GCI Update
Connecting Members & Friends of GCI
Header Banner

Author: Elizabeth Mullins

Pastor Appreciation Month

Hands holding cake with colorful rainbow letters spelling thank you

We appreciate our pastors
and their families for their sacrificial dedication!

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month in the U.S. It’s a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors and all other clergy members.

It’s always a good day to show gratitude to our pastors or pastoral team members, but this month offers a specific time to let them know that we see their hard work. Pastors, we appreciate your deep love for the Bride of Christ. Thank you!

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Australasia Gatherings

We are grateful to God for the three Celebrations / Retreats held recently in Australasia. These retreats in Caloundra and Echuca Australia and Rotorua, New Zealand were all blessed and uplifting occasions.

The pastors and leaders involved did a great job, spending extra time with the planning, speaking, and fellowship at the sites. Themes for the retreats focused on Kingdom Living.

The joy extended into Monday morning with an excellent interactive session on Being a Welcoming Church, facilitated by Denise Kreymborg (pictured above). It was very well received. Participants were encouraged to reflect on practical ways to foster a culture of welcoming through hospitality, inclusion, and genuine connection within our congregations.

At the NZ retreat (see pictures below), a morning community outreach took place, applying the Kingdom living theme, as organized by Anthony Dady. Members enjoyed doing this activity together and later discussed what they are doing in their local areas or what they might like to do in future as a GCI group or congregation.

 

Join Us Celebrating Baptisms

In the life of the kingdom, baptism holds a treasured place as a visible expression of the grace God has already extended to us in Jesus Christ. Rather than a means of gaining God’s favor, it is an invitation to participate in all that Christ has accomplished for us. Through baptism, we affirm our union with him, the forgiveness we have received, and the new life we share through the Spirit.

This outward expression of an inward reality offers a joyful testimony: we are part of God’s family, embraced by his redeeming love.

We invite you to rejoice with us in the following GCI baptism.

Kenockee, Michigan, US
Market Harborough, England, U.K.

Surrey Hills, Oklahoma, US
Livonia, Michigan, US
Pikeville, Kentucky, US
Biñan, Calabarzon, Philippines
Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada

Citizens’ Toolbox—Obedience from Trust

Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that obedience is rooted in God’s goodness and love. Obedience reflects our trust in God. It’s our faithful response to God’s love, expressed by our trust and participation in God’s mission.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5–6 NRSVUE

Learn more about obedience in this Healthy Church Buzz.

Kingdom Living—Youth Discipled in Trust and Obedience

In September, we held our youth camp with 90 campers and 17 staff members from our congregations. Our theme was “Trust Him and Follow His Way,” based on Proverbs 3:5–6. Together, we explored the important question, “Who is our God?”

The campers joined in worship, group discussions, and small group fellowship. They also enjoyed games, sports, Biblical drama, and group presentations. Each camper had an opportunity to share an individual testimony and what God was teaching them.

It was a joyful and meaningful time of learning, fellowship, worship, and growing in faith. We pray that these young people will continue to trust God and obey him, following his way in their daily lives.

By Amiyo Bacher, Facilitator
Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh

Devotional—God Carried Them

So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak:
“Fellow Israelites and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.” Acts 13:16–18 NRSVUE

For as long as I can remember, I read and heard this passage as describing God enduring the wailing and lamenting Israelites as if they were a great burden for him.

In Luther’s German Bible translation (2017), it says: “And for forty years he bore them in the wilderness.” The MacDonald commentary explains: “he took care of their needs.” Of course, I knew that God wouldn’t let them starve — they had food, water, and shoes that didn’t wear out.

But after reading Deuteronomy 1:31, a light bulb went on for me. “Then you saw that the Lord your God bore you as a man carries his son, all over the path that you have walked until you came to this place.” I never realized how close and intimately he was connected to Isreal’s life.

It is so encouraging to read that God carried his people as a father carries his son. I can’t remember ever reading it that way!

Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for seeing us as your beloved children, never as a burden. Spirit, fill us with your compassionate love so that, through Christ, we may care for others with kindness and grace. Give us strength to bear with those who are weary, remembering that you faithfully carry us all in your loving arms. Amen.

Tammy Tkach, Assistant Pastor
River Road, Oregon, US

Adapted from an article, He Took Care of Them, on the GCI Germany blog.

Prayer Guide—October 2026

“… God has already provided for us that response which alone is acceptable to Him — the offering made for the whole human race in the life, obedience and passion of Jesus Christ.” — J.B. Torrance

This October, we gather in prayer. We’re thanking God for the people he calls and equips to serve his Church. Together, we look to Jesus as he leads us in ministry and into deeper relationships with those around us.

Read the full Prayer Guide here.

Click here to download the October Prayer Guide.

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

 

 

 

GCI Update

Follow Us

Designed by PlainJoe Studios
© 2026 Grace Communion International. All rights reserved