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The General Conference of Elders of the United Church of God, an International Association, started its annual meeting today with services at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, KY. Elders and wives representing over 25 countries attended, among the total of 577 present for Sabbath services. One hundred forty congregations were connected to the service via phone hook-up; 60 cybercast connections added more to the virtual crowd. Council of Elders members Roy Holladay and Dennis Luker gave the split sermons.   

Henrikas Klovas ordination

President Les McCullough surprised those present by announcing a special service for the day ö the ordination of Henrikas Klovas as an elder to help with the growing work in the Baltic republics and other areas of Eastern Europe.  Mr. Klovas has been working closely for some time with Victor Kubik, the Council member who has served many of Godâs people in Eastern Europe for a number of years. Special music provided by the Ambassador Bible Center choir added to the enjoyment of this special Sabbath.  

East Texas and Texarkana pastor Roy Holladay spoke first, expanding on the concept of humility as a crucial component of Godâs laws governing human conduct. He stressed the need for humility in both our relationship with God and with other humans, while acknowledging its elusive nature. Mr. Holladay cited writer John Seldenâs comment: "Humility is a quality all preach, some practice, but all are content to hear." Truly making it part of our character involves relying on God granting this gift to us, as with all His gifts up to and including eternal life itself.  

Seattle pastor and Ministerial Services team member Dennis Luker gave the second split sermon. He expanded on the application of true godly love, agape in the Greek language, in the lives of those God calls in this age. Without Godâs love motivating us, Mr. Luker stated, all we do will come to nothing. Godâs love is the only power in the universe that can bring about healing of the negative emotions so common and destructive in human lives. As applied in converted lives, agape will motivate Godâs people to do His work and will help them come to unity.  

Following the end of the Sabbath, elders and wives had the opportunity for further fellowshipping or attending seminars on using the Internet for Bible research or training in cybercasting church events.  

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Doug Johnson

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