I experience God through praying, especially during this season of Advent. As we eagerly await the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I am reminded that prayer teaches me about waiting. God’s responses, whether a yes or a no, draw me closer to him each time I depend wholeheartedly for an answer of peace. The Advent season teaches me to approach God with an expectant heart, just as the world anticipated the arrival of the Messiah.

God is indeed spirit (John 4:24), and during Advent, we reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the invisible God became visible in the person of Jesus. To see and experience God takes a willing heart and mind to seek him. His powerful presence is unseen and omnipresent. Essentially, God is everywhere, and it takes an act of faith to await the fulfillment of his promises.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

In this season of waiting, we are challenged to deepen our faith and trust in God’s promises, even when they seem hidden from our sight.

Prayer:
Father, I confess all my disbelief and hardheartedness. As I ask and receive your forgiveness, please help me never to take for granted your promises and answered prayers. Thank you for opening my heart and mind to see and experience you, even as I wait. Thank you, in Christ Jesus. Amen.

By Alicia Boyd, Children’s Ministry
Suva, Fiji

In this month’s GCI Buzz, we define Ministry Action Plans (MAPs) and show how they are essential tools for strategic planning, discernment, and alignment within a ministry or church community. A Ministry Action Plan is a “living document” that identifies specific ministry goals. It charts an intentional pathway to move from the current ministry conditions towards the stated goals, making it a helpful tool in moving toward our vision of Healthy Church.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. #gcibuzz

Check out the printer-friendly PDF here.

GC Sioux Falls fellowship group had a “trunk” at the second annual Trunk-or-Treat, on October 29. (Since the event was held indoors, it wasn’t a literal trunk of a vehicle, but a station.) It was hosted by Active Generations, the community center where we meet. There were more than 30 trunks from different businesses and community organizations in Sioux Falls. The event was scheduled to be outdoors, but the weather took a turn and windchills were predicted to be dangerously low, so the event was moved indoors. But the weather didn’t keep anyone away! Nearly 1300 children, parents, and grandparents attended. At one point, a line of people circled the building waiting to file by the trunks for treats.

We have been partnering with Active Generations for several events throughout the year. In August we had a photo booth at the Grandparents’ Day event, and we will participate in the Winter Carnival in December. Collaborating on these events has communicated to Active Generations that we are not just a fellowship that rents a room in their building, but we are willing to be an active part of our neighborhood.

By JoAnne Lagge, Pastor (pictured above, left)
Sioux Falls, SD, US

It was the second coldest Halloween on record for Fort Wayne, Indiana. Many would-be trick-or-treaters stayed home, but some that braved the cold were greeted with flashing toys, candy, games, and hot cocoa at Grace Communion Fort Wayne.

Now in its fifth year, the “Light Up the Night” event is usually held in the parking lot. But the near freezing temperature did not stop the action for GC Fort Wayne; instead, they took to the indoors, offering a sanctuary from the cold weather.

With Halloween songs, like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller,” playing in the background, families made their way through the twisting path. Each room was glittering with flashing L.E.D. toys. “We give them gifts that light up,” said Pastor David Howe. “The idea is to keep kids safe and visible as they trick or treat after dark.”

The event had several candy stations including full-size candy bars. The best part according to one attendee was the hot cocoa. The cocoa is served like a barista bar with a choice of sprinkles, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. “My kid calls you the hot cocoa church,” one parent said.

A group of 26 volunteers from our congregation and a neighboring church were able to share the fun with more than 200 guests. “We are a small church, and we want to show our love for this community,” said Pastor Howe “It was really cold this year, and we could provide a safe and fun environment for our neighbors.”

By Ann Howe, Love Avenue Champion
Fort Wayne, IN, US

I think that sometimes when we see lemons, Jesus giggles and tells us to stop and taste the sweet lemonade. With rain and near freezing temperatures predicted, we made the decision to move our neighborhood Trunk or Treat inside the walls of our building. We knew this would be the best way to stay warm, but we hesitated because our heart behind this event was never about enticing our neighbors into our church. We had already moved the Trunk or Treat from a school parking lot to our church lot last year, due to the benefit of restrooms. Now, we were moving it inside our building, and we worried that between the weather and the move, our numbers would be greatly impacted. But God.

We had more than 2500 neighbors attend our trunk or treat this year! We set up carnival games, staffed with young adults and our neighborhood Lion’s Club. We had over 20 “trunks” set up on tables in the multi-purpose room. Multiple neighbors and new members of our congregation set up stations and passed out goodies!

It was standing room only in the sanctuary for the costume competition. We even had the fire department come join in on the fun! People came together like the community that we are—a community that has no walls separating “us” and “them.” We are just neighbors. We are children of God. There’s nothing like having a front row, interactive, seat to watching Jesus build his church and transform lives.

By Ceeja Malmkar, Love Avenue Champion & MTC Coordinator
Surrey Hills, OK, US