Join us in congratulating Akeneta Mua of the Suva, Fiji congregation and Samuel Chivers of the Melton congregation in Melbourne, Australia. We celebrate their achievement.
Akeneta graduated from Penang Sangam High School. She will attend the University of Fiji Nursing School.
Samuel graduated in November completing full Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), a senior secondary school credential. He received certifications of merit for academic excellence in English and outdoor environmental studies. He will attend Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering.
“My wife and I have a saying, ‘Bring it Lord.’ In the good times and when the trials of life come …”
Meet Calvin Porterfield. Serving as a youth leader and pastoral resident, he is passionate about helping teenagers know and follow Jesus. He leads with a pastoral and resilient presence, relying on God’s faithfulness in every season.
We would love for you to participate in our time together. This gathering gives our fellowship time to worship, learn, and enjoy being together. The schedule offers steady rhythms of teaching, connection, and shared worship.
Our theme for this celebration is Kingdom Living. Throughout the event, we will explore how God invites us to participate in his life, reflect his goodness, and join his ongoing work in the world. The theme will guide our worship, breakout sessions, and main teachings. It will help us focus on the hope we share and the way we live it out in our daily lives.
Join us for:
Daily worship setting a hopeful tone each day
Breakouts that explore discipleship, calling, and mission
Messages from our leaders, including Greg Williams
Interviews with leaders who will share insights and stories
Communion that reminds us of our shared life in Jesus
Time for meals, fellowship, and personal reflection
2026 LiLY Women’s Conference April 24-26, 2026 Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio
Theme: Aligned with Purpose
… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NIV)
$85 Early Bird Pricing — Register by Friday, March 27, 2026
$95 Regular Pricing — Register by Friday, April 17, 2026
$60 Special Teen Rate — Ages 13-17
Online registration ends on April 17, 2026.
Hotel Reservation/Cost:
Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd. Independence, Ohio, U.S.
Overnight hotel rate: $134 per night, per suite, 4-person room (Total with tax is $315 for both nights. Breakfast and manager’s reception are included for hotel guests only.)
Group Name: LiLY Women’s Conference Group Code: LW4 Central Reservations Number: 1-866-315-1185 Deadline for hotel reservations at the special rate is Friday, March 27, 2026.
Grace Communion International is seeking a Digital Content Developer to serve on our Media Team. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Media Coordinator.
The Digital Content Developer helps tell the story of what God is doing through Grace Communion International by creating thoughtful, engaging digital content including video, podcasts, and graphics. This role collaborates closely with the Media Team to develop projects from concept through completion.
We are looking for someone who values creative excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and who resonates with GCI’s commitment to sharing the gospel and participating in the love and life of the triune God.
Applicants should have relevant education or experience in digital media production and be aligned with GCI’s mission and theological commitments. See the job description here.
If you would like further details on the 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 this position at the Home Office.
Every year brings a sense of expectancy, and in 2026, our congregations will be stepping into something new. Grace Communion International will soon begin using an updated system to help U.S.-based congregations care for members and manage giving more effectively.
Our current online system (iMIS) has reached the end of its life, so we are transitioning to a new, modern system, Ministry Platform, which will better support both U.S.-based local congregations and the wider GCI fellowship.
What This Means for You
While much of this transition will happen behind the scenes, members can expect several benefits over time, including:
Easier and more flexible options for online giving
Improved communication from your local congregation
Better coordination of events, small groups, and ministry activities
Tools that help churches care well for members and guests
Change always takes time, and we are committed to moving at a thoughtful and measured pace. Pastors, treasurers, and ministry leaders will receive training and ongoing support as the new system is introduced. Additional features will be added gradually throughout the year to ensure a smooth transition for congregations and members alike.
Moving Forward Together
Whether you feel curious, excited, or cautious about this change, we are grateful to walk this journey together. We trust that this update will support our shared mission and help us continue living and sharing the gospel in our congregations and communities.
Robert Meade, GCI Comptroller Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Retired Pastor Raymond Taylor died on December 15, 2025. Join us in praying for his wife, Cindi, and their family. We share in their grief and in their hope of resurrection. Cindi shared the following obituary.
Raymond with wife, Cindi
I regretfully share the news of the passing of my best friend and very dear husband of 51 years, Raymond Taylor. He was 73. Raymond was born in 1952 to Roscoe and Florene (first given name “Ethel” and maiden name “Tackett”) Taylor. Raymond was the eldest of five children. He grew up in the coal-mining area of Pike County, Kentucky, where he learned to play trumpet and excelled in his studies.
After graduating as valedictorian of Phelps High School Class of 1970, he was accepted to the Big Sandy campus of Ambassador College, where I met him and fell in love with him. We married on June 5, 1974, following our college graduation. We were sent out to serve the Worldwide Church of God and then Grace Communion International churches in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, and Delaware. Later in his work life, Raymond worked for Marketplace Ministries as a chaplain in the workplace and also as a chaplain for Delaware Hospice.
Raymond loved pastoring, giving sermons with much storytelling and good humor, referring to his congregations as “family.” We have two children, who periodically sang with us in church activity nights or for special music. We enjoyed hosting dinners with church members, going to musical shows, and camping, hiking, sightseeing and as a family in all the beautiful places we were blessed to be sent. Raymond never forgot his eastern Kentucky roots and delighted in Appalachian history, culture, and foods along with injecting self-deprecatory humor related to the regional stereotypes.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randall. He is survived by me, his widow, Cynthia (Cindi) Taylor, along with our son Aaron Taylor (Christine), our daughter Amber Scott (Jon), brothers Roderick Taylor (Dorcas) and Russell Taylor (Sharon), sister Priscilla Linge (Bill), six grandchildren (Aiden, Penelope, Fiona, Gwendolyn, Lucy and Drew) and several nephews and nieces.
We are pleased he is no longer suffering and in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have known and loved many people in all these places for many years. For those who wish to contact me, my address is:
Cynthia L. Taylor 206 Royal Grant Way Dover, DE 19901
GCI Malaysia celebrated its Festival 2025 at the Grand Kampar Hotel in October. The theme for the festival was “Kingdom Culture – Living in Peace.” About 40 members from Malaysia and Singapore attended.
Retired pastor Wong Mein Kong conducted group discussions on the theme of “Living in Peace.” Members actively participated in the discussions giving their opinions and sharing personal examples. This year Dominique Fun represented the young adults. He spoke on the expectations of young adults and teenagers in the present society.
The Pasadena congregation celebrated our eldest member, Divina Castillo. She celebrated her 100th birthday on November 16. Her husband Rupert died in December 2017. Divina has two daughters and one son, 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She prays for them by name regularly.
Divina’s memory is still sharp. She was with us when we began planting this church in 2012. She is my prayer partner to this day. She is a great blessing to many and never tires of praying for others. We praise God for Divina.
