If viewing on a phone or tablet, click to view in a browser and rotate to landscape (horizontal) mode

Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:16 NLT

May 2023 An Alabama Church of God Ministries Publication Vol 1 No 1

Milan's Musings
by Milan Dekich, State Pastor

June is camp month at Chula Vista when kids from all over Alabama gather at Chula Vista for a few days of fun, fellowship, food, and, most important, faith. Friendships are forged that transcend time and even romance happens at camp as the many marriages that bloomed at camp proves. Perhaps most crucial of all the special qualities of camp is that eternity is changed because hundreds if not

thousands of people have accepted Christ in a cabin or in a service at the old, wooden altar. I remember many a service where the altar was full of kids and adults praying. My most crucial spiritual decisions were made at church camp. Why does Chula Vista camp have such a powerful spiritual effect on people who attend? Is it because there are fewer distractions at Chula Vista surrounded by trees and wildlife instead of electronics and screens? Is it because the counselors and staff are there to seek God and help others seek Him? Is it because of the multitude of prayers that have been prayed over the camp and people who attend? Perhaps it is not just one reason but all of these and many

continue reading →

Rainbow Community Church
- Montgomery, Alabama

Rainbow Community Church was born in 1948 in nearby Alabama City. Thirteen years later (1961) the facility on Rainbow Drive was dedicated and became our new home. The campus has changed a lot in recent years, along with the surrounding area.

Through the years we have seen our numbers fluctuate with changing circumstances. But we have found ways to minister to the community (nursing home and soup kitchen) as well as missionary partnerships (England and the Middle East) and ministry students' scholarships through Mid-America Christian University.

Our mission statement is simple: "Glorify God, win the lost, edify Christians, serve those in need."

God has just sent us a new pastor, Brother Jim MacCormick. He and his wife Ramona arrived April 23rd. No doubt they will help us find new ways to fulfill our calling. We're looking forward to our future together!

Rainbow Community Church
New Pastors...
Pastor Jim and Ramona MacCormack. Married 34 years with 7 children in a blended family. Jim is a graduate of Multnomah University and Warner Pacific University in Portland Oregon. They have pastored in the Church of God since the Fall of 1992.

Camper Registration 2023

Camp Chula Vista 2023 Info and Dates:
Camps are designated by the grade most recently completed by the camper.

Primary Camp
Completed grades K5 - 2nd
May 31 - June 3
Early bird registration - $180
Registration after May 15 - $205

Intermediate Camp
Completed grades 3rd - 5th
June 13 - 17
Early bird registration - $200
Registration after May 15 - $225

Junior High Camp
Completed grades 6th - 8th
June 19 - 24
Early bird registration - $220
Registration after May 15 - $245

Senior High Camp
Completed grades 9th - 12th
June 5 - 10
Early bird registration - $220
Registration after May 15 - $245

For all camps:

- Please send $100 pre-registration to your church coordinator, through our online payment portal, or to the address at the end of this form by May 15.
- Remainder of registration will be due online one week before camp, or by check upon arrival the first day of camp.
- Complete registration online at Registration Form.
- Drop off will be 2-4pm the first day of camp, and pick up will be 10-11am the last day of camp.

Send all registration forms and payments (if not paid online) to:

Valerie Higgins
1146 Stephens Road
Bessemer, AL 35023
higginsva@gmail.com

To make registration payment online, point phone camera to QR code above or click this link

Upcoming Events

May 4, 2023 -
Edification & Encouragement Webinar

May 6, 2023
Chula Vista Counselor Training

May 31 to Jun 3
Primary Camp

Jun 5 to Jun 10
Sr. High Camp

Jun 13 to Jun 17
Intermediate Camp

Jun 19 to Jun 3
Jr. High Camp

Nov 3, 2023 Unity Banquet
Click for more info...

Calling All Camp Counselors

We are getting ready for summer at Camp Chula Vista!

Are you joining us this year?

If you or someone you know are interested in serving as a counselor at CCV this summer, please begin by completing the online application. Applicants must be 21 years old to serve at Junior and Senior High camps, 18 years old to serve at Primary and Intermediate camps, or 16 years old to serve as a junior counselor at Primary and Intermediate camps. Applicants over 18 must pass a background check, and all applicants must have a pastoral recommendation.

State Ministries Finances

(Year-to-Date 2023)

Income

Budget Giving $17,284

AKB Income $785
CCV Church Gvng $1,481

Church Camps $1,425
Designated $8,901

Living Rev Loan $34
Church Loan Fund $800
TOTAL INCOME $30,710

Expense

Budget Expense $33,397

CCV Church Supt $1,481
CCV Loan     $10,212
CCV Payroll Tax $1,674
State Tithe     $1,446
TOTAL EXPENSE $49,551

NET INCOME    -$18,841

To donate to Church of God in Alabama, point phone camera to QR code above or click this link

In Memoriam...

Joe Stephenson
(1931-2023)
Alabama and the church lost a treasure when The Reverend Joe Stephenson went to eternity March 22, 2023 at 91 years of age. Joe lived a full life completely dedicated to God. He served his country as a marine and served God as a teacher, church planter, pastor, poet, counselor, camp counselor, missionary and Santa Claus. He was a dedicated father to his family, a faithful friend to everyone and a committed husband to the love of his life, Dean.

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matt.25:23

Is your church conditionally deeded?

Does your church desire to protect the church’s assets by safeguarding them for the Church of God. When you think of the roots of your church, those that maybe provided funds for the building, maybe even laid the bricks and foundation. Many gave of themselves and their money to the church. Assuredly, they deeply loved and treasured the Church of God. They would want their financial sacrifice and generosity for their local congregation to be respected by making sure those church properties were safeguarded for the Church of God (rather than put at risk of being taken over by another group). They gave to expand the Kingdom through the Church of God.
continue reading →