THE SOUTHERN SENTINEL
VOL.1 NO.1 © September 1987
Atlanta Church Hosts Southeastern Ministers
The Southern Sentinel Needs You!
Atlanta Church Hosts Southeastern Ministers
by Christopher J. Patton
On August 29-30 John Pinkston and the Atlanta congregation of the CGI hosted a Regional Ministerial Seminar and Local Leadership training session. Attending from most of the southeast were: Charles Kimbrough from Tampa - St. Petersburg FL churches; Manuel Rojas from Daytona Beach, FL; Alan Heathcock and James Lamb from Huntsville, AL; David Nix from Rome, GA; Henry and Ken Nix from Woodruff, SC and Statesville, NC churches; and Christopher Patton from Fayetteville, NC. James Throgmorton from Pocahontas, AK represented the Ministerial Council throughout the meetings and informal discussions.
Henry Nix and John Pinkston chaired an open forum in which the participants could bring up anything they wanted to talk about. One subject discussed was John Pinkston's proposals regarding the structure of the local and national church administrations. Mr. Pinkston asked for the ideas and help of those present.
The result was the formation of a general committee of all regional ministers present which will jointly prepare a paper outlining their collective recommendations for the consideration of the entire ministry at the next annual conference. In general these recommendations address how the local churches can better meet the needs of the members in coordination with and in support of the national evangelistic effort. The committee will meet again in December towards this purpose.
James Throgmorton discussed the current function and purpose of the Ministerial Council. In the course of this discussion, it became apparent that the Ministerial Council has recently become more active in the handling of church problems. Even though it has no clearly defined responsibility or authority in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Church of God, International, the Ministerial Council has been delegated these responsibilities by the CGI's Board of Directors and serves at the discretion of that Board. It has established some of its own rules and procedures, but to date these have not been published to the ministry in general or to the church membership.
Both the CGI Board of Directors and the Ministerial Council are self-electing at present. The committee is seeking to make recommendations which would open up the selection process to the participation of the entire ordained ministry.
Henry Nix then gave an excellent presentation about "Ministerial Burnout." He discussed the signs of "burnout" and part of the solution which is basically that the work of the church is the work and responsibility of God and not of any man. From a practical standpoint this means training local men so that they can help in ministering to the flock.
About one hundred brethren were gathered for Sabbath services and a barbecue thereafter James Throgmorton preached on the process of grieving, and that by understanding that process we can better get through it.
The following day John Pinkston spoke on the responsibility and calling of the ministry, and Charles Kimbrough spoke on the definition, selection, qualifications, and ordination of elders in the local church. Chris Patton spoke on "The Twofold Commission of the Church: National Evangelism and Local Discipleship". In it he gave a sociological overview of the role of prophetic evangelism in the development of human administration in the Church of God since the 1830's. He also outlined some present social trends to be aware of in order to maximize the collective efforts of the Church as a whole in fulfilling the calling of Jesus Christ.
The sessions were taped for the benefit of the ministers in the southeast who could not make the meetings as well as for those Ministerial Council members who were not present.
Local News of Interest
REGIONAL MINISTERIAL SEMINAR PLANNED
CHARLES KIMBROUGH and the Tampa area churches have offered to host the next Southeastern Regional Ministerial Seminar the weekend of December 25-27. JOHN PINKSTON's proposals concerning the application of democratic process to the selection of Ministerial Council members will come under the critical review of his fellow ministers. It is expected that the sesions will lead to the compilation of a rough draft outlining the participants' recommendations. The goal is to prepare a paper for presentation to the entire ministry at next year's Conference in Tyler.
Other topics currently scheduled for discussion: 1. Definition of Terms: Elders in the Church 2. A Ministerial Manual for weddings, funerals, and other special services (MINISTERS, PLEASE BRING WHAT YOU HAVE). 3 Reasonable Expectations of Field Churches - What should individual congregations do for themselves, for each other and what is it reasonable to expect from the Home Office.
The seminar is not closed to Southeastern ministers only Any minister of the CGI who wishes to attend is WELCOME. The sessions on Sunday, the 27th, will be designed for Local Leadership training. Those who plan to come should contact Charles Kimbrough at (904)382-0877.
TAMPA TELECAST COST AT ABOUT $4.00 PER RESPONSE
CHARLES KIMBROUGH mentioned at the Regional Ministerial Seminar in Atlanta that the average cost per response to the Tampa GTA telecast was about $4.00. He said that he was getting positive reactions from most referrals sent to him from Tyler, and that the strong recent programs had been particularly effective.
NIXES ON THE MOVE
DAVE NIX is moving from Rome, GA to Clearwater, Fl where he will be helping Out in the Tampa area churches. This will free Charles Kimbrough to spend more time in the Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale areas. Dave and his wife, Kim, are expecting their third child in about three months We wish them well with these important events.
CHARLOTTE CAMPAIGN FOLLOW-UP
HENRY NIX has followed up on sixteen new families that attended the May Campaign and Pentecost services three weeks later in Charlotte, NC. He said that all but one of these people were brand new and until he spoke with them, did not know about the Sabbath, Holy Days and certain other doctrines of the and certain other doctrines of the Church. A new church will probably be started in Charlotte sometime after the Feast. We hope that these new people will visit us soon.
LEROY and RUTH HERTZLER of the Tidewater, VA area were recently ordained to the office of deacon and deaconess in the Church. They are planning to move to NC after the Feast, and we expect them to be active in both their new home and their old in the future. CHRIS PATTON, the local pastor, said that he looks forward to many more such ordinations in the future as the Church grows. Congratulations!
LOCAL MEMBERS START "CHURCHMOBILE" PROGRAM
Members of the Fayetteville, NC congregation are going to try a new solution (for them) to the problem of being scattered over hundreds of square miles. Dubbed by the members "Churchmobile", a vanload or carload of members will periodically visit some of the brethren who can't normally get to church for health, poor transportation, or sheer distance reasons. ANTHONY CHAPPELL and TOM COVINGTON hope to visit the WADE MANN family in Atlantic Beach, NC soon.
TELECARE CALLING
There truly are many "ministries" in the church - and for so many shut-ins, telephone contact is the main method of staying in touch with the outside world. Because we live so far apart, it's hard to visit regularly. Not only shut-ins, but also those who live too far to attend a local congregation and those who just need to talk with a friend of common belief can use Telecare. If you would like a call from your pastor, or a Southern Sentinel "phone-pal", write us with your address and phone number.
LOCAL CHURCH TAPES
Volunteers of the Woodruff, SC and Statesville, NC churches have been recording and sending tapes of local church services to members who can't make it to church regularly or at all. These tapes help such members to stay in touch with local activities as well as allowing them to double up on their spiritual food. This way they receive two tapes per week: one from the Tyler congregation and one from their local church.
Most local churches already tape their sermons. If you seldom make it to church, ask your local pastor about receiving copies of the local sermon tapes. If your local church does not have a tape program, think about starting one yourself. Let us know; the Southern Sentinel is working on a Regional Tape Index of selected sermon topics from each of the regional ministers.
If you are a minister and would like to make some of your sermons available for this program, just record and title your sermon and give a one or two sentence description of your topic. Send copies of the titled tape to The Southern Sentinel, P.O. Box 32102, Raleigh, NC 27622.
KEN NIX GOES TO TYLER
KEN NIX, of the Woodruff, SC congregation, was invited to visit the Home Office of the Church of God, International in Tyler, TX this month. Ken has been recommended for ordination to the ministry and those of us who know him, know why. We all hope he had a great trip and look forward to hearing from him on his return.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED...
RAY SHAW of the Tidewater, VA, congregation was recently baptized. He will be moving to Tampa, FL, shortly before the Feast and hopes to attend the Festival in Panama City. Everyone in the Tidewater and Eastern Carolina churches who know Ray will miss him, but we wish him the best as he returns to his home state MARY BUSTOS and STEVE HERTZLER of the Tidewater congregation became engaged over this summer and plan a mid-1988 wedding. Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mary and Steve The Fayetteville, NC church had a Local Leadership weekend over Labor Day in Pinehurst, NC. CHRIS PATTON and his wife, DENISE were host to about thirty-two people, including LEROY, RUTH and PHILLIP HERTZLER from Virginia. Sabbath was a busy day, with services, a potluck meal, training session and a workshop group in the evening. Consensus was reached on the need for a meaningful family Bible study/worship program for each member. A task force was organized to review existing generic family Bible study guides available in the public marketplace, and to make recommendations on useful ones at the next Local Leadership meeting. Hopefully, certain basic materials can be identified that can serve as a foundation for Family Study program development here Please pray for RONNIE SINCLAIR of Fayetteville, NC. He has had serious health problems all year, and it is now thought that he many have multiple sclerosis. Ronnie is in his twenties, and a great guy. He really needs all our prayers ANNIE MORROW of Raleigh, NC is another person for your prayer list. Mrs. Morrow is in her seventies, and a long time member of God's Church. She has been diagnosed as having cancer of the bone. Her doctors tell her that the treatment she is currently undergoing has a very high success ratio, but this is a severe strain on her and she does need your prayers.
BOB SIMMONS AND DAVE NIX ORDAINED
BOB SIMMONS and DAVE NIX, of Charleston, SC and Atlanta/Rome GA respectively, were ordained to the ministry at this year's Ministerial Conference in Tyler, TX. All of us who know them are very pleased with this news. We offer them both our warm-hearted thanks for their years of service. Congratulations!
PRAY FOR VERNON BORING
Please remember VERNON BORING, pastor in eastern Tennessee, in your prayers. Vernon has suffered a set back in his fight with cancer. If you want to write Vernon and his family, his address is: P.O.Box 306, Benton, TN, 37307.
The churches in the southeast have organized a Friend-in-Need Fund To help in this special case. The Sentinel understands that Mr. Boring cannot receive any further treatment for the cancer he has. He is now permanently disabled. This has caused serious financial pressure on his family. Although he is receiving some financial assistance from the Home Office, it is not enough to meet his needs. Anyone who wants to be a Friend-in-Need to the Boring farnily, please contact CHARLES KIMBROUGH, pastor of the Tampa, FL church. See the Church Directory.
MORE THINGS CONSIDERED
Charleston, SC member RALPH HANAHAN will be directing the Festival Choir at the Feast Site in Panama City Beach, FL this year They still need an accompanist. If you want to audition for the Choir or perform a special selection at the Feast, please contact Ralph do the Charleston church. See our Church Directory on the back BOB SIMMONS, pastor of the Charleston, SC congregation, says the Charter application for Charleston is being recirculated through the Ministerial Council and they are hoping for approval soon. Bob and BETTY, his wife, have seen great growth in Charleston in the nearly two years they have been there. From zero members on their arrival, the church has grown to almost fifty, including some scattered brethren in that area. JUAN SIMMONS (no relation to Bob) is one such member. She lives in Savannah, GA and cannot attend Charleston services regularly. Bob and Betty were able to see her, however, on a recent visit they made to Savannah. We know you're there, Juan. Hope to see you at the Feast ...AUDREY MILLER of the Statesville, NC congregation tells the Sentinel that a surprise appreciation dinner was held Aug.22 for Statesville's pastor & wife, HENRY & SHIRLEY NIX. Forty three people attended, and the food and fellowship were both greatly enjoyed. The church presented Mr. Nix with a new Bible and an offering box for the Woodruff, SC church. He pastors both congregations A hay ride is planned for after the Feast at THAD and AUDREY MILLER's farm in Lenoir, NC. This will mark the celebration of the Statesville congregation's Fifth Anniversary as a church. ...NATALIE REID and TRIPP GILBERT were married June 13, 1987 in Asheville, NC and have now moved from Charlotte, NC to Asheville. Tripp is the son of GLADYS GILBERT of Asheville, NC. All attend the Woodruff, SC church. Gladys provides an indispensable service each week by reproducing local services tapes for the church library and members who can only attend church occasionally. Thank you, Gladys ...DAVID MILLER began his college career at Appalachian State University this fall. He is there on a business scholarship. His sister, LISA, is a junior there this year with a major in Education. Lisa and David attend the Statesville, NC congregation when they are home on break ...SUSAN and KEN CLEARY and their children, AARON and NICOLE from Statesville attended services on the Feast of Trumpets with the Fayetteville church. The Sentinel hopes more visiting between churches can take place ...ALAN HEATHCOCK will be pastoring the Rome, GA congregation after DAVE NIX moves to Clearwater, FL. A big WELCOME to Alan and family ... MANUEL ROJAS, pastor, has been very busy in the Daytona Beach, FL area recently. The Sentinel knows, because he was unable to be contacted by our reporter by phone before press time. Expect a Daytona Update next time.
LONG DISTANCE CALLING...
The Sentinel hears that JOHN and BECKY GARNANT are expecting their third child. John is pastor of the Orange County, CA and Bakersfield, CA churches. Congratulations to the Garnants! TED PHILLIPS, pastor of Sacramento and Red Bluff, CA congregations says his shoulder is healing nicely. All who attended the Ministerial Conference in Tyler will be glad to hear this. Despite the lack of any televison coverage, Ted's congregations are growing through the discipleship efforts of the churches ...BILL MOORE, host of the Providence, RI fellowship group has been conducting a Telecare ministry of his own, we hear. He is reported to spend a lot of time on the phone keeping in touch with people in his area ...TOM JUSTUS, pastor of the Springdale, AR church says that the recent personal appearance campaign on September 12 by GARNER TED ARMSTRONG was very successful and the audience was most enthusiastic.
KEEP THE FEAST!
By Christopher J. Patton
What does it mean to you, "Keep the Feast"? The eight day Feast of Tabernacles is one of the highlights of the year for the Church of God. But what does it mean to you?
Usually, it means extra family time - perhaps doing or seeing things together that you don't usually do during the rest of the year. It also means services, seeing old friends, and meeting new. The Feast is THE TIME of the year we aren't scattered all over ten counties but together in one place celebrating the glory of God.
The Feast is a special time in the eyes of God, because His Holy Days reveal His plan for man. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the God's merciful intervention in the affairs of man with the establishment of Jesus Christ's direct and personal rule over all the peoples and nations on earth as King of Kings and LORD of Lords (Rev. 11:15; Isa. 9:67) It will be a time when the Law (Teaching) shall go forth from Jerusalem, and with it will go the wondrous physical blessings of peace and the restoration of a destroyed planet (Isa. 2:2-4) as well as the beginning of the spiritual salvation of the majority of mankind.
The Feast entices us to look beyond the problems of today and the up-coming Great Tribulation to the glorious rule of God's Kingdom. Prophetic events seem to be on the move, and prophecy motivates us to "redeem the time for the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). It's a time to ask ourselves some questions: "Why did God call me now? What gifts has He given me to the edification of the Body. Do I use them properly? Does God's mind shine forth from my words and deeds?"
The strength, weakness, and freedom of the Church lies in the general distribution of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:4-11). Its strength lies in the diverse manifestation of the Spirit (I Cor. 12:12-13:1). Its weakness is the fact that the Church is made up of fallible human beings. Its freedom is that each must study and guard himself: no one can stand in your place before the judgement seat of Jesus Christ so no one has the right to stand between you and your mediator (I Tim. 2:5)
But a Christian's freedom takes on added responsibility in light of his human weakness. Satan knows our weaknesses, and he takes advantage of freedom by tempting us from lust to prideful strivings amongst ourselves Our continuing salvation, however, forever lies in Jesus Christ. As the Head of the Body, He is fully capable of leading and guiding it to grow in grace and knowledge until we all have come to perfection in the resurrection (Col. 1:18-29).
How do you make it "the best Feast ever?" Let God do it. A simple but perhaps difficult answer. Some of the ways are to spend extra time with God in private prayer and Bible study. Do the same with your brothers and sisters in the Body. Talk about the work of the church in your areas; share the big picture of God's plan for all mankind. Help your brother to see how Christ is it work in his life today.
God's promise is to bless all nations, and we are called to share His blessings now. We prepare for future rulership in the Kingdom by living according to the Law of tomorrow today. As a result, God blesses us now, in this life. Perhaps we will never enjoy all of the potential physical benefits in this day and age, but God promises to more than make up for it later.
Finally, some may ask, "Why is the current Feast always "the best Feast ever"? The answer: because it is one rnore closer to that future Feast of a thousand years when all humanity will be full of the knowledge of the LORD both personally and collectively. It's the "BEST EVER' because God's promise is the BEST EVER. See you at the Feast!
ARE YOU AN ARTIST?
The Sentinel staff is writing a simple series of children's stories/lessons about the Sabbath, Holy Days, and God's plan for mankind. We need illustrations for these lessons, which will be published serially in The Sentinel and are planned for later publication as children's books.
If you draw well and think you would like to illustrate stories for children, please send your name and address to THE SOUTHERN SENTINEL, PO BOX 32102, RALEIGH, NC 27622. We will forward the first story to you with instructions about our talent search
Tom Covington, Durham, NC
Known for his sermonette introduction, "People, we are going to the WORLD!", Tom Covington is a member of the Fayetteville, NC church. He's not joking. Christ's commission to the Church is very important to him.
Being single, Tom does take the time to travel around to many of the local churches and members' homes in the area. His presence is especially appreciated at church socials where he insures a jovial atmosphere and visible appreciation for the consumables, particularly home cooking or pizza and beer.
Tom was born in Durharn, NC in 1948 and was baptized in 1973 He has just bought a new home and likes to hear from the brethren. You may write him at: 903 Plum St., Durham, NC 27701. Tom's number one hobby is fishing, but he enjoys all sports.
Tom currently holds down two jobs including a full time one as a draftsman for the State of NC. He has an A.A.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Durham Technological Institute. His next professional goal is to own a part-time auto service business, and he is working hard to achieve the necessary means to put his business plan in action.
Many in the church have come to know Tom pretty well. When something needs to be done or someone needs a ride, Tom is the person who comes automatically to mind. Tom is actively involved in the Fayetteville, NC "Churchmobile" program, and regularly visits people scattered all over the Mid-Atlantic States. Keeping the Feast is really important to Tom. It is a time when he can take time off from his busy schedule, and relax with friends from all over the world. Tom will be in Williamsburg, VA for the Feast this year--if you will be too, do not miss the opportunity to meet him. Practical Christianity is a vital part of "going to the world", and Tom Covington is one of the best examples of this we know.
by Steve Hertzler
Sometimes we get the mistaken idea that we are really something. Maybe we have accomplished tremendous feats, or maybe we just feel insignificant.
The other evening I was looking out my window and thought to myself, "Someday I'll have dominion over all the things I see: trees, clouds, even the stars. Matter of act, right now I have dominion over some things. For instance, look at that tree out there. I can climb in that tree, cut the branches out and bring the whole tree down so there would be no sign that it even existed." And then the wind blew.
The wind blew and shook the whole tree. I can only shake a limb. The wind was shaking all the trees that I could see from my second story window. This force of nature was doing what I can only dream of doing. The thought occurred to me that I was really insignificant.
Immediately, came another thought. Jesus Christ compared the Holy Spirit to wind in John 3:8, and then again in Acts 2:2, the Holy Spirit is brought in with a sound like that of a mighty wind. That would mean that each of us who has repented, been baptized, and has received the Holy Spirit, has the potential for this kind of power spiritually, if we would only learn how to use it.
Discouragement can overtake us so easily, especially when we face seemingly insurmountable problems. God says all things are possible through Him (Matt. 19:26). Remember how much more power the wind has than you, and likewise how much more power the Holy Spirit has than you. Thanks to God and His gift of the Holy Spirit, we are becoming significant!
(Steve Hertzler has his own tree business and is a member of the Tidewater, VA and eastern North Carolina churches.)
THANKSGIVING BREAK IN PINEHURST
A Workshop is planned for November 27, 28, and 29, 1987 at Twin Cedars, the home of Chris and Denise Patton, in Pinehurst, NC. Organized by Ruth Hertzler and Denise Patton, the focus will be on Sabbath School programs for the twelve and under group. If you are interested in working with children and can come for all or part of this workshop, make plans now to attend. Accommodations will be provided.
If you bring your entire family, there will be lots of activities for the kids and teens as well as the Workshop sessions for the adults.
You should confirm your participation as soon as possible so arrangements for accommodations can be finalized. Contact: DENISE M. PATTON, PO Box 1863 Pinehurst, NC 28374. Please include your phone number.
by Denise M. Patton
Beginnings are hard. Birth is a beginning none of us remember, but ask a mother, any mother, whether she remembers that nine month period in her life as easy. And you, you as a baby had so much to learn, awfully much, and had to learn it quickly.
In only two years you knew the stove was hot, that you might fall, how to feed yourself - more or less - and you could crawl, walk, run and even talk quite intelligently to the select few who doted on your every utterance. Although you couldn't really say so yet, you knew a quite a lot about up and down, in and out, hot and cold, wet and dry, hungry and full, and a good bit about love.
You started out loving yourself - and a very good thing that was, too. We know that God says we should love our neighbor as ourself. Did you ever think that if you don't love yourself, your neighbor is in for a bad time?
You began to love your neighbor: your mother, father, the other people who loved and cared for you. And this was also a very good thing. It .helped you through the hard times of beginnings. You made people happy - all babies do - and because as a baby, you basically loved yourself and your neighbor, you were pretty happy, too.
When the disciples tried to keep Jesus from being bothered by kids, He said a very interesting thing, "Let the little children come to me. Of such is the kingdom of heaven". Little children are truly precious. Everyone of them, wide- eyed and wide open to the world, is the closest to God's Kingdom that we can ever see in the flesh. What is it that happens to the child in you?
We never stop having beginnings in our lives, and they never stop being difficult. Starting school, your first date, the first time you shaved or wore high heels, and your first romance (Ouch! What a lot of new things there!). Then there's high school, your first car, going to college, your first job, followed by marriage, your first home, and your first child.
It's all exciting and sometimes inspiring and often exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. But none of it is easy. So you begin to wear out. You aren't quite as trusting as you once were and you think twice about your neighbor. And all those things that were once brand new and so wonderful -your job, your mate, your home, your family - have become fairly routine. You are intimately familiar with the details of your own physical existence, and there are the bright spots. Still, most of it is ordinary and pretty old hat by now.
And it's so funny. You are still you. And sometimes you're not sure what's happening. You think, "Is this what growing up - being adult - getting old, is all about?" And still you're having beginnings.
Kids go to school, to camp, to college, they go away for good. You visit your child at college and realize you are the older generation. Other people get promoted. You get promoted. get better and you realize, OK, you're better, but you don't feel twenty anymore. And you know you never will again.
Beginnings. 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7).
If God has called you and brought you to repentance and given His Spirit to you, you have made a beginning with no end. And you have come full circle - back to love, the essence of the Kingdom of God. The love and goodness of God brought you to repentance, and your first love for the truth sustained you through the hardest beginning of all: Beginning to be God.
Jesus never told us this way of life would be easy; He told us it is better. Can you remember your beginning is the Church? Can you recapture the absolute thrill of certainty you experienced. Your neighbor began to look good to you again. You were free of your sins and acceptable in the sight of God, you were almost acceptable in the sight of yourself.
Truly, beginnings are hard. In many ways, though, they are the most real parts of your entire life. Cast back. in your mind for your "first love" the beginning commitment you made to God. Look at it, remember it and know that it is not fulfilled until you have endured to the end - of your life or the age - whichever.
This is where you begin to recover the childlike approach to life that protects you from cynicism, hate, bitterness, vanity, jealousy, lust and greed. Children are not born greedy or vain. When their needs are satisfied, they turn away. It is not natural to glut.
Unselfconsciousness is the epitome of babyhood. This approach is within your grasp again. You can achieve serenity; no need to lose sleep over living. Paul said that in whatever state or condition he found himself, he was content (Phil. 4:11-12). The perception of this is not that he happily experienced beatings, shipwreck and imprisonment; rather, that he was at peace while he worked toward a better situation. He trusted God to see him through the trials towards circumstances suitable to the performance of his calling.
The Southern Sentinel is another beginning. It can be an opportunity for peace and therefore, contentment. It is an opportunity for us to share with one another our experiences as we work on our respective callings for God in harmony, as Christ has fitted the Body together. Nothing exclusive intended here. Children together we are, and there are new beginnings ahead for us all.
Through this little, local literary effort, let us encourage one another to good works. Let us uphold and uplift one another in loving forgiveness towards the unity in Christ. Somehow, let us bear one another's burdens as we cast our burden on Him, for He cares for us. We are still children, still beginning. God says we are. Let's act like it.
THE SOUTHERN SENTINEL NEEDS YOU!
By Christopher J. Patton
The Southern Sentinel is published bi-monthly by the Carolina congregations of the Church of God, International. We propose to provide timely communication of regional church news and practical helps for daily Christian living.
The Southern Sentinel encourages the submission of news, information, or articles for any of our regular features - as well as special interest articles and commentary for the editor's page. Any materials submitted become the property of The Southern Sentinel
The Sentinel staff is small and completely voluntary. We need help from you. The Sentinel needs one correspondent person or team from each church. The correspondent's responsibility is to coordinate with the local pastor and church members who are planning or involved in local church projects or activities. The objective is to have one reliable and objective source who can provide us with newsy and informational articles about what's happening or, more to the point, what is planned to happen in your local congregation.
In each issue we want to print a calendar of events and a directory of church meeting locations, times, and contact persons. This way members will be able to attend the scheduled church activities that they have an interest in which take place outside their immediate areas. This will be especially important as more Local Leadership training and discipling sessions are instituted. This will help
to counteract the scattered nature of the church. This can be especially important for the youth.
We also want to include news of past events, and copies of what you may have submitted to the International News would be fine. However, it is the advance information that we are most interested in. The next issue is planned for November and should mention activities through February or later.
Articles of general interest about practical Christianity may be sent directly to The Sentinel since they do not involve group activities that require coordination. This could include, for example, member spotlight, or ideas for helping the aged, infirm, disadvantaged, or proven ideas for improving local church administration.
The Southern Sentinel will only accept clear, typewritten copy as it saves the volunteer staff hundreds of hours. All articles or other materials sent to The Southern Sentinel become the property. of the paper and will not be returned.
The success of this church newspaper will depend on you, the reader. Perhaps you don't think you can write. If so, then participate by answering our surveys, or send us ideas of what you would like to see in the paper. If you can write, then get together with the other members of your congregation and select someone to act as your represent to us. Let's make this just one more tool that Christ can use to build His church.
by Ruth Hertzler
Leaning back, you look straight up. Billowy clouds cover the skyward shooting tip. Through fire, storm, drought, and lightening, it has stood for millennia. Yet, it was once a tiny seed a squirrel could have happily munched.
Decisions, little actions, kind deeds, a quick smile, an encouraging word - all seem insignificant - but the squirrels of business easily munch and the opportunity is gone. As the giant Sequoia seed nestled into the fertile earth, so can your little seeds nestle into some ones' troubled day and be the hinge that turns that day around. Because nothing is little if God is in it.
Speaking of seeds, have you tried quinoa (keen-wa)? It is a super grain that was once the staple food of the ancient Incas. Quinoa is one of the finest sources of protein in the vegetable kingdom - 16% complete protein. It has a unique nut-like taste. It cooks quickly. We like it mixed in with rice or in soups.
WOMEN'S RETREAT
A Women's Retreat is planned for Spring of 1988 in Pinehurst, NC. The Sentinel will publish exact dates later this year, but start planning to get away for two days next spring.
Some topics to be discussed are: Women and Fatigue; Discipleship means Dedication; Train Them Up: Children and the Church; and Partners for Life: the Marriage Contract.
If you are interested in attending, please write: RUTH HERTZLER, THE SOUTHERN SENTINEL, PO BOX 32102, RALEIGH, NC 27622. We welcome questions and suggestions.
Ruth is a long-time member of God's Church, wife and mother of four, and a Real Estate professional. She has had considerable experience with retreats like this one and will be leading it together with Denise Patton More details later.
by Ray R Shaw
Bryan left for the basement where a small room was set up as a classroom. Sabbath school had begun, and it was his first. The lesson was on an overview of the Bible. How God has passed down His Word through the ages and still is today.
During the service upstairs, my mind kept wondering how Bryan was doing. Being a new member of CGI, keeping the Sabbath is a new experience for both of us. When Bryan returned he was full of excitement. Partly due to the prizes he earned for learning a verse, but also because his mind loves to learn.
Bryan is my eight year old son and through my conversion a whole new avenue of our relationship has opened up. Through me, Bryan is learning about God and His Son, Jesus. Through Bryan's enthusiasm., I stay motivated and watch more closely how I handle situations, and what I say.
When we begin to change our ways, we have certain expectations in mind. One aspect of my conversion 1 never expected, is the excitement and joy that Bryan and I receive from keeping God's Sabbath. We both look forward to the Sabbath as a time of learning and sharing and togetherness.
by Aaron Patton
To the youth of God's church:
The primary purpose of this feature, as should be self-evident from the name, is to be used as a bulletin board, or forum for the youth in the church.
The literary contributions of the readers in the form of questions, comments, ideas, and articles will be welcome, and we will publish all we can. Theological questions that are put to the BULLETIN BOARD will be answered by a panel of ministers of the CGI. I will try to answer any personal questions about problems we all face as young people in God's church, or ask for other readers' commentary.
Your suggestions on positive things we can do to build better church youth groups are especially needed. The address is listed below. BULLETIN BOARD will also keep readers posted of youth activities, if you or someone you know is interested in hosting youth activities write us. In absence of an article from a reader, I have written one.
Interaction with the World
It may be unpleasant for some to think about, but we are not the same as everyone else in school. In fact, we are quite different; the law of God separates us from our peers and friends within the school system. So, I am writing this with awareness of the problems facing church youth, and in the hopes of proffering a method of coping with an admitted-ly hard problem.
The fact of the matter is that while we are different we don't have to rub people's noses in it. It does not offend me if someone else keeps Christmas; neither should we lie about our religion. It is nothing to be ashamed about! What is necessary is that we do not make the mistake of having a holier-than-thou attitude, "Do not judge lest you be judged." (Matt 7:1). It is also necessary to be strong in our own convictions and not hide our light under the proverbial bushel.
If this were the only problem facing the youth of the church all would be well. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Many teens are facing the problems of puberty. Because the church is as scattered as it is, many young men and women are facing problems of normal hormonal urges towards people of different belief. Naturally, such relationships are too often shaky to begin with and often end in unhappiness and despair since they were not founded on common values and love but merely physical attraction.
There is no miracle formula to keep such things from happening, except to say that you as the individual involved must realize that physical attraction is not something on which to base a relationship. We must think ahead into the future and ask ourselves, "With all the problems it entails, do I want to be involved with this person?"
We have all seen unhappy marriages. Realize that sexual attraction will not last and that you are letting yours self in for a lot of trouble. Of course, what is needed is for church people of the opposite sex to meet each other more often. Your local congregations are trying to help bring this about.
It is hard, I know, to follow God's law when it goes against our wishes. For example, suppose there was a big ball game Saturday, everybody was going and it was supposed to be totally AWESOME. You'd want to go, who wouldn't? But you can't because it's on Saturday, and that is the Sabbath Why would God want you not to go to the game Saturday? Read and find out: Exodus chapters 20 and 31 and Hebrews 4:9.
If you aren't satisfied with that, look up some more about the Sabbath. The most crucial thing in being secure when interacting with someone of different faith is to be secure in your own faith. Study your Bible and church literature. Ask questions, write to this column if you want to. You must study out what you believe the Bible says, until you are satisfied with the way you keep God's Law. Then and only then will you be completely secure with your religion and the way you interact with the world.
There is no reason you cannot have friends outside the church. You need friends inside the church. I am not suggesting that you give up any of your friendships, but I am suggesting that you make more friends within the church. To summarize, there is no reason not to interact with the world, but you should not try to be of the world. For, if you are of the world, you are not of God; if you are of God, you are not of the world. Be a friend to all and judge none. But know for yourself, your belief in God and follow His Law.
This is the address referred to above: Bulletin Board The Southern Sentinel P 0 Box 32102 Raleigh, NC 27622
Editor's Note: Aaron Patton is the 14 years old son of Chris and Denise Patton of Pinehurst, NC. Aaron has been in the Church all of his life and has lived in many places around the world. He was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and returned to the USA when he was three. He lived for six years in Southern California where his father taught at Ambassador College. When he was nine, his family moved to North Carolina, his mother's home state. He has two brothers: James, four years old and Andrew, eighteen months. Aaron enjoys surfing, sailing, and swimming. He is an avid reader and computer programmer. He likes folk music, Bach and soft rock. Activities he enjoys include: foreign travel, backpacking, art museums, and golf. This year Aaron is in tenth grade and is studying hard for his college boards. Piano lessons, Tae Kwon Do, and marksmanship round out this talented young man's interests. Try to meet him at the Feast in Panama City this year.
SOUTHEAST ORDINATIONS
BOB SIMMONS of Charleston, SC and DAVE NIX of Rome, GA were ordained as ministers of Jesus Christ at the Ministerial Conference in July at Tyler. HENRY NIX, Dave's father and long time friend of Bob's, was present and helped in the laying on of hands. We all know the long hours and dedication these men put into God's Church. Congratulations!
NEW TV STATIONS TO CARRY GARNER TED ARMSTRONG
WGRP (channel 62) in Detroit - Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Eastern WOIO (channel 19) in Cleveland - Sunday, 7:00 a.m. Eastern KGSW (channel 14) in Albuquerque - Sun., 9:00 a.m. Mountain
One great thing about these new stations is their location in cities where the church has established local congregations. We can look forward to some terrific campaigns and growth in these areas in the months to come.
CLASS OFFERED
Regent's Academy will be offering a course in Tyler titled "Introduction to the New Testament" Those interested should apply to RON DART. Plans are for it to meet once a week. It will be a college level course.
1. What is the most famous sea of the New Testament?
2. Name ten of the principal cities of New Testament times.
3. How far was if from the northern boundary to the southern boundary of Palestine?
4. About how large is the land of Palestine?
5, Name five mountains of Palestine.
6. What are the five famous plains of the ancient land of Israel?
7. Name five rivers of ancient Israel.
8. What are the four brooks of Israel?
9. What are the seasons of Palestine?
10. What are the principal industries of modern Israel and the West Bank?
11. What city was the capital and principal city of ancient Israel?
12. What city was the Roman capital of Palestine?
13. What great plain was the scene of many battles?
14.. Where will the final battle against the Beast take place?
15. On what side of the Temple is the Mount of Olives?
Answers in the next issue.
This issue's directory is incomplete, though deemed reliable. We recommend calling the pastor or contact person to confirm meeting times and places.
ASHLAND, AL
Pastor:Tom Williams (205) 845- 2246
ATLANTA, GA
Walton Electric Cooperative Snellville, GA Meets every Sabbath at 2:30 pm Pastor: John Pinkston (404) 995-1622
CHARLESTON/SUMMERVILLE, SC
Holiday Inn Junction 17A and I-26 Meets every Sabbath at 10:30 am Pastor: Bob Simmons (803) 766-8448
DAYTONA BEACH, FL
Pastor:Manuel Rojas (904) 255-5569 Or call Jack Morgan (904)325-5580
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Temporarily at Guntersville, AL
Pastor: Alan Heathcock (205) 492-7565
PINEHURST, NC
430 Shaw Rd. Pinehurst, NC Meets Oct.24; every 1st and 3rd Sabbaths at 2:00 pm Pastor: Chris Patton (919) 295-4346
ROME, GA
Church meets at noon on the Berry College campus on 2nd and 4th Sabbaths Call Marshall Bryan (404) 232-1595
SPARTANBURG/WOODRUFF, SC
Meets 1st and 3rd Sabbaths at 1:30 pm Pastor: Henry Nix (803) 476-3618
STATESVILLE, NC
Girl Scout Hut, Woodward St. Stateville, NC Meets 2nd and 4th Sabbaths at 1:30 pm Call Thad or Audrey Miller (704) 728-4051
TAMPA, FL
Quality Inn 1-275 at Fowler exit Meets weekly at 1:30 pm Pastor: Charles Kimbrough (904)382-0877
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