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December 18, 2015
This Blog to be Discontinued
With almost 1 million views since Inside United: Realtime was created in 2010, it is now time to discontinue this United Church of God management team blog.
We thank our 1,625 followers and subscribers. We also thank those who left more than a hundred comments and interacted with us. The majority of our viewers came from the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Germany, Philippines and France.
The content and news provided here at Inside United: Realtime will now appear and continue on the Beyond Today website of the United Church of God and also on the new members website of the Church.
Updates on the work of the Church’s media department, letters from the president, letters from the chairman, and reminders of webcast Bible studies and other events, will now all come from the Beyond Today and UCG Member sites.
We recommend that you immediately sign up for e-mail updates of new material posted on these sites if you have not already done so. Simply go to http://www.ucg.org/email-subscribe and choose one or both of the available e-mail services.
Thank you for your support of the important work of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and caring for those whom God calls into His flock.
Peter Eddington—Operation Manager, Media and Communications Services
Press Release About Feast of Tabernacles
September 29, 2014
The United Church of God, an International Association, posted its annual Feast of Tabernacles press release today. You can view it at PRWEB, and the text is also printed below.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services.
Reviving Ancient Biblical Principles — 21st Century Christians to Celebrate the Coming Kingdom of God
Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ observed an ancient Hebrew festival called the Festival of Tabernacles, which was recorded for future generations in the New Testament book of John. Beginning at sunset on October 8, multiple thousands of 21st century Christians and families of the United Church of God will follow this example of Jesus at more than 50 Festival sites around the world (including the United States and Canada), beginning eight days of celebrating a future time of unprecedented peace and prosperity—the coming biblically prophesied Kingdom of God.
Following the example of the 1st century Christian Church as recorded in history, about 13,000 members and families of the United Church of God will observe the annual biblical Festival of Tabernacles, which will take place at more than 50 Festival sites across the world. Beginning at sunset on October 8, the eight-day Christian Festival, which includes more than 14 sites in the United States and Canada, runs October 9 through 16.
Festival sites for worship are organized through North and South America, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines and elsewhere. All of like and peaceful mind are welcome to join in Festival worship services.
As the Church teaches from the Bible, the annual Festival prophetically reflects a biblically defined time of unprecedented peace and prosperity, representing the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth and the coming reign of Jesus Christ. The United Church of God is a Christian fellowship which follows the example of Jesus Christ (as recorded in the 7th and 8th chapters of the book of John) and the practice of the early Church in observing these important festivals. Numerous biblical and historical accounts record the commitment of 1st century Christians to observe these days, which ultimately were gradually eclipsed by ancient Hellenist (Greek) and other influences. The Church restores the observance of these festivals to come into spiritual alignment with ancient biblical principles, as opposed to human tradition.
“As part of the United Church of God’s commitment to restore and follow the example of the first-century Church, we keep these days, even though they are essentially nontraditional in today’s age and not largely observed by other religious organizations,” explained Victor Kubik, president of the United Church of God. “As authoritatively emphasized in the Old Testament, the Bible teaches that all nations will observe this festival once the Kingdom has truly come,” he continued, referencing chapter 14 in the book of Zechariah.
These three seasons, the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread, the festival of Pentecost and the fall festival season, were all observed by Jesus and the first-century Church. The latter season is capped by the seven-day Festival of Tabernacles and Eighth-Day observance. The three general biblical seasons are originally outlined in the book of Leviticus in chapter 23.
Mr. Kubik pointed out that from a biblical perspective, the Festival of Tabernacles pictures the coming time when Jesus will return to earth and directly rule the world for 1,000 years. “As the Feast of Tabernacles represents a coming time of unprecedented harmony and peace, we conduct this annual eight-day event with a strong family focus,” Mr. Kubik explained. Accordingly, members and families take part in daily church services and a whole range of positive family-based activities throughout the Festival.
Church services conducted during the Festival typically focus on the coming Kingdom of God which Jesus taught about extensively during His earthly ministry. The annual festivals observed earlier in the year by the Church represent the Christian’s redemption from sin through Christ’s sacrifice, the commitment of Christians to put sin out of their lives and the coming of God’s Holy Spirit to strongly empower a Christian to live life in harmony with God’s law and prepare for eternal life.
Originating from the Florida festival site, Mr. Kubik will deliver a church-wide message by Webcast on Saturday, October 11. Details for the Webcast and other presentations are available at feast.ucg.org.
“The emphasis placed by Christ on the coming Kingdom of God is important, and Church members accordingly take the opportunity to observe this Festival very seriously,” explained Mr. Kubik. School-age children attend the Festival with their parents, and the Church provides tutoring and academic support at many sites to help students stay abreast of coursework while attending the Festival.
Cities in the United States hosting the festival include Bend, Oregon; Bigfork, Montana; Branson, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio; Jekyll Island, Georgia; Lihue, Hawaii; New Braunfels, Texas; Ocean City, Maryland; Oceanside, California; Panama City Beach, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Sites in Canada include Canmore, Alberta; Midland, Ontario; Kelowna, British Columbia; and Prince Edward Island. Thirty-seven other cities hosting the Feast of Tabernacles are in Australia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the British Isles, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
More information about the Festival is available in the downloadable Church publications: God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind, This is the United Church of God, and The Gospel of the Kingdom.
LIVE Webcast: “Why Were You Born?”
September 9, 2014
Hundreds of guests have signed up for the United Church of God’s first “Why Were You Born?” seminar to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 10, at the Holiday Inn Eastgate. Plans are to expand the series across the United States as funds allow.
After advertising the event on Time Warner Cable, Pandora Internet radio, through e-mail campaigns and through online advertising, the Church is now expecting a good turnout for this special event featuring San Antonio and Austin, Texas, pastor and Beyond Today television host, Gary Petty.
Pandora tile, which has accompanying audio spot.
If you are not in Cincinnati, you can still join Gary Petty for this seminar live via webcast. The presentation will also be archived on the Church’s website.
Mr. Petty will ask his audience, “What’s your purpose in life?” The question comes when we least expect it. When we’re dazzled by the spectacle of a star-filled sky. Or when we gaze into the innocent eyes of a newborn child. Or when we’re in crisis and all seems lost. The Bible says you were created in the very image of God. What does that mean? The answer can change your life.
We invite you to tune into the seminar at 7:30 p.m. via the webcasting service, or watch the archive later.
Please pray for the ongoing success of the United Church of God as it does its part to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services, UCGIA
Humanity’s Most-asked Question: “Why Were You Born?”
August 27, 2014
Humanity’s Most-asked Question: “Why Were You Born?” to Be Addressed by Gary Petty at United Church of God public Bible Presentation on Sept. 10
From BBC research to legendary psychologists, the age-old question “why were you born?” shows up as the most-asked question in human history. “In the uncertain age that we live in, understanding the answer to the question ‘why was I born’ can help people find peace, meaning and real spiritual strength,” says national TV host and author Gary Petty, who will lead a major presentation in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 10.
The above quote is a lead-in to a worldwide press release about the United Church of God’s Cincinnati “Why Were You Born?” public appearance campaign. A local, Cincinnati version of the press release has also been published. The PRWeb release can be accessed here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12124005.htm.
News outlets in Cincinnati have already picked up on the release, including the FOX19 television channel: http://www.fox19.com/story/26379831/humanitys-most-asked-question-why-were-you-born-to-be-addressed-at-united-church-of-god-public-bible-presentation-on-sept-10
Here is the press release:
CINCINNATI – High-profile Interstate billboards and other media with the message “Why Were You Born?” (reflecting the most-asked question in human history) announced the upcoming United Church of God-sponsored public Bible presentation during the month of August. Set for Sept. 10 in east Cincinnati, the event will include a multi-media presentation featuring national Beyond Today television host Gary Petty.
“In the uncertain age that we live in, understanding the question ‘why was I born’ can help people find peace, meaning and real spiritual strength,” explained Petty, who pastors three Christian congregations in Texas in addition to his role as a Beyond Today TV host.
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From research conducted by the BBC to legendary psychiatric professionals like Victor Frankel, the question ‘Why were you born’ and its variants ‘Why do I exist?’ or ‘Does my life have meaning or purpose?’ show up as the most asked in all of human history,” said Victor Kubik, president of the United Church of God. “The Bible includes a great deal of exciting information that answers these questions, so Gary will present critical biblical truth that many will find interesting, illuminating and practical.”
The Sept. 1o event will take place at the Holiday Inn Eastgate, just off of the I-275 on the eastern side of Cincinnati (4501 Eastgate Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio). The event will be begin at 7:30 and last a little over an hour, all presented free of charge to the public.
Understanding humanity’s purpose from a biblical perspective allows a person to better appreciate and tap the spiritual power available to Christians, continued Kubik. “God has a discoverable and definite purpose for each one of us, and this presentation will make that plain, as well offering practical advice to improve one’s life” he said.
While reservations are not required, they are encouraged so planners can provide adequate space and resources. More information about the event and a registration form is available at www.whywereyouborn.com.
In addition to Petty’s regular appearance on the Beyond Today national TV program, he also makes regular contributions to The Good News magazine, a free international Christian publication available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages. He also authored and published a work on early Christian history, titled Plato’s Shadow: The Hellenizing of Christianity, which is available on Amazon and other retail outlets.
Guests can sign up at Why WereYouBorn.com for free tickets.
During the presentation Petty will be joined by Steve Myers, another host of the Beyond Today program, who also pastors a Cincinnati congregation of the United Church of God. Darris McNeely, the third Beyond Today host, will also be on hand at the event with others. The three men will be available, together with other Church officials, to answer additional questions at the event.
The “Why Were You Born” presentation is being made in the public interest. No collections for funding or appeals to join any organization will be made. “Jesus Christ instructed His disciples, ‘Freely received, freely given,’ and we follow that,” Kubik said. A free companion copy of the Church’s Bible study guide “Why Were You Born?” and other relevant handouts will be distributed free to attendees, he added.
The Church is considering producing additional public Bible presentations in cities across the United States and Canada.
Peter Eddington—Operation Manager, UCG Media and Communications Services
Podcast: The Ambassador Bible Center Library
July 17, 2014
A new Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God has been posted by Victor Kubik.
In podcast 040, Katherine Rowland talks about the Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) library at the Church’s home office. The library has gone through significant reorganization and improvements in the past year. She talks about how the library uniquely serves the Church’s ministry and the local congregations.
For the complete listing, please visit our podcast page at ucg.org/blog/inside-united-audio-podcast.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
Podcast: Class on Dangers of Alcoholism
April 22, 2014
Since our last blog post about the Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God, a number of new podcasts have been posted by Victor Kubik. For the complete listing, please visit our podcast page at ucg.org/blog/inside-united-audio-podcast.
In podcast 039, Merna Leisure-Eppick talks about her Ambassador Bible Center class on alcoholism. She instructs people on how to best help people who are struggling with the disease of alcoholism. Learn more about Ambassador Bible Center and its Bible-centered curriculum at abc.ucg.org.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
Podcast: Kubik and Webber Discuss Council Meetings
February 27, 2014
Since our last blog post about the Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God, five new podcasts have been posted by Victor Kubik. Please see the listing below with links to each:
- 026—Council of Elders chairman, Robin Webber, is in from Southern California for the February round of Council meetings. He and Victor Kubik discuss the meetings, working with one another and other Council members, and preparation for the upcoming meeting of the General Conference of Elders in May.
- 022—Earl Roemer is the senior pastor for the Philippines. His update on the Philippine work includes the gospel proclamation effort and the unique advantages and challenges of doing God’s work in the Philippines.
- 023—Earl Roemer returns to talk about the process of rebuilding Church members’ homes after the devastating typhoon Haiyan.
- 024—Lena VanAusdle coordinates the Good Works and Youth Corps projects for UCG. She talks about the real purpose for the Church’s charity work, some recent projects, and how you can get involved.
- 025—Jorge de Campos is the senior pastor for the Portuguese-speaking areas of the world, the largest of which is Brazil. Jorge’s update includes a Good Works agricultural project that will help church members and the community located in northern Brazil.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
Online: More “Inside United” Podcasts
February 11, 2014
Since our last blog post about the Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God, a number of new podcasts have been posted by Victor Kubik. Please see the listing below with links to each:
- 014—Ambassador Bible Center dean of students, Randy Stiver, explains the topic of the Vertical Thought Bible Class: “Dating True Love.”
- 015—Amanda Stiver, Web content editor for vertical thought.org, explains the purpose of Vertical Thought and you you can get involved.
- 016—Steve Myers, Beyond Today presenter and pastor of the Cincinnati East UCG congregation, discusses the new six-part Bible study series on preparing for the Passover.
- 017—Jonathan Magee tells the story of a recent Good Works project to a Guatemalan orphanage.
- 018—Charles Melear, conference planner for the United Church of God, talks about the annual Feast of Tabernacles observance and the Church’s Feast plans for 2014.
- 019—United Church of God-Canada administrator, Anthony Wasikoff, gives an update on the Church’s work in Canada.
- 020—Roy Holladay stops by to talk about his job as operation manager of Ministerial and Member Services, as will as future plans for pastoral training.
- 021—Connie Seelig, manager of the Church’s mail processing department, talks about work load, volume and the job of physically sending the gospel message to the world.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
Gary Petty: Has God Lost Control?
January 15, 2014
We’re happy to introduce the thirteenth Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God.
In this episode President Victor Kubik is joined by Gary Petty, who explains why he chose the subject of “Has God Lost Control?” for this month’s Beyond Today recording.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
More Inside United Podcasts Now Online
January 7, 2014
Since our last blog post about the new Inside United Podcast by the United Church of God, three new podcasts have been posted by Victor Kubik:
- 009—Interview with Rainer Salooma, chairman of the UCG Canadian National Council.
- 010—Interview with Rick Shabi, UCG Treasurer.
- 011—Interview with Peter Eddington about record number of unique visits to UCG.org in December.
Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services
Inside United: Realtime 