Category: Be Inspired

I think that sometimes when we see lemons, Jesus giggles and tells us to stop and taste the sweet lemonade. With rain and near freezing temperatures predicted, we made the decision to move our neighborhood Trunk or Treat inside the walls of our building. We knew this would be the best way to stay warm, but we hesitated because our heart behind this event was never about enticing our neighbors into our church. We had already moved the Trunk or Treat from a school parking lot to our church lot last year, due to the benefit of restrooms. Now, we were moving it inside our building, and we worried that between the weather and the move, our numbers would be greatly impacted. But God.

We had more than 2500 neighbors attend our trunk or treat this year! We set up carnival games, staffed with young adults and our neighborhood Lion’s Club. We had over 20 “trunks” set up on tables in the multi-purpose room. Multiple neighbors and new members of our congregation set up stations and passed out goodies!

It was standing room only in the sanctuary for the costume competition. We even had the fire department come join in on the fun! People came together like the community that we are—a community that has no walls separating “us” and “them.” We are just neighbors. We are children of God. There’s nothing like having a front row, interactive, seat to watching Jesus build his church and transform lives.

By Ceeja Malmkar, Love Avenue Champion & MTC Coordinator
Surrey Hills, OK, US

It was the second coldest Halloween on record for Fort Wayne, Indiana. Many would-be trick-or-treaters stayed home, but some that braved the cold were greeted with flashing toys, candy, games, and hot cocoa at Grace Communion Fort Wayne.

Now in its fifth year, the “Light Up the Night” event is usually held in the parking lot. But the near freezing temperature did not stop the action for GC Fort Wayne; instead, they took to the indoors, offering a sanctuary from the cold weather.

With Halloween songs, like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller,” playing in the background, families made their way through the twisting path. Each room was glittering with flashing L.E.D. toys. “We give them gifts that light up,” said Pastor David Howe. “The idea is to keep kids safe and visible as they trick or treat after dark.”

The event had several candy stations including full-size candy bars. The best part according to one attendee was the hot cocoa. The cocoa is served like a barista bar with a choice of sprinkles, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. “My kid calls you the hot cocoa church,” one parent said.

A group of 26 volunteers from our congregation and a neighboring church were able to share the fun with more than 200 guests. “We are a small church, and we want to show our love for this community,” said Pastor Howe “It was really cold this year, and we could provide a safe and fun environment for our neighbors.”

By Ann Howe, Love Avenue Champion
Fort Wayne, IN, US

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

 

Editor’s Note: For our Ordinary Time Devotional series, you are hearing entirely from young authors. They are 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.

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It’s inspiring to see God work his infinite power. For me, it’s also in the little things that I get to see God and experience him on a daily basis. I usually take time to acknowledge God’s presence, saying a little thank-you prayer while waiting for my daughter at the after-school pickup. Just as I am looking for a parking spot, on numerous occasions one is provided for me. Hallelujah!

Then there are the not-so-good times. Even though it may not be easy, being rooted in Christ helps us see past the adversities.

I am reminded of the Bible verse Acts 17:28.

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Prayer:
Oh wonderful, triune God, you are in all things! In you, we live, move, and have our being. Thank you for being the center of the center of our daily lives. Amen.

By Luisa Nalequa
Suva, Fiji