United News Weekly
Updates from Media, Financial Services, MMS and more!
Is TV Still Relevant?
Is TV still a relevant, effective medium in our digital world? It’s a question that gets asked both inside and outside of the industry.
A presentation at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in February titled “TV Is Not Dead” defended its place in the media mix. Phil Cooke, a prominent voice in religious television production efforts, noted that media consumption is consistent across demographic groups, but broadcast TV takes a smaller slice of the pie than it has historically.
But this drop in demand has made TV more affordable. We recently had an opportunity to run Beyond Today programs every Monday through Friday on Word Network at a significant cost savings. This 14-week test, running through the beginning of June, will give us more insight into the efficacy of a TV broadcast and its place in our media mix.
Our new schedule is below. (All times shown in EDT.)
- Sunday: 12:30 p.m./6:00 p.m.
- Monday: 5:00 p.m./2:00 a.m.*
- Tuesday: 5:00 p.m./2:00 a.m.*
- Wednesday: 5:00 p.m./2:00 a.m.*
- Thursday: 5:00 p.m./2:00 a.m.*
- Friday: 5:00 p.m./2:00 a.m.*
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.
* 2:00 a.m. airings are a repeat of the 5:00 p.m. airing, 9 hours later.
We will be evaluating the reach and potential of these programs over the next several months. We appreciate your prayers for God’s continued direction, and for clarity and courage to walk through whatever doors He opens.
Scott Delamater
Media and Communications Services Manager
Financial Services
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) for Holy Day Offerings
We would like to share important information regarding the use of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) when making Holy Day offerings.
A QCD is a direct distribution of funds from an individual’s Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization, such as the United Church of God, an International Association (UCGIA). Because QCDs must be handled differently than standard cash donations, they require specific identification and acknowledgment.
If you plan to make a Holy Day offering using a QCD, please follow these instructions:
Do not place QCD donations in your local congregation’s Holy Day offering collection.
Mail or remit your QCD directly to UCGIA: United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027.
Clearly indicate that the donation is a Qualified Charitable Distribution and specify the Holy Day offering it is intended for.
We are deeply grateful for your continued faithfulness and generous support of God’s Work.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact UCGIA at (513) 576-9796 or email Sarah Howard, Donations Processing Manager, at Sarah_Howard@ucg.org.
Ministerial and Member Services
Obituary: Pat Stewart
Blanchie Ruth “Pat” Stewart died peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, at the age of 89. Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
After high school in Gravett, Arkansas, Pat moved to Liberal, Kansas, where she met and married husband Ellis in 1953. They became coworkers of the Radio Church of God and were baptized at the spring festival in Big Sandy in 1956. They moved to Pasadena, California, where Ellis worked for Monrovia Aviation Company and then the Church’s printing department. Pat worked as a secretary at California Institute of Technology, then as secretary to Jack Elliot, Ambassador College Dean of Students.
In 1959, Pat became a stay-at-home mom to son Jonathan and then daughter Liz. In 1965, they moved to Big Sandy, where Ellis established and ran the Ambassador College Texas campus print shop. Their son Jim was born that fall. Later that year, Ellis was ordained a deacon, serving until 1975, when he was ordained an elder. Pat served as an elder’s wife (with her husband Ellis) for 50 years!
Pat returned to the workforce in 1973 and fulfilled a variety of positions including secretary to the Big Sandy Elementary School Principal, elementary PE teacher, hostess at Annie’s Tea Room, manager of Annie’s Gift Shop, and then customer service at SFG until her 30-year retirement in 2010.
Pat was a devoted follower of Christ and His teachings. She enjoyed people and serving, known for her special soups and sandwiches.
Pat is survived by her son Jim Stewart of Big Sandy; daughter Liz Russell and son-in-law Doug Russell of Arcadia, California; grandson Wesley Russell and granddaughter-in-law Stephanie (Martens) Russell of Powell, Ohio; and great-grandchildren Rose, Lachlan and Rebecca Russell.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Ellis in 2024, son Jonathan in 1972, her parents, three brothers and three sisters.
United Youth Camps
Camp Wildrose
It’s time to register for Camp Wildrose in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! Camp will be from July 8-12 this year, and welcomes youth ages 5-15.
Camp is a four-day spiritual and physical learning adventure for our young. At this camp, we hope to teach and encourage our children to live by the Fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:20. We hope to encourage strong friendship bonds between our children and to teach them lessons in responsibility, independence and interdependence. We aspire to give them a love of nature and God’s creation, as we spend time outdoors. Most of all, we hope to provide them a wonderful opportunity, full of fun, adventure and God’s spirit.
For more information, visit: ucgedmonton.org/camp/campDetails.jsp
Feast of Tabernacles
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
Upcoming Events
Gear Grinder Bike Ride
The Twin Cities United Church of God invites you to join us for our fourth annual UCG Gear Grinder Class bike ride!
This year, the ride will take place on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in the beautiful Minnetonka Lakes region of the Twin Cities.
Some features of this year’s ride:
- A Friday evening rider meet and greet bonfire.
- 27.5-, 45- and 65-mile routes.
- Family friendly start and end location with playground and restrooms.
- Fully supported rest stops.
- A post ride lunch available for both riders and their families.
- Swag to remember the ride: Commemorative ride T-shirts and men’s and women’s cycle jerseys.
- Lots of fun and fellowship to be had!
We hope you’ll join us for another weekend of fun and fellowship as we grind our gears in Lake Minnetonka!
Tony Stith
