Life Lessons: Legacy
UNITED CHURCH OF GOD Jackson, Murfreesboro and Nashville From the desk of Gary Petty
July 29, 2016 Everyone was shocked to hear of the death of Vivian Fakhoury. We will miss her. At the same time it reminds us of the reality expounded in a sermon given recently by Mr. Kellers about our change at Christs return. Those who “sleep” will rise first to meet Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us that in the resurrection we will have “spiritual bodies.” At that time of change we will never get tired, never grow old and our minds will be healed from the ravages of sin. Mrs. Fakhoury has finished her race and waits for her glorious awakening. We will be celebrating that future reality in a couple of months with the fall holy days. As we approach the fall holy day season it is easy to get caught up in the physical aspects. These special observances are a gift from God to help us visualize Christ’s return and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. It should also encourage us to strive to finish our race so that we can be reunited with our oved ones in a time of indescribable joy. We are visiting my mother. She is struggling with being able to communicate but she knows who we are and we have been able to spend some quality time with her. Tomorrow I will be giving the sermon in the UCG Sacramento congregation. Have a happy Sabbath.
Life Lessons: Legacy by Gary Petty My wife and I enjoy visiting presidential homes and libraries. Over the years we’ve visited the homes of presidents Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Hoover, Eisenhower and LBJ. We’ve also visited the libraries of Abraham Lincoln, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. These homes and libraries are testimonies to the legacy each man left to history. It was a sobering experience to visit the site where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Historians will always debate the unfinished legacy of JFK. Points to build on Israel’s King Solomon was a man with a checkered legacy. He is remembered for his humility before God, great wisdom and for building the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. He is also remembered for great foolishness and letting his many wives turn his heart away from God.
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In his time of great wisdom Solomon wrote: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot” (Proverbs 10:7). Later, after he had made many mistakes, he wrote: “Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Solomon learned from his mistakes, and in spite of his folly, he is still remembered as one of the wisest men of antiquity. Application Few people have the historical impact of Solomon, or a president, but all of us leave some kind of legacy in the influence for good or bad in the lives of other people. Every day you deposit a bit of your legacy in the lives you touch. What do you leave behind—honesty or dishonesty; hatred or love; anger or peace; selfishness or generosity; wisdom or foolishness? What kind of legacy are you writing? Report from Northwest Camp Greetings from 114 campers, 75 staff, 4 mini-campers, 16 trail horses and 2 mules enjoying a wonderful week of learning to be guided by God's word on the spectacular and scenic Oregon coast! This is our largest Northwest Camp in recent years and for the first time our campers and staff have the opportunity to "ride the trails and sing cowboy songs" as part of the camp experience. Our horseback outfitter, Paul Wilson from Chinook Pass Outfitters in Naches, Washington, is also a well-known Country and Western singer in the area and will be doing some songs for us at campfire later in the week.
Our Christian Living theme for the week is "Guided by God's Word" and is illustrated and reinforced during every activity. Each day also has a Bible-based theme and memory scripture that are part of the overall theme and taught in the daily activities. We enjoyed campfire on the beach on Monday evening as the sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean. Campfire included several tug-of-war competitions, a Bible quiz game, dorm greetings and scripture reciting, dorm 2
inspection reports, and a campfire story by Roc Corbett illustrating the principle of building on a firm foundation. Monday's theme was "God's Word is Our Foundation." Mr. Corbett constructed two small houses in the sand and then blew air on them with a blower as water was poured on them. The house on sand fell over, the one attached to a rock stayed upright. It was an effective way to illustrate the day's theme for the campers.
We have been blessed with nearly perfect weather for the week--sunshine and temperature in the 70s. Campers are learning to apply the principle of being guided by God's word in all of the activities: archery, learning how to paint with watercolors, riding skim boards and boogie boards on the beach, dance class, kayaking and swimming on Smith Lake, pickle ball, softball, speedaway, volleyball and waterskiing. The Excellence in Living class is being presented by LeeAnn Luker, Ben Light, and Leanne Holladay. This year, the class is focusing on the beauty of the man/woman relationship that our Creator blessed us with, along with the rules and guidelines that we abide by in order to be blessed in those relationships. A successful camp for God's youth is only possible because many people work together. We very much appreciate the members from the Portland, Oregon, congregation who worked a long day on the Sunday before camp to prepare for the arrival of the horses. The work included building four corrals, clearing nearly a mile of trails, and hauling off many truckloads of debris. We also cannot say enough about how much we appreciate those who volunteer to serve on staff. Our staff this year is working hard and doing a professional job in every respect. We even have two young ladies who volunteered to be the "cleanup crew" for the horses. Considering that the horses are consuming about 500 pounds of hay and grass per day and that we must clean up everything left behind, this is no small job. The girls get to ride a horse occasionally, so they say it is worth it.
3
This year we have the same number of boys and girls (57 of each), so the dance class and brother/sister dorm events are going smoothly. Also with us this year are two campers from the Netherlands, one from Germany, and two serving on staff from Australia. The internationals are a special addition to camp. A big THANK YOU to everyone who makes possible the UYC camp program for the youth of the church! Camp would not be possible without the support of the camper parents, volunteer staff, financial help from individuals and the church, and backing from the administration. Most of all, the successful camp program is the result of the blessing and protection of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. -- Rex Sexton, Camp Director, Northwest Camp
ABC Sampler in Orlando On July 16 and 17, the Orlando congregation hosted Frank Dunkle and Darris McNeely for an ABC Sampler program. Brethren from across Florida and some from Georgia traveled to join those in the Orlando area. Attendance on the Sabbath was approximately 130, as Mr. McNeely began the day with a presentation called, "Why Brexit Matters." He and Dr. Dunkle gave split sermons during Sabbath services, and then Dr. Dunkle presented an Overview of the Book of James. An enjoyable potluck dinner concluded the day.
The next morning, nearly 80 brethren came for more teaching, which was a pleasant surprise, as only 50 were expected. In alternating time slots, Mr. McNeely presented Lessons from the Book of Acts, and Dr. Dunkle covered the Book of Micah. The congregation provided pizza and salad for lunch at midday. The time for fellowship was definitely one of the best parts of the weekend!
4
The sampler programs bring a taste Ambassador Bible College to brethren who are not able to attend the program at the home office. Faculty members present material from the actual classes they teach during the academic year. Later this summer, instructors will experiment with one-day programs in a couple of congregations. This coming winter or spring, congregations can request to host a sampler next summer.
New UCG Short Film: Jelly Makes a Difference
Watch Jelly's newest short film, "Jelly Makes a Difference" (www.ucg.org/members/news/jelly-makes-adifference-view-the-new-ucg-short-film). Mr. Jonathan finds Jelly feeling down in the dumps after school one day. But, through a smart song and dance, he helps Jelly learn that he's never too young to make a difference. This eighth film takes place at a local elementary school in Cincinnati, Ohio, near the United Church of God home office, and also features several children from the Cincinnati East congregation. View the entire Jelly short film series (www.ucg.org/jelly) and catch up on all seven previous episodes, too. We pray it is enjoyed by all ages! -- Peter Eddington, Media and Communications Services
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July 29, 2016 Everyone was shocked to hear of the death of Vivian Fakhoury. We will miss her. At the same time it reminds us of the reality expounded in a sermon given recently by Mr. Kellers about our change at Christs return. Those who “sleep” will rise first to meet Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us that in the resurrection we will have “spiritual bodies.” At that time of change we will never get tired, never grow old and our minds will be healed from the ravages of sin. Mrs. Fakhoury has finished her race and waits for her glorious awakening. We will be celebrating that future reality in a couple of months with the fall holy days. As we approach the fall holy day season it is easy to get caught up in the physical aspects. These special observances are a gift from God to help us visualize Christ’s return and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. It should also encourage us to strive to finish our race so that we can be reunited with our oved ones in a time of indescribable joy. We are visiting my mother. She is struggling with being able to communicate but she knows who we are and we have been able to spend some quality time with her. Tomorrow I will be giving the sermon in the UCG Sacramento congregation. Have a happy Sabbath.
Life Lessons: Legacy by Gary Petty My wife and I enjoy visiting presidential homes and libraries. Over the years we’ve visited the homes of presidents Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Hoover, Eisenhower and LBJ. We’ve also visited the libraries of Abraham Lincoln, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. These homes and libraries are testimonies to the legacy each man left to history. It was a sobering experience to visit the site where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Historians will always debate the unfinished legacy of JFK. Points to build on Israel’s King Solomon was a man with a checkered legacy. He is remembered for his humility before God, great wisdom and for building the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. He is also remembered for great foolishness and letting his many wives turn his heart away from God.
1
In his time of great wisdom Solomon wrote: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot” (Proverbs 10:7). Later, after he had made many mistakes, he wrote: “Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Solomon learned from his mistakes, and in spite of his folly, he is still remembered as one of the wisest men of antiquity. Application Few people have the historical impact of Solomon, or a president, but all of us leave some kind of legacy in the influence for good or bad in the lives of other people. Every day you deposit a bit of your legacy in the lives you touch. What do you leave behind—honesty or dishonesty; hatred or love; anger or peace; selfishness or generosity; wisdom or foolishness? What kind of legacy are you writing? Report from Northwest Camp Greetings from 114 campers, 75 staff, 4 mini-campers, 16 trail horses and 2 mules enjoying a wonderful week of learning to be guided by God's word on the spectacular and scenic Oregon coast! This is our largest Northwest Camp in recent years and for the first time our campers and staff have the opportunity to "ride the trails and sing cowboy songs" as part of the camp experience. Our horseback outfitter, Paul Wilson from Chinook Pass Outfitters in Naches, Washington, is also a well-known Country and Western singer in the area and will be doing some songs for us at campfire later in the week.
Our Christian Living theme for the week is "Guided by God's Word" and is illustrated and reinforced during every activity. Each day also has a Bible-based theme and memory scripture that are part of the overall theme and taught in the daily activities. We enjoyed campfire on the beach on Monday evening as the sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean. Campfire included several tug-of-war competitions, a Bible quiz game, dorm greetings and scripture reciting, dorm 2
inspection reports, and a campfire story by Roc Corbett illustrating the principle of building on a firm foundation. Monday's theme was "God's Word is Our Foundation." Mr. Corbett constructed two small houses in the sand and then blew air on them with a blower as water was poured on them. The house on sand fell over, the one attached to a rock stayed upright. It was an effective way to illustrate the day's theme for the campers.
We have been blessed with nearly perfect weather for the week--sunshine and temperature in the 70s. Campers are learning to apply the principle of being guided by God's word in all of the activities: archery, learning how to paint with watercolors, riding skim boards and boogie boards on the beach, dance class, kayaking and swimming on Smith Lake, pickle ball, softball, speedaway, volleyball and waterskiing. The Excellence in Living class is being presented by LeeAnn Luker, Ben Light, and Leanne Holladay. This year, the class is focusing on the beauty of the man/woman relationship that our Creator blessed us with, along with the rules and guidelines that we abide by in order to be blessed in those relationships. A successful camp for God's youth is only possible because many people work together. We very much appreciate the members from the Portland, Oregon, congregation who worked a long day on the Sunday before camp to prepare for the arrival of the horses. The work included building four corrals, clearing nearly a mile of trails, and hauling off many truckloads of debris. We also cannot say enough about how much we appreciate those who volunteer to serve on staff. Our staff this year is working hard and doing a professional job in every respect. We even have two young ladies who volunteered to be the "cleanup crew" for the horses. Considering that the horses are consuming about 500 pounds of hay and grass per day and that we must clean up everything left behind, this is no small job. The girls get to ride a horse occasionally, so they say it is worth it.
3
This year we have the same number of boys and girls (57 of each), so the dance class and brother/sister dorm events are going smoothly. Also with us this year are two campers from the Netherlands, one from Germany, and two serving on staff from Australia. The internationals are a special addition to camp. A big THANK YOU to everyone who makes possible the UYC camp program for the youth of the church! Camp would not be possible without the support of the camper parents, volunteer staff, financial help from individuals and the church, and backing from the administration. Most of all, the successful camp program is the result of the blessing and protection of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. -- Rex Sexton, Camp Director, Northwest Camp
ABC Sampler in Orlando On July 16 and 17, the Orlando congregation hosted Frank Dunkle and Darris McNeely for an ABC Sampler program. Brethren from across Florida and some from Georgia traveled to join those in the Orlando area. Attendance on the Sabbath was approximately 130, as Mr. McNeely began the day with a presentation called, "Why Brexit Matters." He and Dr. Dunkle gave split sermons during Sabbath services, and then Dr. Dunkle presented an Overview of the Book of James. An enjoyable potluck dinner concluded the day.
The next morning, nearly 80 brethren came for more teaching, which was a pleasant surprise, as only 50 were expected. In alternating time slots, Mr. McNeely presented Lessons from the Book of Acts, and Dr. Dunkle covered the Book of Micah. The congregation provided pizza and salad for lunch at midday. The time for fellowship was definitely one of the best parts of the weekend!
4
The sampler programs bring a taste Ambassador Bible College to brethren who are not able to attend the program at the home office. Faculty members present material from the actual classes they teach during the academic year. Later this summer, instructors will experiment with one-day programs in a couple of congregations. This coming winter or spring, congregations can request to host a sampler next summer.
New UCG Short Film: Jelly Makes a Difference
Watch Jelly's newest short film, "Jelly Makes a Difference" (www.ucg.org/members/news/jelly-makes-adifference-view-the-new-ucg-short-film). Mr. Jonathan finds Jelly feeling down in the dumps after school one day. But, through a smart song and dance, he helps Jelly learn that he's never too young to make a difference. This eighth film takes place at a local elementary school in Cincinnati, Ohio, near the United Church of God home office, and also features several children from the Cincinnati East congregation. View the entire Jelly short film series (www.ucg.org/jelly) and catch up on all seven previous episodes, too. We pray it is enjoyed by all ages! -- Peter Eddington, Media and Communications Services
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