Home Office Weekly Update
April 11, 2024
From Ministerial and Member Services . . .
Death of William Vernich
Bill Vernich died on April 3 of health complications at age 92. Mr. Vernich was an elder who served the congregations in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Jackson (Tennessee), and Bowling Green (Kentucky).
Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1953–1955. While he was home on leave visiting a friend, he met Carol Whiteman and it was love at first sight: they were married in 1956. Bill and Carol have five children and seven grandchildren.
Bill heard The World Tomorrow radio broadcast, and was sold on God’s truth; he was baptized in 1972, and became an elder in 1984. He worked in management for the Kroger Grocery Company and later for the Resource Energy Services Company as a marketing representative. Through the years, Bill loved to play golf when he could. But, most of all, Bill was a leader and servant in the Church. Bill was very much loved and will always be missed.
Death of Mavis Kirk
Mrs. Mavis Kirk died peacefully on Wednesday evening, April 3, surrounded by her family. She was 99 years old and had been baptized for more than 64 years. Mrs. Kirk was the widow of elder Steve Kirk, and they served the congregation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her crown is won. She now sleeps awaiting Christ’s return along with her devoted and late husband, Steve.
Young Adults . . . Challenger Sierra Applications Due!
Explore and expand your limits . . .
Are you ready for a physical, mental and emotional challenge? Are you ready to share time and thoughts with fellow Christian brothers and sisters as we take a look at the issues that we all face through a biblical lens and consider how to apply the lessons learned to your spiritual life?
This immersive experience in the Emigrant Wilderness (just north of Yosemite) will engage each participant with opportunities to serve, learn and grow. More details can be found online at uyc.ucg.org/camp/challenger-sierra. Activities include backpacking, camping, swimming, fishing, exploring God’s Word and aligning with Him and our fellow participants.
Apply if you are a high school graduate, age 18–32, and you are ready to build relationships with peers and mentors as you learn more about yourself and stretch your limitations!
The dates will be July 31–Aug. 6 and the cost per attendee will be $150. Applications are still being accepted, but need to be received soon! Register online at ucg.regfox.com/challenger-sierra.
—Scott McKeon, director, Challenger Sierra
Reminder to Register—Smoky Mountain Young Adult Retreat
Register soon to reserve your spot! The Smoky Mountain Young Adult Retreat will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 24–27, 2024 (UCG young adults ages 18-34, single or married).
Come to Townsend, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains! Our young adult group will settle into two large lodges on the same property, one for men and one for women. There are lots of amenities including our own private pool and hot tubs, plus volleyball, basketball, board games, pool table, hiking and more. The Sabbath will be one to remember, in the midst of God’s spectacular creation as we enjoy Bible discussions and a Church service. On Sunday, everyone is welcome to join an exciting tube trip down a scenic mountain river just 10 minutes away.
Register at: smokymountainyoungadult.com. For questions, contact Jay Ledbetter (jay_ledbetter@ucg.orgor 469-452-9501). Hope to see you there!
Feast of Tabernacles in Estonia
Consider attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Tallinn, Estonia. This is a unique site that normally has attendees from seven or more international nations. English is widely spoken, allowing everyone to quickly bond and get to know each other. Tallinn is a well-preserved historical city which dates back to the 13th century, with many examples of architecture and culture left by several ruling nations that are interesting and educational for all ages.
The venue for this year’s Feast is the Park Inn by Radisson, located near the Old Town of Tallinn. A wide variety of restaurants, cultural sites and shops are a short walk from the hotel. All daily services and many activities will be held in the conference room at the Park Inn.
Check the Festival Planning Brochure or the Feast website for room rates and additional details.
Youth Instruction Family Study Guide
In this Family Study Guide, we review the New Testament Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Why is Jesus called the Passover lamb and why was His sacrifice necessary? How are Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread related and why do we observe these special days?
“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
You can read and download this study guide at: ucg.org/members/family-study-guides/the-holy-days-the-new-testament-passover-and-days-of-unleavened-bread
Good Works Proposal Deadline Approaching
It’s time to submit your proposals 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 submit a project proposal here: ucg.org/members/outreach/good-works. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lena VanAusdle at Lena_VanAusdle@ucg.org.
The deadline for proposals is May 31, 2024.
Announcements in United News
If there has been a recent birth, wedding, graduation or milestone anniversary in your family that you’d like to include in United News, please send us a brief write-up and photo. We’d also like to honor members who have died in our obituary section, so please contact us if you would like to include a writeup honoring a deceased loved one.
Send the announcement and a photo to: un@ucg.org. Announcements should not exceed 500 words, and may be lightly edited for length and/or clarity by United News staff. We will feature your announcement in the earliest possible issue of United News.
—Heidi Braun