Author: Elizabeth Mullins

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

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.

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

Our GCI congregation in La Huaca, Peru has been going through a renewal process in all aspects. Juan Carlos Florian faithfully pastors the congregation. Juan Carlos along with a team, have been actively engaging their community. They experienced growth to the point that they were no longer able to accommodate those who were visiting their church.

They started an expansion project in their facilities. With the help and dedication of members and even those in their community, they were able to enlarge their building and increase the capacity. This past weekend, with thanksgiving, they rededicated the facilities for the ministry of the gospel. Pastor Ruth Nieves from Piura and Pastor Jose Kasum from Lima joined them.

The renewal of their facilities is not the only renewal that this congregation has been experiencing. They have also been experiencing a missional renewal. Pastor Juan Carlos has attentively participated in the Team Based—Pastor Led equipping that regional directors Hector and Paulina Barrero have been offering online. Their missional endeavors have borne good fruit. This past weekend, they not only dedicated the renewal of the building to the Lord, but they also participated in the dedication of the lives of four brothers and sisters to the Lord through the sacrament of baptism.

Pastor Juan Carlos and their congregation solicit the prayers of the greater GCI family as they continue to participate with Jesus in what he is doing in their community.

By Heber Ticas
Pastor & Superintendent Latin America

On October 14, GC Woodbine held a Neighborhood Fun Day. This was the third such event that we have held for our community. We were excited to see more people come out to this event than our previous ones. It seemed that everything came together to make for a really fun “Fun Day”! We estimate that more than 100 neighbors attended.

Pastor Calvin and his lunch crew served around 120-130 meals. A local hunting club organization blessed us by donating baked beans and slaw for the event. They even “donated” one of their workers, Mr. Gary, to help us prepare the meals. Gary ended up behind the grill for a great part of the day and seemed to really enjoy himself.

The pony rides and bounce houses for the kids were well received, but it seemed to me one of the activities that generated the most excitement was the playing of musical chairs! We also enjoyed offering face painting, and some of the kids got multiple paintings! We had a prayer tent where people could request prayer. I especially enjoyed that as one teenager came by and started asking some very probing questions about some issues from the Bible.

We held a raffle in which 26 families participated. With the raffle, we requested some contact information that people might be willing to volunteer. Through this information, we have sent follow-up invitations to church.

Check out more pictures and videos on our GC Woodbine Facebook page.

By Dan Krupp,
Woodbine, FL, US

GC Ladson Church had a wonderful community event in our neighborhood in the form of a Fall Festival. Approximately 80 church members and neighbors enjoyed a variety of activities and good food.

Church members prepared pots of chili and participated in a cookoff. Adults and children made s’mores around the two firepits. This was probably our biggest hit for guests and church members.

We all enjoyed lively conversations, and many of the children watched a movie in the outdoor theater. We invited our guests to attend our church services the next day, and two families attended! We hope our church made a lasting impression with our neighbors and community, and we plan to continue our outreach efforts to bring Christ’s love to all.

Mary Robinson, Love Avenue Champion
Ladson, SC, US