While [Peter] was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:5-7 NRSVUE
Luke’s Gospel says Peter, James, and John were led up the mountain by Jesus to pray. Let’s see this through their eyes. As he was praying, Jesus’ glory was revealed. They saw Jesus, the one who had been sharing life with them in many ways, experience a change that was beyond their comprehension. This experience must have changed them deeply, especially in how they regarded Jesus from that moment on.
When we have a glorious encounter with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t happen as it did that day on that mountain. Nevertheless, the experience is profound. We do not come away from an encounter with Christ through the Holy Spirit remaining as we were. Certainly, we see things differently, and we see others differently. We also recognize the extended invitation from our loving God to see that he is more than what we assume or expect.
During the season of Epiphany, let’s celebrate the glorious revealing that happened at the Transfiguration, and embrace the beauty of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in us as our journey to becoming more like Jesus continues.
Prayer: Loving God, we want to be changed by your glory. Continue to reveal yourself to us. We long to see you as you are, the Beloved Son. We want to live in the light of your truth and be witnesses to your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Terry, with wife, Kizzie
By Terry McDonald, Pastor Kansas City South, MO, US
Back in July I had an interesting weekend involving two separate occasions with two people with whom I was able to engage in what I call “Jesus conversations.”
The first event was a Saturday golf tournament where my playing partner was an 80-year-old who was new to the neighborhood. It was a hot day, and the tournament lasted six long hours. Waiting between shots gave us ample time for extended conversations. We spoke of family, travel, fine wine, his time as a Navy aviator. Then he queried me about GCI. What kind of church is GCI? What was my seminary training? I enjoy talking about GCI, but I enjoy talking about Jesus more so.
My golf partner was harkening back to his college days when he had taken a class on Christianity and an overview of the Bible. His family of origin was Lutheran, and his wife’s family of origin was Methodist, so for most of their church-going time they went to a Presbyterian church (that makes sense). He had been stationed in foreign countries, like Japan and Saudi Arabia, so he had been exposed to other world religions. Now at age 80, he was having a heightened curiosity about Jesus and Christianity. We conversed how most other world religions require you to sacrifice and appease their gods through all sorts of ritual and idolatry, where our God took on flesh and came into our world to live and die for us.
We went deeper into the matter of salvation by grace alone. Apparently, he was impressed by how I had been treating him. He is older and, on top of that, he has had double knee replacement surgery. The course was quite hilly so often I would offer to pick up his stray golf ball and bring it to the cart. He would say, “Aren’t you a gentleman?” It was a great opportunity to turn the glory back to Jesus.
We talked about the apostle Paul’s comments in the letter to the church at Rome where he says that he knew what was right, desired to do what was right, but often failed and felt wretched about this human condition. Paul then asked and answered the key question, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24b-25a NKJV) I told my new friend that any good action of kindness that he sees in me is all due to Christ who lives in me. He acknowledged that salvation by grace and through Christ alone is the only thing that makes sense to him as well. I hope to continue the friendship and conversations with him.
The second experience that same weekend was an impromptu drop-in with our good friends across the street. This couple have become like family to Susan and me, and it warms our hearts to see how they have become more active in their home church, especially as their granddaughter participates in the life of the church.
My dear friend and I have a history of engaging in rather deep conversations. He is a retired chiropractor and a well-read individual. He often circles back to one question. “Which came first, religion or civilization?” So, we spent almost two hours on his back patio unpacking this question. I was able to share with him about how Father, Son, and Spirit – the triune God – is a relational union of three in one. They abide in a harmonious flow of perfect love and perfect union. And because of who we are as children of God, made in his image, we were created for relationship as well. The structures of government and religion fall back to rules that dictate right and wrong behavior, and because of the fall, even God’s chosen nation of Israel could not live up to the regulations and standards delivered to them through Moses. The entire history of Israel pointed to the need for a Messiah/Savior.
Our conversation progressed toward the notion of division between the sacred and secular (back to civilization and religion). What did I mean by sacred versus secular? My simple explanation was compartmentalizing your life where you spend a couple of hours on Sunday tending to sacred matters and then living your life for the other six days in the secular realm. I asked him if he had experienced Jesus in his work as a chiropractor. This opened his mind to a whole new way of thinking.
He had spent his life’s work helping people who were bent, broken, and in pain to begin a process of healing and to live a more productive life. He began to muse about a lesson he had learned from a mentor years ago: chiropractic medicine is a hands-on discipline that involves touch. I seem to recall that Jesus touched people, even ones deemed untouchable. He also spoke about a flow – the flow equated to the gift he had received to be a doctor and the flow that goes out from him to his patient. So, I asked, “Haven’t you been participating with Jesus all along in the care and healing of hundreds of people who have needed help?” My question resonated with him. What a joy to see where Christ has been present and working all along.
Concluding thoughts
I am coming to believe that our neighbors do not need us to challenge their values and then engage in a battle of wills. Nor should our highest priority be attempting to discern their perceived needs and develop programs accordingly. They need neighbors who are true believers and who, through the love of Jesus, demonstrate and proclaim the goodness of Jesus, regularly and repetitiously.
It is then through the credibility of these genuine relationships we can invite people into a new reality that is to be a new creation in Christ and to become a citizen and representative of the kingdom of God—to experience the kingdom life now.
The expectation in GCI is that when people join a gathering of true believers, whether a Sunday service or a Love Avenue connect group, they will come into an environment where Jesus is worshipped. That means he is talked about, he is adored, he gets the glory, and his presence is experienced.
An old rock and roll artist from my era, Alice Cooper, said this, “I’ll tell you one thing, when Jesus opens your eyes, and you finally realize who you are and who he is, it’s a whole different world.” Amen, Alice!
Romans 1:16 gives us something to really think about. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (NRSVA)
The gospel was certainly powerful for Alice Cooper. It was powerful for my friends on that weekend in July, and I believe it is also powerful for your friends and neighbors, too. Jump in and have those Jesus conversations and see where they go!
Please join us for a weekend of training, appreciation, and worship. Everyone is invited.
See flyer below or visit our website here for more information.
Registration opens February 2024.
Registration Fee: The Home Office will cover the registration fee for one pastor/facilitator per congregation and their spouse to attend a regional gathering. A coupon code will be sent with instructions on how to register in mid-February.
Lodging: Each pastor/facilitator will need to book their own lodging for the gathering.
Hotel courtesy block links will be made available once registration opens. You may also consider booking other accommodations that work best for you (examples: hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or accommodation with friends/relatives).
After the gathering, the Home Office will send a subsidy to your congregation via the send/draw to help offset the cost of one pastor/facilitator’s housing for the regional gathering. The amount will be set based on the average cost of the discounted hotel rate we were able to obtain for three nights.
We would love to invite you to celebrate our 20th year reunion.
2024 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
20th Annual LiLY Women’s Conference April 26-28, 2024 Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio (in person)
“REUNION”
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NIV)
Registration Fee: $75 / $85 – Take advantage of our early bird pricing of $75 and register byFriday, April 5, 2024. The registration fee covers the meeting facilities, speakers, conference bag filled with goodies, plus lunch and dinner on Saturday.
Registration for ages 13-17 is at a discounted rate of $50.
Overnight hotel rate is $129 per night, per suite, 4-person room (total with tax is $303.15 for both nights – breakfast & manager’s reception included).
The Grace Communion South Kansas City Love Avenue team generated many ideas while planning for Christmas. We chose two events to bless our surrounding neighborhood. The assistance I receive from my team has been invaluable, and they are amazing servant leaders. We stepped out boldly to see where the Holy Spirit would lead.
Using our facility’s large yard and circle driveway, our first event was what lovingly became known as the “Drive-by Christmas Cheer.” Our talented Pastor Terry McDonald made flyers that we distributed to our schools and our surrounding neighborhood. We wore costumes such as a beautiful dancing elf, a very jovial, dancing Santa Claus, and two snowmen. On the drive and lawn, we placed two 6-foot, lighted candy canes strategically to show entrance and exit. And a very cheerful lighted gingerbread man faced the road. A projector flashed a colorful festive light show on the building.
The costumed members danced and offered a warm welcome to passing vehicles. It was a wonderful sight to behold. We served our guests hot chocolate and hot apple cider. We passed out candy canes and Christmas ornaments that were wrapped in greetings from our congregation and our QR code.
We had such a great time and 22 neighbors participated. Some children even got out of their cars to look more closely at our costumes and have fun with us. They were so cute. It is our belief that those people were the ones God wanted us to bless. What a joy!
We are actively serving a neighborhood elementary school, and I’ve been volunteering in one of their kindergarten classes. As our second event, we chose to bless this classroom of children with what became known as “Adopt a Classroom.” We decided to give a pair of Christmas pajamas and a book to each child. The teacher was excited about this idea and provided the sizes for all 19 children. Our congregation prepared the packages. On the day of delivery, four individuals in our group, in costume, delivered the gifts. Watching the students’ excitement and joy invigorated us. We presented the teacher with a gift as well; she was surprised and grateful.
We send encouragement and prayers to all our churches and ministry leaders. Every person touched reveals God’s love, and we are excited to continue this effort in 2024.
Barbara Leatherman, Love Avenue Champion Kansas City, MO, US
“I am always thrilled to witness the work of the Lord Jesus in our congregation. It’s refreshing and encouraging to see members of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities united in serving the community, expressing love for one another, and worshiping our great God.”
Check out this month’s GCI Profile. Get to know Bermie Dizon, a longtime pastor in Grace Communion Glendora, before his retirement this month. Click here or the image below to read his full profile—which just touches on his impact and legacy as an encouraging pastor and lifelong mentor.
In December, Grace Communion Indianapolis hosted a celebration in honor of Mr. Abner Washington’s 100th birthday.
Mr. Washington is a much beloved, longtime GCI employee and pastor. He is held in very high esteem by members around the world.
The following is an excerpt from a video greeting sent to Mr. Washington from Rick Shallenberger, U.S. Regional Director
Happy birthday! I want to not only congratulate you but thank you for your many years of service to our denomination and to those that you have been entrusted to care for and love. You have done an amazing job.
One of my best memories of you was the 40th celebration of the Ghana church in Africa. You and Sharon were there primarily because they considered you a kind of father of the church there.
It was so amazing to watch the members there give you such honor and respect and to see their love for you. You were such an integral part of the congregation and the establishment of the congregation.
Your faith is well known. Your love for the brethren is well known. Your support for the congregation and for the denomination is well known. You are a friend to so many people; it is an honor to know you.
I pray God’s many, many blessings upon you. Thank you again for all you are, and for the fact that you have lived into the identity that God gave to you. God bless you.
In December we held our Very Surrey Christmas Parade and Neighborhood celebration with our church family and neighbors. We had over 21 decorated golf carts, muscle cars, and floats and were joined by the Oklahoma City Police and Fire Departments. It was incredible and the neighbors went all out!
After the parade, we loaded into our church building. We offered free face painting and craft tables, hosted by neighborhood businesses and volunteers from the school. There were professional pictures with Santa from a neighborhood photographer. And there was a hot chocolate and cookie bar sponsored by our neighborhood Lion’s Club and our favorite coffee roasters!
We had well over 500 in attendance at the celebration (and hundreds more who watched the parade) and neighbors simply hung out together for hours. I just sit in awe of what I see Jesus doing. He is using this church building in all the ways we dreamed it would be used. He’s building bonds through relationships. He’s breaking down walls. He’s flipping the script. He is eliminating this entire idea of an “us” within the church walls and “them” outside. We are just a “we” in Jesus. The church participating in what Jesus is already doing is simply breathtaking. This event was a reminder that at GC Surrey Hills, we truly are “Neighbors Loving Neighbors.”
Ceeja Malmkar, MTC Coordinator Surrey Hills, OK, US
Have you ever had a quest for knowledge that defied political, social, or religious boundaries? This state of enlightenment is what drove the “three wise men” or magi, who were gentile, to seek out and worship a Jewish baby born in Bethlehem. Why were these men wise, you might ask.
We believe their wisdom was born from a knowledge and fear of the Lord that was handed down by their ancestors throughout the centuries. We have reason to believe the magi were also well-versed in astronomy and understood celestial objects, space, and the physical universe at that time. The star was significant to the magi because of a prophetic timetable, given by the angel Gabriel to Daniel, which they were educated about.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
In ancient Greek, the word “epiphany” means showing, manifestation, or appearance. The word is principally used in Christianity to refer to the manifestation of Jesus to the gentiles (i.e., non-Jews), namely, when the “wise men” visited and paid homage to the infant Jesus. According to God’s plan, even at his birth he was laying the groundwork for inclusion of all humankind to be a part of God’s family.
Prayer: Our heavenly Father and Creator of all the universe, we humbly come before you just as the wise men did. Help us to desire a relationship with you. Please give us wisdom in all the decisions we make and give us the heart to believe the unbelievable. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In February 2020 I wrote an article explaining the concept of health related to the life of a congregation. You have heard me and other denominational leaders expressing our desire to seek Healthy Church through the three Avenues of Hope, Love, and Faith.
Hope Avenue – Worship: A congregation where all who attend find Christ-centered worship and inspiration.
Love Avenue – Witness: A congregation devoted to getting outside the walls of the church to demonstrate the love of Jesus to their neighbors and to proclaim the good news when neighbors ask.
The Faith Avenue – Discipleship: A congregation where members, young and old, are growing in relationship with Jesus and deepening their bonds with each other.
We want to see these ministries flow from teams of believers and be guided by the careful leadership of Christlike pastoral leadership. These vibrant expressions are the pathway toward congregational health.
Our U.S. leadership team is continually asking the question, “How do we become a more vibrant expression of denominational health?” This is the right question as we work through the difficult stage of reclassification of congregations and determine how we need to shift to provide meaningful oversight.
I applaud our U.S. Regional Directors (R.D.) for their commitment to meet with so many of our scattered small group leaders, to listen to their concerns, and then do their best to explain why we are shifting. These R.D.s have shared their lives with you and love you deeply. They truly are “helpers of your joy.” This is true even when tough decisions are necessary. As hard as it may be, we are in this together, and we must resist the arrows of the enemy that are intended to divide us and put us at odds. Through the power of the Spirit, unity can be maintained.
We who serve as denominational leaders are aware that we have a strong body of congregations to serve as we focus on our various jobs and responsibilities. Because of this broad collection of congregations whom we oversee and serve, we continually pray for guidance as we ask, “How can we serve more intentionally and more effectively?”
Our philosophy of service is High Support, High Challenge – Grace Always. This statement is a core value that helps us at each step of the journey and continues to govern the process. It keeps us following in the steps of Jesus.
In the past several years we have focused our efforts on the consistent vision of Healthy Church, and our high support is evident in our writing, media tools and training. We have stayed on track, and this vision is just as important today as it was when I wrote about it three years ago.
Our congregations are learning as they make efforts to move from concepts to practice, and our denominational leaders are making discoveries, too. Our Team Based – Pastor Led training sessions, and the subsequent teachings around the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues, have been wonderfully designed and backed up with useful material that is clear and comprehensible, and being used by many of our congregations. The follow-up coaching resource has also been built out and has proven to be quite helpful. I am pleased to say that we have a strong team of able coaches. The “aha moment” for our denominational leaders is that we have observed that we have attempted to move from training to practice at a pace that is not reasonable.
Learning new concepts and transferring these into new practices takes longer than we originally calculated. We must add a stage for consulting and deeper learning as new practices are being tried and refined. We are also learning that we need to reconsider how the services of training, consulting, coaching, and supervising flow and how the denominational leaders interact to bring the highest level of support possible. This is causing us to enter a season of new design on how our U.S. team is configured, and then to have a follow-up season of experimentation to test-drive the new design. These seasons will run the course of 2024, and we solicit your prayers during this period of adjusting and learning.
I am seeing how the Spirit is already out in front of us, and I am confident as the U.S. team is prayerfully and cautiously moving through these seasons of adjustments and refitting, that we will ultimately become a healthier denomination.
The Lord is gracefully supporting and challenging us as we yield to his leadership.
