Tuesday, August 10, 2021

UCG Struggles With COVID As It Prepares For Feast



Below is the latest letter to UCG members regarding COVID, the Feast, and about showing love to one another in the church.

The facts are plain. A fresh surge of coronavirus infections—driven by the Delta variant—has created a new set of challenges for much of the world. Its impact has been felt keenly within the Church of God community. Many of you know that Beyond Today TV host Gary Petty and his wife, Kim, both came down recently with the virus, as did a number of members in the Tennessee congregations they serve. Mr. Petty’s case grew severe, and he had to be hospitalized. 
 
Thankfully, he is scheduled to be released soon, but will require time to fully recover at home. As he told me by phone, his personal experience with COVID-19 confirms that it is “a bad disease.” None of us want to experience it. Other groups within the Church of God community report several cases—mild and severe alike—among members and ministers. This virus respects no human.

Like the Living Church of God, UCG is sending their children off to summer camps, even after one of its camps had some serious issues with children being infected. 

There are some issues that we need to consider over the coming weeks. I believe that God helped us all get through a successful camp season for our church youth. With the exception of one camp where there were many who came down with the virus, we mostly were spared. In addition to God’s amazing protection, no small measure of thanks goes to the intensive planning and execution of safety measures.

Kubik goes on to talk about members getting vaccinated and members who chose not to get vaccinated. Neither he claims is wrong, IF they have a good attitude.

What I am about to write about is a delicate and solemn subject, but one that we must face head on, especially as we near the Fall Festival season. I write here of the issue of COVID-19 precautions and safety measures, and yes, that includes the available vaccines. 
 
As well documented in our doctrinal study paper (streaming.ucg.org/files/papers/UCG-papers-Divine-Healing.pdf), the United Church of God believes in and teaches divine healing. The paper rightly states that “We will never understand in this life every step in the process which leads to the healing of our illnesses. We must rely on the clear scriptural statements for our doctrine . . . We believe that divine healing is a promise from God and we claim that promise through faith.” 
 
We also understand and positively teach that seeking medical treatment—including the administration of vaccines—represents a personal choice. We positively teach that it is not a sin to seek such services. 
 
During this year and a half of pandemic, we have all faced various trials and tests. We have watched and personally experienced the intense polarization of America and the politicization of virtually the entire spectrum of COVID-19 issues. When it comes to our members, our relationships, and our choices, what are we to do? 
 
Our direction is crystal clear! We read it every Passover evening, and it should be front and center in our everyday lives. Here’s what our Savior and coming King Jesus Christ proclaims to each one of us: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35, emphasis added throughout). 
 
In the Church, the issue is not about vaccines or whether or not someone wears a mask or takes other precautions. The issue is about attitude
 
We are to show love and respect. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Throughout the COG movement right now there are bitter camps of pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination. The ant-vax COG members are adamant that those who get vaccinated are without faith and fail to trust God to keep them free of the pandemic and its variants or heal them if they get sick. This has been a COG tradition handed down for decades to the erroneous and at times dangerous attitude to avoid doctors and medical assistance. Certain COG movements look down upon anyone that has been to see a doctor and especially those who have gotten the vaccinations.

Kubik then goes on to say this:

Apart from those who are licensed physicians or other medical professionals within the United Church of God, we recognize that we are not medical experts. As a spiritual assembly, we do not offer medical advice or diagnostic suggestions.

But here is an important point: Since we arrange and oversee the meeting together of many thousands of members in public areas on a continuing basis, we do hold a very strong interest in positive public health and public safety. Even outside of COVID-19 issues, we must regularly plan for and attend to many issues in the realm of public health. Many biblical passages direct us to be good stewards, which includes creating safe places for worship and fellowship.

As UCG prepares to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles next month, they are making COVID plans. With widespread issues with the Delta variant hitting some states and cities really hard, UCG faces the fact they may need to cancel services in some areas.

We are but weeks away from the Festival season. In America, two of our Feast sites are in Florida, currently the state with the highest number of new COVID-19 infections and related hospitalizations. Some cities—like New York City—have already adopted a vaccine mandate and are now requiring proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, gyms, and other gathering places. Unless the surge abates, we may face changes in how we conduct the Feast. For example, we may need to suspend in-person meetings in favor of off-site webcasting if COVID-19 case(s) are widespread at or near a site, but almost a certainty if that infection is confirmed among attendees (hence the extreme need for everyone to take precautions). 
 
We are carefully monitoring the developing situations around all of our Feast sites and all of our church congregations.

Kubik ends with this:

My message and my request are this: please pray fervently for God’s protection, God’s wisdom, and God’s direction. As Paul directs us, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, New Living Translation). Be tolerant and supportive of each other, including the posting of messages on social media. Please pray for our older members and those with various conditions, as they may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. 
 
In summary, now is a critical time. Now is the time to really show love for one another. Now is the time for understanding, of appreciating the spiritual and physical challenges that we face. Now is the time for action, of taking precautions and promoting safety for all, even if it is inconvenient. Let us come together, let us speak together, let us worship together “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV).

It will be interesting to see how forthright COG groups will be after the Feast and if they will warn members about COVID infections as a result of Feast attendance.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

The real god of the COGs is the media, which is nearly on par with holy writ.

http://thereisnopandemic.net/

Anonymous said...

Covid is not real. This is just more fear-mongering.

True Christian said...

anon 10:17 Covid is a real disease and very contagious. I agree that the UCG is not a medical expert. And they should not offer medical advice or diagnostic suggestions. If you need proper medical advice see a doctor not advice from those without medical experience

Anonymous said...

Are these "Covid is not real" people also the ones who stare at a fruit juice can for hours because of the word "concentrate" on the can?

Tonto said...

HWA and GTA were not real!

Miller Jones/Lonnie C Hendrix said...

Anonymous 9/11 @ 10:10 and 10:17 AM,

You are the children of your father, the Devil. Like you, he was/is a liar and advocates for a great many things that were/are not true. Covid is real, and many folks will get sick and die because of it (my brother-in-law is currently hospitalized with it in Alabama and is fighting for his breath and to maintain his blood oxygen levels).

You are blind guides leading the blind down a dangerous and pit-filled path. You are not only completely devoid of common sense - You are also obviously devoid of the love of Christ! It is certainly not loving or compassionate to put other people at risk or persuade them to endanger their own health.

Let's be clear: Your lies are particularly insidious/pernicious in nature and are definitely NOT Christian! Moreover, if you continue to persist in advancing these lies, you will place yourselves in jeopardy of someday experiencing firsthand the Lake of Fire! You should both, therefore, repent and ask God to forgive you - He is full of compassion and mercy and is willing to forgive even the blackest of sins.

Anonymous said...

TC said "anon 10:17 Covid is a real disease and very contagious. I agree that the UCG is not a medical expert. And they should not offer medical advice or diagnostic suggestions. If you need proper medical advice see a doctor not advice from those without medical experience"

Do you mean like Wavey Davey Pack? After he almost died from it the employees at his cult HQ are afraid to wear masks so that they don't get yelled at.

True Christian said...

Anon 12:30 Pm if you have a medical problem and want medical advice you should talk to the doctors but if you want supernatural healing you should see a minister for anointed cloths or elder. I do not know if I trust the covid vaccine because it probably have some covid in it to make you immune. However, I know that we must obey man's law as long as it does not contradict God's laws. So we might be spiritually required to get the vaccine if man's laws require it like how some cities like New York City have already adopted a vaccine and remember that you need it to gym and other stuff so you how do you do almost anything without it?

True Christian said...

Also on a behind the work film Mr. Pack have a doctor work at their HQ I think so that church is fine to me.

Anonymous said...

TC
People have died from the COVID vaccine. It's not black and white as you claim. How can you be spiritually required to take the vaccine if it can make you ill or kill you?

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately covid Is real, whether it originated as a mutated virus from bats or which is more likely, escaped from the Wuhan lab. At least UCG does give their members the option to see a physician, unlike frauds like Flurry. I never understood the criteria that HWA banned medical treatment considering that Luke was a physician, most likely influenced by the medical treatment of his day, which owed much to the ancient Greeks.

True Christian said...

Tonto yes HWA and GTA were real many people met them and there are videos of them on youtube GTA's son mark armstrong he is still alive today.

Anonymous said...

Anyone that catches covid in the church most likely has hidden sins otherwise they will not get it. The church was relatively sickness-free for the early part of the church's existence. Once the 70's hit and the sins of rebellion and power-hungry ministers made their selves know, many of their wives came down with cancer. Sicknesses then started filling up the church across the board. Break the law and pay the price!

Anonymous said...

I tend to think God takes issue with people injecting themselves with mRNA that hijacks your cells to get them to produce spike protein, which, by the way, are cytotoxic and definitely not "perfectly safe." Do your research, folks. It takes a little effort, but if you're going to put something in your body, you should know the risks.

True Christian said...

Also Tonto this blog would not exist without Armstrong since it tries to expose armstrongism and shows news about the Armatrongite churches so yes the founder of Armstrongism Mr. Armstrong certainly existed. The term " Armstrongism" is offensive because it is the doctrines of God revealed through Mr. Armstrong but the people who say Arnstrongism act like it Is the doctrines of Armstrong alone.

Anonymous said...

Tonto:

I do believe that there is a runway missing its airplane right now. That flew right over his head. LMAO!

Anonymous said...

Covid is just pneumonia and flu renamed. It is not real. There is no evidence of a new disease. The symptoms are the same and the death rate has not gone up. Only fools believe covid is a new disease.

Anonymous said...

Anon 5:42pm

The apostle Paul suffered a "thorn in the flesh" which he asked to be healed, and was told no by God. But the reason given was not "hidden sins" but that God sometimes shapes us spiritually through weaknesses and difficulties.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Anonymous said...

Bit late to this banned debate or verbal punch up but I personally think Victor Kubic had shown immense courage in his members letter. The tone is spot on and I applaud him for showing such courage. He has at times in the past 18 months shown great leadership skills.

To put in writing about UCG members possibly considering getting the covid vacinee takes considerable guts. To advise an COG audience about the cold harsh reality of a Pandemic is an extremely difficult situation. I wish him all the best.

Anonymous said...

Right, because Dave is a narcissist and finds every doctor in the organization and brings them to headquarters so that he can surround himself with other "intellectuals."

Anonymous said...


DR VLADIMIR ZELENKO - THE POISON DEATH SHOT (TESTIFIES BEFORE RABBINIC COURT IN ISRAEL)

Video on BITCHUTE (30 min., 36 sec.):

https://www.bitchute.com/video/1Zs2InQBosZH/

Anonymous said...

Didn't Zelenko claim to have cured his covid patients but when asked for proof he closed up his office and disappeared? If so, why would someone who wants to bring health to people not be eager to share the proof to support his assertions? Why not allow for peer review of his research? I think he has been recommending vitamins and unproven drugs to heal his patients.

Anonymous said...


10:44 AM, Why not at least watch the video before you yap, instead of just guessing and making up stuff?

Anonymous said...


SORRY VICTOR!! You will **NOT** stop people from posting on this blog!! You may fool some of your deluded religious hobbyists and fellow cult members but NOT everyone is drinking your poisonous Kool-Ade!! You have NO control over this blog!!

Anonymous said...

3:34 says Kubik has shown "great leadership" during this time but there was nothing said about repentance or faith (or was there?), which is the essence of the gospel by which anyone must be saved. If they want to be saved from this crisis, they better consider this. Otherwise the church will continue to experience weakness and sickness until the end. (1 Cor 11:30)

The COG leaders are like doctors, only wanting to treat the symptoms while refusing to understand the true causes (because it would be a blow to their pride and corporate offices if they really understood what was happening), while blindly assuming that they will go unpunished for leaving their abused members in the lurch.

Wake up, you sinners, and see that the doors are closing on you for a reason.

And you're not getting new converts until you fess up to your sins against the old converts.

Anonymous said...

I’m certain that these freaks will be using the same concepts about how the members should take the Mark of the Beast to keep attending “the Feast” as they can keep that cash flowing in. The shot is filled with unclean food and should be rejected per Lev 11.

Anonymous said...

And you too are not real Tonto.

Anonymous said...

Loma Armstrong died in 1968. Many members men women and children died because of the no medicine rule. So the argument you put forth is rubbish.