Local Church Updates

• Asheboro Holds United 500 Pinewood Derby
• Dallas Has Preteen Costume Party
• Oakland Honors Member
• Houston North Adds "Feud" to Post-Feast Social
• Virginia Beach Weekend: From Seminars to Swimming
• 102 Attend Garden Grove's Women's Enrichment Weekend
• Garden Grove Hosts WNP Seminar
• Bakersfield Ladies Enjoy Friendship Tea
• Grandmother Collects Cans for the Work
• Houston Holds Largest Women's Enrichment Weekend
• NW Phoenix Honors Ordained
• Bismarck Honors 90-Year-Old Member

Asheboro Holds United 500 Pinewood Derby

In the heart of NASCAR country, the Asheboro, North Carolina, congregation held its semiannual Pinewood Derby on Jan. 7, 2007. This time 45 brethren showed up for the races that included categories for men, women and youth.

The preliminary races were held before stopping for homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. During the lunch break, votes were taken for most unique and best craftsmanship. After lunch the races resumed, and the winners were declared.

Kevin Bortree won fastest overall and first place in the men's division, with Billy Davis winning second and Daniel Henley winning third.

Mary Davis won first place in the women's division, with Michele Bortree winning second and Bonnie Mabry winning third place and most unique.

In the youth division we had Courtney Bortree winning first, Kailey Rodrigues winning second and Cory Bortree winning third. Tom Burrow won best craftsmanship.

A lot of work went into these cars and there were a lot of close races. But more importantly, it was a day of fun-filled fellowship.

Tom Burrow

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Dallas Has Preteen Costume Party

Crusty pirates battled Jedi knights while Tinker Bell, Cinderella and a cowgirl straight from Texas watched.

Yes, it was that time again. It was time for all the kids and parents of the Dallas, Texas, congregation to dress up in their favorite costumes and dance the night away. Jan. 27, 2007, too many kids to count danced under a disco ball straight from the '70s.

The bopping only stopped long enough for the kids to play twister, leapfrog, Simon says and limbo. The winners went home with rainbow-colored lollipops that would last for hours. But don't feel sorry for those who did not win a sweet treat. They were able to weigh their plates down with a multitude of desserts made by families for the dessert contest.

And if all this was not enough, one lucky girl went home with a Nintendo Game Cube that a Church member had donated for the event. The Game Cube was awarded based on a drawing from a jar filled with every child's name in attendance.

We all look forward to another fantastic evening next year and can't wait to see more imaginative costumes and smiling faces!

Molly Kobernat

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Oakland Honors Member

On the Sabbath of Jan. 20, 2007, the Oakland, California, congregation honored Lil Saco for her 92nd birthday and 45 years as a Sabbath keeper. She was baptized along with 20 others in a swimming pool by Ronald Kelly in 1962.

Lil had a photo taken with UCG President Clyde Kilough, who gave the sermon for the day, and longtime local elder Doug Bosshart, who made the presentation of a special cake for her.

Mr. and Mrs. Kilough were in town following the birth of their second grandchild since their daughter, Becca, and son-in-law, Brett Washington, attend the Oakland congregation. Oakland pastor Jim Tuck was away for a planned trip to Hungary during this time.

It was a special Sabbath for all. Lil's bright smile, priceless sense of humor and zest for life have long been a delight to the local congregation as well as an example of the fruits of God's way of life.

Lil has lived for most of her life in the San Francisco Bay area, but is now with family in the state of Washington. She has always welcomed people in her home to talk about God's Word.

Tom Meece

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Houston North Adds "Feud" to Post-Feast Social

The Houston, Texas, North congregation's Post-Feast Social (Saturday night, Oct. 28, 2006) was livelier than ever! On top of the usual delicious catered Mexican dinner and the desserts provided by the attendees, a special treat was the "Family Feud—Feast Edition" game pitting Kerrville vs. Hawaii and Turkey vs. Italy ! The game idea began as the brainchild of the Social Committee last year and culminated in great fun for the participants and audience alike.

Just like the TV version, the UCG-Houston version had the survey board, buzzer, bell, host (played by Eric Powell) and all. It was all operated via laptop computer and projected onto a large screen with the buzzer and bell piped into the speakers.

The participants included Leo Ryan, Dell-Faye Berger, Sandy Sarin, John Zapata and Tabitha Morgan (Kerrville); Koehler Powell, Jeff Hunter, Emily Burt, Erika Whitley and Kelly Whitley (Hawaii); Jason Cook, Rob Stanchi, Nita Cook, Kristen Haughee and Cynthia Ellison (Turkey); DeLynn Buchanan, Patti Link, Brian Doig, Rhonda Whitley and Laurie Curry (Italy).

Even though Hawaii and Turkey won their respective matches, everyone felt like a winner on a night where so much joy and sharing of Feast stories and photos took place. Everyone is wondering how next year's event will top this one!

Peter M. Gabriel

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Virginia Beach Weekend: From Seminars to Swimming

Once again the Williamsburg, Virginia, congregation hosted its annual Virginia Beach weekend. The dates for 2007 were Jan. 12 through 14. The weekend was filled with activities for all ages.

The weekend started with activities on Friday evening. There were seminars for both men and women. The women's seminar was on personalities. It explained the various personalities and how they are all important within God's Church. The men's seminar explained the differences between being a true man and just being a male. Things wrapped up on Friday evening with snacks and fellowship.

The following morning, the women continued their seminar from the previous night and had additional information given on their godly gifts.

Afterward, there was a Bible study presented by Paul Suckling, the regional pastor. It was on the importance of Eve's decision in the Garden of Eden. Groups were formed to discuss the possible logic behind Eve's decision to take the fruit, and the actual consequences that came with her choice. It was an interesting and thought-provoking subject.

Following lunch, Sabbath services were held and the main message was given by Kevin Epps, pastor of the New York City and Central New Jersey congregations.

Saturday evening kicked off with a lovely buffet dinner. While the dinner was coming to a close, a silent auction was held with the benefits going toward the Good Works program. This brought in over $290.

The evening continued with karaoke, which was available throughout the night to anyone willing to participate. There was dancing and the ever-popular musical chairs. Musical chairs is a yearly highlight for many people, and young and old alike are rather competitive.

Prizes were awarded for a poster contest, as well as for the best and most original costumes. This year there was a Western theme, and many came out with their cowboy hats. The dance was a hit as everyone enjoyed doing the electric slide and various other group dances.

The next morning, there was a pool party for those wanting to attend. The hotel allowed extended check out so the children were allowed a longer time to swim and enjoy the lazy river.

Mary Jordan

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102 Attend Garden Grove's Women's Enrichment Weekend

From Friday evening, Jan. 12, through Sunday afternoon, Jan. 14, 102 enthusiastic ladies attended the sixth annual Women's Enrichment Weekend. The event was held at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Santa Ana, California, with the theme "Making a Difference." Most of the women were from Southern California, but some came from Arizona, Nevada and other areas.

The weekend began Friday evening with an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant, followed by a get-acquainted mixer at the hotel. On Sabbath morning, after inspiring special music selections by Ingrid Helge and Carol Wallauch, Larry Greider, pastor of the Los Angeles congregation, set the tone of the weekend with a theme-related uplifting message.

After lunch Saturday afternoon, Caty Seiglie, wife of Garden Grove pastor Mario Seiglie, welcomed the group. Esther Salcedo highlighted the theme with "No Woman Is an Island," followed by Leslie Schwartz on "Mentoring Relationships: Building Bridges Between Generations."

After a break we were moved by a presentation and slides by Sonali Fiske, who, with her husband, Kevin, and young son, went to Sri Lanka after the tsunami to construct housing under the umbrella of LifeNets.

After a wonderful meal at the Embassy Saturday night and a free evening of fellowshipping, Sunday morning began with a heartfelt and valuable presentation on hospice care by Sue Black, a hospice nurse. Afterward five presenters spoke on who or what made a difference in their lives: Shelly Thomas (adopting a child), Jean Marini (those who made a difference in her life), Dr. Natalia Anguiano (importance of shifting our paradigms on health), Erika Schmid (lessons from immigrating to the United States) and Elaine Carlisle (random acts of kindness).

Jean Updegraff opened the afternoon session with "Women With Women—a Special Bond." Dianne Clark followed with "Turn Your Wick Up," linking our theme with our logo of a candle/light. Caty Seiglie then wrapped up our sixth Women's Weekend with positive comments and remarks. Sylvia Kennedy provided the continuity among our many presentations for the weekend as moderator, adding her zest and humor.

The group learned many ways we can make a difference, and as a group we did just that! We held a silent auction featuring about 20 items, many handcrafted works of art, and had a donation can for outright donations. We were happy to send over $3,000 to LifeNets, an organization that truly makes a difference in so many lives.

This year on the evaluation forms attendees listed their number one reason for attending the weekend as: "I enjoy sharing special time and fellowshipping with other ladies in a ladies-only atmosphere." One lady on the registration form under "Special Requests" wrote "hugs and laughter." I am sure that request was amply filled—for her as well as the other ladies who attended.

Jean Updegraff

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Garden Grove Hosts WNP Seminar

The Garden Grove, California, congregation hosted a World News and Prophecy Seminar on Jan. 27, in a beautiful community center in Costa Mesa.

The presenters were Darris McNeely, managing editor, and Melvin Rhodes and Robin Webber, both senior editors of the publication. Each editor was able to speak twice, either giving split sermons at Sabbath services or presenting one or more sessions at the seminar in the afternoon.

Between Sabbath services and the afternoon seminar, we enjoyed a delightful potluck lunch break featuring delicious lasagna with all the extras.

From 2 to 6:15 p.m. four fascinating seminars were presented: two by Robin Webber and one each by Darris McNeely and Melvin Rhodes. Topics for the day included "Where Satan Dwells," "Will This Generation See the Kingdom?" "Importance of Understanding Babylon," " Europe's Long Dream," "The Middle East and Islam—the Clash of Civilizations" and "The 144,000."

A few weeks prior, about 1,100 of our subscribers to both The Good News magazine and World News and Prophecy were sent an invitation letter and promotional trifold brochure prepared by Mario Seiglie, pastor of the Garden Grove congregation.

Of the 187 who attended and enjoyed this special day of learning and fellowshipping, at least 17 came as a result of this special invitation. Some of these new visitors were very enthusiastic, asking relevant questions of our presenters at the end of the day.

Jean Updegraff

Bakersfield Ladies Enjoy Friendship Tea

Jackie Jones, with daughters Jodie and Jennifer, and Kori McKeegan, hosted a lovely tea at the Jones' home for the ladies in the Bakersfield, Californi, congregation on Jan. 20.

Scones with homemade jellies and jams were served with a fruit compote, juice and a variety of teas. A second course of tea sandwiches, pasta salad and fresh-baked breads was delightful. Finally, tea cakes were served for dessert.

The sumptuous food was complemented by good fellowship among friends. Warm memories of the time together can now be shared for years to come.

Debbie Bates

Grandmother Collects Cans for the Work

"There's one over there!" With these words, a well-dressed grandmother rushes across a parking lot to pick up a discarded aluminum can. She then goes back to place the can in the car before continuing to enter the restaurant with her husband. This scene is repeated many times as she picks up cans wherever they may be found.

Velma "Becky" Baker, a member of the Fort Worth, Texas, congregation, has been doing this since 1985. It is her way of adding to offerings for the work. With the price of recycled aluminum cans averaging 70 cents a pound, it does not take long to accumulate a significant amount. In the Feast year 2005-2006 it amounted to $135.10.

The Fort Worth congregation has now entered into the spirit of her passion also. Each Sabbath some members bring sacks of cans to services, depositing them in the back of the Bakers' pickup. When there is a potluck or other times when the brethren eat together, the drink cans are collected and given to her for recycling.

Becky also adds money from purchase rebates and saving of pennies to the can money and contributes it to the work. Occasionally other metals are added to the load and sold to the recycler. Although it is not a great amount of money, it is certainly enough to do some good in supplying the needs of the work. We hope others will take up the effort and help the environment and the work by selling cans and metal to recycling centers. Remember, every little bit helps. Accumulated, that little can add up to a significant amount.

Newton L. Baker

Houston Holds Largest Women's Enrichment Weekend

The United Church of God's first South Central Regional Women's Enrichment Weekend was held Jan. 13 and 14, 2007, in Houston, Texas. The theme of the weekend was "From the Heart: Building Relationships That Matter." It was a weekend filled with fun, fellowship and learning God's will for us as women in today's world.

Two hundred thirty women from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Minnesota—and even one from New Zealand—came together at the Houston North church hall for a muffin breakfast and stimulating roundtable discussions (moderated by Kathy Giese) Saturday morning. The focus was on our relationship with God, with questions addressing a range of topics including the disciplines of prayer and Bible study, the role of faith and thanksgiving and the setting of priorities.

After the morning activities, the group broke for choir practice and lunch, after which everyone moved to the Wyndham Hotel for a combined church service (Houston North and South). Sandy Sarin organized a women's choir that sang "As the Deer" and "Be Thou My Vision" under the direction of Colene Erickson.

Guest speaker Joel Meeker spoke about how God created us to need proper relationships in order to thrive and survive: beginning in Genesis with the creation of mankind and culminating in Revelation with our relationship with God as His sons and daughters. He also said that in the Kingdom there will be no gender differences. He said, "I'm good to my wife because in the Kingdom she may be over me!"

Saturday evening began with a wine reception and fellowship, followed by dinner (with dinner music by Jessica Spinks on the harp) and a keynote address by Marjolaine Meeker titled "Beyond Our Borders: Nurturing Our Common Bonds." This was an inspiring visual tour of French-speaking areas of God's work, illustrating how much we have in common with our sisters in other countries.

This was followed by a fun time learning about some of our sisters' "favorite things," moderated by Mary Ann Hegvold. We laughed and cried together as women shared their special interests from writing poetry, scrapbooking and nurturing friendships to training dogs and visiting the elderly. Activities also included a special surprise appearance from "Tina Turner" (a.k.a. Gay Oren).

Sunday came bright and early with a buffet breakfast followed by a symposium moderated by Joy VanSchuyver. Darlene Yblood, Laura Jensen, Jan Williams and Linda Babineaux shared personal experiences that changed their hearts and strengthened their relationships with God in "Renovations of the Heart."

Attendees then were able to choose between "Resolving Conflict as Christian Women" by Julie Zutz or "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Harriet Walding. After lunch we enjoyed another breakout session offering two choices, "Being a Light to the World and Your Neighbor" by Stefanie Rochelle and Rhonda Waddle or "Building Relationships Through Hospitality" by Gay Oren and Tanya Horchak.

Throughout the day attendees enjoyed musical presentations from Kari Crow, Tammie Smith, Sharon VanSchuyver and Colene Erickson. The weekend concluded with a message from Judy Servidio titled "Hungry Heart." She shared three aspects of developing a closer relationship with God, which in turn, will strengthen all of our relationships. First, feast on God's word; second, be available to God; and third, have a willing heart.

After concluding remarks from Martha Sappington, we sang a hymn and tearfully departed.

Laurie Curry

NW Phoenix Honors Ordained

The members of the Northwest Phoenix, Arizona, congregation honored their deacons, deaconesses, an elder and their spouses in a special surprise ceremony on the Sabbath of Feb. 3, 2007. Randy Schreiber (pastor) and Chuck Zimmerman (previous pastor) jointly presented the men and wives with mahogany clock plaques.

Mr. Schreiber preceded the ceremony with a sermon on "Servant Leadership," which defined the offices and attitudes of elder, deacon and deaconess.

Cecil Maranville (previous pastor) wrote a note about these faithful men and women that said: "The church couldn't begin to compensate these men and women for the countless hours of selfless service they have given us. They have volunteered their time behind the scenes to accomplish a long list of tasks needed to keep our congregations operating smoothly.

"Yet, perhaps the greatest service is the example they continually set for us all, modeling the faith through their lives. They bring honor to the church offices to which Christ called them."

Those honored include elder Larry Hale; deacons, Joseph Camerata, Kenneth Lilly, Michael Miller and Paul Sapp; and deaconesses Roma Camerata, Bettie McCord and Catherine Poetz. Special mention was made of Mrs. McCord's late husband, Jim, who served as a deacon, and Mr. Sapp's late wife, Iris, who served as a deaconess. Sharing in the honors were Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Lilly.

Their combined years of ordained service has totaled over 250 years.

Cecil Maranville and Randy Schreiber

Bismarck Honors 90-Year-Old Member

The Bismarck, North Dakota, congregation honored Opal Gardner with a cake, corsage and cards on Jan. 20, 2007, after Sabbath services and a potluck meal.

Opal was born Jan. 29, 1917, in Kildare, Texas. She is the last living sibling of two brothers and a sister and is the longest living in her family. Opal grew up in Kildare and remained in the area and met her future husband, David Harvey Gardner, while he was working with her father in the oil fields of Texas. They married Feb. 16, 1937, and had 43 great years together. They moved a lot following the work in the oil fields, but she always met each move with gusto.

Opal has three living children, Jane Hicks, Mike Gardner and Tracey Freije (Mike and Tracey attend UCG). Two sons are no longer living. She has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Opal was a lifelong Southern Baptist, but once she started listening to Mr. Armstrong, she knew that was not the place she was supposed to be. She called the Worldwide Church of God headquarters and asked for a ministerial visit. A minister went to visit Opal in Crane, Texas , and was amazed at the knowledge she had and that she had been tithing for some time. He invited her to attend the congregation in Odessa/Midland, Texas, and she knew the minute she walked in the door, "she was home." She was baptized in September 1983, just before Trumpets.

Opal moved to North Dakota after her daughter Tracey was married. Opal lives on her own in Mandan.

She has been unable to attend the Feast for the last two years, but listens to taped sermons and receives numerous cards. She no longer has the body of her youth, but very rarely misses church, even in cold North Dakota weather! Opal is an inspiration to us all.

Tracey Freije

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