Category: Stay Connected

Dear Family,

On behalf of GC San Leandro, here’s a big thank you to all who came and celebrated with us on Sunday, November 12. As we gathered for the congregation’s final service, with “old” friends from far and wide, it really felt like a big family reunion. We sang old songs, viewed old pictures, listened to inspiring messages, and enjoyed great food and laughter. And the words of our first hymn came to life, “how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell in unity.”

We give praise to our triune God for giving us this time to celebrate the many relationships we’ve enjoyed through the years. We can only imagine how great our reunion will be in the fullness of God’s kingdom. Until then, let us enjoy each day as we journey through the next chapter of our history—living and sharing the gospel to everyone.

For the video of the full service and celebration, click here.

With love and appreciation,
Jun and Yolly Caranto
San Leandro, CA, US

One aspect of my role as editor of Update is to recruit people to contribute stories. I attempt to engage contributors from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, and locations. Yet one of the common responses I receive is, “oh, I’m not a writer.”

It reminds of when someone says, “I’m not creative.” Perhaps they are thinking of a literal artist, like a painter. But here’s what I say to that. You are made in the image of a creative God, so yes, you are creative. Writing is telling a story, putting it into words. And you are made in the image of the greatest storyteller.

So yes, you are a writer because everyone has a story. Every congregation has a story.

I engage folks, requesting they write for Update. I assure them they will be equipped to tell their story because I can help by editing and refining the writing structure. I empower them by convincing them that they don’t have to be the pastor to tell the story, and their unique perspective is needed.

You, the reader, help with the final “E” in the 4 Es. When you leave a comment, affirming what the contributor has written, you are giving them much needed encouragement. We’re grateful.

Here’s a special mention for the members who left the most comments. Thank you for cheering us on!

• • • Pastor Santiago Lange, Stuttgart, Germany
    • Bill Miller, Brighton, IL, US
    • Priscilla Krupp, Woodbine, GA, US

By Elizabeth Mullins, Publications Coordinator
Durham, NC, US

In 2023 GCI gathered and worshipped.

We loved and engaged our neighbors.

We learned and were equipped.

We graduated, retired, passed batons, and won.

On November 1 – 5, GCI Martinique gathered to fellowship and worship in a magnificent setting overlooking the sea. Our theme was, “Experiencing together the power of God’s love.” We thank our God for the inspiring and joyful time we shared with him and our brothers and sisters.

The highlight of our celebrations was the 60-year commemoration of the congregation in Martinique. We enjoyed a pictorial retrospective, an inspiring exhortation, a hearty meal, gift exchanges, and then the sharing of the anniversary cake. It was a joy to dance and sing together. And it was a joy to celebrate our journey with the Lord—past, present, and future.

We offer our gratitude to God and pray that the power of his love will continue to touch all our generations and overflow to those around us.

By Kernani Cheny, Pastor
Fort-de-France, Martinique

“Prayer is not constant positivity. It is honesty held in our hands and hurled at the sky.” – K.J. Ramsey

Join us in prayer this month as we lift our members and leaders. Click here or on the image below to download and print the December Prayer Guide and check out what’s happening in our fellowships around the world. #WeAreGCI

Never miss a day by receiving this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month! Sign up here.

“When I first moved here, I was afraid to get involved because I wasn’t sure how long I would stay here. I am so thankful that I didn’t let fear stand in my way because being a part of our church & neighborhood has made us realize that Surrey Hills is home to us.”

Check out this GCI Profile to get to know Chloe Parker, GC Surrey Hills, Ministry Intern. To read her full profile, click here or the image below.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! GC Pasadena celebrated its 10^th church anniversary on October 22, 2023. Nearly 100 people came to worship and celebrate with us. We had a different flow of our worship service since we included special music and video presentations of church photos and greetings from Pastor Glen Weber and Pastor Bermie Dizon, who spoke about how this church plant started.

We were blessed to have Dr. Dan Rogers as our guest speaker. He shared about living and sharing the gospel as a church community. We prayed and honored visiting pastors of other congregations for Pastor Appreciation Month.

After the benediction, we enjoyed a variety of meals brought by the members. Last, we had a short program that consisted of GC Pasadena’s women and young adults dancing, and guests joined in. It was definitely a joyful celebration, and we thank God for this milestone!

By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US

“Prayers are tools, but with this clarification: Prayers are not tools for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.” – Eugene Peterson

Prayer unites us in ways words cannot express. Our monthly prayer guide is more than a guide; it’s a doorway to deeper communion. In these moments of shared devotion, we strengthen our bonds and grow in faith. #WeAreGCI

Join us in prayer today. Click here or on the image below to download this month’s prayer guide.

“I am grateful for the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus.”

Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Bret Miller, GCI Home Office IT Manager. To read his full profile, click here or the image below.

On September 3, GC Melton in Melbourne, Australia, held a Father’s and Special Person’s Day Pizza Party after our weekly worship service. The event was a huge success, with cries of “Happy Father’s Day, papa” ringing around the table.

The party was funded with prize money from the GCI Healthy Church Challenge. The young boys of the congregation (pictured above) won third prize for their video entry. They won $50 to hold a church activity. It was immediately decided to have a pizza party.

Although plans were made to invite newly attending visitors and friends of the weekly worship services to the pizza party, everyone was busy celebrating Father’s Day with their families. So, the church community decided to turn the pizza party into a time to recognize and celebrate the fathers and fatherly figures who have journeyed with them over the last several years.

The atmosphere was lively and festive, with everyone enjoying delicious pizza and sharing stories about their fathers. It was heartwarming to see how much love and appreciation the community had for their fathers and fatherly figures.

As the party came to an end, there were already suggestions for the next church activity. The youngest boys of the congregation had some exciting ideas, including an ice cream party. Everyone was looking forward to the next event and spending more time together as a community.

By Geoff and Alicia Davis and Matthew Gudze