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/PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
·VOL.7, N0.8
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
FEBRUARY 22, 1985
I'm very pleased to report that Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mickelson have become our
newest additions to the U.S. field ministry. Mr. Mickelson will be moving
from Pasadena, where he has served for the past five years as Fleet Manager,
to his new assignment as ministerial trainee serving under Mr. Jeff McGowan
in the Boise, Idaho and Baker and Ontario, Oregon churches. Mr. Mickelson
graduated from Ambassador College in 1978, and his wife, Michelle, grad
uated in 1976. They were married in 1981. Both are enthusiastic about
their new responsibilities and plan to arrive in Boise in early March. Mr.
Dean May will assume the task of Fleet Manager.
As Passover approaches, all church pastors should be preparing the brethren
for the Passover service. Many members are new and have never participated
in a Passover service before. They, as well as other members, need to begin
thinking seriously about the upcom�ng service and what it means. The Pass
over is a solemn assembly. Care and preparation must be taken to ensure
that it be kept so. Remind the brethren a week or two ahead of time that
there should be no visiting, talking, laughing, joking or conversation be
fore or after the service. Afterward, everyone should depart quietly.
It would be advisable to reread Mr. Armstrong's material on the Passover in
your black ceremony book a few weeks before Passover for other points you
may want to give the brethren in preparation for the service.
The question often comes up about whether or not children, teen-agers,
prospective members or interested unconverted individuals may attend the
Passover service. Mr. Armstrong has instructed that only baptized members
are to attend or participate in the Passover service, which is a sacred
ceremony for Spirit-begotten children of God.
In the weeks immediately preceding the Passover, a few sermonettes and some
sermons that clearly cover the meaning of the footwashing service, the
bread and the wine should be assigned. God intends that we carefully and
thoroughly remind His people about these important subjects at this time
every year. We must never allow ourselves to feel that these topics have
already been covered enough, or that it isn't necessary to "rehash every
thing again this year."
Ask God for interesting and creative ways to present His Word for the maxi
mum clarity, impact and understanding of His people. But remember that God
has ordained that we keep His feasts every year to keep us in remembrance of
His plan. Never apologize for going back to the basics, especially when it
comes to the festivals. The Apostle Peter certainly did not apologize for
his repetition of God's truth. He said, "I will not be negligent to remind
you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the
present truth. Yes, I think it is right•••to stir you up by reminding you"
(II Pet. 1:12-13, RAV). I think we all realize that Mr. Armstrong does not
apologize for constantly reminding· us of the basics of God's purpose and
plan. We all need it!
c, ,995Worldwtde Ctntrch of God