FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES

**** TO BE READ IN ALL CHURCHES ****

Members' Conduct at Hotels During the Feast

The Festival Office receives letters each year praising Church members for their good conduct at the Feast of Tabernacles. Festival Coordinators also tell us how warmly the Church is welcomed back to festival-area communities each year.

Unfortunately, we also occasionally receive a report which doesn't conform to our expectations. This type of complaint is usually from the owner or manager of a hotel, claiming that one of the members abused or damaged his property. Some have told stories of noisy, boisterous conduct by God's people: of disregard for hotel rules: or of damaged beds and furnishings which have cost hundreds of dollars to replace.

Not only is this type of report embarrassing to deal with at the time, it can also greatly damage a developing relationship with a hotel. Negotiating for rooms at good rates for next year's Feast can become very difficult after such an incident.

Although these reports seem to be caused by a very tiny percentage of God's Church, we should all be aware of the influence we can have. Hotel personnel are quite aware of our presence since we spend much of our time in the rooms, hallways, restaurants and recreational areas of the various housing establishments at each feast site. They see our attitude and conduct close-up for eight days or more.

As was stated in a recent PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT: "We have a responsibility before God to set a right Christian example at all times." This involves showing Christian love and concern for others. So let's all be extra conscious of being tidy and clean with our belongings; careful with the furnishings in hotels; and respectful of the need for quiet, well-mannered conduct by children and adults alike.

Our good conduct is one more way in which the Feast of Tabernacles foreshadows God's soon-coming Kingdom, both to ourselves and to all those around us. We are to be a light to the world — a living witness of the coming Kingdom of God.

NOTICE TO ALL MINISTERS
(NOT to be Announced)

Due to telephone inquiries received regarding Mr. and Mrs. Bill Freeland, we feel it is necessary to advise the ministry that Mr. Freeland has resigned from the ministry and that their membership in the Church has been terminated. This notice is not, and should not be considered, a marking, but is provided only for the ministry's information so you will be knowledgeable of their status.

Appreciation for Ministerial Refreshing Program III

Dear Mr. Armstrong:

The Ministerial Refreshing Program is one of the best things that has been done for the Church and ministry. The unity and harmony that is generated through instruction, example and God's Holy Spirit is priceless. And the direct contact with a Headquarters team that is dedicated, loyal, together and hard working is very inspiring and contagious.

My wife and I just finished the sixth session of the current program. We very much enjoyed and benefited from it and we hope and pray that it will be God's will for this program to continue. Thank you for your dedicated service in yielding to God. We have all been and continue to be benefited by it.
Rick and Angela Beam

Dear Mr. Tkach:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you who were involved in the planning and execution of Refreshing Program III. For me personally it was the most beneficial of the three. First of all, it helped raise my awareness of the deceptions Satan uses to hold this world captive. Also, it helped me realize as never before just how much growth God is giving to the work of His Church. Throughout the year, the various department heads have kept all of us up to date on the growth in the various departments. However, when all of them were addressing us, one after another, each filled with enthusiasm about the growth he has seen in his respective area, the effect was simply awesome. Hearing the facts and seeing the enthusiasm made me realize this Church is going forward by leaps and bounds. Thanks for this vision.
Jim Lee

Dear Mr. Tkach:

I would like to add our names to those who express their appreciation for MRP III. Seeing the many facets of the work of God's Church and the successes around the world in every area is truly awe inspiring. How God uses so few to do so much is indeed hard to explain to others. Truly this is the work of God and thankfully He allows us to have a part in it. For those of us in His ministry, it is a double blessing.

Thanks to all behind the scenes who helped with the many functions and put together the programs we got to see and be a part of for those two weeks. It's a thrill to be a part of the Church of God. Thanks again for all the help and excellent leadership in this end-time Church.
Mel and Pat Williams

— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services