News at a Glance

• Breaking Free Journal Now Online
• Walker Replaces Meeker on Council
• Council Agenda Set
• New Home Office Site Sought
• Pastor Interviewed on Talk Show About Patriotism
• Free Publicity for Beyond Today
• Pentecost Offering Up 3.2 Percent
• Michigan YOU Reunion Planned for Nov. 17
• Add E-Mail Address to Lancaster Feast Form
• Feast Taping Policy Reviewed
• 12 Couples Invited to Sixth Leadership Workshop
• Calendar of Events
• What's New on the Web?

Note: For charts and graphs mentioned, see the PDF or printed versions.

Breaking Free Journal Now Online

The latest publication of the United Church of God is now available online.

Breaking Free Journal is the online magazine that helps members of the Church who struggle with alcoholism, substance abuse, sexual addictions, same-sex attraction, mental disorders and other forms of dysfunctional behavior. It will also help those who seek a deeper understanding of these issues.

The success of the magazine depends greatly on your input. Please send articles to melvin_rhodes@ucg.org. They must be written by members of the United Church of God and should be under 1,500 words.

You can view Breaking Free Journal at breakingfree.ucg.org. So far more than a dozen articles have been posted.

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Walker Replaces Meeker on Council

Upon returning from an international trip in July, Joel Meeker tendered a letter of resignation from the Council of Elders.

Council Chairman Bob Dick wrote, "I received the letter, dated July 25, a few days later and notified Leon Walker that he was next in line to fill an international vacancy. Leon will begin filling the remainder of Joel's term [through June 30, 2008] at the August meeting.

"We would like to thank Joel for his service to the Council and know his plate will remain brim full with all his editorial and membership oversight responsibilities in the French-speaking areas."

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Council Agenda Set

Chairman Bob Dick sent the agenda for the August Council meeting to the elders Aug. 1. Items to be discussed include:

• Reading of the Council Code of Conduct.

• President's Unified Report.

• Home office relocation update.

• Amendment Committee (making four appointments to fill expired terms).

• Plans for 2008 GCE.

• Search for a new Council reporter.

• GCE Advisory Committee on Elder's Forum (selecting members and appointing a chairman).

• Completed assessments of the president and the treasurer will be given to each Council member. Results will be shared with the president in executive session.

• Three Ministerial Services policies that need minor adjustments.

• Executive session to cover ordinations; a legal update; updates on health, retirement and congregational situations; home office relocation issues not covered in previous open session; and assessment of president and treasurer.

• Committee restructuring.

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New Home Office Site Sought

President Clyde Kilough reported to the elders in a July 24 e-mail that the search was on for other properties in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, metroplex after he decided not to pursue the property that was being considered near Denton, Texas, for the relocation of the home office.

Mr. Kilough mentioned the proximity of a Safety Kleen plant within a mile of the property. "The environmental assessment performed in our due diligence process assured us that this plant is not a threat to the property," Mr. Kilough said. "Nevertheless, that does not change the fact that the plant is still less than a mile away, which for some raises concerns and reservations.

"Therefore, after considering 'a multitude of counsel' and further discussion with the Council of Elders, I have decided to withdraw our efforts to procure the Kings Row property. We have already begun a search for other properties in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Based on our initial investigation some months ago we expect to soon have other prospects for the Council to review," Mr. Kilough said.

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Pastor Interviewed on Talk Show About Patriotism

Stephanie Fraschetti, a talk-show host from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called Don Hooser, pastor of the Sedro-Woolley, Washington, congregation, July 2, to ask if he would do a pre­recorded 13-minute interview with her.

She and her cohost, John Hall, do a talk show from 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Christian station WORD-FM 101.5 Pittsburgh (www.wordfm.com).

She told Mr. Hooser they wanted to interview him because she found his Good News article "Patriotism: The Good, the Bad and the Biblical," which appeared in the January/February 2003 issue, on the Web, and they were planning to focus on the subject of patriotism during their July 3 show.

The phone interview was recorded the morning of July 3. Some of the questions they asked included:

What is patriotism? Are there good and bad ways to be patriotic? (Mr. Hooser explained the difference between patriotism and nationalism.)

What does it mean to be a good citizen? Does the Bible teach patriotism? Are there examples of patriotism in the Bible?

Do you believe that God has especially blessed and protected the United States? If so, why? Do you believe God might withdraw His blessings someday?

Are we experiencing less patriotism in America? Why are increasing numbers of people unpatriotic?

Mr. Hooser said the interview "was very respectful and supportive. I think it was three times they mentioned that 'he has written an excellent article on patriotism' and twice said it was linked on their Web site.

"I was glad for the opportunity to sow some more seeds of truth, although I was a little nervous," he said.

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Free Publicity for Beyond Today

The Northeast Georgian newspaper printed an article highlighting the subjects to be covered in the Beyond Today programs for June and July. The article ran in the June 8 issue.

John LaBissoniere, who coordinates the brethren who sponsor the Beyond Today program in their local community, wrote:

"James L. Smith, our Beyond Today cable-access TV sponsor in Cornelia, Georgia…submitted the current schedule with three short introductory paragraphs to the newspaper, and the editor was gracious enough to publish the information. We certainly congratulate James on his efforts and determination."

Mr. LaBissoniere shared this with the other sponsors and encouraged them to consider doing something similar in their communities. The title and synopsis of each program could be listed in weekly community newspapers, Saturday church pages and on the cable-access stations' online menu, where available.

"Also, if you are able to determine other means of free advertising for Beyond Today in your viewing area, please let me know and we could consider passing on your idea other sponsors," Mr. LaBissoniere wrote. His e-mail is john_labissoniere@ucg.org.

July 13, Defiance, Ohio's The Crescent-News daily newspaper (daily circulation, 16,827) also published an article, free of charge, about Beyond Today airings in that area.

"Our local Beyond Today sponsor, Bea Rau, submitted the article," said Mr. LaBissoniere. "She told me that after the article appeared, some people contacted the cable-access TV station desiring more information about the Church. Bea supplied several copies of The Good News to the station for those interested."

Then Peter Eddington received a phone call from the cable-access station in Defiance. "The station manager said they've had a number of phone calls from people in the community, as a result of this article, who are wanting to find out how they can watch the program," Mr. Eddington said. "Some of them don't have cable TV, so I suggested to the station manager that he offer them a Good News subscription instead, from which they will get similar information as that aired on Beyond Today. He was very accommodating, and said he would help them sign up when he has them on the phone!"

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Pentecost Offering Up 3.2 Percent

This year 12,399 people attended Pentecost services in the United States May 27, a 1.1 percent increase in attendance. The offering was $789,026.72, a 3.2 percent increase in the reported amount over 2006. The increase from 2005 to 2006 was 2.7 percent.

The offerings mailed to the home office by individuals should bring the actual figure to around $800,000.

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Michigan YOU Reunion Planned for Nov. 17

If you were in YOU (the Youth Opportunities United teen program) anytime between 1980 and 1995, you are invited to a reunion on Nov. 17, 2007. The activity will be held at the Brookshire Inn in Williamston, Michigan. Please visit the reunion Web site at www.youreunion.myevent.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy (Joseph) Welch at (517) 339-2033 or jeffamywelch@hotmail.com.

Amy Welch

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Add E-Mail Address to Lancaster Feast Form

The form to order tickets for shows during the Feast in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was missing a line for your e-mail address. If you use the form in the U.S. and Canadian Festival Site Activity Announcements brochure that was mailed to U.S. and Canadian members in mid-July, please add your e-mail address. The form has been corrected in the online version of the brochure at www.ucg.org/feast/festivalactivities07.pdf.

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Feast Taping Policy Reviewed

At the Festival coordinators' meeting earlier in the year, the policy for taping services was discussed. The policy says: "We request that members not tape services at the Feast of Tabernacles. All of our U.S. Feast sites will provide audio files for all sermons following the Feast to members who would like them."

Audio files will be sent automatically to congregations assigned to the site. Anyone from congregations not assigned to the Feast site can fill out an address card (in the coordinator's office or at the information table) requesting their local pastor (include his name) receive a master copy of that site's messages. Within four weeks after the Feast, those pastors will also receive a copy. The members can then get a copy from the local pastor.

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12 Couples Invited to Sixth Leadership Workshop

Ministerial Services has invited 12 men and their wives from congregations in the United States and Canada to the sixth Leadership Workshop. The seminar will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 (Labor Day weekend) at the home office in Milford, Ohio.

The invitees are: Steve and Lori Anderson, Los Angeles, California; Andy and Donna Buchholz, Elmira, New York; Martin and Maxcine Cole, Worcester, Massachusetts; Ed and RaeAnn Dowd, Phoenix East, Arizona; Graemme and Lynn Marshall, pastor of three Canadian congregations; Andy and Cynthia McClain, Indianapolis, Indiana; John and Judy Pentlin, Kansas City, Kansas; Brit and Julie Railston, Worcester; Randy and Stephanie Salyer, Los Angeles; Ken and Jean Welborn, Kansas City; Brian and Diana White, Indianapolis; and Sean and Kristin Yarbrough, Tampa, Florida.

There will be five days of classes covering topics such as: teaching as we have been taught; relevancy in speaking; developing sermonetttes, split sermons and sermons; working with your pastor; history and overview of UCG's governing documents; the importance of sound doctrine; appreciating differences—understanding yourself and others; a women's section on how to be all things to all people without losing yourself; Church ceremonies; the heart of a servant; developing wisdom and judgment; working with the next generation; preparing effective messages: the importance of discernment; and answering doctrinal hot topics.

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Calendar of Events

Aug. 5-8: Council of Elders meeting.

Aug. 10-12: Young adults' weekend, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, contact gary_black@ucg.org.

Aug. 12: ABC graduation.

Aug. 19-21: Southeast Region ministerial conference, Atlanta, Georgia, area.

Aug. 20-24: ABC continuing education classes at the home office.

Aug. 25-26: ABC continuing education classes in Houston, Texas.

Aug. 30-Sept. 3: Annual Leadership Workshop at the home office.

Sept. 2: Houston Music Festival (see article, February issue, page 16).

Nov. 11-13: Northwest Region ministerial conference, Portland, Oregon, area.

Dec. 11-13: Council of Elders meeting.

Feb. 29-March 5, 2008: Council of Elders meeting.

May 18-19: GCE annual meeting.

Please send calendar items to mike_bennett@ucg.org.

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What's New on the Web?

New Web Site: Breaking Free Journal

The Breaking Free Journal is now available online at breakingfree.ucg.org.

2007 Festival Activity Announcements

Wondering what activities are going to be available at the U.S. and Canadian Feast sites? Then check out the activity announcements available at www.ucg.org/feast/.

Beyond Today Commentaries

Download past Beyond Today commentaries in video or MP3 audio format at www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/commentary/.

UCG Commentary.

"If Only One True Church, Where Is It?"
"Archaeology Confirms the Bible Again"
"The Terror of Child Abduction"

www.ucg.org/commentary/

Featured Link

Singles' Web site for singles in the Church. ucgsingles.org

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