Overseer's Insight: February 2013

Dear Saints,

We closed out the month of January and first weekend of February with two outstanding Retreats.  For the very first time, Teen Retreat was held at our own campground, Camp Roganunda.  From what I understand there was about three feet of snow there.  The teens had a marvelous time at Retreat.  As always, Sister Shelly Symonds was blessed with a wonderful group of staff.  The numerous testimonies given by the campers were heart-touching.  Many of them testified of being delivered from drugs, some from depression, and others from health issues. Some of the teens had special prayer regarding family problems.  Indeed, the Lord was there to meet many of the needs.  Sister Shelly reports that among the teens, there were 10 saved, 19 sanctified, and 4 baptized in the Spirit!  To God be the Glory!  Again, much thanks to Sister Shelly and her staff for an anointed Teen Retreat.

Adult Retreat just finished last weekend.  We had over 100 in attendance.  From start to finish the power of the Spirit could be felt.  We were blessed to have Bishop Walter Doroshuk and Sister Claudia Doroshuk with us at Retreat.  He brought timely messages and challenges to the people regarding where we are in the Kingdom of God.  Sister Knoblich taught a class on Saturday morning titled, "The Battlefield of the Mind."  Following class, many went to the various prayer stations.  Several reported that morning of being set free from past bondages.  On Sunday morning, we had a special move of the Spirit among us.  Two people re-dedicated their hearts to the Lord and one was sanctified and filled with the Spirit.  Again, there was such a Spirit of Deliverance and a Spirit of Praise.  We are thanking the Lord for an awesome Retreat.  Please give thought to coming to next year's Adult Retreat at Pacific Beach (January 7-9, 2014).  We would love to have you there and you will be glad you came!

Prayer and Fasting/Stewardship
I am trusting that all of you experienced a refreshing during the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting in January.  I am believing that during this special time that you had some prayers answered and were given specific direction in your life.  I am also believing that each of us had our vision enlarged to see our part in the great work, the Lord's Harvest Field that lays before us. 

January was also Stewardship Month.  Again, how wonderful it is to be obedient stewards unto the Lord!  He blesses us so much, and He just wants us to learn to trust Him with our finances. Possibly you or someone in your Church could spearhead a series of financial classes for the people.  Our State Stewardship Coordinator, Sister Carol Dillard, (cadillard5@yahoo.com), would be more than happy to help you in getting started.  May you and your family experience a most prosperous year in the Lord.

District Conventions
Friday, February 15th begins our first District Convention in Tacoma with Bishop Bear moderating.  Then on Saturday, the 16th, Bishop Smith will direct the Convention at the Brush Prairie Church.  District Conventions are a great place to experience dynamic preaching, inspirational worship, and blessed fellowship.  It is a time where our State Workers promote the upcoming year's events.  They always have timely information to give.   I assure you that you will be blessed by attending.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Lay Ministers
All lay ministers are asked to send in their lay minister's certificates to my office, 7319 199th St. Ct. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 by the first of the year, so they can be issued a new one for 2013.  Their current certificate is only valid for 2012.

Events Calendar for 2013
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)

April 5-7            WA State Ladies Retreat - (Vancouver Red Lion)

                           (Sherry Johnson, Director)
April 19-20        Youth Convention - Kirkland (Shelly Symonds, Director)

May 16-19         Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                           (World Mission of the Church - Dr. Nolivos)
May 24-26         Senior Retreat - Salmon Falls Campground (James Cabales, Director)
May 31-June 2   Men's Retreat - Camp Roganunda (Franklin Smith, Director)

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

 

"Designed For God's Greatness"

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

----------------------------------------

 

In last month's Lamplighter, I presented a section from my annual address, "Designed For God's Greatness," regarding how He Designed us for The Harvest."  For February's message, I am presenting a section on how God "Designed us to Grow in Him" through Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation.

 

God Designed Us To Grow in Him

A.  What I am talking about is Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation.  I recently talked to a Pastor who stated that one member in his church had not grown any in over 20 years.  WHY?  It is not that this pastor doesn’t preach or teach his people. 

 

Wouldn’t it be terrible to repeat the 3^rd grade for 20 years?   Are you repeating your spiritual grade in Church year after year.  In the Fall are you going to move up a Grade or stay in the same Grade?  Jesus clearly told us, “To Learn Of Him.”  How are you doing that?  By sitting in front of the TV?  By playing Video games hour after hour?  Jesus has prepared a Great Book, Called the Bible, so we can Learn of Him. 

 

The Berean Saints can teach us a Couple of Things regarding Study:  Listen to what Luke says about them:

(Acts 17:11)  “These (the Berean Saints) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

1.  They had a “Readiness of Mind:”  That means a willingness of mind to Study.

2.  They “Searched the Scriptures daily:”  This means they Properly Examined the Scriptures each Day.

 

B.  God has placed a certain gifting and calling on everyone of us.  What are you doing to prepare yourself for your Calling?  Question:  From a secular perspective with a new job, or with the job you currently have, don’t you have to upgrade your skills from time to time?  So it is, with honing our skills to be better ministers of the Word of God.

 

I think it proper to reflect on the exhortation by the Apostle Peter.  He says,:

1Pe 4:10-11  10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

From Peter’s writings we learn that every man has a gift.  We learn that we are to use that gift and minister to one another as good stewards of God.  And when we use that gift appropriately, God will be glorified.

Over the last several years in the State, we have offered a number of Training programs.  While some folks have attended, I am perplexed why more have not taken advantage of these wonderful training opportunities.?!  We have offered SOPAS (School of Practical and Advanced Studies) for three years now, we have Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Training, and the Spanish have Inteca for Diploma and undergraduate training.  These programs have helped to prepare us to fulfill our mandate “To Study to show thyself approved unto God.”  ]

Let’s face it, we live in a day and age when cyfogging, just getting up and “beating the air” won’t cut it anymore.  In our post-modernistic society, the young people, all of our people are demanding more from us.  They come to hear the pure, unadulterated, Word of God.

From those that are availing themselves of these training opportunities, I am consistently hearing from our congregations, that they have noticed an increase in excellence (performance) of our pastors.

DON’T YOU WANT TO BE YOUR BEST FOR GOD?!  DON’T YOU WANT YOUR PASTOR TO BE HIS OR HER BEST FOR GOD?!   (One thing you can do is to help support them financially when they go to these (Training Events) classes.  Help pay some of their tuition or their lodging expenses.)  You will be blessing yourself and your church in the long run!

KFC Friendship Tea

Kirkland Family Church Presents: “ A Friendship Tea”

 

February 16, 2013

12 pm - 4 pm

 

Kirkland Family Church

10489 NE 52nd Street

Kirkland, WA

 

Come join in a fun day of Tea and Shopping with your friends! Bring your mom, sister, daughter, granddaughter, aunt, niece or friend and enjoy a special day together! What a great way to spend a Saturday! We will have several vendors with booths set up for your shopping convenience.

 

Cost is $15 for Women and $8 for Young Ladies under 6 years old.

 

Please RS VP no later than February 8, 2013 to reserve your seat!

 

For more information Contact:

Jessica Cabales at: jesscabales@gmail.com

Sherry Johnson at: sherryj@johnlscott.com

Heather Johnson at: hrjohnson75@me.com

Washington State Ladies Retreat 2013

“Don’t Look Back”

Download the Flyer

 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

~Philippian 3 : 13 (NIV)

 

April 5 - 7, 2013

Red Lion at the Quay

100 Columbia Street

Vancouver, WA 98660

 

Tuition: 4 people to a room ~ $135

3 people to a room ~ $150

Deposit of $75 ($60 is non-refundable) due by: March 1, 2013

 

Applications received after that date will be assessed a late fee in the amount of $25.

 

Questions: Contact Sherry Johnson at ~ waladiesretreat@hotmail.com

 

Our Guest Speakers this year will be Norma Johnson and Teri Cook from “Beyond Restoration Ministries” in Oklahoma City. You won’t want to miss out on their anointed ministry! Make plans today to attend this year’s Retreat!

Local Church Report: Kirkland Family Church

This month at Kirkland Family Church started with a our New Year's Eve party at the church. This is a time where we bring lots of finger foods, and games, and spend the last few hours of 2012 together. There was a great turnout and we had a fun time ringing in the New year as a congregation.

The Pastoral staff at KFC does a New Year's Appreciation breakfast for the congregation. Prior to our Sunday service on the first Sunday of the New Year, everyone comes and enjoys a warm breakfast prepared by the pastors and their families. Another successful breakfast marks the beginning of a blessed year at KFC.

Pastor Shelly Symonds directs the Teen Retreat for the state, and many of our congregation attend as campers, or workers. This is he first retreat at Camp Roganunda and Bob and Donella Gaines and all those who have worked to get the campground ready did an amazing job! KFC is committed to the camping ministry and we are so excited to have our own COGOP campground. There were many wonderful reports of people receiving blessings at this retreat.

January is Stewardship month and Debbie Yaros continues to offer excellent information to the congregation with regard to being a good steward, and learning to protect what God has blessed us with, ie, protecting your identity, etc.

We are excited to see what the New Year will bring to KFC!

You are invited!

Ladies Friendship Tea and Shopping

When: Saturday, February 16 at noon

Where: Kirkland Family Church

10489 NE 52nd St, Kirkland, WA 98033

Tickets: $15 per person, and $8 for children ages 6 and under

We will have a great time of lunch, and tea on specially decorated tables. There will be multiple vendors there for you to shop, shop, shop.....ie Tupperware, Partylite, Photography, Mary Kay, Miche bags, and more.... Invite your friends, family, neighbors, etc. It is a fun time!

Space is limited and tickets need to be purchased in advance. Please contact Sherry Johnson for tickets and more information. sherryj@johnlscott.com

See you there!

Overseer's Insight: January 2013

Dear Saints

 

Happy New Year

It is hard to believe, but we have entered into a brand New Year.  Though we may be uncertain of what the New Year holds for us, one thing we can know for sure, and that is “We are one year closer to the Coming of the Lord!  We don’t have to rely on man’s wisdom or man’s prophecies (e.g. the Mayan Calendar) to know that our Lord will come one day as a “thief in the night.”  Therefore, we are instructed to watch and always be ready, “for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44). What will the New Year hold for you?  Possibly you have some uncertainty about your job, where you will live, or what your financial picture will look like.  It is true, none of us know what tomorrow will bring.  What I do know for sure is that my hope and my future is in Him.  Our Lord has promised us that HE would never leave us or forsake us.  We can totally rely on Him for everything.  If you have some doubts or apprehensions about what the New Year holds for you, I would encourage you to remember Jesus’ promise to us in John, chapter 14, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in  God, believe also in Me.”  Yes, He specializes in caring for hurting and troubled hearts.  So, why not begin today by believing and trusting in Him fully as we enter into the New Year?!

 

Teen Retreat

January 18-20 are our dates for Teen Retreat.  This year will be our very first Retreat in our New Campground, Camp Roganunda!  Please encourage all youth to attend.  I am a firm believer that Camps and Retreats change lives.  For more information about Teen Retreat, contact Bob and Donella Gaines at 509-658-1013 or e-mail them at camproganunda@gmail.com.

 

Adult Retreat

Our Adult Retreat Theme is: “Anointed For Service.”  We are expecting an awesome time (February 1-3, 2013) 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 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!!!

Prayer and Fasting

The New Year begins our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting in the Church of God of Prophecy.  Bishop Randy Howard states that this is year number 7 where our churches from all over the world will take part in joining together in starting the New Year with prayer and fasting.  Please pass the word on to your family and friends in the faith that they will join us in this special time of Seeking.  We must have Him in all that we do to build the Kingdom of God.

Stewardship Month

January in the Church of God of Prophecy is “Stewardship Month.”  The Lord desires for all of us to be good stewards.  He wants us to be faithful with our tithes and offerings, and He wants us to be good stewards of all that He has given us.  Though our economy may be down, this is the time to be faithful and prove Him that “He will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing.” Faithful stewardship is how we trust the Lord for His Divine Providence and care over our families and our churches.

Lay Ministers

All lay ministers are asked to send in their lay minister’s certificates to my office, 7319 199^th St. Ct. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 by the first of the year, so they can be issued a new one for 2013.  Their current certificate is only valid for 2012.

 

Events Calendar for 2013

January                       Stewardship Month and 21 Days of Prayer/Fasting
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

 

In last month’s Lamplighter, I presented the Introductory section for my annual address, “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  For this section, I will begin with the various ways in which He has Designed Us For His Greatness, namely, we were “Designed To Work In The Harvest.”

 

I.  God Designed us to Work in His Harvest

A.  Believe it or not, God Designed us to be Laborers in His Great Harvest Field.  Yes, we are to Pray for Laborers in the Harvest.  But, part of that Prayer, may be, “Lord, I know the Laborers are few, so SEND ME!”

 

It is interesting to me that one of the very last things that the Lord said before ascending into Heaven is:  “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I with you always, even unto the end of the world.” 

 

Notice the strong emphasis that Jesus places on the word, “Go.”    This word “Go” does not mean just “Go” as in “Go,” it literally means “GO AND CONTINUE TO GO ON YOUR JOURNEY!”   

In other words, “Go” is not a one-time event.  Jesus intended for us to “Go” into the Harvest Field CONTINUALLY!!!  (We don’t say, “Oh, I went last year, so I have done my duty!”)  Also notice, that if we follow the “GO” of Jesus, we will receive the “LO” of Jesus.  That is, if you “GO” you can expect the “LO!”  “GO, and LO I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”  Do you want to experience the presence of God?  Then do the “GO” and the “LO” will come!  However, if there is “NO GO ----THERE IS NO LO!!!”

 

B.  Let’s  look at some Bible Examples of “Going.” 

1.  The Samaritan Woman:  John’s Gospel tells us that after Jesus had the discourse with the Woman at the Well, that immediately she left her waterpot.  (Her Waterpot was not of importance to her NOW!  And remember Water is really important, however that day she found the true living water.)  She went her way into the city and said to the men, “Come see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did:  is this not the Christ?!  Then they went out of the city, and came to Him.  And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman , which testified, He told me all things that I ever did.”  - And I don’t believe the Woman at the Well was silent from that day forward!  SHE is an EXAMPLE of what it means TO GO!!! And to CONITNUE TO GO!!!

 

2.  The demoniac of Gadara: 

You remember the story of demoniac of Gadara.  He had the legion of devils that Jesus cast out into the swine.   After his remarkable healing, this man wanted to follow Jesus.  But Listen to what Jesus told him:

 

Mar 5:19  Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Mar 5:20  And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

 

Look what this man did.  Immediately, he followed the “GO” Commandment of the Lord.  He went to his friends and told them what Great Things the Lord had done for him.  Here, “Publish” means “To Proclaim” or “To Herald”, “To Preach.”  Sometimes we want to GO where we want to go instead of GOING WHERE JESUS WANTS US TO GO!!!

 

C.  I believe God is giving us some Open Doors, AND WE MUST GO THROUGH THEM.

1.  Paul said, “I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.  For a great and effective door has opened to me.”  (I Cor. 16:8-9).  “Effective” = Powerful and Operative.

 

2.  Paul involved others by asking for them to pray for open doors so he could minister the Gospel of Christ.  “Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ….” (Col. 4:3). 

 

Will you join me in praying for more souls?!  Will you join me in praying for more Open Doors? 

Pray for More souls in our Churches and for more Churches being established.  Over the last three years, we have established four churches.  But there are many more that we want to Organize with the Church of God of Prophecy.  Others are out there that want to join with this marvelous Body.  We have new Spanish Mission Works in Anchorage, Alaska and in Rainier Valley, Seattle.  We have just started a new Spanish Mission in Bremerton with Pastor Julio Ruiz and his wife, Sister Maura.  We are starting new works in Spanish in Sumner and Tumwater with Pastor Ruben Aguilar and in Spokane with Pastor Alvero Gomez.  We have the possibility of reaching an Indian Church in Seattle, and a Korean Church in Tacoma.

 

D.  Reaching Your Community

1.  What are you doing to Reach your Community?   I asked this Question last year.  If your Church was to close its doors, would the Community it is in even know it was closed?

If we are not reaching our Communities, WHY NOT?!

Once a month Pastor Rob and Rivers Fellowship have a unique Community Outreach.  They call it “Worship ain Workclothes.”  On One Sunday out of the Month, they go into their Community and lend assistance.  If a lawn needs mowing, garbage needs taken out, yes even if toilets are needing repair, they are there to help.  If people need prayer, they are there to pray.  One Sunday they passed out batteries for smoke detectors (The Church does not make a quid pro quo agreement with those they help.  They do not say, “Well, we have mowed your lawn, we expect to see you in Church next Sunday!)  No, they just demonstrate love and care, and let God deal with the rest!  Amazing, huh? 

 

2.  Don’t strive to be the Best Church “In the Community.”   Rather, strive to be the Best Church “For the Community!”  (There is actually a book on this very thing.)

SO, ARE YOU JUST SITTING, WARMING A PEW, OR ARE YOU GOING AND REACHING SOULS FOR JESUS?!

 

Stewardship 2013

Dear Saints,

Over the years, you have read many Stewardship letters, each emphasizing a particular mission, a financial need or your responsibility. This year I chose not to do any of this. Instead, I challenge you to shift your approach on stewardship and redefine the very action of giving.  The reason for this perspective is my belief that no stewardship letter, no matter how well it is written, can change your heart, the source of stewardship.  In that light I’d like to share an edited letter by Fr. Ciprian Streza which encourages examining our motives:

 

So, why do you give to the Church?

When was the last time you asked yourself this question?  If you did, what was your thought process? Did you have a businesslike approach to the question, considering your priorities and family budget, or did you do it in a spirit of prayer and profound gratefulness for all the blessings God has bestowed on you in your life? 

You see, giving should not be motivated by any external force (stewardship campaigns, incentives, recognitions, etc.) nor by a sense of organizational duty (to fulfill x amount of pledged dollars). Giving is an opportunity to share joyfully a small portion of what God has given to you and your family. It is an opportunity to acknowledge that everything belongs to God.  We read in Psalm 24:1 "The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it".  A gluttonous and frantic entitlement of our material possessions deprives God Himself of what belongs to him.  It is claiming as our own that which belongs to God, and was only entrusted to us to multiply for His glory.

Even stewardship, the act of freely giving, should be done in a spirit of humility and thanksgiving.  If we consider the Old Testament expectation of 10% (or tithing as practiced in many churches), the act of giving should be gratitude that God, in His generosity, allows His servants (His stewards) to keep 90% of what has always belonged to Him.  Even if we give more than 10% begrudgingly, or we feel poorer because of the giving, we failed to understand what stewardship is all about.  Stewardship is the only instance when by giving we feel richer.

Stewardship begins with YOU and GOD.  (Giving) should not produce anxiety.  It produces joy in which our hearts resonate with the heavenly powers. It is an acknowledgement of God's gifts given despite our sinfulness.  It is the excitement about the things we can achieve individually and as a community. 

Please take time to reflect on the message of this letter.  May God, Who for our salvation gave His only begotten Son to die for us, continue to bless you!

In His service,

Fr. Ciprian

What is the attitude you’ve developed in giving?  As our pastors highlight our stewardship this month let us give prayerful consideration to the aspect of “partnering” with the Lord in the areas He asks us to support.  What exactly is He hoping to achieve through us individually and as a community?  Let this be the year we choose not to hold back!

With love, wishing you a blessed 2013,

Carol Dillard
Stewardship Ministries Director

 

Local Church Report: Kirkland Family Church

Happy New Year from Kirkland Family Church! This last month has been a full month at KFC. The month started off with our Annual Dessert Concert. This is a concert put on by the Kirkland Family Church Worship team and many of the KFC members participate to help make the night successful. The theme this year was "The Sounds of Christmas". It was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. There were many familiar faces in the audience as well as quite a few people that have never been to the church before. It was a sell out and we are looking forward to next year's concert.

 

The following week, we had our monthly pancake breakfast for all those who want to have a great breakfast before Sunday School begins. Our Sunday school classes are going great with several special topics being taught. Debbie Yaros taught a 2 month long class for the teens based on Dave Ramsey's Generation Change. This is a series geared toward teens and young adults on how to be good stewards and handle money responsibly. The class concluded in December and was well-received by all. Pam Murkerson began a series on Esther for the Ladies Sunday School class following the series of DVDs by Beth Moore. This series will continue for the next month and all the ladies are enjoying it. The Men's class and children's Sunday School classes have been full and enjoying the messages that their teachers are bringing. Our teens are also getting a remodeled Sunday School room, spearheaded by Jim Brown and Allen Cabales and it is nearly finished. 

 

December is a month of fundraising at Kirkland Family Church. Along with the Dessert Concert, we have an annual Pledge Drive, that we call the Stocking Fundraiser. The people of KFC are generous givers and we exceeded our goal for this fundraiser. This helps us kick off 2013 on the right foot, financially.

 

It has been a blessed year for Kirkland Family Church. There are several who have had health challenges but God is bringing them through. There are several new faces in the congregation, and the entire church family has been excited to welcome them. KFC is looking forward to 2013 and experiencing the blessings that God has for each one this year.

 

Ladies- Mark your Calandars for the annual Ladies Tea at Kirkland Family Church. We will hold this event on February 16th. This will be a fun day of tea, fellowship, good food, and shopping. We will have approx. 8 vendors in attendance of various types. More ticket information will be forthcoming, but save that date. Tell your friends, your sisters, mother, daughters, everyone! It will be a great time.

 

Jessica Cabales

Kirkland Family Church

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