Gerald Weston Tells Ministers To Zip It

 

Is LCG looking to restrict the flow of information? It can't be stopped, not in this digital age. Ministers and members will continue to post things that are wrong in the church.

Greetings from Charlotte,
This past Wednesday we held an online Conference for all ministers around the world. I discussed the need for confidentiality, and caution when putting anything online. Mr. Ames gave an encouraging report on the work of the Television Department as well as plans for new booklets and DVDs that are in the pipeline. Dr. Winnail highlighted the credibility problem regarding vaccines and mandates. Be sure to read Mr. Wallace Smith’s lead article—“The Credibility Crisis”—in the February 2022 Tomorrow’s World magazine. You should be receiving it soon. I finished the conference by mentioning that we are planning in-person Council of Elders meetings, as well as regional in-person ministerial conferences this year. Several follow-up Tomorrow’s World Presentations are scheduled for this Sabbath and Sunday. Please take note of the Canadian truckers’ protest taking place this Saturday in Ottawa, mentioned in my video update for this week.—Gerald Weston

Gerald Weston…Oh, before I forget, let me add this...

Gerald waxes eloquent about the great things the church is doing and then quickly inserts a zinger before going quickly back to his backslapping. 

Greetings from Charlotte,
We had an enjoyable Young Adult Weekend in Delavan, Wisconsin, last week, with 33 in attendance. It was marked by profitable group sessions, warm fellowship, and a bit of recreation. The weekend format was similar to our previous “Living 4 Tomorrow” (L4T) program, and we plan to revive that program once again. We have Tomorrow’s World Presentations scheduled for this weekend in Spokane, Washington; Jacksonville, Florida; Tacoma, Washington; and Ocala, Florida. Follow-up presentations are scheduled for next weekend, as well as a first-time presentation in El Paso, Texas. Brethren, we understand that there is a very contagious COVID variant going around, but we will continue to do the Work while there is time. Last year, we had 523 guests attend TWPs in person with another 199 connecting online, and we have a very aggressive schedule planned for 2022.— Gerald Weston

LCG: Are you an effective team player or do you promote yourself while criticizing us?

 

Well, the Friday Night SmackDown is back after a relatively benign few weeks of platitudes after the Feast. Looking at what is posted below sounds perfectly logical on the surface, but when you take into consideration this is a Church of God saying this, and given the track record of the LCG/GCG over the last couple of decades, this is just one more thing that LCG members are doing wrong. They are NOT team players, nor do they respect others and treat them gently. Remember this is a COG saying this which causes one to stop and think about when the church did not criticize members, treated them gently and respectfully, AND was willing to listen to members. Really listen.

Are You a Team Player? Members of successful teams (families, churches, etc.) develop skills to function together to accomplish goals. As Christians, we must develop the same qualities. We need to be focused on the same goal—the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and doing the Work of God (Mark 16:15). Effective team players avoid offending others (Matthew 18:7), they forgive and overlook slights and insults (Proverbs 17:9), and do not accuse or criticize other members of the team (Matthew 7:1–5). Effective team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); they treat others gently, respectfully, and patiently; and are willing to listen (James 3:17; 4:11). They do not promote themselves at the expense of others (Matthew 20:20–24), and they appreciate that team members have different talents (1 Corinthians 12:4–12). In short, good team players have learned to love their neighbors. Let’s strive to develop these vital qualities.

Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

Gerald Weston Letter To LCG Members Causing Division Over Vaccines

FROM THE PRESIDING EVANGELIST

Dear Brethren,

The Bible clearly indicates that there were tensions among members in the first century. Since many converts came from pagan backgrounds, whether or not to eat meats that may have been offered to idols was a complex issue at that time (1 Corinthians 8). Some members abstained from meats or had special fasting days (Romans 14:1–5). Among the Jews, circumcision was a huge controversy. In response, the Apostles, who were the highest-ranking ministers of the Church at that time, came together and decided the issue guided by God’s Spirit (Acts 15).

Compared to these issues, some of the things that have caused division within the Church in more modern times seem rather trivial: white or brown sugar, wheat, or rice. Some modern controversies were not so trivial: how to count Pentecost, and divorce and remarriage. Current issues involve whether to wear masks and whether to be vaccinated. Just as in the past, Church leaders come together to decide how the Church should handle these controversial issues. No matter what we decide, some members will become offended and leave, ignoring God’s plain instructions regarding divisive matters (Deuteronomy 17:8–13). Masks and social distancing are inconvenient and their usefulness is disputed, but Church leaders believe that they are helpful on some occasions and our experience at the Feast would seem to support that, as very few at our 100 (83 international and 17 U.S.) Feast sites worldwide came down with COVID.

Today members have strong feelings on both sides of the vaccine debate and circumstances vary for each individual. The vaccine controversy is more akin to the issue of circumcision, and the Apostles left that decision up to individuals, though explaining that circumcision for Gentiles was unnecessary and could be counterproductive, depending on the attitude and reason (Acts 16:3; Galatians 5:6, 12)

In our Council of Elders meeting this week, we learned about the plight of unvaccinated individuals in some parts of the world: “no jab, no job”; no travel by commercial air, rail, or boat; no travel outside of a very restricted area; and extremely limited shopping options. Some university students are locked out after years of working on technical degrees. Members must wrestle with feeding their families, or visiting a dying relative. We can begin to see how the Mark of the Beast will eventually be enforced, but, brethren, this is not the Mark of the Beast! The Church does not teach that vaccines are sin, but they can be, depending on one’s conscience. Different members will decide differently in all these circumstances. That is why we have left it to the individual to prayerfully make that very personal choice.

Regarding the fact that sacrificing an animal to an idol affects only its ceremonial cleanness and not the nature of the meat itself, Paul gives this warning about how we treat one another, and it applies today: “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

In similar fashion, Paul warns, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.... Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:16–19, 22–23). Also, note verse 4: “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

The specific issues are different, but the principles teach us how to deal with controversial situations that will arise in every generation. Brethren, the conditions which many of our brethren around the world face are not easy, and Satan will use them to divide us if we let him. We must avoid the anger being stirred up in this world. We must love one another (John 13:34). We have a Work to do. Let us do all we can to promote peace and be about our Father’s business! 

 

Sincerely, in Christ’s service, Gerald E. Weston

Somebody's Mad!

 

Every once in a while someone's delicate nerves get pinched and we get comments like this.

Koke61 commented on "LCG: The next 1 - 5 years will be traumatic!"

You can mock all you want, but the Church of God from the hand of Mr. Weston will continue forward and the entire ministry from North America to Patagonia and each member around the world will continue as one man united until the end, one day you will give account of this just like the vile soldier who slapped our Lord Jesus Christ.

LCG is anything BUT united, especially after Gerald Weston told LCG members who visited other COG Feast sites that they had done so under the influence of Satan.

LCG: The next 1 - 5 years will be traumatic!

How many decades did we hear Rod Meredith, while he was in WCG, GCG, and LCG, claim we had less than 5 years till the crap hits the fan? LCG is still on that bandwagon. In a letter to the faithful and co-workers, Gerald Weston stirs up the fear factor once again.

We will all see rough times in life—and so will this Work of God—but God will always bring us through those difficulties if we love Him, as shown by our actions in obeying Him, and put our trust in Him. I urge you, dear brethren and co-workers, to have faith in God. He will see each of us through whatever difficult times there will be, and there will be extremely difficult times going forward. I doubt that any of us can imagine how traumatic the next one to five years will be, but as Jesus encourages us, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

Of course, there is no other Church of God on earth who is as qualified as the Living Church of God is in preparing its people for a soon coming trauma. Remember, the COG needs tragedy and trauma to happen in order to prove they are the possessors of the truth and that salvation is only available through them because they are so enlightened.

One fact is for certain—God is in control. While He is allowing mankind sufficient rope to “hang itself,” He will not forsake His Work here on earth. Nor will He forsake those of you who are His. King Solomon declared, “The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3). David wrote, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). 

 

And how can we forget Paul’s reminder: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). The late Dr. Roderick C. Meredith reminded us to read that verse carefully. Too many quote the part that says, “all things work together for good” without noticing the qualifiers—“to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Loving God is more than an emotion. The Apostle John explained: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). And Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

As usual, time is short and the end is nigh, thus LCG members need to stop their revelry, lust, strife, and drunkenness:

Paul also reminds us of this comforting truth, while giving us vital admonitions to go along with that truth: “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:11-14).  Octobr 12, 2021 Coworker/Member letter

Gerald Weston: Making Excuses For The 1975 In Prophecy Booklet Lie

 

From Gerald Weston:

He later wrote a booklet titled 1975 in Prophecy. It was never intended to set that year as the date of Christ’s return, but instead was highlighting a significant milestone in the future as many others have done; for example, George Orwell’s 1984, published in 1949, and William and Paul Paddock’s Famine 1975! America’s Decision: Who Will Survive?, written in 1967. Today we might highlight a future year such as 2050, not intending to imply that 2050 is a specific year during which we expect something earth-shattering to happen. But in the course of time, 1975 in Prophecy took on a life of its own. Some Ambassador College faculty began calculating, using 19-year time cycles, that the work of the Church could end in 1972 with the three-and-a-half-year period mentioned in Revelation taking us to 1975. 

How easily he glosses over the fact that Rod Meredith was the champion of the 1975 lie. 

It was taught to us in the Dayton area as FACT and we even had a sermon once where the minister outlined on a rolling blackboard on the stage and drew a chart right down to the month that we would flee. My mother faithfully copied this crap down and put it inside the kitchen cupboard where she crossed off the days till we were supposed to flee to Petra. This came straight from Pasadena. The fact that Weston denies that anyone thought this was a fact is a blatant falsehood.

I do not know when Mr. Armstrong began to consider that 1975 could be the year, but I do know firsthand that, as late as 1969, on the occasion of one of the Senior Dinners that he hosted in his home, he thought it possible for things to wrap up by then. At the same time, however, he strongly warned the Church not to set dates. And Dr. Meredith was already saying as early as 1968 that “the end of the Work in 1972” and “the return of Christ in 1975” were dates that would come and go without those expected events. 

 

When it was clear that 1972 was not the end of the Work, people looked for other dates and some concluded that the error was in subtracting the seven years of Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity from the 2,520 years from the fall of Babylon in 539 BC. This recalculation brought us to the year 1979 for the end of the Work, with Christ returning in 1982. That was nearly 40 years ago—obviously, speculators were wrong again.

There has never been a Church of God prophet that was part of the Armstrongite dispensation that has ever told the truth. Not one single one and that includes Bob Thiel, Rod Meredith, Ron Weinland, Dave Pack, and Gerald Flurry. 

Liars all.

Perhaps we can be forgiven such errors, as we are in the company of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This certainly applies to some people, perhaps many of us, but Paul wrote to a contemporary audience, while God inspired it for all times. Paul did not set any specific dates as far as we know, yet it may seem in his epistles that he thought they were living very near to the end of the age—certainly not 2,000 years away from it! 

 

It is natural to want to know how long we have left to wait, and it is natural to hope that Christ’s return will be within our own personal lifetime. This natural tendency to speculate must be tempered by mature thinking whereby we learn from the past. It would seem that, given the history of the last 100 years, we should have learned not to attempt specific predictions. Dr. Meredith realized this, refusing to be specific, but when pressed for some indication he would say that he thought it would be seven to 17 years—and he repeated that for a decade or more, as a moving target. 

 

This is not a criticism of Paul, Mr. Armstrong, or Dr. Meredith, but it should be a lesson for all of us. Sadly, some never learn, and they go beyond simple speculation and count on specific dates. When one date fails to bring Christ’s return, they set another—then another, then another. And sometimes they become discouraged and leave the faith. While it is fun to speculate, the problem is that some people begin making important decisions based on their speculations: not furthering their education, not getting their teeth fixed, rushing into a poorly matched marriage, etc.

Oh, how they want to ignore this Bible quote:

Deuteronomy 18:22

If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it.

Purge them from the church! Kick them to the gutter where they belong.

The False Prophet
13 “If a prophet or someone who has dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, 2 and that sign or wonder he has promised you comes about, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us worship them,’ 3 do not listen to that prophet’s words or to that dreamer. For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul. 4 You must follow the Lord your God and fear Him. You must keep His commands and listen to His voice; you must worship Him and remain faithful[a] to Him. 5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has urged rebellion against the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the place of slavery, to turn you from the way the Lord your God has commanded you to walk. You must purge the evil from you.

 

 

LCG: One of the great blessings of the Holy Days is that they teach us about Christ…Oops! I mean MONEY!

 

Gerald Weston admits what the Holy Days are all about in the LCG:

Greetings from Charlotte,
One great blessing of God’s Festivals is that they teach us lessons in the use of money. We learn budgeting from faithfully saving a second tithe, but there are other lessons. A lesson I learned early on was that it is okay to spend money. My parents came through the Great Depression and taught me to save, but not how to spend on myself—and that was not all bad. But guilt is removed when you save for a specific goal and spend it accordingly: “I know that nothing is better for [men] than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13). Another lesson is found in Acts 20:35: “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Enjoy the fruits of this past year’s labors, share with others, and have a profitable and wonderful Feast of Tabernacles!—Gerald Weston

Get behind me, Jesus! 

LCG: With the Pandemic Causing Issues Around the World, Members Are Encouraged To Pray Like Never Before

Living Church of God Feast of Tabernacles...Nay, a booth in sight.

 

With some Feast sites closed due to covid restrictions, Gerald Weston wants members to pray like they never have before because apparently some of them do not have the sense to stay home if they are sick or feeling bad. After decades of being forced by ministers to come to church no matter what (because God supposedly demands it) members still feel they need to attend services no matter what. But, no matter what, have an inspiring, uplifting, and instructive Feast!

Greetings from Charlotte,

Let all of us be thankful if we are able to attend the Feast in person this year. The United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa are expected to have 24 Festival sites, as members are not able to freely cross some borders due to COVID-19. Vaccine mandates are forcing some members to remain in locations where we do not have a minister. On the positive side, South Africa may be loosening restrictions, which will allow larger gatherings. Mr. Herbert Armstrong used to say, “Pray as though it all depends on God, and do your part as though it all depends on you.” Brethren, during this trying time, we can and we must go to our Creator and faithfully pray for Him to do that which we cannot do for ourselves. We must then do what we can do. Perhaps the most important individual act we can do, besides heartfelt prayer, is to take personal responsibility by not attending services and activities if we have any kind of symptoms of illness. Whether it is a cold, a flu, or COVID—any symptoms that could mean sickness of any contagious kind—the Golden Rule dictates that we ought not expose others to it (Matthew 7:12). Masks and social distancing will not undo a careless lack of concern for others. We hope you had an inspiring Feast of Trumpets, and pray that the remaining Festivals of 2021 are inspiring, uplifting, and instructive.—Gerald Weston

LCG Preparing For A Feast Like No Other. Will They Take The Interests Of Others To Heart For Once?

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

Numerous countries around the world are locking down as a result of the rapid spread of the Delta and other COVID variants, making Festival planning very difficult as governments and venues impose restrictions. Mr. Rob Tyler wrote, “Much of the region is now quite affected by lockdowns and restrictions. It’s a real mess in many countries.” Mr. Paul Shumway wrote regarding Trinidad, “We were praying and expecting the government in Trinidad to lift restrictions before the Feast to allow live Church meetings for our 160 members. Unfortunately, this has not happened. Most of the members stayed in ‘temporary’ housing last year and are planning to do the same this year. Surprisingly, I heard more comments from Trinidad last year that it was ‘the best Feast ever’ than I’ve heard in a long while!” He went on to report that in Barbados there is a 25-person limit for churches and a 90-minute limit to services. “One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the uncertainty. The landscape is constantly changing and in a number of cases, it is impossible to make definite plans. This does encourage remaining flexible and looking more to God for His guidance and direction. A real faith builder!” This is once again a very challenging year for our Festival planners, especially those in our international areas. Those of us who are able to attend in person should be thankful when we consider the lockdowns many of our brethren around the world face. As we approach these special days, let us take time to review and meditate on Philippians 2:3–8.—Gerald Weston

Philippians 2:3–8 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that wasa in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

7 but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

8 he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross.

If LCG and other COG's actually took this verse to heart then they would cancel this year's Feast of Tabernacles. God certainly is not going to be upset if they do. Instead of looking after their own interests (huge amounts of offering money rolling in at the Feast), isn't it about time they looked after their members? With LCG's aging membership which is comprised of people highly susceptible to the ravages of the pandemic, wouldn't this year be the ideal time to let go and be merciful to their followers? God isn't going to put a black mark in some mysterious book because they canceled the Feast this year.

LCG: Hurtling Toward Oblivion! Ohhhhhhhh Noesssssssssss!

 

Well, crap!  That ruined my day!

On the other hand, Mr. Weston takes a dig at Sheldon Monson by claiming the all-powerful God of LCG has replaced all of the malcontents who left the only true church to go with Monson with new true believers. Isn't God awesome!

Oh, and LCG's Tomorrow's World magazine has finally reached 500,000 subscribers. Its taken them how many years to get to this point?

Despite the rapid spread of the Delta Variant, LCG is planning on its Feast sites. After all, its god will protect everyone, just like it did with Mr. Weston when he caught COVID. In the meantime, they are scrambling to make all kinds of alternative plans. I am just surprised he did not blame this on Satan as a means of stopping members from attending one of LCG's prime money-maker events.

 

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

We are now less than two weeks away from the Feast of Trumpets, and while the Trumpets are yet to blow, our world is hurtling toward oblivion, as anyone with eyes to see can see. It should be obvious by now that too many people in government, academia, and the media do not love this country—open borders, this Afghanistan disaster, and the push toward immoral behaviors provide more than enough evidence. This goes beyond politics. What God predicted would happen if we forsook Him is now coming to pass. How we long for that seventh Trumpet to be blown to bring mankind’s foolishness to an end. Meanwhile, I noticed an interesting trend the other day. While we regret that some members left us after the 2020 summer camp, in fact the number the number of Member/Co-worker letters sent out here in the U.S. has not only remained steady but has grown, and income has followed the same trend. One would have expected a dip, but God rapidly replaced those who left and the Work continues—adding four issues of the Tomorrow’s World magazine each year (from six to ten), hiring new ministers, sending out all- time high numbers of Bible Study Course lessons, and approaching half a million Tomorrow’s World subscribers. Brethren, as we approach the Feast this year, let us put our hearts into our prayers for God’s guidance and protection as this Delta variant of COVID continues to spread rapidly and, as a result, is affecting some of the requirements our venues are placing on us for our use of their facilities. Many alternate plans are having to be made all around the world.—Gerald Weston

See: 

LCG Takes a Big Hit When Over 500 (?) LCG Members Defect To Sheldon Monson and Church of God Assembly

Did Sheldon Monson Comply To Weston's Rules And Then Have The Script Turned On Him (Like LCG Is So Good At)?

LCG Members Are Still Deemed Too Dumb To Know How To Dress For The Feast

The overlords of the Church of God have always tried to dictate what was right and what they deemed to be wrong. From clothing colors and styles to colors of cars, the control church leaders have had over members is appalling. The church has built a religious empire out of majoring in the minors while ignoring the important things that Christians should have faith in.

Here we are in 2021 and church leaders still think their members are too stupid to know how to dress. 

Dave Pack demands of his men:

RCG requires white shirts, no other color and ties of course, suit needs to be dark preferably black or grey

White shirts...or light blue is acceptable, but not every week. French cuffs if you are a minister or "ministerial material." Also, those ridiculous shirts that have a white collar but blue body are acceptable, but not on the same day the Pastor General is wearing one. Jos. A Banks or Brooks Brothers are the only accepted retailers if you are HQ or a minister. Just like what Jesus Christ wore!

No orange or green ties, only dark blue, red or gold. (recent comments on Facebook)

Gerald Flurry states: 

“Are some of our members going to be kept out of the Kingdom of God because of the way you dress for Church services?” Mr. Armstrong asked members in the Worldwide News. “THIS IS SERIOUS! In some of our churches, members never think of dressing up, but come in slovenly attire, overalls, blue jeans, tennis shoes, any kind of slouchy sports clothes” (May 21, 1979). 

 

For members of God’s Church today, coming to Sabbath services in jeans or sportswear seems unimaginable. However, after Mr. Armstrong died, the Laodiceans returned to those lower standards: Many of them now wear casual clothes to their services. They willingly rejected the Philadelphia standard (Revelation 3:14-20). They have chosen the liberal worldly standard over God’s spiritual standard. 

 

Mr. Armstrong’s writings on dress are not just a matter of opinion. God led him to establish the Philadelphia standard. The godly example the end-time type of Elijah strove to set has been revealed in this last hour as a prophetic SIGNET STANDARD for God’s final Church era to emulate. “In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:23).

Today, as the various COG's get ready for another round of Feast of Tabernacles superspreader events, the Living Church of God is telling its members how to dress for services and playtime.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES Appropriate Dress for Feast Services 

 

While Scripture teaches that God looks on the heart, dress and outward decorum are also important (Matthew 22:8–14). As we prepare to be “lights to the world” at the Feast, it’s good to review some basic principles for attire at Feast services. For men, in most modern cultures, coats, collared shirts, ties, and nice slacks are considered appropriate on special occasions. This may vary somewhat in tropical climates. For ladies, 1 Timothy 2:9–10 explains that dress should be “modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” Short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines flaunting cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, belly-baring tops, etc., are not appropriate for Church services. We come to services to worship God, not to display our bodies. Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14–16). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ’s glorious reign on earth! 

 

What About at the Beach? 

 

Appropriate beach attire for women and men at the Feast of Tabernacles is swimwear that is modest and in good taste. We should be guided by the two great commandments—to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39; Mark 12:29–31)—so as not to offend God or neighbor in our dress at the Feast. Accordingly, following our Living Youth Programs policy, beachwear at the Feast for ladies should be a modest one-piece or a modest tankini (covering the mid-section), and for the men, no Speedo-type suits (unless pool facility rules require them, as is the case in some countries). Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in their families to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).

All of this silliness over what people wear to services at the Feast when they love to forget that David danced naked before the Ark of the Covenant (The Seat of God). Imagine Dave Pack, Bob Thiel, Gerald Flurry, or Gerald Weston dancing with delight over the Lord! 

LCG Continues With More Camps After Having To Close Down A Youth Camp Due To Numerous People Getting Infected With COVID

Just weeks after children and adults, including Gerald Weston and his wife, being infected with COVID and having to shut the camp down, LCG is marching forward with more summer camps for their kids. One would assume they would have erred on the side of caution and shut things down to prevent more infections, but this is a COG after all. God is on their side and no one will suffer.

Greetings from Charlotte,
We are thankful to have received the keys to the new Canadian office this last week, and our staff is now moving in. By the time you see this, the Adventure Camp will be underway in the spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of northwest Montana and the West Virginia Preteen Camp will be in the history books. The 2021-2022 Living Education on-site program is getting underway—orientation begins next week and classes begin August 16. Mr. Dan Hall will be filling in for me at the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Tomorrow’s World Presentation this Sabbath. Next week we have Tomorrow’s World presentations scheduled for Long Island, New York, and Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Smith announced that the September Tomorrow’s World magazine is now being printed, with 498,000 copies. As with others who contracted the coronavirus at camp this year, Carol and I are recovering. Carol is getting back to normal and I’m following close behind. Please remember to pray for those who have not yet recovered and are still battling this disease.—Gerald Weston

Living Youth Camp – Must Read if Someone in the Congregation Attended Teen Camp

This year, we concluded the Teen Camp in Athens, Texas, early because of concerns about COVID cases and exposure. Staff and campers received an email last week describing our efforts to relieve any financial burden that might have been caused by the early shutdown. We are refunding camper tuition and offering assistance to staff and campers who incurred additional fees for flight changes to return home early. As a reminder, the deadline for any requests for assistance is August 11. 

Rain miracles happen at Preteen Camp!  

West Virginia Preteen Camp

This is day three of preteen camp. We have 87 campers and staff enjoying the beautiful Mercer County, West Virginia, 4-H camp facilities. A week that was forecast to be filled with rain has turned into partly cloudy skies, sunshine, a breeze, and temperatures in the low to mid-70s— “Gorgeous” would be an understatement. We asked God to hold us under His wings and to give His angels charge over us, as Psalm 91:4 and 11 mentions. And wow!—has God delivered! Yesterday (Tuesday) was supposed to be rainy and we had many outdoor activities, including a bonfire and sing-along planned. All have been praying fervently for God’s intervention in the weather. During the sing-along, we felt a couple raindrops hit our sing-along books, but a glance a hundred feet to the side saw rain pouring down... rain that never reached our location. It was as if we had a giant umbrella over us. Overall, health has been good and we’ve had only a few bumps and scrapes and a couple of runny noses. We continue to pray for God’s protection for our health. Things are running very smoothly and there is a level of peace that I’ve not felt to this degree at any of the previous preteen camps I have attended (and I have attended some excellent camps in the past). Our camp theme this year is “God’s Way Works,” and campers and staff are intent on proving this theme to be true. Thursday is our last full day of camp and we are excited about our final activities. We are super grateful to God for His blessings, protection, and mercy.—Scott Winnail

Wonder if they will ever have a summer camp that is all about "Why Jesus Way Works Best"? 

Living Church of God Continues to Struggle from COVID and Delta Virus Infections

 

The latest from the LCG:

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

As Mr. Weston reported last week, both he and his wife have contracted the coronavirus. Be sure to pray fervently for their healing as well as others who became ill at or after the Living Youth Teen Camp. Several have already recovered, but the global danger has not significantly diminished. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has even recommended that vaccinated individuals wear masks “indoors and in certain parts of the country” (“CDC Changes Guidelines on Indoor Masks,” Wall Street Journal, July 28, 2021, p. A1).” Several headquarters employees are under quarantine and working from home. But the Work is moving ahead powerfully. We just received newly printed copies of Tomorrow’s World magazine, August edition, which posts a circulation of 488,000. We anticipate passing the half-million mark within the next two issues! This afternoon, our television crew will be taping my program “The Dangerous Times of the Gentiles,” offering The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality? The three-and-one-half years leading up to the return of Christ will be very dangerous and ultimately include World War III and Armageddon. Be sure to read Luke the 21st chapter, in which our Lord admonished us to watch and pray always! The TV department is also working on the November Semi-Annual DVD “Taking a Stand: Three Censored Tomorrow’s World Telecasts.” 

Weston is apparently not well enough to write this week's update to the brethren.

As for the rest of the above comment by Richard Ames, it is the same old WCG message of doom and gloom that has been preached for decades. Can LCG not come up with something new and original? Perhaps talk about finding peace in the grace of Jesus Christ? If LCG members were encouraged to find that rest and peace with Jesus then they would not be so consumed by who the Beast is and the myths and metaphors of Revelation. Does anyone outside of the COG even care about the "times of the Gentiles"? Those that are at rest with Christ do not need to let this consume their daily lives. 

Headquarters is looking forward to the new semester for on-site Living Education students who will be arriving Friday, August 6. They will study a variety of subjects and experience challenging real life adventures in their pursuit of “Recapturing True Values.” We all should strive to be living those biblical values as we overcome day by day. 

Just what "true values" are they recapturing? Twenty-some years out of the Worldwide Church of God and they still are seeking those elusive true values.  Perhaps if they sought the things Jesus brought to the table instead of worshipping the feet of Moses, those "true values" might actually be found. 

Mr. Peter Nathan visited our ministers in western Kenya where churches are not allowed to congregate. He writes, “Most of the congregations have been meeting in small groups in members’ homes to avoid the regulations. The actions of the pastors to care for their flocks has been most commendable.” Mr. Nathan then flew to Accra, Ghana to meet with several groups. Next he will be visiting the Ivory Coast and Togo before returning to the UK. Your prayers for Mr. Nathan’s travels will be appreciated. It’s encouraging to know that God has called or is calling people “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).—Richard Ames

UPDATED: Gerald Weston, His Wife, and Others at Texas Teen Camp Contracted the Delta Variant of Covid

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

Everyone should now be home from the Texas Teen Camp that we shut down because of COVID—most likely the Delta variant that is sweeping across the world at this time. Both Carol and I, as well as others who were at the Texas camp, have come down with it. I took Carol to the emergency room per doctor’s orders, but she was not put in a room and was sent home after a long day sitting up. 

 

It is truly remarkable how so many threads are coming together to present a picture leading to the end time and affecting some of our brethren here in the U.S., South Africa, and elsewhere. Leviticus 26 points out that when we come to despise God’s commandments, terror (terrorism) would follow. And following that would be wasting disease. This scourge of COVID has not gone away. And then it says in Leviticus that we will sow our seed in vain, for our enemies shall eat it. Mr. Gene Hilgenberg reported that there are shortages of food supplies, as he was having trouble getting some basic products for the camp. We see the western United States and Canada experiencing extreme drought conditions and high temperatures never before seen. Serious floods have ravaged parts of Europe and China. South Africa, countries in the Middle East, and parts of Asia are facing internal turmoil. See below for news about the situation in Haiti. We are now in a cyberwar with many bad actors disrupting basic services, such as water treatment plants. The big picture shows that this world is entering a time of trouble. Now is no time to fall asleep. While we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we need to realize that very difficult times are ahead.— Gerald Weston

Church of God News has this up:

Announcement from Gerald Weston, Living Church of God, 22 July 2021: 

 

“By this time all of you are aware that we had to shut down the teen camp in Texas.
Tuesday morning we had a case of Covid from one of the ladies. We quarantined several of the ladies downtown in separate hotel rooms for several days as a precaution. One of those ladies, my wife, came down with Covid. The others seem to have escaped it, for which we are thankful that it was not any worse. The regular camp program began Wednesday morning. We seemed to be containing it, but then on Thursday and Friday we had several other cases … it seemed like there would only be about five total. Never the less, we could see a trajectory that, if we got into the next week, it could escalate significantly. It has, because some have come home from camp with it, so we know that more people were exposed, more people have caught the virus than we knew of for certain on Friday. 

 

Friday I called a meeting for all our department heads and all our our ministers … We realized that either we take control of the situation, or this could get out and outside authorities could take control of it and shut us down, so we decided to shut it down ourselves. 

 

We are not going to hide the fact that there was a Covid outbreak. We could have decided not to test and simply say there was some sickness, but the fact of the matter is it was Covid, we tested for it when somebody got sick.” 

 

This camp in Athens, Texas, has also been utilized by COGWA, which had one report of Covid during camp, and by Church of God Assembly, which has not made any public announcement.

"All in LCG teen camp have been exposed to COVID-19 and are returning home and will be quarantined for 14 days."

Ever wonder if your children will be infected with COVID at LYC this year? 

Wonder no more! The answer is YES!
 

More troubles for Living Church of God!

From Gary Stein in his email yesterday: 

 

Greetings Everyone. 

 

As many of you know, Mr. Weston shut down the LYC Camp in Athens Friday out of an abundance of caution because some campers and staff had contracted the Covid Virus. Mr. Weston directed the campers and staff to not attend Church Services this Sabbath and next because of this. Therefore I ask that those of you who attended the LYC Camp to not attend services in Dallas, Big Sandy or Temple this Sabbath and next. 

 

Best Regards,
Gary Stein, Pastor 

 

Prayers requested for the kids and staff who got sick. 

 

Interesting.. Sheldon's camp which was held in the same facility as LCG's camp, this year, seemingly avoided this Covid-19 outbreak. Weird. Just an observation.


UPDATE ON CAMP:
All in camp has been exposed to COVID-19 and are returning home and will be quarantined for 14 days. Please continue in your prayers for all concerned. Our God is great!

Friday Night Smackdown: LCG Members Are Not Peacemakers

 

What would a Friday night be without the weekly smackdown of LCG members who seem to constantly never do anything right? This week LCG members are mistreating friends, gossiping, and otherwise not being peacemakers. Why blame the members? The biggest peacebreakers in the LCG are its ministry and leaders.  When has the ministry ever sat down with a member, in a spirit of meekness, to counsel? Instead, those sessions tend to be an egotistical power trip as the member is berated for failing to do what the minister thinks is right. When the leadership sets the example, the members will follow.

Are You a Peacemaker? Jesus explained a fundamental aspect of Christianity when He told His disciples, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul advised Christians in Rome they should do all they can to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17–21). Paul explained we can become peacemakers by not seeking revenge or mistreating others when we have been mistreated and by overcoming evil with good. Solomon stated, “He who covers [overlooks and forgives] a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter [keeps talking about or won’t let go] separates friends” (Proverbs 17:9). Real peacemakers are willing to go to their brother or sister when problems arise and talk things over in a spirit of meekness (Matthew 18:15), and a brother or sister led by God’s Spirit will be willing to listen to bring peace (James 3:17–18). One important lesson we must learn as Christians is that peace comes when we follow and learn to apply the laws of God—as David wrote, “Great peace have those who love Your law” (Psalm 119:165). How are you doing in this area of your life? 

 

Have a profitable Sabbath, 

Douglas S. Winnail

Gerald Weston Is Not Happy About Dominant Women

 

Someone needs to keep those uppity women in their place!

Weston is still screeching the same mantra that Rod Meredith and other uber-conservative COG ministers preach. How dare women teach me. How dare they! How dare they have a voice. 

Greetings from Charlotte,
In this week’s video update I mentioned that Mr. Stuart Wachowicz’ Viewpoint, “Do Schools Discriminate Against Boys?” surpassed 1.6 million views. While it is not “the Gospel,” it reflects the signs of the times as mentioned in Isaiah, “As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them” (Isaiah 3:12). We are seeing our developed Western nations more and more dominated by women and this is a reflection of a trend occurring over the last few decades in our schools. We are also pleased to mention that Mr. Michael DeSimone’s whiteboard “The One Sin That Cannot Be Forgiven” has now surpassed the one million mark. Messrs. DeSimone and Wakefield are scheduled to return Thursday afternoon from the National Religious Broadcasters conference that was held in Texas this week. Responses to the Semi-Annual offer of the “Make Sense of Your World” DVD continue to come in, with just short of 26,000 coming in by mail. This does not count those coming in by phone and over the Internet. The full moon this week is a reminder that the Feast of Tabernacles is only 12 weeks away!—Gerald Weston

LCG: Friday Night Smackdown is back!

 

Well, it is close to LCG Sabbath and time for the weekly smackdown on things LCG members are constantly doing wrong. It seems some LCG members are not focused upon the "truth" that LCG claims to possess and instead are caught up in the "cares of this world." LCG members must constantly be building character in order to be admitted into the Kingdom of God. Members are encouraged to focus their time upon that which is "true, noble, just, and pure".

LCG members have posted here for years about watching leading ministers in Charlotte and elsewhere mistreating members. From Rod Meredith on down through his kids and other ministers; abuse, nepotism, and financial abuse have been rampant. LCG HQ needs to clean its own windows before constantly criticizing its members.

Staying Focused: Jesus admonished His disciples to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). However, the temptations and pressures of this world continue to pull us away from seeking God and building the character needed to be in His Kingdom. Jesus also warned that “the cares of this world” can choke the Truth and cause us to stumble and miss out on our calling (Matthew 13:22). This is why the Apostle Paul advised Christians to “walk circumspectly” (live purposefully) and make the most of the time and opportunities to grow “because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). This is also why we need to check our focus periodically—what are we watching on TV? What we are reading? How much time do we spend on the Internet? Are we acting and treating others like a Christian? Are we using our time and talents to glorify God, or just doing our own thing? Let’s follow these biblical admonitions and focus our minds on what is true, noble, just, and pure (Philippians 4:8)—so we can be in the Kingdom of God.

Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

LCG Gains Mind-boggling New Number Of Attendees! The Mighty Work Marches Forward With Power!

 

After spending thousands of dollars in holding "campaigns" in different cities, with over 370 attending, the boys in Charlotte are pleased that they have 14 new attendees. They are encouraged about this "positive trend". It is amazing what Church of God leaders in 2021` think are "positive trends." They are grasping at straws.

After a hiatus for most of 2020, the first five months of 2021 saw a gradual ramping up of Tomorrow’s World Presentations by the Living Church of God. In “campaigns” in ten different cities, 373 subscribers have attended, in person or online. What is most encouraging, however, is that out of the six cities where we had in-person events—Williamsburg, Virginia; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Tauranga, New Zealand; Kansas City, Missouri; Greensboro, North Carolina; and, Knoxville, Tennessee—we now have a total of 14 new attendees. While the overall total is small, we are encouraged by this positive trend.