Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Revelation 7:9 pictures “every nation, tribe, people and language” gathered in the eternal kingdom. It’s a hope-filled vision of an innumerable multitude of people from all corners of the world standing before God’s throne in worship. This mosaic vision represents God’s offer of salvation to everyone, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or linguistic background. This pictures God’s ultimate purpose to unify believers from every part of the earth and gather all peoples to himself.

How does this picture of God’s ultimate purpose shape how we as believers live our lives today? As Kingdom Representatives, the Spirit empowers us to:

- Value and respect all cultures: The inspiration of the Revelation passage is that every group has inherent worth and dignity in God’s eyes. Kingdom representatives appreciate the rich tapestry of human cultures and backgrounds and look to see the beauty of God in all his children. It contradicts God’s design to elevate one’s ethnicity over another. When one group dominates another culture seeking to erase them, it is antithetical to the kingdom fulfillment that Jesus is working out.

- Break down barriers and build bridges: Kingdom representatives are challenged to actively work against racism, xenophobia, and prejudice. It is a human response to be comfortable in “your people group.” But it can stunt one’s growth when there is little to no interaction outside your group. Much of the New Testament story is about the blending of Jewish and Gentile people together in this wonderful new enterprise called the Church. Paul’s phrase that he became all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:22) is a high calling for us to follow. The present and future kingdom has “no superiors or inferiors,” so current life should reflect this equality in the eyes of God.

- Build unity through relationships: Kingdom representatives build genuine relationships and “cross-cultural connections” with people from different backgrounds. I have the privilege to be in relationship with the assistant pastor from my home church, Afrika Afeni Mills. Afrika and I meet periodically, not as assistant pastor of GC Steele Creek and GCI president, but as “sacred siblings.” Her background and life experiences are quite different than mine, but we learn together with humility and openness. I am deeply grateful for my sister, and it is relationships like this that help bridge the gaps that divide society.

Revelation reveals the reality of the eternal kingdom to come; it provides a beautiful vision. The opportunity we have in this present world is to live out the kingdom’s values now and be the early adopters of the reality to come.

Part of the mosaic of God,
Greg

Devotional—Not Snuffed Out

During Epiphany, we are reminded afresh of who God is, as revealed in Jesus Christ. Epiphany season calls us back to the true nature of God and his posture toward humanity. People often shape their ideas of God by projecting human traits onto him — imagining God through the lens of parents, siblings, leaders, pastors, or personal experiences. But God is not a magnified version of any human being.

He is like no other. The clearest and truest revelation of God is found in Jesus.

A bruised reed [Jesus] will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out … Isaiah 42:3a

This brings me deep assurance. When we feel fragile, bent, or close to breaking, Jesus does not finish us off — he restores us. When our flame is flickering and our strength feels almost gone, Jesus gently protects it until it burns again. Is it not striking that when we celebrate birthdays, we blow out candles? Yet our lives testify to a God who has not blown out our candles but has kept them burning. Jesus does not put out our light. He lights it, guards it, and keeps it alive.

I do not know how you are starting this new year. You may feel worn down, close to breaking, or like your fire is barely burning. Or you may be entering the year with optimism, energy, and excitement. Wherever you find yourself, this promise remains true: God desires your restoration. He does not “put out a dying flame” (Isaiah 42:3 CEV).

May Jesus light up your 2026.

Prayer
Dear Lord, as we step into 2026, may we experience your fire afresh. May we be renewed, strengthened, and upheld by your gentle grace. Spare us from breaking down and instead build us up in hope. Amen.

Takalani Musekwa, Superintendent of Africa
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Kingdom Living—Honoring God’s Incarnation

The Advent season is a time of hopeful anticipation. The Christmas season is a joyful time to celebrate the incarnation of God — God becoming flesh in the newborn baby, Jesus.

Enjoy these images of GCI congregations worshiping God during the Advent and Christmas seasons and sharing the hope of Jesus with their neighbors.

Rayong, Thailand — Advent Candle Lighting Service

Glendora, California, US — Living Nativity

Durham, North Carolina, US — Neighborhood Christmas Eve Liturgy and Meal

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Children’s Choir

River Road, Oregon, US — Cocoa and Carols with Tree Lighting

Derby, Kansas, US — Make It and Take It, Christmas Craft Gifts

Citizens’ Toolbox—Formed by Seasonal Themes

The annual Christian worship calendar begins in late November (or early December) with the Advent and Christmas seasons. Following the seasonal themes of the calendar help citizens of God’s kingdom worship Jesus and learn about his life and ministry.

Begin now to consider how you can make the seasons meaningful for your congregations and neighbors in 2026. See the Church Hack below for planning ideas.

Meet Angelica Hamrick

“I strive to care for others with empathy, reflect God’s love, and act with honesty and transparency.”

Meet Angelica Hamrick. She is the newest employee in the GCI home office. Her role is member service representative and accounts receivable clerk.

Read her full profile here.

Death of Raymond Taylor

Retired Pastor Raymond Taylor died on December 15, 2025. Join us in praying for his wife, Cindi, and their family. We share in their grief and in their hope of resurrection. Cindi shared the following obituary.

I regretfully share the news of the passing of my best friend and very dear husband of 51 years, Raymond Taylor. He was 73. Raymond was born in 1952 to Roscoe and Florene (first given name “Ethel” and maiden name “Tackett”) Taylor. Raymond was the eldest of five children. He grew up in the coal-mining area of Pike County, Kentucky, where he learned to play trumpet and excelled in his studies.

After graduating as valedictorian of Phelps High School Class of 1970, he was accepted to the Big Sandy campus of Ambassador College, where I met him and fell in love with him. We married on June 5, 1974, following our college graduation. We were sent out to serve the Worldwide Church of God and then Grace Communion International churches in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, and Delaware. Later in his work life, Raymond worked for Marketplace Ministries as a chaplain in the workplace and also as a chaplain for Delaware Hospice.

Raymond loved pastoring, giving sermons with much storytelling and good humor, referring to his congregations as “family.” We have two children, who periodically sang with us in church activity nights or for special music. We enjoyed hosting dinners with church members, going to musical shows, and camping, hiking, sightseeing and as a family in all the beautiful places we were blessed to be sent. Raymond never forgot his eastern Kentucky roots and delighted in Appalachian history, culture, and foods along with injecting self-deprecatory humor related to the regional stereotypes.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randall. He is survived by me, his widow, Cynthia (Cindi) Taylor, along with our son Aaron Taylor (Christine), our daughter Amber Scott (Jon), brothers Roderick Taylor (Dorcas) and Russell Taylor (Sharon), sister Priscilla Linge (Bill), six grandchildren (Aiden, Penelope, Fiona, Gwendolyn, Lucy and Drew) and several nephews and nieces.

We are pleased he is no longer suffering and in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have known and loved many people in all these places for many years. For those who wish to contact me, my address is:

Cynthia L. Taylor
206 Royal Grant Way
Dover, DE 19901

New Member Management System

A New Giving and Member System Is Coming in 2026

Every year brings a sense of expectancy, and in 2026, our congregations will be stepping into something new. Grace Communion International will soon begin using an updated system to help congregations care for members and manage giving more effectively.

Our current online system (iMIS) has reached the end of its life, so we are transitioning to a new, modern system, Ministry Platform, which will better support both local congregations and the wider GCI fellowship.

What This Means for You

While much of this transition will happen behind the scenes, members can expect several benefits over time, including:

- Easier and more flexible options for online giving
- Improved communication from your local congregation
- Better coordination of events, small groups, and ministry activities
- Tools that help churches care well for members and guests

Change always takes time, and we are committed to moving at a thoughtful and measured pace. Pastors, treasurers, and ministry leaders will receive training and ongoing support as the new system is introduced. Additional features will be added gradually throughout the year to ensure a smooth transition for congregations and members alike.

Moving Forward Together

Whether you feel curious, excited, or cautious about this change, we are grateful to walk this journey together. We trust that this update will support our shared mission and help us continue living and sharing the gospel in our congregations and communities.

Robert Meade, GCI Comptroller
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.

Now Hiring—Digital Content Developer

Grace Communion International is seeking a Digital Content Developer to serve on our Media Team. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Media Coordinator.

The Digital Content Developer helps tell the story of what God is doing through Grace Communion International by creating thoughtful, engaging digital content including video, podcasts, and graphics. This role collaborates closely with the Media Team to develop projects from concept through completion.

We are looking for someone who values creative excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and who resonates with GCI’s commitment to sharing the gospel and participating in the love and life of the triune God.

Applicants should have relevant education or experience in digital media production and be aligned with GCI’s mission and theological commitments. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on the position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for this position at the Home Office.

Register Now—DC26

The Denominational Celebration
will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.

Save your spot and register today!

We would love for you to participate in our time together. This gathering gives our fellowship time to worship, learn, and enjoy being together. The schedule offers steady rhythms of teaching, connection, and shared worship.

Our theme for this celebration is Kingdom Living. Throughout the event, we will explore how God invites us to participate in his life, reflect his goodness, and join his ongoing work in the world. The theme will guide our worship, breakout sessions, and main teachings. It will help us focus on the hope we share and the way we live it out in our daily lives.

Join us for:

- - Daily worship setting a hopeful tone each day
  - Breakouts that explore discipleship, calling, and mission
  - Messages from our leaders, including Greg Williams
  - Interviews with leaders who will share insights and stories
  - Communion that reminds us of our shared life in Jesus
  - Time for meals, fellowship, and personal reflection

You’re Invited—LiLY Women’s Conference

Registration is now open!

2026 LiLY Women’s Conference
April 24-26, 2026
Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio

Theme: Aligned with Purpose

… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NIV)

Read the schedule here.

Registration Fee:

- - $85 Early Bird Pricing — Register by Friday, March 27, 2026
  - $95 Regular Pricing — Register by Friday, April 17, 2026
  - $60 Special Teen Rate — Ages 13-17

Online registration ends on April 17, 2026.

Hotel Reservation/Cost:

Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd. Independence, Ohio, U.S.

Overnight hotel rate: $134 per night, per suite, 4-person room
(Total with tax is $315 for both nights. Breakfast and manager’s reception are included for hotel guests only.)

Click here to make your reservation online.

Group Name: LiLY Women’s Conference
Group Code: LW4
Central Reservations Number: 1-866-315-1185
Deadline for hotel reservations at the special rate is Friday, March 27, 2026.

Register today online at gccle.church/lily

If not registering online, mail your registration fee with checks payable to:
Grace Communion Cleveland
4499 Canterbury Road
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070

(Please include your name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and address, and if you are staying for Saturday night dinner)

If you have any questions, please email us at: LiLYwomensministry@gmail.com

Rosa Hulse
Women’s Ministry Leader
Grace Communion Cleveland

Like/Follow us on Facebook at LiLYWomensConference.