WEB SITE FIGURES FOR LAST WEEK
The EA web site had 5,567 visitors last week or 795 per day (770 last week). The total for the lifetime of the site is 4,124,326 or 1,000 a day for the 4,126 days of the site. Last report’s total was 5,952.

We had 4,224 visitors at the Church Site. 
1,186  visitors checked into the Gateway site.

PENTECOST REPORTS

"The Bettendorf, Iowa, and the Washington, IL, fellowships enjoyed a combined Pentecost service outdoors at the Hennepin Canal Visitors Center Shelter.  God blessed us with a beautiful warm, sunny day to be spiritually fed.  Dave Kerlin gave the main sermon and Mike Kratz gave a sermonette.  Special music was songs by Charley Stout and Missy Kratz.  After a delicious cookout, the children and adults played a few games. We all watched a pair of swallows feeding their babies in the nest in the corner of the shelter.  God's creatures provoked awe in all of us enjoying a very special Holy Day." –Dave and Ramona Kerlin

FEAST ANNOUNCEMENTS

MINISTERS-SPEAKERS: Where are you going for the Feast?

This is an encouragement for all ministers and credentialed speakers of the ICG to notify the Web Site Office and let us know what Feast site you will be attending this year.  Let us know if you have served as Song Leaders at the Feast.  Credentialed speakers, let us know what credential you hold [sermonettes, sermons, etc.].

FEAST 09: AUSTRALIA – Airline prices currently very low

Ever considered going to the Feast in Australia?  Last trip minister, Robert Bruce took cost him $1,900 a ticket.  However, currently Qantas and United are having price wars at present with flights about $650.00 round trip.

Get details from Robert Bruce: roberttbruce21@hotmail.com    

PANAMA CITY BEACH
Overview of Events

2009 Panama City Beach Feast of Tabernacles

Here’s your sneak peek of the events for the Feast in Panama City Beach this year.  More information will be available in the Feast brochure.   

The Pottery Bar – This event is primarily for the children.  Each child will hand-paint their own snack plate.  It will be kiln fired and available for pick up during the Feast.  This has been very popular with the local children.  Price:  $10.00 per child.  This fee includes the raw pottery, paints, firing, etc.  Others may participate; however, you will have to select your pottery and pay the regular rates, which vary based on item selected at The Pottery Bar.

Sunset Dolphin Sighting Cruise –   A relaxing sunset cruise in the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  What a way to ease into the Feast!  The Captain guarantees dolphin sightings.  Adults - $18.00, Children (4-11) - $13.00, Seniors (60+) - $17.00.

Chili Cook-Off – Calling all cooks!  If you’ve got a terrific chili recipe you’d like to share, here’s your opportunity.  Whether it’s the authentic Texas-style chili or your own homespun chili with beans, it doesn’t matter. The judges will test them all.  If you’re the winner you’ll go home with a blue ribbon and Feast bragging rights.  The plan is to hold this event at St. Andrews State Park.  You’ll need to bring your own utensils, chili pot, crock pot, warming plate, or whatever you need for preparation and to keep your chili warm.  We’re including a weenie roast to coincide with the chili cook-off so they’ll be plenty to eat. More announcements regarding this event will be announced at the Feast. 

Family Fun Night -   Whatever your talent, tonight’s your night.  If you sing, dance, recite poetry, do skits, ventriloquism, pantomime, or anything you feel would be entertaining, please join the fun.  A minister will oversee the auditions following services on Sunday, October 4.  Please listen for the announcements during services for times and details.

Seniors’ Tea – This event has been included to honor the Seniors’ in our church.  We plan to have finger foods and other refreshments with tokens of appreciation for our beloved senior citizens.  If you consider yourself a senior please join us as we celebrate remarkable you. 

Emerald Coast Mirror Maze/Laser Craze and Polka-Dots Toys – This is something NEW we’ve discovered for the kids and teens at Pier Park.  Prices:  $6.00 for Laser Craze, $7.00 for the Mirror Maze or you can buy the combo ticket for $13.00.  After the Mirror Maze and Laser Craze we’ll head over to Polka-Dots Toys and Gifts.  Each child will receive a gift card to cash in on whatever their heart desires.  Polka-Dots Toys and Gifts, as the name implies, has toys, games and all sorts of goodies to appeal to the child in all of us.  Please sign up for this event at the Feast so we can get an accurate count of how many gift cards we need to purchase. 

Formal Dinner at “Firefly” – Here’s an opportunity to pull out that little black dress and your best suit for a more formal dining experience. Tuxedos and evening gowns are not required; however, if the mood strikes you, please feel free to “dress to the nines.”   You’ll sign up for this at the Feast, as seating at “The Canopies at Firefly” is limited to 50. Negotiations are still underway on the menu and pricing.  Check your Feast brochure when it’s available for more information. 

Hosts  and Ministers’ Luncheon – Specifics will be announced at the Feast. 

Diamonds and Pearls Family Formal-   The Family Dance is back!  Do you have an old prom dress just gathering dust?  How about an old tuxedo with a ruffled shirt and wide bowtie?  How about grandpa’s old pin-striped suit or, grandma’s vintage flapper dress?  Whatever formal attire you decide to wear, the “Diamonds and Pearls Formal Dance” is the place for you.  A professional DJ will spin a variety of tunes to suit every age group; standards, country, pop, R&B, etc. 

We plan to have a professional photographer there to take pictures for those interested in preserving the evening for posterity.  We’re still negotiating pricing. 

Remember: there's no need to pay retail on your formal wear when great deals can be found on www.Ebay.com, www.craigslists.org  or your area thrift stores, consignment & resale shops.  The object is for us all to have fun and not break the bank on our dance wardrobes. 

Don’t feel like dressing for the occasion?  No worries, come as you are and join the brethren for a night of fun. 

Please note: some of you may remember, a sports-themed dance was previously scheduled for the 2009 Feast in PCB; however, The Destin Community Center, our site for the 2010 Feast, is more conducive to this dance since it’s in a gymnasium complete with bleachers and basketball court.  

Tee-Time Golf Outing – Here’s an event for the golf enthusiast.  Those interested will need to sign up at the Feast.  The event is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Signal Hill Golf Course on Thursday, October 8. 

Super Speed Fun Park – This is a family event.  Fun for all ages.  Go-cart racing, black-light 3D golf, bumper boats, bungee rides and an arcade are just some of the fun you can have at the park.  Pricing is being negotiated for our group.  More details will be available in the Feast brochure.

Feast Raffle -   Most of you are familiar with the Feast Raffle.  Tickets will still be .25 cents each.  All of the proceeds from the Raffle are used to offset the incidental expenses for the Feast.  The sky is the limit as to what you can donate.  Handmade items are always a big hit as well as tools, jewelry, toys, small appliances, etc.  Your donations can be dropped off any time during the Feast prior to the raffle.  All items will be on display prior to the event so you can get an idea of what you want to bid on.  This has always been a huge hit at the Feast and lots of fun. 

Sea Dragon Pirate Ship Cruise -    We’ve not taken this cruise in a few years so we thought the kids would like to experience the fun again.  Adults can have fun too.  Most enjoy sitting on the top deck relaxing and sipping their adult beverages while they watch the kids swab the deck below.  Children are treated to a swashbuckling adventure where they get to play like pirates, participate in a water gun battle and look for sunken treasure.  An added treat is usually the sighting of dolphins and other marine life.  Prices:  Adults - $19.00, Children (3-14) $17.00, Small Children (1-2) $11.00, and Seniors (60+) $19.00.  This will not be a private chartered cruise this year in an effort to keep expenses down for our families.  Please make sure you sign up for this at the Feast. 

Bible Study – This event is self-explanatory, but please remember the ministry puts a lot of time and effort in preparing these Bible studies. Your participation is greatly appreciated.  Keep in mind, it’s an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and ask questions about the Bible.

Group Meal – New for 2009!  This is an informal gathering of the brethren who decide to remain through the end of The Last Great Day instead of heading home following services. In the past, many have been unaware that some of us linger and get together to “break bread” one last time before we head home.  If you are extending your stay, you are welcome to join us.  Specific details will be announced at the Feast.  

We hope this gives you a head start on planning 2009 Panama City Beach Feast of Tabernacles.   

MINISTERS AND SPEAKERS ON THE ROAD
A number of ministers and speakers are on the road in coming weeks and months. Get all the details at Special Announcements at the Church site:

http://www.intercontinentalcog.org/specialannouncements.shtml                  

Bettendorf, IA - 11 July - Services/Bible Study - Kerlin/Josephsen
Atlanta [Douglasville], GA - 11 July - Services - Clyde Crawford
Danville, VA - 11 July - Services - Robert Nunnery
Garden City, KS - 11 July - Services - Mike Alewine, Robert Bruce
Kansas City, Missouri - 18 July - Services - Tom Griffith
Kingsport, TN - 8 August - Services - Robert Nunnery
Roanoke, VA - 25 July - Services - Robert Nunnery
Fulton, MS - 25 July - Services - Mike Garrett
Detroit-Canton, MI - 8 Aug - Services - Dr. James Ricks, Mark Armstrong
Richmond -Sanderson, VA - 15 Aug - Services - Robert Nunnery
Morganton-Hickory - 29 Aug - Services - Robert Nunnery
Wichita, KS - 29 Aug - Services - Scherich, Alewine, Bruce
Kingsport, TN - 12 Sep - Services - Chris Cumming

To have an announcement posted for guest speakers to your local area, fill out the posted form:

http://www.garnertedarmstrong.org/Forms/ministerspeakingengagement.htm      

FEAST 2009 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Notice ICG Ministers and Credentialed Speakers

Let us know where you are going for the Feast.  We need to this now to properly and effectively prepare for the Feast at our eight locations.

Contact me here at the Web Site Office: chriscumming@icgchurches.org.     
 

WEEKLY BIBLE QUESTIONS – LAST WEEK’S QUESTIONS
Biblical Greenhouse 8 of 9

1] On what day of Creation did God make the plants?
Hints
– looking for the number of the day [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.].
– on this day God had the waters gather into one place.
– on this day dry land appeared.
– on this day He called the dry land, Earth.
– answer in the first three chapters of Genesis.
 

2] What plant was given to Jesus as a mock scepter by the Roman soldiers?
Hints
– looking for a type of plant.
– begins with the letter “r.”
– they actually smote Him with this item.
– they spit upon Him.
– look in Mark, chapters 14-16.

3] In the parable of the sower, what unwanted plant causes some of the seeds to die?
Hints
– looking for a type of plant.
– this plant sprung up, thus killing the seeds.
– this plant choked these seeds.
– look in Matthew, chapters 13-15.

4] What was Moses’ basket made of?
Hints
– looking for a type of plant.
– verse says the woman could no longer hide Moses.
– the basket was daubed with slime and with pitch.
– she placed the child in the basket and put it in the river.
– look in the first three chapters of Exodus.

5] What plant was used to lift up a sponge to the dying Jesus?
Hints
– looking for a type of plant.
– Hebrew name of this plant is Ezov.
– they filled a vessel full of vinegar and filled a sponge
– they put it upon this plant and put it to His mouth
– answer in John , somewhere in chapters 19-21

6] What book mentions “apples of gold”?
Hints
– looking for a book of the Bible.
– Old Testament.
– verse speaks of a word fitly spoken.
–  verse speaks of pictures of silver

– look in chapter 25
1] The third day (Genesis 1:9-13)
2] a reed (Mark 15:19)
3] Thorns (Matthew 13:7)
4] Bulrushes (Exodus 2:3)
5] Hyssop (John 19:29)
6] Proverbs (25:11)

Those who answered correctly Biblical Greenhouse   Part 8 of 9:  Carolyn M. – Bob M. – Milford & Mary H. – John M. – Maxine & Terri W. – Paul B. – Larry & Mary Ruth B. – Mary L. – Paul P. – Joy S. – Denise C. & Wendy A. – Trish G. – Linda P. – Jerry C.

This Week’s Questions – The Biblical Greenhouse Part 9 of 9

1] What flower were the capitals on the temple columns shaped like?
Hints
– looking for a type of flower
– “capitals” were the top of the column. 
– the word capitals is rendered “Chapiters ”
– Strong’s word 3805
– these things were four cubits high.
– look in 1 Kings, chapters 7-9

2] What plant, according to Isaiah, would not be broken by the Messiah?
Hints
– looking for a type of plant.
– this type of plant was the answer to a question last week.
– verse you seek also mentions smoking flax
– verse says he will bring forth judgment
– look in Isaiah, chapters 41-43.

3] What tree’s fruit was symbolically represented on the clothing of Israel’s high priest?
Hints
– looking for a type of fruit that grows on a tree.
– this fruit is depicted in blue, purple and scarlet.
– in between each fruit were bells of gold round about.
– Strong’s word 7416.
– look in Exodus, chapters 28-30.

4] What wood was used to make the table in the tabernacle for holding the sacred bread?
Hints
– looking for a type of wood. 
– known by two names.  One beginning with letter “a” and one with “s” in the King James.
– The verses in question use the “s” word.
– Strong’s word 7848
– look in Exodus, chapter 24 or 25.

5] What wood was used for building the temple after the exile in Babylon?
Hints
– looking for a type of wood
– is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae.  They are most closely related to the Firs.
– verse says they gave money to masons and carpenters and to people in Tyre to get this wood.
– this wood is known for the tenacity of its roots.  A spiritual lesson?
– Strong’s word 730.
– look in Ezra, chapters 3-5.

6] What two herbs does Jesus say the Pharisees would tithe?
Hints
– looking for two types of herbs.
– verse also mentions “all manner of herbs.”
– one herbs begins with letter “m” while the other the letter “r.”
– first one is genus Mentha.  The second genus name is same as common name.
– known for bitter taste. Used extensively in Jesus’ time and found in Roman recipes according to Apicius, a collection of Roman cookery recipes.
– look in Luke, chapters 10-12.

Have the answers? Drop me an e-mail: chriscumming@icgchurches.org     

Next time: Earthquakes Part 1 of 1

POINTS TO PONDER
Courage

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." …You must do the thing you think you cannot do.