August 10, 2011

Announcements

GCI News

South Africa: Leadership Seminar & Summer Camp Planning

Prayer & Updates

Pray for Janna (Kissee) Jones

Church Development

Events

Resources For Pastors

GCI Links

From the President

On mission with God

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I greatly enjoyed our recent U.S. regional conferences held in Dallas and Orlando. The theme of these conferences is “On Mission with God.” Many mentioned that the training provided is starting to ‘click’ for them. They are excited about applying what they are learning.

This week I am in Ottawa, Canada for a conference of our International Directors and Mission Developers. Please pray for God’s guidance as we seek his will for our journey forward as a fellowship on mission with God around the world.

In this issue of Weekly Update (click on the links at left), you’ll find reports on the recent regional conferences, on our SEP Florida camp, on the awarding of diplomas from Grace Communion Seminary, on Gary Moore’s recent trip to South Africa, and on the ministry coach training provided by U.S. Church Administration and Development.

In all of these denominational ministries, our goal is to equip our churches for their sharing in God’s mission to the world. Thanks for all that you are doing! And may we all remember that prayer, both individually and together, is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith.

Love from my family to yours,

Joseph Tkach

The current version of this update is available online at update.gci.org where you may view and print the update.

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On mission with God

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Love from my family to yours,

Joseph Tkach

South Africa: Leadership Seminar & Summer Camp Planning

Gary Moore, GCI-Canada director, reports on his recent visit to South Africa:

Wendy, Tim Maguire and I visited Durban, South Africa where we conducted a day long seminar with several church leaders driving a number of hours to attend. On Sunday we enjoyed church services with a packed Durban congregation. As a result of outreach projects over the last several years, the Durban congregation has experienced good growth in new attendees. About 70% of the congregation has begun attending since our doctrinal changes in the mid 90’s.

The following Wednesday we attended the monthly SEP camp planning meeting. There was great appreciation passed along to us for the support our Canadian members and congregations provide to this camp in South Africa.

SEP Florida report

GenMin’s SEP Florida camp was home to 54 campers and 24 volunteer staffers on July 27-30. The camp was held at Camp Kulaqua, in High Springs, FL. In addition to daily worship and Christian leadership classes, campers enjoyed an on-site water park, go-karts, mini-golf, basketball, volleyball, flag football, arts & crafts, and music and talent presentations. Several campers met Jesus for the first time. Two were baptized (with their parents present). Another is planning to be baptized at home.

U.S. regional conferences in Dallas and Orlando

U.S. regional conferences were held on July 22-24 in Dallas, and on August 5-7 in Orlando. The theme of this year’s conference, held in eight locations, is “On Mission with God.” One more location remains: Denver, CO on September 23-25. For information click here.

Planning is underway for a new round of regional conferences in 2012. It is anticipated that there will be a conference at each of the 2011 locations, at about the same time of year. Watch Weekly Update for forthcoming details.

Ministry coach training

CAD ministry developer Ted Johnston conducted a day-long ministry coach training workshop on July 30 for 32 pastors, ministry leaders and ministry workers from several GCI congregations located in Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Participants were equipped to coach others who are active in congregational ministries. Some of the participants are continuing training to be certified as GCI national ministry coaches. CAD provides a certified coach for each first-time employed senior pastor and new church planter.

Concerning the value of ministry coaching, watch this video from GCI church planter Dishon Mills (click on the arrow at the center of the image):

To learn more about Dishon and his new church plant, click here.

For more Church Development videos posted on YouTube, click here.

For additional information about ministry coaching, email Randy.Bloom@gci.org.

Pray for Janna (Kissee) Jones

Here is a prayer request from GCI pastor and district leader Jim Kissee:

Kaye and I learned this past week that our daughter, Janna (Kissee) Jones has thyroid cancer. Such notifications always bring a deep note of sadness, and even more so now for Janna and her husband, Nate who are expecting a baby girl in December. Their current plans are to have the cancer removed shortly after the baby is born, with possible radiation treatments following the surgery. Your prayers for Janna and her family are deeply appreciated.

Janna (Kissee) Jones

847 S. Campbell Ave.

Springfield, MO. 65806

Death of Leonard Schreiber

Leonard Schreiber died on August 4 at the age of 86 at his home in Aguanga, CA. His wife, Stella was at his side. Leonard is also survived by his son Randy Schreiber and his daughter Terry Schreiber Beaver (wife of John Beaver). Leonard, a long-time Elder, was a friend to many in Southern California. He pastored churches for several years then served in an administrative role in Pasadena. His smile, humor and wisdom will be missed. His funeral was held on August 10 in Altadena, CA. His son Randy officiated.

Cards may be sent to:

John and Terry Beaver

2305 Quail Hollow Dr

Bryan, Tx 77802

Mrs. Stella Schreiber

45120 Hwy 79, #109

Aguanga, Ca 925376

Seminary diplomas awarded

At the regional conferences in Dallas (July 23) and Orlando (August 6), three Grace Communion Seminary students were awarded Advanced Diplomas in Christian Ministry: