December 23-28, 2014

Winter Family

Weekend

The 18th ANNUAL

Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Resort & Spa

Lexington, KY

Join Us For

One of the greatest gifts God has given His children is the privilege of rejoicing together in an atmosphere of shared Faith. Did you know that among the sacrificial offerings in ancient Israel one of them was a “fellowship offering”? In fact, that term is used at least 25 times in the Books of the Law. Exodus 20 is known as the place to find the Ten Commandments but it’s also the place God instructed Moses to “Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings….” (Exodus 20:24)

Then God makes an astounding promise—one that stirs the hearts of Christians! God says, “Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.” (verse 24b)

It is a sacrifice to leave home and travel, for some, hundreds of miles, to a place that the people of God are gathered. Just as He did in the Old Testament, God honors the sacrifice by being among us as we worship, play and rejoice together.

Before God we are all equal. With God as our Father and Jesus Christ as King, we share a common faith that enables us to engage in meaningful conversations with friends that are close and some that are brand new.

There’s an outstanding selection of seminar topics for you to choose from. You are guaranteed to find more than one that addresses an important aspect of your life.

In addition there will be an inspiring Sabbath Worship Service with uplifting music as well as a Friday Night Contemporary Service put together and conducted by talented young adults.

This along with a wide array of Sports Activities, Games, Crafts and food along with a Family Dance spells something for everyone. All of this is happening within a cooperative Christian community environment lasting five days.

Activities begin with a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa, one of the finest resorts in the Midwest. We’ve been blessed with an unbelievably low room rate of $56 per night.

Make your plans to come join us for the 2014 Lexington Experience.

The Church of God Cincinnati and

Lexington

Sponsored by:

Winter Family WeekendLexington

2014

Dear Friend:

Jim O’Brien

PO Box 8428 West Chester Ohio 45069

The Church of God Cincinnati and Lexington

The 18th ANNUAL

Reserve Your Room at the Marriott ONLINE

Be sure to make your reserva-tions by December 4th to

be guaranteed this discounted price!

beautiful Griffin Gate Marriott Resort is offering a low flat rate of $56.00 per night for those attending the Winter Family Weekend if you mention the Church of God.It is unheard of to find a rate this good at any Marriott Hotel but the Griffin Gate is one of the finest in the country. This outstanding resort carries a Mobil 4-star rating and is offering you the rate of $56.00 per night for the same rooms they normally charge much more for. This low rate has been extended to the 22nd and 28th as well. Just give them a call directly at 1-877-901-6632 to make your reservation. Be sure to mention you are with the Church of God Winter 2014 event to get the discounted rate. If you prefer, you can also make reservations on-line at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ChurchofGodDec2014Please join us in prayer for God’s direction, guidance and blessing as we prepare for the Weekend. It is our hearts desire to serve God’s people and bring glory to His name in all we do. Your prayers are much appreciated.

HOUSING That’s Affordable

The Marriott is located at I-75 and Newtown Pike in Lexington, Kentucky just minutes from some of the most beautiful and celebrated horse farms in the world and the Kentucky Basketball Academy.

The

Inspiring

Winter Family WeekendWith

The 18th ANNUAL

SABBATH SERVICESOur special guest speaker for Sabbath Services will be Bill Jacobs.Bill, along with his wife, Elaine, oper-ate LifeResource Ministries, a Chris-tian Living resource provider and child advocacy ministry. Bill holds a Masters Degree in conseling from Webster University and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in New Mexico. His years in the ministry combined with his education and experience with thousands of children, teens and adults provide Bill a rich background from which to serve chil-dren and families of the Church of God.Sabbath Services begin at 3:00 pm in the Main Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel.

SPORTS &

Basketball, Volleyball, Spikeball, Dodgeball, Flag Football, Indoor Soccer Children’s Games & InflatablesRoller Skating, Laser Tag, Lazer MazeBubble SoccerFamily Fun Night, Game NightKaraokeKids Carnival, Kidz ZoneBingo, Ping PongIndoor Mini GolfPJ & Pals, Tween TimeCrafts for Kids and AdultsFamily DanceFriday Night Worship Service

ACTIVITIES

The Sheep and the Goats Lenny CacchioThis seminar will discuss the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. We’ll consider the setting of the parable, who or what is being gathered for judgment and the criteria Jesus uses to judge the sheep and goats? This open discussion will unpack several anomalies, answer questions, and search for greater understanding.

How Do You Answer Those HOT HELL Questions?Hal GeigerThe concept of hell is a very frighten-ing topic in mainstream religion. Have you ever had to explain the truth about this doctrine? A clear biblical explanation can be a great gift to the hearers. We’ll review the traditional explanations and then break into groups to explain the truth.

Breaking Generational Curses Roy TravisForgiveness is a key tool in releas-ing generational burdens. Forgiveness equips us to deal effectively with what life hands us and allows God to take up our yoke and burdens. Forgiveness breaks curses that go back three or four generations and releases the blessings that extend a thousand generations.

The Old And New Covenants John CoishThese are often misunderstood as to ap-plication (with people thinking they are part of the old and new covenant), and as to prophecy (not understanding that these covenants are connected with Biblical promises). Come to this seminar to gain a consistent understanding of these covenants and the promises that went with them.

Maximized Parenting Bill JacobsAll parents want to do a good job with their children, but with busy schedules and so much going on, we often go into “fall back” mode and do what comes naturally at the moment. This workshop will help you get the most out of your efforts by focusing on some basics that make everything work better.

The Mind Of Christ: Unlocking Your God Potential Erin O’Brien The mind is the most important organ in your body. It controls all bodily systems and our relationship to God. Jesus said it’s the things that “come from the heart” that defile a person. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ and how we can get it.

Oils For Aroma And Life Wendy PackA lubricating lecture: oils for the body and mind, illuminating our understand-ing of the many oils and their spiritual nuances in the Bible.

Paul’s Laws Bill Pack The Apostle Paul introduces six laws found nowhere else in the Scriptures. Do you know what they are? How important they are? What they mean? Or how they profoundly affect every human being? If not, come join the discussion.

Bolivia Jennifer Cacchio The village of Tacachía, Bolivia, is a prime example of the challenges that people around the world encounter every day. What should we be doing to help people in these situations? Jennifer will discuss her time with a team of engineers in this village, and the lessons learned about our role in helping our fellow man.

Outside The Box Patrick & Jeannie Hinds The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “today’s children are spend-ing an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices.” This seminar will discuss why and how to limit your family’s screen time and increase meaningful, memory-making interaction that will benefit the spiritual, physical, and emotional health of your family.

Victim Or Freedom Fighter Matt & Tami HeesWe all have experienced trials whether it’s the death of a loved one, a job, church or abuse. We will share our experiences of how faith and hope enabled us to deal with all those listed issues and discover how our biggest trials could be our biggest blessings.

Connecting With Our Brethren In El Salvador Rick & Linda PrattWe give a reminder that we have breth-ren in El Salvador who desire a connec-tion with other independent COG congregations. Let’s take a look at what they have been doing and find out how you can help!

Social Media Evangelism Jeff Reed Learn to develop a plan to use social media for worldwide and local evan-gelism. This workshop will cover how to effectively use websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and email to preach the Gospel. Learn how creativity is more important than money in effectively using these tools.

Reflecting Christ Through Our PersonalitiesKait & Marissa White Why do we act the way that we do? This seminar will focus on the personality principles outlined in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory. All of us are a part of the body of Christ. Discover how we are reflections of Christ and appreciate other members of the body who surround us.

Unity Of The Spirit Benny McGarrity The Biblical Research Association is an association of brethren dedicated to pre-senting the gospel message Jesus Christ preached. A Unity of the Spirit/Fellowship Conference is held every 5th Sabbath, for Christians without regard to denominational or organizational boundaries. Our theme is reconciliation between scattered members of the Household of God.

Addiction: Replacing God Chris & John EasonTwo recovering addicts share their testimony of over-coming the depths of addiction, accomplished only by a spiritual awakening. First, an overview of our lives before full blown addiction, including details such as their family’s church involvement, independent experi-ence, and events leading up to the death of our mother. Next, an overview of active use, focusing on the causes and emotions that fed the disease. Their relationship with God is highlighted as selfishness and ego grows throughout the story. Then the solution of accepting the true cause of their diseases, having had no moral compass directing their lives. Finally, the steps taken to discover the tools needed to live a righteous life.

Reflections On My Journey In Israel Katelyn Parent What have you heard about Israel lately? Come hear about Katelyn Parent’s three month journey in Israel working with a Christian or-ganization called Hayovel that serves Israel by helping Jewish farmers with their grape & olive harvest.

The Torah Prism And The 10 Words Of Psalm 119Dusti Howell Ten words appear over and over again in the 176 verses of Psalm 119. In this Psalm God reveals 10 aspects of His Torah (Law) through an amazing prism. In this presentation we’ll take a look at the deeper meanings of these ten words which include testimonies, judgments, statutes, precepts and commandments.

Who Are You? Donna O’Brien & Laurinda Armor This seminar will explore ways in which we can find the exciting stories and details of our ancestors’ lives and connect to their journey. We will discuss using an online family history resource and the role of DNA testing and research. We will also discuss ways in which we can use specific programs to memorialize family members.

How To Get Past Relationship DramaGuy Swenson There doesn’t have to be drama in rela-tionships. In fact, drama is not normal relationship behavior. How can you get past drama and have healthier and more loving relationships?

Stars, Steeples, Crescents, And Cross-Eyed FishKen Swiger Mankind has long employed human artists in the creation of images for wor-ship. Join Pastor Ken Swiger in a journey through the world of religious iconography. We will examine various religious symbols, both Christian and non-Christian, and consider their origins. We will consider the Biblical proscription of the use of images for worship, and the powerful allure of certain popular symbols.

Passing The Faith To The Next GenerationStacey ShoemakerHow can we effectively raise our chil-dren to have faith in Christ? What does the Bible say about God’s plan for passing on the faith to the next generation? Let’s explore this further and learn ways we can bring ourselves into alignment with God’s plan for our children

The Power Of A Transformed MindDr. Ryan BerlinSick, healthy. Rich, poor. Happy, un-happy. It’s not your circumstances that determine your life but your mindset. God says we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Dr Ryan etches the mindset to look at life through a new lense and change the world you live in.

Featuring:SEMINARS Sabbath Classes for children ages 3-15 will be available from 10:00- 12:00.

Video 1:Does God Exist? Kit: Building the Scien-tific CaseDr. Stephen Meyer plays a “philosophical survival game,” pitting four world-views against one another to decide which one gives the best answers.

Video 2Is the Bible Reli-able? Building the Historical CaseDr. Stephen Meyer chal-lenges you to examine the historical and archaeolog-ical evidence to determine for yourself the accuracy of biblical Scripture.

Welcome!We will kick off our time together with a meet and greet at the Mar-riott at 7:00 PM on Tuesday night, Dec 23rd. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Warm hugs and smiles also available!

Game NightWednesday Dec. 24 at 7:00 PM in the Marriott ballroomJoin us for a night of fun and games. Bring your board games, card games, party games and/or join in the group games like Game Show Mania, Bible Trivia or Pic-tionary. It’s sure to be a great night of game playing fun!

Friday Night Worship Service:Our relationship with God is sup-posed to be unique and special from all other relationships. As Christians our worship should be-long exclusively to God. Through music, skits, testimonials and mes-sages this service will encourage freedom from the things that hold us. Bringing the body of Christ to unite in an undivided, undistracted and relentless pursuit of God. Freedom Worship.

Pizza Dinner and Family Fun Night:Following Sabbath Services we will close our time together with a free pizza dinner and Family Fun Night. We will enjoy pizza, salad, drinks and desserts. And of course, there will be the inflatables, Bingo, Karaoke, a kids carnival and more!

Family DanceThursday Dec. 25 at 7:00 PM in the Marriott ballroomThe dance will include a wide vari-ety of music styles plus a variety of mixers and other activities to delight every age and preference. Profes-sional DJ Josh Edwards a.k.a “DJ shift” will once again be our host for the night. The fun won’t stop until the music fades at midnight

Nursing Home OutreachE.D.I.F.Y. OUTREACH – Singing Praise Music to the Residents of Morning Pointe Friday, December 26, 2014 10:30 am-11:30 amCome join us to sing praise and wor-ship songs to the residents of Morn-ing Pointe. All the songs are ones we already know, so we don’t need to practice – it’s an opportunity to let God’s light shine in the community.

Sports and RegistrationKentucky Basketball Academy, a state-of-the-art sports facility for major college athletic training, is the host facility for bas-ketball, volleyball, dodge ball, spikeball, bubble soccer, crafts, board games and a special “Kidz only Zone”. You are welcome to register an entire team or you can join a team upon arrival. If you are bringing a team, please help us make the sports activities more cohesive by signing up your teams in advance. We encourage you to be creative and even bring your own team shirts if you like! Entry fees for sports are $10 per person or a maximum of $40 per family. Payable upon arrival at the gym.Contact Adam and Alyson Dubler at adubler@gmail.com to register a Volleyball team. (Choose from competitive or recreational division).Contact Rick Pratt at: carmen.cogcincinnati@gmail.com to register a Basketball team. Don’t have a full team? No problem! Many teams will be formed when we get to Lexington. Rest assured, there will be a spot for you!

With Energetic Fun

Winter Family Weekend is only possible because of God’s blessing and the many people who join together to offer their gifts and talents to serve others. Would you like to volunteer this year? There are a variety of opportunities available from kitchen help to working with children and much more. If you would like to help contact Carmen Kincade at: carmen.cogcincinnnati@gmail.com.If you have a musical gift and you would like to share it at the Winter Family Weekend, Contact Michael Shoemaker at mshoemaker@fuse.net to volunteer. We would love to hear you perform!

SPORTS

Volunteers Needed

Soccer, flag football, ping pong, lazer tag, lazer maze, indoor putt putt and roller skating will take place at several nearby locations.

ACTIVITIES That are Joyful

Photos: Courtesy of Swen HalversonMarriott Photos: Courtesy of Griffin Gate Marriott Website

Quality Church Service Series

God has not stopped calling people to Truth! The sessions last year were so helpful that a new series is offered this year in the Farm Suites on Thursday and Friday mornings. The goal of these seminars is to offer support for local congregations in every area.