Some 900 brethren from the local area and 400 Ambassador College students volunteered their fundraising services for the 96th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st here in Pasadena. The volunteers parked cars, provided security, ushered parade stands and manned concessions, raising funds for student body and local church activities for the new year.
Once again, our brethren and students set an outstanding example of dependability, honesty, integrity, and hard work for the local Pasadena business community, the Tournament Association, the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and for the many out-of-town visitors. The smiles, the friendly, courteous help, the diligent work, and the attitude of service that God's people reflect are a sharp contrast to what most people expect today.
Mr. Armstrong again mentioned this year to Mr. La Ravia, Mr. Aaron Dean and me that the Tournament of Roses provides a fine opportunity for all of our major fundraising needs to be met by one activity. He further explained that "we are not celebrating New Year's Day," as some have apparently thought.
Far from being a celebration, serving for the Rose Parade is hard work for those brethren involved. The Tournament of Roses itself is not a New Year's Day celebration per se, nor does it revolve around any New Year's Day theme. The Rose Parade was begun 95 years ago by the Valley Hunt Club, a local sporting organization, to advertise the warm winter "paradise" in Pasadena.
Each year, the emphasis or theme of the parade is on some ideal of human endeavor. This year it was: "The Spirit of America. " The overwhelming majority of floats must depict this theme in one way or another—not some form of pagan celebration of the New Year, the winter solstice, or sun worship. Of course, most things done by the world will contain something objectionable. But the contrast of the Mardi Gras or Christmas parades, for example, with the Rose Parade should be clear.
I might add here that the fundraising proceeds will be tithed (first tithe only, as second is not applicable to fundraising) as should all local church fundraising income.
This week we are including monthly comments from pastors in several international areas. Please notice Mr. Bill Sidney's comments regarding God's protection for His people in India during the recent riots and cyclone. We should be very thankful for the great mercy God continually shows His people. Remind the brethren to be "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18—RAV). Thanks for your continued prayers for Mr. Armstrong and all of us here in Pasadena, as well as for one another.
NOTICE TO ALL MINISTERS (Not to be Announced)
Due to inquiries received regarding Mr. Carlton Green, we feel it is necessary to advise the ministry that Mr. Green's resignation from both the ministry and the Church has been requested and accepted. Mrs. Green remains a member in good standing. This notice is not, and should not be considered a marking of Mr. Green.
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
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