Church of God Ministries, Inc., is offering eleven books on Christian discipleship as free downloads from its Web site (www.chog.org). To access an online directory of CGM’s electronic books for download, click here.

Titled Bridges: Invitation to Discipleship, the series was published by Warner Press, Inc., in 1996 and 1997. You can now download, print, and reproduce any of these books for use in your congregation.

Church of God Ministries has advanced Rev. Tim West, area administrator for Texas an emergency distribution of funds to assist our congregations there following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike. But more money will be needed for the relief and recovery operations.

Rev. West has been in close communication with Rev. Obadiah Smith, coordinator for compassionate ministries at CGM. In spite of the difficulties with communications due to phone lines being down, West was able to provide an initial report of the damages from a few churches affected by Ike:

By Mo Montgomery

Exeter, CA—Win or lose, starting this Friday Exeter students can party after the game like they’ve never partied before. But parents need not worry.

This party is a positive alternative that is both student and parent approved.

This year, three Friday nights are designated for something called 5th Quarter, where home game fun will go into overtime.

Held at the Church of God of Exeter, 5th Quarter is the place to be for non-stop Friday festivities.

By Susan Kane
Church Multiplication

At the age of fifty-three, Rev. Jim Brooke never thought he would be planting a church. Yet after leaving a pastorate he had served for nine years, during which time he increased weekly attendance from four to 125 and navigated a building project, that is exactly what he found himself doing in late 2005.

As the state church planter for the Oklahoma Church of God, Brooke was responsible for targeting areas throughout the state for possible new church plants. At that time, his focus was on the town of Norman, a small, but growing, community south of Oklahoma City. Although Norman was home to the University of Oklahoma, two previous congregations had failed over the years. The community was full of young families, however, so it was a prime opportunity for a new plant.

By Sarah Henning

Lawrence, KS --A little more than two years ago, Indian Hills Church of God was on its last legs with every sign pointing toward a coming demise.  It had been without a pastor for more than two years, its number of weekly worshippers had dwindled to the teens, and a lack of new blood left its children’s ministry with no children of which to speak.  Something had to change, or the church would die.

West Middlesex, PA—Click here to listen as Charles Myricks, chief operating and development officer for the National Association of the Church of God provides a summary of their 92nd Annual Campmeeting held in West Middlesex, PA August 3–10, 2008.

By David Farlow

The idea was birthed in the small teepee-shaped red church building on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It came from a realization that traditional church services had limited appeal to the Lakota Indian youth living in the area. It was a bold question. Why, it had never been done before. But that didn’t stop Julie Hollow Horn and others at the Church of God in Wounded Knee from praying and petitioning God. Why not send our youth to the International Youth Convention in San Antonio? And there began the journey.

Emergency funds have been sent to church leaders in Orissa, India, to help those affected by the recent violence and persecution against Christians. Church of God Ministries (CGM) staff have been in frequent contact with church leader and Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH) director Asim Das, and sent the money following his recent report on the situation there.

Das reported that recent attacks against Christians forced families to flee into the jungle for protection after their homes were burned and lives threatened. Seven families have been located and are receiving temporary care while the search for others continues. Das also informed CGM staff that three of our church facilities have been destroyed.

Pendleton, OR -- Kevin Sumerlin and his two sons, 5-year-old Cody and 7-year-old Justin, weren't sure what they were going to do Sunday. Sumerlin said the boys had four quarters and they decided to check out downtown Pendleton to see if there were some Round-Up festivities they could put those quarters toward.

They soon found themselves at Roy Raley Park for the annual Round-Up Sunday Community Worship Celebration.

"God gave us the quarters and brought us here," Sumerlin said.

Warner Press, Inc., is pleased to release a mini-encyclopedia of Church of God beliefs and practices compiled by Barry L. Callen. Following Our Lord is a ready reference for pastors and lay leaders who have questions about a variety of issues. Topics range from traditional doctrinal subjects, such as church membership and the ordinances, to behavioral issues, such as the use of tobacco and alcohol, a Christian’s manner of dress, and sexual orientation.