United News Weekly

Ambassador Bible College

Welcome, Class of 2027!

Ambassador Bible College is off to a great start! Orientation took place on Monday, Aug. 17, with classes beginning the following day. This year’s class has 20 students. They come from nine states and three countries. In addition, this year’s class welcomes a ministerial trainee couple, David and Shana Middleton, from New Zealand.

Ministerial and Member Services

International Update

The summer months are busy internationally, with a number of events typically taking place. Traditionally, August is among the busiest, as we have a number of youth camps, senior pastor visits, and conferences that tend to take place in the weeks closing out the summer and leading into the festival season.

Beginning next Sunday, August 23, we will bring together congregational leadership from the nations of West Africa in the Republic of Benin for a multi-day conference for English and French-speaking West Africa. We expect participants from several countries in West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Cameroon, as well as participants from the United States and Europe to discuss topics pertaining to being disciples and serving our congregations, as well as issues and challenges unique to West Africa.

Our senior pastor for English-Speaking West Africa, Mr. Paul Moody, is currently in Nigeria, along with his wife Darla in support of the Nigerian youth camp. Mr. Tim Pebworth, who oversees French-Speaking West Africa, will be traveling to Togo and Benin shortly for pastoral visits before the conference begins on Sunday. Mr. Myers and Mr. Light will be joining them both in Benin after a quick stop in Accra, Ghana for the Sabbath.

They are not the only ones traveling, as Mr. Lewis VanAusdle is currently abroad visiting with the members in Zimbabwe. Joining him is ministerial trainee, Mr. Josh Vazquez, who is gaining experience alongside Mr. VanAusdle in the international space as they serve the brethren in the southern part of Africa.

Mr. Jeff Lockhart is just wrapping up a trip to Jamaica in support of the Youth Camp for teens and young adults in the northern portion of the Caribbean, providing leadership opportunities as they grow “in the Zone.”

Mr. Jorge de Campos is headed to Brazil, where he will meet with Mr. Jaime Diaz, an elder from Chile, and local Brazilian elder Mr. Arlindo Lima, visiting and supporting the membership in Brazil.

Across these updates, one theme stands out to me: the Church’s international work is most effective when it is personal, present and relational. Your continuing, heartfelt prayers are appreciated for these endeavors and their ongoing fruit to encourage and strengthen the congregations. Events such as youth camps, local leadership conferences, and in-person, on the ground, pastoral visits are all essential to achieving the dual mission of the United Church of God, an International Association as we endeavor to preach the gospel and to prepare a people.

Ben Light, Senior Manager, International Services

Council of Elders

August Council of Elders Meetings

The Council of Elders met in a regularly scheduled meeting, August 10-13. Recently selected members, Andy Lee and Ben Light, participated in their first regular meeting, and Tim Pebworth began his second term as Chairman.

The meeting followed the normal format, with reports from the president, treasurer, and operation managers filling much of the first morning. The Council also heard reports from the chairmen of its own six standing committees. Much of the rest of the first day consisted of discussion of financial planning and policies with treasurer Ted Budge. That evening, the Council revived the tradition of enjoying an evening meal with home staff members and their families.

This was a very busy meeting with two days continuing past dinner so that the Council could consider updates on previously remanded projects, an update from legal counsel, Dr. Jim Pastor, and various policy matters.

Meeting its responsibility to oversee and protect doctrinal integrity, the Council reviewed progress on educational papers on what the Bible says about marriage, and on military service and war. The Council also considered recommendations for elder ordinations, as it usually does.

Serving on the Council entails much work and is a heavy responsibility. The 12 men currently carrying that responsibility are dutiful in humbly carrying it out.

Read Full Report

Frank Dunkle

Financial Services

Job Opening: Accounting Manager

The Financial Services department is seeking an experienced accounting manager to support the Church’s growing financial needs. This management position oversees the Church’s daily accounting operations and helps ensure the accuracy, integrity and timely delivery of its financial records and reports.

Key responsibilities include general accounting, financial reporting and analysis, cash management, accounts payable and receivable, internal controls, and support for payroll and benefits administration. The accounting manager will also assist with budgeting, audits and tax-related matters.

Qualified candidates should possess:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing the month-end close process.
• Supervisory experience, preferably in an accounting or finance environment.
• CPA certification and experience with nonprofit or fund accounting are preferred.

This position is located at the home office in Milford, Ohio. To request a job application or for any specific questions about the position, please contact human_resources@ucg.org.

Linda Api, Operation Manager, Financial Services