Home Office Weekly Update: August 14, 2025
Announcements from the home office and upcoming events.
From the President...
It is with heavy hearts that we each contemplate the unexpected death of Rick Shabi, former president of the United Church of God, who died of heart failure on Aug. 13, 2025 in Florida. Rick’s death comes just months after completing his presidential term and while looking forward to resuming his service in the pastoral ministry. This sudden turn of events has left us mourning the loss of a dedicated leader whose influence extended far beyond his official roles.
Rick made significant contributions to our global mission. Rick promoted biblical understanding, faithful service, and encouraged all to be prepared for Christ’s return. Through his video series, “A Biblical Worldview,” he prompted audiences to open their Bibles and apply its contents to their daily lives. His international visits helped strengthen bonds among Church leadership worldwide. Whether managing Church finances, leading from the presidential office or engaging in pastoral duties, he approached each role with seriousness and dedication.
My personal relationship with Rick through the years was one of respect for his many talents and contributions as pastor, treasurer and president. We spoke about the Work, the Bible and administrative challenges. I already miss His warm smile and an ear that was always ready to listen.
Let’s all now extend our deepest condolences to his wife Deborah and the Shabi family during this difficult time. We are grateful for Rick’s years of faithful service and trust in the promise that we all can be reunited together when Christ returns and says to each one, “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23). Let’s continue living this faith which God continues to promote through His servants everywhere.
With love, in Jesus Christ’s service,
John Elliott
From Ministerial and Member Services...
Memorial for Ray Cowan
As you know, a few months ago elder Ray Cowan died as a result of the devastating EF-4 tornado that swept through the US Midwest in the early hours of May 17, 2025. The family has been consumed with the clean-up efforts but has now been able to turn their attention to holding a memorial service for Ray Cowan. The details are now online at: bowlingfuneralhome.com/obituary/ray-k-cowan.
—Steve Myers, Operation Manager, Ministerial and Member Services
Festival Children’s Choir Music 2025 is Now Available!
The children’s choir selections for the Feast of Tabernacles are now available for download on the Feast website at: ucg.org/childrens-choir-music
Guidelines for the children’s choir are posted there, as well as vocal and instrumental versions of the two songs and lyric sheets. Parents, please follow the posted guidelines and be sure your children know the songs before arriving at the Feast. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Scott Delamater, National Music Coordinator at Scott_Delamater@ucg.org
—Steve Myers, Ministerial and Member Services
Salem, Oregon—70th Anniversary
The Salem, Oregon congregation cordially invites you to join them on Sept. 13, 2025 to commemorate 70 years of Faith, Hope and Love.
Sabbath services will be held at Meadowridge Elementary in Albany, Oregon at 2 p.m. Following the Sabbath, we’ll have a potluck meal, with hamburgers and hot dogs, and all the fixings provided. Please plan to bring a side, dessert or drink to accompany the meal. Later that evening, we’ll dance the night away together through the decades with a mix of music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s 90s and the 2000s. There will be a space for those who wish to fellowship, play games together, and enjoy the dance mix from afar.
We will be joined by the former assistant pastor of the Salem congregation, Rex Sexton, who will provide the sermon, and we look forward to spending the day with past and current members of the congregation, remembering, reminiscing and looking forward to the future of the work of God in this part of the world.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Benjamin Light at ben_light@ucg.org.
