Letter to the Congregations: 9th May 2026

Our Dear Brethren,

“And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel’” (Exodus 19:3-6).

As the people of Israel walked through the wilderness, they walked closer and closer to the mountain. Their God, in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, led them all the way, keeping them safe from harm and headed in the right direction. And now, as they camped at the base Mount Sinai, they had to prepare to hear the voice of God.

By tradition, and looking at the timing of their travels, we believe that the nation of Israel approached Mount Sinai near the Feast of Pentecost. And it was on that day when God gave His people His law. It was definitely a fearful event for these people, the majority of whom did not have God’s Holy Spirit within them which meant that they did not have it in their hearts to please Him or even to know Him. Moses and only a few others truly desired to meet the God who had brought them out of captivity.

As we approach the Feast of Pentecost (this year on May 24th), are we preparing to stand before Him and receive His word? Are we ready to again commit ourselves to studying His laws and keeping them in our hearts and at the forefronts of our minds? If we are prepared to keep our covenant with God then He is ready to keep us as His “special treasure” among all the peoples of the earth. And as His special treasured people, are we prepared to continue to train to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy [spiritual] nation” in service to our God and to all those He will call to join His family?

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe