Feast invitation

HAWKINS, Texas--Tim and Angie Kelley of the Ami Yisrael Hebraic Congregation announce a Feast of Tabernacles observance with the themes "Season of Our Joy" and "Hear, O Israel."

The observance will begin Friday evening, Oct. 7, and conclude Saturday evening, Oct. 14, at Lake Murray, Okla.

Speakers will include Daniel Calderon of New Jerusalem Ministry, Joseph Good of Hatikva Ministries, Mr. Kelley, Ron McKown of Fellowship Church of God, John Merritt of Friends of the Sabbath, Lee Miller of House of David School of Biblical Studies and Dean Wheelock of Hebrew Roots.

Write Mr. and Mrs. Kelley at P.O. Box 1633, Hawkins, Texas 75765, U.S.A., or n55154@aol.com.

Tornado damage

MILFORD, Ohio--The United Church of God reported damage to church members' property from tornadoes in early April.

On April 2 twisters ripped through several states, killing nearly 30 people.

UCG president Clyde Kilough referred to information from a UCG pastor, Rick Beam, who reported on his congregations in Paducah, Ky., and Cap Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

"To my knowledge no one as hurt or injured or had any real property damage," Mr. Beam said, "with the exception of one close call, and God's intervention was obvious in that."

The close call involved members Gene and Bertha Buck, who live in the small Missouri town of Braggadocio, which "for all practical purposes," Mr. Beam said, "was wiped off the map."

Although the Bucks' residence was badly shaken, it held together.

WCG editor moves on

PASADENA, Calif.--Tom Hanson, who has edited the Worldwide Church of God's member newspaper/newsletter for 25 years, announced recently his plans to leave the employment of the WCG.

Mr. Hanson began working at The Worldwide News in 1975, when John Robinson was editor. Mr. Hanson became editor in 1980.

"All told, out of my 51 years of life, I have given 27 of those years to this publication," Mr. Hanson wrote in WCG Today, the current incarnation of The Worldwide News (which will soon be renamed Together).

"I especially appreciate the love, prayers, affection and advice expressed to our family as we battle the autism of our son, my pride and joy, Tom Jr. The struggle is severe, especially for my darling wife, Tina."

The Hansons, including daughter Elizabeth, plan to relocate in the U.S. Southeast.

Write Mr. Hanson c/o the WCG, Pasadena, Calif. 91123, U.S.A., or tom.hanson@wcg.org.

Ball State presents award

MUNCIE, Ind.--Ball State University awarded Church of God member John Robinson its annual Indiana Journalism Award.

The award came posthumously; Mr. Robinson died Jan. 5.

Besides serving as CEO of an Indiana-based company with facilities in other locations, including Big Sandy, Texas, Mr. Robinson was an adjunct professor of journalism at Ball State.

Noted David Sumner, a Ball State official: "We chose John because of his tremendous leadership . . . and his support for the department of journalism through adjunct teaching, serving on our Magazine Advisory Council for 15 years, and supporting our students through employing interns and recent graduates."

Mr. Robinson was a 1966 graduate of Ambassador College who, in 1995, founded In Transition, which became the inspiration for the startup of The Journal two years later.

To sign an online guest book for Mr. Robinson's family, go to www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=GB16236102X.