for all If you have any questions, please call Since UCGIA started four years ago, in the beautiful ballroom of King Henry Ellen at (314) 849-4016 or write to CELE- multiple hundreds of adults have expressed VIII Hotel and Convention Center. Party [email protected] (e-mail). appreciation for the camp program. TheyÕve time begins at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner buf- expressed repeatedly how good camp was fet of chicken, pasta, salad, various Six Flags Over Mid-America for them as a teen and how good camp was desserts and an unlimited soda bar. ThereÕs for their children. These appreciative adults dancing until midnight to the music-and- The party continues the following wish every teen in the Church could go to light spectacular provided by W. day, May 24, at ÒSix Flags Over Mid camp. Every year we have to turn down Productions. America.Ó This amusement park will be more staff than campers because so many Youths, age 13 and up, are invited, as open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The group rate adults want to be involved in helping our well as the classes of 1992Ð1998. Parents is only $19.95 per person (tax exempt). young people in a personal way. and those providing transportation are also This is a great savings over the regular How can these people, who want to invited. price of $29. If interested in participating help, be drawn into service? This memorable evening of dinner, in this activity also, please send the added Those of you who want to go to camp music and dancing is available to you at amount with your prom reservation. can play a big part. HereÕs how: the reasonable price of $25 per person. Information on housing, area hotels, and ¥ Start a savings account dedicated to Formal attire or Sabbath wear is the rec- maps to church and the dance, or any other your camp fund. ommended dress. DonÕt forget your cam- information, will be sent upon request. ¥ Get a job or do various money-making eras and your picture-perfect smile! We look forward to celebrating with projects to increase your fund. If you would like to attend, please send you and wish to thank all of you who ¥ Write a letter to all the adults you know, your name, address (or a list of names), and helped make last yearÕs prom, Fantasy in the church and out. Tell them about check(s) made payable to United Church of Island and Six Flags outing a tremendous the United youth camp program. Tell God St. Louis. Reservations are due by success! them which camp you want to attend, April 25. All graduating seniors are request- Remember itÕs a celebration! what it will cost, and what you want to ed to send a brief description, including Greg Sargent learn while you are there. Tell them Page 30 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 Passover and Unleavened BreadÉ

ÒÔFor the LORD will pass through to If anyone serves Me, him My Father will True Freedom: A strike the Egyptians; and when He sees honorÓ ( verses 25Ð26). the blood on the lintel and on the two While they were considering all this Passover Season Lesson doorposts, the LORD will pass over the they were stunned by a voice like thunder door and not allow the destroyer to come from the cloudsÑthe voice of God!Ñ by Jerold W. Aust into your houses to strike you. And you affirming ChristÕs words. shall observe this thing as an ordinance Through His word and His SonÕs ÒMy country, Õtis of thee, sweet for you and your sons forever. It will spirit in us, that voice of God still speaks land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where come to pass when you come to the land my fathers died, land of the pilgrimsÕ which the LORD will give you, just as He pride, from every mountainside, let free- promised, that you shall keep this service. Having repented of our dom ring.Ó ÒÔAnd it shall be, when your children Similar words to the traditional song say to you, ÒWhat do you mean by this sins and accepted above must have rung loudly from the service?Ó that you shall say, ÒIt is the Jesus’ sacrifice for lips of our forefathers that first liberating Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who them, we have a Passover when they were redeemed from passed over the houses of the children of death, then set free! Israel in Egypt when He struck the responsibility to contin- Their time had come to be saved by Egyptians and delivered our house- ue removing various the One typified as our Passover more holds.ÓÕ So the people bowed their heads sinful habits from our than 1,400 years before He lived on this and worshipedÓ (Exodus 12:21Ð27). earth. God vividly detailed this event to sinful nature. Earlier that night, Moses had told all help us remember that without Christ the Israelite families to kill the unblem- having been our Passover sacrifice, sin ished lambs, called Passover lambs, would result in our having one inevitable loudly to us today, whereby weÕre stirred selected for this time. endÑeternal death (Romans 6:23). to remember His wonderful promises pic- ÒThen Moses called for all the elders But the Father wants us to also tured by His great Holy Days. of Israel and said to them, ÔPick out and remember that because Jesus Christ was Paul, when he was counteracting take lambs for yourselves according to resurrected to eternal life, eternal death some who doubted an eternal future, itself can be conquered. enhanced ChristÕs metaphor for His death. To ChristÕsÕ earthy metaphor, he Life Mocks Death added those two seeds of human life, Jesus and Adam, to contrast their fruit: God vividly detailed Jesus Himself knew that after His ÒFor since by man came death, by Man death, death itself would be conquered. also came the resurrection of the dead. this event to help us Near His physical lifeÕs end, He desired For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ remember that without that His followers would grasp the mag- all shall be made aliveÓ (1 Corinthians Christ having been our nificence of that new lifeÑfor Him and 15:21-22). Passover sacrifice, sin themÑthat hinged on that death. Paul continued to build his case for He revealed to His listeners that Òthe the resurrection. He enthrallingly com- would result in our hour has come that the Son of Man should pared the spiritual and natural realms, having one inevitable be glorified.Ó revealed that our change will come at the end—eternal death. He continued, explaining in terms last trumpetÕs sound, and demonstrated they might comprehend: ÒMost assuredly, how Òthis corruptible must put on incor- I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls ruption, and this mortal must put on into the ground and dies, it remains alone; immortality.Ó but if it dies, it produces much grainÓ His conclusion must have then left your families, and kill the Passover lamb. (John 12:24). speechless those still doubting. If they And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip Then He told them what they in turn had in fact ever realized it, he reminded it in the blood that is in the basin, and would have to face: Ò He who loves his them what their revered prophets Isaiah strike the lintel and the two doorposts life will lose it, and he who hates his life and Hosea had proclaimed: ÒThen shall with the blood that is in the basin. And in this world will keep it for eternal life. If be brought to pass the saying that is writ- none of you shall go out of the door of his anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and ten: ÔDeath is swallowed up in victory. O house until morning. where I am, there My servant will be also. Death, where is your sting? O Hades Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 31

[grave], where is your victory?ÕÓ (1 Corinthians 5:7. The apostle Paul is clari- Corinthians 15:53- 55). fying this point: establish in your lives WhatÕs New Because death cannot exist in eternal what you profess to know. life, as darkness cannot exist in light, ever- The churchÕs acceptance of ChristÕs on the Web? lasting life then Òmocks,Ó as it were, both sacrifice for their sins was their first step the grave and death. It ÒcheatsÓ the grave in becoming uncontaminated, like a new ¥ March/April Good News and death. batch of unleavened dough. After accept- magazine: This is why the glorious symbolisms ing Jesus ChristÕs sacrifice, they were then of the Passover and Unleavened Bread are also required to live a clean life, free from http://www.ucg.org/html/ so important to us. They signal the road to past habits of sin. Not to continue putting literat.shtml eternal life. sin out of their lives would make a mock- ery of Jesus ChristÕs holy sacrifice. ¥ January and February ChristÕs Sinlessness 1998 issues of Spanish and Our Responsibility Let True Freedom Ring! Nuevos Comienzos:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread The Passover represents ChristÕs http://www.ucg.org/html/ (Leviticus 23) points us to the righteous- holy sacrifice, therefore the Passover espa_ol.shtml ness, the holiness, of Almighty God. season constitutes for us true freedom. This helps Christians realize two Freedom from anguish, from debilitating important factors: first and most impor- weaknesses, from guilt; freedom from ¥ 1998 General tantly, the feast highlights the sinless char- fear and from SatanÕs wicked manipula- Conference of Elders acter of Jesus Christ, the unblemished tions of us; freedom of separation from Louisville, Kentucky, ÒlambÓ sacrificed for our sins. God and freedom to bond with Him meeting reports: Secondly, having repented of our sins through Jesus Christ. and accepted JesusÕ sacrifice for them, we This is true freedom. NB http://www.ucg.org/html/ have a responsibility to continue removing literat.shtml various sinful habits from our sinful nature. ¥ Jerold Aust is a staff writer for the Why? Because sin weakens and destroys. Good News magazine and serves as an ¥ March 10Ð11 Council of This is what the apostle Paul was elder in the Garden Grove, California, Elders Louisville, addressing to the Corinthian Church in 1 congregation. Kentucky, meeting reports:

Wave Sheaf Offering: Let the Harvest Begin! http://www.ucg.org/html/ literat.shtml The Wave Sheaf Offering was harvested during the days of Unleavened Bread. In Old Testament times, the priest took a sheaf of the early barley harvest, cut it, and waved it before God for His acceptance. Only then could the harvest ¥ March/April 1998 season begin. In like manner, Jesus Christ had to be ÒharvestedÓ first by God the German Gute Father before the rest of mankind could be harvested (John 12:24; 17:1, 19; 1 Nachrichten: Corinthians 15:21Ð22). This was confirmed by Paul: ÒBut now Christ is risen from the dead, and has http://www.ucg.org/html/ become the firstfruits [i.e., Firstfruit, singular] of those who have fallen asleep deutsch.shtml [died in the faith]Ó (1 Corinthians 15:20). God depicts Himself as the Master Harvester: ÒThen He said to His disci- ples, ÔThe harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the ¥ January/February 1998 Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvestÕÓ (Matthew 9:37Ð38). Italian I Difensori della The apostle James adds another perspective: ÒTherefore be patient, brethren, Fede: until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until He receives the early and latter rain [the http://www.ucg.org/html/ two harvest seasons in Palestine]Ó (James 5:7). italiano.shtml GodÕs acceptance of the Wave Sheaf OfferingÑin type (Leviticus 23:10Ð14) and in reality (John 20:17, 26Ð27)Ñallowed IsraelÕs harvest to begin, and more importantly, depicted GodÕs spiritual harvesting of all mankind. If you have any questions Based on GodÕs orderly design of manÕs salvation, the resurrection for any or comments, please con- other man or woman could not begin earlier, not before JesusÕ resurrection and tact: change. ÐJA [email protected] Page 32 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 Around The WorldÉ

There was a small baby with a hernia On our arrival, between 250 and 300 IndiaÕs Warm and protruding from her navel. As the word people packed into a hall. They were Thriving Congregations got around, others began to stand in line attentive and well behaved, especially as well! the children sitting at the front. Every by AndrŽ van Belkum I realized that I was dealing with a time I looked at them they would smile situation which could only be effectively broadly. I am surprised how happy the On Friday, January 30, I arrived at dealt with in the Millennium. So I called children are in India, despite their pover- Hyderabad airport at 1:35 p.m. to begin a them all into the room, possibly 20 or ty. I spoke about the Church Christ built two-week visit with the Sabbath-keeping more by then, and gave a general prayer and the promises associated with those group who have their headquarters on the asking God for deliverance for these and who are a part of it who would endure to south-eastern region of the Indian conti- all of suffering humanity. the end. The leader seemed a fine man, nent. At every meeting after this the many who assured me he was keen to learn There to meet me their smiling faces sick and infirm would request prayers for more about what the Bible taught about were G. Sumanth Kumar, his brother G. healing. It was one of the most distress- GodÕs plan of salvation. I encouraged Vara Prasad and their mother Mrs. Mary ing aspects of my visit. I felt over- him to keep studying. Later I learned that Sundari Murty, all who had traveled 250 whelmed and inadequate to assist these his church had a membership of 4,000 kilometers (156 miles) from their home. helpless people. followers! Also present were three members of the church in Hyderabad where there are 300 Leave Error BehindÑ Four More Meetings: about 15 in attendance. After exchanging 4,000 to Follow? Feast Site Considered greetings and being adorned, as is their custom, with colorful, sweet-smelling After the service we traveled to The afternoon and next day I spent in garlands, we left by taxi to the railway Bhimavaram, which is the headquarters discussion with 17 of the full-time elders. station. of the church in India. I marveled at our We discussed the Passover and Days of After a five-and-a-half-hour train taxi driverÕs extraordinary ability to Unleavened Bread at length. It is hoped journey, we arrived at a town called avoid pedestrians, cars, bicycles, water that one of our ministers from United will Vijayawada where we overnighted. At buffalo and pigs, while at the same time be there to conduct the first Passover ser- the station we were met by other mem- keeping his finger on the horn. How he vice with them and remain for a portion of bers of the church including SumanthÕs managed to squeeze through some gaps I the Days of Unleavened Bread. Many wife Rupavani. donÕt know. I closed my eyes! other subjects were discussed, and ques- Traveling by car is a slow process on tions answered. Looking for Physical the country roads, about 29 kilometers On Wednesday, February 4, I visited a Healing as Well (18 miles) an hour. After about three pre-primary and primary school in hours we arrived at our destination, to be Bethany for children of church members. The next morning we traveled by warmly met by Mr. G. Paul Murty, the There are about 50 pupils. I asked them taxi to a place called Tenali, in the leader of the group, and the rest of his questions in English from their text books province of Andhra Pradesh, where family. They are an extremely warm, and told them stories about the wild ani- Sabbath services had been arranged. kind and generous family. During my mals of Africa. As with all children, they There were about 80 in attendance. eight-day stay I never had one meal at the enjoyed hearing stories, especially from After the service, a small band of hotel where I stayed. The Murty family exotic places. people asked to see me. I soon realized provided lovely meals, flavored and pre- That evening we visited another why. In front of me stood about ten peo- pared the Indian way. church area to meet with more church ple, in desperate need of help, either The next two days, seminars for the members. In all, I visited and conducted physically or mentally handicapped, ministers had been arranged. However, meetings at twelve different places in the crippled or otherwise infirm. They early on Sunday, February 1, Sumanth state of Andhra Pradesh, all within a few requested prayers for healing. came forward with a special request. The hundred kilometers of Bhimavaram, the I asked them to come into a nearby leader of a group that had split off from a church headquarters. Sometimes we trav- house normally used as a Sabbath service local Protestant church wanted me to speak eled by taxi, sometimes by train, auto- venue. This gave me more privacy to to a section of his followers. The reason for rickshaw, human-drawn rickshaw, and anoint and pray for them. the split was that he now realized that once even on the back of a scooter. A mother brought her young daugh- Saturday, instead of Sunday, was the cor- Activities were very well organized. ter of 17 years, a lovely open-faced girl, rect day to observe. Another two-hour jour- Each meeting place had canvas over- who was unable to speak since birth. ney followed, made longer by a flat tire. heads, straw mats, chairs, and even gen- Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 33

erators for electricity. There were very Murty, Sumanth Kumar, and Vara Prasad few problems. and I, left by train for Hyderabad, arriv- New Zealand: Each of the meetings displayed ing after a ten-and-a-half-hour journey. hand-drawn banners bearing the inscrip- At the station we were again met by three Peter HawkinsÕ tion: ÒWelcome to Mr. Steven Andrews members in Hyderabad. That evening we Residence Appeal (U.S.A) and Mr. Andre van Belkum (S. held a Bible study at the home of one of Turned Down Africa)Ó. Sometimes the words ÒGood the members. There were ten present, News SeminarÓ were added. (Mr. and it turned out to be a warm, friendly On Friday, February 20, Peter Andrews had to cancel his trip just days meeting. This was the twelfth church Hawkins received a 12-page expla- before departing. By then these banners meeting, besides the ones held with the nation from the Residence Appeal had already been prepared.) elders. Authority of New Zealand, explain- On Friday the 6th, we visited a pro- The next day I caught a flight back ing that his appeal for residency was posed venue for the Feast of Tabernacles to Bombay, now called Mumbai, and turned down. this year. The place is called Perupalem. after a delay of 12 hours, another flight In a message to the New I joked that if you changed just two let- to Johannesburg, South Africa. Zealand brethren, Mr. Hawkins ters it would read Jerusalem. It is located There is yet much work that needs wrote: ÒMy family and I can only next to the sea, and the area is covered to be done with the group in India. thank you for the prayers you have with fir, palm and coconut trees. They still have to be grounded further offered in the last year. The answer However, there are a few logistical prob- in a number of the basic doctrines of from the New Zealand Residence lems to be worked out before a final the Church. Their office needs equip- Appeal Board does now appear to decision can be made, but they are deter- ment which will enable them to func- close out our option of serving the mined to observe the Feast again this tion more effectively and communicate brethren in New Zealand as resi- year, as they did last year. better with our home office. They have dents.Ó The Sabbath of February 7 was in the field 30 full-time and 25 part- Peter Hawkins has been serving observed with two groups at a place called time elders. These need training and the brethren in New Zealand from Kovvur, about 96 kilometers (60 miles) educating. Thank you for your prayers his home in South Africa. He north of Bhimavaram. There are seven and financial support for the group in encouraged the brethren, stating that groups meeting in this area. After the sec- India. They asked me to convey their ÒWe will continue to pray that a min- ond meeting we were delayed longer than greetings to all our members world- ister and his wife can be found and intended, and as a result missed the train, wide. NB sent to help you soon, or that some despite a frantic taxi ride to the railway sta- other arrangement can be made for tion. ¥ AndrŽ van Belkum pastors the you to have the encouragement, Apart from the driver, there were Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth guidance and counsel needed.Ó seven children on the front seat, and four congregations in South Africa. adults in the rear. As a result of missing our train, we were obliged to catch another train to a place called Bukaro, from where we hired a taxi to take us back to Gemuetlichkeit 1997 Bhimavaram. Singles from the Midwest, and as far away as Texas and North Dakota, con- Wanting to Rectify Error verged on Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for four days of fun-filled activities and fellowship during the second annual Gemuetlichkeit singles weekend December 24 to 28, 1997. On the last day before beginning my Participants commented on the warmth, friendship and opportunity to get to return trip, I held an open and frank know others. The theme for the weekend and the Bible studies was maleÐfemale meeting with the seven key ministers, or friendship and understanding. Bible study topics included maleÐfemale differences; regional pastors. I pointed out that the femininity and masculinity, biblical roles for men and women; innermost secrets that church in India had unknowingly and in men and women wish each other knew, and a question and answer session. Bible ignorance, incorporated doctrines and studies were open to comment and input from the participants which allowed for liturgies from mainstream Christianity. much much lively discussion. At the end of the day it seemed the lead- Activities included roller-skating, bowling, volleyball, pictionary and dancingÑ including line dance lessons and some ethnic dances. ership acknowledged these errors, and Plans are under way for next yearÕs Gemuetlichkeit singles weekend. Your input stated they would make sure changes and suggestions would be appreciated. Send any suggestions for themes or activities were made no matter what the conse- that youÕd like to see included to: Cathy Folker, 573 South Concord Road, quences. This will not be easy, and we Oconomowoc, WI 53066, or e-mail to [email protected] need to pray that God will give them the All singles are welcome. This yearÕs participants ranged in age from 10 months understanding and courage to make these to over 60! changes. Cathy Folker That same evening, Mr. and Mrs. Page 34 New Beginnings Monday, March 16, 1998 AnnouncementsÉ

Jason and Laura Lewis of the announce the arrival of their second daugh- Births Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, congregation, ter, Rebecca KuŽtina. She was born on are excited to announce the birth of their October 29, 1997. Stan and Holly (Luginbill) Cook of first child, Brianna Claire Lewis. Wolcott, Indiana, are happy to announce the She was born on Friday, October 24, birth of their son, Benjamin Allen, born 1997, at 11:22 p.m. Brianna weighed 8 October 15, 1997. Ben weighed 9 pounds, 4 pounds 7 ounces and was 21!/2 inches long. ounces and was 20 inches long. Big sister She was welcomed into a big loving family, Alyssa was thrilled to welcome him home. including proud grandparents Larry and Proud grandparents are Jerry and Gloria Williamson of the Kansas CIty, Jacque Cook of Wolcott, and Al and Sharon Missouri, congregation. Luginbill of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Russell Shawn and Sandie (Burke) Marshall of Wichita Falls, Texas, joyously announce the arrival of Russell Shawn, Jr. (Rusty) on Thursday, February 12. His weight was 7 pounds 12 ounces and his length was 21#/4 inches. Sandie and Rusty attend in Lawton, Oklahoma. Grandparents are Guy and Barbara Burke of Wichita Falls (who also attend in Bethany Alanna Gray-Witney Lawton), and Charlotte Terry of Paris, Texas. Great grandparents are Elmer and Judith Gray (formerly of South Africa Elsie Conley of Booker, Texas. They attend and Australia), and Simon Witney, now of in Amarillo, Texas. Gloucestershire, England, are delighted to announce the birth of their first child, a girl, Bethany Alanna Gray-Witney, born on Kayla Faith Epps December 29, 1997. The very proud grandparents are Doug Kevin and Belinda Epps are delighted and Eve Gray of Sydney, Australia, and to announce the birth of their Òbundle of Meg Witney of Hertfordshire, England. love,Ó Kayla Faith. She was born on day six of the Feast of Tabernacles, October 21, Engagements 1997, at 2:28 p.m. She weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces, and was 19 !/2 inches long. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Sharon Berg Kayla was welcomed home by her 17- of Kirkland, Washington, are pleased to year-old sister, Kristi, who helped decorate announce the engagement of their son, J.A. her nursery. Eirik Berg, to Stephanie Nicole Kramer, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Emmie Logan Erik McKeon Kramer of Bellevue, Washington. A September 27 wedding is planned. Scott and Carrie (Iverson) McKeon of Phoenix, Arizona, are thrilled to announce Clifford and Roz Carless of Dundas, the birth of their son Logan Erik. He was Ontario, Canada, are pleased to announce born on October 12, 1997, and weighed 9 the engagement of their daughter, Sheri, to pounds 5!/2 ounces. He was 21 inches long. Dr. Gary Schoutsen of Hamilton, Ontario. A His proud grandparents are Kirk and late August wedding is planned. Sue Iverson of Phoenix, and Richard and Patty McKeon of Black Canyon City, Anniversary Arizona. Chalmer and Thelma Pifer of Steve and Annaleigh (Neither) Novak Sullivan, Illinois, celebrated their 69th wed- Brianna Claire Lewis of San Jose, California, are pleased to ding anniversary on February 21, 1998. Monday, March 16, 1998 New Beginnings Page 35

They have one son and daughter in-law, for prayer. His faith never wavered and and David of Pennington Gap, Virginia; Garry and Connie, of Bloomington, Illinois; God was merciful. one brother; seven sisters; and numerous four grandchildren, Anna Hagen, Mark, Vern was baptized in 1963, attending nieces and nephews. Darryll and Craig; and four great-grandchil- the Oakland and then the San Francisco, James and Wilma Ramey began fol- dren. California, congregations. He was attending lowing the ministry of Herbert Mr. and Mrs. Pifer would attend the the Spokane congregation. Armstrong during the 1950s. Wilma was Bloomington congregation if they were Vern is survived by his loving wife of baptized February 2, 1980, and James able. 52 years, Zel, who attends in Spokane. was baptized November 23, 1985. For many years they attended the Harrogate, 100th Birthday Christopher Timmothy Goodrich, Tennessee, congregation and for the last 10!/2 months, died during a visit to General two years in Kingsport. Hospital in Eureka, California, on Funeral services were conducted by Monday, January 26, while in the nursery David Dobson, Kingsport pastor, on waiting to be admitted for treatment of an February 8, which would have been the apparent kidney infection. He unexpected- RameyÕs 49th wedding anniversary. ly stopped breathing at 11:15 a.m. Efforts During JamesÕ battle with cancer, to revive him were unsuccessful, and he Mr. and Mrs. Ramey received over 250 died in his mother's arms. cards from members around the world. Memorial services were conducted by The family is deeply appreciative of the Wayne Dunlap on Thursday, January 29, love and concern which was demonstrat- 1998, in Eureka, with many relatives, ed by so many. brethren and friends in attendance, includ- ing baby ChristopherÕs pediatrician, Dr. Christopher Cody, who had shown deep concern for ChristopherÕs well-being since his birth on March 6, 1997. Frank Krick He is survived by his parents, David and Kandy Goodrich of Loleta, California; Frank Krick celebrated his 100th his two brothers, Brian and Joshua, both of birthday with family, friends and brethren Loleta; his grandparents, Ernest and after services at the Tampa, Florida, congre- Kathleen Buck of Fortuna, California, and gation. Gayle Goodrich of Coalinga, California, His only daughter, Doris Thompson, and Robert Goodrich of Eureka; plus came from Berry Creek, California, to be great-grandparents and a great-great- Anna Hazel Schmidt there for the occasion. Frank has four grandmother; and numerous other rela- grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. tives. Anna Hazel Schmidt, 99, of During the celebration, hosted by the Kirkland, Washington, died February 1, church brethren, Don Waterhouse, pastor, 1998. She was born November 9, 1898, presented Mr. Krick with two plaques, one in Clearspring, Indiana. commemorating his birthday and another Mrs. SchmidtÕs husband, son and for being a 30-year member of GodÕs daughter-in-law preceded her in death. church. Three granddaughters survive her: Frank was 86 when he married the Nancy, Patty and Robin. former (Virginia) Kay Tribble on January Anna first contacted the Church of 29, 1984, in Tampa. He was born in God shortly before her husbandÕs death Germany on January 16, 1898, and came in 1960. She was baptized in the to this country as a young man. Before Evansville, Indiana, congregation in retiring he was a senior designer in an elec- 1964. She has lived in Seattle, trical engineering plant near Lakehurst, Washington, since 1974. New Jersey. James L. Ramey Virginia Starkes, 79, of Wilmington, James L. Ramey, 69, of Jonesville, Delaware, died December 7, 1997. She Obituaries Virginia, died February 7, 1998. James was a member of GodÕs church for 31 attended the Kingsport, Tennessee, con- years. She fellowshipped widely and tap- Vernon L. Bosset, 77, of Spokane, gregation. danced at church talent shows. Washington, died February 11, 1998, He is survived by his wife, Wilma, She is survived by a son, Clayton, after a courageous battle with cancer. He who attends the Kingsport congregation; and daughter, Marlowe Lee, and two had no pain after asking the congregation sons Mark, of Johnson City, Tennessee, grandchildren. Periodicals Postage New Beginnings paid at Arcadia, California, and at additional mailing offices Wisconsin Winter Camp Wins Praise

Months of preparation for the youth winter camp were completed and we wel- comed 66 campers and 33 staff to the shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Just days before camp began, four inches of beautiful, powdery snow blan- keted the area in time for the four-day camp which ran from December 28, 1997, to January 1, 1998. This put a beautiful touch on a fun-filled and educational expe- rience for youth from the ages of 10 to 18, their first time writing and sending e-mail. look forward to in the kingdom most is held on the grounds of George Williams Every single camper and staff was pictured complete happiness. No wars, no famine, College in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. on the camp Web page in dorm pho- no disease.... ItÕs so wonderful itÕs almost Youth attended from Ohio, Michigan, tographs or in various activities. hard to imagine.Ó Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, During the Web class, each dorm was Camp ended with a variety show with Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. assigned to write their individual answers various dorms and staff participating in Some have asked, ÒWhat can you do to various questions provided by the staff. skits, songs, and laughter. A final dance at a camp during the middle of winter?Ó A girls dorm was asked, ÒIf there was one ended the very enjoyable evening. Special The answer is, a lot! Special activities person from history you could meet in the thanks for the assistance of the very capa- included outdoor survival training, cross resurrection, who would it be?Ó One ble staff, without which the camp could country skiing, snow tubing and broom camper wrote, ÒI would like to meet Adam not have taken place. The camp lived up to hockey, Other activities were Internet Web and Eve because IÕd like to know what it its motto, ÒLearning while having fun in page development, etiquette and poise was like carrying on conversations with the safe zone.Ó classes, dance classes, CPR, basketball, God and what it was like living in such a Steve Nutzman volleyball, newsletter production, perfect place.Ó Christian living, a variety show, and two A boys dorm was asked, ÒWhat are ¥ Steve Nutzman pastors the Beloit and dances! And what is winter camp without you most looking forward to in the king- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, congrega- some snowball fights (all in fun of course) dom and why?Ó A camper wrote, ÒWhat I tions. and an impromptu touch-football game in the fresh snow. This yearÕs theme was Òlearn- ing while having fun in the safe zone.Ó One unusu- al activity that was added this year was the Internet Web-page class. Over 20 comput- ers, all linked to the Internet, were at the campersÕ Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, disposal as they clockwise from left: dorm 2G made Web pages, learning the correct tech- and wrote and sent niques in CPR class; girls’ e-mail messages dorm 1G learning teamwork across the United during outdoor survival train- States and even ing; after receiving Christian living instruction, abroad. boys’ dorm 3B gathers for a photo before the For some remainder of the day’s activities; and Ronald campers, it was Jacoby catches his breath after a tubing run!