Letters From Our Readers: May/June 2026

Understanding the Times: A Time for Choosing

In our January–February 2026 issue, we urged readers to discern the times and resist complacency in the face of rapid change throughout the world, leaning on Jesus Christ through faith as we prepare for God’s Kingdom on earth.

Recent articles helpful and inspiring

I love your articles, especially the ones [in the January-February issue] about where we are in prophecy and what still needs to happen before Christ’s return. We need more of this. I was really glad you pointed out how things could change very quickly. -- Reader in Ohio

Mr. Mario Seiglie’s articles on science and proving the validity of God as our Creator are so, so good. Love them, and they inspire me to dig deeper. The latest on the cosmic web [in the January-February issue] and another on the sunflower [in the November-December issue] were extremely good. Thanks so much. -- From the Internet

Questions about article on the status of Mary

In your January-February edition, the article about Mary and Pope Leo XIV [in Current Events & Trends], you mentioned: “Mary was a wonderful woman of faith. But she is currently dead and not conscious—unable to hear anyone’s prayers.” What about the Assumption, and Mary appearing at Lourdes, Fatima, and Champion? Isn’t Mary in heaven? -- From the Internet

Thanks for your question. Right after the quoted sentence, the article cited Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10. These verses, along with many others, show death to be, like sleep, a state of unconsciousness. Those who have died await a future resurrection from death. None have gone consciously to heaven at death. And the only person who has, following death and resurrection, ascended to heaven is Jesus Christ (John 3:13; compare Acts 2:29, 34; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

Mary, like all of Christ’s followers of the past, will be resurrected from death at the return of Jesus Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). The teaching of Mary’s bodily “assumption” into heaven is contrary to Scripture. And all reports of her appearing since her physical lifetime are not genuine—whether fabrication, hallucination or demonic deception. To learn more, please request or download our free study guide Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach?

Appreciation for biblical teaching

I’ve committed my life to reading the Bible every day and part of the night. It is a wonderful book! See, I thought I knew a lot about God, but in reality I knew very little. Taking this step, I find that the more I read, the more my heart desires to know of His life, His truths and His Word. Today, as I read, I’m a little more knowledgeable but still have a lot to learn. I thank UCG for the many resources to help me understand the things I could not understand. -- From the Internet

I have heard your excellent spiritual messages and have been strengthened spiritually. What I have learned from you I am sharing among our people in various locations. All are enjoying it so much. Please remember my ministry in your prayers. God bless you richly. In Christian love. -- Reader in India

Hello, I just discovered your website, magazine and booklets and am placing my first order. Thank you very much for making these materials available free. I am ready to learn and grow in my spiritual understanding and look forward to more communication. -- From the Internet

Donation to support helpful material

At this time, I wish to thank you for your magazine and the other material which you have sent. They are enjoyable and informative. Articles are well laid out with the associated verses as well as critical thinking, which we don’t see applied anymore. Enclosed is a donation. Thank you. Keep up God’s good work. -- Subscriber in Ontario, Canada

Thank you for your support! Our materials are always free to the public, supported by members in the United Church of God and other readers around the world.

Looking to attend a congregation

Hello! I have been doing some research to find a denomination that better fits me, as I was raised Catholic, and I have become very interested in your church! I was curious where you are located and how I could join. -- From the Internet

We’d be very glad for you to meet with us for worship and fellowship! You can find a list of our congregations at ucg.org/congregations. Contact the minister closest to you, and he’ll be happy to help with details about attending.

I wanted to know if your church celebrates any pagan holidays. I am looking for a church that strictly teaches from the Bible. I do not celebrate pagan holidays because I believe the Bible doesn’t teach that and is against that, and I am looking for a church that believes the same. -- From the Internet

Thank you for your interest! UCG observes God’s Holy Days mentioned in Leviticus 23. We do not celebrate holidays like Easter and Christmas, as we understand these practices to have originated in pagan religion, which we are not to emulate in the worship of God (Deuteronomy 12:29-32). For more detail, read or request our free study guide Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?