Elizabeth Mullins – Page 11

Kingdom Living—Building Strong Teams

Kingdom Living includes joining Jesus’ mission in the world, through his Church. Healthy churches who make disciples have healthy leaders.

And healthy leaders function in teams. One way we build strong teams is through intentional time together. We carve out devoted time to build cohesion, listen to the Spirit, and plan for the future.

Read on for stories of two congregations who held annual planning retreats. Learn more about strategic planning retreats here.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Faithful God, we thank you for guiding the Annual Planning Meeting and for the fruitful conversations and united vision it produced. We praise you for the energy and willingness of the younger members who stepped up to serve, bringing fresh life, and hope to the gathering. Bless every plan made and every person who contributed, that this coming year may reflect your wisdom, love, and purpose. May this spirit of collaboration continue to shape the life of your Church.

A heartfelt thank you to our special guest, National Director Marshall Dube, for your guidance and encouragement. We are also deeply grateful for the support of the National President of the Men’s Fellowship Ministry, Pastor X. Mpande, and his Organizing Secretary, Mr. Dabengwa Senior, who kindly hosted us at his lovely home.

The session was filled with fruitful deliberations and a shared vision for the year ahead. It was more than a meeting — it was a day of true fellowship, productivity, and joy. Here’s to a purposeful year ahead!

By Vuyile Mpofu, Pastor
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Durham, North Carolina, US

The Durham church plant held a three-night retreat for our core team. It was a priority to include the caregivers on our team, so we rented a house that could accommodate the entire team plus children and elderly parents.

We bonded over cooking together and sharing meals. We scheduled downtime for rest and recreation. And of course, we played games and shared much laughter.

The bulk of each day was devoted to planning, though. We performed exercises that demonstrated the variety of gifts represented and how that works together for a healthy team. One exercise that was particularly life-giving was naming the strengths we see in one another. Left is an example of one of the “affirmation boards.” (The name has been removed.)

We plan to hold a team retreat every year.

By Elizabeth Mullins, Plant team member
Durham, North Carolina, U.S.

Devotional—Ambassadors for the Kingdom

Because we are God’s children, we are being transformed into the fullness of the stature of Christ. As such, we are becoming more Christlike. Our thinking will essentially be persuaded by Christ to be more loving, kind, compassionate, gentle, forgiving, patient.

How incredible is this?

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. Romans 8:29 NRSVUE

Consider the ways we are being conformed to God’s image. We are being compelled by the love of Christ to be peacemakers, a light, and a witness for him, ensuring anger and lust does not rule our minds. We are vigilant that retaliation is not our first impulse. We are mindful of promises we make and ensure they are followed through. We are slow to judge and even slower to condemn. We are quick to do good to all.

This is good news!

As children of God, we are also being formed into the Body of Christ. How does Kingdom Living manifest in this community? A unique love is the Church’s guiding force: we love one another as God has loved us (John 13:34). This love moves us to join Jesus’ mission in the world. We are continually moved by a keen devotion to the teachings of Jesus. We are compelled by an eagerness to pray, meet together, and share meals.

Let us not stop being amazed at God’s gifts to his children.

Prayer
Father, thank you for empowering us to be ambassadors for the kingdom today on earth. Let us be grateful for the privilege of sharing in your very ministry, Christ. Spirit, guide us to seek first your kingdom and righteousness. Amen.

By Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, India

Kingdom Citizens Are Pilgrims

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I recall when my first daughter, Ashley, was born. My wife and I were both just 22 years of age and lacking maturity and financial stability. Amid the joy, fears, and unknowns, we both understood that a new season of life had begun. The experience of becoming parents was emotionally draining and the idea of raising a family was a daunting one. Amid all the uncertainty, we were certain that God was faithful and that we could trust that he would be an active participant in our journey. The Lord never disappointed us! Thirty-three years later, two additional children and two grandchildren, we glance back and marvel at the faithfulness of our Lord. His presence was evident throughout every tear and in every moment of laughter.

As my wife and I begin a new season of life and ministry, we find ourselves encountering new kinds of fears and unknowns. When our president, Dr. Greg Williams, first approached me with the invitation to become the vice president of our fellowship, my initial reaction was one of hesitancy. Although my heart has always been willing to positively respond to God’s calling, the proposition required that we work out of the home office and move to Charlotte, North Carolina. Los Angeles has always been home for our family, and the prospect of moving was not something that had been in the proverbial cards. Perhaps our attachment to what we called “home” was an unhealthy one, or the idea of being separated from our children was just too overwhelming.

While meditating on the unknowns and what lies ahead, I was reminded of the passage in 1 Samuel where Samuel erects a memorial stone he called “Ebenezer” to serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Samuel had cried out for the Lord’s intervention while the Israelites were besieged by the Philistines at Mizpah. After the Lord miraculously intervened and saved the Israelites, Samuel erected the memorial stone.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 NRSVUE

Ebenezer is not just a reminder of God’s past divine intervention, but also of God’s ongoing presence, faithfulness, and future providence. Although I did not erect a memorial stone, in that moment of meditation, I experienced what I call an Ebenezer moment. I was reminded that I can always trust in his faithfulness as I journey through my own fears and uncertainties.

This season of life has also reminded me that we are pilgrims, citizens in God’s kingdom. God is faithful in keeping the promises he has made to his Church. As we navigate through the “already but not yet” element of God’s kingdom, the Lord is not absent in our pilgrimage. Perhaps at times the journey may seem cloudy, but be assured that by the Spirit, his presence abides in us, and he is the one who is leading us through this pilgrimage. I invite you to pause for a moment and glance back, and perhaps you will identify a couple of Ebenezar moments in your own life.

As a kingdom citizen, my pilgrimage has now steered me to Charlotte and amid the chaos of moving and resettling in a new city, I concur with the words of Samuel, “Til now the Lord has helped us.”

Your fellow pilgrim,
Heber Ticas

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.

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

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.

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 U.S.-based 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 U.S.-based 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.

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

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.

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.

Author: Elizabeth Mullins