eNews from Ministerial and Member ServicesIssue 412

February 27, 2020

Personal From the President...

Dear fellow servants of God,

Yesterday we concluded the February meetings of the Council of Elders here at the home office. We finished the meetings a full day early, as we moved along at a rapid clip. Highlights were the review of the entire strategic and operation plans as well as the budget for 2020-2021 to ready it for approval by the General Conference of Elders in May. We had done so much of the work at the home office on this before the meetings that there were relatively few additions before Council approval.

There were a number of procedural issues discussed. One notable agenda item was Jorge de Campos' presentation requesting a feasibility study by the Education Committee to develop UCG online courses, such as the Bible Correspondence Course, or another course such as the Bible Study Guides. These could be made available to our church membership and, for that matter, to anyone who would like to study more keenly into these subjects. There is already some material ready to post about the General Epistles.

Today Beverly and I are flying to Fargo, North Dakota, for the funeral of pastor Herb Teitgen which will be tomorrow, Friday. We will stay with deacon Gary Wendt and his wife, JoAnn. We plan to meet together with new pastor Ken Skorseth and his wife, Dianne, to discuss the future of the churches in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.

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Words about Words

My message to you this week comes from the wise words of James, the brother of Jesus. They are insightful words that are like a flashlight shedding light on our personal hidden core. Are we brave enough to see what James exposes about us and what he advises us to do? This is a good exercise as we examine and assess ourselves before taking the Passover--now just a little more than a month away.

James writes this so succinctly that I'll have him speak to us directly, giving only the briefest of commentary. Are we ready? I will use the Living Bible as the translation (my emphasis added throughout).

James 3

"1Dear brothers, don't be too eager to tell others their faults, for we all make many mistakes; and when we teachers of religion, who should know better, do wrong, our punishment will be greater than it would be for others."

We are all to be teachers. While this is a message to all, it especially targets those who claim to be trainers of others.

"2If anyone can control his tongue, it proves that he has perfect control over himself in every other way. 3We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in his mouth. 4And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. 5So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. 6And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. 7Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird that lives and every kind of reptile and fish, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison."

This chapter is about the careless use of the tongue, keyboard, phone, chat, text or whatever device which communicates our persona. Even our tiny utterances can have a big impact on those around us. They can be lethal. James' message is for everyone for the purpose of examining themselves. It is very simple to spot faults in others. But what we need to do is to see faults in ourselves in order to correct them.

"9Sometimes it praises our heavenly Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against men who are made like God. 10And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Dear brothers, surely this is not right! 11Does a spring of water bubble out first with fresh water and then with bitter water? 12Can you pick olives from a fig tree, or figs from a grape vine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool."

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These verses point out divided hypocritical thinking coming out in our speech. When we appear as a mixture of good on one hand and conceal evil on the other, we are evil. You can't be both.

Careless speech can be far more than bellicose indiscreet words. It can be words that are cunning, charming or manipulative. These are a "wolf in sheep's clothing," an idiom of biblical origin (Matthew 7:15) used to describe one playing a role contrary to their real character. Contact with such people is dangerous, particularly with false teachers who use this tactic to worm their way into unsuspecting minds. The first biblical example of this is the charming serpent who beguiled Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Our human nature is fraught with vanity, jealousy, lust and greed--which is a truthful description of our core that we are to identify and overcome.

The Bible can identify these areas, as Paul reveals in Hebrews 4:12-13: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." You may not know the Bible, but the Bible knows you!

Continuing in James 3: "13If you are wise, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about them, then you will be truly wise! 14And by all means don't brag about being wise and good if you are bitter and jealous and selfish; that is the worst sort of lie. 15For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, inspired by the devil. 16For wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil."

Sobering words! Don't be two contrasting people! Now we understand the problem. Here's what we can do, with God's help!

"17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. 18And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness."

This Passover season, let's work harder than ever to plant seeds of peace so we can reap a harvest of goodness.

In Christ's service,

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Victor Kubik

From Ministerial and Member Services...

Death of Ellis La Ravia

Ellis La Ravia

Retired pastor Ellis La Ravia died this past Sunday, February 23, in Tucson, Arizona. Mr. La Ravia was ordained into the ministry in 1970 and as an evangelist in 1978. He served church congregations in California, Wisconsin, Illinois and Arizona. Mr. La Ravia was one of the great patriarchal figures of modern church history, and we will greatly miss his wisdom, kindness, gentleness and service.

No memorial service will be held, and the family has asked that no cards or letters of condolence be sent to his widow, Mrs. Gwen La Ravia, who is dealing with a number of health issues at the present time, herself.

Pastoral Update

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Randy and Penny Urwiller

Randy Urwiller has been made an associate pastor. He is now pastor for the Ruston (Louisiana) and Texarkana congregations, and he will continue to assist pastor Don Ward in East Texas.

Inside United Podcast

Justin Palm - Fake News, Part 1

Justin Palm joins Victor Kubik in the studio to discuss the difficulty of finding reliable information in part one of this conversation on fake news.https://www.ucg.org/inside-united-podcast/inside-united-podcast-151-justin-palm-fake-

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news-part-1

Listen to past episodes or read the transcripts:https://www.ucg.org/inside-united-podcast

Compass Check Magazine Update

Compass Check Magazine Subscriptions: Pastors, Church youth in your congregations (ages 12-18) begin receiving Compass Check magazine if the "Local Church Master Listing" at the home office has the name and birth date of the youth. This means it is important that you make sure this list has the name and birth date of all your preteens and teens. Help us by updating your congregation listing on your Pastor's Dashboard, or you may request a listing from Connie Seelig or Kathe Myers and send the update to them. Those teens not receiving Compass Check are either not listed as Church Youth on the file, or if they are listed, there is no birth date on file. Please help us get a subscription of Compass Check to every teen in the U.S. Thank you.

The spring pre-camp issue of Compass Check is now online at www.ucg.org/members/compass-check

United Youth Camps Online Registration Begins March 1

(Please announce in all U.S. congregations):

Campers and staff--your long wait is over! It's time to apply for your spot at one of our five beautiful summer camp locations around the country. Apply now at uyc.ucg.org. Don't miss out on learning more about God's way of life and seeing your friends at one of the United Youth Camps locations this summer.

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Teen Camp Scholarship Process Reminder (for U.S. Pastors)

Because of the generosity of the brethren there is a scholarship fund to assist any teen camper who needs financial assistance in order to attend their closest geographical camp. Pastors, here are guidelines about the UYC scholarship program.

The parent/camper registers online for camp at uyc.ucg.org. The parent asks their local pastor to see if any local scholarships are available.

Sometimes local members contribute to help campers in their area. If no local scholarships are available, the parent asks their pastor to notify the specific Camp Director asking for scholarship assistance.

The pastor then notifies the specific Camp Director asking for scholarship assistance.

The Camp Director notifies the overall camp coordinator who then begins the online process. An online application is e-mailed to the parents and, once completed, the form is e-mailed to the pastor for his approval.

Scholarships are available for United Church of God families who are in financial need.

A scholarshiped camper is only eligible to attend one camp during that camp season.

A scholarshiped camper is only eligible to attend the closest camp to him/her geographically.

The scholarship is generally for 50% of the camp tuition but if more is needed please request it.

If you have any questions please contact the specific Camp Director or Aaron Creech (Aaron_Creech@ucg.org).

-- Steve Nutzman, UYC Coordinator

Preteen Camp Update

Online registration for preteen campers and staff begins March 1 at uyc.ucg.org. Regrettably, we have not been able to secure a preteen camp site in Florida for this coming summer, but we do have seven wonderful camps again this year! We will continue working on providing a camp in Florida for 2021.

Because of the generosity of the brethren, there is a scholarship fund to assist any preteen camper who needs financial assistance in order to attend their closest geographical camp. We would like to see every preteen camper go to camp this summer, if desired.

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Pastors and parents, here are guidelines about the Preteen Scholarship Program.

Scholarships are available for United Church of God families who are in financial need.

The camper's parent registers online for the closest preteen camp near them at uyc.ucg.org.

The parent asks their local Pastor to see if any local scholarships are available. Sometimes local members contribute to help campers in their area. If no local scholarships are available, the parent asks their Pastor to notify Mark Welch, overall Preteen Camp Coordinator, for scholarship assistance.

A scholarshiped camper is only eligible to attend one camp during that camp season.

A scholarshiped camper is only eligible to attend the closest camp to him/her geographically. Please let us know if there are extenuating circumstances that might make attendance at another camp more practical.

The scholarship is generally for 50% of the camp tuition, but if more is needed please request it.

-- Mark Welch, Preteen Camp Coordinator

Preorder Spiral-Bound Hymnals by April 6

Pastors, please announce:

Would you like to have your own personal spiral-bound copy of the UCG Hymnal (song leader/pianist version)? We are planning a reprint of these books and want to provide the opportunity for anyone to purchase one (or more). We are making this large size, hardcover, spiral-ring bound, original version (8.875 x 11.25 in.) available to everyone. It is especially helpful for song leaders, pianists and those who would benefit from larger-sized print or a hymnal that will lay flat.

We are making the hymnals available to everyone for the cost for printing and mailing. Orders must be placed (and payment received) before April 6, 2020. We will print and mail the hymnal directly to the address given on each order. We are hoping to have received and plan to mail the books by the beginning of June. The cost is $13 per hymnal, which includes shipping to U.S. addresses.

Hymnals must be pre-ordered online at: https://www.ucg.org/members/hymnal/blue-spiral-bound-hymnal

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-- Steve Myers

Family Study Guide Available

The latest Family Study Guide, The Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation is ready. 1 Thessalonians 5:8" "...We must wear...our hope of salvation as a helmet." Our spiritual helmet is another vital piece of armor God gives to protect us from Satan's tactics. In this Family Guide we discuss what salvation is, how we can obtain it, and how the Passover reveals what is meant by the helmet of salvation. We receive hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice of Christ that allows us access to Kingdom of God, which is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.

You can find the guide on the Family Study Guides webpage or in the Family Guides Dropbox. Let us know if you have questions or need support with implementing these Youth Instruction Family Study Guides.

-- Randy and Kay Schreiber, Youth Instruction Coordinators

Dallas/Fort Worth Teen Prom and Young Adult Weekend - Apr. 24-26

Join the Dallas and Fort Worth congregations April 24-26 for our teen and young adult weekend, "Discover Your True Identity." From the coffee and dessert social on Friday night, to the court games and pizza lunch on Sunday, there will be something for everyone during the weekend.

Separate Bible studies will be held for the adults, young adults, teens and preteens on Sabbath before a potluck lunch provided by the DFW congregation and Sabbath services. Following Church will be a family dinner, formal teen dinner and young adult dinner. The night will conclude with a pajama party for the preteens, the teen prom and social activities for the adults and young adults.

Sunday will be "Family Day on the Court," featuring volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, ping-pong, cornhole, disc golf and board games before a pizza lunch provided by the DFW congregation.

The Buffalo Valley Event center has rooms available Friday and Saturday for $100 a night, and the entire venue is reserved for our group with nice accommodations. Please

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make your reservations online at buffalovalleyeventcenter.com or call (940) 482-3409. Please note: reservations made online may show higher room prices but your final bill will reflect the discounted rate. If you prefer to stay with local brethren, please contact Rebekah Elliott by e-mail at rebekah@rebekahelliott.com or by phone at (214) 293-4620. Please email ucg.dfw.rfw@gmail.com with any other questions.

You can register for the weekend here (the link is also accessible from the Members website at https://www.ucg.org/members/news/dallas-fort-worth-teen-prom-and-young-adult-weekend)

Feast of Tabernacles 2020, Mossel Bay, South Africa

Registration for the Feast of Tabernacles 2020 in Mossel Bay, South Africa, is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 2.

Last year was the first experience at this exciting new Feast site on the Southern Coast of South Africa, located in and around the Diaz Hotel and Resort conference facility.

United Church of God has one Feast site in South Africa and last year's attendance was just over 140. We had the privilege of 46 international visitors from the US, Australia, Holland, Switzerland and the UK, all of whom contributed tremendously to its success by serving in every aspect of the Feast--from setting up, speaking, special music, and of course fellowship.

We're able to accommodate about 150 visitors, so we're optimistically looking forward to building on the success of last year, and hoping for as many, if not more, international visitors!

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We sincerely hope you will consider joining us for the Feast of Tabernacles 2020!

For more information and to register, go to https://www.ucg.org/members/feast/sites/2020/mossel-bay-south-africa Or have a look at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MosselBayUCG/

-- Vivien Botha (Festival Coordinator) and the Planning Team

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