News at a Glance

• Recently Baptized Members Surveyed
• Internet Visitors Increase
• Beyond Today Setting Records
• Pastoral Transfer Announced
• Columnist Plugs Good News Again
• Three Safe After Holdup
• Elders Credentialed and Ordained
• Garden Grove Plans 40th Anniversary
• Branson Family Weekend Feb. 16-19
• Winter Family Weekend Details Announced
• Calendar of Events
• What's New on the Web?

Recently Baptized Members Surveyed

In order to assess what has been most helpful to those who have been recently baptized and to help plan future media efforts to better serve those who are considering baptism, a survey was sent to 560 recently baptized members. Of these, 204 shared their input. Some highlights of the survey:

• 35.3 percent have been associated with the Church of God less than five years; 54.4 percent have been associated 15 or more years.

• 10.8 percent had their first contact with the United Church of God through The Good News magazine and 3.4 percent through the UCG Web sites. More than three quarters had their first contact with family, friends or acquaintances in the Church.

• 44 percent were age 30 or under; more than 40 percent were college graduates.

Of those who did not grow up in the Church of God:

• 24 percent were baptized within 12 months of their first contact; another 36 percent were baptized in one to two years.

• 55 percent were of a Protestant background; 20 percent, Catholic; and 11 percent, Sabbatarian.

On a five-point scale, 65.7 percent of all respondents rated UCG booklets highest in helping them in their spiritual development and in their decision to be baptized. The Good News followed with 32.4 percent.

Respondents highlighted a wide variety of literature, specific sermons, ABC classes and camp Bible studies as particularly helpful in their decision to be baptized.

Many also mentioned how talking to baptized members and hearing their stories was helpful. In this light, we welcome members' stories of their calling and baptism. If you would like to send a 200- to 400-word "Baptism Story," send it to mike_bennett@ucg.org and copy your pastor.

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Internet Visitors Increase

Visitors to the Church's six main Web sites increased to 375,640 for the month of August, up from 197,916 in February. This is an increase of 89 percent in just six months. These six Web sites include: www.ucg.org, www.gnmagazine.org, www.verticalthought.org, www.beyondtoday.tv, www.wnponline.org and www.thisistheway.org.

Ongoing improvements and technical advances keep United's Web sites on the forefront of technological advancement and presentation—including more video, webcasting, podcasting and search capabilities.

—Peter Eddington

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Beyond Today Setting Records

As of Sept. 20, 5,390 people had responded to the Beyond Today program, for an average of 138 a week. This was more than double what the average had been just six weeks before. The total for the year includes 1,519 telephone responses to the program on cable-access TV, 461 calls for the radio program and 2,899 responses through the Beyond Today Web site. Another 511 were Yahoo or Google Web responses.

The programs with the highest responses have been:

• "The Debt Trap," 275 responses.

• "What Next America?", 265.

• "Where Have All the Fathers Gone?", 264.

• "The Next Superpower," 256.

• "A Place Called Hell," 244.

August was a record-breaking month for responses to the Church's Beyond Today video program, with 1,215 in all from telephone calls and the Internet. This is a 63 percent increase over July, and a 38 percent increase over June (the previous record month).

Sept. 6 and 7 saw four new Beyond Today programs recorded. Steve Myers was the host of this round of programs:

• "Halloween, Treat or Trick?"

• "Is There Really a Devil?"

• "Why Give Thanks?"

• "Marketing Evil."

If Beyond Today is not yet airing in your U.S. town and you have cable-access channels, please contact John LaBissoniere by e-mail at john_labissoniere@ucg.org to become a sponsor.

Please pray for the continued success of our relatively new video efforts.

—Peter Eddington

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Pastoral Transfer Announced

Ministerial Services announced Sept. 2 a new assignment and transfer for Steve and Melania Nutzman. Mr. Nutzman will be assigned as pastor for the Boise, Idaho, congregation beginning after the Feast of Tabernacles. He will continue to pastor Beloit and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, until their home sells and he and his wife are able to move to Idaho.

Ministerial Services hopes to assign a new pastor for Beloit and Wisconsin Dells whenever the Nutzmans actually move. If the move takes place before a replacement can be named, Dan Dowd will become the pastor of Wisconsin Dells (adding to his current congregations of Milwaukee and Oshkosh, Wisconsin) and Bob Fahey will become the pastor of Beloit (adding to his congregation in Chicago, Illinois). Earl Roemer will continue to pastor Baker City, Oregon, until the Nutzmans are able to move into the Idaho area, when his situation will be reevaluated. This will give the Roemers time to address a serious health concern that has arisen for Mr. Roemer.

Mr. Nutzman is from Idaho and Mrs. Nutzman has family in the West, so both are excited about moving to this part of the country. Their children are also currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Once the Nutzmans move to Idaho, there will be a realignment of the congregations. The plans are for Mr. Nutzman to pastor Baker City; Twin Falls, Idaho; and Las Vegas in addition to Boise.

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Columnist Plugs Good News Again

Syndicated columnist Herb Denenberg extolled The Good News magazine and especially Melvin Rhodes' article "Radical Islam: An Arc of Extremism That Threatens the Globe" in the September/October issue. In his Sept. 15 column in The Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Denenberg praised the GN 's coverage of the Middle East and gave the Web site and mailing address for the magazine.

He wrote, "Here's a magazine few of you have probably ever heard of, a magazine that is distributed free of charge, yet it easily outdoes The [New York] Times . . . a freebie way outscoring an expensive daily." Mr. Denenberg gave seven points about the article, including a number of quotes from the Good News article.

Mr. Denenberg has given contact information for The Good News and other free literature before. This was previously reported in the May 2005 and February 2004 United News.

Mr. Denenberg is a former Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner and professor at the Wharton School.

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Three Safe After Holdup

Raul Villacote, elder in the Tacloban City, Philippines, congregation, together with local leaders Jose Campos and Vicente Noriega, encountered a holdup July 23 on their way home from meetings in Pagadian City.

Thirty minutes after they left Pagadian, three passengers boarded the same bus they were on and later declared a holdup. They revealed they were armed with a pistol and a hand grenade. The robbers took mobile phones and other valuables, and accidentally shot a student passenger in the arm during the incident.

"This encounter caused some delay in their travel home, but most importantly, it reminded them of the greatness of God's love and protection, and how powerfully prayers could help," wrote Jose Campos in the July/August United News Asia.

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Elders Credentialed and Ordained

In August the Council of Elders approved the credentialing of Laurie Nyhus as an elder. He and his wife, Sarah, are serving in Edmonton and Grande Prairie, Alberta, and surrounding areas.

Gregory Czech was ordained into the ministry on the Feast of Trumpets, Sept. 23. He and his wife, Nancy, serve in the Spokane, Washington, congregation.

Also on the Feast of Trumpets, John Perry was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Marsha, are serving in the Houston North, Texas, congregation.

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Garden Grove Plans 40th Anniversary

The Garden Grove, California, congregation will be commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Orange County, California, churches on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007. The Church of God began in Anaheim in December 1966. The first pastor was Al Portune Sr., and the current pastor is Mario Seiglie. Many other ministers have served our brethren during the intervening years. Brethren will enjoy fellowshipping, reflecting and enjoying glimpses of our past.

Services will begin at 2:30 with guest speakers Dennis Luker and Robin Webber, former pastors of the congregation. The evening celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a dinner hosted by the Garden Grove congregation, plus a program including a slide presentation, reflections and picture/memorabilia displays.

If you would like a flyer or further information, please contact Jean Updegraff at (714) 546-4695 or e-mail her at occhurch40th@sbcglobal.net

—Jean Updegraff

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Branson Family Weekend Feb. 16-19

The Southwest Missouri congregations will host the 12th annual Midwest Family Weekend Feb. 16 to 19, 2007, in Branson, Missouri. The weekend will feature plenty of activities and fellowship for all ages.

It will begin with a fellowship evening on Friday, Feb. 16. On Sabbath, Feb. 17, there will be several informative, family-oriented seminars by area pastors and our guest speaker. Sabbath services on Saturday afternoon will be followed by a special dinner for everyone.

Saturday evening will feature a family dance and a talent show. On Sunday there will be more family seminars, a skating party, another meal and a luau pool party followed by games and fellowship.

The motel price for the weekend is $35 per night per room (including a free breakfast). Additional costs will be very nominal for skating and for the two meals. For more information, contact Mike Blackwell by e-mail at michael_blackwell@ucg.org, or Paul Carter at paul_carter@ucg.org.

—Mike Blackwell

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Winter Family Weekend Details Announced

Make plans to set aside Dec. 22 to 26, and join 2,000 of your closest family and friends for four days of education, fellowship, fun and games in Louisville, Kentucky. This year promises to be the most exciting ever, with an even greater concentration of seminars, sports, music, dances and family fun games.

Seminars and ABC Continuing Education

The educational theme of this year's Winter Family Weekend is "Learn to Discern; the Narrow Path or the Super Highway." Just why do we do what we do? What makes us different from mainstream Christianity? Is this a good thing? Does it really matter to God? More than 20 speakers will be giving presentations throughout the weekend.

ABC faculty will also be giving three full days of ABC Continuing Education for any and all wishing to attend, which is a first for this event. Gary Antion is planning to cover "Building and Nourishing a Lasting Marriage." David Johnson's presentations will be based on themes from the book of Acts, and Ralph Levy plans to cover topics in the book of Genesis. Clyde Kilough is also scheduled to teach three sessions. We are excited to be offering this for our attendees.

As always, there will be more activities to choose from than one can actually participate in. We make it a goal to provide something for everyone. Both babysitting and Sabbath school classes will be provided on the Sabbath during the seminar time frame so parents can soak in the seminar information.

Sports and Activities

This year you can choose to participate in any of the following sports: basketball, volleyball, speedaway, wall climbing, indoor tennis, indoor swimming, flag football, cardio center and weight room, organized children's games, dances and two musical jam sessions.

The family fun fair will include games and rides such as miniature golf, first down, mechanical bull, moon bounce, obstacle course, twin spin, dance dance revolution, sumo wrestling and many more. A large family novelty Olympics will also be held. Cards and board games will be available for check out at the sports facilities.

Dances

A "Disco Night" theme is scheduled for the teen dance, as the teens will take a trip back to the '70s. Prizes will be given for the best costumes. Anyone choosing not to come in costume may come in nice jeans or better (no offensive clothing).

The theme of this year's young adult dance is "Knight out on the Town." The decor (and dress for those who would like to dress up) will be that of a grand gala in 16th-century England. Prizes will be given for best costumes. For anyone choosing not to come in costume, the dress is semiformal or formal. There will not be a dinner before the dance this year. Cost for the dance is $6 and can be paid in advance or at the door.

There is no theme for this year's family dance—just plan to come and have a good time with us. (Nothing offensive or immodest, please, and no shorts or tank tops.)

Register Now!

As always WE NEED YOU to help make this a successful event. Please take time to register in advance at www.ucg.org/familyweekend. This helps us plan for each activity as well as gives us volunteers to make sure we have all the help needed at each venue.

For those participating in sporting events the early registration fee is $14 per person or $45 maximum per family of four or more. The deadline for early registration is Dec. 15. Any registrations after that date can be taken, but the fee will be collected at the door and is $20 per person or $50 maximum per family of four or more. Anyone who cannot register online, please pick up a copy of the online registration form from your pastor. The venue for wall climbing is a separate fee of $10 per person for a four-hour time block.

Hotels

The main hotel and conference center is the Clarion. Our secondary property is Holiday Inn Hurstbourne (same exit).

• Clarion ($40 + tax) (866) 246-2021 or (502) 491-4830.

• Holiday Inn ($44 + tax) (502) 426-2600. This property will hold your reservation with a nonrefundable one-night deposit.

If you haven't already, call now and make your reservations.

More Information

For more information on "Singles in the Middle" activities, please contact John Dean at jdeanpe@yahoo.com or (828) 243-6669.

We do encourage parents not to send their teens without appropriate supervision for their own safety and protection.

Pack your camera and bring your smile as there will be numerous photo opportunities throughout the event and many memories made to last a lifetime. See you in Louisville this December!

Continued updates can be found at www.ucg.org/familyweekend.

—Mark Winner

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Calendar of Events

Nov. 13-15: Regional pastors conference.

Nov. 16-17: Camp directors meeting.

Nov. 18: Milwaukee 50th Anniversary (see article July issue, page 16).

Nov. 18-19: ABC Continuing Education Seminars, Morton, Illinois.

Dec. 4-5: Northwest regional conference for pastors, Portland, Oregon.

Dec. 8-13: Council of Elders meeting.

Dec. 22-26: Winter Family Weekend, Louisville, Kentucky (www.ucg.org/familyweekend).

Dec. 27-Jan. 1, 2007: Winter Camp, Montello, Wisconsin (see article, September/October issue, page 16).

Jan. 12-14: Women's Enrichment Weekend, Garden Grove, California. Jean Updegraff (714) 546-4695 or jeanupde@sbcglobal.net.

Jan. 13-14: South Central Regional Women's Weekend; "From the Heart—Building Relationships That Matter" (ucg-houston.org/womensweekend).

Feb. 10: Family Dance, Receptions Eastgate, Cincinnati, Ohio (FouchB@greatoaks.com).

Feb. 16 to 19: Presidents' Day Ski Weekend, Salt Lake City, Utah. (801) 495-0412 or larry_salyer@ucg.org.

Feb. 16-19: Midwest Family Weekend, Branson, Missouri (see article, left).

Feb. 23-28: Council of Elders meeting.

Feb. 24: 40th Orange County, California, anniversary (see article, left).

Please send calendar items to mike_bennett@ucg.org.

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What's New on the Web?

2006 Feast of Tabernacles Video. Watch or download the 2006 Feast video, Life Anew in a New Land, online at www.ucg.org/feast/

Vertical Thought. Read the latest October–December 2006 issue of Vertical Thought. Inside are informative articles focusing on friendship. Access online at www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt13/

World News and Prophecy eNews. Our world is being shaped by a constant stream of events. Information is abundant, but making sense of it can be a challenge. The WNP eNews is designed to help you put today's world in context by providing you with useful and accurate information, analysis and commentary in a short, easy-to-navigate package. Sign up today at www.wnponline.org/newsletter

UCG Commentary

"Today's Plugged-In Generation"
"Holy War and the Future of Mankind"
"Is Now the Time for a New Middle East Peace Initiative?"
www.ucg.org/commentary/

Featured Link
Youth and young adults' Web site. ucg.org/youth

If you have questions or comments, please contact: webmaster@ucg.org