Home Office Weekly Update

Council of Elders Holds December Meetings

The Council of Elders held its December quarterly meeting from Dec. 9–12, 2024. Reports of proceedings will be emailed to the ministry separately.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the ongoing work of the Church.

New Hires

Ministerial and Member Services is pleased to announce the following hires into the ministry, effective over the next few weeks:

• Carl Kinsella and his wife, Kathy, will serve alongside Rex Sexton as assistant pastor for Portland and The Dalles, Oregon and will also support Ben Light and his congregations.
• Jason Musgrove and his wife, Tonya, will serve in Cincinnati, Ohio as a ministerial trainee.
• Joe Neff and his wife, Elizabeth, will serve in Chewelah, Kennewick and Spokane, Washington alongside Paul Moody as a ministerial trainee.
• David Rains and his wife, Kayla, will serve in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tennessee alongside Gary Petty as a ministerial trainee.
• James Ginn will coordinate the United Church of God’s efforts in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltics.

Thank you for your prayers, asking God, the “Lord of the harvest,” to send out laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2). Prayer for God’s Spirit and wisdom to guide them in their new roles is certainly needed. Your petitions for these men, their families, and the congregations where they serve are greatly appreciated.

—Steve Myers, Operation Manager, Media and Communications Services

Now Available! Video Recordings of ABC Class: Daniel/Revelation

We are pleased to announce the first weekly video recording of the Ambassador Bible College (ABC) class, “World News and Prophecy: Daniel,” is now available.

Presented by Darris McNeely, these classes will be a very helpful tool in your ongoing study and understanding of prophecy and its relevance for us today in God’s Church.

One 45-minute class will be released each week on video—with graphics, charts and other helpful aids. We expect to release one presentation per week for the next 12 months, beginning first with the Book of Daniel. The second part in the series to follow mid next year will be about the Book of Revelation.

You can access the first class at this location on YouTube until a landing page is developed on our new website: https://youtu.be/aDSYZCI7q3s.

We pray this will be a helpful tool in your ongoing study of God’s Word.

—Peter Eddington, Operation Manager, Media and Communications Services

United News Survey

As we near the 30-year anniversary of United News, we’d like to invite everyone to complete a brief survey about this publication and how we may improve it.

Please visit surveymonkey.com/r/unsurvey2024 to share your thoughts—what you like, what you’d like to see improved and other ideas you have. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you!

—Heidi Braun, Managing Editor, United News

Wamatochick Young Adult Weekend

Young adults are invited to join their brothers and sisters from Feb. 14–17, 2025 for a winter weekend in the pines of Prescott, Arizona. This year’s theme will be “Rooted in Him” (Colossians 2:6-7). The presentations will invite and encourage us to be proactive in growing our relationship with God.

The Sabbath will include church services and sessions in the afternoon on topics close to our hearts, all connecting back to the theme. Sunday will feature additional sessions as well as indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking—weather permitting. Everyone is welcome to stay an additional night to extend the weekend into Monday and enjoy more fellowship and activity time.

Ages 18–32, married and single are welcome. The cost is $165 per person, including sleeping arrangements and seven meals. Please visit https://ucg.regfox.com/wamatochick-weekend-2025 to register.

Volunteers Needed: Feast of Tabernacles Input Committee 2025

We are looking for volunteers to join the Feast of Tabernacles Input Committee for 2025. This is an opportunity for experienced professionals in meeting planning, conferences and hospitality to provide valuable input and ideas for enhancing the Feast of Tabernacles.

Purpose

The committee will gather to exchange ideas and provide professional input on how we can continue to improve the Feast of Tabernacles each year. Your insight and experience will help guide planning efforts and help ensure we provide an excellent experience for all attendees.

Experience

We are looking for individuals who have professional experience in event planning, particularly in the corporate or association sectors, or in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and travel.

Requirements

Applicants must be baptized members of the United Church of God. Please note that spouses of UCG members may apply, but applicants cannot be current employees of the United Church of God.

Expectations

The committee will meet three times a year via web connection, and members may be tasked with specific research projects or other delegated responsibilities. Each committee member will serve between 12 to 18 months, after which re-application will be required if you wish to continue serving.

Why Volunteer?

In light of the significant changes in event planning and hospitality that have taken place in the post-COVID world, we are looking to tap into the expertise of our members. Your professional insight will help us navigate challenges related to culture, technology and affordability—as we continue to improve the Feast of Tabernacles.

Please note, this committee is not a decision-making body or site selection team, but rather a group focused on offering input and suggestions to guide the planning process.

If you have the experience and passion to help shape the future of our Feast of Tabernacles observances, we encourage you to apply. Your contribution could make a real difference in how we plan for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2025.

To apply, please contact Charles Melear at charles_melear@ucg.org