United Church of God

Personal From the President: May 13, 2021

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Personal From the President

May 13, 2021

On Sunday, May 9, Ambassador Bible College held its 22nd graduation ceremony. All 20 students in the class successfully completed the program. Additionally, all 20 participated in the chorale, which performed two songs as part of the ceremony.

Class President Luke Barker addressed the students on the importance of continuing to make God their highest priority. He reminded them that when the school year began there were many uncertainties because of the pandemic, but they had made it a priority to come to ABC to study God’s Word, and they must continue that priority beyond ABC.

Dean of Students Aaron Dean delivered a graduation address reminding students that “fear is a reaction, but courage is a choice.” In it, he described the history and reputation of the Gurkha soldiers who, rather than simply inherit their reputation, continually choose it. Mr. Dean encouraged ABC students to live up to the reputation of Ambassador, and in the days ahead continue to choose courage and devotion to godly values.

As we got to know this class through the year, we developed a fondness and respect for them. They are committed to serve in the congregations they return to. ABC is not just about learning what the Bible says; it’s also about the application of that knowledge.

We all look forward to welcoming a new class of students in late August. I want to give special thanks to all the instructors and staff of ABC who made this a most memorable year.

Announcing restricted fund to purchase a camp facility

In this issue of the eNews, I wanted to announce an exciting new development that was approved by the Council of Elders during their meetings last week. The Council approved setting up a restricted fund account for purchasing a camp property in the Northwest region of the United States. This is a first for United, since we have never owned our own camp facility even though we have sponsored camps since 1995. The Council also approved that if future funding allows it, perhaps additional camp properties could be purchased in other areas of the U.S.

This came about because of a very generous donation by a family in the Northwest to buy a camp facility specifically in that region. Two other families have committed to donations as well that have now totaled $349,000. We are off to a great start!

We wish to thank these brethren for their vision and their generosity. We are praying for God to show us His will as we begin to look for an appropriate camp. We have placed this into His hands, and ask Him to direct our steps and to open up an excellent camp facility where His Name is glorified, and where His truths will be taught to all who stay at the camp facility.

We feel that the ideal location for a Northwest camp facility would be in the state of Oregon, which is centrally located to families throughout the region.

Such a camp facility and retreat center would serve as a multi-use venue for the entire Church. Uses would include teen and preteen camps, young adult weekend retreats, women’s enrichment weekends, men’s retreats, family retreats, weddings, marriage retreats and ministerial meetings. It is anticipated the facility would be used on an average of once a month and most of these uses would be multi-day events.

Since the beginning of the United Church of God in the spring of 1995, youth camp has been a part of our vision. Our goal in United Youth Camps has been to teach campers God’s Word and encourage them to live His way of life. Since the first youth camps in the summer of 1995, literally thousands of youth of all ages have attended either preteen or teen camp. Once teens move into their young adult years, many of them become an integral part of camp by serving as staff, then as adults serving in their local areas. What they learn at camp becomes a part of their godly character the rest of their lives.

We would dedicate such a camp facility as a place where the Word of God is taught as the foundation of all knowledge to all who attend. This camp would be dedicated to teaching the true values from the Bible, where future generations will be inspired to learn more about God’s vision for them and become pillars in His Church. It will be where the laws of God are taught and lived 24/7. Adults and families would also enjoy the benefit of coming together on special family weekends for Sabbath services, for recreation and fellowship. The camp and retreat center would serve members of the Church from all across the U.S., including Canada and other nations.

I am very excited about the potential of the United Church of God owning its own camp facility. I see this as a literal investment in the lives of many youths and adults for years to come. Our desire is that God would use such a facility to provide a positive environment where spiritual fruit will be produced in the lives of the youth, adults and families. So please join me in asking the Almighty God to direct our decisions, our search, and for His will to be done.

You can donate online through our donation page at donate.ucg.org or send a check and write “Youth Camp Facility” in the memo line. All donations are tax-exempt and you will receive a receipt at the end of the tax year.

What You Need to Know About Baptism

This week I’m sending a major letter to our Beyond Today subscriber list offering our booklet What You Need to Know About Baptism. Interestingly, it is being sent the same week that we observe Pentecost, the day that the largest baptism event is described in Acts. Here’s a snippet from what I wrote:

“The Bible relates a story that is important to you and me. Some 2,000 years ago, on the day of Pentecost, the ‘Promise of the Father’ (Acts 1:4) was delivered by God Himself—great power from the personal gift of the Holy Spirit! Peter, filled with that Spirit, powerfully spoke to a massive crowd assembled in Jerusalem. Those in the crowd grasped immediately what Peter was saying. They saw their inadequacy. They saw where they fell short. They were concerned for their lives—in the present and the future. They were moved deeply to ask a question that all need to ask: ‘Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”’ (Acts 2:37-39).

“What are we to do today? Peter made it plain! Having a new godly sorrow and understanding about our past acts (2 Corinthians 7:10), we must act on that godly sorrow and change our mindset (Romans 12:1-2). We must accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice to atone for those sins. Then we are to be physically baptized—demonstrating a commitment to live a new life—after which we will receive the powerful Spirit of God. Those acts open a new road of life for now and forever.”

I’m wishing you all a wonderful Pentecost weekend!