Thursday, September 6, 2012

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