Ministerial Retreat and Picnic
This week we report on two events which took place over the past weekend – the Church picnic and the ministerial retreat.
All COG Church Picnic
Last weekend we helped organize this year’s annual “all-COG” picnic in Northern California. The event is becoming a long-held tradition with more than a decade of history, drawing attendees from all over the region; more than 100 registered this year. We funded the catering, and James Navarro organized a supplemental grant from Church of God Network to help with other costs. James and Brian Graves ran the BBQ pit. Shane and Julie Modad organized the rest of the food service, while Tim and Karen Vail ran a crafts table and everyone brought drinks, deserts and games. Event planning across different groups is much of the fun, challenge, and benefit. The ministers and members in the area have long-dated and warm friendships, so the event is eagerly anticipated.
The Father’s Call Retreat
This year the ministerial get-together was combined with the all-COG church picnic. Members of the council and the business management committee were in attendance and it was the first time we have had all members of both the Council and the business management team together. Marshall Stiver stayed home so as not to stress his recovery, but was able to be part of the key events by streaming video. We enjoyed relaxed time together in meals, interspersed with work-related conversations. On Sabbath, some attended services in Concord and others went to Elk Grove.
The day after the picnic we held formal all-day meetings on wide-ranging Church matters. We are in the process of upgrading the Church web site and the working model was presented and discussed. We are also looking at ways to simplify, improve and standardize the recording of messages we use in services. Ryan Welsh presented, via the Microsoft Teams video conferencing program, the work he is doing to explore different ways of expanding the effectiveness of the TruthSum website and social media platforms. He is experimenting with AI as a force-multiplier in both content and outreach. The treasurer, Julie Modad, reported on the financials of the Church and explained various aspects of reporting, as new ways are being introduced.
Church income fluctuates throughout the year, but overall the picture is healthy and steady. This year we made large contributions to the Church of God Network to support two specific initiatives: 1) $50,000 to CGN’s web development program which benefits us and other smaller, resource-constrained COG organizations by hiring and coordinating skilled resources from COG’s membership to provide technical and design support, and 2) The Los Angeles Fire assistance fund CGN administered on behalf of a handful of COG organizations and individual donors. The aid was quickly and efficiently distributed through local pastors, irrespective of organization. Including both general TFC funds and purpose-specific member donations, we contributed approx. $27,000. As always, we have a significant allocation to direct member assistance; about $38,000 so far in 2025, with about 50% of that going to international and 50% being used domestically. Thank you for your generous offerings and for the supplemental contributions so many made specifically for the LA fire relief efforts.
This year the Church invested some savings in funds that can be used for ministerial retirement assistance, when that need arises. We are also promoting scholarship assistance for any young person wishing to attend a church camp or education program.
A more difficult subject was the Feast of Tabernacles. Church demographics are changing largely due to an aging membership. How to organize the Feast to accommodate this is an ongoing discussion. Also, many members attend other sites due to family and financial concerns, so planning with declining numbers is increasingly difficult. We have settled on still having one central location and continuing with satellite sites across the country. Now we just have to find the next central site.
The major benefit of the retreat was the time spent together in one place. Many “unofficial” conversations took place over the 5 days. All in all, it was a profitable period of time. Thank you for your prayers to this end.
