CHURCH of GOD eW(J North Central Edition Volume 3, Issue 7 Mr. and Mrs. Dean C. Blackwell, and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Portune enjoying dinner aboard the S.S. United States. Petra, Egypt, Jerusalem, Europe, Ambassador College, England -You Will See Them All Soon! Over 1000 Slides by Dean C. Blackwell My wife, Maxine and I just returned from a dream trip and lifetime experience. You will share all of these sights with us in the coming slide travelogue in all of your areas. Stand on the Mount of Olives where Christ ascended and is soon to return! Sit under the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane where Christ taught His disciples of the Bible times. Survey the tremendous valleys around Megiddo where the last battle of this world, Armageddon, is to take place very soon. Ride with us on horseback through the long, narrow seikh into the rosy red city I'f rock where all of us hope to spend a few years in the near future-PETRA. Drink with us from Moses' spring out of the rock smitten with his rod. (Continued on page 3) July, 1964 Slide Travelogue Begins by Ken Ellis At his first appearance at a Chicago Bible Study, since returning, Evangelist Dean C. Blackwell began giving us his impressions gathered in Europe, Africa, and Asia Minor. The one outstanding lesson to the traveller, reports Mr. Blackwell, is that the nations of Israel are the most greatly blessed nations on earth today. The difference between them and the Gentile nations is dumbfounding in such widely divergent areas as the presence or absence of good seaports, organization in doing things versus complete confusion, material wealth and health against poverty, starvation and disease. Other observations were the British are quite slow and set on doing things according to tradition. They are quite unwilling to learn anything from their U.S. cousins. The average British young man is degenerate- the most to-be-pitied on earth, with his effeminate behavior and fads. Continued on page 5) A DUTCH CHURCH by Roland Van Siooten Since the early 1950's, God was preparing a group of people-sending out a call-first through the facilities of powerful radio station WAIT then later through WLS and WOOD. Within this band of lnfuence was Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Rapids area is an area which if not predominantly Dutch is at least an area under sway of Dutch culture and Religion (Calvinism). Calvinism is a type of asceticism, similar to that found in Col. 2. With differing don'ts. Don't drink, don't dance, don't play cards, don't go to a motion picture theater, referring to things which perish as they are used. (Continued on page 4) 1 Editor-in-Chief ...............Dean Black well Editor ..................... . . ..... Wilbur Ball News Editor .......... Kenneth Ellis REPORTERS Dick Alexander Elisha Crim Elaine Tkach Fred Mancewicz John Freel Edward Rudicel Roland Van Siooten W. Keough-Dwyer Emma Lasocha Gene Scarbrough Lyle Vershowske Victor Johnson David Shell Esterlene Holmes James Howell Barbara Ellis Circulation .......................Gene Madison Hope Brassine Business Manager ....... ......... .Ted Efimov An .......................... . ....J~nMoore Food Advisor .......... ........... Kenneth May Photographer ...... . ... .Roben Einersen Wilbur Vandermolen .C' 1964 by Radio Church of God Address all correspondence to the Editor. Published monthly by Chicago, Soulh B;:nd. Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids. Indianapolis. Milwaukee and Bloomington Spokesman Clubs. Notify. liS immediately of any change of address. Circulation over 2400 SUN and FUN on the Beach by Bill Butler The time-a hot Sunday, July 19, 1964. The place-Illinois Beach State Park located 15 miles south of the Wisconsin border on Lake Michigan. The event-a combination beach party and picnic attended by over 110 young people of the Chicago and LaGrange churches. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell and family and Mr. and Mrs. Svehla and family and 6 or 7 other married couples bringing the total to around 130. Swimming, water skiing, boat rides, waterpolo, keepaway with a beach ball, football and volleyball on the beach, and just plain sunning were some of the activities shared by the married and unmarried alike. The afternoon meal was eaten in a quiet grove of trees about 75 yards from the beach. Later in the evening all gathered at the same location for a wiener-roast, with potato salad, etc., etc., etc., and cold beverages followed by a sing-along with Mr. Mancewicz. Most left about 8:30 P.M. a little tired and very sunburned, but happier and healthier for the experience. +lw WPlL 1)0' you MEASURE UP? How do you measure up to this character test given by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong? During a forum at Ambassador College, Mr. Armstrong revealed the points that he looks to when evaluating the college students as individuals and in deciding where they will best fit in the Work of God. However, these points apply directly to us in fulfilling our responsibilities as church members. Can you pass this test? PHYSICAL POINTS 1. Academic and mental qualifications a. Entrance exams b. Actual progress in class (grades from teachers) c. Extent of knowledge acquired and how d. Mental depth 2. Personality a. Leadership b. Poise ('. Speech and word fluency d. Vocabulary e. Does he or she radiate happiness' First Baptism At Danville by Gene Scarbrough Mr. John Bald, minister of the churches at Indianapolis, Indiana, and Danville, Illinois, baptized eight persons on June 27th, 1964. This was the first baptismal service held for the Danville Church. Jesus said, "I will build My Church" (Mat: 16: 18), and He certainly is doing just that. The Danville Church is a new Church, and now eight additional people have surrendered their lives to God. They are as follows: Mr. Donald Brooks, Mr. William Scarbrough, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Wait, Duane Baillie, Mrs. Fern Burcham, Mrs. Raymond Steward, and Mr. James Booth. We extend our congratulations and welcome to our new brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the next time we can get together for this type hearty fun and companionship. f. Personal magnitude g. Natural persuasiveness h. Certain amount of bounce i. Does he carry authority' 3. Drive a. Motivation b. Resourcefulness c. Ability to put mental and personality values to work SPIRITUAL POINTS 1 Basic attitude 2 Degree of conversion (must be totally submissive to authority) 3 Dedication and consecration 4 Compassion (sympathy and love for others) 5 Deep-down concern for others 6 Understanding 7 Bible I.Q. 8 How fast are YOU acquiring Bible knowledge 9 Spiritual intelligence 10 Spiritual depth Where we will be five years from now-and through all eternity-depends on how we " stack up" according to these characteristics! Bend Bombers-pitcher Ben Bontrager and his boys-were ready to take on the Milwaukee team in their recent game in Chicago. Milwaukee had been hampered by a lack of practice sessions and lost 15 to O. This conga line was not a victory dance, only the position the photographer ordered. 2 Over 1000 Slides (Continued from page 1) Scan the fertile, rich valley produced by the Wady Mussa from Moses' spring. Stand humbled with us on the pavement where Christ walked, the tomb where He lay, and the Sea of Galilee on which He walked. Stand with us in the synagogue where Peter, James, and John attended in Capernaum. See the great pyramid Job buiit; the Nile-life stream of Egypt. Fly with us over the route of the Exodus-the Red Sea, Mt. Sinai, Petra, Jericho, the Jordan. See exciting Paris, beautiful Switzerland, Pagan Rome, bloody Dachau. Enjoy the thrill of God's offices in Geneva, Deusseldorf, and Bricketwood. Sit with us through the first four-year graduation exercise in Ambassador College, England. Then tour the breathtaking campus with us. All of this you can do with us in the Bible studies we plan to attend in all of your areas in the very near future. See you there! Minneapolis Picnic by Herbert Zacharias Greetings to all, from the Brethren in the Minneapolis church area. The social highlite of this month enjoyed by many on Wednesday evening, June 17th, was the first picnic of the Minneapolis Spokesman Club. It was held in the Minnehaha Park, one of the many beautiful parks located in the Minneapolis area. Everyone came dressed for recreation, exercise, and some good-old-fashioned fun. Enough men were present to form 4 full softball teams which engaged in a titanic struggle before dinner. It proved a good time to sharpen up the team prior to our annual game with Milwaukee. There were some weak spots, but all should be under control by July 19th. After the hard games, everyone W3S ready to eat, and settled down around the tables to enjoy the variety of covered dishes prepared by the ladies. The Spokesman Club also furnished kosher wieners, beefburgers and beer. After the feasting, we all gathered around Mr. Ronald Brown for some COi:1munity singing, while he played the guitar. Spokesman Club Auction by Glenn Ackerson When was the last time you attended an auction? For many of the Chicago area brethren it was Saturday night, June 27th, at the Keymen's club. The auction, which was sponsored by the Saturday Evening Spokesman Club, began immediately after the club meeting. It was led off to a rousing start by head auctioneer Mr. Dick Alexander, who was dressed in a dazzling maroon corduroy sports jacket and yellow straw hat. The only thing missing was the traditional chant of the auctioneer (which, by the way, was attempted by assistant auctioneer Mr. John Coco). Also assisting in "auctioneering" was Mr. Gene Madison, a salesman by profession and, therefore, well fitted for the job. Many bargains were made available to nearly 80 brethren who attended. The most expensive item was a 19 volume set of "the Book of Knowledge," which sold for only $3.00. Some of the other items consisted of a lawn mower, a bright, shiny bird cage (minus the bird), a beautiful walnut finish coffee table, a 31h lb. pot roast, an ingeniously designed nut cracker, which practically cracks the nut all by itself, and scores of other useful items. The highlight of the evening occured when Mr. Alexander took off his maroon jacket to auction it. Upon looking through the pockets, he found a ten dollar bill, (which was quickly snatched out of his hand by the club treasurer, Mr. Roger Smith. We think that part was rigged.). The high bidder for the jacket was, of all people, Mr. Alexander, who just couldn't bear to part with it. The proceeds from the auction went into the club treasury. This auction was only one of the many activities sponsored by the Spokesman Clubs lately. We eagerly look forward to more fun-filled, exdting activities such as these. Why don't you join us? The Guest section at the recent Saturday night .::;,·'o/..emUln Club Auction Night typifies the many Church funct /OIlS in which brethren came out to take Auctioneer John Coco holds the an active part. Many had much more birdie cage while Treasurer Roger Smith fun just watching than bidding. waits for the $. A uctioneer Dick Alexander hears a soft bid from the rear while Auctioneer Gene Madison decides whether to bid on the girl's rink skates. Thy Kingdom Come! Th e Auctioneers got so enthused they by Joanne Christian bought many of the donated goods The God sent gift of falling rain, themselves. A rushing stream, a sparkling lake; The rising, swelling, bounding main, All these our God did perfect, make! Elkhart Church News The beauty of a dewey rose, A spreading oak, the stately pine; About 325 persons, a large part of The willow's graceful, sweeping pose the whole Elkhart church, converged on All handyworks of God, divine! Centennial Park, Plymouth, Ind., for an The mallY creatures, large and small, all-day outing and picnic June 14. A few A · _-7ring lion, the gentle dove; Grand Rapids brethren also attended, en The croaking frog and things that crawl, joying softball, volleyball, and a variety Created by his hands with love. of games until darkness finally ended the But sin of man brinKS pain, disease, festivities. To. every living creature, dumb; It was the "season's opener" and a A nd all creation seems to plea, Lord, haste the day Thy Kingdom comes! scintillating success! 3 A DUTCH CHURCH (Continued from page 1) A little background from the lives of this people may well give us a clearer understanding as to their character. In September, 1846, the sailing brig "Southerner" was being prepared for departure from a Rotterdam wharf. The Captain was forced to wait, while a minister Albertis C. VanRaalte, with a Bible in hand, asked for God's blessing on the emigration from the motherland. Van Raalte was a thirty-five year old man with ten years of the ministry behind him and had undergone persceution and humiliation because of his defiance of religious restrictions imposed by the state church. It was this religious oppression coupled with an economic depression prevailing in the Netherlands at that time which caused pastor Van Raalte and his flock of about sixty men, women and children to leave their homeland for a new home in what became Holland, Michigan. At the Holland site, long houses were erected in February. They were soon over-crowded by the arrival of part of another Dutch group who had planned to settle in Iowa. F.ood became an immediate problem with wheat, bran, and corn the standard fare. There were no stoves, so cooking had to be done over an open fire, with bread being rolled into balls and baked in the ashes, and a brew concocted from roasted corn substituted for tea and coffee. It seemed that all Holland (the mother land) had decided to come to this new site. In six months the number of the Colony had reached the 800 mark and by October, 1700, immigrants of all ages had collected on the tract. After a look around, the new immigrants wondered why they had come. Insects were everywhere, especially in the forests and swamps. Of course the Dutch wouldn't have been at home on high ground. Sickness struck the new Colony in that summer of 1847. Malaria, fever, and dysentery prevailed and to make matters worse, small pox was added to the plagues. Many died and were buried in unmarked graves. As there were not enough able-bodied men to make coffins, many were wrapped in sheets and buried under trees. Due to the strong, dynamic leadership of pastor Van Raalte despair did not overcome this people, and they were blessed with a mild winter during which log houses could be built. The Dutch people moved -out from the Elkhart -Grand Rapids "Work-out" Elkhart-Grand Rapids fathers and sons, about 100 strong, converged on the Glen Keeley farm, Gobles, Michigan, for an all-day "Work-Out" June 21st. Purpose of the "Work-Out" was the construction of a 20 ft. x 40 ft. shelter as over-night accommodations for members, and for use of youths picking fruit in the area. By day's end construction had made a strong start! (see photo) The two Elkhart Spokesman Clubs (sponsors), went "ALL-OUT" to make the occasion a gainful one-beginning with a "Camp-OUT" Saturday night, followed Sunday by a "Cook-OUT", a "Work-OUT", and a "Speak-OUT" (evening Spokesman's meeting). P.S. No "Drop-OUTS", but many lads of all ages reported home "Played-OUT"! Elkhart-Grand Rapids members discuss knotty con" Straighten it up!" chorus struction problem. Messrs. Paul Goddard, 1 Raymond lohnson, lames Redus and Roland Van Slooten. Mr. Flody builder, supervises construcMeanwhile, boys are assigned in a "buddy system" tion. prior to swimming. Holland site to various points about the state, Grand Rapids included. Their "stamp" was imprinted upon every city they entered. They would go to their church two or three times on Sunday. This was indeed a pious people, believing they were God's elect and all others were lost. The Dutch were a strong example and bp.cause of their influence upon the area I feel we can call this church a Dutch Church. We the members of this, God's Church look to Him to wash us with His word that we may truly be Israel of the spirit and learn balance. At the present time there are about one-hundred-eighty in Sabbath attendance at Grand Rapids. This is a foundation A certain Deacon aged four-guess upon which God can build a larger who! Note those fancy wheels! See next church after stability has been achieved. issue. 4 The First Hundred Years Are The Worst! by Fred Bouer Not according to Mr. George Stien of the Minneapolis Church who made his entrance into the world on Sept. 18, 1865, the year Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. During his boyhood days in Watertown, Minnesota he watched many Indian caravans travel through the country. At the time of one of their uprisings the Stien family moved in toward Minneapolis to save their scalps. Long life seems to be a habit with the Stiens. Mr. Stien's father lived over a hundred years. After being married for 51 years his wife died, nearly 73 years of age. In 1963 Mr. Stien was baptized at Big Sandy, Texas. He says, "The longer I am in the church the better I like it." When asked how he feels, he says, "Never felt better." If you want an arugument on your hands, try to help him up the stairs or out of the car. He will tell you it is only the old people who need help of that kind. He has one son, 5 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. Chicago News Briefs Karen Sterling, Kitty and Carol Runice very recently held a shower party for bride-to-be Eileen More. * * * The Monday night Chicago Spokesman club enjoyed the plush surroundings of the Willowbrook where they held their dinner-dance. With us for the summer is R: ch"rd Wrenn who attends the Memphis chu:'-h while at college in Corinth, Mississippi (please, no demonstrations while you're up here-Dick). * • * Bonnie Landes is home from Ambas Slide Travelogue (Continued from page 1) One of the highlights of the entire trip was being in the land of the Biblewhere you see and experience in real life what previously had only been read about and imagined. There is no nation to be compared with modern Israel where people are driving big cars and building the latest apartment buildings. His informative and interesting account was followed by a showing of more than 100 35mm color slides of the SS United States leaving New York Harbor, (with 2300 aboard) the port of Le Havre, France, and then Southhampton, England. There were shots of the Ambassador College Campus in Bricket Wood, England, and of fa.T1ous scenes around London including close-ups of the crown jewels kept in the Tower of London. There were scenes of Paris taken from the Eiffel Tower and at other landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame (which Mr. Blackwell said was very disappointing). Some of the most colorful views were of Piccadilly Circus in London and of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (another example of the British resistance to change). La (irange News Briefs Mr. and Mrs. Roenspies enjoyed a once in a lifetime vacation to HAWAIl, our 50th state. * * • Also welcome to Manfred and Helmut Fraund. They're new to the church-came from Germany 7 years ago. * • • Visiting from Gladewater, Mr. and Mrs . George Bishop -(the former Betty Johnson) and their new son, Mr. Bishop is a teacher at th,: Imperial School there. * * * Ruthann Schutt, home from Ambassador, is on Part two of the slide tour ended on a somber note as scenes of Dachau concentration camp were shown. The barracks in which lived many of the Jews to be slaughtered, are being torn down, but the execution wall and "shower" rooms and ovens stand as a shameful reminder to the world of Germany's past. The next scenes were of the ruins of ancient Druid places of worship at Asbury and Stonehange. But a more interesting place was Glastonbury, (called in ancient times, Avalon,) where today there are ruins of a Church that was longer than St. Peter's in Rome. Glastonbury is said to be where Joseph of Arimathea settled two years after the death of Christ! On their boat trips on the Rhine the B1ackwells noticed very much river traffic -with tugs towing up to 5, 6, or 7 barges! Germany is really busy! On both sides of the river there were busy railroads also. Frequently old castles were to be seen on the hills. Frankfort turned out to be a too-practical city of business and efficiency but not much beauty or interest (compared with others). Munich, however, was beautiful and even had a clock tower, with cuckoos and mechanical puppet dancers, on the city hall. sador for a two week stay, then off to duty full time at the Texas as a pioneer student. Blackwell b "Llf . 20th Century "Progress" :.1 Goat Roast At Universal by Gene Scarbrough Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shew were hosts to the brethren from the Indianapolis, Indiana, and Danville, Illinois, area Churches on June 28, 1964. About thirty-five people gathered at the Shew home on Saturday night to fellowship and camp out. Some slept under the stars (amid chiggers and mosquitos) while othen resorted to a tent. The Shew home was filled to over-flowing with other brethren. Early Sunday morning the air was filled with the aroma of roasting goat. Four goats were placed on the spits, and were slowly turned and exposed to the hot coals. By 10:00 A.M., most of the brethren had arrived and a softball game between the men of Indianapolis and Danville was played. Indianapolis was the winner with a score of 17 to 2. A group of the ladies also played softball. After the ball game the food was set on the picnic tables and more than 250 brethren gathered around and ate while they visited with brethren whom they had not seen in quite some time. There was swimming for anyone in terested and another ball game was played in the afternoon. There followed a combined Indianapolis and Danville Spokesman Club meeting. After this meeting, everyone gathered picnic sup plies and bid each other a fond farewell. We will long remember the goat-roast at Universal. Mr. and Mrs. Byron Markham twosttp fHlSt the camera as they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary at the SOfUh Bend social! I1Y husband has gone toofar.' Im not geHin~ up .before sunrise and work half the night -to make our cloth.es, search for .best h'YS 1 ~ise a garden, and exercise. Ne.xt; I'll be. "'un~~ a nome ;blsiness in my Sp'are time . Wh,y! I won~ have -hme for the f.TA., girl seouts, "'.CT-Lt., Womerrs club, y. w.e.A., book of the month, ~~rcfen club, Cross word puzz les1 bingo parties, bowling leagues, brl'age garnes, sewi~ bees) my jig -saw p,uz:des, 'our afternoon .bul~ sessiof'\s, or my weeklY trip to t~e beauty shop. ~ "-\ ! J( I ~~ ~ ~ Q ~'V1RTUOU5- PROVERBS 3':10-31 Minneapolis News Briefs Mrs. Ervin Fischer is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Hendrickson, in Robbinsdale, Minn. She is expected to stay for 3 weeks. Mrs. Fischer is formerly from Shawano, Wisconsin, and is now a member of the El Monte, California Church. The Minneapolis Spokesman Club is planning to attend the Minnesota Twins home baseball game on July 22nd. The wives and dates of the members have also been invited. This planned outing is just another one of the many advantages of being a member of the Spokesman Club. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Houglum are the happy parents of a daughter, Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Riley recently had a son, John Mathew. Mr. and Mrs. Willard Abrahamsen are the parents of a new son, Matthew John. 6