“As to the ‘state of the world’ if we have time to hope and fear about it, we certainly have time to pray.” ―C.S. Lewis
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On December 3, the GCI River Road congregation joined in the annual Light Parade with the community of Junction City. This year had record turnout of floats and spectators. The overall theme of the parade was Polar Express, and we decided to go with the theme that best represented us. We chose “The Island of Misfit Toys.” We had our own live Bumble, Yukon Cornelius, and Charlie in the Box.
We had great participation in putting the float together as well as those who actually walked and rode on the float. Those that walked handed out candy and toys, while wishing everyone Merry Christmas.
It was a cold clear night, but worth the interaction with many of the local residents of Junction City. It was decided after the event to make the float bigger and brighter! We will remain the Island of Misfit Toys as well.
Many remembered us from our “Christmas in July” and our Trunk or Treat. We are becoming known in the community and look forward to many more opportunities to get involved.
By Linda Sitterley
Pastor, River Road, OR
The Orchard is proud to announce its latest round of graduates from the program. In September, the following leaders completed their six-month commitment:
The Orchard is an online, project-based mentoring program that I facilitate with my cofounder, Mako Nagasawa. It supports Christ-followers in discerning their ministry calling, equips them for participating in the work of Jesus Christ, and assists them in carrying out projects of their own design. Find out more about The Orchard here.
Most of the projects focused on the Love Avenue, and the participants used The Orchard to help them plan how to better connect with their neighbors. As one participant commented, “The Orchard got us moving in the right direction — developing leaders who live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and make disciples like Jesus.”
We congratulate The Orchard graduates on their achievement!
By Dishon Mills
Church Planter, Charlotte, NC
National Coordinator, Generations Ministry
On the evening of Saturday, December 10, GCI Glendora accomplished our most challenging neighborhood event yet: a living nativity. We called it “The Greatest Gift: A walking tour of the first Christmas.”
We wanted to take advantage of this great opportunity to share the good news of Jesus, the true reason for this joyous season.
Our theme focused on the birth of a new King, Jesus Emmanuel, who is God’s greatest gift to the world. Guided 45-minute tours were given every 15 minutes starting at 5:30 p.m., with the last tour at 7:30 p.m. Nine groups went through, with a total of 115 guests.
The tour itself consisted of six acts in four different areas at the church facility. We also had a petting zoo in the parking lot for the children to enjoy before or after the tour.
We are beyond grateful for the members and friends of GCI Glendora who saturated the event in prayer for two months, and for those who put in extra time and energy to make this event special.
We’re excited to keep the
momentum going as we remain obedient to Christ and continually seek to love God and love our neighborhood!
By Jillian Morrison
Associate Pastor, Glendora, CA
For decades we have held annual retreats to enable members to gather from around the state for fellowship and learning. The priority has been to find facilities that provide accommodation, meals, and space for fellowship and meetings all in the one location. At the end of each retreat, we discuss what went well and ideas for the following year.
Each year a theme or book of the Bible is chosen as the focus. November works best for our members (end of spring here). This year we decided make it an Advent Retreat. We searched online and found two large, well
equipped homes in a Swiss style village (with more accommodation just up the street) in the Tamar River Valley, near Launceston. A brochure inviting members from around Australia was sent out earlier in the year. We ended up with members from three other states joining us.
At our 2021 retreat, we studied the life of Paul, so this time we decided to focus on Paul’s apocalyptic gospel. In short, New Testament apocalyptic writing focuses on God’s plan in Jesus that brings a cosmic victory allowing all people and all creation to share in his loving life of communion and peace for eternity. We discussed key passages in Paul’s writings that use apocalyptic language to communicate this good news, helping us see the bigger picture of what God has in store.
We began with a service late Sunday afternoon and held two morning sessions during the week, Monday through Thursday. We ate most meals together in local restaurants. On Monday afternoon, we enjoyed a river 
cruise. All Tuesday was spent exploring the beautiful Tamar River Valley. On Wednesday, we gathered for lunch and a relaxing afternoon in a spectacular gorge and park in Launceston. We concluded with a brunch and a visit to a local museum and art exhibition before saying our goodbyes on the Thursday morning.
We plan to hold another Advent retreat in November next year.
By Pastor Phil Hopwood
Pastor, Tasmania, Australia
Rose Marie Hamrick is a native South Carolinian. Her parents began attending Worldwide Church of God the year she was born. She literally grew up in the fellowship that has transformed to be Grace Communion International. She grew up working in her family business which taught her a strong work ethic.
Rose has served GCI as an elder since 2015 and previously served as a deaconess since 2007. Rose has been privileged to serve her local congregation in various roles including treasurer, leadership committee, women’s ministry chairperson, advisory council, youth coordinator and choir member. This is where she developed her love for serving others.
Rose earned a Master of Science degree in Business Management from Southern Wesleyan University. She is an administrative management professional with a 25-year career in a corporate environment. Rose’s experience is both broad and varied in office, budget, project and facilities management, financial reporting, business development, human resources, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, marketing, legal and real estate. This is where she has developed her business acumen.
Rose’s family includes her two adult children, her son and daughter, a daughter-in-law and three beautiful grandsons. She enjoys reading, spending time with family and traveling.
Rose has a heart for service. She looks forward to serving GCI in support of the Gospel of Jesus in her role as Chief Financial Officer of Grace Communion International.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41 NRSVUE
Epiphany means “manifestation,” and this passage reminds us that all of Jesus’ life was manifesting or revealing who God is. In the darkness of the night, a fierce windstorm suddenly came up violently tossing the boat as the high waves began to fill it with water. The disciples grew fearful believing their lives were in danger. Meanwhile, amidst all the frantic activity, Jesus was quietly asleep. He looked undisturbed by the winds and waves buffeting the boat, in stark contrast to the panic of others.
The disciples in their displeasure came to Jesus and woke him up. They accused Jesus that he was not only unaware that they were about to die, but that he didn’t care! Strong words!
Jesus then stood up and rebuked the wind and waves. He said, “Peace! Be still.”
As quickly as the storm appeared, the sea became absolutely quiet. There was “great calm.” The disciples stood in awe that Jesus speaks his authority over the violent storm. They were led to ask, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
The disciples asked the most important question: who is Jesus?
Mark records the many miracles of Jesus showing his power over diseases, demons, and death. Jesus demonstrates his deep compassion and concern for all people. He is aware of our fears and tendencies to panic.
No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, Jesus is with us, he is for us. He is powerful, and yes, he cares! This is Jesus, who reveals the heart of the God.
Prayer
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you are all in all. Thank you that you are aware of everything that we go through in life. Lead us to a deeper knowledge and faith in you always. May we learn to have peace. May we learn to be still. Amen.
By Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro
Pastor, Quezon City, Philippines
Dear Family and Friends,
Happy 2023! We are beginning an exciting new year with new hopes and new possibilities. In 2022, we promoted the theme of “Compelled by Love.” As we look ahead to what 2023 holds, we ask, how does this mission play out? I hope you will watch this first video update of the new year. In this update, I describe our focus and theme for 2023.
I also have some exciting news from the Home Office. Allow me to introduce our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Rose Hamrick. To learn more, visit her bio here.
Mat Morgan, who has served as GCI and GCS CFO since November 2005, will be retiring next month. Stay tuned to read more about Mat’s faithful and competent service to our fellowship in a future Update issue.
Grateful for healthy transitions,
Greg
