United News Weekly
When Jesus gave His disciples their commission before ascending to the Father, He drew no national boundaries around it.
One Commission, Many Nations: An International Family
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,” He commanded, “baptizing them . . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The scope was unmistakable—every nation, every people, every language.
We continue this mission today, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom and rulership of God in all the world, making disciples in all nations and caring for those disciples.
The book of Revelation shows the everlasting gospel will be proclaimed to every nation, tribe, tongue and people (Revelation 14:6-7). When Christ returns and rules all nations on the earth, the Millennium-world will be taught His ways until the earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord, as Micah foresaw: “He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” (Micah 4:1-3; Isaiah 11:9).
After that, in the Great White Throne Judgment period, those who never truly understood God’s truth will be raised to physical life, with God’s word opened to their understanding. They will be given their first opportunity to learn His way and respond to Him (Isaiah 11:9; Revelation 20:11-12). We now serve in but one of several successive phases of God’s offering humanity an opportunity to come under His loving rulership.
This is a huge responsibility at a most critical and challenging point in time. Accomplishing it is far beyond human strength alone. Fulfilling the commission requires more than media broadcasts and publications originating from a central location. It requires men and women living the Word, exemplifying the results and serving those whom God is calling—in their languages, in their communities, within their cultural contexts. This is precisely what UCGIA’s international offices, ministry, staff and volunteer members actively contribute to every day.
A Global Body of Servants
Across multiple continents, the United Church of God includes members and operations served through national council associations and international senior pastor regions. These active operations are supported by dedicated men and women who manage operations, support congregations, develop region-specific resources, and provide the organizational infrastructure through which the gospel reaches communities far and wide. Their work often goes unseen by the broader membership—yet it is honorable, appreciated and indispensable.
During in-person visits with domestic and international congregations, offices, staff and boards, the home office staff and I are continually struck by the dedication of so many highly skilled contributors to this collaborative end-time work of God. Everywhere we travel, we see faithful men and women preparing God’s people while also striving to find avenues and opportunities to share the good message of God’s way of life to a dying world. Our numbers are small and our presence on the world scene may seem hardly bigger than a pinhead. Yet like grains of salt scattered across the earth and points of light shining in the darkness, each of us contributes towards the great mission that Christ assigned.
Our international entities carry significant responsibly in serving their regions—navigating diverse languages, legal environments, cultural contexts and local church needs—with the same sense of calling that motivates you and me. Many sacrifice their time, career advancement and personal comfort in order to serve the Church. Their faithfulness reflects the spirit of Paul, who counted “all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8).
God is also blessing us with a remarkable community of highly skilled volunteer contributors around the world—translators, writers, educators, media professionals, administrators and more—who give generously of their time and abilities. They love helping all of the people God created and believe deeply in contributing to His Work.
One Work, One Body
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Every part matters. Every part contributes to the whole.
The home office, the international offices and the senior pastorates do not represent separate endeavors. They are one body, one commission, one work—different in location and function but unified in purpose through one Spirit.
As we pursue striving to fulfill Christ’s commission together, let us express sincere gratitude for each other as we carry this mission across time zones and national boundaries. To our international staff and volunteer contributors: your work is seen by God, valued by this Church, and woven into the eternal purpose He is working out on this earth. We are deeply grateful for every one of you.
In Christ’s service,
John Elliott
President, United Church of God
Media and Marketing Updates
A Glimpse of God’s Plan: New Holy Day Content
At the heart of UCG Media’s efforts is a commitment to boldly and faithfully preach the gospel and to share God’s inspired message of repentance and salvation.
The Iran war prompted a big shift in media and content development, forcing the cancellation of a planned trip to Israel to film new Beyond Today episodes. Those episodes were intended to provide more than four hours of fresh content (the equivalent of nine 28:30 shows) for our Beyond Today channel during the May-July timeframe.
Pivoting from that unexpected change, the team here at the Home Office got to work on a collection of content focused on the Holy Days—timely for the season and core to our beliefs that stand out from mainstream Christianity. Multiple initiatives are happening, including:
- For a while we have wanted to highlight David Teague’s Holy Day paintings that are displayed here in the Home Office. We pulled David into the office for a few minutes to tell us about each of the paintings in a series of short videos. These help us appreciate the meaning within all the festivals.
- Steve Myers is hosting a new Beyond Today Shorts series which walks our BT audience through each step in God’s plan, illuminating their significance.
- The Magnified team is creating a new series called “God’s Master Plan” to show viewers God’s end goal, not only for humanity at large, but in their own lives today.
We’re excited to continue adding content to these pages as we move through the Holy Day Season. We hope you’ll return often, explore what’s available and share it with others who may be searching for understanding.
As usual, we’re working continually to improve and grow. This includes enhancements to the website in our efforts to serve you and share God’s truth with the world more effectively. We are always open to feedback and questions. You’re welcome to reach out to Kourtney Kovanis, Senior Manager, Marketing at kourtney_kovanis@ucg.org.
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast Registration
Early registration only applies to Walnut Creek for 2026.
Early Registration
April 19, 12 p.m. EDT – April 24, 8 p.m. EDT
A passcode is required to register for this site. This passcode is available through the pastor of the assigned congregations. If you are unsure whether your congregation is assigned to this site, please check with your pastor.
Important: Approval for this restricted site is only guaranteed for members of the designated congregations who register during the early registration window.
General Registration
Opens April 26 at 12 p.m. EDT
All members may begin registering for the Feast at this time. All Feast sites are expected to have adequate capacity except for possibly Walnut Creek, OH.
Housing Reservations
As a reminder, the annual Feast Planning Brochure was not printed this year. All information can be found at the Feast website: ucg.org/members/feast-of-tabernacles. Except for Walnut Creek you may book housing now, as these sites are not expected to reach capacity. However, be sure to officially register on April 26.
Each individual Feast website displays a “Housing Info” link for discounted rates.
Questions can be emailed to Festival@ucg.org or call (970) 484-5878.
United Young Adults
Join us for Challenger Sierra 2026!
You’re invited to an incredible backpacking experience in the Emigrant Wilderness of California! This year, Challenger Sierra will be held from July 29–Aug 4, 2026. Come appreciate God’s creation, physically challenge yourself and participate in spiritual discussions with like-minded young adults! Ages 18-32, single and married are welcome!
Are you ready for an unforgettable week of spiritual growth and connection with God’s people in a beautiful outdoor setting? Register by May 9, 2026. We look forward to seeing you!
Ministerial and Member Services
New Regional Pastor for Northeast Region
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Gary Antion for his faithful service as regional pastor for the Northeast region over the past several years. We are deeply grateful for his wisdom, steady guidance and dedicated service to God and His people. We wish him and his wife, Barb, God’s blessings, peace and good health in his well-deserved retirement.
We are also pleased to announce that Ray Clore has been appointed as the new regional pastor for the Northeast region. Ray and his wife, Rhonda, have been married 50 years since graduating from Ambassador College in Pasadena. Over the years, Ray has served God’s people in a wide range of ministerial assignments in the United States and
internationally, while also enjoying a distinguished career as a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer and senior advisor. He has continued to be especially helpful in French-speaking areas through translation, teaching and ongoing support.
We are thankful for Ray’s willingness to serve in this new role and are confident he will be a real blessing to the pastors and congregations in the Northeast. Please join us in thanking Mr. Antion and warmly welcoming Ray to this new responsibility.
Ordination of Adamu Billey
We’re happy to announce that on April 8, 2026, Adamu Billey was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Grace, serve the congregation in Accra, Ghana.
Upcoming Events
Northwest Men’s Weekend
The Northwest Men’s Weekend is approaching quickly, and we still have a few spots open for any men who would like to share in a unique and rewarding weekend with fellow brothers in Christ.
We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker this year is John Elliott, President of the United Church of God, an International Association. It promises to be a memorable weekend filled with good food, warm fellowship, seminars, Sabbath services, wine and cheese socials, and much more.
We would be honored to welcome men from across the United States to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in breathtaking Seabeck, Washington.
Please contact Roc Corbett, roc_corbett@ucg.org, for more information or to register to attend.
