Organized by the women’s group of the El Paso Central church, a breakfast reunion was held September 14. The group enjoyed a delicious breakfast and a devotional thought from Susana Beard on the importance of trusting God with everything. We hope that our sisters and their guests had the opportunity to spend a relaxing time during this event and that they continue to strengthen their relationship with God.

September 10-14, the Senior Adult Retreat at beautiful Sis-Q Meadows was a time of fellowship, worship, and renewal in the Lord. Surrounded by both long-time and new friends, participants shared encouragement through prayer, service, and time together.

Each day began with a devotion and small group study led by Brother John Howell. This was followed by inspiring messages from Pastors Tim Hinds and Andy Hassen on serving others with compassion, based on Matthew 25:40. Joel and Ruth Miller led praise and shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Afternoons were filled with fellowship, service projects, crafts, and moments of rest, while evenings featured testimonies, art, and worship.

A highlight was the Sabbath anointing prayer service, where many experienced God’s healing hand in a mighty way. The week was filled with many blessings, gratitude, and joy. Plan now to attend the Sis-Q Meadows Senior Adult Retreat on September 16-20, 2026.

— Jan Shibley and Barb Burrell

The Eugene congregation welcomed six new members into our church family on September 13: Juan and Petra Leandro, Josh and Carolina Diaz, and David and Smyrna Leventhal. We were especially blessed as David and Smyrna also became official members of the Church of God (Seventh Day). Adding even more joy to this special Sabbath, their son, Isaac, was baptized, publicly dedicating his life to the Lord. It was a beautiful day filled with love, celebration, and heartfelt thanksgiving to God. — Melva Smith

On October 4, while the men attended a regional Men’s Retreat, the Eugene congregation experienced a beautiful Sabbath of worship in new and meaningful ways. Carolina Diaz led the congregation in song, and Juan Leandro, joined by his son and nephew visiting from California, shared the special song “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” Lynnette Chalus inspired everyone with a chalk drawing titled “The Woman at the Well,” accompanied by the songs “He Touched Me,” “There Is a River,” and “Something Beautiful.” Testimonies from Karen Riggs and Petra Leandro reminded us of God’s perfect timing and faithfulness in their families’ moves to Oregon. It was a truly blessed Sabbath of praise and thanksgiving. — Melva Smith

The West Coast District gathered on September 20 in Sherman Oaks, CA, for a Super Sabbath, with over 400 brethren attending. Greg Lincoln and Daniel Flores participated for the first time as GC president and executive director. The day was filled with worship, fellowship, and nurture from the Word of God. On Sunday, a leadership meeting took place in Ontario, CA, where representatives from more than fifteen congregations gathered to share in the Church’s vision and mission. We thank God for His continued faithfulness and blessings upon His people!

“Bible Boot Camp” was the theme for our regional Men’s Retreat, held October 3-5 at Sis-Q Meadows Camp in Cave Junction, OR. Sixty-one men gathered for fellowship, praise, and biblical inspiration. Our youngest participant was 13 and the oldest 82. We enjoyed hikes, basketball, a fire in the picnic shelter, and even some swimming! Worship and workshops focused on the reliability of the Bible, its uniform message throughout, how to interpret it, and how to apply the living Word to our lives today. Adding to the fun, we did team competitions with Bible Jeopardy, a Bible scavenger hunt, and SWORD drills. Men, continue the challenge of growing in God and in your knowledge of His Word! — Kurt Lang

On August 30, the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Mesa, AZ, gathered at the beautiful Salt River to celebrate a baptism. Surrounded by family, friends, and God’s amazing creation, the moment was filled with faith, renewal, and new beginnings. This baptism stands as a testimony of commitment and devotion, a step forward in walking with Christ. May this day always be remembered as a milestone of faith and blessing.

On August 10, two people were baptized from the congregation in Laval, Quebec: Lydia Meiggs and Oscar Correa. Obed Valladares, pastor of the Laval church, and Min. Isai Urizar performed the baptisms. We welcome these  new members into the body of Christ!

The Etobicoke church held a community barbeque August 17. Fun activities, giveaways, and food filled the day with joy.

The Calgary church hosted a Super Sabbath on August 16. Guest speaker Ronald Rousseau, GC Missions director, encouraged the over 100 attendees to remember that God had blessed them to be a blessing to others. The afternoon service was a true joy, hearing our sisters from Jamaica and other countries praising God in different languages. On Sunday, August 17, Elder Rousseau gave a presentation on GC Missions.

Despite challenges within the district, God showed that He is in control as new babes in Christ were baptized during the Parkland Family Campout in July. We rejoice over these new babes in Christ!

On October 11, Pastor Larry Zaragoza spoke at the Parkland church, sharing the message of being thankful in the Church of God (Seventh Day). God is indeed faithful!

Miriam Lagunas joined the GC family in May 2025 as the new administrative assistant/bookkeeper in the Denver office. She has over fifteen years of experience in project coordination, where she served as a vital link between organizations, internal teams, and external partners.

Miriam lives in Lafayette, Colorado, with her husband, Josue, and their four children: Louis, Kevin, Oliva, and Aranza. We are glad to have her on our staff!

Calling All Auditors!

Did you know? Auditing is now available for select online courses! See Calendar Events for courses with auditing seats available. To view all audit courses for the 2025/2026 school year, see the Course Schedule at https://my.artioscollege.org/en/catalog/current/academic-calendar.

Learn more about auditing at https://my.artioscollege.org/en/catalog/current/academic-policies#auditing. To audit a course, visit https://my.artioscollege.org/en/courses to register.

Convention Workshop Recordings

Convention 2025 is a memory, but the encouragement can continue. Artios sponsored multiple workshops at the 2025 General Conference Convention, several of which were recorded and are available for your edification.

Check them out, as well as lots of other free resources, at https://center.artioscollege.org/webinar-resource-list/.

Summer 2025 Graduates

Mike Wallace, Florence, MT – Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership (Pastoral Ministry)*

Herlindo (Neri) Roman, Willis, TX – Associate of Christian Leadership (Pastoral Ministry)

Oscar Retana, Moreno Valley, CA – Certificate of Leadership Studies

* Graduate was incorrectly recognized with an Associate of Christian Leadership at the commencement ceremony during the convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. We apologize for this embarrassing oversight.

Calendar Events

December 30 – Early Winter registration closes

January 5 – Early Winter classes begin

February 10 – Late Winter registration closes

February 16 – Late Winter classes begin

Early Winter Classes

BIS 201 Biblical Interpretation*

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

LEA 211 The Leader’s Emotional Health

LEA 321 Leadership in the Church of God (Seventh Day)*

MIS 311 Evangelism and Discipleship

Late Winter Classes

BIS 101 History and Literature of the Old Testament*

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

HIS 321 History of Western Christianity

LEA 111 Essentials of Vibrant Leadership*

THE 201 Christian Theology

* Course with limited audit availability.

Register at https://my.artioscollege.org/en/courses.

The week ending July 5 marked the close of our 2025 General Conference convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The venue was amazing, the fellowship refreshing, the teaching edifying, and the worship invigorating! Indeed, God blessed us with His presence. While we left tired from a busy week, we also left encouraged and strengthened in our faith — to continue walking with our Lord and to engage more fully in the work of the kingdom.

The convention was blessed with guests from not only the United States and Canada but also Australia, England, India, Jamaica, and Kenya. Despite the incredible amount of travel — from city to city and nation to nation — God blessed each one with safety.

In all of God’s goodness, I am reminded that we must not take these blessings for granted. Just recently, tragedy struck suddenly and catastrophically in Central Texas. Innocent and unwarned, many found themselves in the torrent of flash floods with no place to flee. Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, lost at least 27 campers and counselors — an unspeakable, unimaginable blow. From the heights of summer camp to the unbearable burden that each parent must now carry for a lifetime, there are no words for this moment. For so many, life has changed forever.

 I am reminded of Paul’s frequent call to prayer: “strive . . . with me in prayers . . . that I may be delivered . . .” (Romans 15:30, 31, NKJV throughout); “brethren, pray for us, . . . that we may be delivered . . .” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2); “praying always . . . for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

 Perhaps no greater illustration of the power of a praying church is Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison from between two soldiers. “Arise quickly!” the angel proclaimed as he led Peter to freedom (Acts 12:7). In this moment of crisis, it was said of the church “constant prayer was offered to God for him” (v. 5).

 Churchright is about church happenings. May it be said of us that we are a praying church, covering every event in prayer for God’s blessing, grace, and divine hand of protection. May it be so!

 — Greg Lincoln

GC President

On June 30 – July 5, the Church of God (Seventh Day) family gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, for our highly anticipated Biennial Convention, hosted at the beautiful Salt Palace Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Engage,” resonated deeply through every seminar, worship service, and fellowship moment shared among more than 1,000 attendees from across the United States, Canada, and countries as far-reaching as Australia, England, India, Jamaica, and Kenya.

 The week was packed with a variety of enriching seminars led by SHINE, Artios Christian College, and other leaders. Topics addressed the broad spectrum of church life and mission, including family ministry, spiritual warfare, standing for life, Christlike hospitality, youth camps, homeschooling, social media, evangelism, pastoral ministry, and even sound system management within church settings.

Attendees also participated in interactive discussions on cultural integration, Sabbath school, and collaboration in service. Of particular note was the introduction of the International Federation, an exciting new effort to strengthen global church unity.

 Each evening, the congregation gathered for inspiring worship services, with messages rooted in the call to engage with Christ, the church, and the world. Youth and young adults enjoyed special evening activities, and children were blessed with ongoing ministry and a memorable Sabbath children’s program. Music throughout the week uplifted and united hearts, adding beauty to the spiritual tone of the gathering.

Highlights included a heartfelt reception honoring outgoing President Loren Stacy and Executive Director Jody McCoy, recognizing their decade of leadership and service to our church. Other special events included a women’s luncheon, Spring Vale Christian School luncheon, and the Artios Meet & Greet, along with the Artios Christian College graduation, where 27 graduates were honored for their academic achievements.

 The biennial business sessions were also a central part of the week, led by board chairman Dennis O’Banion. Each began with a devotional led by an Artios student, setting a spiritual tone for the work ahead. Reports were given on the state of the church, districts, NAMC, and various ministries, along with financial reports.

No new amendments were adopted, but several leadership changes took place. Neftali Hernandez, Sam Holland, Ramon Ruiz, and Robert Grabinsky were elected to six-year board terms, and Dennis O’Banion and Jerad Ullrich to four-year terms. (New officers of the board are Dennis O’Banion, chairman; Sam Holland, vice-chairman; Wayne Hrenyk, secretary; and Neftali Hernandez, treasurer.)

Nominating Committee members elected were Douglas Klopfenstein and Gregory Crayton. Zuri Gutierrez and Nigel Lewis were appointed by the board of directors. The new Amendments Committee is composed of Chip Hinds (chair), Chris Idemmili, and Raul Romo, appointed by Chairman O’Banion.

 The week concluded with a significant moment of transition. On the evening of July 5, Greg Lincoln was installed as the new president of the General Conference and Daniel Flores as the new executive director.

 None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Convention Committee, led by Mary Jean Knoll, and a host of volunteers whose service behind the scenes made the entire week run smoothly.

 Salt Lake City offered the perfect backdrop — with its scenic beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and many accommodating restaurants — for a week filled with connection, vision, and the unmistakable presence of God.

 The Montana Fellowship of the CoG7 met May 31 and June 1, with the Wallace family hosting Keith and Sherry Elkington in their home for the weekend. Sabbath services were broadcast via Zoom to our online audience of ten people in three states. In addition to Mike and Bonnie Wallace and the Elkingtons, Lisa Montgomery and Kathy Gignac attended the in-home meeting. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit was the theme of the weekend.

On June 21, eight new souls entered the waters of baptism in Schuyler, NE. It was a great blessing to see these brethren make a covenant with God!