Overseer's Insight: December 2012

Dear Saints,

 

Christmas

 

The prophet Isaiah gives us a wonderful prophecy of Jesus Christ’s Birth.  Listen to his words:

 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  (9:6).

 

Think about it, “unto us” a child is born and a son is given!  That makes it personal!  Yes, the Father gave His Son, unto you and unto me.  Our Lord Jesus Christ was born and given to all mankind.  There is no greater gift than one can have, than to receive the Christ Child.  And look at just a few of His Titles: He shall be called, “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” and “The Prince of Peace.”

 

It is my prayer for this Christmas Season that you and your family will experience the fullness of God, in all that He has to offer to you.  May you find Him as being “Wonderful.”  May you find Him as being your “Counselor.”  May you experience Him as the “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father.”  And especially, may you find Him as the “Prince of Peace.”  If there is ever a time, if there is ever a season to find Peace, may you and your family experience that Peace during this special time of year.

 

Adult Retreat

 

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 1-3, 2013.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Anointed For Service.”  Whether we may realize it or not, we are all gifted and called by God for His service. We are expecting an awesome time in the Lord!  Western Canada National Overseer, Bishop Walter Doroshuk and his lovely wife, Sister Claudia will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They are both so excited  to be with us and we are excited to have our neighbors to the North of us with us.  Applications have been sent out individually and will soon be sent to the pastors.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: www.wacogop.org

 

Applications should have been sent in no later than November 30^th, 2012.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  Please don’t miss it!!!  Pass the word on to others.  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

 

2013 State Convention

 

Please mark your calendars for next year’s State Convention at the Kennewick Red Lion Hotel.  The dates are August 23-25, 2013.

 

During the 2012 State Convention, I presented the theme, “Designed For God’s Greatness.”

 

Right below the “Events Calendar,” I have inserted the introductory part of that message for your enrichment.

 

Events Calendar for 2013

January                       Stewardship Month
January 18-20             Winter Teen Retreat - White Pass (Shelly Symonds, Director)

January 24-27              Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Salem, OR

                                     (History of the Church of God of Prophecy - Dr. Ortiz

February 1-3               Adult Retreat - Pacific Beach (Don & Mary Knoblich, Directors)
February 15                 District Convention - Tacoma (Rick Bear, District Overseer)
February 16                 District Convention - Brush Prairie (Franklin Smith, District Overseer)

 

March 16                     District Convention - Tri-Cities (Leonard Lord, District Overseer)

March 23                     District Convention - Kirkland (Roger Jones, District Overseer)

 

August 23-25              Washington State Convention - Kennewick (Red Lion Hotel)

 

“Designed For God’s Greatness”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

 

DESIGNED FOR GOD’S GREATNESS

Introduction:

During Adult Retreat last year, we presented the Theme:  “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  I just have not been able to get away from that theme.  You see, you and I were made in His Image, by Him, and for Him, For His Greatness and Glory!  We were Designed for His Greatness!

 

A.  Listen to what John the Revelator tells us in Revelations, Chapter 4: 9-10 

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

John tells us that the 4 Beasts and the 24 Elders fall down and give glory and honor to Him that sits on the Throne.  They worship Him that lives forever, (forever and forever!)  WHY?

Because:  “THOU Art Worthy,” and
Because:   “All things were created by Him and for Him, for His pleasure.”

The word “created” indicates “proprietorship.”  It indicates “ownership.” That is, Since HE created us, we are His!  Designed to Glorify Him!

B.  David tells us in Psalm 139:14-16 that “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
14  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

He goes on to tell us that “in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.  David was saying, “In Thy Book all my members were written.”  That is, GOD had you totally Designed!!!

David goes on to say, “When I was non-existant, I was already fashioned by You, O’ Lord! You see, God knew you and formed  (That is, He designed you) before you were in the womb!

Now, Look at His “DESIGN” Words:
“Fashioned” means moulded into shape or being squeezed into shape as a Potter would do with clay.
“Curiously wrought” means  to embroider with color. 
So you see, God both moulded  and squeezed you into shape and He Embroidered you.  And He did all of this before you had any “substance” or  “body.”

C.  With all of this Great Design, It begs the question, “Why were we “fearfully and wonderfully made?”
John gives us part of the Answer in his gospel, chapter 9.

You remember the story of the man that was blind from his birth.  The Disciples asked Jesus, “Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?”

Then Jesus gives a remarkable answer,  He says,
Joh 9:3  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

In other words, Jesus was saying, this was the Design of God, that through it all, His works would become apparent.  Notice that the “works of God should be made manifest “in him.”  And HIS works are to be made manifest “in you!”  And why is this important, because it goes back to the idea that we are created (designed) to manifest the works of God, that is, to bring Glory to Him!

This is also why the Apostle Paul tells us, “Whether therefore ye eat,  or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God!  (I Cor. 10: 31). 

From these Scriptures, we can clearly see that we were Designed To bring Glory and Honor to Him!  Not only are we Designed for God’s Greatness on Earth, we are Designed for God’s Greatness for Eternity in Heaven.

What I also want to make so very clear to you, is that you were not a mistake in the Plan of God for your Life!

He Designed you for His Greatness!

 

Stewardship in the Season of Giving

A special message to the "Chief Steward" (if you will) of your local congregation.

I recently read an article by Pastor Phil Elmore in which he encouraged pastors to teach regularly about the blessings of giving...

"...and not just when the church is in a pinch or it’s time for an annual appeal or a special need presents itself."

I thought how heartening it is for our members that our leadership is not shy in speaking of stewardship.

We in COGOP know January not only begins a new calendar year but it is the beginning of renewed commitment to stewardship and opening ourselves up to the blessings that the Lord has waiting for us.  Stewardship is not a one time special appeal for us; rather it is an ongoing way of life that is encouraged throughout the year with a special focus and reminders during January "Stewardship Month."

So while we are in the Season of Giving and keenly aware of the manifold blessings of generosity it might be a good time to remind ourselves and our congregations that planned, ongoing stewardship ensures continued blessings throughout the entire year.

May God Richly Bless all of you in this Wonderful Christmas Season.

Carol Dillard
Stewardship Ministries Director

 

Overseer's Insight: November 2012

Dear Saints,

Thanksgiving

As we enter into the Thanksgiving Season, truly we all have much to be thankful for.  For many, the last couple of years, having been challenging economic ones.  I believe that the Apostle Paul can be a model for us in that he truly understood what it meant to go through difficult, life-threatening times.  During those times, the spirit of thanksgiving was upon him whether he found himself in a state of destitution or whether he was in abundance.  He wrote to the Philippians these words: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  (Phil. 4: 10, 11).  One commentary states that the word “learned” is originally taken from the phrase “learned the secret” or “initiated into the secret.”  Yes, Paul learned the secret of rising above all circumstances in life.  He learned the secret of being cheerful and joyful in times of privation and of being grateful in seasons of prosperity and abundance.  The secret of his contentment is found “in Christ” or in his relationship to Christ.  How is your relationship with Christ?  Do you find yourself thanking Him during times of abundance and also during times of want and hardship?  That is truly what a thankful spirit is all about.  As you reflect on the ‘Source’ of your contentment, it is my prayer that you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving Season.

YAK Retreat - Camp Roganunda

Last month the YAK Winter Retreat  was held at our State Campground, Camp Roganunda.  Though the numbers were low, the Spirit and the teaching and worship were wonderful according to what Brother Bob Gaines reports.  Portable heaters were used in the cabins and all the campers and staff were quite comfortable. 

As most of you know, one of the goals of the Camp is to have several cabins winterized this Fall and Winter so that our Campground can be used year round.  By the way, any of you that are wanting to come up to the Camp during the week or during the weekend, to help with some of the work projects, please contact Brother Bob Gaines at 509-658-1013.  All help and/or donation of materials will be greatly appreciated!

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

This last month we also had our Gordon-Conwell Seminary School in Kirkland.  The class being taught, Theology II, by Dr. Hector Ortiz was a wonderful, thought-provoking class.  Instruction was given in the subject areas  of Ecclesiology (the Church), Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Hamartiology (Sin), Soteriology (Salvation), and Eschatology (Last Things).  This class had our students broadening their thinking about a number of areas in theology that we generally take for granted.  We truly appreciate Kirkland Family Church and Pastor Kaye Cabales for the use of their fine facility for our classes!  Our next class in Kirkland will be May 16-19, 2013.  If any of you are interested in being a student in our seminary, please contact Bishop Knoblich.

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 1-3, 2013.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Anointed For Service.”  Whether we may realize it or not, we are all gifted and called by God for His service. We are expecting an awesome time in the Lord!  Western Canada National Overseer, Bishop Walter Doroshuk and his lovely wife, Sister Claudia will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They are both so excited  to be with us and we are excited to have our neighbors to the North of us with us.  Applications have been sent out individually and will soon be sent to the pastors.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: wacogop.org

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30^th, 2012.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  Please don’t miss it!!!  Pass the word on to others.  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

2013 State Convention

Please mark your calendars for next year’s State Convention at the Kennewick Red Lion Hotel.  The dates are August 23-25, 2013.

Events Calendar for 2012

November 9-11           Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

November 30              Application deadline for Adult Retreat

January                       Stewardship Month
January 18-20             Winter Teen Retreat - White Pass (Shelly Symonds, Director)

January 24-27              Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Salem, OR
                                    (History of the Church of God of Prophecy - Dr. Ortiz)

February 1-3               Adult Retreat - Pacific Beach (Don & Mary Knoblich, Directors)
February 15                 District Convention - Tacoma (Rick Bear, District Overseer)
February 16                 District Convention - Brush Prairie (Franklin Smith, District Overseer)

March 16                     District Convention - Kirkland (Roger Jones, District Overseer)
March 23                     District Convention - Tri-Cities (Franklin Smith, District Overseer)

August 23-25              Washington State Convention - Kennewick (Red Lion Hotel)

"Designed For God’s Greatness"

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

 

Sounds of Christmas Dessert Concert

You are invited to enjoy The Sounds of Christmas, the 12th Annual Christmas Dessert Concert, presented by Kirkland Family Church.
Come enjoy a relaxing night of fun Christmas music and desserts on Saturday December 1st at 6:30 pm

$12 Adults, $8 Kids 12 & under. Under 2yrs old are free.

Reserved seating is 1st come first served so buy tickets early. We've sold out the previous years.

Email JessCabales@gmail.com for tickets.

Check out the event page:

http://www.facebook.com/events/217288248402638/

Men of Honor Men's Conference

Overseer's Insight: October 2012

Dear Saints:

This last month, September 14-16, 2012, the Kirkland Family Church sponsored an E.L.I.T.E.  (Emerging Leadership Intensive Training Excursion) weekend.  Approximately 20 young people from around the State attended this powerful time of training.  The training was coordinated by State Youth Ministries Director, Sister Shelly Symonds.  She taught a class on the gifts and moving of the Spirit.  Throughout the weekend, students were given time for Bible exegesis and then given the opportunity from a practical standpoint to share their findings.  Bishop Knoblich presented a class on the “3 C’s of Leadership - Calling, Character, and Competence.”  On Sunday morning the students delivered mini-messages which were well thought out and presented.  Overall, the weekend was a great success.  Our emerging leaders gained more perspective into their callings and were given some very practical skills in their growth and spiritual formation.  Thank you to Sister Shelly for coordinating this training for our young people.  And thank you to the Kirkland Family Church for sponsoring this event.

October - Clergy Appreciation Month

For several years now, October has been designated by our Church and by many denominations as “Clergy Appreciation Month.”  This is a time for the local church and members of that church to show their appreciation to the pastor and his/her family.  Appreciation can be demonstrated through special offerings taken, groceries bought, clothes purchased, or taking the family out to dinner.  Your pastor gives so much of himself/herself throughout the year, this is a time where we have the opportunity to give something back to them.  Please do something special for the parsonage family.  Seek God for how you may bless your pastor and family.  This is a wonderful way to show love and honor for those that serve you in their labors unto the Lord.

Camp Roganunda

As mentioned last month, on September 1st, we had our “Super Saturday - Open House” at Camp Roganunda.  Many brothers and sisters from several of our churches were able to be with us on the Labor Day weekend. Since then and over the last several weekends, some of our brothers and sisters have been coming up to the Camp in preparation for winterizing 6 cabins and the pool house.  Thank you so very much to all of those that have volunteered your time and finances in getting the Camp ready for Winter Retreats.  Though a good start has taken place, there is still much work to get done.  Churches and Individuals or Families that want to contribute to winterizing cabins, donating materials or donating some labor, please contact State Overseer, Bishop Don Knoblich ( as soon as possible. All help will be greatly appreciated.  You may also contact, Camp Caretaker, Brother Bob Gaines at 509-658-1013.  Before too long, winter will be on us, so time is of the essence in moving forward with getting these projects completed. Once again, thank you for your vision and support of this vital Ministry.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Our next Gordon-Conwell Course (October 25-27, 2012 at Kirkland) will be “Theology II” as taught by Dr. Hector Ortiz.  It is not necessary to have taken Theology I to take Theology II.  Registration forms have already been sent out.  Please remember that your registration form along with a $50.00 registration deposit is to be sent to Dr. Knoblich, one month in advance of the class, that is, by September 21, 2012.  The deposit will be credited to the tuition cost for the course.  Deposits sent in after September 21st will be subject to an additional $50.00.

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 1-3, 2013.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Anointed For Service.”  Whether we may realize it or not, we are all gifted and called by God for His service. We are expecting an awesome time in the Lord!  Western Canada National Overseer, Bishop Walter Doroshuk and his lovely wife, Sister Claudia will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They are both so excited  to be with us and we are excited to have our neighbors to the North of us with us.  Applications have been sent out individually and will soon be sent to the pastors.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: www.wacogop.org

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30th, 2012.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  Please don’t miss it!!!  Pass the word on to others.  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

TEAM-UP Midwest

“Team-Up Midwest” is scheduled for October 31-November 3, 2012 at Sheraton Overland Park, Overland Park, Kansas.  This is a power-packed weekend for pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors, and church leaders.  Practical training is presented that can be immediately utilized in one’s area of ministry.  You can register online at     More information about the training is presented at the website.  Please share with others this upcoming important training event.

Events Calendar for 2012

October                       Clergy Appreciation Month

Oct. 19-21                   Yak Retreat - (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors) - Camp Roganunda

Oct. 25-28                   Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                     (Theology II - Dr. Hector Ortiz)

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1          Team-Up Conference - Overland Park, KS

November 9-11           Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

November 30              Application deadline for Adult Retreat

“Designed For God’s Greatness”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Examing Our Stewardship Style

October, Stewardship Month, is a good time to look at our relationship with all the blessings the Lord has entrusted us with and to examine our ‘stewardship’ style. For this commentary let’s look at the various ways people handle money. Here is a list of words, positive and negative, used to describe ways people relate to money:

Accountable                       Charitable                           Extravagant                        Foolish

Giver                                   Good steward                   Greedy                                  Hoarder

Impulse spender              Irresponsible                     Miser                                    Open handed

Penny pincher                   Philanthropist                    Reckless                              Saver

Spendthrift                         Squanderer                        Stingy                                   Tightwad

Wastrel (waster)             

Let’s look at some negative ways of relating to money;

Extravagant, Squanderer, Greedy, Hoarder, Impulse spender, Irresponsible, Miser, Tightwad, Penny Pincher, Reckless, Spendthrift, Wastrel, Stingy.

Notice that these negative attitudes are not all about greed.  There are as many frivolous attitudes as there are selfish ones.  So if greed is not the motivator here, what is the common denominator?

The answer is that each of these negative relationships with money is led by an emotion. Each unhealthy attitude indicates an emotional response to a financial decision; not thought out, not preplanned, and without any commitment to a consistent course of action. These “off the cuff” or “knee jerk” responses to a spending decision are very common. There is an entire market strategy aimed at capturing the dollars of the impulse or emotional buyer.

In contrast, the more positive relationships with money listed below are well thought out.  They are practiced as the result of a “pre- event” decision made by a good steward to control finances in a healthy, responsible, rational way. Some healthy financial attitudes are;

Accountable, Charitable, Open handed, Good Steward, Philanthropist, Saver, Giver.

Scripture tells us that a person’s relationship with money is an indicator of where their heart is.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 KJV, Luke 12:34 KJV

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matthew 12:35 KJV, Luke 6:45 KJV

A person’s relationship with their money might be a good indicator of how they relate to life in general. How a person treats their money might be the same way they treat their time, other belongings, things they might borrow, perhaps even their friends.

Are you allowing your emotions to dictate your response and relationship with money? Are you in charge of your finances? Are there areas that you’d like to have better control over? Identify the behavior that you wish to change, pray for strength and guidance, and then take control of your responses and your actions.

During October, Stewardship month, I challenge each of us to examine our own relationship with our ‘good treasure’. Could we be allowing our emotions to dictate our response and relationship with money? Are the areas of spending, saving, and giving in healthy proportion? Let’s take a close look at our position as director, controller and manager for each of our stewardship decisions.

Once you have made a decision to behave a certain way you need only to exercise that behavior. Do what you’ve set your mind to do. After the first experience in walking in this new path I assure you the Lord will bless you in ways you can only imagine. I’m not saying that making the right financial decision will always be easy.  As with any new behavior it may take a little time to get it consistently right. But you have the power in the promise of the Lord that once He has begun a good work in you He will be faithful to complete it!

May God continue to richly bless you as we turn to Him for insight and guidance.

Carol Dillard

Stewardship Ministries Director

Overseer's Insight: September 2012

Dear Saints:

 

My, what a Blessed State Convention we had the third weekend in August!  Our Convention theme was: “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  Every session was full to capacity.  Even the Children’s Convention was filled to overflowing.  I cannot state how precious our wonderful people are.  Everyone did a fantastic job.  The worship and music was superb, thank you, Sister Pam.  The special singing was heavenly.  All those that had a part on the program did a terrific job.  Our special guest speaker from the International Offices, Bishop Mark Menke, brought timely and inspirational messages.  He spoke on Friday evening of the importance of being moved and directed by the Spirit.  His Saturday afternoon class pertained to the “Be’s of Leadership.”  Then on Sunday morning, Brother Menke spoke on, all us are children of faith, because we are all children of Abraham.

 

On Saturday evening, we had a unique presentation of our Camping Program over the years.  Sister Ruth Turner’s stories of prior camps and the pictures that were shown really brought back the memories.  Sister Shelly Symonds’ Youth Program on Saturday evening was outstanding, as well as the following After-Glow session.

 

It takes many behind the scenes people to put together a Convention of this magnitude.  The ushers, the video and audio, and camera men did a splendid job.  Much thanks goes to our Convention Coordinator, Bishop Leonard Lord and Assistance Coordinator, Brother Joe Nicasio.  The set up of the Convention was professional in its presentation.  Several people said that this Convention, just seemed to be “a step-up” from previous ones.  Again, thank everyone that prayed, came, and participated in making our State Convention a huge success! Sister Knoblich and myself also want to thank everyone for the generous Love Offering of over $1,300.00. We feel that we labor among the greatest group of people anywhere!

 

Camp Roganunda

On September 1st, we had our “Super Saturday - Open House” at Camp Roganunda.  Many brothers and sisters from several of our churches were able to be with us on the Labor Day weekend.  We also had our first official Camp Board Meeting.  You would be very proud of your Camp Board members.  They are all very concerned with making the Camp the best it can be; one that will bring glory and honor to the Lord. 

 

Of immediate concern, is that we get 6-7 cabins winterized so they will be ready for Fall and Winter Retreats.  During State Convention, an "Intention Form" was passed out for those Churches and Individuals or Families that wanted to contribute to winterizing cabins, donating materials or donating some labor.  As I mentioned, time is of the essence in moving forward with getting these projects completed.  I feel that we have a great team of people that have helped so much in getting the Camp to where it is today.  May these and others continue to help in the vision of having a fully operated, year-round run Camp!  If you or your Church would like to contribute funds, materials, or labor, please contact State Overseer, Bishop Don Knoblich  dknoblich@aol.com as soon as possible.  All help will be greatly appreciated.

 

E.L.I.T.E.  (Emerging Leadership Intensive Training Excursion)

September 14-16, 2012 at the Kirkland Family Church, there is E.L.I.T.E. weekend, a powerful time of training for our older teens and for young adults.  State Youth Ministries Director, Sister Shelly Symonds has this time specifically designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Word of God, for those wanting to know how to share Christ, for those feeling that God is calling them and how to start and grow on that journey.  Last year’s E.L.I.T.E. weekend was very profitable to our young people.  Please mark this date on your calendars and encourage all youth that are aspiring to be leaders in the church to attend this important training session.

 

Western Canada Ladies Retreat

The Western Canada Ladies Retreat will be held  in Vernon, BC on September 21-23, 2012.  The guest speaker for this Retreat will be Sister Cathy Payne from Cleveland, TN.  For information, contact Claudia Doroshuk at 778-475-5878.  Ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

 

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Our next Gordon-Conwell Course (October 25-27, 2012 at Kirkland) will be “Theology II” as taught by Dr. Hector Ortiz.  It is not necessary to have taken Theology I to take Theology II.  Registration forms have already been sent out.  Please remember that your registration form along with a $50.00 registration deposit is to be sent to Dr. Knoblich, one month in advance of the class, that is, by September 21, 2012.  The deposit will be credited to the tuition cost for the course.  Deposits sent in after September 21st will be subject to an additional $50.00.

 

Events Calendar for 2012

September 14-16         E.L.I.T.E. Training (Shelly Symonds) - Kirkland Family Church

September 13-16         Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Foundations of Leadership - Dr. Ortiz)

September 21-23         Western Canada Ladies Retreat - Vernon, BC (Speaker: Cathy Payne)

October                       Clergy Appreciation Month

Oct. 19-21                   Yak Retreat - (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors) - Camp Roganunda

Oct. 25-28                   Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Theology II - Dr. Hector Ortiz)

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1          Team-Up Conference - Overland Park, KS

November 9-11           Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

“Designed For God’s Greatness”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Book Review: The Circle Maker

Every once in a while you read a book that speaks to you in such a profound way that you say to yourself, "Everybody should read this book." This is not another how to book on the subject of prayer. This reading will challenge you concerning your thinking about prayer. Bold prayers honor God and God honors bold prayers. The writer helps you come to terms with this simple, yet life changing truth. God is for us. With that truth renewed in our minds we are only one prayer away from a dream fullfilled, a promise kept, or a miracle performed. This is a must read for every leader in the church.

 

Bill Davison

 

The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson http://amzn.com/0310333024

Thank You from Bishop Menke

Dear Bishop Don & Sis. Mary Knoblich, and Washington COGOP Family,

 

As Jenny and I look back on the Washington State Convention we thank God for this great gathering. This was a time filled with God's presence and the beauty of Christian fellowship. We thank God that we were with you during this great event. God is working in Washington! Keep on for His glory.

Thank you for your tremendous love offering, and your warm hospitality and fellowship.

We Love You All,
Mark & Jenny Menke

Overseer's Insight: August 2012

Dear Saints:

We officially ended our Youth Camps in July with Junior Camp and PeeWee Camp.  All of the Campers I talked to, from the youngest to the oldest, are thrilled and excited to be in their own Campground!  Again, our Camp Directors, Shelly Symonds, Bill and Cindy Davison, Robert and Pam Murkerson, and Ramon and Icela Maldonado are to be congratulated for conducting some awesome Camps!  Our Camp Coordinators and Camp Caretakers, Bob and Donella Gaines, did a great job in facilitating a superb Camping Program this year.  We are looking forward to State Convention when they will be able to share and we will be able to hear of all the wonderful things that took place at Camp.

Super Saturday - Camp Roganunda

As the Summer Camps are now completed, there is much work to prepare our Campground for Fall and Winter Retreats.  Our goal is to get as many cabins winterized for our use and for the use of other groups.  Any help or finance that you can give in bringing to fruition the completion of these projects will be greatly appreciated.  Please mark your Calendars for September 1, 2012.  This is going to be an “Open House” which we will call a “Super-Saturday” at the Campsite.  This is a time for all, both in or outside our Church, to visit the Camp.  If you would like to stay a day or two later during this Labor Day weekend, and help out with some work projects as well as enjoy time with your family and others, please contact Bob and Donella Gaines in advance.

WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION

 WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!! This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be August 17-19, 2012. Bishop Mark Menke, CBL Instructor, will be with us as our special guest speaker from the International Offices. Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. Hopefully by now you have contacted the Red Lion and made reservations.   Though the Room Block has expired, when you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy and it is possible you may get the special group rate. There are lots of exciting things going on in the State, so come anticipating a great time together!  Prior to Saturday’s Youth Service we will have a  nostalgic and historical look at our Camping Ministry over the last several years.  You will not want to miss it.  Looking forward to seeing you there!!

International General Assembly

Sister Knoblich and I came back this last week from a wonderful General Assembly.  The workshops, the messages, and the worship were saturated in the Spirit.  The Assembly Theme was “Anointed To Lead - Join the Journey.”  Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard did a great job moderating the Assembly. Guest Speakers included H.B. London from Focus on the Family Ministries, Dr. Vinson Synan, renowned historian and author within the Pentecostal movement, and Mario Vega, Senior Pastor of the second largest church in the world.  These presenters were inspirational and left you with valuable insights from the Word of God.  The fellowship with brothers and sisters from around the world was precious.  We were thankful to have over 20 people from our Region attend the Assembly.  Everyone I talked to felt like they were blessed and enriched by going.  Attending this Assembly gave me an even greater appreciation for how blessed I am to be a part of this precious Church Body!

Events Calendar for 2012

August 17-19              Washington State Convention - Kennewick

Sept. 1                         Super Saturday - Open House at Camp Roganunda

Sept. 13-16                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Foundations of Leadership)

Oct. 25-28                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Theology Survey II)

Oct. 31-Nov. 3            Team-Up Conference - Overland Park, Kansas

                                    (For Pastors, Youth and Children’s Ministers)

Nov. 9-11                    Pastor’s Wives Retreat - Canon Beach, OR

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Overseer's Insight: July 2012

Dear Saints,

The Month of June was an Historic month for us.  First of all, on Saturday, June 23, 2012, the Brush Prairie Spanish Church of God of Prophecy was officially dedicated to the Lord.  Many attended from around the State as well as several parishioners from the Lutheran Church across the street.  The Lutheran Church was so instrumental in helping two years ago when the Church was destroyed by  fire.  Right from the start they offered their building for Brother Munoz and his congregation to use.  The Church is now a beautiful new building that will house over 300 people.  We give God the glory for this accomplishment!

The Second Historic Event, that occurred at the end of the month (really, on July 1st) was the Othello Spanish Mission was officially set in order as an organized Church of God of Prophecy.  Along with Pastor Dora and Brother Arturo, 28 adults and children became members of the church that day.  The Church is called the Alpha and Omega Church of God of Prophecy (Alpha y Omega Iglesia de Dios la Profecia).  Will you please join me in welcoming this new congregation to our Church Body?!  Please pray for them as they reach new souls for Jesus in Othello.

The third Historic event is Our Youth Camps are now in full swing at our NEW CAMPSITE!  This is the first time ever in our State History that we have ever owned our own Campground.  As of the writing of this letter, our Senior Camp, Yaker’s Camp, Junior Camp, and PeeWee Camp are all going great.  All of the Campers I have talked to are so excited to be at our new Campground.  Everyone, from the youngest to oldest, seems to experience a real peace the moment they set their feet on the site.  One of our Mission Objectives is that Camp Roganunda be a place where all Encounter God, Experience God, and Exalt God!  And that is exactly what has happened at our Camps this Summer.  I am hearing that God is moving in special ways among our young people.  Much thanks to our Camp Directors, Shelly Symonds, Bill and Cindy Davison, Robert and Pam Murkerson, and Ramon and Icela Maldonado.  They are all doing a terrific job!  You can be assured that when your young people attend Camp, our Staff will do their best to make sure that they are ministered to holistically - body, soul, and spirit.

I cannot thank Bob and Donella Gaines for the wonderful job that they are doing as Caretakers of the Campground.  They, along with many volunteers from around the State, have helped to give this Camp a nice facelift.  A great big THANK YOU to all who have volunteered their time, talents, and finances to this Ministry.  If you haven’t seen this Camp, you will be pleasantly surprised!  God has truly blessed us with it, to use as a ministry for His Glory.

When the Summer Camps are completed, there is still much work to complete.  One goal is to get  as many cabins winterized so that they may be used for Fall and Winter Retreats.  Again, any help or finance that you can give in bringing to fruition the completion of these projects will be greatly appreciated.  Please mark your Calendars for September 1, 2012.  This is going to be an “Open House” which we will call a “Super-Saturday” at the Campsite.  This is a time for all, both in or outside our Church, to visit the Camp.  If you would like to stay a day or two later during this Labor Day weekend, and help out with some work projects as well as enjoy time with your family and others, please contact Bob and Donella Gaines in advance.

WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION

IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR STATE CONVENTION. This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 17-19, 2012. Bishop Mark Menke, CBL Instructor, will be with us as our special guest speaker from the International Offices. Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room. When you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy to get the special group rate. There are lots of exciting things going on in the State, so come anticipating a great time together!  Prior to Saturday’s Youth Service we will have a nostalgic and historical look at our Camping Ministry over the last several years.  You will not want to miss it.  Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Events Calendar for 2012

July 6-8                       Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage

July 25-29                   International General Assembly - Louisville, KY

August 17-19              Washington State Convention – Kennewick

Sept. 1                         "Super Saturday" - Open House at Camp Roganunda
Sept. 13-16                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID
                                    (Foundations of Leadership)

Oct. 25-28                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church
                                    (Theology Survey II)

“Driven By The Spirit”
Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich