Welcome to the first issue of United News for 2021! This issue features color-photo local church updates from Wisconsin, Massachusets and Arizona on the front page and inside front page. Exciting media updates this issue include a record-breaking response for Beyond Today television program hosted by Gary Petty and a new initiative to include shortened, 2-minute Beyond Today programs. 

The Council Letter for this issue, written by John Elliott and titled, "Read Your Entire Bible," can be found on page 3. On pages 4-5 are tributes to the legacy of three ministerial couples upon their retirement. Updates from Ministerial and Member services and the December Council of Elders meetings are featured on page 5. Announcements can be found on pages 6-8.

The Good News section, found on pages 9-12, features five articles, including the first in a new series by Council member John Miller focusing on "The Ultimate Vision," becoming like God. John Labissoniere writes on Building Your Inner Person, and Ellen Burton shares a personal story to highlight the need to "Run to God" instead of relying only on ourselves and other people. Vincent Braddock discusses the Christian walk through the perspective of trees in an article titled, "Sturdy and Strong," and Katherine Rowland shares lessons learned from pruning a rose bush.

Council member Dan Dowd shares a cautionary message regarding social media on page 13. The Operation Managers' Council Reports from the December meetings are published on pages 14-18, and include the Financial Audit Statements for the 2020 fiscal year. International News from Africa can be found on page 19.

This issue's Planned Giving/Financial Stewardship article, titled "Financial Considerations Regarding Assets and Blended Families," as well as the Beyond Today airing schedule can be found on the back page of United News.

Thank you for your continued support of this publication. Please email Ariana Del Signore at un@ucg.org to submit articles, announcements, local church news, questions or feedback.