“Families for God” Weekend: Twin Cities—March 13–15!

January 29, 2015

Please reserve the date and make plans to join teens, singles, couples, and families from across the United States at our 18th annual Families for God weekend in the Twin Cities, Minnesota:

God’s Family Dynamics

Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15!

Our theme this year is “God’s Family Dynamics” and will feature a Bible study, Sabbath Services and a dynamic, interactive workshop.

In addition to our signature teen prom, “City Lights,” we will also host an entertaining game show for the young and young-at-heart, a delectable festive dinner, a refreshing ice cream social, and a family outing at the ever-popular Nickelodeon Universe Park at the Mall of America.

The beautiful Minneapolis Marriott Northwest will again provide a memorable setting for hundreds of brethren who will enjoy specials and discounts in an all-suite environment with a complementary hot breakfast every morning for those staying at the hotel.

We are pleased to offer a family cap of $100 for Saturday night’s dinner, prom and ice cream social (for parents and their minor children). Postmark your registration by March 1 to participate in the various activities! Up-to-date information and registration form may be found at www.familiesforgod.org.

In an effort to make the signature weekend as memorable and festive as possible, a beautiful hotel setting was chosen to again serve as a safe haven for our families.

In close cooperation with the Marriott, we are pleased to offer the suites as well as each of the catered meals at significant savings over the regular, customary rates. Also, we are encouraged by the compassion and generosity of brethren serving one another by contributing to those who would otherwise not be able to participate in the meals and activities. As we follow the example of the early church, let’s “continue in the Apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayers” (Acts 2:42). The weekend’s activities will provide ample opportunity to do so.

Saturday Night Festive Dinner

• Adults: Caesar salad, smoked chicken medallion with smoked Gouda cream sauce, medallion of sirloin with a rosemary demi, mashed potatoes, spring vegetable medley
• Youth: Fresh fruit cup, chicken fingers, French fries
• Attire: Semi-formal or Sabbath
• Cash Bar
• Ice Cream Bar: Vanilla and chocolate ice cream (two scoops), chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, whipped cream, chocolate balls and various other treats

Saturday Night Teen Dinner / Prom & Dance

Calling all teens ages 12 to graduating seniors to this year’s prom themed: “City Lights.” We expect teens from numerous states to join in this memorable event, which includes honoring our graduating seniors.

• Dinner: Caesar salad, fried chicken medallion, medallion of sirloin with rosemary demi, mashed potatoes, spring vegetable medley
• Ice Cream Bar: Vanilla and chocolate ice cream (two scoops), chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, whipped cream, chocolate balls and various other treats
• Attire: Formal, Semi-formal or Sabbath

Sunday Activity @ Nickelodeon Indoor Amusement Park – Mall of America

Fun for the entire family! Wristbands are good for 5 hours from first scan

Location & Housing

Due to popular demand and wonderful feedback from prior years’ participants, we are excited to return to the all-suite, Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel (7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428).

The suites comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests at a most attractive price of $99 per night (plus tax) including a hot breakfast to meet our special dietary needs. The price includes 4 breakfasts per suite. Couples are encouraged to donate their extra tickets to large families staying at the hotel.

The complimentary hot breakfast includes scrambled eggs with cheese, turkey bacon/sausage (alternate bacon & sausage each day), fresh sliced fruit, assorted breakfast breads served with butter, preserves, assorted cereal, orange juice, coffee and tea.

We have asked the hotel to set aside 40 suites and we encourage the brethren to stay at the hotel, as many activities run late into the night!

Let’s plan to spend extra time together, having our lodging in the evening just steps away from our fellowship!

For any inquiries, please contact:

• Brian & ReNae Shaw: bpshaw1@gmail.com or (763) 689-2892
  David & Stephanie Mörker: dsmorker@yahoo.com or (952) 237-9816

Families from across the U.S. will venture to the Twin Cities for a most memorable weekend! Will you be one of them? Please send in your registration forms at once! So, do not delay!

New Bible Study Series: Let Us Keep the Feasts

Celebrate the Feasts

January 20, 2015

The Cincinnati East, Ohio, congregation of the United Church of God (UCG) is starting a new bi-weekly Bible study series with the title: “Let Us Keep the Feasts.” The series starts on Wednesday, January 21, at the time of 7 p.m. ET and is available live via webcast.

For the first study, Steve Myers, a presenter on Beyond Today and Cincinnati East UCG pastor, will cover “Celebrate the Feasts.”

Should we observe the biblical festivals? In this study we’ll examine the biblical teaching of Christ and the disciples. Our discussion will also pose the question: Are these days necessary for Christians today? Join Steve Myers as he digs into Scripture to find the example of the New Testament Church.

Here is the schedule for the new festival series:

• January 21, 2015: Celebrate the Feasts – Steve Myers
• February 4, 2015: Why the Exodus Matters – Darris McNeely
• February 18, 2015: The Solution for Sin – Steve Myers
• March 4, 2015: What Is Sin? – Gary Petty
• March 18, 2015: Why Should We Leave Sin? – Darris McNeely
• April 15, 2015: First Fruits – Steve Myers
• April 29, 2015: The Holy Spirit in Us – Gary Petty
• May 13, 2015: Power to Change – Darris McNeely

Plan to attend in person, or you can listen online. You can also view the Bible study using your smartphone Internet browser.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services, UCGIA

Reenactment: The Two Witnesses

January 16, 2015

The Beyond Today production team staged a “pre-enactment” recently for the TV program airing this weekend “Who Are the Two Witnesses?” The full episode is online for viewing now.

To give the scene a realistic touch, Ambassador Bible College students formed an angry mob, pushing against a police barrier where the two dead witnesses lay. Several donned costumes to complete their look. Home office staff also participated, filling out the cast as the two witnesses themselves, policemen, reporters, cameramen, and even the beast and false prophet.

Watch the full episode on YouTube now.

Mitchell Moss—Editor, United News

End-time Prophecy and False Prophets

False Prophets

January 5, 2015

The Cincinnati East, Ohio, congregation of the United Church of God (UCG) is concluding its Bible study series, “End-time Prophecy 101,” on Wednesday, January 7, at the time of 7 p.m. ET. The study will be available live via webcast.

Gary Petty, a presenter on Beyond Today and San Antonio, Texas, UCG pastor, will cover the fifth part of this series with, “False Prophets.”

In the Olivet Prophesy Jesus said that at the end time, “false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Join us as we explore a number of end time deceptions that are already extant in our world today.

Plan to attend in person, or you can listen online. You can also view the Bible study using your smartphone Internet browser.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services