United News Weekly

Letter From the President

Dear brethren,

As we have returned home from the Feast of Tabernacles, I want to thank everyone who made this year’s observance such a blessing. Festival coordinators, ushers, greeters, sound and video teams, musicians and choirs, children’s and youth volunteers, those who served our seniors and the many who quietly set up and took down. You gave generously of your time and energy for the love of your Church family and to glorify God. Your service reflected the spirit of the Feast itself, and God’s people were refreshed because of it. Thank you.

We all now enter the long season between the Feast and Passover, nearly the space of half an entire year. In the lands of the Bible, this is when barley and winter wheat are sown. Those seeds go into the ground after the Feast as the days shorten and the light fades. They endure frost, wind and often bitter cold. This is their time to develop and thrive, doing so largely unnoticed. Through it all they keep growing, and when God’s spring Festivals are observed they stand ripe and ready for their harvests, in season and on time. God built that pattern into His Festivals, beginning with the wave sheaf offering of the first of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11).

We are the seeds of a subsequent firstfruits harvest (Exodus 23:16). James wrote, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:18). Christ described the same steady process of growth: “first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head” (Mark 4:28).

The age around us is growing darker. Jesus warned that “because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). We see that coldness in society every day. Our calling is to keep growing in this environment, warmed by God’s Spirit and rooted in His Word. Let us strive to be more diligent in prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation. Let us work to draw closer to one another in our congregations and serve, comfort and help each other and those who are struggling (1 Peter 4:7-10).

The coming months may test us, yet harsh seasons strengthen roots. As Paul encouraged, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Thank you again for all you gave at the Feast. May each of us use this winter season to grow, so that we are found ready when the harvest comes.

With love and appreciation,

John Elliott | President, United Church of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon

Watch this year’s inspiring Feast of Tabernacles message from President John Elliott, “The Wonderful Kingdom of God.”

Ministerial and Member Services

Ordination of Giovanni Faraone

We’re happy to announce that on Sept. 26, 2026, Giovanni Faraone was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Grazia, serve the congregation in Milan, Italy.

Ordination of Giovanni Troisi

We’re happy to announce that on Sept. 26, 2026, Giovanni Troisi was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Elena, serve the congregation in Milan, Italy.

Obituary: Lowell Crosby

We are saddened to share the news of the death of longtime elder William Lowell Crosby, of Blue Springs, Missouri, who died on Sept. 28, 2026, at the age of 89.

Lowell faithfully served in the Kansas City area for more than 40 years. During that time, he was involved in nearly every aspect of congregational life and was always willing to lend a hand wherever there was a need.

Lowell will be remembered for his warm personality, gentle spirit and genuine love and concern for God’s people. He was an extremely capable, kind, compassionate and loving servant of God. His many years of dedicated service, his friendship and the personal interest he took in others touched many lives. He was a wonderful example of humble, faithful service and will be greatly missed by the brethren who knew and loved him.

Lowell and his beloved wife, Denise, shared more than 65 years of marriage. We are deeply thankful for their many years of faithful service and the wonderful example they have set. Please keep Denise and the entire family in your prayers, asking God to surround them with His comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead. We are thankful for God’s wonderful promise of the resurrection and the hope of seeing our faithful brothers and sisters once again in His Kingdom.

Feast of Tabernacles

Post-Feast 2026 Member Surveys for U.S. Sites

We hope everyone experienced a spiritually rewarding Feast of Tabernacles.

In this survey for members who attended a U.S. Feast site, your individual comments are important and helpful. If you didn’t already fill out a survey during the Feast, the links will remain open until Oct. 16.

• General Festival Survey
• Festival Housing Survey

Winter Family Weekend

Registration and Hotel Updates!

With the Feast of Tabernacles behind us, planning for Winter Family Weekend 2026 is in full swing! We are thrilled to invite you and your family to join us from Dec. 22–27, 2026, at Champion Mill in Hamilton, Ohio. If you have not yet registered, now is the perfect time to head over to wfw.ucg.org and secure your spot for an unforgettable week of spiritual growth, fellowship and fun.

This year’s theme is “Household of Faith,” with a primary focus on deep biblical growth culminating in our Sabbath worship. The seminar schedule is designed to transition dynamically from deep, doctrinal foundations early in the week to practical application as the Sabbath approaches. Heading into the Sabbath, we will feature three dedicated generational seminars: an adult seminar on Friday evening, followed by young adult and teen seminars on Sabbath morning.

Weekend Highlights Include:

• Community Meals: Breaking bread together at our signature Friday Night Family Banquet and our Sabbath Fellowship Breakfast.
• Activities and Socials: The high-energy Family Olympics, Jelly Live!, Teen Dance, Young Adult Social and our grand finale Saturday evening Family Dance.
• Sports: Basketball and Volleyball tournaments, plus Pickleball open play and tournament.
• Fellowship Spaces: The Board Game Lounge, Special Occasion Dress Boutique and Nail Boutique for preparation, relaxation and quality time together.

Warehouse Hotel Waitlist: Our primary room block at the Warehouse Hotel is currently sold out. If you were hoping to stay at this location, please call their front desk directly at (513) 273-8300 to request to be added to the waitlist in the event of any cancellations.

Overflow Hotel Booking: Accommodations are still available at our overflow property, the Courtyard Hamilton (Marriott). To ensure you receive our group discounted rates, please do not attempt to book rooms directly over the phone with the hotel. Once you complete your event registration online, you will receive a confirmation email containing the dedicated booking link to secure your room at the Marriott.

Start making your plans now—we can’t wait to welcome your family into our Household of Faith this December!

Dave PerMar | Winter Family Weekend Coordinator

Houston Regional Family Weekend

Reminder to Register

Dates: Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026

Location: Camp Lone Star in Tomball, Texas.

We are thankful to once again gather for a warm, “Feast-like” atmosphere of joyful fellowship and spiritual encouragement. Our theme this year is “Knit Together in Love” (Colossians 2:2), reminding us that God’s Church is more than a congregation—we are a spiritual family.

Our featured guest speaker this year is Micah Gunn. The weekend will include Sabbath worship services on-site, group Bible discussions for adults, teens and preteens, delicious meals provided throughout the weekend and activities for all ages.

There is no charge to attend, but we kindly ask everyone planning to attend to complete the registration form so we can prepare accordingly.

Register: forms.gle/MkwWJqb4CCRtkSTFA

Information and Schedule: ucg.org/houston-regional-family-weekend

We hope you will join us!

Jay and Jennifer Ledbetter

Register today!

UCG: Behind the Scenes