United News Canada
News of the United Church of God-Canada
Vol.12 No. 1
Inside…….
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Positive Income Trend
Ministerial Conference
Media and Council Meeting
ABC Seminar Calgary
Public Lecture Ottawa
Parable of the Sower
Good News Editor Interview
Bernard Hongerloot Interview
Golden Age Reflections
Where Are They Now
Love to Neighbour
Member Hobbies
Church News—Saskatchewan
Sexual Misconduct Policy
60th Wedding Anniversary
Beyond Today TV log
www.ucg.ca
January-February 2007
Above right is Good News magazine editor Mr. Scott Ashley at
work in his office with his editorial assistant, family dog Abby.
At left is Mr. Richard Pinelli, from UCGia Home Office, speaking
to assembled Canadian elders in Toronto, December 2/06.
Below are Mr. Leslie McCullough and wife Marion who journeyed
to Ottawa from Texas for a Public Bible Lecture—see page 7.
United News Canada
Positive Income Trend for UCG-CANADA
Annual Donation Income
Note: Excludes Holy Day offerings and * 2006-7 figure
is estimated income to March ‘07
$800,000
$700,000
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
2006-07 *
2005-06
2004-05
2
2003-04
United News Canada is automatically sent to all members
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members and co-workers. Donations to help share our free
publications are gratefully accepted and are tax-deductible.
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Email: canadian_office@ucg.org
Website: www.ucg.ca
The on-line version is available at www.unitednewscanada.org
2002-03
Director of Operations for Canada: Anthony Wasilkoff
Editor: Graemme Marshall
Editorial reviewers: David Palmer, Kevin Ford, Joseph Sheperd
2001-02
Is published by United Church of God-Canada,
P.0. Box 144, Station D, Etobicoke, On M9A 4X1
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United News Canada
National Council Members of United Church of God—Canada
Robert Berendt, David Campbell, Larry DeLong, Dennis Horlick,
Graemme Marshall, David Palmer, Rainer Salomaa (Chairman),
Joseph Sheperd, Anthony Wasilkoff
International Home Office:
United Church of God, an International Association,
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Website: www.ucg.org
Reproduction in any form without permission
is prohibited.
©2006 United Church of God-Canada.
Printed in Canada. All rights reserved.
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#1487159
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Conference of Canadian Elders….
.…..Toronto
Canadian Elders Convene
“The Value of Visiting” by Robert
Berendt, “Accepting Our Ministerial Assignment” by David Palmer, “Working
with Second Generations Christians” by
Larry Delong, “A Pledge to Ministerial
Harmony” by Anthony Wasilkoff, “Not
Self Willed “ by Rainer Salomaa and
“Sermon Planning” by Graemme Marshall.
The conference concluded with a discussion on the value of the conference itself. Many voiced their approval of the
occasion and their recommendation that an
all-Canada conference continue to be held
every two years. Several expressed appreciation for the practical presentations.
Nearly 100% of the Canadian elders were
able to attend this conference and most of
their wives were able to attend with
Saturday evening session began at 7:30 them. We look forward to a similar attenand concluded promptly at 9:00 pm. thus dance, if not even better, the next time
providing attendees with time to visit for a around.
while and still be able to partake of muchneeded sleep.
The book of Acts speaks to the value and
validity of ministerial conferences. One is
described in surprising detail in chapter
15. Another is featured in chapter 20 with
emphasis placed on Paul’s specific teaching and admonition. There is always great
value when ministerial colleagues convene On the Sunday:
formally and take advantage of multiple The morning session began at 9:00 am.
opportunities to confer informally.
with Richard Pinelli addressing “Working
with Your Leadership.” This topic was an
extension of the mentoring sessions he
Saturday evening:
Seeking to follow first-century prece- conducted earlier in the year with Lyle
dence, an all-Canada Ministers Conference Welty in both western and eastern Canwas conducted in Toronto on Saturday ada.
evening December 3 and Sunday Decem- The remainder of the sessions (each 35
ber 4. Elders and their wives from across minutes long) were:
the country -- from Victoria to St. John’s -were present. On the Sabbath, the majority
of the elders and wives attended services
with the Toronto UCG congregation which
meets in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto. A number of elders and wives visited and spoke at the nearby congregation
in Hamilton. Others drove to a newlyfounded Bible Study group in Kitchener
and served the individuals who met there.
Anthony Wasilkoff
Director of Operations
Pictured above is Mr. Richard
Pinelli, and below Mr. Anthony
Wasilkoff as they led their
presentations.
Opening Address:
The opening address was delivered by a
visitor from the Home Office, Richard
Pinelli. Mr. Pinelli spoke about the importance of Sound Doctrine and in so doing
set the tone for the whole weekend. The
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United News Canada
Media Meeting……..
…....Toronto office
UCG-Canada Media Update
We initiated a new wave of ads
right after the Feast of Tabernacles last autumn. Each ad highlighted specific publications,
including The United States and
Britain in Bible Prophecy, What
Happens After Death, The Book
of Revelation Unveiled, Creation or Evolution-Does It Really
Matter What You Believe?, and
Holidays or Holy Days: Does It
Matter Which Days We Keep?
The ads are triggered when
people search online with keywords that we select as being
relevant to our ad; also, people
can see our ad when they visit
web pages (like news resources) that contain the keywords we have selected.
From September through October (2006) our ads were disA perplexing moment when the technology of a phone hook up for
played 532,340 times. This means that on
David Palmer and Paul Wasilkoff wouldn’t co-operate!
average our ads are being displayed at the
rate of once every ten seconds! During
Below is a sample of one of our Google key word advertisements.
this same time frame we received over 100
after the first year of broadcasting the tele- orders with an average cost per response of
November 28th, 2006 UCG Canada’s
$1.83. Online advertising has been an
Media Team met in Toronto. Team mem- vision program. We are now in the process effective and efficient marketing tool for
of renewing our TV contract for another
bers David Palmer, Dennis Horlick,
UCG-Canada.
Graemme Marshall, Ed van Pelt and Cana- full year.
dian webmaster
Paul Wasilkoff
reviewed media
efforts and results for the
Beyond Today
television program, and our
continuing
internet advertising camThe team also discussed our internet adpaigns. Beyond Today airs on both Vision
vertising,
one of the most inexpensive We look forward to a continuation of
TV and the Christian Channel network all
using the vehicles that currently work and
across Canada. Responses to the program, methods of preaching the gospel. We have are excited about new possibilities that will
been running online ads with a number of
which offers both the Good News magacompanies over the last few years. How- help us promote the Gospel online.
zine and other literature, has steadily increased since we first began the telecast in ever, we have had the greatest cost benefit
David Palmer
the spring of 2006. In the first nine months and success when using Google's services.
Google
gives
us
much
more
flexibility
in
we have added nearly 800 subscribers who
setting our budget, allows us to target a
& Paul Wasilkoff
are now receiving church material, with
Canadian
audience,
and
gives
us
excellent
projections showing that close to 1,000
new people will be receiving our material tools with which to evaluate our results.
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January-February 2007
United News Canada
Canadian Council Meetings…….
…....Toronto
COUNCIL REPORT
The National Council conducted its third
meeting of the year at the National Office
from November 29 through December 1.
Many council members were thankful to
come from very cold conditions to a relatively warm Ontario.
The December meetings are always crucial because plans for the next fiscal year
have to be finalized and approved. Meetings began on Wednesday evening with
short reports about each Feast site. Following these reports was a National Office and Financial report by Anthony
Wasilkoff and Edwin van Pelt.
Two additional reports were given on
Wednesday evening. The first was from
the Media Team Coordinator, David
Palmer. Much of the discussion focused
on the Beyond Today television program
– a review of the response trend and the
desire to continue airing the program. The
last report of the evening was from the
Ministerial Services Team Coordinator,
Robert Berendt. He reviewed efforts to
create a conflict resolution procedure and
further refinement of plans for leadership
development.
Thursday was a productive day. The Job
Description for the Director of Operations
was updated and the policy for Web sites
was amended. In addition three new policies were approved: Discipline and Termination, Sexual Misconduct & Youth Protection Guidelines, and Registered Sex
Offenders Attending Services. All of these
Canadian National Council members, along with Council Secretary and guests,
gathered in Toronto office for meetings.
low the donation of securities. Meeting
dates and locations for 2007 were established.
At the end of March Rainer Salomaa’s
term as Chairman will end. A procedure
for selecting, by teleconference and email,
the next Chairman was approved.
Maintaining proper paper files that are Nearly all council meetings have had
some time for “brainstorming”. This was
factual and non-judgmental
reserved for the end of the day on Friday.
Being impartial
A lot of time was spent identifying and
Maintaining proper confidentiality
Maintaining logical flow and proper considering significant trends and pressing
issues in the church at this time.
grammar in all documents
In addition to approval of documents, the
Council had a presentation from Keith
Stoner who is now acting as the legal advisor to the Council. He reviewed areas of
risk management and reminded everyone
of the importance of:
•
•
•
•
Sexual Offender Policy and Youth Protection Guidelines
UCG believes that children should be safe from all forms of abuse and neglect. To accomplish
this, a Sexual Misconduct and Youth Protection Guidelines policy has been approved.
All pastors will announce the adoption of this policy and guidelines to their congregations. A copy
of it will be available to all congregations. Please check your information table and read through
this important document. For a synopsis see page 22.
policies will help to decrease risk for the
brethren and the church.
The Council finalized an Operations Plan
and Budget for 2007/2008 to be presented
to the National Conference for ratification
next March. These are crucial documents
that require a lot of thought and discussion
and will determine how to best allocate the
funds we anticipate receiving next year.
Mr. Stoner also stressed that any interference in church services or ministerial function is against the law. The church has a
right to request anyone not abiding by the
Attendance Policy to not attend.
On Friday, a new employee contract was
approved. A resolution was passed to al-
Linda Wasilkoff
Council Secretary
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United News Canada
Canadian Council Toronto
and
ABC Calgary
Council meeting pictures: At left Mr. Keith Stoner and wife Pam sitting with Mr. Dennis Horlick, Toronto church
assistant pastor. At right Mrs. Bobbie Sheperd and Mrs. Pam Stoner converse in the Toronto office.
ABC Continuing Education
Calgary Seminar.
Calgary experienced a nice change in routine for the weekend of November 11-12,
2006. We were visited by Gary Antion and
David Register, presenters of Ambassador
Bible Center (ABC) “Sampler” courses for
its Continuing Education Seminar program. One hundred and sixty–six visitors
attended Sabbath services held at the Radison Hotel, almost double our usual attendance. Visitors arrived from all over the
west, from as far away as Winnipeg, Manitoba in the east, to Grande Prairie and Hythe in the north, Lethbridge in the south
and Victoria in the west – and many points
in between, lending a mini-Feast atmosphere to the occasion.
The presenters set an encouraging tone
for the seminars with their sermon messages, reminding us what we had become a
part of when we were invited to join the
6
work of God. It left us realizing that although the work may be small, it is the
work of God and contains within it the
seeds of great power. We were encouraged
to take our eyes off our immediate problems and regain the inspiration of being
involved in something much bigger than
ourselves.
The seminar classes
began later in the afternoon. About 96 showed
up for the initial sessions. The format was
inviting and relaxed.
The room was filled
with round tables with
water, coffee and tea,
and assorted “goodies”
to keep the members
refreshed. Each subject
lasted about 50 minutes,
followed by a 10minute break. Participants found the subjects timely and compelling, and the order
very well thought out.
The seminars began at the beginning. We
were stimulated to remember our roots, to
think of why we came to believe in God
and His Word, to remember the proofs of
God’s existence and the veracity of His
Word. On the assurance of a firm and immoveable foundation we can hope to grow
as potential children of God.
Subjects were designed to cover everything from how to develop a relationship
with God, to developing sensitivity to one
another within the Body of Christ; from
understanding societal culture and tradi-
tional values, to how it affects us and our
thinking and actions today. One particular
class gave us insight to Islam. Most classes
included brief sessions of collaborative
discussion amongst the table groups. These
discussions were both spirited and fruitful.
Judging from member response, the Sampler was wonderfully successful in its ability to inform, stimulate, encourage and
unify. It brought an understanding of what
goes on at “Home Office ABC” to all attending members, and our concept of the
value of these classes was enhanced and
clarified.
If you wish to be inspired, educated and
encouraged, these seminars are it. In Calgary, one hundred and sixty-six persons
heard the helpful and encouraging sermons, ninety-six heard as much of the
seminars as they were able to attend, and
seventy-four, ranging in age from 13-yearold Karl Berendt to 76-year-old Joe Broschak, received beautifully crafted certificates for completing the 10-hour instructional seminar. Many thanks go to Calgary
pastor Rainer Salomaa for setting up such
a beneficial weekend, and special thanks to
Maureen Delong for doing the beautiful
calligraphy on the certificates.
If you wish to learn more about the Ambassador Bible Center’s Continuing Education Seminars, you can contact ucg.org
or read the outline of Calgary’s November
11/12 seminar at www.ucgcalgary.org/
Photo of Gary Antion by Tony Smith.
Anne Poffenroth
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Public Lecture
Ottawa
Saturday November 11— Public Bible Lecture — Ottawa, Ontario.
It rained all day but it was warm inside Kemptville Community Centre for a presentation to north eastern Canadian Good News subscribers. 225 invitational letters were sent from Kingston in the south, to Cornwall in
the north, and throughout the Ottawa city and region.
Forty six people attended, including some members travelling 2+ hours from Montreal. Nine new people were
in attendance to hear Mr. Leslie McCullough of Big Sandy, Texas, with the subject: Where Will it all End? His
subject addressed the current problems of Iran, Islam and Christianity — from their origin to their prophetic
conclusion and solution.
An interesting sidelight beforehand was a man handing in for our general interest a 1973 brochure of a Public
Lecture being presented by a much younger looking Leslie McCullough.
Visitors all stayed for an excellent afternoon tea followed by Question and Answer presented by Mr. McCullough, as a member of UCGia Council of Elders.
Photos above: Top left: Mr. Leslie McCullough during his address. At right: Mr. and Mrs. McCullough during an afternoon tea Question and Answer.
PREACHING THE GOSPEL
– the Parable of the Sower.
One day from a boat off the shore of
Galilee, Jesus gave a story to the gathered
crowds about a sower sowing seed
(Matthew 13:1-3). What He said holds
great encouragement for those of us who
strive to see God’s Truth published and
preached in The Good News magazine, on
the Internet, and on Beyond Today television across Canada. He provided the following vital and encouraging truths for us:
We have the ‘best seed’ there is –
the Word of God;
Some of that seed will be
eaten by the birds;
To get a harvest we must
keep on sowing;
We must discipline our
disappointment.
The detail of the parable explains much
of our life drama in sowing the seed of
Truth. Although the sower is diligent and
has excellent seed, three out of the four
sowings doesn’t produce. And we can get
disappointed (Matthew 13:4-7). But because the sower is diligent and keeps on
sowing the seed, despite the initial poor
result, he will eventually reach good soil
(Matthew 13:8). We can be encouraged by
the detailed teaching Jesus gave.
The first attempt at sowing finds the seed
falling on the wayside - and the birds get
it. We quickly learn that no matter how we
sow ‘the birds’ are going to get some of
the seed. An example from our efforts at
Public Lectures might go like this: ‘I invited Herb to a meeting and he said he
would be there – but he wasn’t. Now I
wonder why Herb didn’t turn up?’ The
parable tells us the answer – it was the
birds! Herb probably intended to come, but
someone stole away his intent and maybe
said: ‘You’re not going to a religious meeting, are you? And he said, Well, maybe
not.’ When this happens and the birds steal
the seed we think of chasing away those
birds. But if we go chasing the birds we
end up leaving the field and no sowing
gets done. Chasing away the birds, or being disappointed at the result, distracts us
(Continued on page 8)
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United News Canada
Sowing the Seed……...
(Continued from page 7)
from our future crop that is sure to come.
Our best response when things are disappointing is to just say, Well, isn’t that interesting – he promised – and I was sure he
would be there. But we know from the
parable it was just the birds.
Despite the initial lack of result the sower
keeps on sowing. We will sow more seed
than the birds can get because there aren’t
that many birds. Let’s not worry about the
birds (the critics, skeptics, doubters) because someone once said that there are
only 9 -10 really negative, miserable people in the whole world – though they seem
to move around a lot! So we’ll bump into
one or two now and again. We have to
accept this type of opposition.
Next, the seed falls on rocky ground
where the soil is shallow. And this condition is not of our making. We are diligently
sowing the seed, and the seed is the BEST
there is. Because we have excellent seed,
and we are diligent in sowing, this is not
our fault. This time the seed germinates
and a plant grows. But the first hot day that
comes along, it wilts and dies. This isn’t
easy to watch. We get someone interested
in the Truth but someone else, or something, frightens them away and they wilt.
They come once but don’t show up again.
We are likely to think – Surely they would
now make progress and attend regularly.
But no, the hot weather will get some. And
this is not of our making. We can’t change
the way Jesus has laid out the parable and
its Truth. We accept that some won’t stay.
And when they leave we know they are
just one of those that leave. But what is
important is that the sower keeps on
sowing. And to keep on sowing we have
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to learn to ‘discipline our disappointment.’ That some don’t stay is not our
fault. Now, if we make gross errors in
sowing the Truth then that is our responsibility and we need to correct that and sow
differently. But in the normal course of
things – the fact that some do not stay is
not of our doing.
Next, the seed falls on thorny ground. We
may begin to wonder, How long is this
going to happen? How much do we have
to go through with poor results? Well, we
know that at the end of the story is good
soil. The seed germinates and grows, but
now ‘thorns’ choke them to death. So,
thorns will get some and this also is not
our fault. What are thorns? Cares, distractions, little things that seem more important. An example might be like this: Herb
was making progress and showed interest
and we had a meeting scheduled for him.
But Herb didn’t come. We follow up to see
what happened and Herb says, ‘I can’t go
to every meeting that’s on, you know.’ We
think, can’t make some meetings, why
not? It’s the Truth, it’s Salvation. But Herb
responds, ‘It was hockey night, I’ve got to
support the kids.’ Or he says, ‘The dishwasher broke down and I had to get it
fixed.’ At that time we can feel helpless
and ask why? But it isn’t of our making.
The thorns will get some too. We learn that
people will let little things cheat them of
BIG opportunities.
But now the Good News. The sower just
keeps on sowing the seed – sharing the
story – keeps on giving an invitation. And
finally the seed falls on good ground. And
it always will, IF you keep on sowing long
enough. We now find some produce 30%,
some 60%, some even 100%. We can ask
why the difference? Again, it isn’t of our
making. It is the way God has ordered re-
sponse according to talents and abilities
and the human desire to listen and change.
Our motivation is to keep on sowing.
Being a sharer of God’s Truth is like be-
Modern-day electronic distractions.
Photos.com and Google Images.
ing a bridge for people. It is helping someone cross over from darkness to light; from
being a skeptic to a person of faith; from
not knowing to knowing Truth; from no
confidence in themselves to being full of
Godly confidence. Being a sharer of God’s
Truth is helping people come out of the
shadows into the sunlight. It’s an exciting
role, helping people cross over; providing
a bridge for them to gain the answers
they’re really looking for.
Our efforts in sowing the seed of Truth
also satisfies what Jesus taught about
greatness (Matthew 20:20-28). Striving for
greatness is in serving others. We can
serve others by wanting them to have the
Truth that we already have. And when we
help people with their problems, it in turn
helps to diminish your own.
Whether we choose to serve others and be
a bridge for Truth is up to us. The seed is
the same – the opportunity is available –
but whether you take advantage of the opportunity is up to you. You can share the
Truth in the many ways made available
through each local Church area.
Jesus taught in this parable that if we continually plant the seed – the chances are
good that we will reap a harvest.
Graemme Marshall - Ottawa
January-February 2007
United News Canada
The GOOD NEWS magazine
INTERVIEW with
The GOOD NEWS magazine
Editor Mr. Scott Ashley,
Denver, Colorado.
Has journalism always been your
career?
I wouldn’t say that journalism has been
my career, but publishing certainly has
been. I’ve worked in some aspect of publishing since age 18, except for one brief
period right out of college when I worked
in a warehouse and couldn’t find another
job.
What was your early preparation
and training that has equipped you
to become GN editor?
The best preparation was being exposed
to so many aspects of publishing over the
last 30-plus years. I got started in the field
as a freshman in Big Sandy when we had
the option of taking freshman English or
introduction to graphic arts. I thought English was boring, so I signed up for the
graphic arts class, which was about publication production. It was a new world to
me, and I really enjoyed almost every aspect of it.
At the end of my freshman year I was
hired to work in the press building at Big
Sandy. This was only a few months after
The Worldwide News was started in 1973.
For a year I did pre-press work, which in
the terminology of the day was called
“stripping.” (I’ve joked at times that I
worked part of my way through college as
a stripper!)
At the end of my sophomore year I was
hired to work on The Worldwide News,
and there I had the opportunity to do all
kinds of things—layout, illustrations, photography and some writing. Around the
same time we started a class in magazine
production, and I worked on a studentproduced magazine during my last two
years in college. So my student job 20
hours a week was working on The Worldwide News, and I also took all the classes
offered in magazine production and photography.
After college, and after my brief stint
working in a warehouse, I worked for a
publishing company that produced magazines for the chambers of commerce for
various small cities and towns. I then
worked in publishing and editorial for several years in Pasadena on various publications, including The Worldwide News, The
Plain Truth and The Good News.
I was exposed to many new experiences
when I moved back to Big Sandy in 1980
and began working for Annie’s Attic. This
craft-publishing company grew explosively during my time there. It had one
magazine and about 25 employees when I
started, and when I left in 1986 it had three
magazines, an award-winning catalog, and
over 100 employees.
That’s where I really learned to write and
edit. I oversaw the creative department
there, which included various writers, photographers and graphic designers. For a
time I wrote most of the advertising copy
for the company, so I had to learn to make
every word count. I’d never done much
writing or editing before then.
From there I did consulting for another
publishing company for a year, then
moved to Denver as marketing director for
another craft-publishing company. Eventually that company was bought by Rodale
Press. A few years later I left to do publishing consulting again, and was doing
that when UCG contacted me about starting up The Good News.
So over the years I’ve done just about
everything related to publishing—writing,
editing, graphic design, illustration, photography, marketing, strategic planning
and prepress—just about everything except
actually running a printing press!
How is the GN produced from your
home?
This is the fun part. For the last 20 years
I’ve been able to be in on the rise of
“desktop publishing” from the beginning,
starting with one of the earliest Apple
Macintosh computers back in 1986. The
hardware and software was really primitive
then, compared to what we use now.
Today’s hardware and software is phenomenal compared to those early years,
and it’s revolutionized the printing industry. Entire categories of jobs have been
replaced by computers and software. At
one time the publishing department in
Pasadena had a state-of-the-art typesetting
system that cost upwards of a million dollars and required several people working
fulltime to run it. Now you can get the
same quality, if not better, from a $1,000dollar desktop computer and $500 software. It used to take a half-million-dollar
machine to convert a color photo into a
color picture for a magazine, and now we
can do the same thing with hardware and
(Continued on page 10)
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United News Canada
Good News magazine editor Interview
software that costs about $2,500.
So publishing has changed tremendously.
Now one person can do the jobs that several people used to do. UCG’s publishing
staff of about seven or eight do roughly
the amount of work that 60 to 70 people
did back in WCG. Computers and the
Internet have made us much more productive. And we can do it at a correspondingly lower cost.
The Internet is going through a similar
transformation. These tools have roughly
land; Roger Foster in San Antonio, Texas;
Jerold Aust in Mobile, Alabama, and Tom
Robinson near St. Louis, Missouri. However, they all wear other hats and do other
things for UCG.
Melvin Rhodes works part-time for our
editorial department, in addition to pastoring in Lansing, Michigan, and overseeing
Ghana. Our art director, a brilliant designer named Shaun Venish, lives in Austin, Texas. Tom Robinson and Becky Bennett in Cincinnati do our proofreading.
They, along with all the others who con-
corresponded with the formation and
growth of the United Church of God, and
they allow us to do things and reach people at costs that were virtually unimaginable 15-20 years ago.
Virtually everything I do is on my Apple
iMac using Microsoft Word for writing
and editing, Adobe InDesign for graphic
design and production, and Adobe PhotoShop for photo processing. I have a couple
of desktop printers and a scanner, and my
own digital camera equipment for highquality photos when the need arises. I also
have high-speed Internet access that I use
for research, finding and downloading
photos, and transferring files with staff
and the printing companies we use.
Who else helps, and in what cities
are they located?
For The Good News and booklets, our
fulltime writer/researchers are John Ross
Schroeder who lives near London, Eng-
tribute to our publications, are all connected by the Internet.
What is the pressure for you of
meeting deadlines?
There’s a lot of pressure, especially since
we started producing Vertical Thought
several years ago. Between Vertical
Thought and The Good News, we create 10
issues a year start to finish. That’s an issue
every five weeks on average. And that
doesn’t count creating new booklets and
reprinting about 30 booklets and Bible
Study Course lessons each year.
So there are the big deadlines when the
materials are due at the printer, but also
constant lesser deadlines of assigning articles, receiving and editing them, getting
them out for review, re-editing them, doing rough layouts and final layouts, finding photos and illustrations, proofreading,
making corrections and so on.
My biggest relief is to go camping where
(Continued from page 9)
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I have to be away from the phone and the
Internet (though I always have my laptop
along). I tell people that my favorite place
to go to relax—and there’s a lot of truth to
this—is to camp in Katmai National Park
in Alaska, right in the middle of the most
concentrated grizzly bear population in the
world. Believe it or not, it’s actually very
relaxing for me since the nearest phone is
30 miles away.
Why is the GN every two months,
instead of a monthly publication?
What extra logistics, manpower and
cost would be involved?
It’s a matter of staff and money. Theoretically it could be done, but we would
have to totally restructure jobs and our
production process, and add several more
people who are equally good writers, editors, designers and production people.
Right now we simply don’t have those
resources—we have just enough to barely
squeak by.
In terms of money, it would roughly double our costs. We’d need almost twice the
production staff, and it would roughly
double our printing, postage and distribution costs. Back in WCG days we normally did 10 issues a year, but it was affordable then because nonprofit postage
rates were much lower. Postage rates have
increased greatly since then, and many
magazines—at least those that don’t rely
on advertising revenue, as most do—have
reduced their frequency to stay afloat.
Faced with the choice, we think it’s better to reach more people with fewer issues
than fewer people with more frequent issues.
What are the main writing faults of
occasional article writers?
Probably the biggest issue is that they are
used to talking to Church members rather
than the general public, so I find myself
doing a lot of translating terms and concepts into ways and words that the general
public can better understand. Also, we are
living in a much more biblically illiterate
world than a generation ago, so I often
have to add in explanations of basic concepts that we take for granted and assume
everybody else knows.
Do any writers get peeved at having
edits made to their articles?
(Continued on page 11)
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Good News magazine editor interview
(Continued from page 10)
I don’t doubt that some do, but generally
they’re nice enough not to complain!
Do you attempt to restore writer’s
‘ruffled feathers’ over their articles
receiving editing?
On rare occasions that happens. Most of
the feedback I get is appreciation that the
article has been improved. Most of our
writers understand that we have a pretty
extensive review process involving a lot of
people all over the world, and all of them
are free to give their input. Sometimes the
process is akin to making sausage—what
goes in one end doesn’t much resemble
what comes out the other—but it’s a good
system overall.
How many reviewers are involved in
reviewing articles for the GN?
Currently I send articles to 38 people for
review. This includes the regular reviewers, but also each of the international offices and the Council of Elders and a few
other people. While all of them have the
opportunity to comment, most of them
don’t unless they see a specific problem.
What is the value of this review
process?
Probably the greatest value is in seeing
how an article strikes different people.
What looks fine to someone here in North
America may come across quite differently
in another part of the world. Also, a number of our reviewers are good writers and
editors in their own right, and they typically catch little things I missed or suggest
better ways to word things. On the whole,
the articles always come out better after
going through this process.
How do you arrive at deciding about
opposing views on an article and
what you eventually publish?
When that happens, I’ll generally edit out
or rewrite the portion in question to resolve
the differences. When there is a difference
over a matter of doctrine, our procedure is
to send it to the doctrine committee for
resolution. However, that’s been rare—
only three or four times in our 11 years of
publishing. If it’s a non-doctrinal issue and
not something I can resolve through editing, the article goes to the president and
media operation manager for a decision as
to whether to run it.
What impact do sudden world
events have upon your planned
schedule?
Such things have a considerable impact,
especially since our staff is so small. Several times I’ve basically had to scrap most
of an issue and start over. The most dramatic one was 9/11, when we had an issue
basically done and had to redo almost the
entire issue in about a week. More recently, we’ve changed issue themes in
response to the Dec. 1995 tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Israel-Hezbollah war.
It seems more big things are happening
more often on the world scene, so we’re
changing issue themes and articles more
frequently.
What especially unusual experiences have you had in trying to put
together a GN issue?
The issue after 9/11 was no doubt the
most unusual. I had an issue pretty much
done and ready to go, and I left to go
camping in a remote area of Alaska for a
week. This area, in Katmai National Park,
is so remote that the only way to get there
is a 30-mile trip by floatplane. The closest
phone is literally 30 miles away.
I had been there enjoying several days of
peace and quiet, unwinding and photographing wildlife—mostly grizzly bears
(yes, that’s how I relax!)—when I heard
about the 9/11 attacks. I went to the nearby
ranger station where they had a satellite
Internet connection and were downloading
and printing page after page of news reports. The ranger on duty there was a volunteer from New York City, who was
really shaken by the attacks. Of course, all
plane flights were shut down, including
float planes, so there was no way in or out
of this remote location and no way to contact anyone. After reading the news reports, I outlined a series of articles approaching this disaster from different angles and tried to think of ways to graphically illustrate them so we’d have a plan
when I would have an opportunity to contact our other staff members.
Flights finally resumed later that week
and I was able to fly home as scheduled,
even though the airports were in chaos. I
had brief connecting stops at three airports
along the way, and at each one I’d fight to
get to a phone, call a writer or two and
discuss the article I wanted him to write,
then rush to catch my next flight—a dicey
proposition since all planes were overflowing with passengers who’d been grounded
for several days.
By the time I caught my final connecting
flight, I’d talked to or left messages with
all of our staff writers, some of whom had
already started on ideas of their own. I’d
also talked to Shaun Venish, our designer,
and had him researching photos to illus(Continued on page 12)
11
United News Canada
Interview………
(Continued from page 11)
trate the issue. Several other contributors
left messages about articles they wanted to
write. On my longest flight I wrote the
editorial for that issue.
Two days later I had the articles in hand,
quickly edited and sent them for review,
and after a mad dash to get the issue designed and proofread, we sent it to the
printer a few days later. We redid 28 1/2
are in the United States, yet we have
a global readership?
It is tough to keep a good balance of material that will be relevant to as many readers
as possible. About 75-80 percent of our
readers are in North America, so that obvi-
I do have other interests, but it’s tough to
squeeze them in around all the publishing
deadlines. I find photography to be very
refreshing and rejuvenating, and I’m privileged to live in the American West with its
abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.
out of 32 pages in that issue. There’s no
question in my mind that we had some
divine help on that one!
Above: moose silhouette in Yellowstone Park. At right are two Alasously has to carry a lot of weight as to con- Archaeology has been a longtime interest
kan foxes, one yawning. Previous tent. Also, most of the rest of the readers going all the way back to junior high
Alaskan pictures are of grizzly
are in Westernized countries such as Brit- school, though now I’m more focused on
Apart from being Managing Editor
of the GN – what other UCG hats do
you wear?
I’m also managing editor of booklets,
each of which is roughly the equivalent of
putting together an issue of The Good
News. I also coordinate or handle production of Vertical Thought and other print
materials such as advertising, subscriber
letters and reprints of booklets and Bible
Study Course lessons.
I’m also a member of the prophecy advisory committee, which researches and
writes papers on issues relating to prophecy. I’m also a reviewer for the Bible
Reading Program and occasional guest on
the Beyond Today TV program. I occasionally speak in the local churches here,
though that’s pretty rare, due to lack of
time to prepare sermons and Bible studies.
On the international perspective of
U.S.-produced magazines and booklets, how do you keep a happy balance that though most subscribers
12
ain, Australia and New Zealand, so there
are overlapping interests among those areas. We do have Spanish, German, Italian
and French editions, and those editors can
pick and choose among material—or write
their own—for those specific areas.
Besides the regular deadline focus
of producing the GN and other
literature for UCG, do you have time
for other interests?
biblical archaeology. And once a year I get
away for a few days to go hunting, which
is another welcome break. I’ve had a lot of
other interests, but given up most for lack
of time.
Animal photographs taken
by Scott Ashley—
his relaxing hobby.
January-February 2007
United News Canada
French Office, Cincinnati..….
Interview with
Mr. Bernard Hongerloot,
Cincinnati, Ohio
the Six Day War. I wrote to the Geneva
office of the Church in Switzerland, and
started to receive booklets and other publications, which I devoured avidly. Everything made sense. My real journey in life
Where were you born, and what had just begun.
were those early days like ?
I was born in Sannois -- a small town in
the northwest suburb of Paris, France -not far from Plessis-Bouchard, where I
grew up. My mother was a devout Catholic, my father a non-religious man. I have
two brothers – one five years older, retired
and in politics, the other eighteen months
younger and an engineer in Paris Faculty
of Medicine – both totally disinterested in
God or religion. My youth was rather ordinary, like most baby boomers. Not a happy
one, but I guess still more interesting than
most of the youth of today. I grew up at a
time when children could safely ride their
bikes or walk to the woods and play there
all day, building tree houses and having
fun. I was a Boy Scout for several years,
and at the age of 19 started a youth club in
our community.
What is your family heritage?
My name is definitely Flemish, from
Flanders, in northern Belgium. My grandfather was born in Bruges, where a number
of Hongerloots still remain. We have a
somewhat famous painter in our ancestry,
and some relatives in Iceland. On my
mother’s side, we’re supposed to be of
French stock, from the heart of France,
Limousin -- where we kept the Feast this
year – and some Irish.
When and where did you first
hear the Truth?
I was in Berlin, Germany, in the French
Special Forces. I was searching for meaning. I had been raised a Catholic, but was
searching for the meaning of life and for
the Creator God I knew had to exist. I
could never get straight answers from the
priests I questioned. I had started to study
the Bible, and felt almost right away that a
Master mind had to be behind all those
obviously inspired writings. One day, I
picked up an old copy of a Readers’ Digest
in French, bound for the trash can. An ad
caught my attention, on prophecy being
fulfilled. It was in 1968 and one year after
What has been your experience
and service to God’s Church ?
living in the U.S.?
The first big difference is religion.
Americans have a better knowledge of the
Bible than most Europeans, who regard it
as another interesting work, but not God’s
inspired Word. The Judeo-Christian heritage influences life in the U.S. In Europe,
the influence of Catholicism remains even
at a time when churches are empty. In
Europe, God and Christ seem to be irrelevant. People worship Mary more than God.
The second big difference is linked to the
first one. Americans enjoy greater freedom
and more tolerance than Europeans. Apart
from these, Europeans tend to be more
family oriented, and take more time to
“smell the roses” - to enjoy life.
In 1969, with my military obligations
fulfilled, I returned to Paris and became a
printer (silk screen process) and started
attending church in Paris. Two years later,
I was accepted to Ambassador College in
Bricket Wood, England. I graduated in
1975 in Big Sandy, Texas. I started to
serve the French Work the same year. I
ministered in Paris and Nancy, France;
Brussels, Belgium;
Montreal, Quebec;
and Pasadena, California. I became Office Manager of the
French Department in
Pasadena, California
and translated most
of our booklets and
courses. I became the
voice, in French, of
the World Tomorrow
program with Herbert
Armstrong at first,
and then the other
presenters, until the
broadcast stopped. I
took care of the Personal CorresponMr. Bernard Hongerloot speaking at the 2006
dence of the different
ads in French and
Feast in Collonges-la-Rouge, France.
gave regular sermons
in French for our scattered brethren around
the world – including French Canada. I When did you marry, and who
visited several French Feast sites where I are your family members?
spoke on several occasions. In 1995, when I met my wife in Big Sandy, Texas, in
the WCG split, I started my own business late 1974, and we got married shortly after
in translating, editing, proofreading, voice- graduation in May 1975. I was in Big
overs, and teaching [French]. Later, I did Sandy, Texas for the summer of 1974, and
some contract work for UCG to help Mr. with the campus of Ambassador College in
Joel Meeker with our UCG French publi- Bricket Wood, England, being closed, I
cations starting in 2001, and came on full decided to stay there and graduate. As a
time in 2003. I have been in the ministry student and a French teacher, I taught three
levels of French. I met the former Linda
for 30 years.
What differences stand out most Sue Wiles -- a gorgeous young American
for you from living in Europe to woman from Kansas City, Missouri – in
(Continued on page 14)
13
United News Canada
Interview Bernard Hongerloot...
(Continued from page 13)
one of those classes I taught. She was to be one of the greatest
blessings I have ever received. We have five beautiful children,
Sarah (30), born in France; David (28), born in Belgium; Charla
(26), born in St Jerôme, Québec; Rebecca (23) and Jeremy (19),
both born in California.
What are your responsibilities now in UCG?
Apart from translating most of our publications, I serve as the
main editor of all our written material in French, as the main
proofreader, and occasional writer. Our Bonnes Nouvelles
(French Good News) and our Church magazine Renouveau are
paramount in my responsibilities. I believe it is a very important
part in the preaching of the Gospel. Either in print or online, all
what we have to offer has to be top notch. I also record sermons
that are then sent to our very scattered French-speaking flock
around the world, and help Joel Meeker with other duties, as the
need arises. The greater part of my work is the publications.
What are the pressing Francophone needs
for UCG ?
We need more laborers. True laborers. Laborers who are deeply
committed. Everything else always follows. And we need to have
more in French Canada! If and when we have zeal for our great
God, He provides us with the means to accomplish the monumental task He’s given us. We all need to keep our eyes on Him.
He is the ONE who makes everything possible. It is a great honor
and privilege to work for Him.
UNC
Above:
Mr. Bernard
Hongerloot at his
desk in the French
office of the Cincinnati
Home Office.
At left:
Display of current
literature
translated into the
French language.
14
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Golden Age Reflections
Interview with Mr. Roger Boyer,
Montreal, Quebec
Where were you born and in what year?
And what was childhood fun when you
were young?
I was born in Montreal in 1924 – now 82
years old. In childhood I enjoyed a variety
of things from bicycling, friendly wrestling
gymnastics, ice skating, roller skating,
playing marbles, flicking hockey cards
towards a wall to see who got closest,
swimming in park water holes, playing our
own golf on rough ground making our own
holes, and baseball.
How did you get your first job? And at
what age and how much were you paid?
It all began when a neighbour was offered
a job for his son, who was only two years
old, so he recommended me. I was fifteen
years old and started work at 18c an hour,
55 hours a week and $9.90 a week salary.
This company made all sorts of wire rope.
The maximum salary for a married man
was 35c an hour and 27c for a single man.
I was to receive a possible raise of 2c an
hour, if deserving, after a year. Nine
months later I gave my boss 2 weeks notice. The next day the superintendent
called me into his office. He said, “You
have a job for life, are you not happy here?
You are doing a good job and we are
pleased with you. Stay and I’ll give you
maximum salary immediately.” With my
refusal I explained that at my age knowledge was more important than money and
my wish was to learn mechanics and become a machinist.
From there, still at age 15, I worked for
six months in a garage with three mechanics. The salary was $6:00 a week and
working from 7 am to 6-8 p.m. I was allowed to watch any interesting job and
would only leave work when the job was
completed. Every fourth Sunday I was
alone from 8:00 am until 10:00 p.m.
At age 16 I switched to be a machinist for
six years. My salary went from 25c an
hour to $1.05 with no increase in the last
eighteen months. During the first 16
months my hours were 12 hours a night for
80 hours a week. The weekly salary was
approximately $25 a week and increased to
$65. In 1940 the Government first introduced taking 8c a week for unemployment
insurance and I objected to their taking my
money. I then moved to another company
for four years towards the end of the Second World War.
How often did you buy new clothes in
those days? And how long did they last?
My clothes in those days were quite conservative, much like what I wear today.
They were bought new when needed but
not according to fashion. They lasted as
long as possible and were bought when
needed along the way.
What was your entertainment in the
days when there was no TV, videos, or
movies?
We listened a lot to the radio and played
records on the gramophone. We went to
see stage shows, played cards, read comics, detective stories and history.
What was your attitude towards authority figures back then?
Students didn’t dare argue or talk back to
teachers or elders. At home our parents
continued the principles of school. As a
teen in 1938 I did have some bad experiences with one teacher, but you didn’t dare
rebel nor tell your parents about it. I was
concerned that if I did my father might
make a scene at the school.
How old did you have to be to ‘date’
someone? And what was dating then?
There was no fixed age, but one had to be
respectful towards others. Dating was simply friendship. It was only after seven
months of courtship that I first kissed my
wife-to-be at Xmas.
Looking back now over 80 years, what
other memories come to mind?
I fondly recall helping my parents with
gardening. Harvesting wild fruits was
memorable: crab apples, plums, chokeberries, nuts, strawberries, raspberries and
blackberries. I always looked forward to
visits from my grandparents. And I enjoyed helping with chores and picnicking.
From age 7 through 14 I would go to the
Canadian Pacific Railway dump and the
city dump and collect cast iron, steel, copper, brass, bones, rags, waste paper, wood
scrap and wood shavings to be sold to
scrap dealers.
At age 14 in the summer months we
would have my grandparents living with
us. I then worked for a farmer some 3-4
kilometers from home. Mother asked me to
accompany grandfather rather than bicycling. The bus tickets were 2c to get there.
Not being tired in the morning we saved
the fare. Everyday I almost died because of
my granddad’s pride for his grandson. He
pushed me so much. After 10 hours work,
half dead from tiredness, granddad would
say, “Let’s save the 2c fare and we’ll relax
by walking home.”
At age 5 my aunt drove their 2-door sedan model T Ford backward through the
fence. She then walked back into the yard
and said to my uncle, “I can’t drive your
car, keep it.” I ran to the car, got in and
started to drive it back as my father also
ran for it. That car had two pedals, one for
reverse and one forward. While I am pressing the forward pedal, he pressed the re-
verse pedal and we danced the car back
and forth.
At age 7, with another uncle’s 4-door
model T Ford, I gave 3 kids a ride. At age
8 my aunt had bought a 2-door sedan
Model A Ford with a gear shift and I drove
it on Sherbrooke street in Montreal.
At age 10, before I went to school in the
mornings, my father would let me drive
around the block with a small panel truck.
During that time I borrowed (without their
permission) all my uncle’s cars and one
big truck! There are many wonderful
childhood memories.
Now I am privileged to be a ‘baby Christian’ in the United Church of God and look
forward to maturing spiritually into a full
adult.
UNC
15
United News Canada
Where Are They Now…
.....Pastors who have served in Canada
MR. GLEN WHITE - Montana
Like a new home under construction, so,
by analogy, is the building of a Christian.
The new spiritual life starts with the most
solid of all foundations and continues by
increments toward an attractive and functional building by which others can also
benefit. With a house, it is the broad, solid
footings of concrete anchored firmly on
bed rock, upon which the foundation walls
are erected. Then comes the first floor, the
walls, and the tall gable ends, the 2nd floor,
more walls and finally the roof and then
the interior finishing.
Our new life starts with the most solid of
all foundations, Jesus Christ [1Cor 3:11].
By building on this foundation through the
central Province of Manitoba. The capital
city of Winnipeg was a different city then;
large to be sure but with about half the size
of today’s population. During this period
of time, Christ was building and developing His Church in Canada under the leadership of Mr. Dean Wilson. We grew rapidly until district management became
necessary to effectively pastor the multiplying church areas. The central district
consisted of Manitoba, part of western
Ontario to Thunder Bay, and the whole of
Saskatchewan to its most northern cities,
where we shared some Provincial real estate with the neighboring district of B.C
and Alberta under the administration of
years the pieces of our spiritual house are
added.
I was asked by United News Canada to
record my reflections on the years of service in the Canadian ministry and my experience as a Council member during the 5
years and 9 months of our time in Canada.
The two tours of Pastoral assignments in
the vast and colorful Dominion of Canada
have been very meaningful. In reflection,
nearly one third of my life experience
since baptism has been in Canada. The
first, from 1965 to 1976, was home in the
Mr. Richard Pinelli.
These were times of growth-developing
church areas and training those God was
calling. During this 10 ½ years, the central district grew to 13 churches, 8 outlying
Bible Studies and 19 men employed full
time to pastor and care for the flock. The
neighboring Church districts across Canada grew at the same phenomenal rate.
The second appointment, in 2000, five
years after United started, was a transfer to
serve in Alberta and eventually southern
Saskatchewan. This period of time proved
to be a different experience, since the societal values and populations in this part of
Israel were also going through prophesied
changes that affect all latter day descendents of the 12 tribes. Like all western
nations, Canada has grown in population,
wealth, sophistication and materialism.
This is the societal backdrop in which the
United Church of God came into existence
in 1995. At this time God assembled those
remaining faithful to His truth into many
smaller church areas. We were blessed
with serving 3 of these areas in the United
Church of God; Calgary, Lethbridge, and
Regina (which became a festival site in
2001).
I found the feelings, the love, and the
fellowship with the converted children of
God no different now than they were 30
years ago. In the last decade there has been
a significant amount of residual hurt and
shattered trust to confront due to the betrayal we all experienced, but it was or is
being accomplished. Neither God nor His
spirit changes (Hebrews 13:8) and He has
never abandoned the sheep He died for.
The fruit of the spirit is present and recognizable. One of the major highlights
during the Feast days we shared in Regina
was twofold. First, many sacrificed their
personal plans year after year to help serve
those transferring to Regina and the scattered brethren in the Prairies who looked to
Regina as their Feast site. Secondly, the
brethren attending the festival site really
made these Holy days an outstanding time
of joy. The support and encouragement
that results by the gathering of God’s people is dramatic and lasting. Always has
been and always will be!
Reflecting on the recent years on the Canadian Council and going through the
learning curve of parliamentary procedures, formulating policy and faithfully
using the constitution as the guiding document is an awareness expanding experience. One aspect may be illustrated with
this example. Envision nine men, with
widely divergent backgrounds and experiences, gathering to consider a situation
which requires modification or expansion.
The first man to speak feels he surely
knows the solution and offers it. Then he
(Continued on page 17)
16
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Glen White — Montana, U.S.A.
(Continued from page 16)
sits and listens (patiently ☺) to the other 8
members who also feel they have the solution, or parts of it. This isn’t as easy as it
may sound. It is the process of iron sharpening iron and that takes effort, some heat,
and Godly patience. The policies that are
formulated within the administration of
ken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
In a physical house, we place the pieces
of measured lumber in their correct places
and they indeed bear the strain of the
weight of the lumber and furnishings, and
withstand the winds and elements. In our
spiritual building process, each member
Our eventual home as a work in progress—just like our Christian lives.
UCG-Canada have come through much
examination and debate. With the Council,
being the Church authority and policysetting body, it is with a great deal of respect that these items affecting the health
and productivity of United Church of GodCanada are approached. Anyone familiar
with this process appreciates the learning
curve of moulding a church member
(ordained or non-ordained) into a corporate
administrator. While it is a growth experience, it is also an extra level of responsibility that must be accepted and respected.
One principle that has become most vivid
to me, is that I believe God as a wise parent allows us to experience situations that
are spiritually challenging and ultimately
beneficial, if we apply the biblical instructions in developing their solutions. Sometimes in building a house one must use a 2
pound hammer to move a wall, or stubborn
piece of lumber into position, but most of
the time the measurements are precise, the
angles correct and with some personal effort the pieces are joined and mutually
supportive of each other. This Scripture
comes to mind, “And if one overthrows
him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly bro
must choose to be that supporting piece of
construction, wherever they are placed, as
the Bible says, “But now God has set the
members, each one of them, in the body as
it has pleased Him” (1 Corinthians 12:18).
Connie and I now serve in the Montana
Churches, and it looks like this may be
where we stay for the foreseeable future.
Presently there are three areas to administer here in Montana. The distances are a bit
less than the recent circuits from Calgary
to Regina, and with the help of two capable elders and their wives, the Church
areas are cared for.
We also are experiencing the building of
a home here in the Bitterroot valley, home
of the movie, A River Runs Through It.
This did influence the mood or analogy of
this writing, to be sure. When our home is
completed, hopefully there will opportuni-
ties for some of you to come and visit with
us.
So, in closing, we feel the experience of
serving in Canada has broadened our personal and collective perspectives and ability to do God’s Work. It is with deep gratitude that we thank those who served, supported and prayed for us during this tenure
of time in the Dominion of Canada.
You will always be loved and remembered.
Glen White
– Montana
Missoula is on US 90 - about
320 kms. east of Spokane,
Washington, and 192 kms.
West of Butte, Montana.
South of Missoula about 48
kms. on Hwy 93 is
Stevensville,
where we live.
17
United News Canada
Love to Neighbour….
Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
It seems so easy today to become engrossed in our own affairs where we lose
sight of our duty to our fellowman. In the
rat race to make ends meet and our pursuit
of ‘the good life’ (defined today as he who
gets the most toys) we forget that real contentment comes from not only obeying
God as He directs, but also in applying the
command to love our neighbour. Helping a
neighbour where needed, can be a sure
source of true peace and fulfillment.
Deep down in the vast majority of us is
the desire to make a difference, but the
preoccupation with our own pursuits and
interests can stymie that noble intention.
This is a mistake. For it is indeed not the
one who dies with the most toys who wins,
but rather it’s the spiritual character we are
building that counts.
Ways to help others.
The world is full of needy people and we
don’t have to look very far to find someone in need of a helping hand. Who among
us is not moved with compassion when we
see images of starving children in faminefilled and war-torn third-world countries?
Anyone can take the time to seize the opportunity to engage in random acts of kindness and compassion, however small, for
the good of a neighbour, whether in the far
regions of Africa or just down the street.
Jesus gave us the parable of The Good
Samaritan , and defined our neighbour as
anyone in need. Feast-goers in St. John’s
did so this past fall by a contribution to
LifeNets.
Helping neighbours in need hit home for
me on September 11, 2001– that tragic
date seared in many North American
memories. Here is how it happened. As a
school teacher, while reading a classic
story to my sixth graders in a small school
near Gander, Newfoundland, we were suddenly interrupted by the sounds of jet engines overhead. Next thing I knew, I was
informed by one of my colleagues that the
World Trade Centre had been hit by two
passenger airliners and another had
crashed into the Pentagon. Suddenly the
routines of our school changed in a moment with the buzz of news reports that
these disasters may have been the result of
a terrorist attack on our neighbour to the
18
south. All teachers and students quickly
gathered into the gymnasium to watch the
horrific scenes unfold before our very
eyes. Some wept while others held hands
and hugged each other for support and
comfort. We also learned that all airports
in the U.S.A. were shut down and incoming international flights to America were
being diverted to Canada. Shortly afterwards we were informed that Gander had
received more than six thousand stranded
passengers. The next day many residents in
the surrounding area rallied together in
support. Five schools were shut down and
seven days the town of Gander and surrounding communities opened their arms
and hearts to strangers. By the time the last
plane took off, many had become friends
with lasting bonds.
There is an old saying, "those who help
others, help themselves." Certainly this
held true for us during the events on 9/11.
In our attempts to help stranded passengers
feel a little more at home in the midst of
trouble in their homeland, we brought ourselves together in the spirit of oneness and
community.
What prevents our serving when
Within hours 39 aircraft landed at Gander overwhelming the airport terminal
which quickly became an aid centre for food and clothing. The 10,000 population of Gander with only 550 beds opened its arms to assist the 6,500 stranded
passengers. Schools and halls in the surrounding area were used. Although
Newfoundland is the poorest province in Canada, everyone helped out.
Ganderites emptied their cupboards and closets and went to the airport.
www.ganderairport.com/911.htm
make-shift shelters were set up. Free hotel
rooms were made available and people
opened up their homes to welcome anyone
who needed a hot meal, a good bath and a
place to stay. Our school was designated as
a supply centre for towels, soap, blankets,
pillows and a host of other life necessities
which poured in quickly. Free telephone
and Internet services were provided for
travellers to get in contact with loved ones.
Counselling services were set up to assist
anyone traumatized by the tragedy. For
needed?
Sometimes, fears make us hesitate to approach a stranger. The fear of the unknown
and hesitation to get involved causes a
great deal of coldness in the world. This
results in a certain degree of timidity; a
kind of mindset of ‘being too afraid to do
anything’ which avoids the needy. Had we
turned a blind eye to these stranded passengers in Gander, then I’m afraid another
tragedy would have occurred far beyond
(Continued on page 19)
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Love to Neighbour….
(Continued from page 18)
the Twin Towers – the tragedy of indifference and insensitivity. Is it not incumbent
upon us to try to break the barriers of indifference and strive to reach out when
needed? Jesus taught in the Sermon on the
Mount ‘to do unto others as we would
have others do unto us.’
It is true that government welfare takes
care of many needy. But social services
cannot get into the nooks and crannies of
the many small but important human
needs. It can often be up to us as
neighbours to fill in the gaps, to keep some
people from falling through the cracks and
provide that personal touch in lending a
helping hand. Helping others when the
need is there is a great way to fulfill being
our ‘brother’s keeper.’
If I have striven to serve others when the
need is there, then when asked whether I
am my brother’s keeper, I can confidently
answer, “most certainly I am.”
Hector M. Earle - Newfoundland
Jigs dinner?
FEAST RECOLLECTIONS
Brethren of the Toronto congregation The tables were festively decorated by
bright orange and yellow cloths, and
graced with yellow candles amidst colourful fall leaves. The cutlery was wrapped in
yellow napkins and bound with a paper
strip bearing the words “Feast Memories
2006—Catch the Vision.” Pictures and
flags adorned the walls.
After dinner Charles Desgrosseilliers, a
Toronto deacon, encouraged the brethren
to come to the podium and microphone to
relate their Feast experiences, and tell of a
favourite sermon they heard.
Accounts from the local Feast site in
Collingwood, Ontario were accompanied
by events in Kelowna, BC, Regina, SK, St.
food contributions reflected the cuisine of Johns NL, Lexington PA, Costa Rica, Jaareas visited. Who could resist trying Ja- maica and the Philippines.
maican beef patties or a Newfoundland Afterward, brethren had the opportunity
returned from the 2006 Feast eager to
share their experiences. They found that
opportunity on November 4 after the Sabbath service, when a potluck social called
“Feast Memories 2006” took place. Many
HELEN NORTH—OBITUARY
The family of Helen North of Calgary,
Alberta is saddened to announce her passing on Saturday December 2, 2006 at the
age of 92 years. Helen is lovingly remembered by her daughter Janice (Fred) Connery, grandsons Darren (Keri) Connery,
and Timothy (Kim) Connery, and great
grandchildren Chloe, Aobhin and
Aonghus.
Helen was predeceased by her son
Charles in 1968 and her husband Roy in
1993. A memorial service was held for her
in Calgary on December 8, with Rainer
Salomaa officiating.
Helen was born on February 28, 1914 in
Winnifred, Alberta. Her parents had
moved there from Kempville, Ontario
where her father had been a cheese maker.
After high school, Helen moved to Calgary
where she attended Garbutt Business College. After graduating, she worked as a
to peruse photos and memorabilia laid out
on tables. A draw for a small bottle of Jamaican Cream Rum, donated by a member, was won by Josie Yap. The whole
delightful evening was organized and set
up by Dennis and Paula Horlick, Toronto’s
assistant pastor and wife.
Lillie Robinson
stenographer for Union Tractor. It was at She was a mother, grandmother, and
this time that she met her husband to be, great grandmother and was deeply loved.
Roy, a young Englishman, employed by
Canadian Pacific Railway.
They married in 1947 and had two children, Janice and Charles. Helen possessed
a very gentle nature. She loved birds and
animals and especially children, who
seemed to gravitate to her. Helen had
many friends. She had a genuine liking for
people. Despite her own
grief, she helped the rest of the family with
her strength at the time of her son Charles’
death at the age of fifteen and then Roy’s
death in 1993.
Helen and Roy were baptized in 1971,
beginning four generations in God’s
church. She attended her first Feast of Tabernacles in the big tent in Penticton.
Helen North touched everyone’s hearts
with her beautiful smile, her warmth and
Janice Connery
her ready sense of humour.
—
and Rainer Salomaa.
19
United News Canada
Member Hobbies..…
Some people think of trains as a nuisance. Not me. I look at them as opportunities. Others have told me that if you see
one train you’ve seen them all – they all
look alike. I disagree with that statement.
My interest in trains goes back a number
of years. There’s a story that when I was
in kindergarten or Grade 1, the teacher
assigned the class to draw a picture of
something that we liked. I decided to draw
a train. Not being much of an artist
though, I simply drew two (basically) parallel horizontal lines across the page and
several vertical lines at various intervals
across the two horizontal lines. The
teacher was rather surprised that I finished
my drawing so quickly. There was a problem, though. Since it was not immediately
recognizable, she had to ask me what I
drew. I told her it was a train. The teacher
then astutely pointed out that there was no
train in the picture, to which I reportedly
said, “That’s because it just went by.” The
teacher thought that was so funny that she
wrote the story on the back of my
“drawing” and told me to be sure to give it
to my parents. My mom still has that picture! Several years passed by during
which my interest in trains waned somewhat. It picked up again when I purchased
my first computer. I then began to track
the locomotives I’ve seen. I began recording the date, time, location and the
locomotive numbers of the trains. The list
of locomotives grew month by month.
Traveling to different areas of Canada and
the U.S. for the Feast of Tabernacles
would add a whole new set of locomotive
numbers. In one instance, I saw a locomotive at the former Southern Pacific yard in
Tucson, AZ and a few years later saw the
same locomotive traveling the rails in
Southern California. Another time I saw a
Union Pacific (UP) locomotive in Southern California and saw the same unit several years later as a Canadian National
(CN) locomotive. (UP sold the unit to CN,
which is a relatively rare occurrence). The
list of locomotives I’ve seen across North
America has grown over the years. It now
numbers nearly 8,800. Seeing “foreign
power” is quite common these days. An
example of foreign power would be a Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive operating on Canadian National rails. In South-
20
ern Ontario, a lot of U.S. railroads operate
locomotives on Canadian rails. With recent mergers and acquisitions this is more
common than in the past and keeps the
train watching interesting.
Another aspect of “railfanning” (a fancy
word for watching trains) is seeing
brand new locomotives. Seeing a
brand new, 4,000-plus horsepower
unit is quite a sight. It doesn’t take
long for the units to become dirty
and grimy and the paint to start fading. Locomotives usually last about
15 years or so before a major overhaul or retirement. During that time
they usually travel millions of miles.
Whenever I travel I like to follow
the rail lines whenever time permits.
It’s more relaxing than driving on
the superhighways and interstates.
It’s usually more scenic as well. As
an added bonus, a train or two (or
three or four) might be seen and the
locomotive numbers recorded.
I have a friend in Montreal, QC
who publishes a monthly newsletter
about Canadian trains. I try to get
together with him once a year or so
to go ‘railfanning’ in Montreal. I
have another friend in the Buffalo,
NY congregation of UCG who hosts
informal slide shows several times a year.
The slide shows are, naturally, about
trains. He has also published several books
on railroading and has written a number of
articles for some of the train hobby magazines. He currently edits a column in one
of the magazines. (Yes, there are magazines devoted to rail fans. In fact, there are
quite a number of magazines available.
There are also a number of online groups
on the Internet devoted to railfanning). My
friend is also quite an accomplished photographer and has had a large number of
his train photos published.
In addition to trains, I also enjoy photography. In recent years those two interests
have combined. Watching, recording and
photographing trains is a somewhat less
expensive alternative to model railroading.
I have an extensive collection of model
locomotives and rail cars, but do not have
a layout. Model locomotives are not inexpensive. A plastic model with realistic
sounds can cost $200 to $300. That
amount of money will buy a lot of gas to
watch the real thing!
As time and other factors permit, I prefer
to follow the rail lines as much as possible. Watching trains can be an exercise in
frustration, though. Hours can be spent
Edwin on the front steps of a
brand new 4,000 horsepower
Locomotive in Erie, Pennsylvania. Each locomotive costs
around US$2-3 m.
trackside without seeing anything. At
other times, the trains are running with
great frequency. Watching trains is something I’ve enjoyed for a number of years,
and hope to continue enjoying them for
some time to come. And now, instead of
“drawing” trains, I take photos of them.
Edwin van Pelt
Toronto UCG office manager
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Church News across Canada…..
Sturgis and Endeavour, Saskatchewan.
The farm home of Bill and Sonia Andrusko hosted a Sabbath service and pot luck for scattered Saskatchewan members, August 19, 2006. As several members cannot make regular services due to distance and ill
health, six members from Regina journeyed up to Andrusko’s farm to share a Sabbath service. Members in
this east central part of the province have services by phone hook-up or DVD. To have Mr. Lloyd Teetaert
present a live sermon was a pleasant change. It is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Regina.
Pictured above is the whole group. Left to right back row: Lloyd and Helen Teetaert, George Hleboff, Jean
Purdey, Joan Hleboff, Mary Blender, and Lainie Andrusko. Front row: Bruce Woodcock, Joyce Greba, Sonia
and Bill Andrusko. To right: Bruce Woodcock, Jean Purdey and Sonia Andrusko around the food table.
Pictures by Lloyd Teetaert.
Pictured above are members of the northern group who live near the towns of Sturgis and Endeavour, some
340 kms. from Regina. Back row left to right: Mary Blender and Lainie Andrusko. Bottom from left: Joyce
Greba, Sonia Andrusko and husband Bill. Photo to the right: a lighter moment with Bruce Woodcock, Jean
Purdey and Sonia Andrusko.
21
Sexual Offender Policy and Youth Protection Guidelines
Policy Statement
We believe that children should be safe
from all forms of abuse and neglect. The
United Church of God an international
Association staff and volunteers, will be
advocates for children’s safety and establish clearly defined safeguards, policies
and procedures for their protection.
The Church will not tolerate and will
seek to eradicate any behaviour by its ordained ministry or members, volunteers,
adherents or employees that constitute
adult sexual abuse (sexual harassment,
sexual exploitation, sexual misconduct,
sexual assault, sexual battery) or child
abuse.
The Church is committed to providing a
safe environment it its offices, congregations, camps and at any activity that operates under its name. Complaints related to
adult sexual abuse or child abuse will be
taken very seriously and will be dealt with
internally in accordance with biblical and
spiritual criteria and externally as required
by applicable law.
Guidelines For Protecting
Children And Youth In
Church Activities.
Here are some of the guidelines by title
— the full form will be available from
your local Pastor.
1. Screening For Lay and Professional
Workers (“leaders”).
2. Dating.
3. Two-Deep Leadership.
There should always be two (2) adult supervisors/leaders present when caring for
minor children under the auspices of the
Church.
4. Respect for Physical Privacy.
5. Separate Accommodations.
Ericksons’ 60th Wedding
Anniversary Weekend
spectively, still reside at the home they
built overlooking the lake.
At the conclusion of the evening potluck
On the weekend of September 9th, 2006,
Wilfrid and Mary Erickson celebrated their and a slide show sharing their family his60th wedding anniversary with many fam- tory in the area, many reminisced over the
ily members and friends at the beautifully hospitality and good deeds of the Sr.
decorated Summit Lake Community Hall. Erickson’s. Written congratulations were
Wilfrid and Mary who married on Septem- received and read from various MPs and
MLAs in Prince George, the Mayor of
ber 25th, 1946 had nine children over the
Prince George, the Prime Minister of Canyears - Earl, Dorothy, Ingrid, Leif, John,
and twin brother Morris, who died at birth, ada, the Premier Gordon Campbell, the
Governor General of Canada, and from
Marguerite, Richard, and Michael. The
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,
children were all raised at Summit Lake
and Wilfrid and Mary, ages 89 and 84 re- Iona V. Campagnolo, the Government
House in Victoria on
behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
To share one verse
of a poem dedicated
to them by a friend:
“Now it’s time to
celebrate, for sixty
years they’ve championed fate, worked
hard with love and
labor, always welcomed a friend and
neighbor.”
The following ex-
22
6. Appropriate Attire.
7. No Secret Activities.
All aspects of the Church programs are
open to observation by parents and congregational leaders.
8. Constructive Discipline.
8. Hazing Prohibited.
9. No Behaviour of Sexual Nature.
10. Reporting of Violation of These
Rules.
11. Reporting of Abuse.
12. False Accusations.
There is a Participation Agreement for
all youth leaders, to be signed before serving in any capacity involving Church children.
A complete copy of this policy will be
available in all Church areas and available
from your local Pastor.
UNC
cerpts are from Broadaxe to Clay Thinking Stories, about pioneers in the Prince
George area, by June A. Chamberland:
“Wilfrid Erickson who was now 30 years
old, married Mary Bowyer. The first time
Mary saw Wilfrid, she was in a horsedriven cutter with her parents and sister,
Margaret, and Wilfrid was coming down
those steep hills, where the poultry ranch
was, on skis, dodging stumps here and
there and making quite a spectacle of himself, showing off. This really impressed
young Mary. (It is interesting to note that
Mary’s maiden name Bowyer originated in
England.) The Bowyer ancestors were the
bow-makers for the Kings of England and
some of the bows and arrows that they
made are still hanging on the walls in the
Tower of London.”
Many gave time and energy to make the
entire weekend a success. The Ericksons
have given much to many over the years.
Their commitment, support, and love for
their family and church, have been a
source of strength and outstanding example. Our congratulations to them on their
60th wedding anniversary!
Angie Erickson
January-February 2007
United News Canada
Church News
Obituary - Karl Krulc, Calgary years, and his brothers Tine, Janez, and
Karl Krulc of Calgary, Alberta died in his
home after a long and courageous battle
with cancer on Sunday, October 29, 2006
at the age of sixty-nine years, with his family by his side. Funeral services were held
on Friday, November 3, 2006 with Robert
Berendt from Edmonton, presiding. A
graveside service followed in the Garden
of Serenity at Mountain View Memorial
Gardens. The funeral procession from the
funeral home to the cemetery had a police
escort. Roads were closed off as police
vehicles leap-frogged from intersection to
intersection. Karl’s daughter Erika Kuhlwein said that the night before, twenty
police officers had been up till around 1:00
a.m. working out logistics. The funeral
procession took a detour past Industrial
Galvanizing, the plant that Karl and his
brother Peter own. A first-class catered
meal was served afterwards at the Slovenian Canadian Club. In living memory of
Karl Krulc a tree will be planted at Fish
Creek Provincial Park in Calgary.
Karl leaves behind his wife of four years,
Lois, and her children and grandchildren;
his children Erika (Kevin) Kuhlwein,
Melena, Sonya (Tony) Krulc, Carla (Badi)
Meshkati, David and Nancy; along with
four grandchildren. He is also survived by
his brother, Peter and wife Kaliopi and his
niece Jani (Calgary), and sister Ela
(Slovenia). Karl was predeceased by his
beloved wife Agata (Agie), of thirty-four
sister Maria (Slovenia).
At the age of 18, Karl fled Tito’s Yugoslavia and communism, travelling from
Slovenia to Austria, to Halifax, to Quebec
City, to Regina, finally settling in Calgary.
He arrived with $5.00 in his pocket, not
knowing any English, but got a job in a
store, and then a welding job. In 1959 he
was making $19 a week. He said in an
interview for United News Canada (JulyAugust, 2005, page 14), “… when I was on
a brief holiday in Trail, BC, I had cut my
arm and had an infection, so I stayed at a
motel in Creston to recover. In the drawer
was a Gideon Bible and I found in it that
you were to ‘keep the Sabbath forever.’
Fear moved me to go buy an old Bible, and
in 1973 I started keeping the Sabbath. Now
I remember that back in Slovenia, as boys
working in the fields, our father told us the
Sabbath was the day that should be observed.” He went on to say, “In the beginning I would try to ‘convert’ all my friends,
and on my first trip back home to my parents I caused them some consternation.
One day while my mother was in hospital I
threw out all her Catholic books and
burned her pictures and crucifixes. She
told me later that she hid her ham to stop
me throwing that out too! I refused to tithe
and was poor for a year. Then I feared not
to – and started tithing. I have been
blessed ever since.” At the end of the interview, he passed on some advice, saying,
Extended Care in Kelowna, had breakfast,
went back to bed and died at the age of 90.
Irvine had been a member of God’s church
since he was eighty-two years old. Funeral
services were held in Kelowna on November 27, 2006 with Rainer Salomaa officiating.
Irvine was born on December 23, 1915 in
Calgary, Alberta. During the depression,
Irvine quit school to help out on the family
farm outside Rocky Mountain House,
working in a saw mill. In 1946, he moved
to Vancouver to pursue a fifty-five year
career as a journeyman electrician. In
1951, he married Joyce Dorothy Payne.
Irvine Crabtree—Obituary
On the morning of November 13, 2006, They had two children, Dennis and Carol.
Irvine Crabtree woke up at Cottonwoods In 1969, the family moved to Kelowna. In
“Strive for moderation; don’t be so overcommitted to work; achieve balance with
priorities.” Before fleeing from his home
country, Karl’s father had told him to: 1.
Leave bad company. 2. Leave bad women.
3. Don’t forget God. Certainly Karl followed that advice.
He was a dedicated and loving husband,
father, and provider. He will be remembered for his devotion to God, his serving
attitude, generosity, hard work, his ethics
and his genuine down-to-earth hospitality.
Rainer Salomaa
later years Irvine looked after his wife who
suffered from Alzheimer's. Joyce died in
1992.
Irvine was a devoted husband and father.
He was very inquisitive and liked to keep
up with current events, and his mind was
alert and sharp, right until the end. Nurses
in his care facility kept him up to date with
world events. He was also very handy and
tried to do most things by himself. He even
built oak furniture and handcrafted violins.
He loved his back yard and his large garden. He will by missed by family and
friends.
Rainer Salomaa
23
United News Canada
BEYOND TODAY Television
At the end of May 2006, we were able to air Beyond Today on television across Canada on the Vision TV
network. At the same time, we were able to air the program on the Christian Channel, a digital cable/satellite
channel that is available in many areas of Canada.
Currently, the program airs on the Vision TV network at the
following times:
11:00 p.m. Sunday in British Columbia
12:00 midnight Sunday in Alberta and Saskatchewan
1:00 a.m. Monday in Manitoba
2:00 a.m. Monday in Ontario and Québec
3:00 a.m. Monday in the Maritimes
3:30 a.m. Monday in Newfoundland
On the Christian Channel, Beyond Today can be seen at
the following times:
7:30 a.m. Sunday in British Columbia
8:30 a.m. Sunday in Alberta and Saskatchewan
9:30 a.m. Sunday in Manitoba
10:30 a.m. Sunday in Ontario and Quebec
11:30 a.m. Sunday in the Maritimes
12:00 noon Sunday in Newfoundland
In addition, Beyond Today can be seen in some areas on Saturday morning on the Christian Channel.
Check your local listings.
The first program that was aired in Canada, entitled Changing Your Life is Possible, drew 20 responses.
Since that time, over 700 additional responses have come in from the television program and from the
website, www.beyondtodaytv.ca. The current average is almost 28 responses per week.
A record 52 responses came from the program aired during the week of November 5-11. It was
entitled The Coming King of the South. Interestingly, most other programs with a prophecy theme have
had a relatively high number of responses.
The other programs with the highest responses are:
The Next Superpower (aired the week of July 16-22) – 48 responses
A Place Called Hell (July 30-August 5) – 47
The Debt Trap (August 20-26) – 42
The Horsemen of Revelation (October 29-November 4) – 40
Angels and the Spirit World (September 17-23) – 39
You Need a Break (August 6-12) – 37
War on Terror: Clash of Civilizations (June 25-July 1) – 35
Halloween: Trick or Treat (October 22-28) – 35
Is Your Future Secure? (November 12-18) – 34
About 75% of the responses are coming from new viewers to the program with the balance coming from
those already on file, including repeat viewers.
Continued prayers for the success of the television program will be greatly appreciated and they do make a
difference. We are blessed to have the program available in Canada and look forward to reaching more and
more people with Beyond Today.
24
January-February 2007