United Youth Corps Volunteers Serve Around the World

In 2006 and 2007 volunteers from the United Youth Corps program served on seven international projects: two each in Ghana and Nigeria (West Africa), two in Kenya (East Africa) and a teaching project in Amman, Jordan.

Mark Mirigian, Zach Smith, Kirsten Korthuis, Michal Lisa Capo, Laura Beth Childers and Francesca Nixon served as counselors and staff at the six-day United Church of God teen youth camp in Kumasi, Ghana, in August of 2006.

In 2007, Rob Oswald, Joshua Lee, Corbin Rose, Arielle Falardeau and Amber Epperson also volunteered to serve at the youth camp in Ghana.

They paid their entire airfare to Africa, a trip that requires almost three days of travel each way from North America! Campers came from all over Ghana and had a variety of activities including football (soccer), volleyball, team challenge, ultimate Frisbee and Bible class.

Greg Peoples served as activity staff along with Oludare Akinbo in Nigeria in 2006. Cody and Roberta Kitts and Emily Sandilands served at the youth camp in Nigeria in 2007.

Christina Davis and Jamie Franks served as activity staff at the youth camp at Lake Naivasha in Kenya in December of 2006. Elizabeth Isaac, Jennifer Pennington, Rebecca Horchak, Jeremy Hongerloot and Matthew Kireilis also served as activity staff at the youth camp at Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley of Kenya in December of 2007.

In addition to serving as activity staff, many of these young adults from the United States helped in other ways at camp, volunteering to assist with food preparation and teaching hygiene classes, for example.

While mentioning these United Youth Corps volunteers, I would be remiss in not mentioning the many brethren from each of these African nations who volunteer their time to assist as counselors and activity staff and help with food preparation and other duties. Working together with these brethren in their native country has given our United Youth Corps volunteers a great experience of "giving" in a part of the world and in a culture that they have never known.

In addition to these 22 volunteers who have served in various countries in Africa at our youth camps, two United Youth Corps volunteers were chosen to assist as teachers at the Amman Baccalaureate School in Amman, Jordan. Matthew and Mary Ann Bates have been in Jordan since one week after their wedding teaching many Jordanian youth at this well-known private school.

As reported previously in an article by Matthew and Mary Ann (February 2008 United News), they have been able to learn much about the Arab culture and have also been able to build bridges with the administrators of the school, the families of the students and with those of the royal family in Jordan! While Matthew and Mary Ann do get a stipend to pay for their rent and food, they are in the process of happily giving 11 months of their early life together as husband and wife to being an example of humility and service on behalf of the Church.

The time that these young people have volunteered and their willingness to pay much if not all of their travel expenses to these remote parts of the world is a blessing to the Church, to the brethren and even to others not in God's Church in many ways.

The United Youth Corps will continue to strive to provide meaningful service opportunities for young adults in the United Church of God in the months and years ahead. In 2008 we have projects planned in the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Jordan/Israel. For more information, log on to the United Youth Corps Web site at www.ucgyouthcorps.org.

—Doug Horchak

 

Members Participate in Beyond Today and Good News Media Programs

One hundred forty-four enthusiastic members in 32 states have volunteered to serve as Beyond Today sponsors. Beyond Today can be seen on 178 cable-access television channels that air the programs 274 times a week.

Also, a dozen brethren are monitoring Beyond Today radio programs in several U.S. cities. Each week our faithful monitors carefully listen to determine if the correct program is being aired and that it is not preempted. They also confirm that our programs start on time, are not interrupted and end without being cut off.

Nearly 22,000 listener and viewer responses have been recorded since Beyond Today audio and video programs began airing in December 2005.

Additionally, over 175 dedicated brethren and congregations are participating in the Good News subscription brochure program. Members distributed 58,000 brochures on 1,050 displays in 2007. Brochure distribution has been a cost-effective means of introducing new readers to The Good News magazine and our booklets. Brochures cost just 5 cents each to print. Subscriber response has reached an excellent 2.6 percent, so it's only $1.36 per response.

Below are comments from several participants in these member media involvement programs. If you would like to participate, please contact John LaBissoniere at (888) 369-9940 toll free or john_labissoniere@ucg.org.

Barbara Lee, Minneapolis, Minnesota: "I had wondered for a while how I could be more directly involved in the preaching of the gospel. One day in a smaller group setting, our pastor mentioned the idea of checking to see if our local cable station would air the Beyond Today program. I didn't commit myself to anything at that point, but decided to 'check it out' and see what I had to do.

"It took me a few phone calls to find out where the station was located and what needed to be done. It was not complicated, so I decided to commit to being a sponsor.

"Being a sponsor has motivated me to include Beyond Today in my prayers much more than before, for God to use the program to help those He is working with find His truth. In addition to this, it was exciting to have two short articles about Beyond Today published in our community paper. As a result of one of them, our pastor got a phone call! I look forward to someday meeting someone who heard God's truth through the Beyond Today program."

Daniel Rich, Raleigh, North Carolina: "I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to sponsor the Beyond Today program in the Wake County area. It makes me feel as though I am contributing to the preaching of the gospel. We can do nothing on our own—God allows us to scatter the seed and He gives the increase. I am so thankful He has given me, as small as it may be in the grand scheme of things, this opportunity to scatter. No work is more rewarding!

"On one occasion, as I was loading my program at the station, the station manager happened to be watching the program as I was loading it. She pointed out to me that some of our program violated station rules (i.e.: offering free literature, advertising a toll-free number, etc.).

"I was very embarrassed and began apologizing profusely. I was unaware of these rules. I stated to her that I would have to stop airing the program. I explained to her that we are Christians and would not knowingly break any of their rules.

"She immediately changed her stance and began to persuade me to change my mind and continue to air the program. She stated, 'Your program is so well done and this is the kind of quality programming we want more of' and 'our rules and regulations haven't been updated in many years—maybe it's time to update them.'

"She persuaded me to continue to air the show. She now greets me with a big smile and warm hello when we cross paths. It seems God wanted His program to air."

Michael Waters, Oakland, California: "I have been involved in the Church television program since 1999 and have formed a strong bond with Channel 26 in El Cerrito, especially with Sheryl, one of the managers there. It has been very gratifying, and I would strongly advise others to get involved in the work."

Daniel Diaz, Del Rio, Texas: "When we started playing the program, the cable company lent us a key to the room where we have to play the program and be responsible for the good handling of the equipment. Every Sunday at 9 a.m. I play the program and my wife, Delia, does every Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Kathleen Botka, Newark, New Jersey: "I feel like I'm making a difference because Beyond Today here in the Essex County area in New Jersey may be reaching someone and that makes my heart full. Also, the thought that someone might pick up a brochure in the doctor's office or the pharmacy and receive some timely information also encourages me to keep doing what I can to plant seeds along with the Church to do His will."

Angela Payne, Queens, New York: "I've been involved with the Beyond Today cable-access television program as a sponsor for sometime now. It's with great pleasure that I do it. It's good to know that you are personally and actively involved in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in one way or another.

"I often visit the television station to drop off and pick up programs. On many occasions I've taken my granddaughter so she, too, can see how God's work is being preached. Often times someone who is also dropping off or picking up tapes would engage me in a conversation about what our program is about. It's then, with great enthusiasm, that I explain what the program is all about.

"I do pray that God will continue to use this medium to call His people. I remembered that it was through the television program with Mr. Armstrong that God called me."

Lois Royce, Eugene, Oregon: "I am honored to have a small part in getting God's message to others. Because I do social work for a living, I know there are a lot of hurting and confused people out there who desperately need hope for the future. The Beyond Today television program and The Good News do just that.

"For those of you who are caught up in this fast-paced, hectic world, you may think it takes a lot of time to distribute brochures, Good News magazines or drop off TV tapes on a tight schedule. But it really doesn't. I just drop them off before or after my job.

"I attend the Eugene congregation, and we are one of the few areas still distributing Good News magazines on display stands. People are reading the copies on a regular basis and tell us how much they appreciate them. We also have a new family attending church who picked up a Good News magazine in a restaurant, and looked us up on the Internet. I know that some people may read the articles for years before making life changes, and we are helping to sow the 'seed' now for the 'harvest' that God is calling. It is very exciting and rewarding to be a part of that!"

—John LaBissoniere

 

Serving at Camp Can Be Most Rewarding!

One of the most rewarding ways to give of yourself is to work at a United Youth Camp. That is what many realize after spending a week in "the Zone" working with teens to help them grow in faith and vision.

This year's theme of "A Bridge to the Future" makes the connection between training now at camp and the new world government to be ushered in by Christ.

Every year we get hundreds of applications from volunteers to staff one of our seven camps in the United States. Without this talented pool of dedicated volunteers, we could not offer such a first-class ACA accredited program that teens can attend throughout their high school years.

Here are some staff comments:

"Camp made me realize how much I love being around God's people and how much I want to do all I can to live His way and serve His people for the rest of my life. It was one of the things that made me want to move towards baptism" (Northwest).

"It's always wonderful working with God's young people, helping them overcome and watching them begin to understand more of the big picture and forming new friendships and fostering more zeal for God's way" (Northwest).

"It was awesome. I'm pumped for the Kingdom of God" (Winter Camp).

"Camp had an amazing impact on me. I've never learned so much (while still having a great time) in such a short amount of time. Spiritually, it really clicked this year" (Winter Camp).

"Wow. It convinced me that God's way is far superior. I've been teaching for 9+ years and have never seen such an outstanding group of young people. The values of putting others first definitely come out" (Heritage).

Many thanks to all those who unselfishly give up their vacation time to do good work with tomorrow's leaders. If you would like to join our team, go to members.ucg.org and fill out an application form. This might indeed be some of the most rewarding time you ever give away.

—Larry Greider

 

Ministerial Services Thanks Members

"Every week thousands of brethren serve behind the scenes to make Sabbath services a place where we can all meet and be taught God's truths," said Jim Franks, Ministerial Services operation manager. "We wanted to express our deep gratitude for the wonderful spirit of service you have shown in setting up the halls, the sound systems, providing music, caring for our widows and widowers, preparing for socials and doing all the things that make the local congregation a pleasant place for learning and fellowshipping.

"Sometimes we don't always hear a 'well done' as we quietly go about taking care of these needs, but God appreciates all you do on His behalf," Mr. Franks said. "Ministerial Services and all our pastors and elders thank you so much for your time and effort."

All the activities of the local congregations—from Sabbath services to socials—contribute to developing us as a people prepared for God.

Many congregations have 30 or more responsibilities necessary to help the congregation run smoothly. This can be quite challenging in congregations with less than 30 people, but in the larger congregations, the number of responsibilities and people needed grows as well.

Here are just a few of the tasks handled by unsung heroes in the congregations: announcement brochures, bulletin board, cards for the sick, flowers, greeters, "Local Church Updates" reports and photos for United News, meals for the sick and shut-ins, mothers' room, piano players, providing rides, Sabbath school teachers, sermonettes, set up and take down, social committees, song leaders, sound crew, special music, tape library, teen activities, teen Bible studies and ushers.

 

Members Help Reach World

Church member volunteers perform a vital service for the home office each year. Each issue we mail approximately 16,000 Good News magazines to international subscribers in areas of the world not served by other international offices (mainly the Caribbean and much of Africa). The volunteers insert these magazines into envelopes, seal and bag them for mailing.

In addition, they also prepare for mailing about 4,000 copies of World News and Prophecy and 575 of United News for international subscribers, as well as 1,500 Spanish Buenas Noticias magazines for subscribers in the United States.

The number of Good News magazines mailed from the home office has been reduced from 24,000 to 16,000 due to the transfer of 8,000 magazines to the Philippine office.

The Philippine office had been maintaining their own file of subscribers, but the magazines were actually mailed from the home office. Beginning with the March/April 2006 issue, the Philippine office began mailing their subscribers' issues in the Philippines. In addition, the Philippines also mails most of the Asian magazines.

Approximately 820 hours of labor are donated by these members each year, which is a substantial donation. Several members have commented that since they have retired, this is one way they can make a financial contribution to the Church.

At least once a year the teenagers from the surrounding church areas try to come to serve the subscribers and give our regular volunteers a break.

We owe a big thank you to Linda Saar, who coordinates the work parties, and to all the volunteers from Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky.

—Connie Seelig

 

Local Web Sites Help Preach Gospel

Type "United Church of God" into any search engine, and you'll not only see a link for the Church's main Web site but links to numerous UCG congregations throughout the United States and the world. At last count, there were over 140 U.S. congregations and over 25 international areas that have some type of Web presence reaching around the world.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours have been devoted to these local Web sites in creating, developing and maintaining the informative content. Many of the local Web sites are administrated and maintained by only one individual, while others have a team of volunteers.

The local Web sites not only provide a service to the congregation but also provide a virtual footprint in the online world for those who might be searching for God's truth. Those looking would be directed back to the Church's other Web sites for more information, to request literature or to view the Beyond Today program.

Some of the largest and smallest congregations around the world have developed Web sites to keep the brethren informed of local information and provide a way for interested individuals to make contact with the Church. Many of the first-time visitors who request The Good News or listen to an online sermon first came in contact with the Church via a local Web site.

For all who have contributed in this area, Media and Communications Services appreciates your willingness to serve in preaching the gospel. If you have a local congregation Web site that is not listed at www.ucg.org, or if you would like to help develop one for your congregation, please contact Aaron Booth (aaron_booth@ucg.org) for more information.

—Aaron Booth

 

Good Works Fund-Raisers Provide Nearly $340,000

In the autumn of 2003, by action of the Council of Elders, the United Church of God established the Good Works Program. This program was set up to act as a channel for the compassion of brethren in the Church. We do not generally encourage direct cash offerings to the program (since those funds are needed for the budgeted expenditures of the Church in carrying out its commission). Instead, the program was created to receive the monies that brethren are able to generate through local fund-raising efforts.

Jesus said, "Take care not to do your good works before men, to be seen by them" (Matthew 6:1, Bible in Basic English).

We have hundreds of brethren in the United Church of God who obey this command of Jesus, and who do their "good works" (also translated "alms"—acts of compassion and giving) quietly, anonymously, without fanfare, motivated by compassion and a desire to help meet the needs of others in the Church, especially in areas of the world not as blessed with the abundance of God's physical blessings. They have given to the Church's Good Works Program, through volunteer fund-raising efforts.

In these four and a half years since the inception of the program, nearly $340,000 has been contributed to the program through these dedicated fund-raisers. As a result, brethren have been able to help with nearly 35 projects that have benefited others in the Church in countries all around the world—in Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America (where some suffered significant loss from Hurricane Katrina).

Brethren in these areas have been helped with emergency food and other disaster relief, the construction of church halls (when before they were often meeting on the Sabbath in the open air, subject to the whims of the weather), self-sufficiency project seed monies and other projects.

Hundreds of brethren have been involved in all sorts of fund-raisers, including production of a cookbook, car washes, penny rolls, benefit concerts, bake sales and many more. On behalf of those who have been helped, thanks to all who have volunteered and helped in this way—the "give way"—the way that Jesus said was more blessed!

—Tom Kirkpatrick

 

Volunteers Create Online Magazine

Virtual Christian Magazine or VCM (www.vcmagazine.org) has been a UCG online magazine for almost 10 years now and has always run as a volunteer publication. Also on staff are Church employees who fit VCM into their busy schedules.

Staff members and writers communicate and produce the magazine by e-mail. The process usually begins with volunteer graphics and managing editor Lorelei Nettles. Articles are then edited by volunteer editors Gayle Hoefker, Jada Howell, Patrick Kansa, David Meidinger, Suzanne Morgan, Amy Stephens and Debbie Werner. Employee Mike Bennett also helps.

The process continues with reviewers Jack Elliott, Eric Evans, Don Henson and Don Hooser. All are elders, and the last three are currently employed as pastors. They identify any doctrinal problems.

Adding the finishing touches to the articles is Church employee Becky Bennett, who proofreads them and then sends them off to webmaster Chris Rowland. Chris is the final cog in the VCM machine.

VCM encourages other members to volunteer as well by sending in their articles. Subject matter revolves around what's relevant in your life: family, children, marriage, values, strengths, weaknesses, spiritual gifts, relationships, friendships, health, sickness, depression, stories of faith, etc. Please send submissions to Lorelei Nettles at ucg_vcm@cox.net or through the feedback link at vcmagazine.org.

—Lorelei Nettles

 

Preteen Camp Volunteers Serve Well, Save Bundles

In the summer of 2007, United preteen camps served over 450 children ages 6 though 12. Again this summer there will be eight United preteen camps (see above).

Each of these camps is staffed by dedicated volunteers who willingly take time off from work and away from other activities to serve our children. The volunteer camp directors spend countless hours leading up to camp to make sure all details are covered. Applications, health forms, transportation forms, waivers, etc., are all needed to insure a safe and secure environment for the children. In this way we strive to give each child a millennial experience.

In 2007, we had 371 volunteer staff members serving at our preteen camps. If we had to pay each of them minimum wage for their service, it would cost over $186,000! Many thanks to our volunteers who save the Church a great deal of money but, more importantly, provide such enthusiastic and loving care for our children!

—David Myers

 

Crew Records Literature for Blind

Volunteers in the Akron, Ohio, area continue to read the materials printed by the United Church of God for the visually impaired, and are now converting older recordings to MP3 format on CDs.

An entire booklet is now on a single CD instead of being on several tapes. Not only do the CDs take less space, but each booklet or periodical is now tracked by chapters and sidebars, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for. The material and postage savings is quite significant.

The readers read the materials in a controlled environment to avoid background noise or interference. The technician uses Adobe Audition-3 software, a mixer board, a computer, an equalizer and a wireless microphone for recording. The technician is also responsible to listen to the reader for quality control.

The crew has been active with this project since 1996. Those presently involved with the reading program are Maria Jones, Dale Harman, Erik Jones, Joe Szymkowiak, Nick Pavlik, Dave Ritter and Don Pavlik.

—Don Pavlik

 

Retired Member Helps Seniors Stay Active

Barbara Scheper , 71, of the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, congregation pastored by Dan Dowd has found great pleasure in volunteering as a PACE instructor for some of the senior residents of the Homme Home in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, three mornings per week. As an Arthritic Association certified PACE instructor in aquatics and land exercises, she has led classes in the past few years at the Waupaca Senior Center and the King's Veteran Home as an activity therapist.

She studied aquatics and exercise classes at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point while earning her degree in gerontology in 1998.

The seniors especially enjoy the endurance chair dancing and imaginary visual relaxation therapy as well as the ROM exercises to retain their ability of important movements as they age.

"I find that giving in this way is a very good way to spend some of my own retirement time," said Barbara Scheper.

 

Serving Even in the Midst of Mourning

Need a ride? Feeling down? Just need a listening ear? I would like to tell you about an unsung heroine! This enthusiastic lady's daily goal is actively seeking what she can do for not just Church members, but everyone!

She's a teacher's aide at a large public high school in Highland Park, Illinois. This single mother quietly serves her work family, her own family and most certainly her Church family. She initiates many fun activities—whether it be providing transport to a women's conference or a church social. You name it, she's ready to give as she craves God's way of life.

She has been through many serious trials in her life, including the tragic loss of her beloved son. But even in the midst of mourning, she still reached out to others, continuing to give others encouragement.

Despite living far from church, she gets there early, seeing what she can do to help set up the hall. She cooks for others and even brings it to them!

She is humble, never seeking the limelight, but certainly is one of God's unsung heroines. Who am I talking about? Well, it's Sonia González, and may God bless her for her continued service to God, His people and all those who have the pleasure of knowing her. She brightens the dark with her warm smile. We in the Milwaukee congregation are blessed to have her in our fellowship!

—Leone Burns

 

Northern Arizona Women Serve Families of Preemies

The UCG-Northern Arizona women's group, Ladies in Learning and Service, recently reached out to the community in a service project. The ladies, from teens to seniors, donated time, finances, sewing ability and creativity to help the project "Angel Kisses."

This organization helps families of premature babies. Families of preemies are in need of specific sizes of blankets, caps, nightgowns, booties and burying blankets. Time, finances and availability often prevent these families from obtaining these items.

The ladies each contributed in a unique way and their efforts brought them together for a common benefit. They made and donated 78 quilts, 68 receiving blankets, 80 gel pillowcases, 132 crocheted caps, 42 flannel caps, 16 nightgowns, 15 matching hats/booties, three matching crocheted sweaters/hats/booties and five fancy burying blankets. The items were donated to Children's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.