In the video below, GCI leader John Halford talks about the challenges of growing old gracefully, which includes changing the way we participate in Christ’s ministry.
View on YouTube at http://youtu.be/VyWVmwiyOqE.
Month: November 2013
Suzanne Cozzi
This prayer request is from GCI pastor Luciano Cozzi.
My wife Suzanne and I have been greatly blessed, especially in the last few months. However, sometimes with blessings also come challenges, and we are now facing such a period. Suzanne needed some tests done, and a routine biopsy. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that she has cancer. Surgery is scheduled.
The cancer does not seem to be aggressive and from every indication is at an early stage. It is likely that after the surgery she will be fine. We will not know if it has started spreading, however, until after the surgery.
Sue is doing relatively well. She tends to be strong, but as you can imagine this news is challenging to deal with. Her faith has kept her positive and strong and she has found great comfort in knowing that “all is well with her soul,” as the song goes. It has become her favorite phrase in the last few days.
Your prayers are deeply appreciated.
Cards may be sent to:
Luciano and Suzanne Cozzi 4 Silo Lane Coventry, RI 02816-8252A little church with big impact
The mission statement of In His Grace Community Church, GCI’s congregation in Kenockee, Michigan is this: “To live and to share God’s Grace in: our homes, our community and our world!” That they are ministering accordingly is evidenced by an article by Bob Green in the Port Huron “Times Herald.” Here are excerpts:
It’s hard to imagine a congregation tinier than the 25 or so members of In His Grace Community Church… But don’t let the size fool you. With the help of their neighbors, members of the church are making sure people who are hungry receive the food they need.
The church had a food giveaway on Oct. 19. “We know the need is there,” said Pastor Grant Forysth. “There still is a great number of people who, due to the economy, are not making it. We are trying to, in any little way we can, help people make it.”
He said 161 families signed up for the latest food giveaway, which represented 516 people. The food comes on a truck from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. “We try to do two a year,” Forsyth said. “This year, that was the only one we were able to get done.”
A food truck costs $650, said Alice Rieves of Mid City Nutrition in Port Huron, who works with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to coordinate food giveaways. That $650 guarantees 12 pallets of food. “My job is to make sure the food is distributed equitably, fairly and the people are treated with respect and the paperwork is done,” she said.
In addition to the $650, which Forsyth said his church raised through donations, the group sponsoring a mobile food pantry also must have 30 volunteers to help with the giveaway. “We have connections with volunteers in Kenockee Township, the leadership there,” he said. “They send volunteers; they like to be involved.”
For additional pictures, click here.
Engage conference
This update is from GCI pastor Mark Porter who coordinated the conference.
Over 325 people gathered in September for Engage 2013—a weekend of inspiration and fellowship in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. This year marked the launch of a new name and theme for what was previously called the Wisconsin Dells conference. The Engage name highlights how our faith in Christ is lived out through intent and action.
Each of the four days of Engage 2013 conference featured a worship service with messages emphasizing a heavenly worldview that leads to serving others with God’s love. Engage sermons were given by Becky Duel, Joseph Tkach, Rick Shallenberger and Stephen Hill (left to right in the pictures below).
Worship services also featured the Engage praise and worship team, interpretive dance, and a skit and music by the children. The event was packed with other opportunities to engage—from breakout sessions on multiple topics to recreational activities for families, teens and seniors.
Preparations for Engage 2014 are underway. It will be held September 25-28 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells—a beautiful facility with a large indoor water park and a theme park with rides, games and challenge courses. Discounted resort lodging rates and passes are available for GCI attenders. Visit www.EngageGCI.org for details and updates. Early bird registration rates are now available. Make plans to join us for a time of meaningful fellowship, family fun and spiritual refreshment.
Arnold Clauson
This update is a follow-up to an earlier prayer request for Arnold Clauson from his wife Trish.
Arnold was re-admitted to the hospital early last week for his weekly back-to-back dialysis. Since his blood toxins were higher than anticipated, it was decided that coming in once a week is not sufficient.
As of now he is still in the hospital waiting for a dialysis “chair” to become available. Since he is still immobile, transportation to and from will be necessary, yet another hurdle to overcome. In the meantime, he is receiving physical therapy so that he can sit in a chair for the four hours required for dialysis.
Arnold’s kidneys are still barely functioning, but we have been told that they can “turn on” at any time, even after months of dialysis. Of course the greatest challenge ahead is working on the cancer.
Arnold and I are humbled by the prayers and cards of encouragement we are receiving and we are continually comforted by the knowledge that the Creator of the universe is fully in control. Please know that we are also aware that so many others have burdens to bear. . . .we join in prayers for them.
Cards may be sent to:
Arnold and Trish Clauson 109 Melrose Circle Denison, Texas 75020