3/23/05
Greetings everyone,
The love and concern for our beloved brethren in Milwaukee continues to pour in unabated. Mr. Rand Millich told me this morning that this outpouring of deep care from all over the world is almost overwhelming. He said that the healing from this unimaginable tragedy has slowly started, but it is understandably going to take time. The congregation there is coping in faith and looking forward. Mr. and Mrs. Millich and Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gilchrist have been there all this week, going above and beyond in their service to all concerned. It’s a wonderful blessing that they are able to do this. They have expressed what a privilege it is to help out at this crucial time in the Church’s history.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Church-Wide Fast Mr. Meredith has decided to call a Church-wide fast for the Sabbath of April 9, 2005. He will be sending out a letter soon, explaining in more detail about this very special fast day for the Church. Disfellowshipment and Marking Notice We regret that it is our duty to inform you that based upon biblical instruction an ecclesiastical determination has been made to disfellowship and mark Mr. Don Haney for the spiritual protection of our members. Therefore, for your own spiritual well-being, you are advised to refrain from contact with this individual, including attending any meetings held by him or his representatives (Romans 16:17-18). He is no longer a minister or member in the Living Church of God. We bear Mr. Haney no ill and we should all pray that God would grant him repentance.—Church Administration Department
The Bible Hymnal The Bible Hymnal is well along the way to being sent to every one of our congregations. You will also be receiving piano accompaniment for the hymns on four CDs. The background singing CDs will be sent out later. As far as the old hymnals are concerned—that is left up to the Area Pastor’s discretion. They can be given to members to take home for their library, or perhaps distributed to other groups, or whatever the Pastor decides regarding the disposition of the previous hymnals we were using.
Living Youth Camp (Grand Teton National Park) The Living Church of God is planning a backpacking trip in Grand Teton National Park from August 3-9. Located south of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming, this mountain range is unlike any other range in the Rockies. The Tetons rise with stunning abruptness in a row of peaks that tower 1.5 miles above the saltbrush plains. Majestic snow-covered mountain peaks, glaciers, meadows covered in multicolored wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife are a few things that will make this one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We will be staying in accommodations in the Jackson, Wyoming area on Tuesday evening and begin hiking on Wednesday, August 3. We plan to spend the Sabbath in the wilderness. Following the backpacking trip we hope to go whitewater rafting down the Snake River. Plan to depart for home on Wednesday, August 10. Those who are 15-18 years of age are eligible to apply. We plan to accept no more than 20 applicants this year. If accepted you should plan to arrive in Jackson, Wyoming on Tuesday August 2. You will be required to organize your own transportation to and from Jackson; however, rides will be provided for those flying into the Jackson Hole Airport. You will need to supply your own backpack and zero-degree sleeping bag as well as personal items. Tents, cooking gear, etc., will be supplied.—Sheldon Monson, Camp Director
INTERNATIONAL FEAST SITES 2005 Valle Grande, Argentina The Feast of Tabernacles in Argentina will be held once again in Valle Grande, San Rafael, in the province of Mendoza. Brethren from Bolivia, Chile and Argentina will celebrate the Feast in this village—situated in a region prominent for its vineyards, outstanding wines and beautiful crafted leather articles. Valle Grande is located a few kilometers from the city of San Rafael, in the Atuel River valley, and is surrounded by mountains. We will be staying by the river banks at the Complejo del Cerro. We are planning several outdoor activities during the Feast—to admire the nearby natural sceneries—including last year’s applause-winning activity: rafting at the Atuel River. The cost per person/per day is $17 US, which includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner. For further information and details, please contact the LCG Spanish Department at 704-844-1970 or e-mail mlincoln@cogl.org. Come share the Feast of Tabernacles with us in the land of Malambo, Mate and Asado!
MEDIA Two Tomorrow’s World programs were taped on Wednesday. Mr. Meredith presented program #248 “Power in Prayer”, offering the booklet Twelve Keys to Answered Prayer. Mr. Meredith’s program will air on June 12. Mr. Richard Ames presented program #246 “Can You Prove God Exists?” offering an audio CD. Mr. Ames’ program will air on May 22. We plan to tape another program by Mr. Ames next week.
COMMENTS When Mr. and Mrs. Meredith traveled to Milwaukee to serve our brethren there, they came home encouraged and strengthened by them. I found the same thing during the week Mr. Sheldon Monson and I were there. Day after day we visited the brethren directly impacted by this traumatic tragedy, trying to encourage and help them. However, we in turn were encouraged and strengthened by them. I began to realize that love flows both ways among dedicated Christians. It goes from those trying to comfort those who are suffering, and comes back in a very special way from those who are suffering. This develops a deeper unity and togetherness. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 explains, “that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Have a peaceful and strengthening Sabbath,
Charles E. Bryce
Bob Thiel, 2005