Focus on God’s Work: ABC & Education

April 25, 2013

Ambassador Bible Center and Education

The home office has released a fourth monthly Focus on God’s Work video about the Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) and our other United Church of God education programs.

Gary Antion, ABC Coordinator and Education Coordinator, gives an overview of the past 14 years at ABC, and outlines some of the other major education initiatives of the Church.

As earlier announced, the plan is for various managers and employees of the United Church of God to give a report about their area of responsibility that may be of particular interest to our congregations. Pastors are asked to make the video links available to our membership, and most videos will be suitable to play in the sermonette timeslot at Sabbath services.

Focus on God’s Work has it’s own menu selection on the member’s website under the “resources” tab at members.ucg.org/content/focus-gods-work. This is where a new video will be posted each month.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services

SNOW: UCG Short Film

February 6, 2012

We all get dirt on our hearts and minds with the things we have done. But only through God’s amazing work can we become as white as snow: have our sins forgiven.

View this short film from the United Church of God and the producers of Beyond Today television: “Snow.” It was shot by Jamie Schreiber and David Archer when they were Ambassador Bible Center students in 2010.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services

Letter from Dennis Luker

August 15, 2011

Greetings Dear Brethren,

Many exciting things are taking place here at the home office this week!

On Sunday we held an orientation picnic for the Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) incoming class of 2011-12 in the dining area and outdoor patio behind the home office. It was followed by an orientation on Monday and classes beginning bright and early on Tuesday morning. It’s always encouraging to see the excitement and enthusiasm of these young adults who are eager to dig into the Bible and learn more about God’s way of life!

We’re also pleased to see that, in spite of the recent troubles, this year’s class is substantially larger than last year’s and that it includes several international students who are coming here for Bible training that they can take back to their countries and share with others there. A total of 35 students are enrolled, of whom three are from other nations, including the Netherlands, South Africa and Colombia.

We’re also glad to see how well our several new instructors, longtime pastors Frank McCrady, Randy Stiver and Steve Myers, are fitting in. Each has a special love for and rapport with young adults, and it shows in their classes.

This week we also have other guests in town. Darris McNeely and Gary Petty are joining Mr. Myers and members of our media staff for the planning and recording of several more Beyond Today television programs.

We hear an increasing number of comments from members about the effectiveness and professionalism of the programs, and we’re grateful that doors recently opened for us to reach new people with better times and stations in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

We very much appreciate your prayers for the continuing success of our television programs and other media efforts. Since we started airing Beyond Today on nationwide cable on WGN America last summer, we’ve received more than 48,000 responses requesting a subscription to The Good News magazine and one or more of our booklets.

Speaking of booklets, this week we’re mailing our latest booklet, Is God a Trinity? to our several thousand member households and shipping them to our international offices to be distributed to members around the world.

Those of us who realize the fallacy of the Trinity doctrine rightfully find it hard to understand why so many people believe in this deceptive teaching. You’ll be surprised at the quotes in the booklet from theologians and others who firmly believe that the Trinity is a “litmus test” for determining who is and isn’t a Christian, as they would define the term.

At the same time, many theologians and religious scholars candidly admit that the Trinity is a “divine mystery,” incomprehensible to limited human minds. One of the most amazing quotes you’ll find in the booklet, taken from a book authored by a seminary professor and an international missionary, is this: “He who would try to understand the Trinity fully will lose his mind. But he who would deny the Trinity will lose his soul.”

This aptly demonstrates what a bizarre hold this confusing doctrine has on the minds of so many millions of people!

In this booklet you’ll learn the equally strange story of how this doctrine came to be one of the foundational teachings of this world’s Christianity—developed over several centuries after the biblical writers had passed from the scene! You’ll also find many quotes from Bible resources, religious scholars and historians who openly acknowledge that the Trinity as taught today is simply not found in Scripture, but was developed and accepted long after the Bible was written.

And of course, the booklet thoroughly explains how God is revealed in the Bible—as God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, forming a divine family into which those whom the Father has called and granted His Holy Spirit have the opportunity to enter. It’s a wonderful future almost beyond our comprehension, and one that is obscured by the deceptiveness of the Trinity doctrine.

This week’s activities at the home office—the beginning of a new ABC year, the production of new Beyond Today programs and the mailing of this new booklet (our 34th)—again show our commitment to our founding determination to preach the gospel and prepare a people, sharing the wonderful truths our Creator has revealed to us with a world in desperate need of the hope that lies within us.

As we approach the autumn Holy Days, now only six weeks away, let us always be thankful for the wonderful truth we have been given and the awesome privilege it is to be a tool in God’s hands to share these things with the world.

We deeply appreciate your faithfulness and prayers that make all of this possible.

In Christ’s service,

Dennis Luker

PS—Don’t forget to pray for the success of the Kingdom of God Bible Seminars coming up beginning September 10. We’re now up to more than 150 congregations that will be hosting them, not just in the United States but in several international areas as well. We’re seeing new people sign up daily to attend! To stay on top of the latest developments, sign up for regular updates at realtimeunited.wordpress.com by entering your e-mail address at the right side of the page.

Video Commentary: “Stones”

July 28, 2011

The Bible talks of an earthly paradise where the lion will dwell peacefully with the lamb and there will be no more sickness or death.

Ambassador Bible Center graduate David Archer shares a personal, heartfelt story of losing his mother at an early age. Despite his loss, he shares with us his hope and confidence that he will be with his mother again in the Kingdom of God. Watch this United Church of God video titled “Stones” now.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services

ABC 2011-2012 Class Enrolls 30

July 22, 2011

We have now accepted 30 students into the Class of 2012 at Ambassador Bible Center. And, we have a few more days before the admission period for 2012 is concluded.

We are excited to have the potential for a multi-national representation. There are students from Philippines, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia and Colombia scheduled to come this year.

We have accepted 17 males and 13 females. The age range has averaged at 22 since the beginning of ABC. There are a few who are older students, a few younger ones and many in their twenties.

We are preparing the course outlines and orientation packets, procuring textbooks and planning the welcome picnic so that we may be ready for the beginning of our 13th year of Ambassador Bible Center that begins on August 14. We’d appreciate your prayers to God for the success of this important United Church of God program.

Gary Antion—ABC Coordinator

Gary and Barbara Antion

Class of 2012: Ambassador Bible Center

June 24, 2011

With just over one month before the application deadline, 25 students have been accepted into the Class of 2012 for the Ambassador Bible Center. There are three applications yet to evaluate which potentially could bring the total number of students to 28. If everyone comes, the Class of 2012 would be nearly 30 percent larger than last year. We thank God for the number of students who have applied to learn the Bible as never before.

The class is typical and would average around 22 years of age. We have some just out of high school, several with university degrees or university credits and a few more mature students. It should be a very nice blend for the Class of 2012.

We are having our student catalog updated as well as busily planning for the new class with preparations for the welcome picnic, orientation, new class schedules and module presenters.

We’re very excited to welcome the thirteenth class at Ambassador Bible Center and we thank you for your prayers and support for this important educational component of the United Church of God. As mentioned in an earlier post, please remember to view this year’s ABC promotional video that includes interviews with the class of 2011 if you have not already done so.

Gary Antion—ABC Coordinator

Gary and Barbara Antion

New Ambassador Bible Center Promotional Video

June 10, 2011

The United Church of God has produced a new promotional video for its Ambassador Bible Center titled, “Ambassador Bible Center: Faith and Friends.” You can view the video on our ABC website, or on YouTube where it can be shared and liked.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video, and share it with your friends and family.

Peter Eddington—Media and Communications Services

ABC Graduates 12th Class

May 31, 2011

Sunday, May 22, marked the conclusion of the 12th year of Ambassador Bible Center, sponsored by the United Church of God. Many of the 24 graduates are now on their way home or packing to depart from Cincinnati. And what a year it has been!

2010-2011 ABC Class on graduation day.

The Friday beforehand was set aside for the ABC Chorale to record its program for the students to have as a memento. Friday afternoon was rehearsal for graduation! Sabbath was the day for the Baccalaureate Sermon by Mr. Myers. He was preceded by the Chorale doing its final full performance of the year during sermonette time in Cincinnati East PM. Mr. Myers followed with a sermon on salt. He encouraged the students to be such as could be “shaken” as he brought several examples of how salt was used and how we need to have those same characteristics or qualities.

Saturday evening saw a flurry of activities at the home office as Terri Eddington and Lisa Fenchel prepared the decorations for the refreshments on Graduation Day. Jorge and Kathy de Campos worked tirelessly with the aid of several alumni to prepare and decorate the hall with beautiful floral pieces.

Sunday was graduation day. Around 180 family members, friends, home office staff, instructors and the Class of 2011 gathered for the 1 p.m. exercises. Peter Eddington played “Pomp and Circumstance” through the sound system as Eileen Sharkey, the Ambassador Excellence award recipient for 2008, led the students in as monitor for the graduation. Gary Antion welcomed the audience as the music died down and reminded all that “good young people come from good parents.” Randy Stiver delivered the invocation followed by the student address by class president Brett Diggins. The chorale sang their final two numbers and the students gave a surprise bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Darlene Shoemaker, the wife of chorale director Ken Shoemaker.

President Luker brought the commencement address, and he urged the students to remember three important Scriptures that will help them through the triumphs and challenges of life: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:28; and Philippians 4:13. He expounded each and reminded the students to keep their content handy as they experience the ups and downs of life.

Four honor awards were given. Amber Duran and Brent Martin received the Ambassador Excellence awards presented by Mr. Luker. Aaron Dean represented the Council of Elders and gave the COE Service Award to Sabrina Clore and Michael Roberts for their outstanding service.

Brent Martin and Amber Duran received the Ambassador Excellence awards. Pictured with Dennis Luker, president.

The conferring of diplomas was next in the program. Mr. Steve Myers, Academic Dean, recommended the Class of 2011 for the Biblical Studies diploma and Mr. Luker conferred it upon them. The students individually received their encased diplomas and walked across the stage as their names were called. After the last student’s name was called, the audience gave all the students a huge round of applause.

Frank McCrady, one of the instructors, delivered the benediction and blessing on the refreshments and then it was time to celebrate. Beautiful and delicious cakes with punch were awaiting us along and the hugs and well-wishes to the class members.

Council of Elders Service Award given to Michael Roberts and Sabrina Clore. Pictured with Aaron Dean, treasurer.

We were very appreciative of all the assistance given by so many to help make this event such a wonderful success for the Class of 2011.

As I write this, I am a bit sad that the students will not be around anymore, having grown to appreciate and love them for nine months. But, I have a sense of satisfaction in knowing they will be leaving with a better understanding of the words of life from the Holy Bible and the encouragement to continue to “Build Godly Character” throughout their lives.

Godspeed to the Class of 2011 and may God’s blessings follow in your lives.

Gary Antion—ABC Coordinator

Gary and Barbara Antion

ABC Promotional Video Underway

May 9, 2011

Daniel Hitsman.

The media department, along with the Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) faculty, have been working on producing a short promotional video for ABC. On May 6, the media department interviewed some of the students on the Beyond Today set in front of a green screen. We will continue videotaping this class until graduation on May 22, and complete the video sometime in June.

The students were asked about their experience, what brought them to ABC and how it has changed them. Several comments were made that they came to ABC expecting theoretical knowledge but gained, far more important, knowledge of application. The Bible is a living book to all of these young adults. They show zeal and passion for the work of the Church and many commented on how they loved learning to serve. They all feel that God has given them a great opportunity to come to ABC.

Rudy Rangel, Amber Duran and Jamie Schreiber.

Graduation is May 22. It will be a great day of joy and sadness as the students part ways. Preparations for the next class are underway. If you are thinking of applying, watch for this video in June to hear the stories and experiences of this year’s class.

Please click on the attached photographs for more detail.

Rudy Rangel—Associate Video Producer

Brett Diggins and Rudy Rangel.

Associate video editor, Jamie Schreiber.

ABC Students watching the interviews being recorded.

Chelsea Dawe.

Amber Duran.

Rudy Rangel, Antonio Lombardo and Jamie Schreiber.

Charity Auction for Children in Zimbabwe

May 5, 2011

Ambassador Bible Center Holds Fundraiser to Serve Children in Zimbabwe

Brittany Ballo displays a cheesecake being auctioned off by Brent Martin. This cheesecake brought in the second-highest bid of the night, $285!

The Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) students opened the doors of the United Church of God home office on Sunday, May 1, to host the 10^th Annual Charity Auction to benefit children—this time for children in Zimbabwe. Funds were raised for the Benenga family, and other impoverished families, to send their children to receive a primary education and to benefit the local community.

The ABC class began collecting donations in January and received many gift cards, certificates, services and items donated by local businesses and church members. A Days of Unleavened Bread Fundraiser also was used to augment the funds for the Charity Auction and added $1,300 to the final fundraiser amount. Over 35 baked goods were provided for the Live Auction which brought in $2,880 the night of the fundraiser. The Silent Auction portion yielded $1,404. With monetary donations from all sources considered, the total amount raised for the Zimbabwe Education Fund is over $5,600.

Alyssa Whynaucht holds the top selling dessert of the auction, a Baklava assortment made by Barbara Antion that captured a top bid of $425!

The exciting evening showcased the talent of ABC students in a Variety Show which was then interspersed with time for auctioning off mouth-watering cookies, cakes and pies. Brittany Borgna was the mastermind behind perhaps the best hor’douerves served at a Charity Auction. Current ABC students manned the sound booth and backstage, as well as put on their performance faces for the show. Amber Duran and Brent Martin were the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Martin doubled as the lively, clever auctioneer who even did fairly accurate and humorous impersonations of the ABC professors.

Hamming it up after their "African Dance" number are, from left, Chelsea Dawe, Alyssa Whynaucht, Brittany Whynaucht, Amber Duran and Sabrina Clore

Variety Show acts included singing accompanied by guitar and piano, a piano instrumental, a number of skits ranging from a Saturday Night Live inspired performance to an impromptu “Who’s Line is it Anyway” prop game. Dancing talent was well represented in over three acts: An ancient Israeli timbrel dance, complete with flying multi-colored ribbons; a salsa dancing couple, one of which is Jaime Salek, an ABC student from Colombia, heated things up; and the finale act was a rendition of traditional African dancing complete with face paint.

Class treasurer, Antonio Lombardo, keeps track of the bids.

Many of the students felt a strong sense of accomplishment in helping their greater community. Mr. Salek explained, “I was nervous to perform but grateful to God to have opportunity to participate…I feel I was doing something important  for people.”

Mr. Michael Roberts went on to explain how he felt it went, “Tremendous! A lot of work, but it really helped our class to come together as one.”

Excitement mounts as Josh Cook throws his auction paddle into the air.

Mr. Randy Stiver, a professor at ABC, commented on the event: “The students did a great job in the organizing…You see how God works it all out and it all fell into place like the class wanted it to. The value of building faith with character was brilliant. Entertainment was great and humor was the funniest thing. All aspects were good.”

Overall, the Charity Auction of 2011 was an enjoyable, fulfilling experience for all who attended. The ABC class of 2011 would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to this event, making it huge success!

Sabrina Clore—ABC Service Projects Coordinator