Course Content
Recent events held by Church family and news from members.
Fruitful Trip to Guatemala, Peru and Chile
In January and February 2025, Mario and Caty Seiglie visited three congregations in Latin America—Guatemala, Peru and Chile.
In Guatemala, we were able to visit the congregation in Guatemala City with a regular attendance of 70 brethren. On the Sabbath, Jan. 18, we attended services in Guatemala City and afterwards, I gave a leadership seminar titled, “24 Life and Leadership Biblical Principles.”
On the next trip, two weeks later, we visited the group in Lima, Peru. This group had begun two years ago with five people meeting on the Sabbath. Last year, the group grew to 14 and at Sabbath Services on Feb. 8, we were surprised to find 30 people now attending.
This is definitely a new congregation that God has raised up. On Sunday, we had two baptisms, Rolando Quispe and his wife, Maribel. Marcelo Saavedra, the pastor in the Santiago, Chile congregation, helped with the baptisms. Marcelo and his wife, Marcela, will be traveling to Peru and within Chile to oversee those congregations.
We next traveled to Santiago for Sabbath services, with a regular attendance of 65. On Sunday, the Church had a nice barbecue for all the members in the outdoor picnic area of the Church hall.
Mario Seiglie
Southern California’s Women’s Enrichment Weekend
Wisdom, and especially godly wisdom, is vital in our Christian lives. Our theme this year for our 22nd women’s enrichment weekend in Southern California on Jan. 24-26, 2025 was “Navigating Life with Godly Wisdom.” This was the theme selected as the top choice from a survey of attendees from the past couple of years. This special weekend, sponsored by the Orange County, California congregation, was held in a beautiful new facility—the Embassy Suites in Brea. In all, 109 ladies attended with over a third coming from outside the southern California area, including 15 trekking over from Arizona, and others who came from other parts of California and six other states, and we also had 14 who enjoyed their very first women’s weekend with us.
Many arrived on Friday and settled in to relax and get together with friends. Our event officially began Sabbath morning with Church services. After three inspiring special music selections (vocal solos by Charmaine Loo and Sylvia Kennedy and a women’s ensemble), Ted Budge, an elder in the Los Angeles congregation, gave the sermon titled, “A Portrait of Godly Wisdom: The Daughters of Zelophehad.”
The theme was explored and developed throughout the various presentations. Sylvia Kennedy served as our moderator for Saturday and Coleen Moriarty for Sunday. Saturday afternoon featured three presentations: LeeAnn Luker expanding on bits of wisdom contained in various adages, Lacee Hilgen’s reflections on navigating singleness and figuring out that role in God’s family, and Christine Hendrickson on lessons learned from a difficult court case. We finished the afternoon with an interactive discussion with tables focusing on an aspect of godly wisdom. In the evening, after our group enjoyed a delicious catered Mexican buffet by the Embassy, the rest of the evening was free for purchasing raffle items and fellowshipping.
On Sunday morning we began with three shorter presentations: twin young adults Karen and Kathleen Clark shared their presentation, followed by a presentation from Monica Hartman and one from Michelle Weis—all sharing valuable lessons learned in their lives. An interactive discussion was then led by Angela Balow that focused on discernment.
Sunday afternoon, after a deli sandwich group buffet, we learned who were the winners of 36 beautiful baskets in our fundraising raffle. Only one item could be won per person, so 36 happy ladies took home a basket that they bid on. Afterwards, the ladies enjoyed a presentation by Suzanne Miller focusing on two Bible examples of godly wisdom (Abigail and Esther) with a contrast to Jezebel.
Our fundraiser raffle netted $3,268 from raffle proceeds and direct donations that will be used to fund a women’s weekend in Chile.
The ladies left the weekend uplifted and thankful to be able to be together again and ready to move forward and apply godly wisdom in their Christian lives.
Jean Updegraff
Retirement of John LaBissoniere
Home office staff gathered on March 31, 2025 to celebrate the retirement of John LaBissoniere. Employed in God’s work for 40 years, John has brought decades of faithful service to God’s people in a variety of roles. The following is John’s reflection on his career in the Church:
“I grew up in a large, close-knit family that included my father, mother, three brothers and four sisters. Our family and all our relatives were of the Roman Catholic faith. As a youth, I consistently followed Catholic teachings and never doubted their authenticity. But at age 19 my perspective began to change as I listened to The World Tomorrow radio program which challenged, from the Bible, many long-standing, conventional Christian doctrines and traditions. I also learned much about the genuine truth of Scripture by reading The Plain Truth magazine and other literature.
“One day my parents told me that I must either return to the Catholic religion or move out of the house. While I loved and respected them, I knew that I could not abandon the amazing truth I had learned from Scripture. I chose to leave home. Through this event I personally experienced Jesus Christ’s declaration that “a man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:34-36). Despite that separation, I did my best to maintain a positive and respectful relationship with my parents by calling, visiting and writing to them. Within a few years, they softened their stance and we resumed our close relationship.
“Having been employed in God’s work for the past 40 years in various media responsibilities was a wonderful honor and pleasure, especially to have worked closely with many devoted, fellow employees. Over that period my duties regularly involved magazine circulation as well as working with commercial printers and display equipment vendors. Additionally, I purchased airtime on radio and television, bought print advertising space in publications and through ad agencies, wrote advertising copy and tracked responses to print promotions and radio and television programs. This was accomplished through God’s help and strength and therefore He deserves all the praise and glory.
“Beyond those duties, the most gratifying aspect was having worked with hundreds and hundreds of Church members in nearly every congregation in the country, who, in the 1980s, voluntarily helped spread the gospel through Plain Truth magazine newsstand and brochure distribution. The brethren who were involved cherished the hands-on opportunity to help people learn the genuine truth of God. Their dedication and zeal for the mission of the Church was truly inspiring. Today, on a smaller scale, the distribution of back issues of Beyond Today magazine continues, as the brethren participating have the same enthusiasm to help share the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God with others. As Romans 10:15 (New Living Translation) proclaims, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
Southwest Missouri Women’s Enrichment Weekend
A storm was predicted for the Southwest Missouri’s Women’s Enrichment weekend. It had many concerned that some of the 44 ladies might not be able to make it, but God was in charge and although there was some weather to deal with, everyone was able to make it in. We had guests from Missouri, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Iowa, Oklahoma and Colorado.
The theme of the weekend was “Fill Your Lamp.” This theme was displayed in the décor with various glass lanterns on each table and some little battery-operated camping-style lanterns. It was also presented in the Sabbath messages and the speeches that followed. We all appreciated the theme, especially with all that is happening in the world; “fill your lamp” seemed very appropriate.
Pastor Tim Martens began with a sermonette called “Good Thoughts Bear Good Fruits,” about being positive and hopeful. It was followed by a sermon given by visiting pastor Randy Schreiber called “Parables, People and Passover,” which focused on the 10 virgins and the various lessons to learn from the parable. After a taco salad lunch buffet, the men all traveled to the Ott’s farm to fellowship and share a chili dinner.
Our cheerful, hardworking moderator Jamie Bettes got us started and kept us going throughout the weekend. The keynote speaker for the weekend was Kay Schreiber who spoke about the lamps that represent us and how there are different lamps for different uses. She followed up speaking about the various women of valor in the Bible. It was a nice reminder to look at ourselves and see what our strengths are and how we can improve.
Kristy Foraker then spoke about filling your lamp through prayer. She gave us all some good examples of how we can improve our prayer life for each day of the week. Ruth Smith’s speech was called “The Perfect Cup of Coffee.” She spoke of savoring the special moments in our lives and how one of hers is when her husband makes her a perfect cup of coffee. Laura Harmon shared a heart-wrenching story from her past. She explained how God was the only one in her corner during those dark times and what we need to remember when times are tough.
After the speeches and dinner, we opened the silent auction. The ladies were all very generous in their donations of items. This year our silent auction supported two causes—the women’s weekend in Zambia and the community center in Bangladesh, which is used for Sabbath services, Bible studies, and sometimes for the entire community.
We were having such a good time that when many of us returned to the hotel for the night, we couldn’t stop fellowshipping. What started as a handful of women sitting in the foyer ended up being a large crowd, all bearing snacks and excited to be together.
On Sunday, the men gathered at Golden Corral to eat, while we began with a continental breakfast. We then sat down to listen to Linda Martens’ speech called “Methods for Suffusing Your Lamp.” She spoke of the oil representing the Holy Spirit, how we can know if we are filling our lamps and how essential our lamps are for light. The light brings love and peace, both of which are important in our lives.
Our next speaker was Linda Choate. Linda told us how her life had changed from being an adopted only child to an adult with a newfound family, in a speech called “God Turned My Darkness Into Light.” Piper Mandeville then explained how she built a relationship with a grouchy man named Charlie and how their interactions changed over time and how it changed her.
We ended the night with closing comments and a last call for the silent auction. After all the auction monies and donations were counted, we raised $1,859. We could not have done it without all the hard work put in by so many of the ladies. The ladies in attendance said they enjoyed all the activities, speakers and the auction. All of us left feeling like our lamps were fuller than they had been when we arrived, and all look forward to doing it again next year!
Lorelei Nettles
Women’s Enrichment Weekend in Portland, Oregon
The Portland, Oregon congregation hosted our annual Women’s Enrichment Weekend March 14-16, 2025. Our theme was “Growing Through the Seasons of Our Lives,” based on Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” The event's purpose is to encourage and strengthen the women of God’s Church, both younger and older alike, to help one another grow to greater spiritual maturity and to fulfill our unique role as women of God.
We met at the beautiful Canby Grove facility, surrounded by mature trees, walking trails and a flowing river. This event was attended by about 85 women, including some who attended only on the Sabbath day. The weekend began with a lively mixer as women arrived, and after dinner we enjoyed a “Getting to Know You” activity that had everyone introducing themselves and answering a theme-related question.
Sabbath services included beautiful special music and featured Carl Kinsella, assistant pastor of the Portland congregation, as our guest speaker. The theme of his message was exploring the seasons of the life of Jesus and what we can learn from them, and it tied in perfectly with the theme. Becca Loucks from the Olympia and Tacoma congregations was our presenter in the afternoon, speaking about a woman's journey through Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This was followed by a panel of five speakers who shared their unique experiences and perspectives of God’s love through some of their seasons of life.
After sundown, the popular not-so-silent auction began. Through God’s loving hand, we were able to raise approximately $1,600. This money was designated to improve borehole wells and provide more water for our members in Zimbabwe.
On Sunday, we were led in an interactive activity coordinated by Rachel and Lisa Richards from Bend, Oregon and Cher Richards from Olympia, Washington.
We were so excited to all be together again for a weekend of friendship, fellowship and fun, and to be encouraged to always trust in God no matter the season of life we are in.
Becca Loucks
Churches Combine for 1950s Social
The congregations of Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Paducah, Kentucky, along with guests from other congregations, held a combined Sabbath service in Sikeston, Missouri on March 1, followed by a 1950s-themed potluck and fun show.
Many of the brethren changed from their Sabbath wear to ‘50s dress following services as they enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers and other 1950s diner fare. Under a “Sikeston Diner” sign, “soda jerks” Greg Dullum and Kevin and Anita Vanover scooped up delicious root beer floats to quench thirst or to enjoy as a sweet dessert while ‘50s music played softly from a homemade juke box created by Dianne Collison.
The pastor for the three churches, Doug Collison, and his wife Dianne, served as emcees for the fun show. For the first act, Doug sang “Catch a Falling Star” which was recorded in the ‘50s by Perry Como. Next, Ralph Jedamski reminisced about growing up on a farm in the ‘50s.
For the third act, Cora Leasure and Wendy Roeder performed a humorous scene from the “I Love Lucy” TV show where Lucy and Ethel get a job wrapping candy in a factory, but they can’t keep up as more and more candy appears faster and faster on the conveyor belt. Cora and Wendy were assisted by Ashley Roeder and Wryan Roeder. Paul Kemp then sang “Blueberry Hill,” made famous by Fats Domino.
Greg and Marie Dullum, Kevin Vanover, Allen Schumaker and Neal Kinsey acted out the events described in the 1950 Phil Harris song, “The Thing,” while the song played over the speakers. Next, Michelle Broach recited an original poem.
For the seventh act, Neal Kinsey sang “Johnny B. Goode,” while accompanying himself on the guitar. To wrap up the acts, Dan Beeson and Christy Bollinger performed the East Coast Swing by themselves and then invited everyone to join them on the dance floor.
Danny Broach shared some interesting facts from the ‘50s and Vickie Chevalier led the group in a ‘50s trivia contest, which was won by the four-person team of Doug and Dianne Collison and Paul and Deana Kemp.
Other contest winners were announced. The bakers of the best sweet pies were: Dianne Collison, first place; Cora Leasure, second; and Norma Mahns, third.
Wearing the best ‘50s outfits were: Neal and Linda Kinsey, first place; Tim and Jody Hall, second; and Doug & Dianne Collison, third.
Greg Dullum
Richmond, Virginia Children’s Corner
Greetings from the Richmond, Virginia congregation! Following the 2024 Festival Youth Instruction theme of “S.T.A.N.D.,” we have added a children’s corner for traveling families with children. The letters in “S.T.A.N.D.” represent (S) Strength comes from God, (T) Trust in the Lord, (A) Accept the Bible as God’s Word, (N) Never forget God’s laws and (D) Depend on God, not yourself.
Our congregation appreciates those who travel and visit us, including our pastor, Joe Greene, who visits us monthly!
Kathy Shafer
Terre Haute Honors Retirement of Nelson Arnold
On the Sabbath of Feb. 15, Nelson Arnold “O’Fishally” retired from the pastoral ministry. Nelson and his wife Grace took on the mantle of serving the Terre Haute congregation when Vic Kubik moved to Cincinnati to assist Dennis Luker in MMS. The Arnolds have graciously, tirelessly and humbly served the brethren and been amazing examples of perseverance through trials.
The day was made special by having former pastor and friend, Vic Kubik, give the sermon and also present a crystal globe to Mr. Arnold on behalf of the Home Office in recognition of his service to the brethren. The recognition was followed by a potluck, fellowship and reminiscing spurred by a memory album put together by the congregation. Nelson and Grace will be staying in the area and are looking forward to having more time together and continuing to watch their soon-to-be fifth generation of family join God’s Church.
Nathan Ekama
Grilled to Order
The Night to Be Much Observed dinner for Colorado Springs on the Sabbath evening of April 12, 2025 featured seven tables of 42 brethren and family who were treated to salmon, brisket, New York strips, ribeyes or lamb stew grilled just the way they wanted by our chefs James Rowin and Jason Cooley.
Special thanks to Beth Bradford who created the beautiful flower-and-butterflies table settings. Truly a night of rejoicing!
Robert Curry
ABC Charity Auction
On Sunday, March 30, the students of Ambassador Bible College (ABC) conducted their annual Charity Auction. This serves as a sort of “capstone project,” as they learn to put on a major event that includes refreshments, decorations and an elaborate entertainment program. The students also strengthen their relationships, their skills and their character in the process of overcoming the many challenges involved in a project like this.
More than 100 Church members attended. In live auction segments they bid on a wide variety of donated dessert items. There was also a silent auction of various decorative and household items. The students raised nearly $8,000 during the event, which will go to complete construction of a new church building in Benin. It will be used for Sabbath services and also for conducting literacy programs for women, both in French and English.
The ABC students had a lot of fun, and a new group of students will do the same next year. We are currently accepting applications for next year’s ABC class and encourage those interested to visit our website at abc.ucg.org and to apply right away!
60th Anniversary of the Church of God in Maryland
On the Sabbath of March 8, 2025, we had an opportunity for 150 brethren from six Church of God groups to come together and share in the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Church of God in Maryland. This special day was open to all COG groups, and sponsored by an Ephesians 4 Project grant from The Church of God Network. The event was held at The Other Barn, in Columbia, Maryland, where the room was filled with memorabilia and photo displays from over six decades and beautiful table centerpieces.
Everyone was given a 60th Anniversary Keepsake Brochure containing pages detailing the humble beginning of God’s Church in Maryland. The brochure included a copy of the original letter inviting the local brethren to the first Sabbath service held in Baltimore, Maryland on March 6, 1965, which was a monumental occasion as it marked the 100th congregation of the then Radio Church of God, later to be renamed the Worldwide Church of God. There was also a list of the pastors and their wives who served in the area over the years, a list of the charter members, and a short write-up about Herbert W. and Loma Armstrong.
Sabbath services began with a wonderful instrumental ensemble accompanying the hymn service followed by a sermonette given by Don McCoy, pastor from 2011-2019. He spoke about how his family was called and began attending the Baltimore congregation in 1969. He referred to the theme for the event, “Pearl of Great Price,” taken from Matthew 13:45-46. He told us how he discovered God’s truth and how valuable, rare and precious it was. He went on to explain how God gave us a gift that’s worth more than precious jewels, and that we need to hold on to the gift, and never let it go. We then enjoyed special music performed by young ladies from the Northern Virginia congregation who sang “Be Thou My Vision.” Following the special music, Peter Eddington’s sermon covered how Paul kept thanking God for the brethren because of their faith, how they received the truth and believed it. Mr. Eddington went on to thank those brethren in the room, like the merchant in Matthew 13 who sought and cherished the pearl of great price, and who have held fast through decades of life’s trials. He mentioned how the faithfulness of the brethren, the love for God’s truth and keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days are the bedrock for God’s Church in Maryland. He encouraged us to stay faithful, keep seeking that pearl, supporting one another, and continue showing others what it means to endure, believe and hope. He closed his message by reminding us to press on together, confident in His promise, until we see Jesus Christ face to face.
Once services concluded, the five charter members in attendance, who attended the first service, were recognized by Ray Clore, the current pastor in the area. Mr. Clore thanked them and asked them to continue walking in faith and hanging onto the precious understanding of the soon-coming Kingdom of God. He also asked them to encourage others to stay the course.
A catered meal followed, which included a green salad, chicken in a mushroom sauce, a medley of fresh vegetables, roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic, cake and a fresh fruit platter. After the meal, everyone was able to enjoy musical performances and a poem, prior to a slideshow presentation. Everyone left from the day’s events filled with not only warm memories of a day full of joy, happiness and true fellowship, but one of building connections and a unity that will last. We would like to thank those many hands who came together in preparing and working diligently to make this 60th anniversary of the Church of God in Maryland a memorable event.
Rhonda Diggins
Wamatochick Young Adult Weekend
This year’s fourth annual Wamatochick Weekend was enjoyed by 55 young adults. Friday night started with a fireside chat discussing how to worship God on the Sabbath as we reviewed Isaiah 58:13-14. We enjoyed split sermons presented by local pastor Scott McKeon and elder Brent Fogelson, followed by presentations from young adults Heidi Braun, Winston Snyder, Emily Dupree and
Julia Tomes.
The theme for the weekend was derived from Colossians 2:7, and the messages revolved around the concept of being rooted in Him, faithful and thankful as we considered the invitation that God gives us to be part of His eternal family and how that gives us a different lens through which to view life’s challenges.
The goal of the weekend was to promote spiritual growth, meaningful relationships and help the young adults make the most of their talents. All three were accomplished through messages, time together and the planning and execution of the weekend by the young adults themselves.
We are thankful for the answered prayers and look forward to next year!
Scott McKeon
