From Ministerial and Member Services

Death of Ellis Stewart

Ellis Wayne Stewart, long-time member and elder of the East Texas congregation in Big Sandy, Texas, died peacefully Aug. 12, 2024, at the age of 93. Ellis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Following a brief stint in the Air Force in the early 1950s, Ellis worked as a baker. He met and then married his beloved wife, Pat, in 1953. They became coworkers of the Radio Church of God and were baptized at the spring festival of 1956 in Big Sandy. They soon moved to Pasadena, California where Ellis worked for Monrovia Aviation Company and then in the Church’s printing department.

In 1965, Ellis was transferred to Big Sandy, Texas to set up and run the print shop at the Texas campus of Ambassador College. Later that year he was ordained a deacon. Ellis served the brethren as a deacon until 1975, when he was ordained a local elder. He worked for the college until it closed in 1977, then started his own company, Stewart Printing, leaving a lasting impact on the local community until he retired in 1996. Ellis was active in the Big Sandy community and devoted countless hours to the establishment and support of the Big Sandy Museum.

Throughout his life, Ellis was a devoted follower of Christ and His teachings, especially in serving others. He was known for his kindness, empathy, and many anecdotal stories of the past. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Pat Stewart; son Jim Stewart of Big Sandy; daughter Liz Russell and son-in-law Doug Russell of Arcadia, California; grandson Wesley Russell and granddaughter-in-law Stephanie (Martens) Russell of Marysville, Ohio; and great-grandchildren Rose and Lachlan Russell.

Ellis was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan, in 1972, his parents, five brothers and one sister.

A memorial service to celebrate Ellis’s life and legacy will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at 4 p.m. at the United Church of God East Texas, 1007 N. Tyler St, Big Sandy, Texas. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend. The memorial will be available as a live stream on YouTube at Ellis Stewart Memorial Service.

Death of Holly Hannaway

Holly Hannaway of the Tampa, Florida congregation and wife of elder Gordon Hannaway, died Aug. 7, 2024, at age 78. She and Gordon were married 57 years. Holly was baptized in 1970 and faithfully served her local congregation as a deaconess. She loved helping with the information table, Sabbath bulletin and assisting in the Feast business office.

Holly is survived by her husband, Gordon; two children, Sheila Craig and Randy Hannaway; and seven grandchildren: Lauren Sheptock, Gavin Hannaway, Garrett, Hannah and Molly Craig, and Kaden and Kaleb Hannaway.

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Houston Family Weekend—Dec. 13–15, 2024

The Houston congregation invites you to join them for an inspiring, educational and fun weekend, Dec. 13–15, 2024, at their meeting hall in Humble, Texas.

The weekend will feature Sabbath services with guest speaker Rick Shabi, a retirement celebration for Gary and Liz Smith, Bible seminars, a catered meal, fellowship and a dance after sunset. On Sunday a “Humble” County Fair will be held at the church building. Be sure to save the date!

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Australian United Youth Camp

The annual Australian United Youth Camp is held in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales every December—during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. It has long been the camp’s tradition to welcome applicants for both staff and camper positions from international areas. Over the years, we have welcomed staff and campers from New Zealand, Tonga, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Netherlands, England and the United States.

The dates for this year’s camp are arriving on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, and departing on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Camp fees are waived for all international campers.

If you are interested in finding out more about the “Down Under” camp experience or would like to apply, please contact UCG-A UYC Camp Director Stephen Clark at stephenclark@ucg.org.au.

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Good Works Seeking Volunteers

Good Works is seeking three volunteer participants to serve at the youth camp in South Africa, preferably at least one male and one female.

Camp experience is required, either as camper or staff (though staff experience is preferred).

• Dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025
• Cost: 50 percent airfare (based on economy ticket prices and reasonable itineraries reviewed by GW staff) and all necessary immunizations required by South Africa (scholarships available).
• Deadline to apply: Sept. 22, 2024

For more information email Lena VanAusdle at Lena_VanAusdle@ucg.org or to apply visit: ucg.org/members/service-projects/south-africa-youth-camp-2024