A Legacy of Dedication and Vision in UCG Media

From the earliest days of the United Church of God, few individuals have left as enduring a mark on its media outreach as Peter Eddington. His steady leadership, creative vision and unwavering faithfulness have shaped the Church’s media efforts in proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world.

Established on Pentecost 1995, the United Church of God began with its first headquarters in Arcadia, California. Almost immediately, the need for clear and consistent communication with members became evident. Within just a couple of months, Peter stepped forward to serve as editor for the Church’s first publication, New Beginnings, which later became United News. In 1998, when the position for media operation manager opened, Peter was appointed to oversee UCG’s growing media department—a role that would define his decades of service.

Early Days of the Media Department

Peter’s work ethic quickly became well known. He was instrumental in developing nearly every aspect of UCG’s media outreach—print, video and web, as well as advertising, both print and digital.

When the home office relocated from Arcadia to Milford, Ohio in 1998, Peter and his wife, Terri, were among the few employees who made the move. The media department grew steadily, expanding its publishing team and seeking ways to promote Church materials.

The Church’s early publishing efforts included The Good News magazine, with its first issue released for the Feast of Tabernacles in 1995. With the editorial efforts of Scott Ashley, Darris McNeely, Robin Webber and others, the magazine was soon accompanied by a growing library of booklets—including Sunset to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest, The Road to Eternal Life, and What Is Your Destiny?

Within a couple of years, the Bible Study Course was launched, initially as 16-page inserts within The Good News. This effort filled a need for thorough educational materials in UCG’s early days, covering important doctrines.

Due to limited funding, many of the first 10 booklets were completed but not immediately printed. Some booklets were distributed as inserts to save on postage, and when postal rates rose in 2002, the team shifted to a smaller 5.5 x 8.5-inch format to reduce costs.

As the Internet began to change the face of communication and advertising, it was important that the Church find a way to use this new tool. With technical assistance from Victor Kubik, UCG secured its first web domains, gnmagazine.org and ucg.org. Later, Aaron Booth joined the team to manage the Church’s website.

Beyond Today and other UCG brands

As the Church’s media ministry matured, a new chapter began with the introduction of television production. Local TV initiatives—such as those in Portland (led by Howard Davis, Randy Stiver and Rex Sexton) and Milwaukee (with Gary Petty, Galen Morrison, Darris McNeely and Steve Myers)—paved the way for what became UCG’s current TV program: Beyond Today. The first program was aired on Dec. 18, 2005.

Under Peter’s direction, Beyond Today grew into an international broadcast and digital brand. He oversaw the hiring of skilled video professionals helping to professionalize production quality and expand viewership. Later, Peter guided the alignment of The Good News magazine to the Beyond Today brand, uniting print and television outreach into one coordinated effort. The first magazine issue under the Beyond Today name was January-February 2016. Today, the name Good News is still found in a special section of United News, as well as remaining the name of the magazine in some international areas, such as Las Buenas Noticias for Spanish-speaking audiences.

Throughout the years, the media department produced a variety of publications to serve a variety of needs of those coming to the truth for the first time and for members in different phases of their growth. World News and Prophecy, a publication started by Darris McNeely and Melvin Rhodes, later became a section within Beyond Today magazine. Vertical Thought magazine served Church teens and young adults until its successor, Compass Check, was launched in summer 2015 for readers aged 13-18. And more recently, we launched Magnified, a series of videos designed to address topics that are on the minds of young adults.

Initially, the Church’s publications were promoted with print advertising, but as outreach expanded online, Peter proved instrumental in pioneering UCG’s use of tools such as Google Ads, Roku and other digital platforms to reach wider audiences.

Peter’s Legacy of Service

Those who have worked with Peter speak with deep admiration for his leadership.

Scott Ashley reflects, “Having worked for and with Peter in various capacities over nearly 28 years, I found him to be the best boss I ever had. He was an extraordinary talent with his ability to juggle so many things at once and stay on top of an ever-changing media environment. He always amazed me with his ability to get so many things done. We were very blessed to have him in that capacity for such a long time.”

Darris McNeely adds, “I have watched and worked with Peter in the media operation almost from his start on the job. Peter built the program from the ground up. Employee by employee was added to the operation as we moved into the world of the Internet, video, print and everything. He had a vision of creating a website that was number one in biblical content. He produced Beyond Today with a technical efficiency that gave it a long shelf life.

“Peter has frequently quoted Mark 16:14-15 as the supporting verse for our media. ‘Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”’

“Peter oversaw the creation of a media presence that has taken the gospel to the far-flung parts of the world. People in all the world have learned the truth of the Bible through UCG media efforts. Peter’s legacy of being a ‘good and faithful servant’ allows others to continue to take the gospel of salvation to the world. It has been a highlight of my years to work with Peter in the work of God.”

Aaron and Michelle Dean recalled: “Peter and Terri have been an integral part of the Church from the days in the 1980s when Michelle and I watched him doing technical work for the concerts at Ambassador Auditorium with great personal sacrifices of family time. Few know the sacrifice many have made for decades.

“That sacrifice continued since the beginning of UCG in 1995. He is a very talented manager with great technical skills that were very needed through UCG’s development. He will now help pass the baton to Scott Delamater, as we continue to stay current with technology. Peter will always be a resource for UCG along with many of us who have given our lives to God.”

Connie Seelig, who worked with Peter from 1995 until her retirement in 2022, shared about Peter, “I deeply appreciated his support and leadership. I will always remember his example of faithfulness and keeping his eyes on the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, through the good times and difficult times. I know he will continue to serve the Church faithfully on the Council of Elders.”

Werner Solórzano summarized Peter’s reputation for integrity: “I have never met anyone more reliable than Peter. His word had great value because he always followed through on his commitments. When Peter said he would do something, I knew with absolute certainty it would be done. Peter truly exemplifies what it means to be a man of his word.”

Tom Robinson adds, “Peter Eddington is one of the finest men I’ve ever had the pleasure and privilege of working under. When it comes to the combined media efforts of the Church, his breadth of knowledge, experience and wisdom is unparalleled. He has always been quick to discern the right and wrong of a situation and to navigate well through vying proposals.

“But what has been most appreciated is his character, being willing to stand for what’s right, persevering through hardship, and treating others with grace. He has always been extremely kind and humble—never overbearing.

“If I had to pick one word to describe him as a leader, it would be this: advocate. He has always stood by me and defended me, such as when some have been critical of our print media efforts and my own level of production. And I know he has defended others in various matters too—repeatedly.

“He and Terri have been solid, loving friends through some storms. It's hard to see Peter stepping away from his long-time role, but I’m glad he’ll still have a hand in our media efforts and that he’s adding a steady hand to the ongoing direction of the Church as a member of the Council of Elders.

“Peter, my friend, thank you for a job well done—and for being such an outstanding manager and leader over the years. It has been immensely appreciated!”

Looking Forward

As Peter transitions from his long tenure as media operation manager, he leaves behind not only a well-developed department but also a thriving legacy of service. As the next media operation manager, Scott Delamater, will carry forward the work that Peter helped build—with Peter continuing to serve the Church faithfully on the Council of Elders.

UCG’s media today touches lives around the world. Much of that success traces back the work God has done through Peter and the team he has led.

As Katherine Rowland fittingly noted, “Peter’s wisdom and depth of knowledge have made him invaluable across multiple departments. While I have valued and respected his Media work, I have been most thankful for his willingness to serve wherever needed and his warm wit and words of encouragement.”

Indeed, Peter Eddington’s service exemplifies Christ-centered leadership—faithful, humble, and steadfast in proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations. Thank you, Peter, for your decades of service and godly example.