Elizabeth Mullins – Page 33

You’re Invited—Bob Ehlen’s Retirement Celebration

LiLY Women’s Conference

Grace Communion Cleveland hosted their 19^th Annual LiLY Women’s Conference on April 14-16, at Embassy Suites in Beachwood, Ohio. Seventy-three women took part in our conference that highlighted the theme, “Rekindle” (2 Tim 1:6-7).

Friday night the weekend began with a praise & worship band followed by speaker Josephine Shelton-Townes. Her topic was “Blessed, not Stressed.” She shared how we can block ourselves from blessings by allowing stress to take root in our lives. One of the big takeaways from the session was, “The word no is a complete sentence.”

Saturday morning, after praise and worship, Joy Traschel shared a session titled, “Reclaiming What Has Been Stolen.” She showed us in scripture how David strengthened himself in the Lord. Using his example, she highlighted the importance of naming what has been stolen, taken, or given away. We were reminded of the need to know who we are praying to and change our posture when inquiring of the Lord.

Next, Rachel G. Scott led Saturday morning and afternoon sessions. She spoke about how Peter denied Christ, but God still embraced him. She explained how Peter desired to go back to what was familiar, being a fisherman. However, he was given a new job, feeding the sheep. As God gives us assignments, we cannot become distracted.

Saturday evening ended with a prayer service and powerful testimonials. The final session was our church service held on Sunday. Pastor Tamar Gray spoke about how we have everything we need to move forward from the weekend with power, love, and self-discipline in Jesus Christ.

Save the Date: Our 20^th annual conference will be held on April 24-26, 2024. Follow us on Facebook@lilywomensconference for more information.

Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry leader
Cleveland, OH, US

Devotional—Unto You I Lift My Eyes

Editor’s Note: For our Ordinary Time Devotional series, you will be hearing entirely from young authors. They will be sharing their perspectives on the theme, “God is in the streets.” Enjoy reading how the next generation of emerging GCI leaders experiences God outside the walls of the Sunday church gathering.

Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Psalm 123:1 NKJV

Target fixation is something that I began as I started riding motorcycles. As one of my instructors candidly described it: “You will drive your bike towards whatever you’re looking at even if you’re trying to avoid it.” If I focus and worry about an incoming pothole, then I will surely run over that pothole.

Such is life. We worry about our adversities, our life’s road hazards, because it’s a threat. It’s difficult, painful, and it causes fear. As much as we want to steer clear and find a better way to conquer them, our fear—in effect—makes us focus on them instead.

Unto you I lift my eyes. We declare our intention to lift our eyes to the Lord and not on our circumstances. If we had to fixate on a target, it would be him.

O You who dwell in the heavens. By remembering the nature of God, we grow in trust and confidence. Earth may provide no mercy or help, but heaven has plenty. We are able to focus on God because we trust in him.

As we navigate the streets of our lives, may we remember that worrying about our adversities doesn’t help us overcome them. The “potholes” of life won’t magically disappear, but focusing on the Lord draws us toward a path that brings us closer to him and helps us better overcome life’s road hazards.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we can trust you and direct our attention to you. You rid us of our worries, you set our hearts free from fear. We humbly ask for help to lift our eyes unto you always so that we are directed towards a path that draws us near to you. Amen.

Justin Dedrick “Dids” Raduban, Hope Avenue Team
Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines

Not-so Ordinary Time

Dear GCI Friends and Family,

Ordinary Time is the period following Pentecost and takes us up to Christ the King Sunday on the worship calendar. It is the season to be attentive to the call of discipleship and disciple making. Ordinary Time connects nicely with our 2023 theme, Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.

During this time, we focus more on what we are called to do and what we are called to be, as we participate with Christ. So, what will Faith, Hope, and Love in Action look like at our local congregational level in 2023?

Ordinary Time is a period of nearly six months. In the US, it occurs during the summer and early autumn and includes the months when most children are on their school break. Allow me to point out an opportunity for us to reach out to youth and families. Ordinary Time is prime time for neighborhood youth camps. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic kept us sidelined from these opportunities, but now we can rejoin this wonderful expression of how we share Christ’s love.

In my background with Youth for Christ and GCI’s Generations Ministries, I spent multiple summers at youth camps around the country and around the world. I experienced the beauty of how adults can share their time, skills, and faith in interaction with young people. Past research indicates that if a young person comes to a relationship with Jesus by age 13, it is likely they will remain a faithful follower for life. I came to believe this as truth.

The beauty and simplicity of a neighborhood camp is something a healthy church will want to be a part of. Let me list a few ideas.

- Inviting and engaging with the youth in your congregation’s surrounding neighborhood allows you a focused time of two to three days to build meaningful relationships. Since they are your neighbors, you can share life together beyond the activity. This is the Love Avenue in action.
- A well-designed camp will include an invitation to a Sunday service that highlights the meaningful camp experience with pictures and video content. It will be a unique opportunity to invite parents to participate and experience the life of the congregation. It’s a chance for the Hope Avenue team to actively engage with families. Serving a special lunch is a good idea.
- Planning a back-to-school engagement is another way the Love Avenue and Hope Avenue can join efforts.
- A church that is thinking ahead would consider building from the momentum of camp by organizing something akin to an AWANAs club and inviting the campers. This could be a weekly or bi-monthly club to offer the neighborhood young people a safe space for fun and biblical discipleship. This is the Faith Avenue in action.

Ordinary Time is when we reveal the light of Jesus, exhibit the life of Jesus, and share the love of Jesus. And what better audience to consider than the children in our church neighborhood? If you are searching for ideas, please utilize the online tools of the GCI website. Questions and inquiries can be sent to Generations Ministries Coordinator, Dishon Mills, and you can always solicit input from your regional director. Don’t allow a lack of ideas or support to hold you back.

Camp ministry has been in the DNA of GCI for decades; moving that emphasis from regional camps to neighborhood camps has been a tactical move. It is time that we use our talents and experience to organize and get moving—living and sharing the gospel with the children and parents in our local church neighborhoods. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Ordinary Time can become extraordinary time. Let the children come to Jesus!

An old youth minister at heart,
Greg Williams

GCI BUZZ — Mentoring & Coaching

At GCI, we believe that healthy churches are made up of healthy leaders and healthy relationships. This month’s GCI Buzz explains the basics of Mentoring & Coaching and defines their differences. #gcibuzz

Check out the full PDF here.
Find a print-friendly version here.

The GCI Swag Store Is Now Open

GCI Gear is Here!

We are excited to announce that GCI clothing and accessories are now available as part of our Denominational Celebration! Represent our fellowship and reflect your personal style. Shop now, by clicking on the image below.

We chose the vendor for our on-demand store based on their high-quality and ethically sourced items, as well as their ability to ship internationally. However, please note that the shipping costs are per item. You can get detailed shipping information here.

4 Es Retreat

In March, thirty members participated in this year’s Refresher Weekend on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, an hour north of Wellington, New Zealand. Martin Bailey from Melbourne was our guest presenter. Martin is a qualified business mentor who has spent 13 years in productivity improvement and training for some of the world’s largest companies.

The theme was the 4 Es: Engage, Equip, Empower, and Encourage. The 4 Es describe a process focused on developing people for ministry participation and leadership. Martin began with an overview of the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues, then led a session on each of the 4 Es. We all really enjoyed his relaxed and personable style, punctuated with short video clips and spiced with a liberal dose of humour.

Martin focused on equipping and empowering us to share the gospel by simply being real and authentic. He kept pointing us back to the practical application of the message, caring for others, and taking their perspective. He encouraged us to start with something small and see where it leads. Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman started as small as “Can I have a drink?” and ended with a whole village coming to believe in the Messiah.

The intention was to seek the Spirit’s guidance toward what we might actively put into practice. The attendees committed to trying one or more of Martin’s small steps and discussing the results at our next Celebration in September. All were encouraged to share what they learned with others so the whole church could benefit.

Phil Baldwin started each of the sessions with a short devotional service and Rex Morgan led communion, which was a fitting way to conclude a wonderful time together.

The board members stayed an additional night for a meeting on Monday. Dennis Richards presented his strategic directions update, reporting progress achieved and challenges ahead. He concluded by noting 2023 is midway through GCI’s Three-year Plan. In 2022 we introduced the three Avenue ministries underpinning GCI’s missional aspirations. In 2023 we established these operationally. And in 2024, we’ll focus on settling these into the life rhythms of the church.

Rex Morgan, Pastor
Auckland, New Zealand

Philippine Youth Camp

The Bicol Youth Camp was held April 5-8. Sixty campers attended from different local churches in five provinces of Bicol Region, Philippines. The camp was held at the Grace Communion Cotmon property. (Cotmon is a barangay in the municipality of Polangui, in the province of Albay. A barangay is a small district forming the most local level of government.) Forty-five staff volunteers were led by camp director Pastor Justine Paolo Parcasio (Jep).

Every day included a plenary session with a devotional message and worship. Activities for the four dorms were basketball, archery, ballroom dancing, Christian living, and community service.

The second day included a variety show where the dorms showcased their talents in singing, dancing, and acting. The day ended with a night of worship and prayer. It was an inspiring time. Many campers wrote in their evaluation of camp that it was one of their highlights.

On the third day, the campers had a 5 a.m. start time with a hike. The campers and staff formed a line and slowly but determinedly followed the narrow trail up the mountain. At the top, while appreciating the amazing view, everyone enjoyed a devotional message and sang, “How Great Thou Art.” The dorms were also given quiet time for solitude in nature.

The campers celebrated the last night of camp with a dance. After a short talk on etiquette, I led the campers in an ice-breaker activity. The campers exhibited the ballroom dancing skills (cha-cha and swing) they learned in class.

The last day began with the sunrise service and people in the community were invited to join. The last day concluded with clubs and an award ceremony. Clubs are mini workshops in worship leading, worship dance, drums, bass, and sound system.

The campers went home filled with experiences to share with their friends outside the camp. The camp truly is a blessing, not just to the campers, but also to the staff. To participate in God’s expansion of his kingdom on earth is an honor, but also a humbling experience. We can’t wait for next year’s camp!

By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader
Bicol, Philippines

Avenue Champions Commissioned

On Sunday, April 16, the church plant growing in the Steele Creek neighborhood of Charlotte, NC took an important step in its development by commissioning its Avenue champions. Each of the three leaders was chosen after a season of individual and collective discernment. It was clear to the church plant team that the new champions were equipped by the Holy Spirit to serve in their respective roles.

Michelle Fleming will serve as the champion of the Hope Avenue. Stacey Meade will head up the Love Avenue. Afrika Afeni Mills will lead the Faith Avenue. We praise God for putting in place such capable leaders and will continue to hold Michelle, Stacey, and Afrika in prayer for the journey ahead.

By Dishon Mills, Church Planter
Charlotte, NC, US

From Equipper—Symbols of Pentecost

This month we’re highlighting a spiritual practice from Equipper.

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Pentecost is part of the Christian Worship (Liturgical) Calendar. This year, it is observed on May 28 and is a celebration that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, which is 50 days after Easter Sunday. The name “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word pentekoste, which means “fiftieth.”

The celebration of Pentecost can also commemorate the birth of the church, as it was the day when the disciples followed Jesus’ instruction and gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. Luke tells us of this remarkable event in Acts 2.

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 ESV)

From this great outpouring, the believers were empowered to go out of the upper room and be witnesses of Jesus. It is interesting that churches find different liturgical ways to commemorate Pentecost, including the use of symbols. In the early days of the church and today, symbols play a big part in helping Christians to teach, preach, and to create a more meaningful celebration. God often uses symbols like those we read about in the above passage, to bring our attention back to him. The symbols give us new ways to think about God. There are several objects from the day of Pentecost that often symbolize the Holy Spirit.

Mighty rushing wind

In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8 ESV). Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as like a wind. The symbol of wind can remind us of the movement and the power of the Holy Spirit. We may not see him, but we know that he is working and that we can experience him.

When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we also speak about the breath of God, breathing in us. Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them to receive the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma, which means “breath.”

Tongues of fire

Fire is another symbol that reminds us of the Holy Spirit. Not only that God made himself evident through “tongues of fire” on the day of Pentecost, but we are also reminded of God as the “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29 ESV). The fire that appeared and rested on each of the believers symbolized the Holy Spirit that empowers many. The Holy Spirit spreads like a fire, covering all believers.

Dove

Though a dove is not mentioned in Acts, all four Gospel writers refer to the Holy Spirit coming as a dove. Doves remind us of new beginnings – recall Noah sent a dove from the ark to find new life. Doves also represent peace, reconciliation, and unity. Many churches will include an image of a dove in their worship service.

As we celebrate Pentecost, let us take this opportunity to teach, preach, and make the celebration meaningful by thinking of creative practices our local churches can use in our worship services. One way is the use of liturgical symbolisms. Some churches use these symbols to decorate their worship halls. Some churches have their team use red as a theme color. Red symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s fire.

The spiritual practice of breath prayer

There is an ancient spiritual practice called “Breath Prayer.” This spiritual practice can be used to position ourselves to focus on the wind/breath of the Holy Spirit in us. Here is a simple prayer guide that we can use:

- - Find your comfortable position, sit back, and relax.
  - Close your eyes.
  - Start breathing in (inhale) and breathing out (exhale) for a few times.
  - As you are in the rhythm of breathing, you might integrate these phrases:
    - “Breathe on me, Holy Spirit” (Inhale)
    - “Holy Spirit, Breathe on Me” (exhale)
  - Continue for as long as feels comfortable and meaningful for you.
  - End your breath prayer with thanksgiving to the Lord.

You may want to choose other phrases that feel prayerful to you. Most breath prayers are six to eight syllables and fit easily into one inhale and exhale.

This spiritual practice is just one of many forms of prayer that we can do that reminds us of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the breath of life.

Have a Spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost.

By Justine Paolo G. Parcasio, Associate Pastor
Baguio, Philippines

Author: Elizabeth Mullins