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OneAccord
OneAccord July/August 2021
FOCUSED MENTORING
PROGRAM WEEKEND
Lessons From Trials in Planning for the Feast
2021
Give a Great Feast
Tribute
Harold Rhodes
GRADUATES
Pages 8-20
personal from the president
“Precious in the Sight of the Lord”
T
This issue of One Accord contains the stories of
young people graduating from high school and
college. We sincerely offer them congratulations
on a life event that marks the start of a new
chapter.
This edition also contains something very
different, the very opposite of the celebrations
that accompany a graduation. In this issue we
have a tribute to the life of Harold Rhodes. I am
sure many of you are familiar with Mr. Rhodes.
He was a minister in the Church of God for more
than 50 years. He was probably best-known for
coordinating large Feast sites over a period of in society today. As part of the Church of God,
more than 30 years. He coordinated Feast sites we know better, but even that understanding has
that ranged in size from several hundred to difficulty softening the grief that is felt when a
several thousand and everything in between. loved one dies.
Mr. Rhodes’ death this spring was a very sad Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were very close to our
moment for all those who knew him and was a family. My wife first met them when she was
great loss to the Church. Mr. and Mrs. Horchak, about 10 years of age in the Atlanta congregation
along with my wife and I, attended his funeral in of the Radio Church of God. Mr. Rhodes was
Gulf Breeze, Florida, on Wednesday, March 24. a deacon in that congregation, then later he
Before he died, Mr. Rhodes had requested that became an elder and, after attending Ambassador
Mr. Horchak and I speak at his funeral. College, a pastor. His service to God’s people
One’s goal, when speaking at any funeral, is speaks for itself, but his personal friendship and
to give hope and encouragement to those who support during a lifetime of ministry, made an
attend, reminding them of the incredible future indelible mark on our family and many others.
that we all have as part of the Body of Christ. But, We will dearly miss Mr. Rhodes, but knowing
even with all the positives that we have to talk that his death was precious in the sight of God
about, when it comes to death, sadness prevails. tells us that God has taken note of what happened
There is an emptiness when a loved one dies, and and views his life as one of great value, like a
true comfort must come from the Word of God. precious stone. We look forward to the future
Each time I speak at a funeral I am reminded of day when death will be no more and we can once
a very important scripture that gives us a broader again see those who have been so precious in
perspective on the death of the saints. It is found God’s sight and who made such a difference in
in Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord our lives.
is the death of His saints.”
The Hebrew word translated precious is an
interesting word. It means of great value. It is
most often used to describe jewelry or “precious”
stones. God’s perspective on the death of a
righteous man or woman is that something
Jim Franks
of great value has been put aside—not lost,
President
but placed to the side. We are told that when
Church of God, a Worldwide Association
someone dies, he is truly dead, knowing nothing
(Ecclesiastes 9:10), but awaiting the resurrection
(Job 14:14-15). The idea of going to heaven or to
hell is simply unbiblical, yet commonly believed
2 One Accord cogwa.org
OneAccord
July/August 2021 Contents
4 7 8
4 Lessons From Trials in Planning
for the Feast
© 2021 Church of God, a Worldwide Association,
Inc. All rights Reserved.
Ministerial Board of Directors: David Baker,
Arnold Hampton, Joel Meeker, Larry Salyer, Richard
5 Feast of Fellowship
6
Thompson, Leon Walker and Lyle Welty
Give a Great Feast
President: Jim Franks; Media operation manager:
Clyde Kilough; Managing editor: David Hicks; Copy
7
editor: Becky Bennett
Doctrinal reviewers: Neil Hart, Jack Hendren, Steve
Focused Mentoring Program
Moody, Frank Pierce Weekend
One Accord is published bimonthly online at
members.cogwa.org by the Church of God, a
Worldwide Association, Inc.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated,
are taken from the New King James Version (© 1982
8 2021 Graduates
by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). Used by permission. All
rights reserved.
By submitting photographs or articles to the
20 Church Potluck
21
Photos: iStockphoto.com; Hailey Willoughby
Church of God, a Worldwide Association, Inc.
(“Church”) or to One Accord, a contributor gives the
Announcements
Church permission and a nonexclusive license to
23
use or publish any such submissions without any
compensation to the contributor. The contributor Tribute
further agrees that any such submission will be Harold Rhodes
construed in the broadest possible terms, including,
but not limited to, the right to edit, crop or otherwise
manipulate the submission.
This publication is not to be sold. Free educational material.
July/August 2021 3
Lessons From Trials in Planning for
the Feast
Photos: iStockphoto.com;
By Jim Haeffele
E
very year it seems a number of us will face some Our first-century brethren in the new congregation
serious problems that appear to put our Feast plans at Thessalonica experienced many “persecutions and
in jeopardy. We may even wonder if we are going tribulations” for the Kingdom of God. Paul said that
to make it to the Feast. It can be very discouraging enduring them was necessary to “be counted worthy of
when this happens. But in working through these the kingdom of God” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). He reminded
setbacks, we learn there are some very important lessons them that it does not come easy.
that relate to the meaning of the Feast. Paul earlier told the Thessalonians that “in everything
Some of the trials that may stand between us and give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for
our attending the Feast may be unexpected financial you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Yes, give thanks for these trials
problems resulting from suddenly being out of work. That that seem to threaten your plans in preparing to come to
certainly was a concern for a number of brethren last year. the Feast. They remind us that the Kingdom does not come
Other examples are unexpected health problems that easy, but it is worth overcoming every difficulty to finally
may at the last minute threaten one’s ability to attend the be there.
Feast or an employer or teacher who may refuse to grant
your request for time off to go to the Feast. Lesson #2: We cannot make it all on our own
Another very difficult situation is a family crisis of one Many of us have been going to the Feast for most of our
kind or another. Depending on the seriousness of the lives. There have been years when we realized that we were
situation, it may prevent one from attending the Feast. not going to make it to the Feast without God’s help. We
Why do some of these disruptions to our Feast plans seem recognize we need God’s help to carry out our plans to go
to occur at this time of year? Certainly, we know Satan to His Feast just as we need His help to overcome and be in
may be involved in wanting to discourage God’s people His Kingdom.
from attending the Feast. Some events may be natural God encouraged and strengthened Israel during very
occurrences of life that just happen at this time of year. difficult times through the preaching of the prophet
Despite the setbacks they can cause, there are positive Isaiah. God’s message through Isaiah was not just for Israel
lessons to be learned from these trials. of the Old Testament. It is meant for the “Israel of God”
today, the Church (Galatians 6:16).
Lesson #1: The Kingdom of God does not Through Isaiah, God says, “For I, the Lord your God, will
come easy hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’”
In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus explained that “narrow (Isaiah 41:13). When unforeseen trials seem to thwart your
is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to [eternal] plans and preparations for the Feast, remember what God
life” (Matthew 7:14). We understood when we “counted says to His spiritual Israel today: “Fear not, I will help you.”
the cost” in beginning our Christian life that there would
be some difficult times ahead (Luke 14:26-27). Those Lesson #3: We must really want to attend
challenges sometimes come in our planning for the Feast. the Feast
We may have to “strive” to overcome the threats to our The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the millennial rule of
Feast plans just as we have to “strive” to overcome for the Jesus Christ on the earth and His everlasting Kingdom
Kingdom of God. beyond the Millennium. We wait all year for the Feast, just
4 One Accord cogwa.org
as we wait all of our lives for the coming of the Kingdom of If your Feast plans have run into trouble, don’t be
God. It should mean a great deal to us to go to God’s Feast. discouraged. Remember: Like the Kingdom, the Feast
After reasoning with the Jews at Ephesus, Paul “took does not always come easy. We cannot attain the
leave of them, saying, ‘I must by all means keep this Kingdom on our own, and we cannot always come to the
coming feast in Jerusalem’” (Acts 18:19-21). Many believe Feast on our own efforts. And, finally, we must really want
that this feast in the book of Acts was at the time of year to attain the Kingdom, and we must really want to attend
approaching the Feast of Tabernacles. It was so important God’s Feast.
to Paul that he dropped everything to go to the Feast in Let’s have a wonderful and meaningful Feast of
Jerusalem. Tabernacles. OA
Feast of Fellowship
It’s important for us as God’s people to be able to have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also
enjoy the physical blessings God has given us. When may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship
brethren get together, food and fellowship are truly is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
blessings from God. As we draw closer to the Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast provides a wonderful setting for some and the Last Great Day, let’s all prepare to worship
of the best fellowship possible. While the need to together in an atmosphere of love, respect and
attend all the services should be our primary focus, honor—not only toward God, but toward our
it’s also important that we plan to worship with brethren and the communities in which we keep
our fellow brethren. By doing so, we are actually this year’s Feast.
fellowshipping with our Father and His Son, our May all of us around the globe rejoice before God
King, Jesus Christ. and have our “best Feast ever!”
Notice what it says in 1 John 1:3: “That which we —Mark Whynaucht
July/August 2021 5
Give a
children see us trying to jam our time with things that
only we enjoy, it sends a wrong message about the Feast.
Give to your brethren
What about “giving a great Feast” to our brethren? The
Great Feast
Feast is a time to share with others, especially those we
don’t see each Sabbath.
Spread your giving to those from other areas. Is there
a new family at the Feast? Or someone who is lonely and
knows no one? Or a widow who has gone through a tough
By Mike Blackwell and Larry Greider time? Include them in your plans.
Some people are scrimping just to be at the Feast.
Perhaps you can share some of your second tithe with
T
them or take them out for a meal in a restaurant.
he Feast of Tabernacles is undoubtedly one of the
highlights of the year for members of the Church Give to the community
of God. We look forward to it and plan for it from How about “giving a great Feast” to the community where
year to year. Every year as we prepare to leave and the Feast is held? How do we do that?
go to the Feast, we tell each other, “Have a great Feast!” Consider that we make an impression in the community
The Feast pictures the future millennial reign of Jesus where we meet. The staff in the hotels, meeting facility and
Christ here on earth, when peace will finally be brought other areas know we are there.
to the world. We commemorate that each year as we go to The primary way we can help them is by our example.
the Feast. We can express appreciation to waiters, housekeeping
The Feast of Tabernacles is a commanded assembly. staff, entertainment employees. This can be done verbally
We are commanded to rejoice together in the place God or by leaving a note or tip. It will not go unnoticed.
has chosen to put His name. Through the messages, We can set an example of being friendly whenever the
we learn more about the Millennium and our part in opportunity presents itself.
assisting Jesus Christ in teaching the masses God’s way. While at the Feast, we will likely run into a few
One of the main ways we will teach is by example and wrinkles and annoyances. We can set an example by not
encouragement. Today we are in an in-depth training complaining or griping.
program for that time ahead. What we learn today will be At some Feast sites there are service projects. If these are
used in God’s Kingdom. planned, try to participate so we “leave something behind”
As we prepare for the Feast, let’s focus not only on after we go home.
having a great Feast but also on giving a great Feast. It
requires a different way of thinking about the Feast. So Give to the Church
let’s look at some ways we can focus more on others at this How about “giving a great Feast” to the Church in general?
important time. We can do this by being there for each service and being
attentive and considerate of others.
Give to your family We can express appreciation to the speakers, those
The most obvious place to start “giving a great Feast” is involved in special music and those serving each day in
with our own families. The Feast is family time, and we various areas. Volunteers go to a lot of trouble to ensure
should worship God and rejoice as a family. Plan activities that we have a good Feast, and many times it can seem to
and fellowship that the whole family will enjoy. In go unnoticed.
planning, get everyone’s input. Yet another way to give a great Feast is to serve yourself
Remember, as a parent, you are helping set your or with your family. Every site has many opportunities to
children’s spiritual compass for the future. At the Feast serve. Ask someone.
you can make a huge difference in how they look at God
and the Church. Will it be only their parents’ church, or Give to God
will it be their church too? The final way for “giving a great Feast” is to give God a
Get the entire family involved in giving. Perhaps help great Feast. He wants us to go, to learn and to rejoice. He
your kids to give flowers to the widows or give small toys gets great delight by seeing His family do these things.
to other children. We can give Him a good Feast by being there, attentively
Entertain another family at your condo or in the park listening to the messages and then applying what we learn.
and get to know new friends. Your children need to be Thank God daily for providing this opportunity and for
able to spend time with other children and teens. Plan the future He has given us.
activities to include others. In God’s Kingdom we will be setting an example,
Help your family rejoice before God by helping them teaching and encouraging. Why not begin today at the
learn why God tells us to keep the Feast and why He Feast of Tabernacles?
commands us to rejoice at the Feast. Knowing that God Each year we tell our friends, “Have a great Feast!” And
tells us to rejoice makes it even more important. If our one of the best ways to do that is to give a great Feast. OA
6 One Accord cogwa.org
Focused Mentoring Program Weekend By Doug Horchak The weekend of May 22 was a very special and busy weekend at the Church offices in McKinney, Texas! We had the wonderful opportunity of hosting 19 couples from across the United States, all of whom were involved in the Focused Mentoring Program in either 2020 or 2021. Due to our inability to host the class of 2020 in the spring of last year—because of the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic—this was by far our largest group ever for an FMP Weekend. It was a banner weekend for all of these couples. For many, it was their first opportunity to interact and have fellowship on this level since the Feast of Tabernacles. Jim Franks, Clyde Kilough and I presented classes on both Sabbath morning and Sunday morning, and a festive group dinner was held on Saturday night. Tanya Horchak and Sharron Franks hosted a discussion for the ladies on the FMP. It was a wonderful opportunity for those of us at “lessons learned” while serving as pastors’ wives. the headquarters office to have the chance to interact and All in all, it marked a great milestone for our progress in get to know these servant couples better. July/August 2021 7
High School Graduates
2021
Adelle Anderson Logan Arner Micah Averett Avery Bennett
friendliness and kindness speech club and camps. designation from Collin
Adelle Anderson to everyone she meets. Logan also volunteers on College—as well as earning
Parents’ names: the Dallas congregation’s his high school diploma.
Vaughn and Alyssa Plans after graduation: audio/visual team. His
Anderson Adelle plans to attend the hobbies include disc Activities/hobbies/interests:
University of Minnesota, golfing, video games and Micah enjoys playing video
Congregation: Twin Cities to pursue a traveling with his family. games, exercising, playing
St. Cloud, Minnesota degree in actuarial science bass guitar and helping
while also studying French. Plans after graduation: around the family farm.
School accomplishments: She hopes to study abroad Logan will be attending the
Adelle recently received in France. University of Texas–Dallas Plans after graduation:
academic awards at in the fall, pursuing a Micah plans to continue
her high school. She double major in accounting taking courses at Collin
received an academic
Logan Arner and computer science. His College to earn his bachelor’s
letter by maintaining a Parents’ names: plan is to become a CPA. degree in computer-aided
high GPA all four years, Mark and Vicki Arner design (CAD). He plans to
a two-sport scholar work as a structural engineer
award for participating Congregation:
Micah Averett after graduation.
in cross-country and Dallas, Texas Parents’ names:
track while maintaining Richard and Rachel Averett
a high GPA, and an School accomplishments:
Avery Bennett
outstanding mathematics Logan graduated from high Congregation: Parents’ names:
student award for taking school with almost two Sherman, Texas Kevin and Veronica
two college-level math years of college courses Bennett
courses and exhibiting completed. During his high School accomplishments:
outstanding effort. school years, Logan was For high school, Micah Congregation:
able to get valuable work transitioned to taking Jefferson, Georgia
Activities/hobbies/ experience in a variety of dual-credit courses at
interests: areas, which helped him Collin College, attending School accomplishments:
Adelle enjoys math, determine his career path. Cabriolet Christian Avery graduated from
French, cooking, growing Academy and working North Hall High School on
plants and working Activities/hobbies/interests: part-time at Chick-fil-A. May 21. She graduated with
sudoku puzzles. She has Logan enjoyed a variety of He graduated high school honors in the top 5 percent
been an example to those church activities, such as having completed his core of her class. She is an
around her through her volleyball, basketball, teen classes—a “core complete” International Baccalaureate
8 One Accord cogwa.org
Lillian Bowman Merlin Braswell Alena Bryant Ethan Cooksey
graduate and a member of High Skills Major in Health Activities/hobbies/interests: enjoys traveling and
the National Honor Society and Wellness program. Merlin’s hobbies include art spending time with her
and Beta Club. Avery was and fashion, and she has friends.
also involved with the Activities/hobbies/interests: attended CYC camp almost
service clubs Interact Club Camp Arrowhead and every summer of her life. Plans after graduation:
and Key Club. Camp Heritage have been a She has volunteered as Alena plans to attend
significant part of Lillian’s camp staff for several years college in the fall and focus
Activities/hobbies/interests: life for the past 10 years. as well. on general studies while
Avery volunteered with a She enjoys playing the she decides what career
local outreach program for guitar and has played and Plans after graduation: path she would like to
underprivileged children sung for special music. Merlin will be attending pursue.
and has served as a tutor. Lillian is an avid reader Humboldt State University
and is able to move people in the fall with a major in
Plans after graduation: to tears with her writing. marine biology.
Ethan Cooksey
Avery will attend the She also enjoys long runs Parents’ names:
University of Georgia this and Pilates. Seth and Christy Cooksey
fall.
Alena Bryant
Plans after graduation: Parents’ names: Congregation:
Lillian will be pursuing Lewis and Annette Bryant Fort Worth, Texas
Lillian Bowman her desire to help people
Parents’ names: by going into a four-year Congregation: School accomplishments:
Aden and Shirley Bowman nursing program at Brock Nashville, Tennessee Ethan has built a strong
University in St. Catharines, academic foundation for
Congregation: Ontario, in the fall. School accomplishments: success in college due to
Toronto, Ontario Alena played volleyball receiving 27 college credit
and basketball during hours during the course of
School accomplishments:
Merlin Braswell her high school years. She his high school career.
Throughout her high school Parents’ names: played volleyball all four
career, Lillian was involved Kevin and Rebeca Braswell years and was named to Activities/hobbies/interests:
in the volleyball and cross- the all-tournament team Ethan loves fishing,
country teams and played Congregation: her junior and senior year kayaking, playing
at several coffeehouse Lodi, California for the NACA tournament baseball and basketball,
events. In grade 11, she in Dayton, Tennessee. and hanging out with
did a co-op placement School accomplishments: Alena played basketball his siblings and friends.
at a hospital to see if her Merlin has been an her junior and senior year While these hobbies keep
childhood love of nursing excellent student, with and was named to the all- him busy in his spare
was the field she wanted to some of the top grades in tournament team her junior time, the most important
pursue. She made the honor her class. In high school year. She was captain of thing to Ethan is God
roll every year and was she was on the golf and both teams her senior year. and his family. Ethan has
the recipient of the Sarah track teams for multiple accomplished a lot and
Leader Spirit Award for years. Also she was an avid Activities/hobbies/interests: demonstrated maturity
character, extracurricular theater participant with Alena has attended preteen with various service
involvement and academics. parts in multiple shows, and teen camps for several projects, a strong work
In grades 11 and 12 she including West Side Story years. She has also worked ethic and an ability to set
completed the Specialist and Chicago. at preteen camp. Alena and meet goals.
July/August 2021 9
Cassandra Davidson Kaley Demarest Alana Edinborough Ella Erickson
Plans after graduation: Program for her academic Sunday, May 23. She was
Ethan will transfer into excellence and SAT scores. a member of the National
Western Governors Kaley was active in the Honor Society, on the
University this fall to major National Honor Society principal’s list honor roll
in business with a focus in and the National Charity and in the top third of
IT management. League as well as in several her graduating class. She
clubs, including Students received academic letters
for the Ethical Treatment (four years) and orchestra
Cassandra Davidson of Animals and the French letters. She was certified as
Parents’ names: Club, in which she served a nurse’s aide.
Justin and Tiffany Plagenza as president. She also
played volleyball and ran Activities/hobbies/interests:
Congregation: track, competing in the Alana attended Church
Jacob Graham
Stockton, California high jump, triple jump, camps every year since the
relays and hurdles. age of 5 and served as a
School accomplishments: camp staff member every Congregation:
Cassandra graduated high Activities/hobbies/interests: year since the age of 13. She Twin Cities, Minnesota
school in November 2020, Kaley enjoys travel, sports has been a teacher’s aide
seven months ahead of and being artistic, especially for the local congregation’s School accomplishments:
schedule. painting and drawing. She preteen Sabbath school Ella has been very active
participated in preteen and classes. Her hobbies and in her school community.
Plans after graduation: teen camps, including Lone interests include music She served as freshman
Cassandra began college in Star, Carter and Sequoia. and painting, spending student rep and as student
the spring semester of this She played volleyball with time with friends in the body class president this
year while also working the Dallas congregation’s faith and taking every year. Each year she played
full-time since November teen sports program. opportunity for church a vital role in planning
2020. Her plans are to activities and fellowship. and implementing her
become a registered nurse, Plans after graduation: class’s spirit week activities.
get married and raise a Kaley will attend the Plans after graduation: She performed weekly
family in the Church. University of California, Alana plans to attend in the Chapel Band and
Santa Barbara to study Central Piedmont Morningstar Choir.
economics in the fall. Community College in
Kaley Demarest Charlotte, North Carolina, Activities/hobbies/interests:
Parents’ names: and then transfer to Ella sings regularly in her
Cliff and Susan Demarest
Alana Edinborough the University of North local congregation.
Parents’ names: Carolina at Charlotte for
Congregation: Andy and Alisha her B.S. in nursing. She then Plans after graduation:
Dallas, Texas Edinborough plans to get her master’s in Ella plans to study interior
nursing before transitioning design at the University of
School accomplishments: Congregation: to physician assistant. Wisconsin–Stout.
Kaley graduated from Wichita, Kansas
Plano East Senior High
School with honors. She School accomplishments:
Ella Erickson Jacob Graham
was recognized by the Alana graduated from Parents’ names: Parents’ names:
Duke University Tip Maize High School on Cory and Colene Erickson Daniel and Nicole Graham
10 One Accord cogwa.orgColin Gwin Evan Gwin Ashley Henke Malachi Hills
Congregation: genre of music and working her general education
Redding, California
Colin Gwin on cars. requirements and start
Parents’ names: pursuing further education
School accomplishments: Andrew and Heather Gwin Plans after graduation: in physical therapy.
Jacob is graduating Evan will be attending
this year from Oregon Congregation: Tidewater Community
Destination Career Williamsburg, Virginia College, working toward
Malachi Hills
Academy with an honors an associate degree in Parents’ names:
degree in the business and School accomplishments: automotive technology. Dexter and Doreen Hills
entrepreneurship career Colin participated in
pathway. He managed dual enrollment—earning Congregation:
to do this while working college credits during his
Ashley Henke Berthoud, Colorado
full-time as a cheese junior and senior year. Parents’ names:
production tech during his Philip and Karen Henke School accomplishments:
junior and senior years. Activities/hobbies/interests: Malachi graduated from
Musically, Jacob excelled Colin works on the Congregation: Wiggins High School.
early by being the first congregation’s sound crew. Rolla, Missouri
chair tenor sax and then He loves the Green Bay Activities/hobbies/interests:
becoming the youngest Packers, Star Wars and School accomplishments: Malachi enjoys listening
saxophonist to be hand- video games. Ashley received the George to music and hanging out
selected for the high Washington Carver award with good friends. He was
school traveling Plans after graduation: for being in the top 10 an active part of LULAC
jazz band while still in Colin will be attending percent of her graduating (League of United Latin
middle school. Tidewater Community class. She was an all- American Citizens) and
College, continuing his conference and all-district other fundraising events in
Activities/hobbies/interests: studies toward an associate track-and-field athlete and Wiggins High School.
Jacob enjoys being degree in IT networking was on the varsity volleyball
involved in his local engineering. team. She was a scholar Plans after graduation:
congregation and the Feast bowl member, National Malachi plans to continue
instrument ensembles by Honor Society member, and working with ranching and
playing his saxophone for
Evan Gwin A+ award eligible. agriculture. He is currently
hymns, which he has done Parents’ names: working for Wiggins Electric.
for over four years now. Andrew and Heather Gwin Activities/hobbies/interests:
Ashley went to teen camp
Plans after graduation: Congregation: and preteen camp. She
Joseph Hoaglun
After attending multiple Williamsburg, Virginia volunteered as staff for Parents’ names:
church camps this summer, preteen camp at Camp John and Cristy Hoaglun
Jacob plans to enroll in School accomplishments: Cherokee. She loves to read,
college and attain his Evan played varsity swim and hang out with Congregation:
degree in business and volleyball 2018-2020. friends and family. Houston North, Texas
entrepreneurship. While
doing this, he will be job Activities/hobbies/interests: Plans after graduation: School accomplishments:
shadowing to become Evan works on the Ashley plans to attend Joe graduated with honors
a commercial property congregation’s sound crew. East Central College in from Hoaglun Life Prep
development manager. He loves all sports, every Union, Missouri, to finish Academy.
July/August 2021 11Joseph Hoaglun Chloé Hogberg Christian Hull Andrew Kapales
Activities/hobbies/interests: assistant counselor and day room. He took Congregation:
Joe has enjoyed attending has helped teach dance. concurrent Arkansas State Bentonville, Arkansas
church winter camps In her free time Chloé is University classes in iOS
throughout his high school training the loves of her coding. He ended the class School accomplishments:
years and volunteering at life—her brothers and pug with a project where he Drew graduated with high
preteen camp. puppy named Pickle— developed a full-featured honors from Bentonville
but also enjoys baking, music player app for the West High School on May
Plans after graduation: dancing, reading, fashion, iPhone. 15, 2021. He played on the
Joe plans to attend Lone artwork, sports and family high school varsity tennis
Star College in the fall and road trips. Activities/hobbies/interests: team and was also on the
work toward a degree in Christian’s lifelong swim and dive team.
business administration. Plans after graduation: hobbies have included
His favorite quote is from Graduating with a year of areas of technology, such Activities/hobbies/interests:
James Cameron: “If you college completed, Chloé as programming and Drew enjoys hanging out
set your goals ridiculously will continue at Collin multimedia creation. In his with friends and working
high and it’s a failure, you College before possibly freshman year, he became at Walmart. He also enjoys
will fail above everyone attending Foundation a Firefox contributor. spending his summers
else’s success.” Institute and then finishing Christian has developed tubing at the lake.
her bachelor’s degree at a an open-source Discord
university. bot that now provides Plans after graduation:
Chloé Hogberg entertainment for over Drew plans to attend the
Parents’ names: 50,000 communities University of Arkansas.
Neal and Denise Hogberg
Christian Hull worldwide.
Parents’ names:
Congregation: Tim and Lori Hull Plans after graduation:
Aubrey Kapales
Dallas, Texas Christian will begin classes Parents’ names:
Congregation: in the fall at Columbia State Kevin and Andrea Kapales
School accomplishments: Van Buren, Arkansas Community College in
Chloé graduated from Franklin, Tennessee, and Congregation:
Plano East Senior High. School accomplishments: in 2022 he will move on Bentonville, Arkansas
She was inducted into the Christian graduated from to a four-year university.
National Honor Society with Future School of Fort He plans to decide on a School accomplishments:
a 3.9 GPA and played cello Smith on May 18, as an technology major after Aubrey graduated
in orchestra for seven years. honor roll graduate. He gaining exposure to a with high honors from
She cheered for six years, was a member of the select variety of technology fields. Bentonville West High
serving as captain and men’s choir. Christian’s He has been accepted and School on May 15, 2021. She
choreographer, while also Future School internships awarded a scholarship played on the varsity tennis
being nominated for the all- included providing at the University of team all four years of high
American cheer squad. IT support, website Advancing Technology in school and enjoyed being
maintenance and creating Arizona. a part of clubs, such as the
Activities/hobbies/interests: digital signage for the National Honor Society.
In church, Chloé is in Teen school, as well as providing
Speech Club and assists computer supervision and
Andrew Kapales Activities/hobbies/interests:
in Sabbath school. She has assistance to the homeless Parents’ names: Aubrey has enjoyed
served as summer camp in a community homeless Kevin and Andrea Kapales attending COGWA summer
12 One Accord cogwa.orgAubrey Kapales Sophia Kisolek Tyler Kratz Linnea Kroeger
and winter camps as both Plans after graduation: He is a certified lifeguard School accomplishments:
staff and camper. Reading, Sophia will be attending and is currently preparing Linnea graduated from
writing, being at the lake, University of Wisconsin– for a fourth-degree black Mill Creek Academy, the
snow skiing and spending Stout in the fall of 2021 belt in tae kwon do, where Kroeger family home
time with friends and with a major in psychology. he was recently honored school. She enjoys history,
family are some of her She wants to be a therapist as outstanding student math and especially
favorite activities. and help people deal of the year. Tyler loves English literature. During
with their problems and playing video games and her high school years, she
Plans after graduation: sadness. She is a wonderful keeping in touch with his read over 250 good books.
Aubrey plans to attend listener and has a kind friends. He was a camper
the University of heart, so this field will be at Arrowhead, Heritage, Activities/hobbies/interests:
Arkansas in the fall perfect for her. Sequoia and Winter Camp. Linnea participated in the
with a major in business He served on staff at Great Lakes Regional
management. Aubrey Camp Arrowhead and is Teen Speech Club,
hopes to attend law school
Tyler Kratz an active member of his completing the program.
after completing her Parents’ names: congregation’s setup and She acted as copresident
undergraduate degree. Mark and Judy Kratz A/V team. He participated and president. Linnea
in Teen Speech Club, received the Stars and
Congregation: performed special music Stripes award from
Sophia Kisolek Quakertown, Pennsylvania and played with the Feast American Heritage Girls
Parent’s name: instrument ensemble. and the Presidential
Katherine Kisolek School accomplishments: He regularly attends the Service Award. A large
Tyler graduated high school Winter Family Weekend percentage of her service
Congregation: in January, six months and church proms. included volunteering
Eau Claire, Wisconsin ahead of his class. He was at the public library and
an honor roll student and Plans after graduation: the elementary school
School accomplishments: has several advanced-level Tyler will be pursuing library in Jefferson, Ohio.
Sophia graduated from courses on his transcript. his associate degree at She also served on staff
high school on May 28. He was a dual enrollment Montgomery County at Camp Arrowhead. Her
student and graduated Community College before adventures in employment
Activities/hobbies/interests: with almost a full year of transferring to a four-year included caring for goats
Sophia has been a part of college credits. He was an university to complete his and working at a local
God’s Church since birth. active member of the ski studies in business and restaurant.
At the age of 2 she had team and played with the accounting. He would also
all the books of the Bible chamber orchestra. He also like to attend Foundation Plans after graduation:
memorized! She has also interned with the school Institute before launching Linnea’s plans include
attended summer camps district’s business manager his career. Camp Sequoia, some
since she was 5. She has during his senior year. serious hiking in Colorado
many friends from all and continuing to read
over the world due to Activities/hobbies/interests:
Linnea Kroeger good books. In the future
her attendance at camps Tyler has developed a love Parents’ names: she plans to pursue further
and her ability to make for adventure and is always Alan and Elissa Kroeger education in English
friends. Sophia loves to willing to hit the slopes, literature and possibly
read and spend time with break some boards or set Congregation: attend Foundation
her family and friends. off on a cycling journey. Meadville, Pennsylvania Institute.
July/August 2021 13Elizabeth Kyle Katrina Mackey Dylan Magruder Kate Manning
Plans after graduation: a manager at a local
Elizabeth Kyle Elizabeth will be attending dealership. She enjoys
Kate Manning
Parents’ names: the Community College of having the opportunity Parents’ names:
Bill and Jackie Kyle Beaver County, where she to learn something new Dave and Trish Manning
plans to pursue a double every day.
Congregation: major in accounting and Congregation:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania business management. Buffalo, New York
Dylan Magruder
School accomplishments: Parents’ names: School accomplishments:
Elizabeth graduated
Katrina Mackey Dave and Debbie Magruder Kate graduated from
from Blackhawk High Parents’ names: Orchard Park High School
School in Chippewa, Willard and Julie Mackey Congregation: in June. During high
Pennsylvania, on June Castle Rock, Colorado school Kate has been
11. Some of Elizabeth’s Congregation: the recipient of several
accomplishments include Cleveland, Ohio School accomplishments: academic, technology
achieving her second- Dylan was in cross-country and character awards.
degree black belt in School accomplishments: in high school. He’s a great During her senior year she
tae kwon do, earning Katrina was the recipient runner and did very well. was awarded the career
her level 1 archery of one of two leadership He also enrolled in a career- exploration internship in
instructor status and awards that were given out start welding program his architecture.
being a guest speaker at in 2020 for her county. This junior and senior year. He
various fundraisers—such was based on leadership did excellent in the class Activities/hobbies/interests:
as the United Way and skills that she exhibited and loves to weld. When not at school,
the Shell/Pro Football within her high school Kate studies piano and
Alumni Community years and previous. Activities/hobbies/interests: guitar, has volunteered
Awards Gala. Elizabeth Dylan has attended several at a local food pantry,
was also nominated to Activities/hobbies/interests: church camps, which he and helps her mom with
participate in the senior Katrina has been very really enjoyed. He’s been beekeeping. In the summer
of the year fundraiser active in her local 4-H Club, in 4-H for 10 years. He won she volunteers at Camp
with the Leukemia and including leading her club grand champion with his Outreach and works as a
Lymphoma Society. as president for four years, meat turkey two years in barista at Spot Coffee, a
organizing Zoom meetings a row. Dylan loves to fish, local coffee shop. At church
Activities/hobbies/interests: with the members, and hunt, dirt bike, boat, camp, Kate has performed vocal
There are several ways encouraging them with their etc. He is definitely an and piano special music.
Elizabeth has served in her projects and study groups. outdoor enthusiast. She also helps with the
local church area. She likes She was a camp counselor youth Sabbath school and
to play her cello for special for several years and enjoys Plans after graduation: participates in the teen and
music on the Sabbath and working with and mentoring Dylan will continue young adult classes.
has participated in both the the younger youth. Katrina working at the Denver
teen and the Pittsburgh/ enjoys spending time with Polo Club the next couple Plans after graduation:
Wheeling combined family, especially her young of months and then will Kate plans to pursue a
congregational choirs. nephews. be joining the union for a degree in architecture. She
Some of her hobbies include welding apprenticeship. has been accepted into
cooking, writing and Plans after graduation: He plans to have a career the honors program at the
listening to music. Katrina is working as as a welder. University at Buffalo, SUNY
14 One Accord cogwa.orgJaela Martin Victoria McGhee Julia Mikulla Loraine Pelesikoti
and awarded its “Pride of Congregation: Engineering. She will be
New York” scholarship for
Victoria McGhee Houston North, Texas majoring in biomedical
the fall 2021. Parents’ names: sciences to begin her
Steve and Tina McGhee School accomplishments: premed track. Julia plans
During Julia’s years at Lake to attend medical school to
Jaela Martin Congregation: Creek High School, she begin working toward her
Parents’ names: Louisville, Kentucky was accepted into the Lone ultimate goal of becoming
Teah and Hercules Star College Leadership a trauma surgeon.
Stevenson School accomplishments: Academy and became a
Victoria graduated from distinguished graduate of
Congregation: Floyd Central High School the program. She was also
Loraine Pelesikoti
Dallas, Texas with academic honors a top finalist in her Parents’ names:
and was a member of the National American Miss Kisione and Latai Pelesikoti
School accomplishments: National Honor Society. Pageant in 2019.
Jaela graduated from Texas Congregation:
Connections Academy at Activities/hobbies/interests: Activities/hobbies/interests: Auckland, New Zealand
the top of her class out of Victoria is active in her Julia has participated in
a class of approximately congregation, helping with Church camps, basketball, School accomplishments:
800 students (an overall kids, cleaning the church volleyball and teen Bible Loraine received the science
3.3 GPA). She participated hall and socializing. She studies growing up in the endorsement for excellence.
in soccer, volleyball, dance is always willing to give a Church. Julia’s favorite way
and cheer, MMA and hand in any way needed. to grow her relationship Activities/hobbies/interests:
kickboxing. She has also volunteered at with God is through Loraine has been part of
preteen camps and looks thorough Bible studies with Polynesian Young Leaders
Activities/hobbies/interests: forward to her last year family and close friends and, and a brotherhood and
Jaela’s interests include of teen camp. Victoria of course, through prayer. sisterhood organization
traveling, photography, loves animals and has Early in high school, that prepares young
coding and reading. She volunteered many hours to Julia found her love for people for high school
did volunteer work for the local animal shelter. She the field of medicine. She and beyond. She enjoys
the elderly at Harmon enjoys painting anything became HIPPA certified, helping her local
Senior Village and City from canvases to her OSHA certified, CPR community. She assists in
Garden Center. own bedroom walls and certified and recently teaching Sabbath school
furniture. passed her boards to and participates in the
Plans after graduation: become a certified church choir.
Jaela will be attending Plans after graduation: clinical medical assistant.
TCC (Tarrant County Having also completed her She is now working at a Plans after graduation:
College) in the fall of 2021. first year of college credits, local hospital as a medical Loraine plans to study
She hopes to pursue a she will be going into college assistant. early childhood education
career in computer science as a sophomore and will and wants to work with
and AI robotics. She may work toward an art degree. Plans after graduation: children. Her biggest
also pursue a career in Upon graduation, Julia goal is to run an early
human rights, psychology will be attending Texas childhood education
or environmental studies.
Julia Mikulla A&M University, where center and have an impact
She also plans to complete Parents’ names: she has been accepted into on other people’s lives for
the FI Online courses. Wade and Jackie Mikulla the College of Science and the better.
July/August 2021 15Dajah Pentlin Viviane Ramos Raquel Rodriguez Ambrose Schiphorst
Activities/hobbies/interests: congregation. As a teen,
Dajah Pentlin Viviane was active in the she has served at area food
Parent’s name: teen sports of volleyball banks and on volunteer
Becky Person; grandfather, and basketball and projects for our senior
John Pentlin enjoys racquetball from Church members. She even
time to time. She enjoys spent an entire day helping
Congregation: creating artwork with her gut a house that was
Kansas City, Kansas sister, as well as creating flooded during Hurricane
choreography. Harvey for a family in
Activities/hobbies/interests: need.
Dajah has participated in Plans after graduation:
summer camp since she Viviane will be taking a Plans after graduation:
was 6 years old. She looks gap year before deciding Raquel looks forward to
forward to serving as staff on a field of interest, but continuing her education Connor Stanley
in the future. wishes to explore a path at junior college and then
that expands on dance, going on to a university, Star and received a riflery
Plans after graduation: psychology or arts. where she plans to pursue marksmanship award.
Dajah plans to attend the an education and training
local community college in the medical field. Plans after graduation:
for her first two years. She
Raquel Rodriguez At present, Ambrose
then plans on transferring Parents’ names: plans to attend Tarrant
to a university to pursue a Jose and Carol Rodriguez
Ambrose Schiphorst County College for the first
bachelor’s degree in nursing. Parents’ names: two years and then go to
Congregation: Jacques and Jeri Schiphorst university for the last two
Fort Worth, Texas years. He is contemplating
Viviane Ramos Congregation: studying either graphic
Parents’ names: School accomplishments: Dallas, Texas design or computer
Ismael and Sarah Ramos Raquel graduated from programming, both of
Chisolm Trail High School. School accomplishments: which he has demonstrated
Congregation: During her high school Ambrose was an aptitude for.
Houston North, Texas career, she has been a homeschooled and
two-year member of graduated from Texas
School accomplishments: National Honor Society Connections Academy.
Connor Stanley
Viviane graduated in May. and an officer and has Parents’ names:
Her favorite high school received various awards for Activities/hobbies/ Becky and Bryan Stanley
classes were video game academic scholarship. She interests:
design, graphics and Web was a four-year member of Ambrose’s interests lie Congregation:
design, and digital art the varsity girls’ golf team, a in the arts—areas such as Phoenix, Arizona
and animation—in which member of the 2021 district graphic design, sketching,
she programmed games, golf championship team painting and fashion School accomplishments:
created animations and and an all-district medalist. design. He also enjoys Connor maintained a 3.3 GPA.
built her portfolio. Her high music production of R&B,
school accomplishments Activities/hobbies/interests: gaming and building Activities/hobbies/interests:
include awards and honors Raquel has been very computers. Ambrose Connor loves cars, NASCAR
at a school art show in 2020. involved in her local church attended Camp Lone and building and fixing
16 One Accord cogwa.orgSarah Tannert Taylor Hansen Austin Wickham Hannah Willoughby
things. He has recently been ground squirrels, rabbits, Taylor has strived to achieve council. He qualified for a
helping the sound crew at quail and pack rats back academic success, including silver cord upon graduation
church services. to health and eventual taking difficult IB and AP by exceeding a set number
release. Since 2019 Sarah courses. She graduated of community volunteer
Plans after graduation: has volunteered weekly at magna cum laude (GPA 4.0- hours throughout his high
Connor will be attending a horse ranch and riding 4.2) in the top 14 percent of school career. Austin played
Glendale Community school, learning skills in her class and as a National various sports during high
College in the fall, majoring natural horsemanship. Honor Society member. school, including golf,
in the auto mechanics She started her own Etsy football, cross-country
program. He has also business selling her crocheted Activities/hobbies/interests: and swimming, receiving
applied for the presidential items and amigurumi Taylor enjoys being active varsity letters for both
scholarship, which would toys that she creates from in church by helping with golf and cross-country.
pay for most of his studies. patterns of her own design. Sabbath school classes and He participated in band
He plans to be a mechanic Her additional interests and working at and attending and choir all four years,
in a shop or on his own. passions include cooking, COGWA Youth Camps including jazz band and
reading, writing, computer in the summer. During drumline, and was awarded
programming, riding horses, the school year she has with the Iowa Bandmasters
Sarah Tannert and anything animal-related. volunteered at a local Association Award of Merit.
Parents’ names: animal shelter, a nursing
Kurt and Sherrill Tannert Plans after graduation: home and a third grade Activities/hobbies/interests:
Sarah hopes to intern as a class. Taylor has a heart Austin has attended camp
Congregation: full-stack web developer and for service and very much almost every year since he
Tucson, Arizona plans to attend Foundation enjoys connecting with and was 5, starting with preteen
Institute in the future. helping people and animals. camp and then moving into
School accomplishments: teen summer and winter
Sarah graduated from the Plans after graduation: camps. He enjoys playing
Power Homeschool with a
Taylor Hansen Taylor is very excited to sports and is a lifeguard for
3.91 GPA. Parents’ names: begin her next chapter in his community pool. He
Jerry and Rachel Hansen life. She will be attending also enjoys spending time
Activities/hobbies/interests: Texas A&M University with friends and family.
Sarah serves weekly by Congregation: pursuing a bachelor of
setting up and operating the Dallas, Texas science in nursing. Plans after graduation:
church’s sound and webcast Austin plans to attend
equipment. She has attended School accomplishments: community college in the
a number of the COGWA During her junior year in
Austin Wickham fall and serve on his town’s
Youth Camps as a camper high school (before COVID), Parents’ names: volunteer fire department.
and has also served on staff Taylor participated in the Eric and Sarah Wickham
at the Sequoia preteen camp clinical rotations program
since 2016. She was baptized at Plano East Senior High Congregation:
Hannah Willoughby
in the summer of 2020. School. In this program Beloit, Wisconsin Parents’ names:
From 2017 to 2019, she she had the opportunity to Nathan and Amanda
volunteered at a rescue shadow various health-care School accomplishments: Willoughby
group for small mammals professionals in different For the last three years of
and birds. She helped settings and specialties. high school Austin was Congregation:
nurse young or injured Throughout high school, elected to serve on student Louisville, Kentucky
July/August 2021 17School accomplishments: in honors classes, receiving out, trying new cuisines
Hannah graduated from complimentary feedback and hanging out with her
Corydon Central High from her teachers for her family and friends.
School. During her high acumen and work ethic.
school years, she enjoyed Plans after graduation:
being the stage manager Activities/hobbies/interests: Hannah plans to attend
for the drama department, In her free time, Hannah Ivy Tech Community
taking art classes and enjoys serving at COGWA College in southern
ceramics—for which she won preteen camps, kayaking, Indiana to pursue a career
several awards. She excelled hammocking, working in physical therapy.
2021 College Graduates
Amanda Porter
Amanda is graduating from Arkansas Tech University in August with her bachelor
of science in recreation and park administration. Her degree will allow her to work
in a managerial position in the sports and recreation industry.
Amanda will graduate with honors. She has a 3.9 GPA and was on the dean’s list in
2018, 2019 and 2020. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Amanda loves fishing, kayaking and camping. She currently works at the Little
Rock Air Force Base in the Outdoor Recreation Department, where she assists
service members and their families in outdoor activities, including fishing and
hunting trips. After graduation, she will continue to work in the Outdoor Recreation
Department with hopes of gaining a managerial position.
Amanda is the daughter of Keith and Jo Ann Porter and attends the Little Rock,
Arkansas, congregation.
Cecilia Gomez
Cecilia Gomez from Dallas, Texas, graduated from Texas Woman’s University
(TWU) on Dec. 12, 2020, with a bachelor of general studies with concentrations in
kinesiology and health studies. She attained the dean’s list in the spring of 2020 and
graduated with a 2.9 cumulative GPA and a 4.0 GPA within her major.
Cecilia first began her college journey at the University of Texas at Arlington,
where she initially focused on nursing-centered studies. She changed course not
only with schools but majors as well. She continued classes at her local community
college and graduated with her associate of science degree in May 2018. In the fall of
2018, she began attending TWU, majoring in kinesiology and ultimately switching
to general studies. While attending classes, she worked part-time with children at an
after-school program that complemented her field of study until that was no longer
possible due to the pandemic.
Regardless of whether Cecilia attended classes full-time or part-time, she
prioritized volunteering to serve at various church camps stateside and
internationally, i.e., Mexico and Africa.
Cecilia plans to obtain her teacher certification and become a P.E. teacher in
an elementary setting. Cecilia is a member of the Dallas congregation, where she
attends with her immediate and extended family.
18 One Accord cogwa.orgAmber Taylor
Amber Taylor is graduating from
Rowan College in South Jersey with
an associate degree in business.
She plans to attend Kent State
University in the fall, where she’ll
be pursuing her bachelor’s degree
in marketing.
Amber is the daughter of Joel
and Melanie Taylor of the Akron-
Canton, Ohio, congregation.
Charlotte Muñoz
Arthur Taylor
Charlotte Muñoz graduated from
Arthur Taylor graduated from Northeast Washburn University in Topeka,
Texas Community College (NTCC) with Kansas, in May 2021 with a master’s
an associate of science degree in computer of education in leadership and
science. He also earned an associate of administration.
arts degree and certification in computer She is currently a third grade Spanish
programming. He will be transferring this dual-language teacher at Scott Dual
fall to Texas A&M University–Texarkana, Language Elementary in Topeka. After
where he has been accepted into its College graduation, she plans to continue
of Business, Engineering and Technology’s training in leadership and eventually
computer science program. He plans to become a bilingual coach and/or
earn a bachelor’s in computer science with administrator in the school district,
a concentration in cybersecurity. likely in the dual language program. She
Arthur builds and updates his own is also looking to apply to a doctorate
computer at home and has helped several friends build theirs as program in educational technology in
well. As a student, Arthur has worked in the information technology the near future.
department at NTCC, where he has helped to set up cables across Charlotte attends the Kansas City,
campus, update server hardware, fix hardware and software issues, and Kansas, congregation with her three
learned more about firewall and safety protections. children, Leslie, Valeria and Ellie, and
Arthur attends the East Texas congregation with his parents, Scott serves as one of the Sabbath school
and Melissa Fulgham. teachers and children’s choir assistants.
Nikki Sanders
Nikki Sanders obtained her associate’s degree in business
office administration on May 19, 2021. Nikki graduated
with a high honor status, magna cum laude, and as a
member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society.
Nikki enjoys researching on the Internet, watching both
educational and recreational YouTube, and making a
difference in the lives of others.
Nikki’s plans after graduation are to work as a first
priority, but she also plans to continue her education down
the road with a focus on helping with academic disabilities,
mental health or physical pain.
Nikki is the daughter of Wayne and Elsie Sanders and
attends the New Orleans, Louisiana, congregation.
July/August 2021 19You can also read
