This update is from Pastor Mary Bacheller concerning Hands for Christ Community Church–a GCI church plant in Staten Island, New York.
These are exciting times! With our first Sunday Christmas Service and Christmas Eve service behind us, we are at peace and happy.
It was so meaningful for those who attended, as they participated for the first time in Christmas worship services conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). We had 24 adults and six children in attendance for the Sunday service. Deaf members actively participated. The kids signed the song “Happy Birthday, Jesus” and made gifts, drawings and notes to present to Jesus.
We also had a candlelight Christmas service combined with The Church That Never Closes–the congregation we share our building with. The sanctuary was decorated as a stable, and the service included an enactment of the journey to Bethlehem. Half of the actors were from our church and half from the other. Pastors Aldolf Pagliarulo and Mary Bacheller served communion.
Hands for Christ Community Church is now in its fourth month and thriving. We have 41 registered members and eight children. Sometimes it’s a little frustrating because they don’t all come at the same time. However, I have learned to let God worry about the numbers and I just worry about sharing the gospel, and the love and friendship of Christ with those who come each week.
We have a regular Wednesday night Bible study. Attendance averages about 14 people. We enjoy the fellowship and the wonderful growth in understanding experienced by all.
When people leave our services, it is common to hear them refer to the peace that they have experienced through the Spirit’s touch, and to express their desire to return for more. God is truly in charge!
