United News Weekly
Read about the 2026 General Conference of Elders and register for upcoming events!
Highlights From the International Editorial Summit and GCE
On May 1, many leaders and members from our international congregations gathered with some of our U.S. editorial crew for the International Editorial Summit. Through the topics of audience, translating, marketing and more, the summit opened a productive discussion and a list of next steps to unify editorial processes between the United States and international offices of UCG.
Michelle de Campos shared some comments about these meetings, “The summit provided a valuable opportunity to connect in person with international representatives from various countries and language groups across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Portuguese-speaking regions, among others.
“One of the greatest benefits of meeting in person was being able to engage in meaningful, interactive group discussions about how content produced in the United States is perceived differently across cultures and regions. These conversations created space to explore solutions for making content selection more inclusive of international perspectives and audiences.
“Because many international representatives work remotely, they can sometimes feel isolated. Meeting and collaborating in person helped strengthen relationships among team members, foster a greater sense of unity and better identify areas where support is needed. It also allowed participants to hear firsthand what is and is not effective in different countries and cultures, helping improve communication and encouraging collaboration during the early stages of content development so materials can better connect with global audiences.
“Several representatives expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gather in person, noting that it deepened their connection to the broader team and emphasized the importance of collaboration across international regions in order to work more effectively together. The summit reinforced the value of ongoing communication and global partnership in developing content that effectively serves diverse audiences worldwide.”
General Conference of Elders
The Sabbath during GCE felt like being at the Feast of Tabernacles, both because of the quantity of members gathered and the quality of discussions filling the hall with buzzing excitement.
In addition to handling official GCE business, the meetings were an important opportunity for focused training and for ministers and their wives to build and renew relationships that enhance their ability to work together on long-distance projects.
Sunday was filled with productive sessions from department updates to panels with Q&As. There were also two seminars for the ministry about leadership and how to resolve disagreements. Monday was also packed with informative sessions focused on enhancing speaking skills with presentations by Gary Petty (expository speaking), Chuck Smith (interactive Bible studies), Scott Ashley (PowerPoint presentations), and Ken Loucks (using AI safely).
The international summit and GCE were an encouraging and unifying experience for elders, their wives and employees who serve the brethren around the world.
Emma Cortelyou
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast Registration
All Feast sites are open (except for Glacier Country, Montana, for which you can join the waitlist). Please visit feast.ucg.org and register for the Feast site you plan to attend if you have not already done so. Please note, there is a separate link to sign up for a Satellite Site, if you are unable to travel to the closest regular site. If you are unable to attend the Feast in person, please register on the page for Unable to Attend.
Housing Reservations
Each individual Feast website displays a “Housing Info” link for discounted rates.
You will also notice that each United States Feast site has a printable “Fact Sheet” available online. Members can easily print these for information tables or share a physical copy with members who don’t have internet access.
Questions can be emailed to Festival@ucg.org or call (970) 484-5878.
Upcoming Events
Space Still Available for Brown County Pentecost Weekend!
Still thinking about taking part in the 2026 Pentecost weekend in beautiful Brown County Indiana?
An exciting Pentecost weekend is shaping up for May 22-24, and space is still available. The special UCG rate for state park cabins and rooms in the Abe Martin Lodge will be available through May 10. More information is available online at pentecostbrowncounty.ucgevents.org (including information about performing during the annual Concert for God).
Want to reserve directly? Call (877) 563-4371 and use Group Code 0522UG.
Questions? Contact Jamie Snyder at jamie@themekgroup.com
United Youth Camps
Opportunity for Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in Illinois
Most of our United Youth Camps need certified lifeguards! We have an opportunity for you to get a lifeguard certification (or recertification) without conflicting with the Sabbath, which is hard to find at most facilities. All classes will take place in Peoria, Illinois.
This summer, Kira Olar is offering three different dates for new certifications. You must attend all three days and pass all requirements during one of the below sessions:
- May 18–20
- May 27–29
- June 24–26 (may move up one day to June 23-25)
She is also offering three different lifeguard recertification classes. You only have to attend one of these:
- May 17, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (backup location: YWCA in Pekin, Illinois)
- May 22, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
- June 26, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like more details, please contact Kira Olar at barrkira7@gmail.com or 515-776-8445
