Category: Stay Connected

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:

• • • Anthony Caputo
    • Michael Guibord
    • Sherry Kinzie
    • Mike Kinzie
    • David Marquis
    • Marlene Reed
    • George Relic

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

• • • • • Register today!
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        • Volunteer to help with our Celebration Kids Club and Teen Sessions and pay no registration fee!

• • • • • Register today!
        • See the schedule.
        • Get more information.
        • Volunteer to help with our Celebration Kids Club and Teen Sessions and pay no registration fee!

Dear family and friends,

We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in 2023. Our theme will be “Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.” This fits our progression from 2022, when we launched our journey into a 3-year global plan for renewal in GCI. In 2022, we learned the concepts of Team Based—Pastor Led and the accompanying Ministry Avenues of Faith, Hope, and Love. Now it’s time to set the wheels in motion as we participate with Jesus in the power of the Spirit. May the Faith, Hope, and Love of Jesus flow through us to others as we point others to him in our words, deeds and worship!

In Jesus,
Greg Williams

We’re wrapping up the year and our 2022 theme, Compelled by Love! We would love to hear from you. Tell us how you experienced being compelled by Christ’s love this year. Were you intentional about developing missional rhythms? What on-going, regular habits did you incorporate into your daily life to love your neighbors?

For example, do you take regular walks around your home and greet your neighbors? Do you visit the same coffee shop or cafe weekly? Does your church host the same event at the same park every three months?