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Local Church Updates
55 Preteens Enjoy Camp Ironwood SpringsThe spectacular outdoors of southeastern Minnesota was the setting for the North Central Region Preteen Youth Camp from July 25 to 28. This year 55 campers from six states attended Camp Ironwood Springs located near Rochester, Minnesota (about 90 miles south of Minneapolis). With the theme of "God's Way Is for Me," each day began with Christian living classes to give the campers a spiritual basis each day. The goal was to have fun God's way and enrich the campers relationship with God Campers had the opportunity to participate in many activities that included crafts, swimming, field games, nature and exploring, music, indoor games, team challenge and novelty Olympics. A highlight for the children was the opportunity to go horseback riding. Camp codirector Kathe Myers commented, "It was wonderful to see campers experience new things here at camp, and that included every child riding a horse. They experienced firsthand that fun and God's way go hand-in-hand." Camp also stressed the importance of friendship. One 10-year-old said, "It's fun to make new friends and be with people who believe like you do. Camp is great!" Steve Myers [ back to top ] Houston South Silver Ambassadors Have LuncheonOn July 15, 37 members of the Houston, Texas, South Silver Ambassadors enjoyed fellowship and a luncheon before services. The menu listed turkey with cheese or roast beef and cheese croissant sandwiches, BBQ meat balls, various cheeses, fruit, vegetables with dips, chips and two kinds of cobbler and cake. George Foshee [ back to top ] Ruston Teen-Plus Group Travels to ArkansasThe Ruston, Louisiana, UCG Teen-Plus group and friends traveled to western Arkansas for the weekend of July 14 to 16. Several of them enjoyed playing paintball on Friday before heading to Camp Arrowhead on the Caddo River. On Sabbath two of the teens, Jimmy Martin and Marian Wood, performed special music at the Mena, Arkansas, church services, where the brethren provided refreshments. The trip concluded Sunday with a swim and picnic at the Little Missouri Falls. Ramona Wood [ back to top ] Oakland Gives Bibles to GraduatesOn the Sabbath of June 24 the Oakland, California, congregation began a program intended to encourage our young people as they accomplish a hallmark of their lives. Pastor Jim Tuck presented a New King James Bible to Amiel Maquilan and Gregory Rorem in recognition of their graduation from high school, with encouragement to utilize the knowledge God has revealed within its pages for a full and rich life. A potluck luncheon with a special cake followed after Sabbath services, and brethren took the opportunity to congratulate them. Jerri Anderson [ back to top ] North Carolina Congregations Prepare Mailing for GN SubscribersIn the first half of July, brethren from the Asheboro, Charlotte, Kinston and Raleigh, North Carolina, congregations participated in putting together mailing packages for Good News subscribers. The packages contained invitations to attend Sabbath services in their areas or to return a request card for an audiotape of the sermon message, "Holidays or Holy Days—Does It Matter Which Days We Keep?" A total of 3,300 letters were mailed in the region, the largest mailing effort to date. Near the end of August, there were 381 responses, an 11.5 percent response. The final response should be a little over 12 percent. This is the fifth annual summer mailing to the subscribers. Rebekah Leyden [ back to top ] College Grad Wins Fulbright GrantMary Ann Miller, a member of the Cambridge, Ohio, congregation, was recently awarded a Fulbright grant to spend the 2006-2007 academic year conducting research in Bern, Switzerland. Fulbright grants are administered by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. The Honors Program at her college encouraged Mary Ann to apply for one of two Fulbright grants to Switzerland for graduating seniors. During the fall of her senior year, she wrote a proposal outlining plans to build on the ethnographic work she conducted in Amish communities for her senior thesis by studying the history of Anabaptists in the Bern area. Mary Ann graduated from Denison University in May, earning a B.A., summa cum laude, with a double major in international studies and English literature. She graduated as valedictorian of her class and was inducted in the national honor societies Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa and Mortar Board. Mary Ann is a 2004 graduate of Ambassador Bible Center and an enthusiastic volunteer at United Youth Camps. [ back to top ] Wheeling Hosts Bluegrass WeekendThe Wheeling, West Virginia, congregation hosted the third annual Bluegrass Family Fun Weekend from July 20 to 23. The first night there were a number of early arrivals who joined in a jam session at one of the camp sites. Friday saw more campers arrive and as friends visited, the mood was like a mini-Feast of Tabernacles. Friday afternoon, a number of campers gathered for another jam session. It rained for a while, but a little moisture did not dampen spirits. On the Sabbath, many from the Wheeling, Akron and Cambridge congregations gathered in the "Big Barn" for services. The sermon, given by Blaney Sproul, an elder from the Morgantown, West Virginia, congregation, was titled "The Wisdom of Meekness." Attendance was 123, which is more than for the two previous years. Services were followed by a potluck. Later in the day there were Bible studies for adults, while the teens assisted in presenting a Bible study for the preteens. After sunset, a large group sat in their lawn chairs enjoying a big jam session and more food. A few ambitious folks danced to the music. "The Big Show in the Big Barn" started at 11 a.m. Sunday, featuring musicians from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Virginia. As everyone prepared to leave for home, hugs and tears were plentiful as another successful family-style weekend came to its conclusion. Bob Miller [ back to top ] Asheboro Youth ServeThe Asheboro, North Carolina, congregation enjoyed the service of its youth on June 24, 2006. The youth served in many areas including hall setup, handing out songbooks, ushering and serving refreshments. The song service was led by one of the young adults, Josh Lambert. The service included special music performed by the children's choir directed by Mary Davis. Following the service, children served finger foods that they had prepared. Then several youths read scriptures, recited poems and gave speeches, including children as young as 6 years of age. Tom and Julie Burrow [ back to top ] Denver Holds 50th AnniversaryThe Denver, Colorado, congregation commemorated its 50th anniversary on Aug. 5. This was actually a few months after the actual anniversary, but was the best time for most to keep it. As early as 1953, occasional services were held by Herbert W. Armstrong and others, mostly in the home of Dwight and Marguerite Webster. A full-time minister, Raymond Cole, began to hold regular services beginning with Passover and Unleavened Bread in 1956 in Longmont. Very shortly thereafter the location was changed to a tent on 70 acres of property west of Lyons donated by the Websters. When the weather cooled off, the location was shifted to Montgomery School, east of Lyons. Interestingly, there seemed to be more brethren from Wyoming than Colorado in the first year or two. Early on Lyons was part of a three-congregation circuit of 1,000 miles! Services were conducted on Friday night in Garden City, Kansas; Sabbath morning in Pueblo, Colorado; and Sabbath afternoon in Lyons. The congregation was moved from Lyons to Denver in 1958 or 1959. Following afternoon services, during which previous Denver pastors Doug Horchak and Burk McNair gave split sermons, about 215 enjoyed a nice meal of barbecued beef brisket and chicken. A number of those with us were guests, and everyone experienced a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and renew old acquaintances. Many old photos and Denver-Pueblo Church of God News articles were displayed, along with other memorabilia. Plaques were presented to several individuals, including the one original member who was able to be present, Shirley (Skufca) Schmidt. The evening was capped off by addresses from Burk McNair, Greg Sargent and Doug Horchak, all of whom served in Denver in years gone by, and a number of pictures projected onto the screen, narrated by Steve Grabowski. The entire occasion, which was held at Northglenn Recreation Center, was very upbeat and encouraging to everyone involved. Larry Neff [ back to top ] 145 Preteens and Staff Enjoy Camp TomahawkCamp Tomahawk, held July 23 to 27 in Eva, Tennessee, filled to maximum capacity this year with 66 smiling campers, 24 inspiring teen leaders and 55 enthusiastic staff members, representing 15 different states in all! The camp theme, presented by Chuck Smith at orientation, was "Discovering Your PO!" (Your POsitive POtential). This theme focused on the campers' ability to do anything through a positive attitude and their God-given potential. Following the opening class, a picnic-style cookout was served, followed by hayrides and kickball games and an evening Compass Check. Every morning the campers were awakened to the sounds of reveille on the trumpet. Monday's activities included Christian Living classes, swimming, a reptile program, arts and crafts featuring melt bead creations and wooden boats, leatherworks and an owl prowl. One area especially enjoyed by all was the lazy river inner tube ride. Each day ended with a Compass Check and trumpeted taps played in the courtyard. Tuesday brought beautiful weather and the campers enjoyed many activities including Christian Living instruction, speedaway, a treasure hunt, a creek walk, scratch board art and sand art crafts, hiking and dancing. Campers especially delighted in learning some dance favorites from the teen leadership crew, such as the Texas two-step line dance, the electric slide and the cha cha slide. The evening was capped off with popcorn and movies featuring Spirit, Stallion of the Cimmaron. Wednesday included another swimming session, speedaway, hiking and a Christian Living class on "what you can take home from camp this year." New to Camp Tomahawk this year was our teen leadership program. This pilot program accepted 24 teens (ages 12 to 17) to work in a dual role serving the campers by working on the maintenance staff and then, once the work was completed, moving on to their own workshops, Christian Living seminars, arts and crafts program, sports activities and socialization events for their age level. The program was a great success and the teens were a wonderful example to both staff and campers. Our kitchen chefs turned out fabulous themed meals, including Southwestern Night (tacos, burritos, tostadas, etc.), Tropical Night (marinated pineapple chicken breasts and glazed pecan salad) and Italian Circus night (featuring our now famous, homemade whole-wheat lasagna). On these nights, campers dressed up to compete for the best themed outfit award, and the variety and imagination were endless. Clean Bunk awards were given to a member of each tribe daily. At the end of camp, special recognition was given to one member of each of the four tribes for the "Spirit of Camp Tomahawk." This award recognizes the children for participation, positive attitude and willingness to help others. Winners were Colin Dolby of Kernersville, North Carolina, from the Mingo Tribe; Andrew Coulter of Marissa, Illinois, from the Cherokee Tribe; Melanie DiMauro of Ringgold, Georgia, from the Seneca Tribe; and Autumn Haggard of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from the Delaware Tribe. An overall "Spirit of Camp Tomahawk" award was given to one camper who counselors felt exhibited the best overall positive influence in humility, participation and positive example. This award is a full scholarship to the United Youth Camp of their choice next year. Heather Degagne of Malone, Florida, won this award. Campers left on closing night with promises to write one another and hugs and tears. Two common statements on the feedback forms included "this was truly the best year ever" and "I can't wait until next year! " Shari Fooshe [ back to top ] Milwaukee Hosts Marriage SeminarOn the weekend of Aug. 20 and 21, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, congregation had its first marriage seminar. Sabbath services for the 11 couples in attendance were held at the Holiday Inn Express in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Russ DeVilbiss gave the morning sermon. After a lunch break, the conference began promptly at 12:15. It was conducted by Frank McCrady III, pastor of the Dayton and Cincinnati North, Ohio , congregations. The theme of the workshops was "God's Plan for Intimacy." From the very beginning, God created the institution of marriage, thus making it divine. We discussed oneness—oneness of spirit, oneness of soul and oneness of body. The health of a good marriage was compared to the circulatory system—when the blood is flowing smoothly, it reaches all parts of the body. But should the flow (compared to communication within a marriage) become disrupted, then the parts of the body not receiving proper flow have a danger of simply dying off. Several exercises were done where each couple reviewed how well they felt they communicated with their partner. Scores were marked and then compared with the other partner to see if he or she concurred or not. What was concluded was that often the woman prioritizes things of importance quite differently from the man. By making partners aware of what is important to each other, the couple can begin to further improve their marriage and meet the needs of the other person. Marriage "staff meetings" were encouraged so that each partner knows what the other is dealing with—whether it be discussing hopes and dreams or in child rearing, for example. Part of these meetings can certainly deal with the area of appreciation—what the mate does that pleases you. Another intriguing exercise was filling out a page titled, "Marriage Intimacy Inventory." Other topics discussed and worked on had to do with one's emotional capacity—illustrated by an overflowing cup. If the stresses of life continue to pour into the person, they can overflow and result in negative results, such as sleep disturbances, escaping into work, drugs, becoming depressed, etc. Then there were tools provided to help us empty our emotional cups via godly principles. This was referred to as healing emotional hurts. There were two days of these workshops—Sabbath afternoon and Sunday until 2 in the afternoon. On Saturday evening the couples ate dinner at Alioto's Restaurant in Wauwatosa. On Sunday afternoon Mrs. McCrady gave the final presentation on the deadly habits of relationships—what to avoid and how to identify it. We wish to extend our gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. McCrady for taking the time and effort to come all the way out here. A special thanks goes to Russ and Tammy DeVilbiss for having made all the arrangements in coordinating this valuable and informative workshop. Leone Burns [ back to top ] ABC Auction Beats Expectations for Charity Fund-RaisingOn July 30, Ambassador Bible Center students raised a record $5,325 during their year-end charity fund-raiser. About 175 guests and students enjoyed a Tuscan-themed hors d'oeuvre reception with background music provided by the talented ABC students. The evening, held at the home office, began with mingling and bidding on more than 100 silent auction items, donated by Cincinnati, Ohio, Church members and local businesses. Over $2,000 was raised in the silent auction. The highlight of the evening was a variety show of musical numbers and skits performed by members of the ABC Drama Club interspersed with auctions for delicious baked goods. ABC alumnus Mark Riley from Wichita, Kansas, led the lively auction that included 27 mouthwatering, home-baked desserts from local Church members and ABC students. The baked-goods auction raised over $3,000 and the audience was entertained by several spirited bidding wars. Barbara Antion's famous baklava platters were popular items and raised over $700. Other cakes went for over $200 apiece. The money was donated to the LifeNets Developing Nations Student Fund, which helps United Church of God students in developing nations with school tuition and living expenses. An estimated seven students can attend school for one year with the funds. David Register [ back to top ] Kansas City Honors Two 50-Year MembersTwo members, Oran Ogle and Arthur Ziesch, were honored by the Kansas City, Kansas, congregation for having been members of God's Church for 50 or more years. Oran Ogle was living in Lawrence, Kansas, when he first heard The World Tomorrow broadcast on Mexican superstations XEG and XELO in 1955. Shortly after hearing Herbert W. Armstrong, he moved to Pasadena and began meeting with the Radio Church of God in the old college library. Oran was baptized Jan. 9, 1956, in the pool below the library by Carlton Smith. The highlight of his life in the Church has been meeting students at the college, remembering them and praying for them all these years. His advice to new members is to look into the Bible and prove everything. Arthur Ziesch first heard Mr. Armstrong in 1955 on XEG and XELO radio in Baldwin, Kansas. At the time, Mr. Ziesch was mostly interested in the information on Great Britain and prophecy. About a year later he was baptized (July 1, 1956) when Bryce Clark traveled through Kansas on a baptizing tour. Since there was no congregation in Kansas City, his first Passover service was in St. Louis, Missouri. His advice to new members: "Get to know the Bible well. Stay with the fundamentals of the Church and don't deviate from God's Word." The Kansas City congregation counts it an honor to have two members who have been loyal to God for so many years. Greg Sargent [ back to top ] Houston Teens Play in Parade and Battle of the BandsSix Houston, Texas, North teens, Cameron Bounds, Preston Buchanan, Matt Curry, Ethan Doig, Brian Koester and Steve Stegent, who comprise the band, Loadstone, were granted the opportunity to play in the Woodlands (a suburb of Houston), Texas, July 4th parade. They were chosen by Phoenix House (a national drug prevention agency) to represent the agency in the parade because of the teens' Christian/moral values, anti-drug beliefs and skills in composing and playing their own rock music. According to Ethan Doig, the band chose Loadstone as their name because, "Besides merely sounding like a name befitting a rock band, the name has some positive, suggestive qualities. A loadstone is the magnetic needle in a compass that points north, keeping its user on the right path. The band chose this name because we all strongly believe in using the Word of God to guide us through life." Local community leaders were impressed with the band's ideals and talents. Consequently, the band has been selected to compete in the local " Battle of the Bands" coming up on Saturday, Sept. 16. Upon learning of the band's Sabbath beliefs, special consideration was given to them by granting a time slot after sundown. Karen Doig [ back to top ] Youngstown and Akron Celebrate the Myers' 25th AnniversaryThe Youngstown, Ohio, congregation surprised their pastor and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. David Myers, with a 25th wedding anniversary celebration on May 13, 2006. The Youngstown families made donations to purchase a beautiful platter, and a bouquet and an anniversary cake were also presented to them. Also, each family was encouraged to decorate card stock with special "Myers' memories" for a scrapbook. The beautiful day wrapped up with everyone enjoying lunch snacks together. The Akron, Ohio, congregation celebrated the following week on May 20, the Myers' actual anniversary day. They presented Mr. and Mrs. Myers with a surprise anniversary cake and red roses. Tina Rupp [ back to top ] San Antonio Celebrates Three 60thsThe San Antonio congregation is blessed with many positive role models of strong marriages, but none surpass the examples set for us this year by three couples. Combined, they have enjoyed over 180 years of marriage. Each of these three couples celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary this year! Nell Nelson describes her husband, Gail, as the best husband in the world, and you can see why in the way he pampers her. Nell worked at the Joskes store in San Antonio when she met Gail, a B-25 bomber pilot returning from the war. They married in March 1946. Gail, originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, went to work for Trans-Tex Co. After their son Gail Jr. was born, Nell quit the fashion industry and eventually went back to school for a teaching certificate, later landing a position at a private school. Both Gail and Nell came into the Church in the mid-80s after hearing Mr. Armstrong on the radio. They retired in 1990 and are active in the local UCG congregation providing both encouragement and role models for all San Antonio couples. Donald Moore was 15 years old when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He misrepresented his age to get into the Marines and was involved in the landings on both Tarawa and Guadalcanal. When he returned home for Thanksgiving, included among the guests was a tall, attractive young woman named Louise. The trap was baited, set and sprung before Don knew what had hit him! Five months later in April 1946 they were married. The Moores had five children and came into God's Church in 1972. They still both look after each other and love to help with their new granddaughter. They, too, are good examples of marital commitment and love. Mrs. Faye Stack and her husband, Charles, have endured some painful times. Two of their four children were born severely handicapped. While Charles does not attend any church, he doesn't interfere with Faye's religious beliefs. Faye and Charles met while supporting the war effort. Faye was an employee at Kelly Field AFB and Charles an Air Force airplane mechanic. Faye says she had always dreamed that one day a fighter plane would crash at Kelly while she was working and that she would rescue the pilot from the flames, they would fall in love, marry and live happily ever after. She now laughs and says, "No pilot and not much of the ever-after stuff, but I am still trying to rescue him from the flames!" All three of these couples have one thing in common—commitment. Their stories can inspire all of us to strive for success in our marriages. Vince Thompson [ back to top ] Congratulations to More High School GraduatesCourtney Monson Parent: Carol Monson Congregations: Atlanta and Macon, Georgia High School Accomplishments: Courtney did joint-enrollment and attended Middle Georgia College full-time her junior and senior years of high school. She loved being in cross-country, soccer and track, and was voted "Most Athletic" of her class. She was first chair saxophone in jazz and concert bands, was in a four-person woodwind ensemble and was ecstatic when she had the opportunity to perform in exactly one non-Sabbath marching band show. Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Courtney is a UCG camp veteran of nine years and was an assistant counselor in Woodmen, Alabama, this summer. She backs up weekly hymns on her saxophone and "makes a joyful noise" in the Atlanta choir. She loves soccer, running, rock climbing, skydiving (she did it once!) and dancing. She attributes her love of dancing in great part to the UCG Atlanta Proms (www.ucgatlanta.org) and suggests that everyone should come next year! Plans After Graduation: Courtney will be attending the University of Georgia with concentrations in mathematics and Spanish. Favorite Quote: "Let us so live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry"—Mark Twain. Favorite Scripture: "The ransomed of the L ord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away" (Isaiah 51:11, New International Version). -------------------------------- Sarah Katherine Stewart Parents: Larry and Tamera Stewart Congregation: Lexington, Kentucky High School Accomplishments: Sarah participated in art shows and in FFA received Greenhand and Chapter Degree. Church Activities/Hobbies/Interests/etc.: Sarah enjoys a variety of music, painting and watching rodeos and truck and tractor pulls. She also loves to wait tables. She said, "My first job was at a little hometown restaurant called Cantuckee Diner. After being there so long, waitressing has become more of a hobby than an actual job. I love meeting different people and have grown close to those who eat there faithfully." Plans After Graduation: Sarah recently started a new job working for the University of Kentucky Medical Center. She is an assistant in part of the Cancer Center. She hopes to take some classes and move up in position. She also still works Sunday afternoons at the Cantuckee Diner. [ back to top ] Local Church Updates: If your congregation's news and events are rarely covered in United News, why not check with your pastor and write something for him to send in? We're looking for 100-to 300-word articles and photographs with captions. Please include a self-addressed envelope if you would like photos returned. Include the author's and photographer's names and your phone number. Please double-check the spelling of names. Please e-mail (preferred) or give the material to your local pastor to forward to United News. If you have questions, contact: webmaster@ucg.org |
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