Home Office Weekly Update

A Time of Change in our World

Greetings brethren around the world,

The news in America this week has been dominated by several major stories.

Next week a new U.S. President will take the oath of office and is expected to enact several changes on his first day in office. Donald Trump’s influence is already seen in the attitudes and approach of industry leaders, in social media and in politics around the world. A pending ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, coupled with the release of some of the hostages being held in Gaza, is likely a direct result of the change in U.S. administration.

Time will tell. Through it all we remember how God is in control and events in the world will move toward their prophesied end. God knows the hearts and intents of man, along with the weaknesses that, if left unchecked, can lead to our demise.

Astonishing disasters

The other dominant news story is the ongoing, destructive wildfires that have destroyed large sections of Los Angeles county in Southern California. Fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, and a myriad of other factors, they have caused havoc, heartache and broken dreams for hundreds of thousands of residents. Recent reports now are saying this could well be the most expensive disaster in the history of the United States of America.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected and who have lost property during this horrendous and unexpected disaster. We are grateful to God for His protection and watchful eye over His people. While many have been displaced and lost property, no lives of His people have been lost, and we are reminded just how precious life is and what a wonderful blessing it is to live this life with the knowledge, truth, purpose, meaning and future that God, through His Spirit, has opened our minds to.

The Church remains ready to assist our fellow family members in any way we can. While we continue to support through prayers, we are also ready to help physically too. If you would like to contribute in this way, please visit our Good Works page at www.ucg.org/give/good-works and select the “California Wildfire Relief 2025” project. Following this column is a piece from our Good Works staff with more details.

Natural disasters occur frequently. It is not unusual for California to experience wildfires and Santa Ana winds during this time of year. Thousands of acres burn, some homes are lost, and thousands may be evacuated from their homes each year.

Those natural disasters, like hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, typhoons and earthquakes occur periodically. They are devastating, but they are part of life. This L.A. fire, where 40,000 acres have been ravaged, with who knows how many homes lost, including those of several “Hollywood” celebrities is different. As you have seen from the pictures of completely devastated areas, the word “apocalyptic” is being used by some to describe it.

It is reportedly the worst disaster in U.S. history, at least in financial terms. But there are so many circumstances that surround this event—fire hydrants that are empty, a huge reservoir that was empty due to maintenance issues, untimely fierce winds that propelled the fire, and so on—that it has been called “the perfect storm” of mishaps.

Hurricane Helene

Just a few months ago another astonishing disaster occurred in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It was a destructive natural force, but its effects on Asheville and western North Carolina were unprecedented. How did this hurricane with its accompanying forces and rains destroy—even devastate—a city and region so far from the coast? The area is still reeling and it is officially described as the worst disaster in North Carolina’s history. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and Asheville itself experienced devastating effects.

One news report described the aftermath of the storm this way: “On September 27, the remnants of Hurricane Helene turned Asheville, N.C., into a post-apocalyptic landscape.”

While hurricanes occur, this hurricane was different, reaching and devastating areas far removed from ocean coastlines, upending life in those areas.

What is going on? Could these disasters be yet another warning sign from God of the impending peril to come upon this nation because of our abandonment of God and His principles?

The beginning of sorrows?

In Matthew 24:7-8, Christ talks about war, famine and pestilence being among the “beginning of sorrows” that lead to the end times. In those verses He also mentions “earthquakes in various places.” While earthquakes are natural occurrences throughout history, as the end times approach, He cites these “unnatural” occurrences that He sends as warning signs—a call to repentance.

As we “watch” events, as Christ commands, we are reminded that we must be drawing closer to God, be examining ourselves, make our calling and election sure, and distancing ourselves more and more from the world—uniting with each other more fully as we live the lives God has called us to.

Christ commissioned His Church to “cry aloud, spare not, tell My people their sin.” We preach a gospel of repentance, turning to God and proclaiming the good news of the return of Christ and the Kingdom of God.

Let’s all pray for each other, pray for God’s will to be done, and ask Him to guide all of us to the unity, sameness of purpose and mission to accomplish His will in our individual and collective lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

In Christ’s service,
Rick Shabi

Good Works: Assisting Those Affected by California Fires

As of this morning, January 16, wildfires continue to devastate southern California, leaving two families in the United Church of God without homes. While we continue to pray for their safety and the containment of these fires, the Church, through Good Works, has already begun assisting those who have been temporarily displaced, have incurred partial losses, or have suffered complete losses. This support aims to cover essential needs and provide some relief from the costs of this tragedy.

We are communicating closely with Frank Fish, the pastor of the most affected area, to assess and meet the needs identified. Some funds have already been transferred, with the understanding that more funds will be needed as recovery efforts continue in the weeks and months ahead.

If you would like to contribute to our relief efforts, you can donate here: https://www.ucg.org/give/119.

—Good Works Staff

From Ministerial and Member Services . . .

Recent Ordinations

We’re happy to announce the following two elders were ordained into the ministry.

On Dec. 21, 2024, Moisés Cruz was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Sara, serve the Mexico City, Mexico congregation and serve at the Mexico church office.

On Jan. 4, 2025, Bob Orosz was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Sandy, serve the Tampa, Florida congregation.

New Short Bible Talks Now Available!

This year at the Cincinnati Winter Family Weekend we featured four inspiring Bible talks centered on the theme, “Stand Strong and Armor Up!”

• Josh Vazquez shared a personal story about a pivotal moment in his life and spoke about how to effectively wield the Word of God in our daily battles.
• Matthew McDonald delivered an insightful talk about the “spiritual shoes”—the preparation of the gospel of peace—and how they help us stand firm against life’s challenges while keeping our focus on the Kingdom of God.
• Don Turgeon equipped us with practical tools to gird ourselves with truth and discern what is truly from God, teaching us how to stand firm against deception in a noisy world.
• Ben Massie gave a heartfelt message about how God can transform our weaknesses into strengths. He explored the story of a biblical hero who discovered faith and purpose even at rock bottom.

Watch the full playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7B0xf2qkmgrVFoQeFTCTM91sLEDp36l

Mental health videos

On Wednesday, Dec. 25, we hosted two thought-provoking presentations addressing the growing mental health challenges in today’s world:

Hanna Del Castillo, who holds a B.S. in Psychology, explored how to set healthy boundaries with social media and screen time in her talk, “Screen-Independent: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle.”
Lena VanAusdle, a certified Clinical Counselor, shared valuable insights on overcoming addictions and provided practical tips for supporting others in their recovery journeys.
Find all of these presentations here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7B0xf2qkmgrVFoQeFTCTM91sLEDp36l.

—Media and Communications Services / Ministerial and Member Services

Magnetic Feast Calendars

Ambassador Bible College (ABC) still has a considerable number of the 8.5" x 11" 2025 magnetic calendars available showing the Feasts and Holy Days. These are great for laying out your Feast of Tabernacles plans.

Anyone still wishing to purchase one or more calendars can email ABCFundraiser@ucg.org. Please include your name, address, email and the number of calendars. We will mail them out to you when the order is received. Please pay the $8 for each calendar after receipt of your order, in case we run out and cannot fulfill your request.

We thank you for your generous support of the ABC students.

ABC Continuing Education

The Ambassador Bible College (ABC) Continuing Education program will be held at the home office in Milford, Ohio from May 19–23, 2025.

Faculty members will teach excerpts of classes from the ABC curriculum. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served each day. The cost to attend the program is $85 per person or $100 for married couples.

Enrollment is limited. Registration opens January 27. To register, please contact Katherine Rowland at (513) 576-9796 or katherine_rowland@ucg.org.

2025 Atlanta Ski Trip Feb. 1–2

Reservations Due on Jan. 20

The Atlanta, Georgia UCG congregation is once more planning an annual ski trip. This year our ski and snowboard event is scheduled for Feb. 1 and 2. The trip will begin with Sabbath Services in Knoxville, Tennessee on Feb. 1. Then on Sunday we will be on the slopes at Ober Mountain.

The cost for this year’s activity is outlined below. These rates include equipment and lift ticket (plus the added cost to the church for handling the payment via PayPal).

• $108 for skiers.
• $118.50 for snowboarders.
• $63 for lift ticket only (without equipment).

To participate in this year’s ski trip, you must first complete the reservation form and then make payment via PayPal. The deadline for payment is Wednesday, January 20, 2025. (Payments for this year’s ski trip will only be made using PayPal.)

For complete details, reservation form and PayPal details, please visit the 2025 Atlanta Ski Trip page at https://www.ucg.org/congregations/atlanta-ga/announcements/2025-atlanta-ski-trip-feb-1-2-reservations-due-120-12-noon.

If you have questions, you may email Bob McCurdy at ram19@bellsouth.net. We look forward to seeing you there!

Women's Enrichment Weekend March 28–30

Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada

Come join your spiritual sisters “on the road less traveled” in God’s majestic Southeastern British Columbia mountains for an enriching weekend of fellowship, learning and fun discussing God’s purposeful calling and strengthening of our faith.

Registration information and more details are available on the Women of Valor website: https://women.ucg.org.

United Teen Camp – Alberta, Canada

Aug. 26–Sept. 1

We are excited to announce that after our first successful Alberta teen camp last year, we have secured a wonderful venue for our second United teen camp in Alberta Aug. 26–Sept. 1, 2025.

The Alberta 4H Center in Westerose, Alberta has a truly wonderful private setting for our group, backing onto Battle Lake with ample outdoor space available for various group activities. Campers will participate in a variety of activities each day—including physical outdoor activities, spiritual principles discussions and fellowship time—all focusing on bonding with each other and reassuring our teens that God’s way works and is the best way!

Come join your Canadian brethren for this wonderful week of fellowship, fun, encouragement and learning. Teens ages 12–18 are welcome. Scheduled activities and registration information will be coming soon!

We do need adult volunteers for various activities. Please contact Larry or Maureen DeLong at lgdelong@shaw.ca if you are able to assist.