OneAccord
November/December
2024 Feast of Tabernacles
Cover Photo: Cortona, Italy
personal from the president Feast of Tabernacles 2024
EEach year after returning from the Feast of Tabernacles, it is good for us to take time to reflect on our experience. In this issue of One Accord, you will have the opportunity, through the Festival reports, to visit sites around the world. This year, the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, hosted Festival sites in more than 40 different countries. Initial reports show an increase in our U.S. attendance, but we are still collecting the numbers from outside the U.S.
In the modern history of the Church, when it came to Church attendance and number of congregations, the largest group was always in the U.S. But today, in COGWA, we have an equal number of members from outside the U.S., who attend with us from multiple countries, cultures, nationalities and races. For eight days, we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day as one body of people, no matter our background. With the exception of the language differences, our services are the same, whether one attends in Malawi or India or Arizona or South America. We are one body of people with a singular calling, bound together by the Holy Spirit.
This year, my wife and I had the privilege of attending two sites—one in the U.S. (Tucson, Arizona) and one in South America (Santa Marta, Colombia). While the culture and language were different, there was no difference in the manner of worship or the fellowship. In the case of Colombia, the members are so scattered that the Feast of Tabernacles is the only time they all get together. This makes the fellowshipping and the rejoicing even more important. It reminded me of the early days in the Church here in the U.S. when there were very few local congregations or pastors for most of the attendees once they left the site. In those early years, there was one truly emotional moment when we sang the final hymn on the Last Great Day. We traditionally sang the song “God Be With You Till We Meet
Again.” Even as a small boy, I remember the tears flowing as the song advanced through its verses. By the time we got to the final stanza, everyone was crying, or so it seemed. The sadness wasn’t because of the Festival experience but because of the departure from the site and the fact that we wouldn’t see each other for a full year.
The first time I witnessed this emotional conclusion to the Festival, I was very young and a bit confused. I was actually happy to be going home with my family, back to school and back to sports. But as I got older and realized the importance of the Feast of Tabernacles, as embarrassing as it was, I also fought back the tears.
While this year I didn’t shed tears during the final hymn, it was still emotional to be departing from another Feast of Tabernacles, from people with whom I had enjoyed a most wonderful experience. So, what did I learn this year? It wasn’t something new—a new truth or a new understanding of a Scripture. It was a reminder of how important our time together really is and what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and show love for each other (John 13:35).
I hope you also returned from the Feast with a deeper appreciation for the people God has called to join you and me on this incredible journey toward the Kingdom of God. For my family and me, it was a most wonderful and much-needed Feast of Tabernacles!
Jim Franks President Church of God, a Worldwide Association
OneAccord Contents
© 2024 Church of God, a Worldwide Association, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Ministerial Board of Directors: David Baker, Arnold Hampton, Joel Meeker (chairman), Larry Salyer, Richard Thompson, Leon Walker and Lyle Welty
President: Jim Franks; Media operation manager: Clyde Kilough; Managing editor: David Hicks; Copy editor: Becky Bennett; Associate designer: Elena Salyer; Social media: Hailey Willoughby
Doctrinal reviewers: Neil Hart, Steve Moody, Frank Pierce
One Accord is published bimonthly online at members. cogwa.org by the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, Inc.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version (© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
By submitting photographs or articles to the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, Inc. (“Church”) or to One Accord, a contributor gives the Church permission and a nonexclusive license to use or publish any such submissions without any compensation to the contributor. The contributor further agrees that any such submission will be construed in the broadest possible terms, including, but not limited to, the right to edit, crop or otherwise manipulate the submission. This publication is not to be sold. Free educational material.
Feast of Tabernacles 2024
The 2024 Feast of Tabernacles is now complete and is, as the saying goes, in the books. Members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, celebrated this foretaste of the world tomorrow at 47 sites around the world. Our sites this year again spanned the globe with Festival locations in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific and Africa.
A few of the languages used to give or translate messages at the Feast included English, Spanish, Bengali, French, Twi and Swahili. The brethren in Fiji sang a beautiful and touching departure song, “Isa Lei,” in their native Fijian tongue. The Church is truly a worldwide work, and God has called and converted children of all races and backgrounds!
While sites where the Feast was observed might have been located in millennial surroundings, the real joy of the Feast springs from our time together with God and His people. Far more than a simple vacation, God’s people once again separated themselves from their daily routine to envision the future—what the world will be like when Jesus Christ is sent back to establish God’s Kingdom over the earth. It is always a highlight of the Feast to picture and meditate on how the world will change once Christ’s government will serve the nations. The messages emphasized this vision of what is certain to come.
Above and beyond the attractions and activities, the real climax of the Feast we’ve all enjoyed was found in meeting and getting to know our Church family. The kaleidoscope of people that God has called is truly humbling and inspiring. God’s people—who in the world might be enemies—love and care for each other, showing what is possible when God’s Spirit is the dominant influence.
May God speed the day when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea!
Dave Myers
AFRICA
Kumasi GHANA
The Feast in Ghana was held in the city of Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city. This year 534 members from around the country gathered to keep the Feast. As always, the time was filled with joyous fellowship—catching up with brethren not seen since last year—and children playing happily.
Some generous assistance from members in the U.S. provided a meal of jollof rice and chicken (a local dish of seasoned rice and chicken loved by Ghanaians). This was a high spot of the Feast for adults and children alike!
As the world continues to deteriorate, the picture of hope and peace we see through the Feast of Tabernacles is what we all yearn to see! The brethren in Ghana send their best wishes to all their brethren, as they pray for God’s Kingdom to come.
Tom Clark
Nakuru KENYA
This year’s Feast of Tabernacles was held in Nakuru at the Rhino Campsite, which is located about 170 kilometers southwest of Nairobi.
The Rhino Campsite is very beautiful, and many of the members enjoyed bird watching, since the area offered a variety of bird species. The setting
was truly millennial for the 190 or so in attendance. We had rain off and on, but that didn’t dampen members’ spirits. On days we had outdoor activities after services, the rains mostly held off, and we were able to go forward with our plans.
The members truly rejoiced in the messages as well. One of the members wrote, “The messages were a blessing. Each time the messages of the Millennium appear as though they are being heard for the first time, and this kept the members glued to their seats.”
The members in Kenya are grateful for the beautiful place God chose to put His name this year and for the support of the Church. They left the Feast encouraged to continue their walk toward the Kingdom of God!
Nathan Willoughby
Salima
MALAWI
The town of Salima and the lakeshore resort of Senga Bay were the center of this year’s Feast in Malawi. The 148 attendees benefitted from the spiritual education about the coming Kingdom, where we will be leaders under our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
We had a good time with our visiting U.S. minister, Mike Bennett, and his wife, Becky. He gave messages on the first three days, and then they left for South Africa. Our local leaders
provided messages on the remaining days.
In addition to the spiritual food, members enjoyed delicious meals during the Feast, thanks to assistance provided by headquarters and generous brethren.
The Feast had various activities: a youth day and braai, children’s treat with ice cream, water and beach activities, and a very active talent show. The senior citizens enjoyed their special dinner with palatable dishes.
Malawi experienced great fuel scarcity in October. Lines of vehicles spent nights at fuel stations. We thank God that we were able to go to the Feast site and come back without any difficulty. In spite of the financial problems the country is going through, it was the best Feast ever.
Tielmans Chirwa
Benin City NIGERIA
This year 43 happy brethren gathered to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Benin City, Nigeria. The Randekhi Royal Hotel, which has hosted the Feast
for the last several years, was once again the location used. Brethren all stayed together at the hotel. Services were held in the hotel’s meeting room, and meals were served in the dining hall. The hotel pool was used primarily by the children, who had relaxing and enjoyable afternoons.
Generous assistance from members in the U.S. allowed the entire congregation to make a trip to the Benin City Zoo to see the animals and enjoy a special meal on the zoo grounds.
The members in Nigeria pray for their brethren around the world and look forward eagerly to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth!
Tom Clark
Gonubie SOUTH AFRICA
This year, 89 of God’s people kept the Feast in Gonubie, South Africa. The weather was wet, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. With warm fellowship and laughter, we rejoiced in keeping this Feast.
It is always a joy to meet our international guests, and this year was
no exception. A lovely welcome social allowed us to get to know visitors and see old friends again.
A highlight was the family dance, where almost the whole congregation got up to dance. The seniors enjoyed a delicious lunch and good conversation at a cozy restaurant. For Family Day, we enjoyed the opportunity to be together as God’s family and meet Mike Bennett and his wife, Becky, who kept the second half of the Feast with us.
Despite the rainy weather, we had a braai (barbecue). We enjoyed our meal inside the hall and then played Bible trivia.
We were blessed with many inspiring messages, keeping us focused on the great time to come and our part in it! With heavy hearts but renewed spiritual strength, we all went home, grateful for God’s protection, blessing and presence throughout the Feast.
Tim Waddle
Kitgum UGANDA
The 2024 Feast of Tabernacles was held at
the Acaki Lodge, in the northern city of Kitgum, which is approximately 50 kilometers south of South Sudan. This was the second year for COGWA to hold the Feast of Tabernacles in Uganda, and the almost 50 members that attended were excited to rejoice before God in the place He chose to make His name abide.
One member wrote me, “As much as last year’s Feast was spiritually and physically enriching, this year’s Feast has been even better.”
The desire to learn more about the deep meaning of God’s Feast days was evident in all who attended. Every day after services there were activities, including a movie night, Bible study, preteen activities, Family Day activities, bunko and a friendly game of football against the Acaki Lodge local football team. (Our team won!) Every evening we would gather to have tea before heading to our huts for the night.
The brethren are truly grateful for the support of the Church and are already
Kitgum, Uganda
Salima, Malawi
looking forward to next year’s Feast of Tabernacles.
Nathan Willoughby
Mapoko ZAMBIA
A total of 133 brethren rejoiced before their God at the Feast of Tabernacles in Mapoko, Zambia. Brethren were accommodated in camping tents, and God’s hand and protection was evident throughout: the heavy rain that occurred the day before the Feast did not occur again until the Feast was over.
Peace, fellowship and delicious food were plentiful throughout the entire Feast. An ox was slaughtered, and there was an abundance of beef, chicken, fish, vegetables and fresh breakfast buns baked on-site every morning. The spiritual food was also nourishing and edifying, with many inspiring messages that focused on the sooncoming Kingdom of God.
A highlight of the Feast was the beautiful special music that accompanied services each day of the Feast. Special music was given by different
age groups, including children, youth and a very special group of our lady senior citizens.
Another highlight was the baptisms that took place at the Feast. Four new members—Sylvester Nkolola, Foster Mooya, Grace Zulu, Loveness Kapalu—were baptized into the family of God on the Last Great Day.
Daniel Orrin Mwashi
ASIA/PACIFIC
Siliguri INDIA
Twenty members gathered in the West Bengal city of Siliguri—the “Gateway to Northeast India”—to observe the Feast of Tabernacles this year.
Services were held at the Loyola Pastoral Center, where our members also lodged and ate meals together during the Feast. Brethren enjoyed wonderful fellowship with one another, as this is the only time in the year they can be with each other.
The messages focused on the millennial reign of Jesus Christ and the roles we will play in assisting
Christ during this glorious time in the future. Services were interpreted into the Bengali language throughout the Feast for more than half the members in attendance.
Members enjoyed an afternoon excursion to the beautiful mountain town of Mirik—in the foothills of the Himalaya—with treats, boat rides and horseback riding. The next day members were also treated to a wonderful afternoon trip to the Bengal Safari park, where brethren rode on buses to see native Bengal tigers, leopards, deer and other wild animals.
After the Feast, members departed Siliguri, taking long train rides to reach their homes in the Kolkata and Moradabad areas. They look forward to another Feast of Tabernacles in 2025!
Doug Horchak
Lake Taupo NEW ZEALAND
The scenic and picturesque Lake Taupo provided the setting for the Feast where 92 brethren and their families gathered
to be reminded of the establishment of the coming Kingdom of God under the rulership of Jesus Christ.
Those attending took to heart the declaration by King Solomon that “a feast is made for laughter” (Ecclesiastes 10:19), as a spirit of rejoicing was evident among the brethren attending services and participating in the various activities.
One added blessing was the number of international visitors, who added variety to our services by giving sermons and sermonettes, leading songs, performing special music and even joining the church choir. There were many comments about the spiritual depth and inspiration of the messages, especially during these times of worldwide chaos and confusion.
It was a joy to witness the spirit of cooperation and brotherly concern that helped make the Feast a time we won’t forget. A baptism added to the overall spirit of rejoicing.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Heavenly
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Father and Jesus Christ for the blessings poured out on us during the Feast of 2024.
André
van Belkum
Baguio City PHILIPPINES
This year’s Feast of Tabernacles was held in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, where 288 brethren gathered, including 33 international guests from nine different countries. The messages centered on the Kingdom of God and the role we will play alongside Christ.
We enjoyed a variety of activities, including karaoke, a carnival-style Family Day that ended with a delicious dinner featuring roasted calf, and a muchanticipated entertainment and talent night. The performances included both ethnic and modern dances and the talents of many solo musicians.
We are truly thankful to our Heavenly Father and our elder Brother for allowing us to celebrate the Feast with such joy and to grow as His firstfruits.
Despite concerns about Typhoon Trami, which brought heavy rain and the risk of landslides, the Last Great Day services went off without a hitch. While the storm’s impact in Baguio was minimal, 21 brethren from Bicol extended their stay for a week due to flooding that made the roads to their homes impassable. We’re happy to report that they have now returned home safely.
Andrei Siopan
Negombo
SRI LANKA
Once again, members from Sri Lanka gathered to worship God for the Feast of Tabernacles at the Goldi Sands, a beachfront hotel in the coastal city of Negombo, 22 miles north of the capital city of Colombo.
Members delighted in the daily fellowship. They ate all of their meals together each day at a large table the hotel reserved just for them. Enjoying the buffet meals while watching palm trees sway in the breeze and the waves lap the sandy shore
added to the millennial setting of the Feast.
The messages each day were focused on the world tomorrow after the return of Jesus Christ. Our role in assisting Christ to help teach and build that new world dominated the messages and discussions during fellowship each day.
The brethren were able to enjoy special music most days along with other activities such as the entertainment evening and Family Day. Doug and Tanya Horchak also shared an afternoon with the young adults, traveling into Negombo on tuk-tuks to see the sights of the city.
Brethren appreciated the special time spent together and, as always, had a difficult time saying goodbye.
Doug Horchak
CARIBBEAN
St. Philip BARBADOS
The 2024 Feast in Barbados was a much-needed break from the events occurring in the world. A time to focus on what is really important—to “seek first
the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). From the opening night with the beautiful moon shining over the Atlantic Ocean to the Last Great Day when everyone was saying their goodbyes, we experienced a wonderful family atmosphere.
The venue was the Crane Resort, which provided a millennial atmosphere with its old-world charm, incredible natural beauty and beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the local Barbadian members, we had members from Mexico, Canada and the United States. Our high attendance was 134.
Activities during the Feast included an island tour, a Family Day at one of the famed beaches on the island and a catamaran boat cruise.
Arnold Hampton
Ocho Rios JAMAICA
Over 50 joyful local and overseas brethren gathered on opening night, at the beautiful Sago Palm Hotel, in the
Siliguri, India
Negombo, Sri Lanka
bustling seaside town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The local congregation was elated to be back in Ocho Rios, after about 11 years. Our highest attendance was on Sunday with 79 persons.
We were delighted to have David and Lisa Jackson (from Florida) and David and Marguerite Evans (from Texas) sharing the time with us.
At the opening night service, Herchial Fisher reminded us that we were at the Feast to rejoice and to learn to fear the Eternal. The synergy was evident among the various speakers, and joy was the theme. Joy was also evident in the special music performed by the Festival choir, children’s choir and soloists.
There was a group lunch on the last day, which afforded us some good fellowship.
In the final sermon, Mr. Evans left us with an inspiring question: “What did you bring and what will you take away?”
We look forward to the fulfillment of this time in the Kingdom of God.
Sharon Lewis
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
The brethren of the Eastern Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis were happy to welcome several of our brothers and sisters from the Barbados and the Trinidad and Tobago congregations to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Nevis.
Some of the brethren believe it was one of their best Feasts yet. We all agreed that we were spiritually buttressed by the inspiring messages delivered by elders Osmonde Douglas, Clyde Skeete and Don Simpson, as well as the timely messages on video. We were also grateful to LeRoi Moore for his song leading as we sang praises to God, through Christ our Savior.
Brethren were encouraged to hold fast, as we anticipate the promised return of Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom and teach the world His way of peace.
The memories of the Feast in Nevis will be cherished by the attendees, serving as a reminder of
the importance of coming together in worship and celebration.
Glen Bart
EUROPE
Ashbourne IRELAND
The Pillo Hotel was the site for the Feast in Ashbourne, Ireland, this year. Around 300 attendees enjoyed cool, fall temperatures, but warm fellowship. An additional 20 watched the webcast online from the satellite site of Tunbridge Wells, England.
The Festival spirit is always evident with God’s people, and the Pillo Hotel staff mentioned on several occasions that they loved hosting us this year.
Activities included an evening with Irish dancers and an Irish dinner. The children especially loved the dancing and eagerly joined in to learn the steps!
Those who arrived a day early enjoyed a Wild Connemara tour that took us to the western side of the island and allowed us to see some historical sites along the way.
Family Day was spent at the Leisuredome, an arcade and bowling venue that hosted our group exclusively for several hours. We also had tours of the Jameson Distillery as well as the Guinness brewery.
Several mentioned their desire to return to Ireland in the near future, and we have made some inquiries about the Feast in years to come.
Phil Sandilands and Peter Hawkins
Cortona ITALY
This year, around 350 brethren gathered in the beautiful town of Cortona, Italy, to celebrate a “sacred feast to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 16:15). Services were once again held in the town’s charming 19th-century theater, where the acoustics made the special music especially inspiring.
Nestled among the rolling Tuscan hills, Cortona provided an inspiring setting that added to the joy and fellowship of the Feast. Its piazzas and narrow streets
Baguio City, Philippines
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
became familiar spots for spontaneous fellowship. Everyone savored the traditional Tuscan cuisine in cozy restaurants. Many remarked that the serene, idyllic surroundings provided a glimpse of the millennial atmosphere we eagerly anticipate after Christ’s return.
Our special excursions this year included visits to Florence and Siena, along with tours of wineries offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan wine country. The charm of Cortona, enhanced by God’s presence and blessing, made this year’s Feast truly inspiring and unforgettable.
Gary Black
LATIN AMERICA
Monte
Hermoso
ARGENTINA
Located 632 kilometers south of Buenos Aires is the city of Monte Hermoso, a quiet seaside resort on the Atlantic coast. God chose to put His name there for us to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.
We had 196 people gathered from different places: Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. We stayed in cabins and apartments around the meeting hall, which was rented from the Gauchos Folklore Group, and enjoyed a beautiful atmosphere of harmony and peace.
We witnessed God’s inspiration in all of the messages. Every day we received strong spiritual nourishment, accompanied by beautiful and wellprepared special music.
As for the activities, they were planned for different ages and generated unforgettable moments for all of us. Every activity fostered healthy fellowship and edifying conversations. One particularly special event was the baptism of Diego Yacianci from Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
This Feast was an oasis of hope that renewed our spirit, gave us clarity about the future and gave us focus and impetus to move forward with new strength, awaiting the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan.
Carlos Verdugo
Santa Cruz BOLIVIA
This year close to 40 members gathered in Bolivia to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in the beautiful Hotel Los Cedros complex, about 30 kilometers from Santa Cruz. The two congregations in Bolivia (La Paz and Santa Cruz) can only meet for the Feast of Tabernacles, which makes this time very special.
The Feast site is nestled in the middle of a jungle and isolated from “civilization,” which makes the Feast a private time of relaxation and worship of God in almost complete privacy. This year there were no outsiders staying on any of the days of the Feast. We had the huge place to ourselves!
Activities included a family get-together, youth activity, family movie, children’s party, talent show, ladies’ tea and a tea for those in their golden years.
Church members in Bolivia deserve our respect and admiration. They have many years
of faithfulness to God and have gone through difficult trials.
This Feast was crowned with the baptisms of four people: Mariam Tayarapo, Javier Escalante Jr., Santiago Medina and Daniel Loayza. May God give us a wonderful new year.
Saúl Langarica
El Quisco CHILE
A total of 415 happy brethren gathered to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for the third consecutive year at El Quisco, on the central coast of Chile. Most of the brethren stayed at the resort, and many of us were able to eat together at the hotel restaurant. All the activities and services were carried out within the same facility, making family togetherness one of the hallmarks of the Feast.
All of the messages focused on the exciting theme of God’s government being established on this earth. Members commented that they felt inspired to face another year in the midst of a deceived society.
Monte Hermoso, Argentina
Cortona, Italy
Santa Marta, Colombia
Nakuru, Kenya
Ashbourne, Ireland
St. Philip, Barbados
Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Gonubie, South Africa
Mapoko, Zambia
St. Kitts and Nevis
Fort Myers, Florida
Greenville, South Carolina
Tucson, Arizona
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Mont-Tremblant, Québec
New Braunfels, Texas
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala
Activities included a welcome for foreign brethren, ladies’ tea, dance for young people, activity for children, family dance, talent evening and a tea for the golden group. Halfway through the Feast we had three baptisms—Carolina Vargas, Andrés Díaz and Victoria Vargas—adding much joy.
The Feast was truly an oasis in the middle of the moral and spiritual desert of this world. It gave us the energy, inspiration and desire to continue on God’s wonderful path for another year.
Saúl Langarica
Santa Marta COLOMBIA
If we could sum up this year’s Feast with one word, it would be joy. After a difficult year, marked by various trials and obstacles, we needed the Feast. We had an attendance of about 100.
This year we had Ralph Levy with us for the first part of the Feast, and then Jim Franks and his wife, Sharron, for the last part. We were blessed to have one baptism: Ruth
Barroso, who lives in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The Feast offered different activities in which people of all ages could participate: a pizza night and hat contest, a ladies’ evening and a comedy night. The comedy night had 33 participants from Ecuador and Colombia— a third of those attending! Afterward, we had a short dance.
The spiritual nourishment was varied. In addition to our guest speakers, we had video sermons by Doug Horchak and Clyde Kilough. We returned to our homes more committed than ever to continue on this path, striving to reach the goal God has given us.
Eduardo Hernandez
Costa
del Sol
EL SALVADOR
We give God thanks for the excellent Feast of Tabernacles we enjoyed in El Salvador at the Hotel Tesoro Beach on the coast.
We all had a great time. It was eight days
of togetherness and joy, sharing like a big family.
The hotel was spacious, clean, presentable and very nice. We had the wonderful opportunity to have all our meals together every day of the Feast.
A total of around 80 brethren were present. We had visitors from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. We were very pleased to have the minister of Mexico City, Alberto Gonzalez and his wife.
At the beginning of the Last Great Day, we had the baptism of Cesia Isabel Muñiz Pérez from Nicaragua.
There were various activities during the Feast. Everything was very joyful. In addition to the physical food, the spiritual food was especially wonderful. God indeed inspired the messages and put His name on this beautiful place.
We finished the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day with grateful hearts.
Eleodoro Ávila
Ciudad Vieja GUATEMALA
Once again, this was the best Feast ever. Our Father in heaven provided us with peace, physical and spiritual food, joy, clothing, transportation, cabins and abundant Christian fellowship. We kept the Feast about 40 kilometers from Guatemala City, in Ciudad Vieja, near Antigua.
A total of 481 brethren from South, Central and North America gathered in the municipal hall, and we enjoyed every greeting and hug as if we had always known each other.
We had several activities: a welcome party, a family dance, Bible studies, a ladies’ breakfast, golden age breakfast, dinner to start the weekly Sabbath, a family day, talent night and ladies’ night.
The sermonettes and sermons were inspiring and gave us vision to remain steadfast in the times we are living in.
We ended the Feast understanding the need for God to reign—that
Costa del Sol, El Salvador
El Quisco, Chile
He will soon “set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people” (Daniel 2:44).
The last sermon concluded with these words: “It’s easy to do the things our way, but God wants us to do things His way.”
Milovan Chicas
San Miguel de Allende MEXICO
The 2024 Feast of Tabernacles in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, was a remarkable celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful, welcoming venue that enhanced each activity. Key events included a family dance filled with joy and fellowship, a talent show showcasing regional dances from Mexico and beyond, and a Family Day with traditional Mexican food and games. Youth Day allowed young attendees to bond through city activities, while Children’s Day featured a touching reenactment
of the Israelites’ Exodus, emphasizing faith.
Special meals honored married couples and elders, celebrating their dedication and wisdom. Brethren from Chile contributed talent and enthusiasm, adding a unique touch to the festivities. Spiritual messages, including Mr. Franks’ sermon, resonated deeply, and two baptisms (Ruth Ramón Lara and Alan Ernesto Arteaga) added to the joy of the Feast also.
Daily special music enriched services, uplifting everyone’s joy. Each element reflected the spirit of unity, faith and celebration. This Feast of Tabernacles was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and memorable gatherings, leaving all with cherished memories and strengthened bonds as we look to God’s future Kingdom.
Larry Roybal
Huanchaco PERU
The Church of God in Peru once again celebrated the Feasts of Tabernacles
and the Last Great Day at the Bracamonte Hotel, a beautiful place located near the beaches of Huanchaco.
The high attendance was 170 people, 22 of whom were visiting us from abroad. Ralph Levy visited us from the Church headquarters for the second half of the Feast.
During the eight days we enjoyed a full program of activities, including daily services, dances, activities for age groups, a marriage activity, a ladies’ speech club, a talent night and the longawaited afternoon at the beach for everyone.
Freddy Alejandro Sánchez Trejo and Sara Dolores Mora Sandoval de Cruz were baptized during the Feast on Sunday, Oct. 20.
In addition to all the inspired messages we received, we rejoiced in fellowshipping with our brethren, looking forward to what the world will be like in the Kingdom of God. May God bless us and hasten the arrival of His wonderful Kingdom. We thank God for the beautiful Feast He gave us.
Manuel Sánchez
UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Orange Beach ALABAMA
Sunshine-filled skies and mild temperatures greeted and remained
with brethren throughout the entirety of this year’s Feast of Tabernacles in Orange Beach, Alabama. Our highest attendance (816) fell on the weekly Sabbath. On Day 2, approximately 65 teens spent an afternoon at a local state park on the beach playing flag football and spikeball, attacking the waves and chillin’ while enjoying pizza and drinks.
The senior citizens’ luncheon, family dance and other social dropins were well-attended. All of these were held at the multifunctional Orange Beach Event Center, where we also held services. Twelve foursomes participated in this year’s golf scramble. Feastgoers especially enjoyed Family Day, which was held at a local sports complex that had something for everyone. Both young and not-so-young enjoyed playing games and obtaining tickets for prizes. Family Day also offered karaoke, flag football, cornhole and water balloon slingshot launching (and dodging)!
The highlight of the Feast, though, came with the messages, music and fellowship that we enjoyed daily at services. We especially appreciated the positive spirit and attitude shown as brethren served God, one another and the local community.
Andy Burnett
Huanchaco, Peru
Tucson ARIZONA
A total of 205 brethren gathered in Tucson, Arizona, for the Feast of Tabernacles 2024. This year we returned to the beautiful Loews Ventana Resort. The weather turned as the Feast began, and it was beautiful. Many came to services early and stayed late to fellowship. The messages were inspiring and uplifting, pointing us to the future millennial reign of Christ.
Many were attending the Feast in Tucson for the first time, while others were returning after decades. The city has changed, but the desert remains beautiful, especially at Feast time.
Several commented that this was one of their “best Feasts yet,” and credited it to the solid messages they received, the fellowship and the opportunity to meet other members.
Youth day and the children’s choir performance were a joy. It was wonderful to watch the youth enjoy the Feast.
The Feast in Tucson was truly a place to rejoice where God had placed His name! Our thanks go to God who invited us to be there and share in His Feast together.
Paul Carter
Fort Myers FLORIDA
This year approximately 125 brethren met at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida. While this was a satellite site, we had brethren from as far away as California, Washington state and the mid-Atlantic region, as well as from the six central and south Florida congregations.
In the weeks just prior to the Feast, Hurricanes Helene and Milton attempted to sidetrack us from keeping the Feast in Fort Myers, but God’s hand kept their destructive forces from doing so.
The messages were encouraging and timely. Activities included a reception, dance and karaoke and a Family Day in which the brethren could enjoy Florida’s
beautiful Gulf Coast. Our seniors enjoyed a wonderful Sabbath brunch in the ballroom of the hotel.
Additionally, the brethren generously gave $2,565 as part of our FOI project to help the local food pantry, which has been impacted by heavier than normal demand as a result of the back-to-back hurricanes that impacted the region.
Chuck Sinon
Kohala Coast HAWAII
Nearly 250 celebrated the Feast at the Hilton Waikoloa Village along the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
The messages were uplifting and inspiring! It was a spiritually rewarding and rejuvenating Feast!
Besides our regular services each day, we had a welcome reception and sunset buffet dinner on the opening night and catered buffet luncheons on each holy day. We also enjoyed several organized activities, including morning hospitality hours for teens and young adults,
a teen beach party, a young adult dolphin encounter, a golf tournament, charter sail and snorkel trips, a seniors’ buffet breakfast and Family Day at the beach.
Several attendees ventured to the other side of the island to visit Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, coffee plantations, orchid farms and the Maunakea Observatories, for a night view of the Milky Way and, this year, the TsuchinshanATLAS Comet.
As usual, the weather was sunny and ideal—in the low 80s every day, and the Hawaiian Pacific Ocean was always calling to be enjoyed for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and water excursions.
Next year we plan to be back on the Big Island for the Feast. You are welcome to join us!
David Register
Woodbury MINNESOTA
Woodbury, Minnesota, was once again a satellite site, webcasting services from Orange Beach, Alabama, this year. The weather
Orange Beach, Alabama
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
was very pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s.
The members all stayed at the Residence Inn, and services were held next door at the Courtyard by Marriott. The high attendance this year was 39. There was a welcome reception on the opening night and a “getting to know you” catered dinner the first night. Other activities included a trip to the Bell Museum and a tour of the American Swedish Institute Mansion. One afternoon the men got together for some men’s bonding and the ladies got together for games.
There were lots of opportunities for fellowship, and members enjoyed several catered meals together. On the last evening of the Feast, members enjoyed a wine, cheese and chocolate evening. It was truly a very enjoyable time physically and spiritually.
Larry Solomon Branson
MISSOURI
Nearly 700 happy brethren attended the Feast of
Tabernacles in the newly renovated and spacious Yakov Smirnoff Theatre in Branson, Missouri. The fall weather in the Ozark Mountains was picture-perfect, and it was breathtaking to observe the leaves turn colors as the Feast progressed.
Abundant activities provided fellowship opportunities for all ages, including the Friday night Bible study, senior luncheon, family dance, Festival Youth Instruction, and young adult and teen drop-ins. Close to 200 brethren interacted on the Branson FOT Facebook Group, sharing photos and suggestions for restaurants, places to see and things to do.
This year, we added a Family Day activity at Table Rock State Park with face painting for the kids, games, snacks, snow cones, popcorn and a sing-along.
In addition to Family Day, new activities included a successful golf scramble and a teen activity at Snowflex Park, an outdoor tubing experience. Another annual highlight in Branson is gifting small stuffed animals, generously
provided by brethren, to the children after services on Family Day.
Messages were inspiring, special music was stirring, and joy and happiness were evident throughout the Feast.
Dennis and Lyndi Fultz Redmond OREGON
A total of 256 members of the family of God met in Redmond, Oregon, this year. This is the third year we have held the Feast at this location in central Oregon. The Eagle Crest Resort served as the site for daily services. It was a beautiful facility with plenty of space for all.
Feastgoers enjoyed crisp fall weather for the duration of the Feast and the Last Great Day. The spiritual food at this year’s Feast was outstanding. Many good comments were shared with all the speakers about their messages. Activity highlights included a teen activity that offered mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and bowling.
The Feast in Redmond also offered daily hospitality hours before services for teens and young adults. Monday during the Feast, we had a most successful Family Day—with dinner—at a local park. While the weather was cool and breezy, members enjoyed cornhole and cards, as well as bingo and team trivia with prizes. The day finished with a catered meal of barbecued brisket and chicken. Members left the Feast in Redmond, Oregon, spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated.
Jon Pinelli
Lancaster PENNSYLVANIA
About 170 Feastgoers gathered at the Eden Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Many shared positive feedback regarding messages and the special music. We had a baptism—a lady from the Quakertown, Pennsylvania, congregation was baptized in a jacuzzi suite at the resort.
About 90 Feastgoers
Woodbury, Minnesota
Branson, Missouri
signed up for our fourth annual outing at the 25-acre Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Participants hand-fed various animals and enjoyed food and familyfriendly activities. The teen ice cream social was enthusiastically enjoyed by participants (including some preteens).
On Family Day, about 50 seniors received a luncheon and entertainment in the resort’s beautiful courtyard. Others visited the Shady Maple, known for its 200-foot food court and over 44,000-squarefoot gift shop, before returning to burn calories at the family dance. DJ Chris Moen hosted the dance. He supplied a disco ball and special lighting and even taught us the Cleveland shuffle. All age groups enjoyed the dance.
Over 110 attended the nearby Sight & Sound Theatre’s production of Daniel, enjoying excellent seats. And 120 signed up for the Last Great Day luncheon.
We had a great rapport with the resort staff.
Overall, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Kevin Epps
Mont-Tremblant QUÉBEC
Clear blue skies and bright fall foliage of orange and red greeted 120 Feastgoers at Mont-Tremblant, Québec. Those who stayed on-site at the AX Hotel enjoyed walking to services and to local restaurants and shops. Others chose their temporary dwellings from among the area’s wide variety of rental homes.
Daily messages kept our focus on rejoicing before God, building godly families, preparing to be rulers under Jesus Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for all mankind pictured by the Eighth Day.
Our young adults organized an excursion to picturesque Montebello for a chocolate tasting and tour. FOI funded a service project in which Feastgoers assembled activity bags for patients of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Thirty of our seniors enjoyed a luncheon and
live music at the onsite café. Park Omega offered a foretaste of the Millennium, as children fed carrots to deer and majestic elk. Family Day featured a custom-made puzzle challenge based on themes of the Feast. Once again, many worked together to make this Feast extra special!
Daniel Harper
Greenville SOUTH CAROLINA
More than 600 members met in Greenville, South Carolina, where all enjoyed beautiful sunny days throughout our eight days together.
Activities included an opening day reception for all deacons, elders and department heads, as well as an afternoon of cards and board games, a family dance, Family Day activities, and a teen pizza and game day—all located at and around the outside covered terrace area.
A golf scramble at the on-site golf course provided a lot of fun for eight different teams. A well-attended seniors’ luncheon involved a
round of Name That Tune. The children’s choir saw nearly 50 children onstage singing their hearts out.
The spiritual diet was encouraging and wellthought-out. The plethora of restaurants in the area offered a wide array of outstanding cuisine, sure to please everyone’s palate. Members were very generous—donating $4,320 and 4,000 pounds of food for Hurricane Helene victims in and around the area.
Greenville has proven to be a well-loved site to keep God’s Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day, and many expressed the desire to return in the future.
Mark Winner
Rapid City SOUTH DAKOTA
It was another wonderful Feast in the Black Hills of Rapid City, South Dakota, where 227 brethren gathered to observe God’s Feast of Tabernacles. Everyone was warm and friendly and stayed after services just to visit with one another. It was definitely a family Feast.
The weather was truly
Redmond, Oregon
Rapid City, South Dakota
amazing for this time of year, and everyone was able to enjoy all that the outdoors had to offer— like beautiful Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Needles Highway and, of course, the scenic byways of the Black Hills.
This year, Family Day was at the amazing Reptile Gardens, which boasts more than 225 different species of reptiles. You could also see a prairie dog town, the Sky Dome and beautiful botanical gardens.
The messages were uplifting and inspiring. They reminded all of God’s people of the responsibility that we will have at the return of Jesus Christ. What a future we will have! Rapid City was truly a fantastic family getaway for God’s Feast.
Mark Whynaucht
New Braunfels TEXAS
We had 322 brethren in attendance for the first holy day in the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. This number surpassed our registration of 305. The convention center offers generous meeting space, plentiful breakout rooms and the opportunity to bring in our own food and drink. Every morning before services we provided complimentary coffee and tea, and for our senior luncheon we purchased food from various vendors and then served it ourselves.
Our Family Day featured a tour of Natural Bridge Caverns, located just a short distance west of New Braunfels. Throughout the Feast, we had beautiful sunny weather to enjoy the scenic beauty of the
area and to fellowship with brethren.
What was most appreciated was the focus on the millennial reign of Christ on earth, which was provided in all of the messages. David Johnson, a Foundation Institute instructor, was our guest speaker for the first half of the Feast.
David Treybig
Triadelphia WEST VIRGINIA
Brethren mainly from nearby states enjoyed gathering for the Feast in Triadelphia, West Virginia, for the second year in a row. A total of 94 brethren attended on the first high day.
Being at a smaller satellite site, the brethren expressed how close they felt to each other as spiritual family members. Longtime members
shared interesting and heartwarming stories about their many years in God’s Church.
The Feast began on a high note with a tradition called “Toast to the Kingdom” after the opening night service, where all were invited to fellowship over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Services were held at the modern and comfortable Highlands Event Center, located in a friendly, peaceful area of town. The weather was ideal all week long.
Two elders—Chris Moen and Don Henson—split their time between two sites, providing live messages in Triadelphia at the beginning and toward the end. On other days, the group watched the live webcast from Greenville, South Carolina.
Chris Moen
Triadelphia, West Virginia
2024 FEAST OF TABERNACLES ATTENDANCE
Once again we are providing the high attendance figures for our Feast sites around the world. Of course, there were also a large number of webcast connections. So, as we have done in the past, we are providing these numbers as well (determined by using our usual formula of two viewers per connection).
The number of webcast viewers can be found in the final section, along with the number of shut-ins who received downloadable videos of prerecorded messages. The overall total includes the high inperson attendance, estimated webcast attendance and scattered members who kept the Feast off-site without an Internet connection or prerecorded sermons. We feel these numbers closely reflect the attendance worldwide.
We admit that some of these numbers are simply best guesses, but if anything, they are probably low guesses. Based on these numbers, the total worldwide attendance was 12,078.
2024 Summer Camps Recap
By Ken Teybig, National Camp Coordinator
This was another good year for COGWA Youth Camps. It started with our earliest camp of the summer, Camp Lone Star. There were even more camper applications than last year. Practically every bed at camp was filled, and a few RVs were brought in by staff. Our numbers exceeded the capacity of the dining hall, so nearby dorm meeting rooms were used as overflow locations.
That was a good indicator of things to come, as all but one preteen camp had more campers than last year and several teen camps had more as well.
Our Christian Living theme was “Run the Race: Obtain the Prize,” and camp directors said it resonated
well with campers as well as staff members. Each camp had various speakers address the topic from various perspectives, and it is always interesting to hear about how each camp helped everyone see how the theme impacts his or her life.
We were blessed once more not to have any serious injuries—a testimony to the attention and vigilance of our directors and other staff members in seeking to minimize the various risks that are always present when participating in activities at any form of camp. We are also very grateful to God for His protection and for the many prayers offered up by members each year for the success and safety of our program. oa
Church Potluck
What’s cooking in your congregation?
FOI Scholarship Recipient Mathias Munyabugingo
The FOI Scholarship Program benefits around 80 secondary and postsecondary students across seven African nations. Mathias Munyabugingo has had the opportunity to thrive in his education because he has been a recipient of an FOI scholarship.
Mathias writes, “I was born in 1988 in a family of 12 children, being the sixth child. In my family, there are six boys and six girls. My mother died in 1994, and my father died in 2018. My father was a deacon in the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (and a retired primary school teacher). My nationality is Rwandan, and I was born in the countryside in Giti sector. In addition to this, I am a motivated and hard-working person, and I always strive to achieve my objectives so that I can play a role in the development of the society that I live in.”
Mathias became a scholarship recipient in the 20162017 school year. He was studying at a private university with the intention of to become a nurse, but by the end of that school year, the Rwandan Ministry of Education, together with the Higher Education Council, suspended the department in which he was studying. He was able to transfer to the public university, Rwamagana School of Nursing and Midwifery, and through the course of his studies, he discovered a passion for midwifery: “I found that it was fitting me, because when I cared for a mother who was in labor and gave birth I felt satisfied and happy in my heart.”
Mathias has excelled in his studies, often rising to the top of his classes. He is motivated to achieve excellence as he thinks ahead to the future. Having a dependable job will help his family rise out of poverty, as well as support the education goals of his own family in the future. Mathias is set to graduate from the midwifery program in the fall of 2025. Jennifer Foster
Joplin Holds Summer Picnic
The Joplin, Missouri, brethren and members from neighboring congregations (Springfield, Missouri; Bentonville, Arkansas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma) gathered for a summer picnic on July 7, 2024, at the home of Clifford and Linda Beal. The food and fellowship were abundant, and we enjoyed the company of Doug and Janel Johnson, who were visiting family in the area. Although the weather was warm, the shade of the trees made it more enjoyable and enticing to linger, and the children enjoyed swimming in the pool to keep cool.
Katie Jackson
North Carolina Congregations Say Farewell to Associate Pastor
Tom and Julie Burrows attended their last Sabbath service in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 1, and in Greensboro and Hickory, North Carolina, on June 8. In Mr. Burrows’ final sermon he encouraged the brethren to stay steadfast and finish the race.
All three congregations marked the occasion with a reception and presented them with a number of gifts, including a wooden charcuterie board engraved with the words “Serve With Love,” a quilt featuring memorable attractions of North Carolina and a photo album of the Church members.
The Burrows now pastor congregations in Roanoke and Williamsburg, Virginia, and Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Jordan Iacobucci
Twin Cities Sabbath School Hosts Senior Tea
On May 19, the Twin Cities Sabbath school children hosted the second annual Seniors’ Tea. Their local pastor and his wife, Larry and Shirlene Solomon, were able to host the event in their building’s community room.
The children created and decorated place cards for each of the senior guests and hosted a table of honored guests. On the back of the place cards were questions to help promote engaging conversation. The children and their mothers made all of the delectable treats, including trifle, scones, cookies, tea sandwiches, fruit kabobs and a veggie tray.
Children served as the guests filed through the buffet line. After everyone finished eating, the children paired up on a “knowledge quest,” which had them circulating among all the tables to discover things about their guests. They learned, for instance, who had an outhouse growing up, who had been in the Church the longest, what was the weirdest food anyone in the room had eaten and many more interesting tidbits. These results were shared with the group amid much laughter.
The tea closed with a program put on by the Sabbath school children. It included musical pieces, as well as presentations by the older children who told about their favorite Bible hero and lessons they learned.
The program concluded as the children sang the hymn “Hearts of the Fathers,” accompanied on the piano by one of the children.
The event was a huge success and helped fortify intergenerational bonds among all 43 people who attended— both young and old.
Liz Boyle
Bedford Holds Campout
The Bedford, Pennsylvania, congregation held its annual campout at Shawnee Lake in Central Pennsylvania from Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23. Several families from congregations in Bedford and York, Pennsylvania; Frederick, Maryland; and Wheeling, West Virginia, braved the heat and enjoyed good food, fellowship, kayaking and campfire chats for 3½ days.
The campers also enjoyed some sightseeing. On Friday a number of the group traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to see the Flight 93 National Memorial, established to commemorate the flight hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001. Friday evening, many of the members had dinner at the historic Jean Bonnet Tavern, which has been a safe haven for travelers and settlers since the early 1760s.
On the Sabbath, 24 members joined on-site services and heard messages titled “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” and “The Lessons Creation Teaches Us.” Church services were followed by a cookout.
The group witnessed God’s intervention when one of the members suffered a heart attack and had to be driven to the Bedford Hospital and then flown to a larger hospital. Members’ prayers were answered, and the member was able to have several arteries successfully unblocked. The same member was miraculously able to rejoin the group on Sunday morning for brunch.
Despite the heat and health trials, the members enjoyed fellowship with one another! We were reminded of the Psalm 133:1 passage: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Brent Ebersole
CYC Wilderness First Aid Training
On May 6 and 7, the COGWA Youth Camps program sponsored a wilderness first aid (WFA) training class for staff members involved in the more extreme activities of the camp program. It was a two-day training led by Matt May, who is an instructor and the CEO of 4Points Guides. All of those in our group received their WFA certification and CPR certification.
The CYC program is dedicated to training and preparing staff in order to provide the safest and most beneficial experience for campers and volunteers.
Pictured in photo are Daniel and Cindy Harper (Challenger Camp hiking instructors), Dustin and Liz Boyle (rock climbing instructors), Bobbi Kitts (rock climbing instructor), DJ and Kathy Haney (rock climbing instructors), and Chad and Jennifer Messerly (Challenger Camp directors).
Chad Messerly
Reactivation of Mindanao Leadership Club
After the Sabbath of April 27, the first session of the reactivated Mindanao Leadership Club in the Philippines began, and men (18 and older) in the congregation gathered to sharpen their public speaking skills.
Because many of us are neophytes, our pastor Paul Cebrian and associate pastor Elbert Gargar, armed with club manuals, acquainted us with the club’s rules, the roles we might be assigned, and the club’s history and purpose.
This Church-sponsored program had to be put on pause over a decade ago because of logistical and manpower issues. The club seeks to help members develop the wholesome personality of a leader, enrich our Christian fellowship, strengthen our service to others and better understand our spiritual responsibilities as children of God.
The club manual calls for each club meeting to start with an opening prayer, followed by vocal exercises—tongue twisters. This part of the program can be challenging and humorous, as English is not the primary language spoken in the Philippines.
We next progress to table topics—questions designed to challenge us to give insightful, biblically based responses on a variety of subjects. The club director then gives some comments on the questions and answers before handing it over to the toastmaster for the speech portion of the meeting.
The toastmaster introduces the speakers, and after each speech an evaluator gives constructive comments to help the speaker improve. Then the club director delivers an overall evaluation and ends the session with a relevant leadership lecture.
The Mindanao Leadership Club is still in its infancy stage, but is already bearing fruit. Members had a memorable meeting and are already looking forward to the next session.
Joshua Bermudez
Springfield Holds Church Picnic Joplin Brethren Have Fish Fry
On Sunday, June 23, the Springfield, Missouri, congregation gathered for a church picnic at Fellows Lake, an 860-acre lake on the city’s outskirts. The weather was warm, and the serene beauty of the lake and green space added to the ambiance.
Brethren gathered under the shaded pavilion for grilled burgers and hot dogs, and then many joined in group games and playground activities. The best part of the day was the opportunity to be together and enjoy each other’s company.
Lyndi Fultz
The Joplin, Missouri, congregation gathered on May 12 for a crappie fish fry with all the fixings. The Joplin brethren (and members from the neighboring congregation of Springfield, Missouri) met at the home of local members whose property has been in their family for five generations.
Many enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation by walking along and playing in a nearby creek and searching for arrowheads. Even better than the fish and hush puppies was the fellowship we all enjoyed that day.
Katie Jackson
Congregations Bid Lamberts Farewell
Over the Sabbaths of July 13, 20 and 27, the Roanoke and Williamsburg, Virginia, and Charleston, West Virginia, congregations took turns bidding a sad farewell to our pastor and his wife, Larry and Wilma Lambert. After services on each Sabbath, the Lamberts were provided with a delicious and plentiful “Good Memories” meal, along with gifts and cards. At each meal, there was wonderful food, fellowship and an exchanging of memories—along with many hugs and, yes, even a few tears.
The Lamberts are dearly loved by everyone in our congregations, and we are so very appreciative of their 10 years of loving service to us. We wish them well and will be keeping them in our prayers as they travel across the country to begin pastoring congregations in the Northwest.
The Lamberts will be taking the place of Jon and Debbie Pinelli, who will be moving to New Zealand.
While we are sad to see the Lamberts move, we are thankful for their time with us. We know that we will see them again, if not in this lifetime, in God’s Kingdom. And, of course, we are happy to lovingly welcome Tom and Julie Burrows, our new pastor and his wife, and continue our walk to the Kingdom with them.
Robert Worsham
CYC New Zealand 2024
In January, 16 campers, including one from Australia, traveled a few hours south of Auckland for a fun-filled camp weekend. Ben and Hannah Connolly generously volunteered their picturesque farm for New Zealand’s youth this year. Their property is situated in the Waikato District, and campers were able to fully immerse themselves in God’s creation, surrounded by rolling hills and plenty of sheep, dogs, cats and even a pony.
Campers arrived the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 12, and got quickly acquainted with their home for the weekend.
There were heaps of activities to keep them busy: basketball, table tennis, trampoline, as well as lots of open space for tag and running until they collapsed at the dinner table.
Sabbath morning after breakfast, there was a Bible study about the spiritual lessons learned from sheep. The campers then had the opportunity to make some sheep art using wool shorn from the farm’s flock. After lunch, we tuned in online to Auckland services.
After sunset, the campers enjoyed the biggest bonfire most of them had ever seen, and later they enjoyed fireworks, which were absolutely brilliant in the dark summer sky.
On Sunday, campers were treated to a farm tour. They saw a herd of sheep and met a few of the dogs that help round up the sheep. The campers rode on a large trailer pulled by a tractor and had an excellent view of the Waikato farm before heading home.
We give thanks to God for the amazing weather and His protection on our travels to and from camp. Many are already looking forward to the next one!
Corin Forster
We encourage members to send announcements to be featured in One Accord. We feature events in members’ lives, including baptisms, births, engagements, weddings, significant anniversaries (25, 40, 50, 60, etc.), and obituaries. Typically they run between 50 and 100 words; however, we ask that all submissions stay under 250 words. Please submit a highresolution color photo along with the written copy to your congregation’s reporter.
Wedding
On March 16, 2024, Kandy Searcy married Barry Boyd at a beach venue with family on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Chuck Sinon, the pastor of the Fort Myers and St. Petersburg, Florida, congregations, officiated the wedding.
Kandy and Barry met years ago when they lived and worked in the
Louisville, Kentucky, area. Over time, Kandy moved, and the two kept in touch as she had questions about the Church and the Bible. Barry helped her navigate her questions, and Kandy was baptized and became part of the Springfield, Missouri, congregation in 2023. Eventually, their friendship grew deeper, and the two fell in love, became engaged and got married.
Following the wedding, Kandy officially relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where Barry serves as a deacon in the local congregation.
Lyndi Fultz
On a hot afternoon in Florida, during the middle of hurricane season, Marcus Johnson and Lauren Schumacher became husband and wife in a beautiful wedding ceremony at a venue located in Dade City. Both are first-generation Christians who first met at the Feast of Tabernacles in Orange Beach, Alabama. As it turned out, they lived only a little over an hour away from each other in Florida. So, after making many weekend trips to spend quality time with each other on the weekly Sabbath, they finally tied the knot on Sept. 1, 2024.
The ceremony was officiated by David Jackson, pastor of the Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida, congregations.
Mike McTiernan
Anniversaries
Dorothy and Walter Hawk
The Akron-Canton, Ohio, congregation celebrated the 65th wedding anniversary of longtime members Walter and Dorothy Hawk. Their introduction by friends in 1957 started an enduring relationship that has been a shining example ever since. Walter, who was a purchasing manager and traffic controller, married Dorothy, the farmgirl-turned-schoolteacher, on June 20, 1959, in New Philadelphia, Ohio. They started listening to the World Tomorrow broadcast on their way to church in 1967 and started attending in the Akron, Ohio, congregation in 1970. That year they were baptized and attended their first Feast of Tabernacles in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, along with over 14,000 other people. They had three boys by then and had moved to Wooster, Ohio, where they have been firmly rooted to this day.
Walter was ordained a local elder on Pentecost in 1982 by pastor John Foster and evangelist Herman Hoeh. He retired from purchasing in 1998 and pursued his love of woodworking. Dorothy retired in 1999 after teaching elementary school for 30 years.
Today they are still best friends. They have lived in the same house for more than 50 years, enjoying Friday night meals with their three sons and their wives, three
Kandy and Barry Boyd
Lauren and Marcus Johnson
grandchildren and any others who are able to make it over.
They enjoyed a 25-year run of hosting the annual local church picnic at their house and continue to enjoy being together with brethren any time they can. Their example has been an encouragement to everyone they have met, especially all of us in Akron.
Brian Hawk
Raymond and Lorraine Daudelin, members of the New England congregation, which meets in Leicester, Massachusetts, celebrated their 25th anniversary on July 10, 2024.
They met while attending the Worldwide Church of God and were friends for many years before marrying in 1999.
Lorraine is the daughter of the late Roger Wapner, a longtime member, and Doris Wapner.
Ray currently works as a meal driver for the elderly. He enjoys studying God’s Word and being active. Lorraine is retired from MassMutual Life Insurance Company and Greater Springfield Senior Services. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing and art therapy. Raymond takes attendance, types up forms for the ministry, helps with setup and sends out CDs for the shutins. Lorraine keeps in touch with others by greeting cards and actively communicates with shut-ins.
Jay Fidanza
Danny and Debbie Gilstrap, of Magnolia, Texas, members of the Houston North congregation, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 25, 2024.
Danny and Debbie have been blessed with four sons and one daughter, nine granddaughters, four grandsons and two greatgrandsons.
Both Danny and Debbie were raised in the Houston area. They met through mutual friends and got married a year and a half later.
Danny was first exposed to the truth when he worked in construction with several members of the Church. While living in Bakersfield, California— Danny worked in commercial construction there for about three years—Danny and Debbie began investigating the Church. They continued watching the telecast and reading literature until they finally attended services for the first time on Sept. 4, 1987.
They returned to Houston and have remained steadfast in the faith. Danny serves as a deacon. They also remained in the construction business with a company they still own. They consider themselves semi-retired and have more time for family, brethren and hobbies.
Greg Mann
Baptisms
The Gainesville, Georgia, congregation is elated to have an additional member added to God’s family. Jadea Blencowe was baptized on Nov. 4, 2023, by Mark Winner, pastor of the Gainesville, Macon and Atlanta, Georgia, congregations.
Jadea’s baptism was attended by her parents, Donn and Maria Blencowe; her brother, Teagan Blencowe; her grandparents, John and Elaine Allen; her uncle, Timothy Holmes; and a few close family friends.
Following the baptism, the group enjoyed light snacks and fellowship to celebrate the occasion.
Mark Winner
On March 31, 2024, Lloyd Bowman of the Tucson, Arizona, congregation was baptized into the Body of Christ. His pastor, James Capo, with the assistance of the local elder Kurt Tannert, performed the baptism at the home of the Tannerts. After the baptism, everyone joined in welcoming Lloyd to God’s family with a meal and get-together.
Sherrill Tannert
Jadea Blencowe
Lloyd Bowman
Lorraine and Raymond Daudelin
Danny and Debbie Gilstrap
The Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, congregations were pleased to report three baptisms in the month of April. All of the baptisms were performed by Mark Winner, pastor of the Atlanta and Macon congregations and the Gainesville, Georgia, congregation.
First to be baptized was Teressina Elizondo of the Atlanta congregation. She was baptized on April 3, 2024.
Next was Justin Wildman of the Macon congregation. He was baptized on April 11, 2024.
Last was Wayne Sandefur of the Macon congregation. He was baptized on April 16, 2024.
Mark Winner
Noah Green of the ColumbusCambridge, Ohio, was baptized on Friday, July 5, 2024, by Don Henson, pastor of the ColumbusCambridge and Akron-Canton, Ohio, congregations.
Noah is a first-generation Christian. He learned of the truth through friends and spent two years proving the Sabbath, holy days and other doctrines from the Bible.
Surrounded by close friends, his fiancé Abigail and his future family, Noah was baptized at the home of Abigail’s parents, Adam and Keri Sanders. All present happily welcomed Noah to the family and shared in a special Sabbath dinner together.
Pictured above (from left) are Adam, Keri and Abigail Sanders; Noah Green; and pastor Don Henson.
Denise Hadley
Ordinations
blessed with the ordination of Ivor Mitchell as an elder. Ivor and his wife, Maxine, have been faithful members of the Houston congregation for the past 35 years.
Ivor and Maxine have been married for 39 years and have two adult children, Michele Vick and Michael. Since 2010, Ivor has diligently served as a deacon, contributing significantly to the Church by serving as a choir director, coordinating song-leading workshops, delivering sermons in several congregations across South Texas, and assisting in many other ways.
Gary Black
J.F. Koontz of the Ocala, Florida, congregation was ordained as an elder on the last day of Unleavened Bread, April 29, 2024.
Mr. Koontz was ordained a deacon in April of 2023. He has served over the years in many capacities, including hall setup and takedown, song leading and giving congregational messages on a regular basis. He and his wife, Cheryl, assist in visiting the members on a regular basis, often assisting with those who are moving or fixing up their homes.
Mr. and Mrs. Koontz have been married for 36 years and have two daughters.
On April 23, 2024, the first day of Unleavened Bread, the Houston North, Texas, congregation was
Pictured in the photo (from left) are Tim Rickard (pastor), Gary McConnaughey, Mr. Koontz and Bill Kubon.
Tim Rickard
Ivor Mitchell
J.F. Koontz
Noah Green
Wayne Sandefur
Justin Wildman
Teressina Elizondo
On the Sabbath before Pentecost, June 15, the Kansas City, Kansas, congregation was pleased to witness the ordination of Michael Beyer as an elder in the Church of God.
Pastor Caleb Froedge conducted the ordination, and Greg Swartz was involved in the laying on of hands.
Michael Beyer and his wife, Holly, have long served as deacon and deaconess in the congregation, and they look forward to serving the Church in this new capacity.
Caleb Froedge
On April 29, 2024—the last day of Unleavened Bread—the Atlanta and Gainesville, Georgia, congregations combined for services and had the additional blessing of witnessing the ordination of Neil Boss as a deacon.
Neil, his wife Sarah and their three children attend in Gainesville. The entire congregation shared many hugs and congratulations.
Mark Winner
Obituaries
Donald “Dee” Evans, a longtime member of the Church of God, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 79 on July 5, 2024, following a battle with cancer. He remained strong and faithful to God until the end. Don attended the Springfield, Missouri, congregation with Judy, his wife of 57 years. His sons also attend the congregation, along with their wives and grown children. Don was a pillar of strength and gentleness; his loved ones and brethren will greatly miss him.
From 1965 to 1969, Don was an air traffic controller at the Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. Later, he worked for the Public Works of Springfield, retiring after 30 years. Following retirement, he moved to the family farm in Buffalo, Missouri, where he was born.
Don was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother and uncle. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. His family thanks him for his godly leadership and example and for being a wonderful dad.
Don is survived by his wife Judy; sons Duane (Teri) and Jeffrey (Patti); daughter Cheryl (Jerry) Porter; grandchildren Ethan (Morgan) Evans, Elise Evans, Breanna (Michael) Arthur, Nakayla Evans, Patrick Evans, Shalissa Hutson, Joseph Hutson, Jessica Hutson, Brandon Patterson, Alex (Kyndall) Porter, Kasey (Cory) Drummond; as well as great-grandchildren, two sisters, a sister-in-law, and numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, a sister, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law and a great-nephew.
Lyndi Fultz
Herbert F. Koester was born in New Wehdem, Texas, on June 24, 1923, and died in his sleep at his home in Brenhem, Texas, on June 4, 2024, just 20 days shy of his 101st birthday. Herbert served in World War II and was honored with a veteran’s service and military salute before being buried alongside his wife Leolie.
Herbert and Leolie were married Nov. 3, 1946. Herbert worked as a mechanic and as a machinist, owned and operated a jewelry store, and played fiddle in several bands, including a church band in the 1960s and ’70s.
Herbert and Leolie began listening to Herbert Armstrong in the early 1960s. They started attending services in Houston in 1964 and were baptized in 1965. Herbert was known for his big smile, positive attitude, ability to quote just about any scripture, and his determination to reach 100 years old.
Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Leolie, their son Jerry, his brother and both sisters, his sons-in-law Paul Stegent and Alan Gilchrist, and his granddaughter Cherilyn Lindenberg. He is survived by his children Karen Stegent, Janice Gilchrist, Kirby Koester with wife Leah, and Debbie Ash with husband Chris. He had 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Karen Stegent, Janice Gilchrist, Kirby Koester and Debbie Ash
Herbert F. Koester
Don Evans
Neil Boss
Michael Beyer