Local Church Updates

• Dubois-Jackson Has First Annual Wyoming Winter Weekend
• Durban Holds Family Outing
• Durban Youth Enjoy Camp Watervale and Canopy Tour
• Austin, Minnesota, Hosts Annual Winter Youth Social
• Northern Ohio Fund-Raiser Draws 500
• Cambridge Honors Seniors With '50s-Themed Social
• Savannah Bible Study Started
• Grand Junction Enjoys Sledding/Tubing Weekend
• Tampa Bay Has Gender Appreciation Weekend
• Los Angeles Women's Club Explores Art
• 11-Year-Old Gives His First Speech
• Phoenix Northwest Parents Learn About the Middle Years
• L.A. Young Adults Auction Cakes for Charity
• Phoenix East Has a Busy Winter
• Sherman Youth Honor Seniors

Dubois-Jackson Has First Annual Wyoming Winter Weekend

Winters can be long and cold in Wyoming, but locals know how to keep warm. The Dubois-Jackson congregation enjoyed its first annual Wyoming Winter Weekend Jan. 19-20 in the home of Carl and Mary Carmichael. The Carmichaels are longtime elder and deaconess, and have hosted many get-togethers for brethren over the years.

The sermon Sabbath afternoon was given by area pastor, Wil Berg, on God's spiritual temple and the importance of increasing our spiritual fruits.

After services, the ladies helped set up the buffet. Dinner featured Mrs. Carmichael's giant, homemade taco shells and famous "Texas" taco filling. Others brought avocados, tomatoes, onions, olives, lettuce, picante and sour cream toppings, Mexican beer and the ingredients to make Jack Werts' (Salt Lake City, Utah, member) special recipe for margaritas.

While enjoying dinner, guests asked and answered table topic questions prepared by Sue Berg such as "How does a peacemaker make peace?" and "What do you appreciate most about God's Church?"

After dinner and amidst laughter, intense concentration and occasional ribbing, participants played games for several hours. First, there was a brain-teaser guessing game facilitated by Debbie Pierce, then a Bible search, Dictionary (a variation of Balderdash), Scrabble and Mexican dominoes. By midnight, a few were ready to "count bighorn sheep," but most stayed up to watch a movie.

The next morning, everyone gathered for scrambled eggs, homemade sausage, wholegrain pancakes, fruit topping, maple syrup, fruit salad, juice, tea and coffee. Before heading home, participants enjoyed one last round of Mexican dominos and requested a Wyoming Winter Weekend again next year.

—Susan Berg

[ back to top ]

Durban Holds Family Outing

A day outing was arranged for the Durban, South Africa, congregation on Monday, Dec. 17, at Watervale Lodge. The lodge is being managed by Mark and Babette Naude and is located at Inchanga, midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in Kwa Zulu Natal. Unfortunately the weather was not the best. It was quite cold for mid-December (late spring in the southern hemisphere) with some mist and light rain. But there was still quite a good turnout and a very pleasant day was enjoyed by both young and "old."

Grant and Kim Chick traveled from Port Shepstone to spend some time with the brethren, their last opportunity before leaving for Australia, and the Nhlabathi family traveled from Empangeni.

The youth were able to play pool while the adults spent time just relaxing, chatting and enjoying the pleasant surroundings. At midday the weather cleared sufficiently for us to braai (barbecue) our meat. Mark Naude had very kindly provided the braai packs at a very reasonable price.

As always, the time seemed to pass by so quickly, and all too soon it was time to say our goodbyes and head home.

—Neville Smith

[ back to top ]

Durban Youth Enjoy Camp Watervale and Canopy Tour

On hearing that we would be having a "camp," we could hardly contain our excitement. The youth in the Durban, South Africa, area all had high expectations for the weekend as all the other camps we had attended had been of a high standard. Well, this one did not disappoint!

We arrived at Watervale Lodge on Saturday morning, Jan. 12, and began on a relaxed note, but most importantly, with God. Altogether we had nine youths present. We had an interactive Bible study focusing on the challenges that we, as youth in the Church, face in the "world," and the solutions to those problems and challenges. The Speech Club that afternoon was impromptu, and we were encouraged to give our thoughts and expectations regarding our future roles as husbands, wives and parents.

The evening was spent playing pool, swimming and just enjoying time together. It was a perfect end to the day as we laughed, chatted and enjoyed a good braai (barbecue) for dinner.

The next day we left early in the morning for Karkloof where the main activity was held. This was a "canopy tour," a very long set of steel cables that are stretched between platforms. Our guides harnessed us to the cable and made sure that we safely covered all eight stages from platform to platform.

The cables were suspended high above the valley, through the trees and bush, and one stretch was over 170 meters between platforms. After a couple of "shaky" starts, we got "the hang of it" (well most of us did). I think we were really brave!

It was an enjoyable activity, and it gave us a sense of achievement, especially those who are afraid of heights. Nobody backed out; everyone heeded all the encouragement and completed the course.

While up in the air, if your eyes weren't closed from fear, you could take in the beautiful scenery all around. But the most beautiful experience gained from the weekend camp was the friendship and time spent together as campers. It was something beautiful that we can treasure all of our lives.

—Nontobeko Duma

[ back to top ]

Austin, Minnesota, Hosts Annual Winter Youth Social

On Feb. 16, the Austin, Minnesota, congregation held its yearly event at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Rochester, Minnesota.

Services began at 2:30 with a rousing song service followed by opening prayer by James Myers. The sermonette on "Making Wise Choices" was given by Joe Greene. Prisca Myers and Katlyn Whynaucht beautified the service with two duets: "Great Is Your Mercy for Me" and "You're Worthy of Praise."

Steve Myers' PowerPoint sermon admonished us to make sure to stay within the guidelines of God's way and beware of the New Age movement, which is totally against God's teachings. The closing prayer was given by Alex Riess.

A catered meal of sloppy joes, hot dogs and salads was topped off with pies and other desserts made by our ladies.

The theme selected for this year was the '50s, and some chose to dress accordingly. There was a photo booth where formal pictures were taken by Kelley Schreiber. We were blessed with a lot of snow for the snow tubing and snowmobile and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Then, with Joe Greene as deejay, a sock hop followed with the tiny tots joining in along with the oldest of the elderly. We even had a visit by Elvis (Dave Schreiber) singing "Blue Suede Shoes."

Brethren from our three sister churches—Mankato, Minnesota; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa—joined us as well as visitors from Eau Claire and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

We are looking forward to next year with eager anticipation.

—Norma Nelson

[ back to top ]

Northern Ohio Fund-Raiser Draws 500

On Feb. 16, 500 people, mostly from the Great Lakes region, attended the third annual Wooster Regional Family Day in Wooster, Ohio. This event, hosted by the Canton congregation, included a fund-raiser for the Good Works program, and this year's selected project was to help fund a facility for the Zambian brethren to hold the Feast of Tabernacles and summer camps.

Those in attendance heard seminars for adults, young adults and teens that concentrated on the weekend's theme of family life. Guest speaker Joel Meeker, coordinator of the Church in French-speaking areas, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation about our African brethren, and then gave a sermon about age-appropriate responsibilities within God's Church.

Evening activities included a fantastic chili dinner, a cake walk, a family dance, a bluegrass jam session, activities for kids and preteens, plenty of basketball and volleyball for all ages and a country store. Many volunteers from the region made this year's event a big success. Finishing off the weekend was an all-night sleepover/lock-in and a Sunday morning breakfast.

Total donations raised for the Good Works project were $2,322.

—Sara Hawk

[ back to top ]

Cambridge Honors Seniors With '50s-Themed Social

On March 1, 2008, the Cambridge, Ohio, congregation journeyed back to the 1950s for their annual Seniors' Dinner and Social. After services everyone enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner. Seated at the head table, the seniors were served homemade root beer floats by the C&C (Columbus and Cambridge) "soda jerks" for dessert.

After sundown a craft exhibit was set up for everyone to display his or her special abilities. A wide variety of talent filled the hallway display tables including Lego creations, a poetry display, photography, paintings, knitted and crocheted items, quilts, wood crafts, a family tree book, a handmade bow, a high-performance motor and many other items.

The evening concluded with a variety show that was packed full of enjoyable entertainment. Singing, dancing, joke telling, a game show and various other acts kept everyone smiling. Everyone left that evening full of food, friendship and fun!

—Lacie Feiock

[ back to top ]

Savannah Bible Study Started

On Sunday, Feb. 23, 15 people from the Savannah, Georgia, area met for our first United Church of God-sponsored Bible study. The study was conducted by Roy Demarest, pastor of the Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, congregations. The study was followed by a meal and the opportunity to fellowship.

Most of the people present have been unable to attend services in Jacksonville regularly because of the great distance they must travel. They do try to get together each Sabbath and watch a video sermon from the home office in Cincinnati. All who attended seemed very appreciative for the opportunity to meet together without having to travel several hours.

Plans are to hold studies four times a year in the area.

—Frances Lipscomb

[ back to top ]

Grand Junction Enjoys Sledding/Tubing Weekend

A great sledding hill and 78 brethren made for an inspiring and fun-filled Presidents' Day weekend in Grand Junction, Colorado. The local congregation, usually about 25 people strong, hosted brethren from their sister church in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Colorado Front Range.

Sabbath services featured split sermons by Tim Heine and Jon Pinelli. Following services the brethren feasted to their hearts' content on a sumptuous potluck. A game night with fun for all ages rounded out the evening's activities.

On Sunday morning the young and old(er), armed with sleds and inner tubes, hit the slopes of the sledding hill on the Grand Mesa. The chilly temperatures and overcast skies were offset by the exciting inner tube races, tasty hotdog lunch and lots of hot chocolate.

After sledding for most of the day, the brethren made their way back to the church building for a delicious chili dinner prepared by the Grand Junction brethren. Everyone came away with great memories.

—Carol Foy

[ back to top ]

Tampa Bay Has Gender Appreciation Weekend

The Tampa Bay, Florida, congregations put Titus 2:1-8 into practice, combining education, fun and community service on Jan. 19 and 20.

Pastor David Treybig kicked off the "Gender Appreciation" weekend with a sermon titled "Vive la Différence," which discussed the complementary, biblically-defined roles of men and women.

After services, the young, unmarried women left for the Treybigs' house for a meal and sleepover. In keeping with the evening's theme, "Becoming God's Jewels" from Malachi 3:17, the women discussed resisting the world's ungodly pressures and made a bracelet to help remember the event.

Across town, rough weather forced the men and boys to bring their planned dinner and campout indoors. After making their own dinner, they discussed the challenges of being a godly man in an ungodly world. Making the best of their indoor campout, the men then watched a movie, Facing the Giants, which reinforced concepts discussed earlier in the evening.

The groups came together on Sunday for a work party to wax the floors and paint the exterior of the St. Petersburg church hall. The building's lessor, who supplied the material, was amazed by the outstanding turnout. Besides strengthening this relationship, the weekend's activities united the Tampa Bay brethren and reinforced biblical roles in the minds of our young members.

—Kristin Yarbrough

[ back to top ]

Los Angeles Women's Club Explores Art

Fifteen ladies and one preteen of the Los Angeles, California, Women's Club gathered for a delightful artistic activity Sunday, Jan. 27. Lyda Castro supplied each participant with a pencil drawing of a pear on a piece of white cotton cloth. She also handed out fabric paints and brushes. She then demonstrated how to correctly apply and blend colors in order to create a small painting of a perfectly shaped yellow pear with branches and leaves.

Several of the ladies were pleasantly surprised that they actually had the talent to successfully complete this small project. Lyda explained that she had taught many beginning classes of fabric painting, but has never before experienced such skill in new pupils.

The activity produced not only the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment in each participant, but also provided an excellent opportunity to fellowship and bond with one another in Christian camaraderie and friendship.

—Marion Snyder

[ back to top ]

11-Year-Old Gives His First Speech

Gabriel (Gabe) Helwig, 11, gave his first speech in Family Christian Club in the Fairview Heights, Illinois, congregation on Feb. 2. He is the youngest speaker we've had in many years.

Gabe's speech was titled "The Future for Creation." He showed some very creative animal pictures he had made on the computer and talked about how awesome the Creator is.

When asked if he was nervous, he said, "I was a little nervous at first, but when I got up there I was okay. I enjoyed it a lot and plan on doing it as much as I can."

What made Gabe decide to give a speech? "My dad kinda talked me into it."

Gabe is the son of Chuck and Liz Helwig. His siblings are Maddie, Noah and Ava. The family attends the Fairview Heights congregation.

Gabe is homeschooled and is in the sixth grade. He enjoys engineering and constructing buildings with Legos. He is a creative young man, and we look forward to hearing his next speech.

—Marla Osborne

[ back to top ]

Phoenix Northwest Parents Learn About the Middle Years

The Phoenix, Arizona, Northwest congregation just completed Growing Kids God's Way—the Middle Years. This series is a follow up to the original Growing Kids God's Way.

In the middle years series parents of 8- to 12-year-olds learned how the roles of authority begin to change and discussed moral maturity, dealing with peer pressure and changes due to physical growth and adolescence. Communication is also stressed, along with how to grow closer as a family. The series goes on to explain how discipline changes as the child grows.

The six-week course ended with courtship and dating while bringing the children into their teen years toward adulthood.

The pastor of Phoenix Northwest, Randy Schreiber, facilitated 15 adults participating in the course as they learned how to better parent their collective 25 children. They grew closer as a group and encouraged each other as they begin and continue parenting through the middle years.

—Kristie Rocheleau

[ back to top ]

L.A. Young Adults Auction Cakes for Charity

Shortly after sunset on the Sabbath of March 1, a generous Los Angeles, California, post-potluck crowd took part in a cake auction hosted by the L.A. young adults group to benefit the Good Works Program. With the creative and delectable baked goods from the young adults and their supporters, the congregation had many mouth-watering options on which to bid.

Following a reminder that all of the funds raised from the cake purchases were going directly to fund upcoming Good Works projects, our enthusiastic auctioneer Robert Lyons went to work to get the crowd inspired for cake buying!

The reward of getting to eat the purchased cakes was rivaled only by the entertainment value of watching the brethren in action! Highlights of the night included bidding wars that ensued among friends, and discovering the contents of the "Mystery Cake" boxes, which were a huge hit.

—Meredith Black

[ back to top ]

Phoenix East Has a Busy Winter

The Phoenix, Arizona, East congregation had many opportunities to gather together with those of like mind of all ages through the winter months.

In November, the seniors and teens enjoyed an IMAX feature film on dinosaurs. December's cooling temperatures brought on thoughts of winter and spurred a preteen ice-skating trip and a teen ski weekend.

Dec. 22 the congregation presented a vocal variety show, which included a meal during intermission. Singers varied in age, with the children's choir's youngest singer being only 3 years old. Love songs, musical hits and hymns rang through the room, and there was even a special guest star—Elvis!

January brought another ski trip, but this time a day trip for the preteens and their families. Dinner and a movie were the feature events for February. Later in the month, the preteens and their families hiked through the flowering desert to Wind Cave.

On the Sabbath of March 8, Phoenix East hosted a UCG Focused Education seminar on "Breaking Free of Harmful Behaviors" with guest speakers John Cafourek and Melvin Rhodes. Topics included "Dealing With Abuse," "Understanding Addictive Behaviors" and "Same-Gender Addiction."

The congregation ended the month with a chili potluck dinner on March 29 that afforded lots of fellowship.

—Lorelei Nettles

[ back to top ]

Sherman Youth Honor Seniors

Senior citizens from the Sherman, Texas, congregation were honored with special music and a luncheon on the Sabbath of March 22. As they arrived at services, the seniors were presented with a corsage.

Special music was presented by the young people under the direction of Amber Brock, singing a piece titled "You're Worthy of My Praise." Our oldest senior, Mrs. Cressman, turned 90 that weekend and was awarded a dozen red roses by the pastor.

After services, seniors were escorted across the street by their young waiters and waitresses to their tables at the specially prepared dining hall. Upon arrival, the waiters and waitresses took drink and salad orders for each senior. After the salad, each senior was served a classic Texan meal—a generous portion of beef brisket, scalloped potatoes, green beans and a roll.

After clearing tables, the youth then served desserts consisting of homemade chocolate cake, a variety of cheesecakes and fruit.

During dessert, the seniors and youth played "Mystery Senior." This game began with preparations a week before when each young person asked a senior specific questions. At the luncheon those answers were read aloud, and the other youths and seniors had a chance to name the "Mystery Senior" and win a prize.

Everyone seemed to enjoy getting to know each other better this way. And many were surprised by the young people's knowledge of the seniors' identities.

To close the luncheon, the youngest children presented each senior with a pair of decorated gardening gloves with their handprints. On each finger was noted a way in which they, as children, could serve: praying, obeying God, kind words and helping.

The youth enjoyed serving and pleasing the seniors. And even though the seniors were the ones being honored, the young people received many words of appreciation fitly spoken by the seniors.

Youth participants were Rhianna, D.J. and Zac Cartwright; Mara and Annica Efimov; Gray and Kate Ledbetter; Kaela and Cooper Pierce; Moira Cooksey; Dalton and Michaela Baughman; and Brayden, Jessie, Justin, Makenna and Wylie Brock.

—Amy Pierce

[ 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