We are excited to welcome Cara Garrity as the new host for season three of the GCPodcast! Cara is the GCI Development Coordinator, ordained elder, and host of GCPodcast, who, at 21 connected with GCI after being brought to the local church in Boston. Cara will continue exploring best ministry practices in the context of Grace Communion International churches, through warm, insightful conversations, filled with joy and laughter.
“As an 83-year-old widow of an unbeliever and as a great-great-grandmother, I want to show everyday people that we can all serve in the ‘little things’ and still have a positive impact on others.”
Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Donna Jones, a member of Grace Communion Big Sandy. To read her full profile, click the image below.
Robert (Bob) Paul Taylor passed away at his home in Franklin, TN on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the age of 82 from Covid complications. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and granddaddy. Bob was born August 19, 1939 in Greeneville, TN to the late Paul Dean Taylor and Willie Irma GeFellers Taylor.
Electronics was Bob’s chosen field. He became a computer engineer with GE at the time when working on a computer actually required walking inside of it. After several years in the profession, he took early retirement from Honeywell. His continued interest in computers led him to begin setting up computer systems and software programs and into computer accounting.
As much as he enjoyed computer work, his most beloved job was pastoring which he began in 1995. He served congregations of the Worldwide Church of God (now Grace Communion International) in Nashville, Clarksville, Crossville, and Bowling Green. In 1999, he began serving as a District Superintendent over several states. It was in ministry that he met and came to love so many dear friends. After retiring in 2006 he helped many churches set up and maintain accounting software programs and performed financial reviews for them as well.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clark B. Taylor, and sister-in-law Sylvia Taylor of Greeneville. Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jan Jones Taylor, originally from Lewisburg, TN. Children: Deborah Taylor of Murfreesboro, TN; Mike (Mimi) Taylor of Joelton, TN and Stacie (Tony) Whaley of Murfreesboro, TN. Grandchildren: Jennifer (Matt) Prior; Brian (Shandi) Patterson; Jay (Rachel) Taylor; Brody Taylor; Chaz Taylor; Jack Whaley. Great-grandchildren: Hayden Prior; Taylor Prior; Brycen Patterson; Baylor Patterson; Brooks Patterson. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life was held February 5, 2022 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, TN. Regional Director Rick Shallenberger and GCI Board Chair Randy Bloom officiated.
Cards may be sent to:
Jan Taylor 115 Chester Stevens Court Franklin, TN 37067-5838
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Many western cultures are in the second month of a new calendar year. In the US in particular, the new year is a time of making resolutions and setting intentions. Having a way to mark time and seasonal rhythms is beneficial, and most of us can positively relate to the idea of a reset or fresh start.
Sadly, the setting of New Year’s resolutions has been co-opted by the self-help industry in the US. The promise of a successful, limitless life is within your grasp! Simply choose these behaviors, these products and you can avoid pain, suffering, mourning, persecution. But that’s not the message of Matthew 5 that begins with The Beatitudes, is it?
After Jesus implores his listeners to be the salt and light of the world, he goes on to teach extensively on healthy relationships and our impact on others. Yet with a culture that focuses on individualism, we’re often malformed to set goals and resolutions only for self.
The second person of the Trinity, who chose to self-empty (kenosis) and conform to humanity, is now conforming us to his redeemed humanity. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus seems to be saying, Pay attention! This is what it looks like to be fully human.
It looks like being other-centered and relational. It looks like mutuality, interconnectedness, and showing up with love in community. We don’t light a lamp on its own, and salt is distasteful when eaten alone.
You are the salt and light of the world because that is your identity in Christ and who you were made to be. Therefore, be salt and light! Is there hope for us if we lose our flavor, our saltiness? Absolutely! The Bible, taken as a whole, teaches us that Jesus goes after and restores that which is lost. He is in pursuit of you, and he is relentless. What good news!
Beloved church, blessed are we to be compelled by love. How might you set an intention today to show up as the flavor and the light of the kingdom for your neighbors?
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for pursuing us. Jesus you are the true salt and light of the world. Conform us to your image and compel us to love one another. Amen.
Photo Credit: Rex Dela Pena
By Elizabeth Mullins GCI Media, Publications Assistant
“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.” ― E.M. Bounds
Click the image below to download the February Prayer Guide and join us in corporate prayer and communion.
