United News Weekly
Greetings from Cincinnati!
Today, we bring you the latest issue of United News, along with convenient links to read our key articles online.
In today’s email, an article by Steven Britt encourages us to remember our brethren in prison. You can also read an obituary of a beloved elder’s wife who left a lasting legacy.
Finally, you’ll find a Good Works volunteer opportunity, followed by this week’s “Behind the Scenes” photo.
Heidi Braun, Managing Editor, Internal Publications
September–October United News
The September-October issue of United News has been sent to the printer and is ready to view online!
This is the highly anticipated camp edition, complete with colorful photos from each of our teen and preteen camps held in the United States this summer. We also feature a report from the Philippines, with reports from other camps around the world coming in the following issue.
You can explore the key articles from the September-October United News in the links below!
Featured Articles
In a world full of voices, noise, influences (and influencers) and distractions, Christ’s words, “Follow Me,” set the tone for a great summer camp season.
“Where are you going for the Feast?” is a typical question at this time of year. How will you prepare?
Has the Trumpet Sounded in Your Heart?
The Feast of Trumpets teaches us to awaken spiritually, return to God with clarity and purpose, and look forward with joy to Christ’s return.
Are You Wearing Your Spiritual Bulletproof Vest?
Putting on a bulletproof vest is an occupational necessity for many police officers. But is there a spiritual equivalent that disciples of Jesus Christ should wear?
Breaking Painful Family Patterns
Healing is often gradual. We may need to grieve, repent of our sinful responses, practice new habits and accept support. God is patient, and real growth often takes time.
Satellite Feast sites help to make attending the Feast possible for many members of the Church.
No one should be lonely at the Feast. Make this the year you look out for others and include them!
Ministerial and Member Services
Remember Our Brethren in Prison
Scripture gives special attention to those who are in prison. Hebrews 13:3 tells us to “remember the prisoners as if chained with them.” Isaiah’s prophecies of God’s coming Kingdom include the promise of “liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).
For most of us, those promises may sound abstract—but we have several baptized members and individuals God may be calling who are incarcerated, both in the United States and abroad. As part of a recent review of how we can better serve these members, it has been humbling for me to think about the challenges they face daily.
Keeping God’s law from a prison cell can mean navigating layers of bureaucratic approval—sometimes waiting months for simple requests. Receiving literature, getting exemptions from working on the Sabbath and Holy Days, having unleavened bread brought in for Passover or just meeting with a visitor will depend on the facility, the paperwork, and the prison chaplain’s schedule. Even then, arrangements that took months to set up can fall apart suddenly because of a lockdown, a transfer or a policy change.
These practical barriers are part of why their need for encouragement and contact can be so great. A letter, a visit when it can be arranged, or help navigating the facility’s process may seem small from the outside, but for someone trying to remain faithful in that environment, it can be deeply meaningful! The United Church of God’s Personal Correspondence Department (PCD) answers our incoming mail. In many cases, prisoners writing to us are assigned to a willing volunteer, often from among the ministry. This provides valuable personal contact for those who may otherwise feel very alone as they learn and practice their faith.
Another reality is that some are first called to God’s truth while already incarcerated. For them, getting baptized can be very difficult—not for any lack of desire, but because an elder must be permitted to visit, the facility must approve the arrangement and the timing must work within prison procedures.
We have three men in that situation right now, and I’d like you to join me in prayer for them! Ask God to open the right doors and remove the administrative roadblocks so an elder can visit to baptize these men who are turning to Him. Please also pray that they will be granted the other accommodations we are requesting as they seek to practice their faith.
If you would like to know whether there are incarcerated members in your region, or whether there is an appropriate way to help, your local pastor is the best starting point. Because of the sensitivities involved, this kind of support should be coordinated carefully with the ministry.
As we look forward to the time when God will bring true liberty to the captives, let’s remember those brethren now. They are part of our spiritual family, facing trials most of us will never see. Let us remember them “as if chained with them.”
Steven Britt, Senior Manager, Member Services
Obituary: Norma Holladay
Norma Violet Holladay, 84, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. She was one month shy of her 85th birthday.
Norma was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sept. 17, 1941, to Violet and William Curtis Cowan, who preceded her in death. She had one brother, Bill Cowan, who also preceded her in death.
Early on, Norma found her passion for music through the alto saxophone, and participated in her high school marching band and played in the school dance band all four years. She also participated in the ROTC Army band and played in the Cotton Bowl with the Marine Band. She lettered in volleyball in high school, and was shortstop for her local women’s softball team.
Norma began attending Ambassador College in 1959. She was recognized as a leader early on, served three years as a dorm monitor, and participated on the student council. This is where she met Roy Holladay, whom she married shortly after graduation, leading to 63 years of marriage. She was mother to five boys—Arthur, David, Ted, Craig and Mark—and grandmother to 13. She was much loved and respected by everyone who knew her as she strove to set an example of a godly, serving woman.
Norma dedicated her life to being a mother and supporting Roy in the ministry for 63 years. She had a special ability to make others feel seen and loved. For years she would make a point of writing cards and letters on a daily basis for everyone she knew. Many thousands of cards were ultimately sent to acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and prayer requests—a service of love that had a wide impact on many people around the world.
Roy said: “God was at the center of our marriage. He selected just the right converted wife for me. She was an amazing helper in loving service to her family, her spiritual family and everyone she met.”
While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that she lived a full and blessed life and died peacefully with family around her. We are grateful for the many years, memories and blessings we shared with her. We take great comfort in God’s plan and that we will see her again.
A small memorial service was held on August 13 in Seattle, Washington where Bob Dick led an uplifting service and celebration of Norma. A larger celebration of life service was held August 16 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, led by Victor Kubik, attended by many friends and family.
Good Works
Good Works is seeking three volunteers to serve at the youth camp in South Africa, preferably at least one male and one female.
Camp experience is required, either as a camper or staff member (though staff experience is preferred).
Dates: Dec. 20-27, 2026 (with about three days of travel)
Cost: 50% airfare (based on economy ticket prices and reasonable itineraries reviewed by GW staff) and all necessary immunizations required by South Africa (scholarships available).
Deadline to apply: September 22, 2026
For more information, email Lena VanAusdle at Lena_VanAusdle@ucg.org. To apply, visit: South Africa Youth Camp 2026.
