FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Questions and Answers
Question: May members give second tithe as holy day offerings?
Answer: Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong has taught for over 40 years that the second tithe is to enable members to attend God's holy days — especially the Feast of Tabernacles. The second tithe is saved for that purpose — not as offerings for the Church. The Scriptures are very clear on this point (Deut. 14:22-27).
However, members may supplement their holy day offerings with second tithe provided they have first carefully planned to meet all their festival expenses, sent in their tithe of the tithe, and have shared a portion of their excess second tithe with less fortunate members by sending it to Headquarters for distribution or turning it in at the Feast site. Those who fulfill these prior obligations and still have second tithe left over may give it in addition their regular holy day offerings (that is, above and beyond the amount already set aside for holy day offerings). Or, they may turn it in as excess second tithe.
**** TO BE READ IN ALL CHURCHES ****
Sick Children and Pregnant Women Attending the Feast
Each year we find that a number of problems arise as a result of brethren taking sick children to the Feast of Tabernacles. We also receive questions about whether pregnant women should attend the Feast. Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong made the policy regarding both matters clear in a letter dated September 14, 1962. This policy still stands. Therefore, to help everyone understand what members in these situations should do, we have reprinted the following excerpt from Mr. Armstrong's letter.
Many members have been careless and inconsiderate by bringing sick children to the Festivals — and also to local church services on the Sabbath. Frequently children are brought with whooping cough, measles, mumps, flu, chicken pox and other contagious diseases. Other members' children have been exposed and come down with these diseases because of this. If your child has even been exposed within two weeks before coming, DON'T bring him.
If your child is sick, take care of him in a proper manner. But DO NOT, under any circumstances, bring such a child UNTIL you can actually see that he has been completely healed. When anointed, have FAITH — BELIEVE — but if God does give you a test of faith, DO NOT bring the child on the strength of that faith. Let him be HEALED on the strength of your faith, but don't bring him to any Church meeting or Festival until every physical symptom is gone, and the healing is complete. Moses expelled those with communicable diseases from the camp of Israel. We shall have to do likewise, in fairness to other children. If Your child is taken ill with such a disease while at the Feast, counsel with a minister. Ask him whether the child must be isolated or taken home if you are in doubt.
In past years some pregnant women have journeyed to the Festival and had their baby delivered at the Festival. This is very DANGEROUS to such a woman and her unborn child.
Therefore, NO WOMAN who is to be as much as eight months along by the end of the Feast should attend.
ALSO, any woman just a few months along in pregnancy should be very CAUTIOUS about whether she attends the Feast at all! The period from two to five months pregnancy is the time when most miscarriages occur. The higher altitudes and colder climate at Squaw Valley [a Feast site in 1962] might be too much for some during this period. Big Sandy is oppressively hot, with sudden change in temperature if a "norther" should blow in. DON'T RISK MISCARRIAGE OF A PRECIOUS LIFE! REMEMBER, God does not lay the same stress on attendance of women as He does men. USE WISDOM! Check up with the doctor who is to deliver your baby.
If you have any special problem or question, check immediately with your minister.
New Assignments for the Philippines
After four years of service as Regional Director in the Philippines, Mr. Guy Ames will be returning to the United States around the end of this year. Mr. Ames has enjoyed and appreciated his assignment in the Manila office, as have over 1900 of God's people in the Philippines. But due to certain recurring health problems, he has asked to be relieved of the heavy load as Regional Director.
Mr. Armstrong has approved Mr. Dean Blackwell as the new Philippine Regional Director. Also, Mr. Armstrong has assigned Mr. Blackwell to conduct a training program for the Philippine ministers, most of whom have never had the benefit of Ambassador College instruction. The ministry will be given special training in all aspects of Church doctrine, counselling, preaching, and other pastoral responsibilities. Mr. Ames is delighted with the great opportunity and value Mr. Blackwell's assignment will afford the Filipino ministry and brethren.
Mr. Armstrong has also approved the assignment of Mr. Rod Matthews of Ministerial Services in Pasadena to assist Mr. Blackwell as Office Manager. Mr. Matthews is currently responsible to Mr. Tkach for international communications and record keeping.
The Blackwells and Matthews will be leaving for Manila shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles. This will ensure a smooth transition, allowing a six to twelve week overlap with Mr. Ames. All will be present when Mr. Gerald Waterhouse visits the Philippine churches in December.
