Kingdom Presence

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Throughout the year, our central theme of Kingdom Living has resonated deeply within our community. Although the year has not yet concluded, our 2026 Denominational Celebration served as a magnificent culmination of this message. The fellowship we experienced was a definitive highlight.

From the moment we arrived, the city of Dallas served as the perfect backdrop for our gathering. A tangible sense of joy filled the atmosphere as brothers and sisters from all over the GCI world united under one roof. As I walked through the buzzing lobby area and crowded corridors, I felt cheated. I so much desired to join the fellowship but dealing with the pain of a pinch nerve hindered the experience for me. But that was not the case for the rest of the participants. The sounds of laughter, shared stories, and warm embraces served as a powerful reminder of what makes our GCI denominational family so unique. (Don’t miss these photos of the Celebration.)

Our worship experience was phenomenal! Pastor Tamar Gray (GC Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.) and the worship team she assembled led us in joining our great worship leader Jesus, in worshipping the Father by the Spirit. This vibrant fellowship and worship were amplified by the profound global connection that we enjoy as a global church. We were reminded that our local ministries do not operate in isolation; rather, we are small, vital parts of a larger, living tapestry that spans over 62 countries throughout this world.

After months of pursuing Kingdom Living principles in our local contexts, coming together felt less like a denominational gathering and more like a long-awaited family reunion. Old friendships were rekindled, new connections were forged over shared meals, and the act of presenting our worship offering before the Father became a sacred expression of union with Christ and our unity as the body of Christ.

Fueling this spirit of unity were the deeply inspiring messages delivered throughout the event. A particular highlight was the message brought by our keynote speaker, Dr. Walter Kim, which served as a powerful and inspiring reminder of the faithfulness of God. He reminded us that God is actively at work even when we find ourselves in the darkest, most confining “dungeons” of life — much like John the Baptist. This timely word, along with other powerful messages, did not merely comfort us; they stirred our hearts, refocused our vision, and called us to continue pursuing our common vision of becoming the healthiest expression of the Church of Jesus Christ that we could possibly be.

The experience of taking communion together reminded me of the beautiful, visual foretaste of a much greater reality: the eternal communion we await in our glorification in Christ. The Gospel of John alludes to this reality when he writes,

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

We were reminded that eternal life is not just a future destination, but the intimate, ongoing knowledge of the only true God who has revealed himself in Christ as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We looked forward with hope to the day when this relational oneness will be fully realized. In that ultimate glorification, every veil will be removed, and our fellowship with the triune God and one another will be complete and everlasting. The 2026 Denominational Celebration proved that when God’s people gather in true unity, the reality of his kingdom presence becomes undeniable.

Tu Hermano en Cristo,
Heber Ticas, Vice President

P.S. The messages and sessions from our 2026 Denominational Celebration are now available to watch! Whether you joined us in Dallas and want to revisit a favorite session, or you were unable to attend this year, we hope these resources encourage and equip you as we continue exploring Kingdom Living together. Click here for the sermon and main session playlist.

Devotional—Children, Not Slaves

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7 NLT

To be a true worker is to know what your job requires and do it well. If you’re an employee, your boss gives you feedback and might evaluate you every year. If you run a business, your customers come back or refer their friends. We are so accustomed to this life that we lose what it is to be a true child. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus is not pursuing some ideal of the model employee. Jesus is not straining toward a promotion or worried about losing his position. No, Jesus isn’t consumed with doing a good job. He is a Son, not his Father’s slave. He shares this life with us.

Our heavenly Father delights in Jesus. He delights in us! To live as his beloved child is to live in that delight. Rejoice in the joy he has in us! Be free and live without shame or shortcoming, knowing that all he has is ours. Welcome into his family many newly adopted brothers and sisters. Show them around the house. Make lots of introductions. Laugh over old stories. Fire up the grill and hold nothing back because grace never runs out for anyone.

Prayer
Father, may we know ourselves as you know us: Beloved, included, with many brothers and sisters. Open our arms and our hearts to all those you love. Amen.

Matt Royal, Faith Avenue Champion
Durham, North Carolina, US

Kingdom Living—Bogotá Church & MTC

GCI Around the World

Participants of the 2026 Denominational Celebration received a program showing our global impact. We wanted to share a portion of it with all our readers. It includes maps of our six global regions and a message from each of our six superintendents.

The above map displays our six regions and lists the countries within that region where we have existing congregations. Click here to see the regional maps.

Prayer Guide—September 2026

“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” — Karl Barth

This September, we gather in prayer — seeking God’s peace in a world that often feels divided. May his love shape how we care for one another and serve the communities around us.

Click here to download the September Prayer Guide.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

Watch the Celebration Sessions

Throughout the Celebration, speakers helped us explore Kingdom Living and what it means to participate in the life and mission of Jesus in our congregations and neighborhoods.

Now you can watch these sessions at your own pace and share them with others. Consider watching a message that interests you, revisiting a session with your ministry team, or using one to begin a conversation in your congregation.

As you watch, consider:

- What is the Spirit inviting me to notice?
- What might this mean for our life together?
- How might we participate in what Jesus is doing in our congregation and neighborhood?

Click here for the sermon and main session playlist.

Celebration Photo Gallery

In July, more than 400 members gathered for GCI’s Denominational Celebration. (We hold it every three years.) It was a meaningful time of worship, equipping, and fellowship. If you were not able to attend, you were missed!

Enjoy this collection of images from the Celebration.

Click here for the sermon and main session playlist.

GCS—Registration Open

Fall Registration is now open for Grace Communion Seminary. The class schedule is below, and don’t miss the online convocation. For complete information, see the GCS website.

You’re Invited—Gospel Celebration Weekend

The Father Loves and Likes You Celebration
A Gospel Celebration Weekend

Join us October 15–18, 2026, in beautiful Ocean City, Maryland, for a weekend of worship, fellowship, encouragement, and renewal as we celebrate the good news revealed in Jesus Christ: the Father not only loves you, he delights in you. Come and discover the joy of sharing in the life and love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Early Registration Offer

- FREE Early Registration: Through September 15, 2026 (a $150 value!)
- Regular Registration: $150 per person beginning September 16, 2026
- Registration Closes: September 30, 2026

Guest Speakers

We are excited to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers who will encourage us through Christ-centered teaching, including:

- Dr. Gary Deddo – Theologian and Author
- Cathy Deddo – Jesus and Bible Teacher
- Dr. Lance McKinnon – Dean of Faculty, Grace Communion Seminary
- Pastor Calvin Simon – GCI Norfolk, Virginia

We’ll also be offering a special theological teaching track, with the complete weekend schedule and additional event information coming soon!

Hotel Reservations

Please note that event registration does not include hotel accommodations.

If you plan to stay at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, you’ll need to reserve your room separately using New Life Fellowship’s group reservation link to receive our special group rate. We encourage you to reserve your room early, as rooms available at the group rate are limited.

Hotel Reservation Link: Holiday Inn

Stay Connected

We’ll continue posting event updates, speaker information, and the complete weekend schedule on our website and Facebook page as they become available.

www.newlifebaltimore.org

https://www.facebook.com/newlifefellowshipbaltimore/

We look forward to celebrating the Father’s love revealed in Jesus Christ with you!

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.

The Father Loves and Likes You Celebration A Gospel Celebration Weekend

Early Registration Offer

Guest Speakers

Hotel Reservations

Stay Connected

The Father Loves and Likes You Celebration
A Gospel Celebration Weekend