The offering as a worship experience?

This past Sunday I attended a church other than my own in order to hear a friend preach. The church where he was speaking was a predominately African American congregation. It was a joy to participate in this powerful time of worship.

When it came time for the collection of the offering, I was struck by the reverence and true act of worship the process became. The ushers began the collection process by passing the plate from the rear of the sanctuary and working towards the front as the organ gently played. Once all the offering had been collected, the ushers and pastor gathered in a small circle and prayed over the gifts that had been given. It was a simple act, but the entire process truly reflected the importance of this act of worship and stewardship. And oddly enough, I was more than just amazed. I was a bit ashamed.

You see in my home church (and many others I have attended) the collection of the tithes and offerings has doubled as a time for ‘commercial’ announcements, the showing of videos and slides from other activities, or a time for special music. It never occurred to me that in doing these alternate activities during the passing of the plate that my home congregation was unintentionally diminishing the importance of the offering as an act of worship.

As I reflected, I wondered how my congregation (or others) might react if during another act of worship, say during the sacraments of Communion, we showed a video of the latest youth activity. Would people be offended or think we had diminished the importance of the communion worship experience? Why is giving of the tithes and offerings, another Spiritual discipline, any less important?

So I ask, shouldn’t we then focus our efforts in the planning and implementation of the collecting of the offerings to be a true worship experience that recognizes the importance of the act of giving instead of trying to multi-task other activities into the same segment in order to save time?

9/11 Remembrance

8 years ago at about this time our world changed. Many of you probably vividly remember where you were when you first learned of the attacks on the World Trade Towers. I was in eating oatmeal as I watched the second jetliner slam into the second tower. It was obvious then that the first tower hit by a plane was not an accident. Throughout the morning we learned of the attack on the Pentagon and the plane crashing in a field in Pennsylvania, unable to reach its devious objective.

Yes our world changed that day. But for the families and loved ones of the nearly 3000 innocent people killed that day, there lives were truly changed. Fathers, sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends of many, all innocent people who were going about their daily business that day, just as you were. Only, they were taken by a brutal act of hatred and cowardice.

With the possible exception of the Pentagon, the victims of the attack were civilians, considered non-combatants. Attacking them was not a military strike but an act of terror perpetrated by people filled with intense hatred and a disregard for the sanctity of human life.

You may have known people who were killed that day. I lost several friends in the attack on the Pentagon. So as we mourn the loss of those murdered that day, let us also remember their families and friends. And with the Love of Christ in our hearts, let us remember also those who perpetrated and supported the attacks.

We live in a sick and dying world. Terror continues, wars are waged, humans are trafficked as commodities, people are hungry and children suffer. We live in a lost world, but we have the answer of hope.

I ask that you pray with me in silence as we remember those who were taken, remember their families, remember the perpetrators and pray for a boldness in our hearts to share the message of Christ to this lost world.

Work on 5th Street has begun

A couple of pine trees dropping to the ground were the first tangible signs of the road construction along 5th Street in Anderson in front of Reardon Auditorium on the Campus of Anderson University. Road closure signs are at the ready to shut off vehicular traffic along this section of street. The excavation of the sidewalks and street will begin soon as the limit markings have been painted along the ground flanking each side of the road.

Students made their exodus just in advance of the programmed road construction. But, those coming in for the numerous summer camps and the North American Convention of the Church of God will have to cope with the dust, dirt and road noise as the needed improvements to this small section of street materialize throughout the summer.

It will be beautiful once complete but the process will be a bit unpleasant. But of course, that is often the price of progress.

An Unsettling Mistake

Regrettably, due to some internal errors, the wrong text copy for the May–June 2009 issue of the Communion newsletter was provided to the printer. Consequently, the publication inaccurately reported that this would be “the last issue of Communion as we have known it.” It was further stated that Communion would be replaced by a publication to be launched this June during the North American Convention of the Church of God. This is not the case.

It is true that Church of God Ministries has been in the process of developing a new publication to serve the church. This new publication will seek to provide the church with better resources for ministry and tools for leadership and ministry development while further enhancing our relational connectivity. The coverage will span the whole church, from the local church on through our collective global outreach efforts, with the intent to connect you globally and empower you locally.

Once fully developed, this new publication will replace Communion and also provide news and information about our missionaries and their projects. However, the new publication is still in the development stage and will not be ready for release for some time.

In the interim, Communion will continue to be published every other month and will be expanded to include coverage of our Global Missions outreach efforts. In the near future, we will provide you with more information about the exciting new publication being planned.

The corrected version of this issue of Communion can be found by clicking here. Please accept our apologies for any confusion this may have caused.

NAC Changes

Church of God Ministries recently announced the change in location of the primary venue for the AM and PM services at NAC. (Release below)

Many have questioned the decision. Let me address a few of the questions:

Some question if a deterioration in the relationship and agreement with AU is the primary issue leading to the change - not true! Our relationship with AU remains strong and they have and continue to be a great host. The move from the Wellness Center was made out of financial considerations that have nothing to do with AU. The cost associated with us converting the field house into an auditorium (sound, lights, stage, chairs, etc.) has become prohibitive in this time of constrained budgets. The decision was made simply to be better stewards of the resources provided.

Some are concerned that people staying on the convention grounds will not be able to get to/from the PM services at Madison Park Church of God. Shuttle service to/from the grounds will be provided.

Some are concerned Madison Park will not have sufficient seating to accommodate the number of attendees. We will be using both the main sanctuary and have over flow into the youth auditorium. Seating won't be a problem. Plus, it will be vastly more comfortable than the folder chairs used in the Wellness Center or even the old Dome.

Some are concerned the conferences will be moved. Most conferences will remain on the convention grounds.

Bottom Line. We are seeking to be the best possible stewards of the resources we have been provided. We have had to evaluate closely how we spend the dollars provided. It seems prudent for us to cut expenses at NAC this year and move to another location that offers better amenities and will save us THOUSANDS of dollars. Those saved dollars can and will support the continued ministries of the church.

Convention to Celebrate Missions Centennial, Venues Change

The North American Convention of the Church of God, (June 26–July 1, 2009) is rapidly approaching, and the plans are being finalized for what will truly be a spectacular convention as we celebrate one hundred years of the Church of God’s sending missionaries out to reach the world for Christ. The theme for this year’s convention is Live out the Love of Christ. Come be part of the gathering in Anderson, Indiana, as together we celebrate our missions history, worship through the spoken word and lift our voices in songs of praise to our Lord and Savior. But please be aware that there will be a few changes from previous years.

The locations for some of the primary venues have changed for this year. Instead of meeting in the Kardatzke Wellness Center, the evening services will be held at Madison Park Church of God located on the south side of Anderson.* The morning worship services will be held at Park Place Church of God.

“Anderson University has been a gracious host for these many years, and we have truly appreciated their spirit of partnership,” said Dr. Ronald V. Duncan, general director for Church of God Ministries. “But the cost associated with renting chairs, platforms, sound equipment, and lighting necessary to transforming the Kardatzke Wellness Center from a field house into an auditorium for worship has become a cost we just cannot afford at this time. We are grateful that AU will continue to make their beautiful campus available to our guests; providing space for conferences, residence hall room rental and the management of the camp sites.”

In spite of the venue changes, the convention will still offer high quality educational conferences, inspiring worship services, and opportunities to connect with brothers and sisters from across the movement. Most all of the conferences will be held on the Anderson University campus, Park Place Church or at the Church of God Ministries Center. Be sure to check the Web site (www.chog.org) or program book for exact times and locations.

This year’s convention will also launch a new era of intercultural ministry with new strategies and visions. Many of our missionaries will be in the United States to participate in the convention and celebration. To further enrich and represent the global presence of the Church of God, national leaders of the Church of God from countries across the world will also join us for the convention.

Plan also to attend a special town-hall meeting hosted by Rev. Robert Moss, chair of the General Assembly, and Dr. Ronald Duncan as they discuss the “The State of the Church.” Come with your questions and participate in this discussion on Monday, June 29, 2009, 3:30–5:00 pm, in Reardon Auditorium.

“I am confident the Convention will be a Spirit-filled time of celebration and worship,” said Duncan. “We may have had to change the locations for our services, but I know the presence of the Lord will be with us, lives will be changed, and we will be blessed.”

Come worship our Lord together. Come fellowship with brothers and sisters from across the country and around the world. Come grow in the Spirit. Come be a part of the global experience. Come live out the love of Christ.

You can learn more about this year’s convention and register online by visiting www.chog.org/NAC or calling 800-848-2464, ext. 2130.


* Shuttle service will be available to and from Madison Park Church for the evening services for those who will be staying in the dormitories or camping on the grounds.

Community Reached with Dr. Seuss and Marriage Courses

A great article by our missionaries in New Zealand using different tools to reach the people of their community. Thanks Chad and Diane Davenport for sharing.

Auckland, New Zealand—The new creative arts team has been busy the past few months. Recently, we’ve presented some special outreach Sunday services that would connect with young unchurched families, including Dr. Seuss Visits Westside Christian Fellowship (WCF).
Our first “family service” was titled “The Mythbusters’ Challenge.” Children were given the opportunity to pose questions to a panel of somewhat-dubious “experts.” After hearing the answers, the children were then asked to pick the right answer. Although there were plenty of humorous moments, this helped to crack some common misconceptions about Christianity, even among some of the visiting adults who do not attend church.

Last month, the team produced a dramatic show called “The Gospel (According to ‘Horton Hears a Who’),” complete with puppets, a Who hunt, and a Who feast. Using scenes from the book and movie, the puppets explained how we can all be friends with God even when we can’t see, hear. or touch him. The youth group led the worship time.

Both these family services have helped to draw larger attendances of fifty to eighty people. Increasingly, WCF feels like it is starting to take shape as church of the community. We often find that our new visitors already know several members of the congregation as a result of just living in the area.

The Marriage Course: We are nearly finished with our third season of hosting the Marriage Course. This has been an effective tool in getting to know couples in the community and sharing Bible-based principles that promote healthy marriages. Because of our wonderful leaders and the great content, we already have people in the community wanting to participate in the next course in February.

One of the greatest transitions happened in the lives of a separated couple that had almost given up. On the opening night, we watched the wife practically drag her atheist husband in the door. On the second week, he smiled a lot more and engaged with others around the dinner table. As the weeks passed by, he began to put his arm around his wife and take much greater interest in the teaching.

While we are on the topic of marriage, Chad has had the opportunity to officiate three weddings this year. Being involved with the weddings has sparked some deeper conversations with couples and guests about God. The most recent wedding was particularly encouraging as we also see the wife taking conscious steps toward Christ. We pray that God will continue working miracles among couples like these.

Special assignment missionaries like Chad and Diane Davenport, extend the ministry reach of the local church to touch people for Christ in far away places like Auckland, New Zealand. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Act 1:8 niv). The generous gifts from local congregations and caring individuals supporting the collective ministries of the church reach people for Christ in a variety of ways, sometimes using Dr. Seuss or marriage courses.

To learn more about the ministry of Chad and Diane Davenport, click here.

JoAnn Tate, Special Assignment Missionary Unexpectedly Dies

It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you of the death of JoAnn Tate, Special Assignment Missionary to Trinidad.

JoAnn’s untimely death occurred December 20th at the Arima Hospital in Port of Spain, Trinidad shortly after returning there from overseas travel. The cause of her death is unknown at this time.

JoAnn and her husband Bob have served faithfully for nearly two years in Trinidad and Tobago. JoAnn worked as a teacher in the West Indies Theological College (WITC) and Bob used his expertise and knowledge of agriculture to assist the people there.

“The Tates have made a tremendous impact at the West Indies Theological College,” said Bob Edwards, coordinator for Global Missions at Church of God Ministries. “Their personal efforts have made significant enhancements in both the academics and the development of the physical plant for the school during these difficult and financially challenging times. During a phone conversation with President Clinton Providence of the West Indies Theological College, he told me they don't know what they will do without JoAnn; ‘this is a great loss to the students and school.’”

Earlier in their ministry career, the Bob and JoAnn served for ten years as para-missionaries in Peru.

JoAnn is survived by her husband – Bob; six children with their’ spouses and children; and JoAnn’s parents – Tom and Lois Shields.

While we grieve for the loss of JoAnn, we can rejoice knowing she will be there in heaven with the Messiah as we here on Earth celebrate his birth this Advent Season.

Please pray for comfort and peace for the Tate family during this difficult time.