Home Office Weekly Update
April 25, 2024
From the President . . .
Greetings brethren,
We are a few days into the Days of Unleavened Bread and trust that the Passover, Night to Be Much Observed and these days of eating unleavened bread have been inspiring and motivating for everyone.
When you take the time to contemplate all that has happened during these first four days of this Holy Day season—from the 14th of Abib through today, the 17th day of Abib—it is amazing what God planned and built into this time frame. The whole world changed and salvation was made possible for all mankind.
“Remember” is one of the key words for these days. Be sure to take the time to remember what God and Jesus Christ have done for us, and be completely grateful and willing to do whatever He asks. As you take the unleavened bread each day, “remember” to think about God’s law being “in your mouth” (Exodus 13:8-10) and the life of Christ in you (Galatians 2:20).
Visiting our congregations
Several from the home office were able to go out to various areas for the Passover and start of these Holy Days. Steve Myers was in New Orleans, Louisiana; Peter Eddington was in Lubbock, Texas; Darris McNeely was in Fargo, North Dakota; and Aaron Dean was in Michigan. All have brought back reports of how wonderful everything has gone.
My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of being with our brethren in Hartford, Connecticut, last Sabbath, and with the New York City and New Jersey congregations for the Passover, Night to be Much Observed, and first Holy Day. What a wonderful group of people God has called! It is such a blessing to be able to visit the brethren. You inspire us and we thank God for all of you daily.
Thanks go out to Lewis and Lena VanAusdle who are taking such good care of the brethren there. My wife, Deborah, and I thank them too for their hospitality as we visited in that area.
The resurrection of Christ and our salvation
Earlier I mentioned that this is the 17th day of Abib by God’s calendar. On this date of the calendar (but not the day of the week) Christ was dead and in the tomb three days and three nights, as the sun set on this 17th day. He died on the 14th so our sins could be forgiven, the most important event in human history. Three days and three nights later He was resurrected, giving us the hope of eternal life (Romans 5:10).
Many among us have serious health conditions and we are aware of at least two who have died so far during these days. Let’s remember to pray for those who are ill, and pray for God’s comfort for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. God is good, He is merciful, and we keep our eyes and faith on Him.
Thank God for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and giving us the hope of salvation, as we continue to faithfully follow and put our trust in Him.
Have a good rest of the Feast, brethren, and a wonderful upcoming Sabbath and last Holy Day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
In Christian love,
Rick Shabi
From Ministerial and Member Services . . .
Death of Cathy Botha
Catherine Clayton-Botha, wife of elder Vivien Botha of the Cape Town, South Africa, congregation, died on April 4 at age 51. Cathy died after a grueling three-year deterioration involving a worsening neurological condition which was never fully diagnosed or understood. It included loss of eyesight, hearing, ability to walk and a worsening mental state.
Cathy had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 12, with a life expectancy then of only 16. She always understood her time would be less than many, and she truly wasted none of it. She achieved a nursing degree, lectured at the University of Cape Town Nursing Faculty and completed additional studies in psychology. She worked in Australia at the Sports Sciences Faculty at the University of Queensland. Cathy left her field of study to follow her passion for jewelry, and after getting married she and Vivien ran a successful jewelry business.
Cathy underwent a successful double lung transplant in 2016. She had a tremendous impact on so many people and had a gift for really connecting with people, with wisdom and sincerity. Her faith was quietly unshakable and she lived by her favorite Scripture: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). Cathy understood suffering and the need for Christ’s return. She had a deep appreciation for life, her calling and the truth, beautifully demonstrated in an article she wrote for the Beyond Today magazine in 2020, “Spiritual Lessons From My Double Lung Transplant” which ended with the following paragraph:
“Someday my young donor will be reunited with his family. Someday my struggling friends will breathe easy. Someday all human beings who have ever lived will have the opportunity to experience love, health and peace in God’s family. Someday soon Revelation 21:4 will become a reality: ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ God speed that day!”
Death of Dorothy Stanley
Dorothy Stanley, wife of elder Ellsworth Stanley, died on April 18 at age 81 after declining health over the past year. The Stanleys have faithfully served the St. John’s congregation many years. The funeral was conducted by her husband, Ellsworth, who is the resident elder in Newfoundland.
Dorothy was known for her smile, her wit and her energetic and efficient manner. She will be greatly missed by her husband and daughter, as well as the St. John’s congregation and the many other members who have attended the Feast site at St. John’s through the years.
Recent Ordinations
We’re happy to announce that on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, April 23, 2024, two ordinations were performed in the Chicago congregation.
Bob Fahey was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Jennifer, serve the congregation in Chicago, Illinois.
Ethan May was ordained into the ministry. He and his wife, Jane, serve the congregation in Chicago, Illinois.
New Congregation
We are pleased to share the news of a new United Church of God congregation in Geneva, Switzerland. Being the headquarters of many international organizations including the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva receives many visitors.
If you are traveling in the area, information about the specific location of weekly services can be found on the UCG congregation page at edunie.ucg.org/assemblees/geneve. Services are conducted in French, but a translation to English may be available with appropriate planning. We are thankful that the Work of the Church can be advanced in Francophone Switzerland, and we ask for your prayers that God would bless His Church in this region.
Feast of Tabernacles Registration
Registration for the Feast of Tabernacles will roll out in two phases this year. The first phase is Early Registration and is for those who must attend their closest site. These are guaranteed approval if they register on time. Early Registration will begin this Sunday, April 28, at 12 p.m. (noon) Eastern time. Those who qualify for Early Registration can also make their housing reservations beginning at that time.
The second phase is General Registration, beginning next Thursday, May 2, at 12 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time. General Registration is for those who don’t necessarily have to attend their closest site and are applying for any site. You are welcome to register at that time for your closest site, unless it is closed. At that time, housing reservations can be made for all sites.
Feast of Tabernacles in Colombia
We are pleased to announce the Colombian site for the Feast of Tabernacles 2024 will be located in Chinácota, Norte Santander. Chinácota is approximately 1 hour from the airport in Cúcuta, Norte Santander. The climate in Chinácota is a pleasant average temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime and 63 degrees Fahrenheit at night (The temperature outside in Cúcuta is usually balmy so there is quite a temperature difference between the airport and the Feast site.)
The hotel is actually three hotels, Incanto, Colonial and Boutique. The majority of our group will be located in the Hotel Incanto. There is a beautiful floral pathway to a theme park at the hotel to one of three swimming pools with slides and a pool for children (included in our price). The theme park has activities such as a mechanical bull, large swing and aerial maze (these are not included in our price.) There is also a sauna (free) and a spa (not included in the price). We will have three delicious meals per day (does not include alcohol).
Our activities will include a bonfire, a dance, Bible studies, women's afternoon, children's party, a young adult Bible study and another activity, talent show, Karaoke night, an outing, and a lot of fellowship with the brethren.
For more information and to register, please visit ucg.org/members/feast/sites/2024/chinacota-colombia.
May 4—GCE Sabbath Service Live From Cincinnati
As a reminder, during the General Conference of Elders weekend, Sabbath services on May 4 will be webcast live at 2 p.m. EDT. Go to ucg.org and look for the Webcast tab.
Troyer’s Hollow Campout—June 21–23
Mark your calendars for the annual Troyer’s Hollow campout, June 21-23, 2024! Nestled in the scenic hills of Amish country near Charm, Ohio, Troyer’s Hollow in the Doughty Valley has a long tradition within the local community and the church as a relaxing retreat.
A beautiful creek winds through the secluded canyon hollow where we will camp. Activities planned include a Friday evening Bible study, Sabbath potluck, Sabbath services, kettle popcorn over the fire and many campfire discussions.
The campground has covered pavilions with a small kitchen, nicely maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. Tent camping is most popular, though there are a few RV/camper sites. There are also hotels in the area for brethren who are non-campers. For more details and to RSVP, please visit ucg.org/members/news/troyers-hollow-campout-0.