The GC board of directors held its 2025 Winter meeting February 25-28 in Denver, Colorado. All twelve members of the board were in attendance: Dennis O’Banion (chairman), Kirk Grant (vice-chairman), Wayne Hrenyk (secretary), Greg Lincoln (treasurer), Ruben Beard, Narciso Bentances, Ron Cummings, Tim Endecott, Daniel Flores, Jr., Neftali Hernandez, Raul Romo, and Ruben Zaragoza. Also in attendance were President Loren Stacy, Executive Director Jody McCoy, and (for several hours) accountant Dawn Wayman.

Each day, the board began with worship, God’s Word, and prayer. During this year’s meeting, the board performed most of its annual duties. It received reports and a recommended annual budget from staff; performed its annual evaluation of the GC president; reviewed its board Policies Manual; considered the GC president’s 2025 goals; adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year (April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026); and considered and acted upon various motions proposed by its members.

The highlight of this meeting was the board’s selection of Greg Lincoln to succeed Loren Stacy as GC president, effective the end of the 2025 GC Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah (see page 1 article).

The board of directors is responsible to oversee the General Conference on behalf of the membership when the membership is not “in session.” The board fulfills this duty largely by appointing a president and holding him accountable. Members (18 years or older) who have registered to vote in the convention business session can help elect members to the board of directors.

I’m thinking about time . . . things past and things yet to come. I’m thinking about God’s sovereign control of time and of everything else. It’s comforting to know that God is in absolute control, not only of the “what” but also of the “when.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (ESV). The verses that follow list familiar examples of those seasons: “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh,” and so on (vv. 2, 4-8). The writer could also have written “A time to begin, and a time to end.”

The year recently past was challenging, and the year recently begun will bring its own challenges. Every year does. Last year was marked by a wonderful meeting of our North American Ministerial Council. This year will be marked by another wonderful General Conference Convention. (Have you reserved a hotel room and registered for the convention? See page 4 for details.)

Last year was marked by concerns regarding the November 2023 transition of the International Ministerial Congress into the International Federation of the Church of God (Seventh Day). This year, GC members may be given opportunity at convention to decide whether or not the GC remains affiliated with the International Federation.

Last year during the February board of directors meeting, Executive Director Jody McCoy and I gave notice that we will retire from our current positions effective the end of the 2025 GC Convention. This year we will all learn who our successors will be. (Please bless them with the same gracious and patient support you have given Jody and me.)

A certain pastor read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, thought about life, and observed that God’s timing is sovereign, God’s timing is seasonal, and God’s timing often is surprising. I think that pastor is correct. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

— Loren Stacy

GC President

A powerful day of worship, unity, and inspiration took place at the Arizona Super Sabbath in Phoenix, AZ, on December 14. Churches gathered from Phoenix, Mesa, East Valley, Monte Sinai, Vegas (English), Vegas (Spanish), Tijuana, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, California, and Michigan. Under the theme “Engage,” Central District Superintendent Ronald Rousseau presented impactful messages. We are grateful for this unforgettable gathering of faith and fellowship!

Our Southwest District Women’s Retreat was held in Burnet, TX, on December 6-8. Over 200 women gathered for a powerful weekend of worship, fellowship, and growth focused on the theme “Transformed.” Workshop leaders shared inspiring messages on the importance of being a transformed woman in Christ. As we left the retreat, our hearts were filled with renewal, refreshment, and a deeper understanding of God’s unconditional love. We’re grateful for the leadership of SWD Women’s Director Jessica Salazar, our incredible speakers, worship team, and volunteers who made this event possible.

On December 28, the El Paso church celebrated a Coffee of Remembrance. At the end of the service, members gathered in the church dining room where they enjoyed refreshments and worship. They praised God by singing hymns, joined by members of the worship team.

The Area 6 Super Sabbath at Tree of Life church in El Paso, TX, inspired great blessings. On December 13-14, we gathered for a powerful weekend of worship, fellowship, and growth. The theme “The All Sufficient, All Satisfying Christ” inspired everyone. Pastor Esau Hernandez and Brother Josh Gutierrez, shared impactful sermons that reminded us of God’s unconditional love and guidance. We left feeling encouraged and uplifted, with a renewed sense of faith.

As we’ve wrapped up our winter youth camp here in beautiful Jasper, AR, our hearts are full — but also a little sad that it’s come to an end. December 26-29, we hosted over 50 incredible young people from Michigan to Texas, all united by a desire to grow deeper in their faith and connect with one another. Centered on the theme “Same God,” youth enjoyed passionate worship, challenging messages, and enlightening workshops. They also enjoyed delicious food, games, crafts, hayrides, and a fireside service Saturday night. Though the days were filled with adventure, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime, we know that the true impact of this camp will be seen in the days and weeks to come as our youth return home, equipped and inspired to shine God’s light in their communities. To our amazing campers, volunteers, and staff: Thank you for being part of this special experience!

Over 200 men attended the Southeast District Men’s Retreat November 15-17. Wilmer Ortiz (Tampa, FL), Claude Ricketts (NW Atlanta), and Juan Villeda (LaBelle, FL) delivered sermons based on the theme “Fight the Good Fight.” Worship music was provided by musicians from Lake Worth and Tampa, FL, and Stone Mountain and Baxley, GA. Saturday evening specials were led by Tereso Hernandez. Special thanks to Pastor Walter Apen (Men’s Ministry coordinator) and his committee of Wilmer Ortiz and Tereso Hernandez. The next retreat will be at Camp Adrian, GA, October 24-26.

Late Fall 2024 Graduates

Arnulfo De la Cruz (Certificate of Leadership Studies)

Efrain Gomez (Certificate of Leadership Studies)

Fall 2024 Dean’s List Recipients

William Aba • Alex Baez • Pete Capetillo • Aaron Coulson • Dan Davila • Adiel De Leon • Uber Donis • Efrain Gomez • Karlene Green • Alirio Luna Sosa • René Marroquin • Pablo Martinez • Israel Pacheco • Elizabeth Perez • Jose Perez • Justo Perez Marroquin • Rebeca Ramirez • Jesus Velazquez

New Scholarship for International Students

We are excited to unveil a new scholarship just for our CoG7 students outside the US and Canada! The CoG7 International Scholarship assists Church of God (Seventh Day) students beyond the US/Canadian General Conference whose local church or national conference is affiliated with the Church of God (Seventh Day) International Federation. The scholarship provides up to 100 percent tuition for the duration of their academic program. Learn more at artioscollege.org/ sponsorship/.

We need partners to help fund this special scholarship. If you have a heart for helping our international brothers and sisters, consider assisting them in receiving the training they crave. There are three ways to donate:

• my.artioscollege.org/give (myArtios account required); select “Scholarship Fund”

• secure.cog7.org/giving/; follow directions and select “Artios- Scholarship Fund.”

• Personal check made payable to “The General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day),” with “Artios Scholarship Fund” written on your check’s memo; mail it to P.O. Box 33677, Denver, CO 80233.

Calendar Events

February 10 – Late Winter registration closes

February 16 – Late Winter classes begin

March 31 – Early Spring registration closes

April 6 – Early Spring classes begin

Late Winter classes

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

HIS 321 History of Western Christianity

LEA 111 Essentials of Vibrant Leadership

THE 201 Christian Theology (English only)

THE 202 Church of God (Seventh Day) Doctrines

Early Spring classes

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

BIS 104 History & Literature of the New Testament

LEA 155 The Essence of Life Coaching (English only)

LEA 331 Church Administration

WOA 311 Prayer Ministry

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

Through the Bible Advocate, Churchright, and GC Facebook page, you’ve seen the information about what is in store at Convention ’25. Don’t worry. If you missed it, you can check the archives or find it at cog7. org/convention. (Keep checking the site; more info will continue being added!) Engaging workshops, exciting children/youth/young adult programs, important business sessions, inspiring worship services, tourist attractions, and more. However, all of this won’t be meaningful unless the seats are filled with people. That includes YOU!

Convention is not about the event; it’s about the memories. Memories you will make with friends, old and new. Experiences with your family. Collectively growing together as the body of Christ. Appreciating a new part of God’s creation in the beauty of Utah.

What else can we tell you about what Convention ’25 will be? We can’t. It will be up to you what you make it. So come “engage” with us in a week full of opportunities that you will turn into special memories. The stage is set. Come play your part!

Register now by going to cog7.org/convention. Hotel, meal, and event registration is available on the website.

Already registered? You can edit your own information through the same link. Signing up for at least one meal per person and registering for one of the convention hotels through the online link helps us save meeting room costs. The early registration discount ends April 30, so don’t miss your opportunity to save!

Important Convention Dates

April 30 – early bird convention registration ends

June 9 – deadline for hotel reservations; after this date, reservations made are not guaranteed to receive our convention rate

June 24 – deadline for meal tickets to be purchased

The Hammondville church held its annual hayride on October 19 at Kenneth and Jimmie Pell’s farm. They have hosted this event for more than 30 years! We all enjoyed visiting with our church family and members of the Chattanooga congregation. Superintendent Steve Krome and his wife, Allison, also attended. We enjoyed a delicious meal, and the children had fun with glow-in-the-dark sticks. We are so thankful to the Lord for granting us a beautiful evening with church family and friends.

Amani Pacheco of the CoG7 Aurora, CO church was baptized at the Sis-Q Youth Camp in July. On August 16, Ronald Rousseau presented a certificate of baptism to her. Amani is starting her walk with Christ early in life, and we pray that her investments in the kingdom will yield great fruit.

On July 20, a Sabbath service was held at the CoG7 in Schuyler, NE. Representing the Central District were Superintendent Ronald Rousseau and Area Coordinator Oscar Mata.

A special worship event was held July 13 at the Justice congregation in Chicago, led by Ruben Davila Jr., an accomplished musician and worship leader. He encouraged the group of musicians, worship leaders, and media engineers to seek excellence. The enlightening question-and-answer session reflected common situations faced by those in music ministry.

Youth from the Aurora and Thornton, CO churches attended the annual Sis-Q Meadows camp July 21-28. Ten kids gave their hearts to Jesus!

A young adult service titled “An Awakening,” held June 8 in Ontario, CA, focused on waking up young adults from their worldly attachments and shifting their attachment to God. Thanks to this event, the Ontario church has gained new members and witnessed baptisms. Ontario’s young adult leader, Ezri Anguiano, came up with the idea of “An Awakening.” With continued support from the church, she and her team are already planning for the next event.

The East Valley, AZ youth, sponsored by Gladis Payan and Marvin Thompson, held a youth service on April 27. The theme was “Be a Light.” Youth from all four Phoenix-area congregations were represented. They led Sabbath school for a joint youth and adult lesson, led praise, and presented special songs, exhortations, and the message. The service concluded with the song “Go Light Your World.”