United News Weekly

Preparing for a Spiritual Feast

More than 40 people joined the annual Feast Coordinators Conference via Zoom this past Monday and Tuesday.

The group included current and former Feast coordinators as well as supporting staff from the home office. Participants represented not only the United States but also the Caribbean, Canada, New Zealand, France and Eastern Europe.

While much of the meeting and work ahead for Feast Coordinators must focus on the practical details of planning the Feast, the greater purpose was emphasized: to help provide a spiritually rich and encouraging Feast of Tabernacles celebration for God’s people.

The conference served as a reminder that a meaningful Feast does not happen by accident. It takes prayer, preparation and the faithful service of many people working behind the scenes. As God instructed regarding the Feast, “You shall rejoice before the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 16:11). Facilitating that for brethren around the world is an important act of service.

From registration and finances to music, speaking schedules, activities and audiovisual support, each part works together to create a positive and uplifting environment for members worship, rejoice and be encouraged during this appointed time. The Feast is a special opportunity for God’s people to gather in unity, reflecting the words of Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

A significant portion of the conference was devoted to open discussion, giving coordinators the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and learn from one another’s experience.

The meetings also emphasized the importance of serving all who attend the Feast—families, singles, seniors, young adults, children and visitors—so that each site can be welcoming, orderly and spiritually uplifting.

A great deal of effort goes into the process by our Feast Coordinators and many others; however, there is always a need for volunteers to assist onsite and help carry out those plans! In addition to your prayers for those planning the Feast ahead of time, a vital step you can take is to ask yourself: “How can I serve others at the Feast of Tabernacles this year?”

Serving one another is a required aspect of our calling from God as we follow the example of Jesus Christ—who, even though He was God in the flesh, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). If you did not sign up for volunteer areas with your registration, right now is a great time to get involved! You may either update your registration to indicate volunteer areas you would like to serve in or contact your Feast Coordinator directly to ask how you can help out.
Overall, the conference was an encouraging reminder of the privilege and responsibility involved in preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles. Through teamwork and dedicated service, coordinators help create an environment where God’s people can rejoice before Him, be strengthened by His Word and experience a meaningful foretaste of His coming Kingdom.

Steve Myers
Ministerial and Member Services

Financial Services

Updates to the UCG.org Donation Process

If you've recently made a donation or ordered literature on UCG.org, you may have noticed that things look rather different! We’ve completely overhauled the way the checkout process works on the website. The new version is easier to use, looks nicer, and gives you more payment options. If you have any questions, or are having trouble making an order with the new system, feel free to contact us at info@ucg.org.

Because of this upgrade, you may have to re-enter payment information that was previously saved: once you re-enter and re-save your payment information you will again be able to reuse it.

Ministerial and Member Services

Ordination of Dan Lausted

We’re happy to announce that on May 24, 2026, Dan Lausted was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Darlene, serve the congregation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Obituary: Art Morris

Art Morris, 92, of Perrysville, Ohio, died on Monday, May 26, 2026. He faithfully served the Mansfield, Ohio congregation, first as a deacon and then as an ordained elder, for 45 years.

In his younger years, Art rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command. He had a 57-year career in engineering and various management roles and was passionate about organic gardening and sustainable farming on the family farm near Perrysville.

A graveside service was held with full military honors on May 31. Art is survived by his wife Rilla, their three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Obituary: Randy Stiver

Randy Stiver, who devoted 50 years to serving God and His people in the ministry, died May 10, 2026, after a short hospitalization.

Over the decades, Randy pastored congregations across the United States, taught at Ambassador Bible College, edited Church publications, worked with youth, wrote extensively and gave countless presentations.

Randy attended Ambassador College at Bricket Wood, England. In 1973, while working with other Ambassador students on the Temple Mount Excavation Project in Jerusalem, he met Linda Dundon. They were married in 1974 during the Feast of Tabernacles in Squaw Valley, California. Linda remained the love of his life throughout more than five decades of marriage and ministry.

Their daughter, Amanda, was born in 1980 and became the apple of her father’s eye. Together, Randy and Amanda shared a lasting love of history.

Randy was especially known for his love of preaching and teaching God’s plan of salvation, the return of Jesus Christ and the coming world tomorrow. His ministry reflected a deep conviction in God’s purpose for humanity and in the hope of the resurrection.

Beyond his ministerial service, Randy had a lifelong love of the outdoors. Raised on a farm, he became an avid hunter and fisherman with a remarkable knowledge of wildlife, firearms history, biblical history and world history. He was also skilled in building hand-hewn English-style longbows.

His life of faith, service and teaching leaves a lasting example of hope in God’s promises and faithful dedication to His people.

Job Opportunity

Russian Proofreaders Needed

The United Church of God is seeking proofreaders fluent in the Russian language to proofread Church materials prior to publication. Content will already be translated from English, so fluency in English is not required. This is a contract position, and hours are flexible. Candidates must have access to Microsoft Word, email and various web applications.

If you are able to help, please contact Scott Delamater at scott_delamater@ucg.org. Thank you!

Feast of Tabernacles

Remember to Register for the Feast!

Have you registered for the Feast of Tabernacles yet? There’s plenty of space open at most sites, and we encourage you to register early so we can plan for activities, service and fellowship opportunities at each site. Be sure to fill out the “Church Service” and “Volunteer Opportunities” sections if you are able!

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Feast of Tabernacles!

Register Today!