The "birthday boy" buys the drinks for his friends, at least that is often what happens in Germany. In the United States the tradition was quite different. The "birthday boy" was the center of attention, receiving gifts from family and friends, and sometimes even telling people in advance what he wanted for his birthday. (And that might explain the earlier viewpoint of the church on the subject of birthdays, with the viewpoint basically being based on the American tradition.) (more…)

In my 48 years as a member of the church there have been more than one predictions of "the end", some from within and others from outside the church. (more…)

"Good Morning! Worldwide Church of God, how may I help you?" (more…)

The May 2010 issue of "United News" reminded me of an Elders Forum post I had written a few years ago. (more…)

Can you preach the gospel of the kingdom of God by not preaching the gospel? Some people apparently think so. (more…)

Last Sunday’s GCE presentations on the age of UCG elders and the demographics of UCG again reminded me of the similarity between UCG and German demographics. (more…)

Those who read UCG’s publications may remember a "Good News" article published some months ago, titled "The Element of Surprise". Written by UCG’s President after a visit to Berlin in January 2006, the article described how things in world affairs sometimes happen quickly – and unexpectedly. (more…)

Mr. Jean Carion’s funeral was today. He died last Friday in his sleep at the age of 84. There were about 150 people in attendance at the funeral from various Church of God groups, including visitors from the "Living Church of God" and the United Church of God.

Rees Ellis wrote me today from Belgium: "My father-in-law, Jean Carion died peacefully in his sleep this morning, Friday February 15th 2008. Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement over the past years." Mr. Carion was the pastor of the Worldwide Church of God congregation in Brussels, but he and his congregation separated from WCG in 1993 over doctrinal differences. They were then part of the Global Church of God. In recent years they were not aligned with any of the larger Church of God organizations, but were always hospitable to guests, including Mr. Roderick Meredith, who visited last November, and recent guests from United. I extend heartfelt condolences to Rees and Fanny.

Comment from Kenneth Griswold:

"I was saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Carion. I was in Belgium for the feast several years back and he gave an excellent sermon. I really appreciated Rees and Fanny’s hospitality along with the rest of the European brethren."

Tell your members to be prepared for persecution, and then tell them to act in a manner that provokes persecution. What happens next isn't real persecution but a self-fulfilling prophecy, as practiced by the Philadelphia Church of God. (more…)