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Blessing of Baby

Blessing of Little Children Ceremony

Although we all know that children are a gift from God, it had been quite a while since GC San Jose, CA was able to celebrate the birth of a newborn in our fellowship group. Most of our members are in the senior citizen category (or for lack of a better word — OLD). So it was with much rejoicing that we welcomed Sora Ann Guerrero to our church family. An after-church baby shower was planned for January 26, but baby Sora decided to arrive a few days before on January 21. She was determined to make her grand entrance on her mother’s birthday. Our shower was modified, but many brought gifts anyway. And we celebrated the birth of the healthy baby girl just without the guests of honor. Food and packages were delivered to the family, and we all waited with anticipation for the day when they could come to church.

Eight weeks passed before the happy parents brought Sora Ann to church. During church, Pastor Mel Dahlgren assisted by Richard Ely officiated a Blessing of Little Children Ceremony with our one and only small child. After church there was a time for food, fun, and fellowship with festive decorations, a delicious luncheon, and celebratory cake. More gifts and lots of love surrounded our newest church member and her parents.

To say our fellowship group is overjoyed would be an understatement. Whether it comes via spiritual regeneration, community engagement, or a baby’s presence, to see something new birthed in an older congregation teeming with love to share is amazing and creates such energy and joy. Yes, children are a gift from God, and this particular little girl is a precious gift indeed!

By Barbara Dahlgren
San Jose, CA, US

GCI Canada Job Available

GCI is hiring!

We are currently taking applications for the role of President (National Director) GCI Canada.

For full details, job description, and application process, click here.

Applications should be sent to GCI Canada Board Search Committee (employment@gcicanada.ca), and the closing date is 15 April 2025.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates.

Death of Patsy Ross

Patsy was the wife of John Ross, longtime GCI pastor in Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. Join us in praying for John and their family. We share in their grief and in their hope of resurrection. The following is the obituary shared with Update from her family.


Mrs. Patsy McCain Ross was born January 29, 1967, to Mr. Tyree and Mrs. Claudine McCain in Doddsville, Mississippi.

She confessed her faith in Christ at the tender age of 10 years old at Little Lion Baptist Church in Money, Mississippi. After being a member of several denominations, Patsy found her permanent church home in 2004 as a devoted member Grace Communion International in Greenwood. On November 20, 2005, she was united in holy matrimony to Pastor John Leroy Ross, and for 19 years, she proudly served as first lady.

Patsy had a natural curiosity and a keen interest in understanding the world around her. That desire fueled her determination, inspiring her to pursue anything she set her mind to. She was passionate about gardening, crocheting, candy making, canning and baking. Her husband affectionately referred to her as the best cook in Mississippi. Above all, she had a deep love for reading and animals. She adored her dog, Hawk, and her cats, Damien and Turtle. As a young girl, she would be found curled up with a book. Her love of reading instilled in her a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge, driving her journey toward academic success. She excelled as a student at Rising Sun Elementary School and Amanda Elzy High School before continuing her education at Mississippi Delta Junior College and Mississippi Valley State University. Patsy worked as a school secretary and data entry operator, eventually becoming an administrative assistant at Mississippi Valley State University, where she remained until her health declined. She received numerous accolades, including the Employee of the Year Award from Greenwood Public School District.

Patsy departed this life to go and be with Christ on February 18, 2025. Surviving to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 19 years, John Leroy Ross; her daughter, Maya Delandra Dezell; her sons, Dorian Dezell, Curtis Ross (LaRicka) and Michael Ross (Perleshie); and her beloved granddaughters, Ori Le’Ann Dezell and Dyshaunita Ross. Patsy is also survived by her grandsons, Malcolm Toy (Ana), Steven Green, Nicholas Ross, and JonMichae Ross. She was the daughter of Mr. Tyree and Claudine McCain. She is remembered fondly by her sisters, Cynthia Diane Williams (Charles), Ora Dee Spencer (Lee), Belinda Mosley (the late Jimmy), and her brother, JC Harris (Dortheria). A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Prayer Guide—April 2025

“Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven.” — N.T. Wright

We pray for heaven’s life to take root in our neighborhoods, churches, and nations. Download the April Prayer Guide and intercede with us for God’s kingdom to come — on earth as it is in heaven.


Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

GCI Canada Job Available

GCI is hiring!

We are currently taking applications for the role of President (National Director) GCI Canada.

For full details, job description, and application process, click here.

Applications should be sent to GCI Canada Board Search Committee (employment@gcicanada.ca), and the closing date is 15 April 2025.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates.

GCI Home Office Jobs Available

GCI is hiring!

Three full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

New! The Legal Coordinator and Assistant Secretary to Board of Directors position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Media Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on either position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for either position at the Home Office.

Prayer Guide—March 2025

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that—it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” — Charles Spurgeon

Let’s seek God’s presence, guidance, and grace in March. Download the Prayer Guide and join us.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.