United News Weekly
A Weekend of Unity: GCE Highlights and What's Coming Next
Unity, New Appointments and the Year Ahead
Last week, elders from congregations around the world gathered in Cincinnati for the annual General Conference of Elders. By every measure, it was an uplifting and energizing experience for all who attended.
The weekend opened with arrivals and an international editorial summit on Friday, bringing together writers, editors and media leaders from multiple regions. Its purpose was to align resources and processes to best to communicate the gospel message throughout our global audience.
Throughout the weekend and GCE conference, attendees renewed relationships, shared experiences and participated in organizational matters. Several updates were given, including interactive sessions from Ministerial, Media and Financial Services. As you will read later in this edition, the reports revealed enhancements to our operations that are very encouraging. God’s hand is clearly evident in the growth and reach of the Work, and those updates reflected both the challenges being met and the real progress being made in serving members and reaching those God is calling today.
Of particular highlight were the appointments of managers and the introduction of two newly appointed Council of Elders members, Andy Lee and Ben Light. Their additions bring additional energy and perspectives to functions within the United Church of God. We are thankful for the service of Victor Kubik and Dan Dowd on the Council of Elders.
From every corner of the gathering—Sabbath services, lectures, business sessions, informal conversations and shared meals, the prevailing spirit was one of unity, purpose and resolute faith. This season brings a reminder of the oneness that those converted on the first Pentecost of the Church in Acts 2 were actively developing. They were bound together by God’s Holy Spirit, a shared calling, and love for one another. That same Spirit is moving among us today, drawing us forward in oneness with God and with each other.
Together, let’s be invigorated in our commitment to fulfill Jesus’ command to love as we each strive to fulfill the gospel mission He gave us. I am grateful for your continual prayers and faithful support and you certainly have mine. Together with Christ, much is being accomplished, and much more lies ahead.
John Elliott
President, United Church of God
Council of Elders
New Doctrinal Paper
The Council of Elders has prepared a new doctrinal paper titled “The Resurrection at the Seventh Trumpet Within God’s Plan of Salvation.”
While this paper is new, the Church’s teaching and doctrine on this subject have not changed. Rather, this paper is intended to support, clarify and more fully explain our understanding of God’s plan and the hope of the resurrection as revealed in Scripture.
We encourage you to read it carefully and become familiar with its contents. The paper is being provided to the ministry and should be shared with the entire membership as soon as possible.
We hope it will be a helpful resource in reinforcing and supporting our longstanding teaching on this important biblical subject.
Media Updates
New Beyond Today Presenter and the Year Ahead
We’re excited to share that Ben Light will be joining the Beyond Today team as a presenter. Ben, a United Church of God pastor since 2017, brings 15 years of teaching experience at the middle and high school levels and a warmth as genuine on screen as it is in person. Production on new episodes will begin in June. Additional presenters are also being identified as we continue developing the presenter team.
The GCE’s approval of the new operation plan makes official several exciting goals for the year ahead: new Bible-centered parenting content, an increased focus on international areas, a richer webcast experience, and tools to strengthen the human connection between those seeking the truth and members of God’s Church. You’ll see these elements emerge across all our media vehicles, from Beyond Today magazine and shows to our social media presence and our website.
Some have already gained traction. Shortly after the GCE, an international team from Latin America—Gabriel Garcia, Jaime Diaz and Jaime Salek—filmed a series of one-minute shorts on the Beyond Today set to be released over the coming year. Similar collaborative projects involving other international areas are also being planned as part of fulfilling our commission to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
Scott Delamater
Media and Communication Services Operation Manager
Ministerial and Member Services
The health of the Church is measured not by mere numbers, but by God’s people faithfully living their calling, serving one another and building up the Body of Christ. The overall picture is one of stability, resilience and real fruit. Attendance is stronger than in recent years, year-to-date baptisms are encouraging and above average, and the total number of elders is at its highest point in recent years.
As Christ said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). That reality encourages us, but it also reminds us to pray, plan and prepare more deliberately for the needs ahead.
We are thankful for recent steps that help us move from maintenance to intentional development. The Council of Elders has approved two new Senior Manager roles within Ministerial and Member Services—Ben Light serving in International Services and Steven Britt serving in Member Services. These roles will increase our capacity to support the ministry, serve members and respond more effectively to the needs of the Church. We are also committed to strengthening education, communication and engagement through improved resources.
In harmony with the Strategic Plan, we will continue focusing on healthier congregations, balanced preaching, stronger service opportunities, youth and young adult retention, visitor care, speaking and preaching development, and more intentional mentoring. As Paul wrote, the Body grows when “every part does its share” and “causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
Fellowship reflects the health of our congregations, and leadership reflects the health of the ministry. With God’s guidance, our focus is to help equip, support and encourage both. As we look ahead, we ask all of you to pray earnestly, serve willingly and stay engaged in the work God is doing. When every part does its share, God can use even small acts of faithfulness to encourage and build up the whole Body.
Ordination of Junia Marin
We’re happy to announce that on May 7, 2026, Junia Marin was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Veena, serve the Trinidad & Tobago and Southern Caribbean congregations.
Ordination of Jonathan Litaba
We’re happy to announce that on May 9, 2026, Jonathan Litaba was ordained into the ministry. He will continue to serve the congregations in Zambia.
Painting the Feasts
Watch the latest video with David Teague: “Painting Pentecost.”
United Youth Camps
Camp season is here! United Youth Camp registration is still open for many of our camps. There is room available at several of our teen camps, especially Camp Woodland and Southwest Camp. Parents, if your teen has not yet registered, we encourage you to prayerfully consider camp this summer.
UYC is a tremendous opportunity for our young people to build godly friendships, grow spiritually and enjoy a positive environment centered on God’s way of life. If cost is a concern, please speak with your pastor about the possibility of a scholarship.
Over the years, camp has been a powerful and positive influence in many young people’s lives—and we hope your teen will be part of it this summer.
