United News: August 2026

What does it mean to show honor? Honor can include expressing respect, recognizing faithful service or celebrating an accomplishment. Scripture instructs us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12), show respect to the elderly (Leviticus 19:32) and give proper recognition to elders who serve faithfully (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

This issue of United News gives us many opportunities to recognize and appreciate others. You will read about ministerial and home office staff changes, including retirements and relocations. A continuation of last issue’s graduation feature celebrates young adults in the Church as they move into new opportunities and responsibilities. We also recognize two recently married couples and two couples celebrating decades of marriage. Five obituaries remember faithful members whose lives touched their families and congregations.

Above all, we seek to honor God through our worship, obedience and gratitude. In “Local Church News,” you will read how brethren are serving others, growing in their understanding of God’s Word and joining together in praise.

Three feature articles offer further encouragement. In “Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Impact,” Joy Jones examines a biblical woman whose everyday faith left a lasting example. In “Don’t Allow Your Love to Grow Cold,” John LaBissoniere encourages us to prepare spiritually to remain faithful in difficult times. In the “Light of Hope” section, “Aging Gracefully” by Judy Markley offers encouragement and practical perspective for members facing the challenges and opportunities of later life.

May this issue of United News encourage us to recognize faithful service, care for one another and honor God in every season of life.

Heidi Braun, Managing Editor