During recent CAD team meetings held in Denver, Colorado, Anne Stapleton was ordained a GCI elder.
Anne and Mark Stapleton
Anne asked that the ceremony be held in Denver so family and friends living in the area could attend. The ceremony was led by GenMin director Anthony Mullins and CAD associate director Greg Williams. Moving testimonies concerning Anne and her ministry were given by GCI leaders (including GCI president Joseph Tkach) and by others who have known Anne and her ministry for many years.
Anne and her husband Mark Stapleton pastor GCI’s congregation in the San Diego, California area. They also co-direct SEP SoCal—the GCI GenMin summer camp held in Southern California.
We join Anne’s congregation, family and friends in extending hearty congratulations. Here is a video with excerpts from the ordination ceremony:
GCI district and church pastor Mike Horchak and his wife Pam are pleased to announce that their daughter Holly Horchak married Deron Grafton on November 9. Mike officiated and Holly’s brother Jeff Horchak gave her to dad, who, in turn, gave her to Deron.
The ceremony was held in Covington, Louisiana, outdoors under a 300-year-old oak tree (see picture above). The weather was perfect and many family members and friends attended.
Holly and Deron’s love for each other includes a shared love for children. Holly has worked for many years as a nanny and Deron teaches disabled children.
Congratulations to Holly, Deron and their families.
When I saw the picture of the two shops shown below, the song, “Lookin for Love (in all the wrong places)” came to mind. Depending on how they define the word “love,” a person entering either shop might be a bit embarrassed. Part of the problem is that our English word “love”covers a wide variety of meanings, depending on context. But that was not a problem in the Greek-speaking world of the first century. Their signs would have indicated that in one shop you would find eros and in the other you would find both filia and agape.
Eros speaks to romantic or sexual love and filia to brotherly love or friendship. Agape was a relatively unused word picked up by early Christians to speak of God’s kind of love shown especially in Jesus Christ. Agape is self-giving, perfecting love that is steadfast and faithful. Similar to the Hebrew word hesed, agape indicates God’s everlasting covenant love that is neither contractual nor conditional. Like a covenant promise, agape is freely given.
Had you walked into a first-century church looking for filia and agape, you might have been surprised to hear the preacher reading from a letter written by someone named Paul addressing the topic of law-keeping. Some in the congregation might be nodding in agreement while others are shaking their heads, shouting “No, no!”
The latter group holds a legalistic understanding of the Christian faith, grounded in a religious heritage that emphasized strict conformance to the ten commandments, with the Sabbath command being the ultimate test. To even hint that keeping the law of Moses was not God’s foremost demand for Christians would have sounded heretical to them. Their understanding of law-keeping was so ingrained that they would have dismissed any challenge to that view without giving it a fair hearing. Though they might not have put their hands over their ears or ripped their clothing (as Paul’s audiences sometimes did), many probably felt like doing so.
In his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul explained that Christians are to fulfill the law of Christ, which is the law of love. That law is people-oriented rather than task-oriented—focused on relationships, not lists of rules (see Galatians 6:2). The law of Christ cannot be imposed according to an external written code because it is written on one’s heart by the Holy Spirit. A written code cannot encompass the law of Christ because that would mean doing the impossible: encompassing Christ himself—his whole heart, mind, purpose and wisdom.
Rather than a written code, the law of Christ is an internal principle that brings forth a life expressive of Jesus’ own “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Indeed, “against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). The law of Christ arises out of a growing relationship of faith, hope and love with God through Christ Jesus and the working of his Holy Spirit within us.
While trying to explain this to Christians in Galatia, Paul became quite emotional. Some legalists with a Jewish background insisted that Gentiles must keep the law of Moses in order to be part of the new covenant people of God. Paul said “No!” and ended the third chapter of his letter by saying that Gentiles can inherit the promises of salvation without any need to keep the law of Moses.
For Paul, a Christian’s obligation is to love as God has loved us in Christ. Everything else is secondary—even the sacrosanct ritual of circumcision: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). Now Paul is really meddling! But he was unrepentant. His press secretary (if Paul had one), would no doubt have groaned as he added, “I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!” (v. 12, NRSV). Other translations try to make this sound a bit nicer, but that is what Paul said.
I can appreciate Paul’s anger here. Legalism truly is “looking for love in all the wrong places”—it is a false holiness. Sadly, some don’t recognize or understand that. Legalism is the equivalent of not being able to see the difference between death and freedom. When we have freedom in Christ, the person we used to be is uprooted and torn out. In Christ, we live in newness of life; we are a new creation. Our nourishment comes from being rooted in Christ who accepts us where we are to grow us up into his perfection of holy loving. In Romans 13:8-10 (ESV), Paul summarized his understanding of what it means for a Christian to abandon legalism in order to obey the law of love:
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Thankfully, God has allowed us to understand, so we can find and enjoy his love in “all the right places.”
Growing up in the restaurant business, Larry Hinkle learned an important principle: “My mother taught me from her many years of hard work in food service to always tip waitresses well. ‘That’s what put you through college,’ she would tell me.”
Larry grew up in the Chicago area and his mother ran a soda fountain-restaurant at the back of a drug store in Winnetka, Illinois. “I recall one of my first job responsibilities was peeling and cutting potatoes down in the basement of that establishment.”
Love of sports influenced Larry’s choice of college. “My interest in sports ultimately led me to majoring in physical education. I began bowling in junior high school and on through the high school years worked in a bowling alley from where I participated in national tournaments. Although I have come close to bowling a perfect 300 on several occasions, that is still my goal. I also loved playing baseball and basketball and later played college-level baseball. I also developed a love for the Spanish language in high school and went on to minor in that subject in college.
Larry, pastor of GCI congregations in Port St. Lucie and North Broward, Florida, first became interested in the WCG/GCI in 1960. “As a teenager I began to listen to the church’s radio broadcast and was intrigued by the strong admonitions to believe the Bible. I diligently studied the church’s literature including the Correspondence Course.”
It wasn’t until his senior year in college that Larry started attending WCG church services in Louisville, Kentucky. “After graduation from a college in Indiana, I attended Ambassador College in Pasadena for one year. Since I held a teaching license in the Spanish language, the next year an opportunity to teach Spanish at both Imperial High School and Ambassador College was presented to me. In 1968, I became a faculty member in Pasadena and worked in that position for approximately 10 years. In 1976, a Spanish church was started on the Ambassador campus. The experience of serving in that congregation and travelling to serve various Latin American congregations made me aware of a calling to serve in full-time ministry. In 1979, we moved to Puerto Rico to serve in the Caribbean regional office under Stan Bass. From there I was called into full-time pastoral ministry serving various congregations in the New York City area including a Spanish church in Queens.”
In 1990, Larry and family moved to North Carolina where he served three congregations for four years. In 1994, they moved to Florida where Larry has served several congregations and now serves as the district pastor.
Larry and his wife Joanne just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They have two children. “Our daughter, Christi and our three grandchildren, Coty, Warren and Elizabeth live in North Carolina and our son Glen currently lives near Salt Lake City, Utah. Both my wife and my daughter have worked for many years in the field of physical therapy and my son in the area of computer programming.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a pastor, Larry said, “It is the opportunity to be a change-agent in people’s lives, helping them to know God’s love and to learn to enjoy all of his benefits (Psalm 103).”
Larry is excited about GCI. “What I enjoy most about being a part of GCI is witnessing the dynamic changes that God has brought about in our fellowship through our doctrinal understanding of God as Trinity. I see God’s sense of humor in bringing us full circle from a disbelief in his triune nature to fully embracing that reality. In the context of this doctrinal position it is exciting to see and to experience the many new pathways that have been opened up for us to participate in Jesus’ ministry.”
This love of pastoring and love for our understanding of the Trinity has formed Larry’s passion. “My passion is to help people come to know God better and to experience him more fully in their lives. This is the goal and purpose of the ministry that I’ve founded, Odyssey in Christ, Spiritual Formation for Leadership (OdysseyinChrist.com). This ministry continues to grow in scope and provides a way for those hungry for more of God in their lives to be exposed to means through which they can be spiritually filled and satisfied.”
Larry’s most memorable moment as pastor? “What comes to mind is a time when we had been about four years into our denominational changes and some Christian communities were doubtful that our transformation was for real. Upon being introduced to the ministry of the Walk to Emmaus in Florida, the church and I were fully accepted and welcomed with loving and open arms into that community. This experience and our church’s participation in that spiritually-focused fellowship over the past 12 years have been a highlight of my pastoral ministry.”
Asked when he feels closest to God, Larry replied, “I feel closest to God when walking in the morning hours enjoying his presence and peace through the beauty of his creation, and also when offering spiritual direction to individuals and to groups.”
GCI Canada recently held a Thanksgiving Celebration in the city of Moncton, New Brunswick. The 53 people attending came from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Guest speaker Dr. Gary Deddo (pictured at right) gave sermons on our identity in Christ and the obedience that flows from faith. He urged the audience to remember to first ask: “Who is God? and then ask: “Who are we in Christ?” He noted that we only are able to love unconditionally—with no strings attached—when all of our strings are attached to God.
In one of his sermons, Gary discussed loving God with all our mind (expounding on Matthew 22:37). Because theology is how we think about God, we all have a working theology. However, to have right theology, we must focus on who God is as he reveals himself in Christ. The foundation of our thinking is therefore of utmost importance. Loving God with all our mind involves actively seeking God to know him better.
An atmosphere of peace and joy was prevalent throughout the celebration—God’s presence and blessings were evident. The members fellowshipped, shared meals and enjoyed a sing-along with Jim Noseworthy (pictured above, left), and shared communion at the beginning and end of the weekend.
Years ago, Dr. Herman Hoeh, now deceased, suggested that I subscribe to the magazine Biblical Archaeology Review. Though my subscription ended, I still occasionally look through back issues. Doing so reminds me that archaeology often confirms what is stated in the Bible. It also reminds me that this field of study is a hotbed of discussion and often heated disagreement between various schools of thought. Although vigorous debate can be healthy, it also can lead to unhelpful contention and even hostility that runs contrary to the cause of truth.
Currently, the two main schools of thought in this debate are referred to as biblical minimalism and biblical maximalism. Minimalism views the Bible as purely a literary work, written no earlier than the Persian period, which was long after Moses, David and Solomon. This viewpoint casts doubt on the historicity of these biblical characters, noting a lack of archaeological evidence to substantiate their existence. Minimalists maintain that the Bible should be considered a theological work, not a reliable historical record. In contrast, Maximalism views the Bible as historically reliable—representing actual people and events. This viewpoint maintains that the core stories of the Bible are true, though it concedes that some accounts may have been embellished somewhat by legend.
A third, though fairly minor, school of thought in this debate is sometimes referred to as fundamentalism and sometimes as literalism. It views the Bible as 100% accurate in all respects—even when archaeological evidence is missing or is contradictory. This viewpoint is the archaeological equivalent of young earth creationism. Neither maximalists nor minimalists take this viewpoint seriously.
Does this debate really matter? One might argue that it contributes little to the Christian faith. Let’s get some perspective here. The Bible is not a simple or secular history book. It is God’s revelation to us, told through the story of his people Israel, which prepares the ground for the life and work of Jesus Christ. That is what the Bible is about, and what it is for. The Bible’s principal lessons do not depend on the meticulous accuracy of geographic details nor the exactness of calendar dates.
That said, archaeology has shown that the Bible is remarkably reliable as a record of history. For example, the Bible tells of Israel being taken into captivity by the mighty armies of the Assyrian Empire. Years ago, many scholars dismissed this account as fable, since no trace of the Assyrian Empire had been found at that time. However, mid-19th century archaeological excavations uncovered the ruins of Nineveh, Assyria’s capital city. Ancient cuneiform inscriptions were found there that dramatically confirm the biblical record.
Uncovering the past continues in spite of the turmoil in the Middle East. One such excavation is being conducted by Hebrew University at Khirbet Qeiyafa, a city 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Khirbet Qeiyafa had great strategic value in the ancient kingdom of Judah because of its location on the main road from Philistia on the coast to Jerusalem and Hebron in the hill country. It was in this area that the famous battle between David and Goliath occurred.
The excavation at Khirbet Qeiyafa has already uncovered 200 meters of the city wall, two city gates, a pillar building (perhaps a small stable), ten houses and the earliest known Hebrew inscription giving evidence that David and Solomon ruled over a well-organized, fully urbanized Judahite state in the tenth century B.C.E. (the inscription and other artifacts from the excavation are pictured at http://qeiyafa.huji.ac.il/).
Exciting developments like this continue to keep me interested in biblical archaeology. However, my faith does not depend on these discoveries. Frankly, it is far too easy to get hung up on such details—expecting the Bible to say more and do more than God intends.
The Bible is not primarily a history book, although it has proven historically reliable. Therefore, we should not be quick to jump on the “band wagon” of any of the schools of thought in this ongoing debate. Such viewpoints come and go, while God’s written Word stands as what it is: an infallible guide to all matters pertaining to salvation.
Frank Howard is likely the only GCI pastor with a 40-year-old pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All-Star sneakers. He loves to collect things. “I am not a hoarder of stuff. I enjoy collecting coins, stamps, bills, etc.”
Frank, the bi-vocational senior pastor for 24-7 Community Church in Newark, New Jersey, is the youngest of 10 children. “I grew up in the segregated South during the 1950s and 60s in Williamston, North Carolina, population approximately 5,000 at that time. At the age of 11, I participated in Freedom marches for Civil Rights in my hometown. I felt it was the right thing to do for me and for others.”
Frank speaks highly of his parents, the late John and Vernice Howard: “My parents taught us to love God and people, honor and respect the elderly, get a good education, and help those who are in need. We were raised up in the Lord, and I was baptized at the age of nine.”
In 1966, when Frank was in the eighth grade, he and his fellow male classmates participated in a special program. Frank shares, “all the young men in my class at E.J. Hayes School (including myself) were taken to the “Advancement School” in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This school was for young men only. We were to be there for three months. When we arrived with two of our own teachers, each of us was assigned a white roommate to live with for the three months. I knew this was going to be very interesting, and it was; but it was all good. Both black and white young men were given the same educational tools and opportunities to be a success at the Advancement School. As a result, the young men’s (both black and white) performance in academics and sports excelled. It proved that when given the same tools and opportunities, it doesn’t matter what your race is, you can be a success. I will never forget that experience.”
While in high school, Frank had the opportunity to have Coach Herman Boone (portrayed by Denzel Washington in the movie “Remember the Titans”) as his physical education instructor. “He encouraged his students and teams to persevere and never give up. Under Coach Boone’s leadership, E.J. Hayes High School Football Team won two State Championships during the 1960s. In 1974, I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from North Carolina Central University. In 1984, I received the Master of Science Degree in Human Resources from New Jersey Institute of Technology. I received the Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry from Grace Communion Seminary in 2012. Over the years, I have worked for General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, New York State Department of Labor, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and currently for the United States Department of Treasury.”
Leslie and Frank in their younger days
As a result of occasionally watching The World Tomorrow TV program from 1979 through 1982 and reading the church’s literature, Frank began attending the WCG Manhattan Church in New York City in 1982. “Because I lived in New Jersey, I started attending the Union, New Jersey congregation in 1983 and became a member in 1984. There I met my lovely wife to be, Leslie (Hall).” Leslie and Frank have been married for 27 “blessed and lovely years. We have a daughter, Chantell, 33 and a son, Frankie, 25. We have two grandchildren, Nia, 8 and Jaiden, 5. Leslie is an author of two books, Sister With S.A.S.S. and Love Letters From God. She is also a Christian life coach.”
Frank became the interim bi-vocational pastor of 24-7 Community Church in December 2000 due to the untimely death of Ronald Robinson who had served as the senior pastor for only nine months. Frank became the new senior pastor in October 2001. Of Leslie, Frank says, “she is valuable to me and to the ministry in so many ways. She is a ministry leader over Safe Center, which connects the church with other organizations and churches in the Newark area. Safe Center also provides food and other items to the needy. Leslie also teaches a group of young ladies in the community called Daughters of Imani (Daughters of Faith). She supports me in the ministry and gives constructive criticism when necessary. She gives sermons and occasionally assists me with counseling. I am truly blessed to have a wife with a passion for God and for doing his work.”
As a pastor, Frank says he enjoys the unique qualities, gifts and personalities of people that God brings into his life, and to the congregation. “I am amazed how he uses those gifts to transform people lives as well as my own life. I also enjoy how he allows the congregation to be able to reach out to others. We have a monthly church service at the largest youth detention facility in New Jersey to reach out to incarcerated young men and women. We also have a monthly church service at the New Community Nursing Home in Newark where we reach out and comfort the residents with the Word of God and fellowship. I enjoy participating with Jesus in these settings. I enjoy seeing the youth at church praising the Lord and developing into leaders. I enjoy seeing the singles, married couples and the elderly praising the Lord and participating in Christ’s ministry. My assistant pastors, David Robinson and Lawrence Evans, and the rest of my leadership team have all been exceptional.”
Speaking about GCI, Frank said, “It’s comforting to know the Holy Spirit is using Dr. Joseph Tkach and the GCI team to lead us. GCI is not perfect, (no denomination is), but over the years, under Joe’s tutelage, we’ve grown to understand so much about grace. It helps us reach out to others in love, when spreading the gospel with genuine concern for the physical welfare of those in need.”
Frank’s most memorable moment as a pastor came during one of our nation’s greatest tragedies. “God allowed me to safely exit the World Trade Center after the first plane struck Building One on 9/11/2001. I was moved when many 24-7 members gathered the next evening to pray for the families of the victims and for those who were injured.”
Several mentors have helped shape Frank’s life and ministry. He speaks fondly of Mrs. Bessie Mobley, his first Sunday School teacher who encouraged him to go to college. He remembers an eighth grade teacher, Mr. Walter Harris, who not only taught him academics, but how to deal with practical life issues. He has deep respect for the late Pastor Ronald Robinson, who was a great leader and visionary. “He and I would go to New York City once a month to the Empire State building to meet with other clergy in the New York and New Jersey area. Those train trips over and back from New York gave us the opportunity to share thoughts and concerns about the new church plant (24-7 Community Church) and about ourselves. Little did I know, that God would allow Pastor Ron to die nine months after the church began. During those nine months, he shared a lot with me and his example taught me many lessons that have helped me to shepherd the flock that God has entrusted to me. Thank God for his example!”
Frank says that his passion is “serving God and people and having a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I love God and I love people. I feel closest to God in prayer, Bible study and meditation. There are times when I am on the express bus coming home from work that I am in deep prayer with the Lord.”
Frank shares a final thought: “When I reflect on my life I see Jesus’ loving hand in every aspect. His hand has been over my family, over GCI and over the 24-7 Community Church from its inception. Through it all, I have learned three important lessons:
Pray! Pray! Pray!
Wait on God to make his will and purpose clear.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain (Psalm 127:1).
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.
This prayer request is from GCI pastor Luciano Cozzi.
Luciano and Suzanne
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 02816-8252
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:
In His Grace Community Church building
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.”
Kathy and Grant Forsyth
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.”
