Notes and quotes

Church of God member cleared in murder case

TYLER, Texas--A grand jury has cleared a Church of God member who was accused in a murder case. Kenneth Barton, a member of and printer for the Church of God International, and his brother, Clifton Barton, were arrested last year based on warrants obtained without the support of the district attorney's office, prosecutors were quoted as saying in local news reports.

The woman whose accusations led to the Barton brothers' arrest reportedly has a history of mental problems.

"I still have a hard time believing somebody could be arrested because of an accusation by a certified mentally unstable woman," Kenneth Barton said after the grand jury no-billed him and his brother in late September.

'AR' died with John Trechak

PASADENA, Calif.--Ambassador Report publisher John Trechak's death Sept. 2 means the end of that publication, which for nearly two decades was the only independent publication regularly monitoring the Worldwide Church of God.

According to Mary E. Jones, back issues of AR have been sent to Watchman Fellowship of Arlington, Texas, and are available by calling (817) 277-0023.

"If you would like to donate one last time to AR, we would appreciate anything you can send to help defray the costs of closing the AR and shipping items to various locations," said a note accompanying a final letter to AR subscribers. Checks should be made payable and mailed to Mary E. Jones, P.O. Box 60452, Pasadena, Calif. 91116, U.S.A.

"John devoted 24 years of his life to exposing the Worldwide Church of God's hypocrisy, misuse of funds and intimidation techniques," said the letter.

Kansas City church plans youth retreat

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--The annual 1999 Teen and Young Adult Retreat, sponsored by Churches of God in the Kansas City area, will take place Dec. 25-28 at the Salvation Army Camp and Conference Center in Kansas City.

This year the retreat is a day longer, therefore the cost will be $25 per person. It will start on the Sabbath of Dec. 25 with church services at 1 p.m.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m. Campers are asked to arrive no later than noon so they can be checked in and ready for services by 1 p.m.

Camp activities will include volleyball, basketball, pool, table tennis, video games, a pizza party and a dance.

The retreat is open to any teen or young adult from any of the Churches of God, according to Paula Jo Frazee.

For more information call Laurinda Armer at (816) 356-2436, or write her at shemp@swbell.net or 6900 Lakeshore Dr., Raytown, Mo. 64133, for a registration form to be returned by Dec. 10.

A Church of God Ministry opens new office

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--A Church of God Ministry, directed by Lon Lacey, has established an office in Glastonbury, England, with Michael Storey as bishop.

"In addition to making important contacts in religious and political circles, Michael has been busy organizing public Bible studies which include leaders in local Church of England congregations," said Mr. Lacey. "He has reported very positive feedback on these efforts."

Mr. Lacey announced new fellowship groups in La Follette, Tenn., and Aitkin, Minn.

CBCOG announces booklet on government

HOLLISTER, Calif.--The Christian Biblical Church of God, headquartered here, has announced publication of a new booklet, Is the Ministry God's Government?

Written by CBCOG founder Fred Coulter, it addresses issues such as the impact of strict authoritarian rule through a Church of God organization and asks, "Did you know that this kind of control was gained through sleight of hand?"

The 20-page booklet is available free from P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, U.S.A.

UCG Birmingham conference

ARLINGTON, Mass.--Ray Wooten of United Christian Ministries plans to speak Nov. 6 at a conference at Arlington Elks Lodge, announced James Rudd. Mr. Wooten will be the guest speaker for Sabbath services and will lead an interactive Bible study after lunch.

His study topic will be "The Weightier Matters: Judgment, Mercy and Faith."

Everyone is invited, and lunch will be provided. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and Bible study at 2 p.m.

A potluck Mediterranean­Middle Eastern dinner will follow the Bible study Saturday evening at James and Jean Rudd's house in Somerville, Mass. Bring a Middle Eastern dish or dessert if you can.

For directions and information, please call or write (617) 776-4541, jrudd@kenan.com, jrudd@brattlesystems.com or http://members.aol.com/brattlejr/raywooten.

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