In One Accord, In One Place

Greetings brethren around the world,

There are times in life when things just settle into your mind and you understand them in a way you have never fully understood or appreciated before.

You’ve experienced those “aha!” moments when you have read your Bible—perhaps a verse or chapter you’ve read dozens of times before—but then one time the realization of deeper meaning suddenly “sinks in.” That is a great feeling—knowing it’s God’s Spirit opening your eyes and heart even deeper into His truth. Now that understanding is part of you, part of your being.

First UCG Latin American pastors conference

Last week beginning Sunday and lasting through this past Sabbath, the pastors of UCG congregations from Mexico, Central America and all of South America, gathered in Mexico City for the first Latin American pastors conference in the history of the United Church of God. International senior pastor Mario Seiglie, Steve Myers, Darris McNeely, our wives and I were there for a week of training, discussion, question-and-answer sessions, and just getting to know the men, culture, challenges and needs of the region and people better.

Every time we go to a conference, we come back energized, heartened and inspired by the wonderful people God has called. We had ample opportunity to talk to each pastor and learn about each congregation in the Latin American region. We learned how the gospel is being preached through modern technology in very innovative ways devised by talented people in congregations. Some of those ideas and methods we are bringing back to the home office!

It was also enlightening to learn a little about the ancient history of the Mayans and Aztecs, as Mr. Seiglie planned a tour of the pyramids south of Mexico City and a local anthropology museum. These tours gave us a glimpse into life before modern civilization. Seeing the meaningless, hideous idols they worshipped and the futility of their practices, which included regular human sacrifice, helped me personally realize the darkness and hopelessness that envelops this world when the true God and light of His gospel and Son are not present. It is not a place where you want to live.

Sadly, it appears the world is headed back into this type of “darkness” as the end of this age draws nearer. We should be very thankful God has called us to be “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) having the hope and knowledge God has blessed us with. It is the only hope for this dying world.

On the Sabbath, services were held in Mexico City, followed by a meal with all the brethren and a Bible study. Again, it was a wonderful experience to meet and spend time with so many of God’s people. We felt right at home with everyone, as we have wherever we have had the opportunity to travel this year.

Firstfruits in God’s family

It made me realize another truth of God’s way of life and what He is working in our lives. Even though we may live in different parts of the world, even though we may speak different languages and have different backgrounds and cultures, God is working with each of us, preparing us for what He wants us to do in His Kingdom. We need to be living that way of life now.

Most important is realizing the deep understanding that we are part of God’s family—one worldwide family called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We are all part of that worldwide fellowship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).

As we approach Pentecost in just a little over two weeks, let’s keep in mind the calling God has given us and the special family He has made us part of.

We are firstfruits, called to live and display God’s way of life—the way of life we will be teaching and living during the Millennium—if we overcome this life and ourselves, and develop the humility and willing obedience to God we must have. He’s given us His Spirit and the spiritual tools we need. We need to use them in building the temple He wants us to build.

Firstfruits—what greater calling and purpose in life can anyone have? Is there anything we would allow—selfish desires or ambitions, lusts of the flesh or eyes, the pride of life, the desires of family, friends or others, or trials or tribulations—to stand between us and what God has planned? Hopefully, the answer is no—we will not allow anything to come between God and us (Romans 8:35-39).

In one accord . . .

Brethren (brothers and sisters all over the world) we all have our challenges, and they differ from place to place and from one person to another. Let us bear with one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, and let us yield to God and truly “come out of this world.”

Let us speak the same thing and let us keep in mind those words that God used to define that first Pentecost we read of in Acts chapter two: “They were all in one accord in one place.”

Let us strive for unity and let our hearts be committed to being in one accord, all before God our Father each Sabbath, on Pentecost and at all His holy convocations.

Our thoughts and prayers are always with all of you, God’s precious family located around the world.

In Christian love,
Rick Shabi

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From Ministerial and Member Services . . .

Death of Roland Clark

Roland Clark, an elder serving the Los Angeles, California congregation, died on May 12. Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne, to whom he was married for 68 years. They had three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Roland grew up on a ranch in San Jose, California and studied mechanical engineering at San Jose State. He met his future wife Dianne there. After graduation he ended up in the aerospace industry working for Wyle Laboratories. That job moved the family to Huntsville, Alabama in the early 1960s in support of President Kennedy’s goal of putting a man on the moon. Roland worked on rocket engine design. He had subsequent jobs as a project manager on large construction projects in the U.S., South America and Abu Dhabi until his retirement.

Roland was sort of a dreamer or idea person and always had the family doing different things. He built a ski boat at home, learned to paint automobiles, took the family backpacking in the Sierra, bought a camper and motorcycles for the family to ride in the desert, got a sailboat to sail to Catalina Island and up and down the coastline.

He was also very involved in Church activities and was ordained an elder in 1973. Roland and Dianne served congregations throughout Southern California—Torrance, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Redlands, Palm Springs, San Diego and Los Angeles. Roland served in many capacities, giving sermonettes, split-sermons, sermons, served on church councils, performed new member visits, Bible studies, counseling, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He also served as the Y.O.U. Coordinator and director of Spokesman Club for many years.

Recent Ordination

We’re happy to announce that on May 25, 2024, Dan Apartian was ordained into the ministry. He serves the congregation in Central Illinois.

Pastoral Change

Marcus Lucas has been appointed the pastor of the congregations in Rome (Georgia), Gadsden (Alabama) and Chattanooga (Tennessee). He had been serving as an associate pastor for those congregations before the death of pastor Rick Beam.

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Good Works Proposal Deadline Approaching

Last chance to submit your proposal for Good Works projects for the second half of the 2024 calendar year! If you have a great idea for a project (local or abroad), please run it by your local pastor, and with his approval please submit your proposal at: forms.gle/z5KBRs48FuUFe76F6. 

The deadline for proposals is May 31, 2024.

Please visit goodworks.ucg.org for more information, or contact Lena VanAusdle at Lena_VanAusdle@ucg.org if you have any questions on how to get started!

 

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Smoky Mountain Young Adult Retreat

54 young adults from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee over Memorial Day weekend. Thunderstorms were forecast all weekend, but by God’s blessing, the weather was beautiful for all the outdoor activities!

The retreat began Friday evening with a pizza dinner and introduction to the theme “Two Lost Sons” taken from the parable of Luke 15.

Attendees signed up for various responsibilities related to meal prep and cleanup throughout the weekend. It was encouraging to work together and to see the enthusiasm our young people have for serving others.

Saturday morning after a group breakfast we enjoyed a beautiful Sabbath walk along a mountain river trail. After lunch, Sabbath services started off with rousing hymns filling the hall, along with messages deep diving into our theme. The young adults then broke into groups for meaningful discussion of the parable and application to our spiritual journey today. We were inspired and encouraged by the maturity and wisdom of our younger generation in the Church!

Sunday the group went on a scenic river tube float, after which many hiked up the mountain to explore and swim through the various natural pools and waterfalls while others took advantage of the resort amenities. Sunday evening was filled with music, impromptu karaoke, games, swimming and deep conversations.

Young adults shared that they felt fulfilled, connected, and uplifted by the wonderful weekend together. The success of the weekend was due in large part to the character and commitment of this young adult group, to growing in their walk with God and helping others along the way.

—Jay and Jennifer Ledbetter