OneAccord
May/June 2025
Branson Presidents’ Day Family Weekend
“For You See Your Calling, Brethren” Algonquin Canoe Adventure
Foundation Institute Perspectives Coming to the End of the School Year
personal from the president
Ministerial Conference, FI Graduation and Pentecost
TThe month of May is looking as though it will be a real blur, with major activities in the beginning of the month, in the middle of the month and at the end of the month. We hold our biennial international ministerial conference the first week of May. By the time many of you receive this issue of One Accord, the conference will be over, but I am writing well in advance of that date. The month of May will conclude with the Pentecost weekend and the observance of the holy day on Sunday, June 1. And in between, there will be another Foundation Institute graduation. This year’s class is quite small, but the students have been a real joy to teach. These three dates have something in common. All three speak to the development of the Church, our foundation of education, and information and updates about our mission and our work. Obviously, Pentecost is the date when the Church began, as recorded in Acts 2. This was the date that the Holy Spirit was given to a group of individuals who formed the beginning of the New Testament Church. “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place . . . Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:1, 38). What a powerful beginning!
Foundation Institute (FI) is all about building on the foundation of truth given to us in our calling. It is a nine-month intensive program that covers the entire Bible, virtually verse by verse. It is an amazing program that has benefited approximately 200 students since its beginning in the fall of 2012. This year we will graduate our 13th class on May 18, 2025.
During the first week of May, we have the ministerial conference. This year should see our largest group of ministers and wives from around the world. Our first conference was in January of 2011 at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. We held a ministerial conference of some type each year through the year 2017. Then, after the conference of 2017, we changed to an every-other-year schedule, beginning with
2019. That was the year we moved into our new office building, and during that conference, we had an official dedication of the new building. So, this year, 2025, will actually be our 11th year to hold a ministerial conference since January of 2011, and once again, we will see the beginning phases of another building—an auditorium/ education center, estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026.
After the first few conferences, the decision was made to select a unique theme for each one. The purpose was to give us a focal point for our presentations. The conferences are filled with reports and special messages built around the selected theme. This year we have selected the theme “Embracing the Vision: Perceive, Plan, Produce.”
In addition to the in-person conference held here in McKinney, we plan to record the presentations and put together a “Behind the Work” video for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles. Our goal is to take everyone behind the scenes and report on the current activities of the Church as well as our plans for the future. I believe you will truly enjoy seeing excerpts from the conference at this year’s Feast of Tabernacles. The month of May will be jam-packed, with each event focusing on some aspect of our growth and commitment to the future. Our goal—with the conference, the FI graduation and Pentecost—is to plant the seeds for the future. We begin with the ministry, then move on to the FI students and finally get to everyone on the Day of Pentecost. We are all part of this journey to the Kingdom of God. This is the vision that we embrace, but it requires clarity of sight (to perceive), a real road map for the future (to plan) and a product (to produce).
Jim Franks President Church of God, a Worldwide Association
OneAccord Contents
© 2025 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; Graphic 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.
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Branson Presidents’ Day Family Weekend
30th Annual Branson Presidents’ Day Family Weekend
By Dennis and Lyndi Fultz
Nearly 400 joyful brethren gathered from over 12 states to celebrate the 30th annual Presidents’ Day Family Weekend, held from Feb. 14-17 at the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri.
The weekend kicked off in grand style with nearly 300 brethren attending the eagerly anticipated Friday evening welcome reception, graciously hosted by the Joplin, Missouri, congregation. Delicious food was in abundance, but the true highlight of the evening was the warm fellowship, reconnecting with old friends
and making new. After the reception, the evening was beautifully rounded off with a hymn sing.
Saturday began with seminars by seven area pastors and David Johnson from the headquarters in McKinney, Texas. This year’s theme, “For You See Your Calling, Brethren,” provided both encouragement and inspiration, and the seminars were well-attended by the brethren.
Later, the group came together for Sabbath services, featuring a sermonette by Paul Ford from the Louisville, Kentucky, congregation, two beautiful pieces of special
music and an inspiring sermon delivered by Dave Myers, Ministerial Services operation manager. A special moment during the service was the ordination of Randy Salyer as an elder. After services, we enjoyed a delicious catered barbecue meal together and funfilled activities after sunset. The younger members had a blast at the kids’ carnival, while others enjoyed the family dance, game and fellowship room, and a teen get-together.
Sunday morning there were eight more seminars, including a lively, teen-only seminar by Randy Salyer.
Following lunch, nearly 150 teens, preteens and family members gathered for a private skate party. Mr. Myers wrapped up the seminars with his engaging presentation. The weekend ended with a pizza dinner, a lively family bunco game, and a joyful sing-along led by Kansas pastor Caleb Froedge.
It was a weekend of relaxation, spiritual enrichment and meaningful fellowship. Plans for next year’s Presidents’ Day Family Weekend are already underway, and we invite you to mark your calendars for Feb. 13-16, 2026. We look forward to seeing you in Branson! OA
Algonquin Canoe Adventure
By Jennifer Bowman
We were sitting around the campfire on the first morning of our five-day canoe trip in August 2024, and it was impossible to tell if the tears were from the smoke or from the stories of why people came on this 65-kilometer (40-mile) trip. Probably both
When we put in the day before, rain, wind and choppy water gave us a harsh welcome. This made for a tough paddle, which included several portages on muddy trails. Eventually, we ended the day at a secluded campsite next to a waterfall on Head Lake.
Now, as the morning mist hovered above the water, the 10 of us gathered around the campfire before setting out on day 2, sharing our reasons for coming on this canoe trip in the backcountry of Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. One man wanted a reset. Another sought healing and deeper connection after losing his wife of 41 years. A married couple embraced newfound freedom after 24 years of caregiving.
Most of us had never been on this kind of trip, but one had taken this exact route and was excited to share it with us.
The route itself was strenuous for the average paddler. It required us to portage from lake to lake, carrying our gear and canoes up steep, rocky paths, sometimes with water
running over the rocks. Our shoes were wet and muddy from crawling in and out of our canoes, sometimes at places with no dry spot to set our feet. Some days we got into camp late and hurried to set up our site before dark. In these moments, we learned how to work together even when our personalities or opinions differed.
Throughout the trip, each of us came up against ourselves in some way. For some, this meant facing physical limitations they didn’t expect. For others, the rigors of the journey were emotionally trying. One way or another, this reinforced a priceless lesson: just how much we need each other. An incredible bond formed as we overcame challenges together against the backdrop of the unspoiled wilderness, learning to lean on each other and on God more fully.
Daniel Harper, the local pastor and trip leader, summarized the experience in his sermon on the Sabbath following the trip: When did the old man come to visit you on the trip? When did a friend come to help you on the trip? When did God come to strengthen you on the trip?
For five days in the backcountry, we paddled hard, encountered wildlife, savored quiet times of reflection, watched the sun rise and set in its vibrant beauty and listened intently to the cry of the loons. Bible studies and many conversations in the canoes and around the campfire each day helped us focus and connect. And when everything was done for the day—including hanging the food barrels in the trees out of reach of bears—we could relax and gaze up into the vast heavens with the shooting stars and laugh until our sides hurt.
As the sun set on the last night of the trip, all of us in this unlikely group of canoeists knew we had formed bonds that would last a lifetime. And the natural beauty around us also inevitably drew us closer to the One who created it all.
The Algonquin Canoe Challenge 2025 will be Aug. 1724. If you’re interested, contact Daniel Harper at daniel.harper@cogwa.org. OA
perspectives FOUNDATION INSTITUTE
Coming to the End of the School Year
By Nick Bryant and Amber Taylor, FI students
As usual, the Foundation Institute students have been quite busy, both with classes and also with many different activities outside of class. That being said, we decided to keep you up to date with what’s been going on recently.
First of all, we just wrapped up our classes on COGWA’s 20 Fundamental Beliefs, which were taught by Mr. Franks. Throughout the course of several weeks (split between the first and second semesters), we completed a study of these foundational concepts, which are vital to understand in order to live in accordance with God’s Word. Though many of the beliefs are concepts that those of us who grew up in the Church were already familiar with, Mr. Franks highlighted specific scriptures and details that helped deepen our understanding and conviction.
Our Epistles of Paul classes have also been great! We recently finished the book of Romans, in which we learned a great deal. One set of scriptures that really stood out is found in Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This passage stood out because we need to understand it in order to continually and willingly give ourselves to God and do His will—not just say it, but do it. As well, it emphasizes that we need to be fully transformed, to undergo a full change of the inward man as a continual process throughout life. Going through the Epistles of Paul has been a phenomenal study, and that is just a small example of what we’ve learned!
We have also been working on the annual studentproduced In Accord. This project is being worked on primarily in class, but it did require a little bit of outside work when it came to writing the script. We don’t want to spoil the details, but we can say that it has been a lot of fun to work on! It has been interesting to see how much work goes into producing an episode, so we definitely have a newfound appreciation for how much effort the office staff puts into each production week after week.
FI students interview staff for student-produced In Accord.
As we are closing in on the end of the year, we are trying to make sure we soak up as much as we can in the time we have left. Between the various classes, assignments and out-of-class activities, we have a lot on our plates. We know it’s important to try to remain as focused in the classroom as possible, while still enjoying the opportunities we have outside of the classroom! Although this is the last article we will be writing before the end of the school year, we will be back next issue with one final article to wrap things up. Stay tuned!
Church Potluck
What’s cooking in your congregation?
Youngstown Rolls Change for FOI
The Youngstown, Ohio, congregation enjoyed a special evening on Jan. 18. The focus of the evening was started months ago when the congregation started to collect loose change and donations to support Foundation Outreach International. A collection container was filled several times over the months.
The efforts of the congregation culminated on Jan. 18 with a special social and activities. After Sabbath services, everyone enjoyed a chili-themed potluck. A variety of chili dishes, along with cornbread and lots of toppings, were perfect for a cold winter night, and naturally, the yummy desserts were welcome as well.
Our meal was completed at sundown, and the congregation enthusiastically started the coin roll. Tables were loaded with coins, and the sorting and wrapping got underway. Many hands make light work, and roll after roll was filled and accumulated. The final proceeds were
amazingly heavy. (Fortunately, the young organizers carried the box to the car.)
With inclement weather at hand, folks enjoyed friendly chatter as they cleaned up and then dispersed. The project was a great success, and the laughter and camaraderie were, as always, a blessing.
Fort Worth Silver Ambassadors Gather for Brunch
Twelve seniors from the Fort Worth, Texas, congregation gathered for brunch at a member’s home on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. A wide array of delicious dishes were served, including deviled eggs, fresh fruit salad, spinach quiche, spicy chicken taquitos, “cows in a blanket,” scalloped potatoes, apple empanadas and blueberry cobbler, with coffee, iced tea and orange juice to wash it all down.
An even wider array of topics were discussed during the lively conversation: Facebook, biblical archaeology, the youth in the Church and, of course, health issues, to name just a few. A local author, with the pen name Patrick Lindsay, got an idea to include in one of his next Western novels from a story one of the seniors told at the table—how a merchant in the Texas Hill Country built an underground tunnel between his general store and his home to avoid being robbed by bandits on horseback as he took his day’s earnings home after hours.
The Silver Ambassador brunches have been scheduled randomly in the past, but going forward
participating members will meet on the third Thursday of each month.
Bruce Courtney
John Payne
The 2024 Malawi youth camp was held in Chipoka, along the lakeshore in the Salima district, from Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, through Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. The 46 campers had very educational and entertaining activities.
All activities were in line with the camp’s theme, “Run the Race: Obtain the Prize.” Every activity and lesson had the emphasis of planning and hard work.
Youth Camp in Malawi
One of the lessons learned and shared was to borrow the instincts of an eagle, which sees far, sets its strategy and acts on it to get the desired result. Another lesson was to follow God’s instructions and work hard in educational studies in order to have salvation from poverty—just as the Israelites followed God’s instructions in order to have salvation from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 14:13). A third lesson was to obey God’s commandments in order to have spiritual salvation from eternal death due to sin (Romans 6:23). Spiritual salvation is far superior to the temporary physical salvation (John 6:63).
The youths shared the knowledge of how to operate public address (PA) system gadgets. The girls learned how to work in a salon and how to make sweet baobab. We had a career talk and a thrilling biblical questionand-answer session. Other activities were morning
gymnastics, volleyball, a boat ride, swimming and a talent show.
Youths who have attended youth camp for more than three years expressed their gratitude for how the camp activities have changed and improved their lives in terms of social communications and understanding Scripture. Each day the campers enjoyed delicious meals, especially the famous “Chambo” tilapia fish.
We are very grateful to the headquarters office for its generosity in providing the financial assistance that enabled us to have such a wonderful youth camp. Camp is changing the lives of our youths, who are like an oasis in a desert in terms of godly character. This was our best camp ever.
Tielmans Chirwa
Mobile Social Raises Money for Camps
After Sabbath services on the evening of Dec. 21, 2024, the Mobile, Alabama, congregation had a wonderful potluck social and cornhole tournament, followed by a silent auction. The auction raised $675.01 for the COGWA Youth Camps program. As they did it on an old TV game show, one of the silent bids was just a penny over another bid. We all had a great laugh over that one. It was an enjoyable evening.
Debbie Daugherty
Montreal Bundles Up for Ice-Skating
On Jan. 18 members of the Montreal, Québec, congregation held a special evening of outdoor ice-skating and hot chocolate after the Sabbath in Saint-Hyacinthe. Although conditions were not ideal for outdoor ice skating, members donned their winter coats, wool socks and skates and ventured out onto the ice.
Carole Mathieu, who had the idea to plan the activity, patiently taught the basics of ice-skating to the children while others encouraged them from the sidelines. After everyone had their fill of ice skating, they enjoyed homemade hot chocolate and cookies in the warmth of the nearby meeting hall.
Daniel Harper
Ocala Bids Farewell
On Jan. 18 the Ocala, Florida, congregation held a very special Sabbath social after services for Gary and Jane McConnaughey, who will be moving from Ocala to the Zanesville, Ohio, area to be closer to their children. An Italian-themed potluck as well as cake were enjoyed by all attendees, including visitors from several other Florida congregations.
The McConnaugheys retired from pastoring the Ocala, Orlando and Tallahassee, Florida, congregations in the summer of 2022. Prior to their time in Florida, they pastored congregations in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Cadillac, Michigan.
The McConnaugheys are greatly beloved, and their example of love and hospitality will be truly missed.
Tim Rickard
FOI Projects in Central Florida
During the months of November and December 2024, the Ocala and Orlando, Florida, congregations participated in two separate FOI projects.
The Ocala congregation provided both donations and volunteers for a laundry basket packing project for a local charity, called Project Hope, that assists single moms and their children.
The Orlando congregation participated in a similar project, donating much-needed items to Residing Hope Children’s Home in the local community.
Both organizations expressed deep thanks for all the support.
Tim Rickard
Ralph Levy Visits Fort Worth Spanish Class
The Fort Worth, Texas, congregation has been conducting ongoing Spanish language classes since before the Feast of Tabernacles in 2024. At the Dec. 14, 2024, session, which following Sabbath services, the class members had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Foundation Institute instructor Ralph Levy.
The North Luzon congregation in the Philippines held its annual year-end outing on the evening of Dec. 28, 2024, at a resort surrounded by trees in San Fabian, Dagupan, approximately 235 kilometers from Manila, the capital.
Dr. Levy spoke about the congregations and Feast sites in Mexico and in Central and South America, describing specific language and cultural characteristics of each area. One surprising nugget of information he shared is that approximately 65 percent of contemporary Argentines are of Italian descent, and that Argentina’s modern essence is actually more European than Latin. When questioned about what we could be praying about for our brethren in these areas, he suggested we pray for their employment, safety and religious freedom.
Following Dr. Levy’s presentation, attendees enjoyed an assortment of finger foods, including beef and chicken taquitos, stuffed jalapeños, chips, queso, guacamole, Mexican wedding cookies and margarita mocktails. There was plenty of fellowship, but the primary buzz of conversation focused on the value of and everyone’s appreciation for Dr. Levy’s visit.
John Payne
North Luzon Holds Annual Getaway
Around 40 members enjoyed singing their hearts out at the karaoke that night, followed by fellowship over a delightful dinner. After the satisfying meal, some continued with karaoke, while the young people entertained themselves with a board game. At around 10 p.m., the brethren retired for a much-needed rest.
The next day started with good news: Elvira Caguioa was baptized into the Body of Christ. The baptism was performed by her pastor, Andrei Siopan, who was assisted by Gino Dizon, a deacon in the North Luzon congregation. Elvira had her children and some brethren witness this important event.
That same morning, nearly everyone, especially the kids, enjoyed the cool waters of the pool. Some were thrilled to take a short walk up a hill and captured beautiful photos of the scenic views from the top. At around 10 a.m., everyone gathered for a scrumptious brunch, with families sharing their own specialties.
After more fellowship, the group headed back home, leaving behind the relaxing resort nestled in the hills. The annual year-end gathering was a success, and everyone felt grateful to have been part of it.
Mark Gideon Agayo
East Texas Mystery Dinner Cruise
Ahoy! Saturday evening, Jan. 18, the East Texas congregation enjoyed its third annual mystery dinner—this time as passengers on the “Good Ship Lollipop,” cruising through the Caribbean islands!
Melissa Fulgham, writer, designer and organizer, once again delighted and challenged the passengers to an evening of fun, searching, fellowshipping and challenges. Dinner included delicious Caribbean dishes, such as Caribbean jerk chicken, coconut rice and black beans.
Passengers were assigned to various “decks” named after various Caribbean islands. The cruise that evening included nine VIP guests. After the captain introduced them to the passengers, the ship hit a storm, causing everyone to do the Hokey Pokey!
The turbulence had caused the ship to travel back in time to 1751, and luggage had been tossed and mixed up! While guests were trying to match up bags to their owners, others were looking for pirate treasure hidden on board!
Springfield Ladies Enjoy Lunch Out
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, a group of ladies from the Springfield, Missouri, congregation gathered for a delightful GLO—Girls Lunch Out. At one member’s suggestion, the group visited a charming tearoom in historic downtown Springfield. With its whimsical “Mad Hatter” theme, delicious food and fragrant teas, it was a truly special time to connect and enjoy each other’s company. The group is already eagerly anticipating its next GLO adventure.
Lyndi Fultz
All during the evening, action was interspersed with different courses of the meal. Clues about the treasure and owners of the luggage were hidden in different areas of the cruise. Eventually, the pirate treasure was found, along with the names of the owners of the luggage!
At the end, there was a contest for the best costume and best actors. The prize was a giant lollipop.
Judy McNeely
Austin Church Coffee Social
Brethren of the Austin, Texas, congregation enjoyed a “brew-tiful” coffee social before church on Sabbath, Feb. 15. Two of the organizers of the event, Jeffery and Brittany McCammon, said that since their family loves coffee, they wanted to create a coffee shop atmosphere.
Members could choose from a variety of possibilities: coffee lattes, tea lattes, cold brew and hot cocoa. Fresh pastries and fruit, provided by the congregation, added to the fare. Everyone was able to “espresso” themselves, sip together and let the conversation brew!
Ardith Weiss
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 high-resolution color photo along with the written copy to your congregation’s reporter.
Bradley and Codi Phariss
On the morning of Oct. 16, 2024, Bradley Phariss and Codi Lyn Cole, surrounded by the love and joy of their families, gathered on the picturesque shores of Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, for a truly special marriage ceremony.
Officiated by Dennis Fultz, the bride’s uncle and pastor of the Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, and Harrison, Arkansas, congregations, the ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of love and commitment. The couple’s happiness was mirrored by the deep joy of their families, who have watched their relationship blossom.
The wedding location held special significance, as it was during the Branson Presidents’ Day Family Weekend that Codi’s Aunt Lyndi first introduced the couple. So it was only fitting that they would begin their marriage covenant in Branson, surrounded by their loved ones, who were filled with pride and happiness for this beautiful new chapter in their lives.
Bradley and Codi are members of the Springfield, Missouri, congregation.
Lyndi Fultz
Baptisms
Zachary Cooksey was baptized March 2, 2025, by his pastor Ken Giese. Zachary attends the Fort Worth, Texas, congregation. Welcome to the Body of Christ, Zachary!
Zach Morgan was baptized on Feb. 5, 2025, by his pastor, Ken Giese. Zach attends the Fort Worth, Texas, congregation. Welcome to the Body of Christ, Zach!
Ken Giese
Justin Brock was baptized into the Body of Christ on Jan. 16, 2025, by
Rebekah Stolley
Justin Brock
Zach Morgan
Zachary Cooksey
his pastor, Andy Burnett. Justin is a part of the Sherman, Texas, congregation.
Hailey Willoughby
Austin and Paloma Karst of the Twin Cities, Minnesota, congregation were welcomed into the Body of Christ on Jan. 24, 2025. They were baptized at the home of Larry and Shirlene Solomon. Larry Solomon, their pastor, performed the ceremony.
Larry Solomon
On Oct. 19, 2024, the Harrison, Arkansas, congregation joyfully welcomed Calvin Lee as a new member of the Body of Christ. Calvin was baptized by Dennis Fultz, pastor of the Harrison and the Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, congregations. Mr. Fultz was assisted by elder Glenn Smith. This momentous occasion was even more special, as it occurred on the
Sabbath during the Feast in Branson, Missouri. Calvin’s baptism marks a happy addition to the Harrison congregation.
Lyndi Fultz
Obituaries
Audley Alexander Howell, 81, of St. Michael, Barbados, died peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Jan. 7, 2025.
Mr. Howell was a member of the Bridgetown, Barbados, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. He was a regular attendee until his recent illness and enjoyed fellowshipping with the brethren.
Mr. Howell embraced the Church’s convictions. His example of kindness, support and respect was encouraging for the brethren.
Mr. Howell had an engaging personality and a great sense of humor. He was always punctual for services and brought his wealth of experience and dedication to bear in dealing with the brethren.
Due to his failing health and lack of transportation, he was unable to attend services at the end of his life.
Mr. Howell will be missed, especially by the members of the Bridgetown congregation.
After his funeral service on Jan. 24, 2025, at Lyndhurst Funeral Home, Mr. Howell was interred at the Westbury Cemetery, in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Osmonde Douglas
Ella Mae Tyrkalo died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 82. She was born on Aug. 14, 1942, in Texola, Oklahoma, to Elbert C. Parker and Sarah Boone Parker. Ella Mae was the youngest of six children. She is survived by her husband, Paul Tyrkalo; daughter, Julie Nolan; sister, Murleen Hill; nephew, Jonathan Richard Hill; nieces, including Linda Kissack and Donna Morgan; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Ella Mae grew up in a farming community and picked cotton as a child. She excelled in school, was a band majorette and played basketball in high school.
Ella Mae received a scholarship for her singing and musical abilities. Music was a lifelong passion, and she performed countless times over the years.
Ella Mae pursued a career in business and worked in the oil and gas industry.
Ella Mae and her first husband, Ervin Sollars (now deceased), moved to Denver, Colorado, in the 1960s. There Ella Mae gave birth to their son, Scotty Sollars, who died shortly thereafter. She and Ervin leaned on their faith and were blessed with their daughter, Julie Sollars Nolan, who was Ella Mae’s pride and joy.
In 1980, Ella Mae moved to Houston, Texas, to take a position at Aramco, where she stayed until she retired. While attending the Feast in Canada, she met her second husband, Paul Tyrkalo.
Ella Mae’s love of God and family knew no bounds. She was ordained a deaconess on the Feast of Trumpets
Calvin Lee
Austin and Paloma Karst
Audley Alexander Howell
Ella Mae Tyrkalo
in 1971. Faith, family and friends were her life.
Julie
Nolan
Jerry LaVal Rigby died on Jan. 6, 2025, at the age of 83. He was a longtime member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, congregation since first coming into the Church in 1972. He served many years as a deacon.
Jerry was born in Preston, Idaho, on Nov. 17, 1941, but later moved to Lake Point, Utah, as a young boy in 1952. The family has lived on the same property ever since. Jerry married his wife Sharon on June 19, 1961, and they raised their five children there as well. He truly loved and cherished his family’s place and put his whole life into protecting and taking care of it for future generations.
Jerry worked hard throughout his life at various jobs. For many years, he worked at the Kennecott copper mine. After retirement, he started his own business.
In his later years Jerry kept himself busy with his chickens, garden and woodshop. He loved a good project and was always building things. He was very talented at whatever he put his hand to.
Jerry will be missed dearly and remembered by his family and friends as a man who stood firm in his faith, loved his family and always had the time to sit and talk awhile with those who came to visit.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Rigby, his brother and his four sisters.
He is survived by Sharon, his wife of 63 years, and their five children, nine grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.
Jerry’s absence will be felt deeply among his family, but knowing God’s perfect plan brings peace, comfort and strength to their hearts as they wait to see him again.
David Gatley
John Albert Metzger, 82, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2024, due to complications from cancer. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, he will be greatly missed.
John was born Feb. 17, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, the oldest of five children. Raised by a single father, John learned early how to be frugal and keep others entertained.
John graduated from high school in 1960. He eventually joined the U.S. Air Force and not long afterward met the love of his life, Hessie “Jane” Ward. John and Jane were married April 24, 1964, and she joined him in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was stationed. When John received an honorable discharge from the Air Force, the couple moved to Dayton, Ohio, where they raised two children.
In 1965 John and Jane were baptized into the Church of God. John enjoyed studying the Bible, writing about his findings and sharing his thoughts with others. His hope was in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth.
John was well-known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor. As a self-employed upholsterer specializing in restaurant and bar booths, he traveled the Dayton and Cincinnati area and became wellknown to business owners. He liked to buy and sell collectibles and to tell stories and jokes.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Metzger; his son, Eric (Rachelle) Metzger; and grandchildren Douglas (Crystal) Preston, Kyle Metzger and Brooke Metzger. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Michelle (David) Preston, and granddaughter Kaitlynn Preston.
Shirley Tilseth, a longtime member of the Church of God, died on Dec. 4, 2024. Shirley and her husband Gene were called into the Church in the early 1960s and were baptized together.
Shirley lived a full life that included raising two children, enjoying a grandson and his family and running a dairy farm with her husband. Through the years, they traveled extensively for the Feast and even learned to SCUBA dive together. Even though she was unable to attend services the last few years, she was always eager to catch up with her beloved brethren in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, congregation.
Liz Boyle
Jerry Rigby
Shirley Tilseth
John Metzger
Rachelle Metzger
Graduating High School Seniors
WE NEED YOUR BIOS
Attention class of 2025! We would like to feature all of our high school graduates in the July/August One Accord. Please provide the following information—separated into the listed categories—for your bio (no more than 200 words), plus a quality, high-resolution photo by June 1.
1. Graduate’s name.
2. Parents’ or guardians’ names.
3. Congregation and pastor’s name.
4. High school accomplishments.
5. Hobbies/interests/church activities.
6. Plans after graduation.
Also include a phone number and email address we may use to contact you if need be. Please give your bio and photo (conforming to biblical standards of dress and hair length) to your congregation’s reporter or pastor by June 1. Please keep all bios within a 200-word limit.
College Graduates
We’d also like to honor you! Please provide a bio—200-word maximum—plus a quality, high-resolution photo by June 1.