Notes and quotes

Gerald Waterhouse dies

FLORENCE, S.C.--Gerald Waterhouse, who for years as a Worldwide Church of God evangelist made annual treks to speak about the Millennium before church-member audiences around the world, died Sept. 4 after a long illness.

For tributes to Mr. Waterhouse, who in his final years served as an elder in the United Church of God, see Edmond Macaraeg's editorial on page 3 and Geoff Neilson's letter on page 4.

Rowlen Tucker dies

CINCINNATI, Ohio--Rowlen Tucker, 61, for many years an elder in the Worldwide Church of God, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack while at work at a Wal-Mart in Cincinnati Sept. 10. Among Mr. Tucker's survivors is his wife, Sue.

UCG gives statistics

MILFORD, Ohio--The United Church of God has 221 congregations in America, announced Richard Pinelli of Cincinnati, the church's director of ministerial services.

Other statistics Mr. Pinelli released after the end of the church's fiscal year, June 30:

• The UCG's 221 U.S. congregations are served by 359 elders, including 92 full-time pastors.

• Average feast-day attendance was 12,911, including members, families and guests, up 5.4 percent from a year ago.

• The church baptized 225 in the United States.

• Literature recipients numbered 1,118 people who had no prior Sabbath-church connection.

WCG plans open house to solicit suggestions

PASADENA, Calif.--The Worldwide Church of God has invited Pasadena residents to an open house in the former Ambassador University campus's administration building 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30 to introduce "a distinctive residential neighborhood on its property in Pasadena," according to a letter sent out by the church.

"For over 50 years, the church has guided the development of this land," the letter states. "Now, together with Shea Homes and the team of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh and EDAW, Inc., we will continue our thoughtful stewardship by designing and building a neighborhood of which all Pasadena can be proud."

The letter invited Pasadena residents to attend the meeting and make suggestions.

Source of help

FORT DODGE, Iowa--Steven Kieler says that at the Feast this year he discovered that about 80 percent of Feast-keepers he came in contact with have been affected by divorce in their immediate families.

"We have dealt with the preventative side of the problem at Help Line," Mr. Kieler said, "but it was determined that those traumatized by divorce were in need of assistance."

Help Line is a service to provide encouragement, counsel and compassion for people and families affected by addictions and other family, personal and spiritual problems.

Materials and personal contact are free. For Help Line help, Contact Steven or Suzanne Kieler at 2193 Sheker Dr., Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501, U.S.A.; or; or (515) 576-5743.

Feast 2003 in Orlando

ANAHEIM, Calif.--Christian Commandment Keepers has already made plans for the 2003 Feast of Tabernacles, in Orlando, Fla.

"Please consider joining us for a family-friendly Festival of Tabernacles," invited Rachel Kaplan.

For more information, visit http://go.to/feastfever, or write

A reunion just for YOU

DAYTON, Ohio--Former members of Youth Opportunities United (YOU), the Worldwide Church of God's club for 12- to 19-year-olds, are invited to a reunion planned for July 5, 2003, in Dayton, announced Stacy Daniel-Swain.

The occasion is a "nonchurch event," Mrs. Swain said. "This is just a chance for all of us to get together and catch up."

The reunion is for former YOU members from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana as well as their families, parents, former coaches and referees and anyone else involved in YOU in any way.

For more information, write or 23611 Larkshire Ct., Farmington Hills, Mich. 48336, U.S.A.

Friends' forum

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga.--A new Internet forum for anyone who has ever been associated with the Worldwide Church of God is up and running.

Brother and sister Michael Byrd and Peggy Dean, both from Chickamauga, near Chattanooga, Tenn., invite you to check out the Worldwide Church of God Alumni Forum at www.ezboard.com.

"This forum is for any who have been associated with the Worldwide Church of God past or present who currently attend any organization, are independent or meet in homes or do not attend any meetings," said Mrs. Dean.

"There is a common bond and a great longing to reunite with many who lost contact with each other in all the divisions of the different organizations." The forum "is not affiliated with any religious organization and is not here to gain or look for prospective members for any organization or to solicit funds."

The August 2002 issue of The Journal includes many photos and several other graphics, besides the Connections advertising section. Don't forget to subscribe to the print version of The Journal to read all the news and features previewed here.