United News Weekly
Spiritual housecleaning begins with honest self-examination.
Don’t Be a Spiritual Pack Rat!
Is it just me, or do we all tend to accumulate things? Over time garages and closets fill up. There’s even a name for people like that—pack rats.
Maybe you’ve cleaned out the garage before. You haul out piles of stuff and sort through it all, and when you’re done, somehow a few “selected items” end up right back inside.
Spiritually, that can happen too. God calls us to recognize the junk that can accumulate in our lives—wrong attitudes, bad habits, lingering sins that quietly take up space where they don’t belong (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread remind us that real spiritual growth requires real spiritual housecleaning. That kind of spiritual housecleaning begins with honest self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28). Getting rid of the trash isn’t easy—but it’s necessary.
So, let’s take the lesson seriously. Let’s be more determined than ever to clear out what is ungodly in our lives and replace it with what truly belongs—God’s truth, His character, and His way of life (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Steve Myers
Ministerial and Member Services
South Africa Training Seminar
From March 8-12, 28 participants gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa for a four-day training seminar centered on the theme “The Equipping of the Saints” (Ephesians 4:12). Those attending represented every congregation in South Africa and came together with a shared desire to grow as disciples and to more effectively serve God and His people.
The seminar reflected the international cooperation within the Church. Several instructors participated from the United States, with some sessions presented remotely via Zoom, allowing participants in South Africa to benefit from instruction and interaction with experienced ministers serving in other regions of the world.
Topics focused on aligning our lives with the mission God has given to His Church and equipping those serving the brethren with practical tools for leadership and service. Sessions included a review of Church organization, principles of effective speaking, reaching out to young people, working with others with diplomacy and care, and interacting with visitors and prospective members. Participants also discussed maintaining a biblical perspective on world events and considered strategic plans for continuing the work of preaching the gospel throughout South Africa (Matthew 24:14).
The seminar also provided opportunities for participants to present sermonettes followed by evaluation and instruction, offering practical experience in developing speaking and teaching skills.
Many meaningful conversations took place during breaks and in the evenings as participants grew closer in brotherly love and shared purpose.
Proverbs 25:25 records, “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.” It was encouraging to witness the dedication and zeal of those serving God’s people and supporting the work of the gospel in Southern Africa. There is indeed much good news coming from this region as God continues to call people and build His Church.
The time together proved uplifting for all involved and strengthened the shared commitment to serve God, care for the brethren and support the work of the gospel. We look forward to future opportunities like this that will continue to help equip and strengthen those serving the brethren (Ephesians 4:11–12).
Feast of Tabernacles
Sabaudia, Italy
Pre-registration for the Feast in Sabaudia, Italy will open this Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. CET. You can register your entire family, specifying each person’s service areas, arrival and departure dates, and room type preference (for larger groups, you can select more than one room).
These are pre-registrations; once accepted, registrants can fill out other necessary information (i.e. flights, excursions, allergies, special needs, etc.).
Register online at: feast.ucgitaly.org
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Registration Opens Soon!
We are pleased to announce that registration for the Feast of Tabernacles in Chiang Mai, Thailand will open soon. Those interested in attending this beautiful international Feast site can begin registering on Saturday, March 21, at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai—often called the “Rose of the North”—offers a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality. The area provides many opportunities to enjoy God’s creation, from scenic national parks and waterfalls to gardens, wildlife experiences and vibrant local markets.
Services and activities will be held at a comfortable four-star property with a wide range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and full-service spa. Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants serving Thai and Chinese cuisine, a coffee shop, and poolside bar, along with free Wi-Fi, room service, and convenient access to the nearby Night Bazaar and city attractions.
You’ll find additional details and information at feast.ucg.org.
Steve Myers
Chiang Mai Feast Coordinator
