Home Office Weekly Update
August 8, 2024
Greetings brethren around the world,
We at the Home Office have now completed the scheduled international pastoral conferences for the time being. Except for the Feast of Tabernacles, we’ll be home for the next several months with a renewed commitment and focus on doing the work God would have us do, in His way, as we fulfill the commission He has for His Church.
Looking back over all the conferences, it has been a wonderful and energizing experience to meet so many of the ministry who are serving God’s people. It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to meet many of the Church members in congregations where we have had the privilege of attending.
Through it all, we have learned much about what is being done by very dedicated people around the world who know their areas and culture, and who are working hard to take care of the people God calls. They are doing what they can, sometimes with very limited resources, to preach the gospel to a dying, otherwise hopeless world.
The apostle Paul learned of the people and the culture of the various areas where God sent him to preach the gospel and establish churches. In much the same way, we have had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to know many cultures and many people of God.
We have come to appreciate the conditions and circumstances in which our brethren around the world live. We have seen some of the limitations, and yet we see God doing a work through His people in those areas. In the days and weeks ahead, you may hear of some of those efforts that emerge from a love of God’s truth and being led by His Spirit. It is inspiring and energizing.
Delivering God’s message in a fast-changing world
As we returned back to America a few days ago, much has changed in the several weeks we were away. The American political climate has taken a surprising and unexpected turn. It shows the power of media and what can happen when you have a coordinated, unified message. Their message is suspect and misleading, but we learn lessons in how we can effectively preach a warning message to the world using the various communication channels, methods and styles now available to us.
Last night it was a pleasure to be able to resume the weekly Home Office Bible studies that have been conducted online for the past few years. We are currently going through the book of Ezekiel, verse by verse, and are seeing the application of this prophecy for us today. (Bible Study info, link and past studies available at ucg.org/congregations/home-office).
One of the things that has struck me as we go through the book, is what and how God instructed Ezekiel to deliver His message. While Isaiah and Jeremiah largely spoke the warning messages God gave them, He had Ezekiel do things in a variety of ways in an attempt to get the attention of the people.
God tells Ezekiel that they are a rebellious people who will not listen, but Ezekiel is instructed to tell them anyway.
So, instead of just speaking, God had Ezekiel act out what would happen to the people if they did not turn to God. Early on, Ezekiel built a clay model to picture the siege of Jerusalem. God had him lie on his side for 390 days to “bear the iniquity” of Israel, then 40 days on his other side to bear the iniquity of Judah. They still didn’t listen, but God was using various methods to reach them in different ways. Today, He wants His message preached, and He will direct us how, if we listen (Ezekiel 4).
Later, God had Ezekiel pack his bags and, in the presence of the people, act out that he was being taken captive (Ezekiel 12). They still didn’t listen, but they were warned.
What can we learn from the prophecies in Ezekiel that are also meant for us living in the time of the end, today? We must seek God’s guidance and use the creative inspiration He provides to preach a warning message and the good news of the coming Kingdom of God to the world. He provides the resources and we provide the effort, dedication and commitment to get His will done in His way, not our way.
Paul said he became “all things to all people” that he might “win” some. So, His Church today must do, now even more so, as we have a greater understanding of the work God is doing around the world and as we see time marching ahead quickly.
Submitting to God and seeking His will
Brethren, the work is too big for men to complete. Without us submitting to God and Jesus Christ, the Head of this Church, and without all of us united and in support of His will, praying earnestly “Thy Kingdom come,” it won’t get done.
We need God, we need your prayers of support, and all of us need to humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to cleanse and purify His bride as is stated in Ephesians 5:25-27.
We live in a sick and demented world, as so vividly demonstrated by the recent outlandish display of drag queens and the “pale horse” in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The world is openly showing a blasphemous and “woke” attitude, akin to the blasphemy associated with the coming beast power (Revelation 13:5-6).
That will be part of the message in this week’s Biblical Worldview message which will be released Friday, available at youtube.com/beyondtodaytv.
As we look ahead, the Council of Elders will be meeting next week and a very important first phase of the refurbished ucg.org website will be complete. We will talk more about the updated website as it is ready to be introduced, but ask for your prayers that God will lead and inspire its ongoing development so it can be a most useful tool in our “arsenal” as we move forward in preaching the gospel.
Brethren, thank you for your support and prayers. Remember your brethren around the world and those who live in trying conditions.
Always remember to be thankful to God. He has given us the greatest gift of all. Never discount it or take it for granted.
Have a wonderful Sabbath, everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
In Christ’s service,
Rick Shabi
From Ministerial and Member Services
Death of Joe Handley
Joe Handley, an elder serving the congregation in Dayton, Ohio, died on Thursday, Aug. 1. Joe was a devout member of the Church of God and diligently served as an elder for 41 years. Joe was always ready to offer guidance and compassion to those in his community. Joe had a zest for life and loved to travel; he especially loved to take cruises. Joe’s presence brightened the lives of all who knew him. Joe will be greatly missed by his brethren in the Dayton congregation.
Report from Camp Buckeye
After 12 years in the same facility, pre-teen Camp Buckeye moved to the 224-acre Camp Lazarus Boy Scout camp in Delaware, Ohio. It is a beautiful property that has gently rolling terrain, lots of shady areas and a large kitchen and dining hall. Although a new facility creates a few logistical challenges for the 77 staff and 84 campers to learn the ins and outs of a new location, everyone worked together to achieve another great year at camp.
The overall camp theme of “Stand Strong” was taught during morning Christian living classes using the well-known children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” as a simple reminder of the components of whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) and how to apply them in their daily lives from their head to their toes.
The daily activities included archery, arts and crafts, amazing race, BB gun target shooting, fishing, field games, orienteering and watersports. The watersports activity included an Olympic size swimming pool, inflatable bouncy water slide and a slip-n-slide. With the daily temperatures reaching the 90s with high humidity, the water activities were thoroughly enjoyed!
On Tuesday evening, the campers participated in an energetic sing along, led by Micah Gunn. Micah surprised all the campers by bringing his good friend Jelly to join in the fun!
After 23 years serving at Camp Buckeye, directing for the last 13 years, Len Martin announced it was time to pass the baton. Aaron Creech will now be the director.
As in all we do, we thank God for His blessing upon the camp, the campers and the volunteer staff who selflessly served so the children could experience an environment that models God’s way of life as closely as possible.
—Len Martin, director, Camp Buckeye
Red Cross Certified Lifeguards
Nearly all of our United Youth Camps need lifeguards to serve on staff. Without them, we would not be able to offer water activities, or would be required to hire lifeguards.
For the first time ever, we have been able to provide Red Cross Lifeguard Certification classes. Kira Barr, a Red Cross Certified Instructor conducted the required training and testing at the Camp Lazarus Boy Scout Camp while pre-teen Camp Buckeye was operating.
Although this took some creative pool scheduling and long days for those in the course, we’re happy to announce all seven participants passed. Congratulations to Matthew Allison, Dee Collins, Jack Collins, Robert Collins, Harmonie Donnerberg, Amanda Schmidt and Lauren Schmidt, who are now Red Cross-certified lifeguards.
A special thank you to Kira Barr, who put this all together and also Duane and Lisa Phelps, who served as lifeguards for this class while also serving as lifeguards for preteen camp.
—Len Martin, UYC National Coordinator
NEW VIDEO FOR KIDS: Jelly Learns the Greatest Commandment
The United Church of God adds a 16th episode to the Jelly short film series with “Jelly Learns the Greatest Commandment.” View it online at ucg.org/members/kids/jelly/jelly-learns-the-greatest-commandment.
Jelly’s volcano erupts with success at the State Science Fair, but his journey is just beginning. After snagging first place, Jelly faces a seismic choice: should he follow his dreams at the national level or follow God? In this episode, join Jelly as he explores what it truly means to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).
Jelly offers fun videos, engaging printables, interactive Bible study guides and sing-along songs that make discovering God’s way an exciting journey for kids! Visit ucg.org/jelly for more!
—Peter Eddington, Operation Manager, Media and Communications Services
REMINDER: Video Message from the Chairman
Council of Elders Chairman, Tim Pebworth, has prepared a five-minute video for our brethren to view on YouTube in advance of the Aug. 12–15 Council meetings. Instead of a written letter to us all, Mr. Pebworth has once again decided to present a video message.
If you have not already done so, please share the link below with your member email list, and encourage them to watch the video over the next few days: youtu.be/BIoZ96khBUg
For those members who do not have Internet access or the capability to view this on YouTube, we recommend having someone at Sabbath services show the video on their mobile phone to these few people before or after services.
—Chairman’s Office
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
10th Anniversary of the Hartford Congregation
On the Sabbath of Aug. 3, 2024, 39 attendees gathered for services and a special celebration. This August marks the tenth anniversary of the Hartford, Connecticut congregation of the United Church of God. Even though the congregation is relatively new, there is a long history in the state of Connecticut of God’s people faithfully gathering together on the Sabbath. Having a congregation in the state helps provide a place for brethren who live in and around Connecticut to continue to gather on the Sabbath and for annual Holy Days. Prior to its beginnings under UCG in 2014, brethren had to travel north to Massachusetts or south to New York City if they wanted to keep the Sabbath with brethren, and many did just that.
On this special day, the congregation heard an encouraging message from the founding pastor, Howard Davis, read to them, as well as a sermon from visiting deacon Mark Kasperson, who was one of the founding members of the congregation. The congregation also enjoyed special music during the service, as well as plenty of food and fellowship afterwards. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1)!
—Lewis VanAusdle, pastor, Hartford, Connecticut