COGwa Dallas - Special Notices
Posted Jan 08, 2011 | 10:00 AM.
Conference Update
January 7, 2011 -- Today Feast Coordinators, camp directors and youth corps administrators met to consider the needs of the members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association in these respective areas. While the number of members needing these services is still undetermined, potential Feast of Tabernacles sites, youth camps and international service projects were considered.
Yesterday several committees met to work on assignments. The interim governance committee chaired by Dave Baker met to refine three options it will present to the ministry on how to function until a permanent form of governance and leadership is selected.
The immediate administrative needs committee chaired by Dave Johnson also met on Thursday to work on the recommendations it will give to the interim leadership team that will be selected by the end of the conference. Of particular focus was the financial need of congregations, ministers and the organization.
The pre-conference leadership team also met yesterday and asked an international attendee, Andre Van Belkum of New Zealand, to give the closing address to the elders and guests on Tuesday.
As for yesterday's meeting of the long-term governance committee, Chairman Bruce Gore explained that the committee created a mission statement for itself and discussed the pros and cons of centralized and decentralized governance. This committee's job entails reviewing biblical guidelines for governance and recommending governance options to the elders. Although specifics have not been determined, consensus is building among members of the committee for recommending a centralized structure that will seek to be inclusive of members and minimize politics.
The mission statement of the long-term governance committee is: "Our mission is to recommend a structure founded upon biblical principles by which this new organization will be administered and to propose to the elders this structure for their consideration."
Posted Jan 07, 2011 | 10:00 AM.
Conference Update
January 6, 2010 -- Ministers and their wives began arriving at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky, yesterday in preparation for an organizing conference for the Church of God, a Worldwide Association that will be held here January 9-11.
A pre-conference planning team co-chaired by Mike Blackwell and Mark Winner in conjunction with the temporary leadership team will use today (Thursday) and tomorrow to finalize the conference agenda. Other committees will also meet prior to the conference to discuss governmental structure and to ensure the continuity of important church programs.
Today, the interim governance committee, the long-term governance committee, and the administration committee will convene to work on how to structure the new organization. Festival coordinators, camp directors and youth corps administrators will meet on Friday.
Members are welcome to attend the Sabbath service that will be held at the Galt House in connection with the conference. Arnold Hampton and Richard Pinelli will deliver split sermons that will be webcast to newly formed congregations around the world.
Posted Dec 24, 2010 | 03:19 PM.
Announcing the Church of God, a Worldwide Association
Press Release: Orlando, FL, December 24, 2010 -- Today we are announcing the formation of a new international congregation of believers, the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. Our church organization incorporated on December 23, 2010, and has members, congregations and ministers around the world.
The formation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association results from several fundamental disagreements with the leadership of the United Church of God, an International Association. After numerous efforts to engage in biblical reconciliation, all efforts failed, and a separation became inevitable. We believe we have made every effort to avoid a rift, but the deep division over a number of issues has led us to this point. We are saddened and disappointed by this division that separates friends, family and loved ones, and we seek God's mercy and His direction as we desire to live our lives in peace and service to God. Therefore, we are forming this new organization as a home for believers who share our mission, our values and our beliefs.
Our mission is to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to all nations and to make disciples from among those whom God calls. Our doctrines are based on the first century teachings of Jesus Christ as practiced by the apostles. Our values are grounded in the biblical record. We will humbly strive to follow this example.
An organizational conference will be held for elders and their wives January 9-11, 2011, in Louisville, Kentucky. Plans will be made for providing a spiritual home for members and elders who have become disenfranchised and disillusioned with the turmoil within the United Church of God, an International Association.
Our desire is to look to the future and continue to move forward together as an organized body. Elders who are dedicated to serving God and Jesus Christ in the commission of the Church of preaching the gospel and making disciples of those whom God calls, are invited to attend this important meeting.
We are asking all members and ministers to join us in fasting on a day of your choice between now and the beginning of this conference on January 9, to seek God.s will in decisions and actions that will be taken as a result of this conference.
Our temporary headquarters is located in Palm Coast, Florida, and the Church is organized as a church organization within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Individuals wishing to support the Church may do so at this time. Tithes and donations are gratefully accepted and may be sent to:
Church of God, a Worldwide Association, Inc.
P.O Box 781885
Orlando, FL 32878-1885
All donations postmarked on or before December 31, 2010, will be acknowledged as year 2010 contributions for purposes of donor contribution acknowledgment letters, which donors may wish to use for any applicable tax deduction benefits.