Grace Communion Cleveland (GCCLE) is pleased to announce the commissioning of our new ministry youth leader, Sarah Bowland. We would like to thank Renee Overton for her years of service as she will be moving into a new ministry position.
We are rejoicing together as the Lord creates new pathways in ministry for our leaders in GCCLE. Congratulations!
Tamar Gray
Pastor
Grace Communion Cleveland
After three years since the last reunion, GCI Singles from all over the Philippines converged again for the Singles Conference 2020, this time in the beautiful Anda de Boracay, Anda, Bohol. The resort views a long stretch of shoreline with fine white sand comparable to the powdered sands of Boracay Island. Far from the crowded tourists, Anda is located two hours away from Tagbilaran City and an hour away from the famous Chocolate Hills. Forty-three men and women came from the different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to enjoy the three-day conference that was hosted by a team of organizers led by Sarah Bahinting.
This year’s was theme “Set Apart,” the event focused on the singles’ identities as the Father’s beloved in Jesus Christ and individuals called into communion with him and for his purpose based on Deuteronomy 14:2. The guest speakers were Steve and Jan Hobson -missionaries and professors of IGSL (International Graduate School of Leadership) and our very own GCI Pastor Rex Dela Peña.
The conference kicked-off with praise and worship followed by some fun icebreaker games which were facilitated by Pastor Andrew Rota of GCI Mactan. The singles then were asked to creatively portray how singleness is perceived and treated in their family, church and community in the evening of the first day. This activity was a prelude for serious topics discussed the following days, which were given by the competent guest speakers.
The Hobsons discussed different views concerning marriage and family. They contrasted the different narratives from modern culture, the old covenant and the contemporary church with the new covenant narrative, which reflects the overarching view of the storyline of the Bible towards singleness. They also discussed the myths of singleness in society today. As a fitting conclusion, the speakers pointed out that as Christians who love God, he must be the main goal or focus of everything. He is the ultimate reward and nothing else. The wonderful couple also offered to give a special one-on-one time for counseling for those singles in need.
In the third session of the conference, Pastor Rex de la Peña spoke about biblical stewardship as part of a broader call to loving God and fulfilling his purpose. Furthermore, he imparted a holistic view of stewardship which includes everything – one’s own life, time, relationships, the workplace and finances, and stewardship of the gospel. He also encouraged the participants to know their spiritual giftings to help in building the church up and fulfilling God’s mission.
Participants had the chance to relax and have a fun time as they all dressed up for a Havana-themed mingle event on the last night. They took delight in the live music floating in the air as they danced with their friends and participated in amusing games. Some of them also got to show their talents as they performed with the band.
To cap the conference, a Question and Answer forum was held followed by a Communion, which pictures the beautiful union between Christ and His Bride — the Church.
Overall, the conference was an eye-opening opportunity for many. The environment gave the participants hope, confidence, and a deeper meaning and view of singleness.
Blessings,
Kae Domoguen
You may have heard about the tornado that passed through Nashville in the middle of the night. I spoke with Pastor Linda Rex and she was awakened by her son and the sound of a tornado siren in the 3 am hour this morning. Her family is OK and she has contacted almost all the affected members and everyone seems to be fine – thank you, Lord! The tornado came within one block of a GCI member and near the church building itself, but there’s no damage. There are two reported casualties in the city of Nashville, over 100 wounded and many buildings destroyed.
Be in prayer for those who have experienced death and loss in the city and that our GCI congregation can be a place of hope for those who are suffering.
Blessings,
Anthony Mullins
GCI Regional Director, Southeast
Pastor, Grace Communion Hickory
The following article was originally published on the GCI Philippines website. Click here to view the original article.
The weather was perfect last Saturday, February 29, for an outreach to the Taal Volcano refugees camped at an elementary school in Barangay Aya, Talisay, Batangas. Several teachers and staff from the Ambassador School for Children (ASC) led by Teacher Adora Barnachea joined our team from Grace Communion Calamba to bring joy and some necessities to around 285 refugees from the Taal Volcano Island who were displaced by the eruption.
Upon arrival at 11:00 a.m., the teachers were assigned a room to conduct a “children’s chapel.” At around 11:30 a.m., more than 20 kids came pouring into the room after they were dismissed from their regular classes. They were treated to fun and educational lessons including prayer, Bible stories and games. School supplies and snacks were also given and much appreciated by these kids whose education was disrupted by the eruption.
Meanwhile, the rest of us set up tables near the tents and ministered to the adults and very young children who were not of school age yet. Teacher Adora’s daughter and her friend, who are both medical students, took the vital signs of some of the adults, while some of our Grace Communion Calamba members conversed and prayed for the needs of a number of evacuees. Relief goods consisting of diapers, underwear, blankets and even more school supplies were also distributed, including a mattress for a senior citizen.
Before 2:00 p.m., it was time to say goodbye to the people that we have come to know and love, having visited them several times this February. We gathered to say a short prayer and thanksgiving for what the Lord has done on this day. I saw grateful hearts not only from the recipients but also from the donors and care-givers who were able to share a part of themselves that day.
Blessings,
Pastor Reuel Avila
District Director for North Calabarzon
On February 16, Love at the Cross (Washougal, WA) held the annual Black History Celebration. This year’s event focused on unity by emphasizing what unites us, from globally impacting contributions by black inventors to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Charles Coleman treated the audience to an unforgettable, dramatic and flawless rendition of the famous speech. Four young men from the Lewis and Clark Young Marines Color Guard and one from the Riverside Pathfinders presented flags, including the Freedom Flag, while Tamara Corpin sang the National Anthem.
Matron of Ceremonies, Lonnie White led the children’s/youth ministry in reading Black American historical tidbits. Pastor Annette Nettles and the Riverside Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Merrill Caviness both prayed and offered spiritual reflections on our history of mistreating differences and our united goal to emphasize showing one another God’s love.
Many singers and musicians offered their talents for the event. Special thanks to Paul Willis, who among other songs, blew us all away with “A Change is Gonna Come,” sisters Tamara Corpin and Melissa Courser, Janie Whitlock, Velma Andrews, Janet Coleman, as well as Greg Scribner and Jessica Timmons. Several people also lent their talents behind the scenes on sound, camera, video mixing, and stage direction, including Denny Nutter, Myles Bourland, Lisa Nettles, Roy Timmons, and Alonzo White.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Washougal, Molly Coston, and the local Chief of Police, Wendi Steinbronn. The 1890s Buffalo Soldiers of the West brought an array of artifacts and imagery from the late 20th century all the way to today. They dressed the part and generously gave their time to impart their deep knowledge to everyone who visited their table.
The big finale was the complementary soul food feast. The food was plentiful, including fried chicken, ribs, potato salads, fresh fruit, green salad, stews, and rolls. The desserts were almost as plentiful and varied as the main feast, with multiple cakes, pies, and cobblers.
The 2021 event is already scheduled for Feb. 21, and the Facebook Save the Date is posted. All are welcome!
Thank you!
Gina Staros and Pastor Annette Nettles
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveAtTheCrossWA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_atthecross
Gary and Cathy Deddo will facilitate a study of the Gospel of Mark before the Denominational Celebration. In this seminar, we’ll spend our time studying together seven passages from the Gospel of Mark. We’ll get to know Jesus more deeply and personally so that our faith, hope, and love for him will be nourished. We’ll learn how to more carefully hear the Lord speak to us in his Word and grow in our relationship with him. We’ll also take some time to pray together and have fellowship around a couple of meals.
Seminar information:
Register today, and we’ll learn how to have fellowship together in God’s Word so that Bible study feeds and guides our life together as members of his Body, the church. And for those who are interested, we’ll learn a little about leading small group Bible studies that build up the disciples of Jesus. As members of his Body, we’ll be better prepared to be disciples, living and sharing the gospel.
Check out our new clothing store and get ready to represent your GCI spirit! In preparation for the Denominational Celebration this summer, GCI clothing and accessories will be available for purchase online. Shop now, by clicking the link below:
For all customer service requests for your purchases please contact: 1.888.934.6909 or email at customerservice@smartpress.com.
On February 23, Living Grace Fellowship in Kansas City, Missouri had the privilege of commissioning six servant leaders into ministry service in a special worship service centered around reflecting the servant leadership of Jesus.,
Anthony M. Castro, Barbara Leatherman and Troy Roark were commissioned into service as our Hope, Faith, and Love Venue Champions, respectively, along with Walter Leatherman (Youth Ministry), Dean Hesting (Men’s Ministry) and Rosie Cummings (Worship Director). Rosie began attending over a year ago as a result of our congregation’s neighborhood engagement efforts. She is very excited to answer this calling in her life.
We also took a moment to recognize our Advisory Council, bringing them before the congregation to show who they are and explain their roles. We introduced a newly appointed member of the council, Leila Ross, one of our amazing teens, who was very excited to be included in this team.
This time of celebration was followed by our annual Chili Cook-Off and fellowship meal, which showcased five delicious entries. It was won by Susie Cunningham, sister of our new Men’s Ministry leader, Dean Hesting.
Grace Communion Cleveland had a community Care Package Outreach Give-A-Way on February 23, 2020. 16 bags were distributed to a nearby apartment building for those who had made a request. Paper towels, soup, crackers, jelly, peanut butter, and more non-perishable items were delivered by our Men’s Ministry team to those who had a need.
All items were supplied by members of the church. We are excited that more people in the building have requested to be added to our list. This project was an extension of our Thanksgiving Meals outreach we had in November. We are looking forward to what is next in the community as we watch God continue to move.
Tamar Gray
Pastor
Grace Communion Cleveland
In December 2019, the Woodbine, Georgia congregation moved into our new location and held our first service Dec. 8th, with 32 in attendance. There was a wonderful spirit of enthusiasm and bonding, and willingness to grow in the Lord.
The new location is in a church building with a sanctuary, baptistry, kitchen and dining room, and three classrooms. It is located along the main highway coming from the Interstate into town. It costs us only $400 a month, plus utilities.
The second Sunday, Dec. 15th, we had 41 in attendance, and all the households who came to the first service returned except for one couple. After the church service, we had a baptism, group lunch, and gift presentation for our newly baptized member. Prior to the relaunch, we were a fellowship group averaging just 11 people per month. The response and return from the community was encouraging to our members.
After three months now, we have an average attendance of 29-30 each Sunday. We’ve had one baptism, and two ordinations of ministry leaders, a deacon and deaconess couple. There are five new families attending regularly, and two other families who have returned twice so far, and will probably continue sporadically. We usually have 7-8 kids each Sunday, sometimes more. Our local elder has started a weekly Bible study on Wednesday night, and one of the members has started a food bank.
We still have a long way to go, and it won’t be easy to keep the momentum going and growing. But so far, so good. We are thankful for the Lord’s blessing and the new people he has sent our way!
Blessings,
Marty Davey
Pastor
