As we enter the fall holyday season, the first festival is the Feast of Trumpets, which God describes as a “memorial of blowing of trumpets.” We may think of many things when we think of trumpets, but there is one meaning of their sounding we may not consider often, but it is a theme that runs through these holydays. This year, especially after we have been apart due to COVID 19 for so long, God may be reminding us all to do something we haven’t done as we observe His fall festivals--something very important to Him.

Rick Shabi

President, United Church of God

Rick Shabi was ordained an elder in 2000, and relocated to northern Florida in 2004. He attended Ambassador College and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a major in Accounting. After enjoying a rewarding career in corporate and local hospital finance and administration, he became a pastor in January 2011. Since then, he and his wife Deborah have served in the Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, churches. Rick served as the Treasurer for the United Church of God from 2013–2022, and was named President in May 2022.