Home Office Weekly Update
Let us continue to support one another with graciousness, remembering that we are co-workers with Christ, laboring side by side in God’s vineyard.
From the President…
To Our Faithful Ministers and Members of the United Church of God
Warmest greetings in Christ. I want to take this moment to express deep appreciation for each and every one of you—for your steadfast love, your spiritual labor, and for the unique and vital role you play in this incredible Body to which we have all been graciously invited.
Thank you for being brothers and sisters in the ongoing spiritual work of extending forgiveness, and for personally fasting toward oneness with our Father and with all of His beloved children. These efforts are not only noble, they are transformative—for the Church, and for each individual engaged in them. Let’s keep this up!
What I’ve discovered—and I share this with conviction—is how often I encounter members and leaders who are earnestly striving to do God’s will in every corner of their lives. That truth continues to inspire me. And it’s why I continue to encourage all of us to cast off critical and condescending mindsets toward anyone, anywhere. The only true Judge is the living God—who alone knows our private thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12–13). To Him, and only Him, we must give account. Instead of critiquing one another, let us do the humble work of considering each other better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). When people are praised, they rise—not only to meet expectations, but often to surpass them, fueled by a joy that comes from feeling valued.
Here at the home office, we see this principle in action every day. Our small, dedicated staff—spread across a dozen departments of sometimes only two or three people —is striving diligently to accomplish what sometimes feels like the impossible. We are continually adapting, producing and pressing forward in a rapidly changing world, often with limited resources. Yet despite these challenges, the desire to serve and to improve never wanes.
Likewise, in recent church visits in Ohio, South Dakota, Oklahoma and Michigan, my wife and I have witnessed pastors and wives stretching themselves to serve multiple congregations and even coordinate international operations, Feast sites and teen summer camps. The work of the ministry, local leaders and members is being done typically with less-than-ideal amounts of manpower and finances. Yet, the devotion to God and His work that all of you have is inspirational to witness.
Let us continue to support one another with graciousness, remembering that we are co-workers with Christ, laboring side by side in God’s vineyard. With each step, let’s replace judgment with encouragement, replace distance with unity, and let our love for one another be the hallmark of our being disciples of Jesus Christ who directed: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
May God’s Spirit overflow in all we do, as we serve together with encouragement, unity and love.
With heartfelt gratitude and deep respect,
John Elliott, President
From Ministerial and Member Services...
We’re happy to announce that on June 1, 2025 Martin Braun was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Ailsa, serve the congregation in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We greatly appreciate your prayers for the Brauns as they continue to serve in their new responsibilities.
—Steve Myers, Operation Manager, Ministerial and Member Services
Apply Now – Ambassador Bible College
Ambassador Bible College is currently accepting applications for the next school year, which begins in late August. There is still space in next year’s class, and we would be glad to hear from young adults (and/or older adults) who are interested in a fun, engaging and thorough study of God’s Word in one school year.
Enrollment is open to those who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. We like to have applications by July 15, but will consider them as long as there is still space. Applying earlier makes it easier to arrange housing, but there is currently ample lodging available with Cincinnati church members.
Please visit abc.ucg.org to learn about the program. If you have specific questions, please email us at abc_admissions@ucg.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
—Frank Dunkle, Director of Admissions
World News and Prophecy—Revelation
The World News and Prophecy landing page now has 26 videos available, and the second part in the series about the book of Revelation is now being released. Check back each week for a new Revelation class recording.
Complete list of class recordings
A complete list of all Ambassador Bible College class recordings can be found by navigating to “Ambassador Bible College” on our website’s “Member” menu. Then, click on “ABC Courses.”
On the Courses page you will find all our class recordings—mostly audio recordings from over the years. But those recorded on video are now tagged “Yes” in the right column of the class course recordings list.
—Peter Eddington, Media and Communications Services
