United Church of God an International Association Youngstown-North Canton Announcement Bulletin March 15 th, 2014 Youngstown: Sermonette: Ray Murdock Sermon: Daniel Miller North Canton: Sermonette: Louis Petit II Sermon: John Miller March 22 nd SABBATH SERVICES Youngtown: No Services North Canton: 1:00 pm at Gateway Conference Center, 5441 Global Gateway, N. Canton, OH April 12 th BIBLE STUDY There will be no Bible Study on March 22nd. Our Bible Study series continues on Sabbath, April 12 th at the Gateway Center in North Canton. Pastor John Miller presents the study beginning at 11 am. Lunch, fellowship follow at noon, services at 1 pm. The Youngstown church will tune in to the Bible Study webcast at 11 am. Afterwards is a short lunch break and services will begin at approximately 12:30 pm. Please join us in North Canton or Youngstown! BEYOND TODAY This week s program is titled What Easter Doesn't Tell You. Something critical is missing in the story of Easter and it has everything to do with your salvation. Learn more. Watch this Sunday morning, 9:00 am on WGN and on ION Cable, Satellite and Broadcast Television. NEWS OF THE WORK: Minsterial Transfers Mark and Barbara Welch will be moving this summer to the Dallas, Texas, area to replace Ray and Linda Wright as pastor of the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Sherman congregations. Special thanks and deep appreciation are extended to Ray and Linda Wright for stepping into the gap three years ago to pastor and solidify the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Sherman areas. Dallas/Ft. Worth is our second largest United States congregation and it is felt that we need a full time pastor to look after the area. Mr. Wright will continue to serve as an elder in the congregation.replacing Mark and Barbara Welch as pastor of the Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton, Oklahoma, and Northern Arkansas congregations will be Ed and RaeAnn Dowd. The Dowds will move from the Wichita, Salina, and Meade, Kansas, areas to take over the churches that Mark Welch pastored. Ministerial and Member Services is still determining how best to look after the Kansas congregations. UCG Nashville Airs New Radio Program: "Ask The Pastor" On February 23, country music personality/church member, J.R. Williams and Fred Kellers, pastor, started a weekly 30-minute program on local radio station WHIN 1020 AM in Gallatin, TN. While it is a small station, it streams live broadcasts on its website and can be listened to around the world.as the title suggests, interesting and even controversial Bible questions are asked by J.R. and Mr. Kellers answers the questions 1
right from scripture. It is all done in an informal and conversational way and this format has succeeded in attracting a number of responses from places as diverse as Mississippi and Illinois, Ohio and North Carolina. These responses, of course, are from Internet listeners. Here is a link to the live broadcast, including archives, on the Nashville UCG congregation website. Education Task Force Meets in Cincinnati This past weekend, the Education Task Force (ETF) of United Church of God met in face to face meetings for the first time in three years. The task force is responsible for reviewing, revising, recommending and assessing educational programs for United Church of God. Prayers for the Education Task Force are appreciated as they complete their roles in this Church-wide endeavor. --Gary Antion, Education Task Force Chairman PRAYER REQUESTS You also helping together in prayer for us, 2 Corinthians 1:11 Heath Showers -From Anita Showers: It is with great sadness that we relate the death of a beloved nephew, Heath Showers. The cause of death is believed to be heart related. Heath would have been 43 in a few weeks and is survived by his wife Jodi, 13 year old son Ian and 9 year old daughter Emily, father and mother Rod and Beth Showers, brother Josh (wife Caroline and daughters Ashlyn and Lauren) and Grandma Shirley Showers. Of course our hearts ache for them all and we mourn the loss of a dear nephew. Despite a very painful arthritis that caused Heath to semi-retire this past year he was always happy, kind and willing to lend a helping hand. His "hello's" and "goodbyes" were always accompanied with a big hug and a warmth and welcome that always let you know he was very happy to be with you. We look forward to seeing Heath again in God's Kingdom. God speed the day when everyone will understand the incredible hope and surety of our Father's plan and then on to the day when death will be banished forever. Pat Dobson - From Joe Dobson, pastor, Kansas City and Fulton, MO UPDATE: Pat and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers. She was diagnosed with spontaneous discitis, a bacterial infection between lumbar discs three and four. After a week in the hospital she is now home. She still has limited mobility but after 3 weeks of intense pain she had a solid night of sleep last night and feels the pain is lessening. Her treatment for the infection involves a 6 week regimen of IV antibiotics given every 8 hours through a PICC line. She was also told that she has a tear in her left rotator cuff which explains the severe arm pain. The orthopedic surgeon wants to delay treatment until the infection is gone and we are praying that surgery on her shoulder will not be necessary. We are so grateful for your prayers, cards and e-mails. They are a great source of inspiration and encouragement. We have seen God s intervention on a daily basis. Bessie Shapland - From Mark Welch, pastor, Tulsa, OK - UPDATE: Bessie Mae Shapland, age 102, died peacefully Monday night, March 10. She was a member of God s Church for many, many years and considered herself a member of the United Church of God upon her death. She now sleeps awaiting her resurrection at Christ s return. A graveside service was held Thursday at the Three Rivers Cemetery near Okay, OK. Please pray for God s comfort on the extended family of Bessie Shapland. Bessie was greatly encouraged by the hundreds of cards she received in the last two years from many in the United Church of God. Her favorite was a card all the way from Australia. Please do not send any cards at this time. Thank you again for your faithfulness in praying for Mrs. Shapland. Peter McNair - From Brian Shaw, pastor, Twin Cities, MN - UPDATE: Peter McNair s long and difficult battle against an incurable brain tumor is finally over. He died last night at the Pillars Hospice facility in Oakdale, Minnesota. He spent his last hours with family, hearing the words of his favorite scriptures as they were read to him. He now sleeps, peacefully awaiting his resurrection to eternal life at our Savior s return. 2
His wife, Miquelyn, and the family are deeply encouraged and grateful for the outpouring of love and concern shown for Peter in cards, letters, e-mails, calls, visits and meals, but especially wanted to express appreciation for our prayers on their behalf, asking God s intervention for a swift resolution to Peter s trial. Miquelyn McNair 3849 Monticello Drive Woodbury, MN 55129-4927 Leadership Meeting: The next Leadership Meeting will be March 22 nd at 3:30 pm. Women s E Discussion March 29 th : The next Women s Enrichment Discussion is on March 29 th at 11:30 am. The topic is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Please plan to join us as we look to see what we can learn from her. There are copies of the outline on the info table. Midwest Teen Prom - Saturday, March 29, 2014 - Columbus, Ohio There are copies of the flyer with more information on the Information Table Please join us for a special Sabbath and Prom hosted by the United Church of God Columbus. All activities will take place at the Embassy Suites Corporate Exchange Drive Cost for the Prom is $35 per person (ages 12-19). Dress for the evening is Formal, Semi-Formal or Sabbath attire. Prom registration is needed by March 14th so we can guarantee dinner plans. Hotel discount applies until 3/8/14 so make your hotel reservations early. For more information and to print out a registration form, please visit our website at www.midwestteenprom.com or contact Michelle Waterhouse at michelle@rmja.net Parents and families with younger children may take advantage of the many local restaurants nearby (and the Embassy Suites indoor pool if you re staying at the hotel) during the Prom dinner and dance portion of the night. Spring Holy Days: Passover: The Passover service will be held on Sunday, April 13 th at the Gateway Conference Center in North Canton. Service will begin at 8:05 pm. First Day of Unleavened Bread (April 15 th ): We will have one combined service between North Canton and Youngstown on the First Day of Unleavened Bread beginning at 2:00 pm at the Gateway Conference Center in North Canton. Also, please bring unleavened snacks and drinks to share with others. We will also put out the leftovers from the night before. Last Day of Unleavened Bread (April 21 st ): We will have two combined services between North Canton, Youngstown and Cleveland beginning at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm at the Fairlawn Community Center in Fairlawn, OH. Also, please sign up to bring snacks for the hospitality table for before services and food for the potluck for between services. Fun and Fellowship in the Twin Cities during Days of Unleavened Bread! Please make plans now to join United Church of God families from all over the U.S. at our 17th annual Families for God weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which will be held on the weekend between the Spring Holy Days, April 18 through 21. Our theme this year is "The Hearts of the Fathers" from Malachi 4:6, and will feature exciting sermons, Bible studies and interactive workshops, with our special guest, Beyond Today presenter Steve Myers. In addition to our signature teen prom, "Masquerade Ball," we will also host a fun game show for the young and young-at-heart, a delectable festive dinner, a refreshing ice cream social, an open mic jam session, a young adult activity, and an optional family outing at the ever-popular Nickelodeon Universe Park at the Mall of America. The weekend will be capped off with two services on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. The beautiful Minneapolis Marriott Northwest will again provide an upscale setting for hundreds of brethren who will enjoy specials and discounts in an all-suite environment with a complementary hot unleavened breakfast every morning for those who book rooms. For any inquiries, please contact: * Brian & ReNae Shaw: bpshaw1@gmail.com or (763) 689-2892 * David & Stephanie Mörker: dsmorker@yahoo.com or (952) 237-9816 3
Families from all over the U.S. will venture to the Twin Cities for a most memorable weekend! Will you be one of them? The registration form, along with up-to-date information and additional details may be found at familiesforgod.org! --David and Stephanie Mörker Bethlehem, PA Dinner Dance April 19, 2014: The Bethlehem congregation would like to invite you to the annual spring dinner dance to be held at the Econo Lodge and Conference Center on Saturday April 19, 2014. Services will begin at 3:30, Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:00PM, then a Dinner Buffet at 6:30PM. Cash Bar 6-10:00PM Menu: Salad Roast Beef Chicken Marsala Fettucini Alfredo Mashed Potatoes Candied Carrots Green Bean Medley Maztos and Butter Ice Cream dessert and coffee Price: 5 and Under Free 6-12 $ 8.50 13 and Up $ 20.00 The hotel is offering us a special rate of $45/night. Just mention United Church of God group for anyone who would like to stay overnight at the Econo Lodge. If anyone has any questions, please contact Rachel Massie at 610-683-6621 or willow527@yahoo.com. We are asking for responses and payment by April 10th. If you are interested there are sheets on the Information Table with the menu and more information. Beyond Today Bible Study Series: Six Steps to Passover Remaining Webcasts, click on (http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/six-steps-to-passover): Part 5) "The Suffering Servant -- Footwashing", 7 p.m., March 26, 2014 -- Steve Myers Part 6) "The Resurrection -- Christ in You", 7 p.m., April 9, 2014 -- Darris McNeely ABC Continuing Education Dates for Summer 2014 Many brethren have expressed the desire to attend ABC and learn from the many Bible classes. Although we are actively accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year, we have another opportunity for those who may never be able to make room for nine months of class time into their busy schedule! You can attend an ABC Continuing Education Seminar! We are excited to announce a one week-long seminar in Cincinnati for this coming summer: Cincinnati, OH: June 16-20 - This is the weeklong, "big event," continuing education seminar held in the ABC Lecture Hall at the home office. With brethren from around the U.S. and Canada, you'll be immersed in 30 hours of fascinating lectures about God's Word. The ABC faculty members each focus on the sections of the Bible they teach during the school year. The evenings also provide many wonderful hours of fellowship time. Applications are being accepted right now--just contact ABC Dean of Students Randy Stiver at randy_stiver@ucg.org right away! Seminar capacity is 65--and this is a great opportunity for young adults and older teens who are considering ABC to sample what it has to offer. Challenger West 2014 Deadline is April 1 The deadline for applying to Challenger West 2014 is less than one month away. All information and application forms for Challenger West 2014 are available at uyc.ucg.org. Challenger West is a leadership program for young adults in the Church of God. This program takes a small group of young adults who are serious about God's truth and Church, and gives them opportunities to develop leadership character and 4
leadership abilities in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness area of Wyoming. The application process has changed somewhat from past years, and there is more advanced preparation required. There are also two (2) deadlines that need to be met. The first one is April 1, 2014. All details can be found on the uyc.ucg.org site. If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Fenchel by phone or e-mail (also listed on the website). We look forward to receiving your applications. ABC Calendar Fundraiser - Half-Price Sale!! The Ambassador Bible Center class of 2014 wishes to thank you all very much for your enthusiastic support of their ABC Calendar fundraiser! Over 1700 calendars were purchased, helping the class to fund several service projects and their class trip to visit the Chicago church and area sites of interest. Now the class would like to announce that they have several hundred additional 2014 calendars remaining and are offering them on a first come, first served basis for $4.00 each--that's 50% off the original price! If you would like to take advantage of this sale opportunity--and help the ABC students that little bit more, then please contact Dean of Students Randy Stiver at randy_stiver@ucg.org to place an order. Please use the usual plan of one person in the congregation to collect the information and place the group order. Thank you all so very much for your support of the Ambassador Bible Center! 5