On November 3, Regional Pastor Tim Sitterley installed Anthony Walton as the new lead pastor of the GCI Los Angeles congregation. Over the last six years, Anthony served the congregation as an intern, pastoral resident and associate pastor under the direction of Bermie Dizon, the congregation’s outgoing lead pastor (Bermie continues to pastor the Glendora congregation). Here is a picture of the ceremonial passing of the baton of leadership from Bermie to Anthony as Tim looks on.
The Women’s Ministry of Living Hope Christian Fellowship (a GCI congregation in Atlanta, GA) held their three-day annual conference in late September. The backdrop was a Hawaiian Luau; the theme was “Saved by Grace, Let’s Celebrate the Joy in Our Lord!”; the theme scripture was Ephesians 2:8-9. The primary goal of the conference was to bridge the generational gap and promote a stronger “sisterhood” among the ladies of the congregation. During the conference, the women were able to have an open dialogue to address areas of concern, develop strategies for improvement, and work as a team to build stronger unity within the ministry.
Attendees at the conference ranged from 6 months to 80 plus years of age. It was a time of praying, bonding, fellowship and worship. The women enjoyed devotionals, fun games and activities, and plenty of food. According to Joyce Gordon who serves as President of the Women’s Ministry, “We were thankful for the many ladies, both young and seasoned within the church, who rose to the challenge by allowing their God-given talents and gifts be used in such a powerful way, remembering that we are all God’s work in progress.”
On November 11, 230 members of GCI’s Spanish-speaking congregations in Southern California came together for a joint worship service in which Joseph Tkach and Lorenzo Arroyo were honored. The service featured exuberant worship and a well-received message from Dr. Tkach. The two honorees were given plaques showing the church’s appreciation for their many years of service.
Joseph, who retires from GCI employment in January, served for many years as GCI President. Lorenzo, who retired in 2017, served for many years as a U.S. Regional Pastor, and ecclesiastical supervisor of GCI congregations in Mexico and Spanish-speaking congregations in the U.S.
Grace Communion Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its founding in a special worship service (see the picture above). During the service, Lead Pastor Angelita Tabin gave the congregation’s leaders special recognition with prayer and a gift, and children performed special music (see pictures below).
Following the service there was a meal attended by more than 100 people. Following that, there was entertainment, featuring dancers in Filipino costumes (see pictures below). Reflecting on the event, Pastor Angelita, who was integrally involved in planting the church, shared these thoughts:
We celebrated God’s faithfulness to us. Over the past years, we have seen his goodness, mercy and love. He is truly the one who orchestrates everything to make it possible for us to celebrate. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below, praise Him above you heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”
Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM) offers a diploma program in Christian ministry that GCI President Greg Williams has endorsed as a core educational standard for GCI ministers around the world. To provide for wider participation in the program, ACCM director John McLean recently conducted training at GCI’s Home Office in Charlotte, NC, where several new ACCM teachers were accredited to teach certain ACCM courses. As John noted
To be a teacher of the written word of God is a high calling and privilege, as we work together to focus our students on Jesus, the Living Word of God. By doing so, we are participating in what Jesus is doing to build and grow his body, the church, thus advancing the mission of God to the world.
Those participating in the accreditation training came from Canada, Africa, Mexico, Latin America, USA and the Caribbean. According to John, “they all have excellent qualifications, a real heart for learning and teaching, and evident love for Jesus Christ and our fellowship.”
Held over two days, the training courses used an interactive format to encourage group learning. The courses were then augmented by an opportunity for the trainees to facilitate two ACCM Intensives: Jesus and the Gospels, and Christian Leadership.
Here are comments from several of the men and women who were being accredited:
I appreciate this opportunity. Educating and training leaders is the most pressing and urgent need we have in Africa. —Kalengule Kaoma, Africa
It is gratifying to continue learning and to be able to guide others to understand who Jesus is, what he does and to know his life. It is a joy to do so with humility, for the right reasons, feeling the privilege of participating in this work with Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for providing the opportunity to equip us to serve better. —Irma Selena Venegas de Soto, Mexico
Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in ACCM teacher accreditation. I was very blessed to be part of it. I love the ethos of ACCM. The courses are robust, yet accessible. That is something that is personally really important to me, so I am very thankful that an entity like ACCM exists in GCI. I’m looking forward to taking these classes to leaders all over the US with Anthony Mullins. —Cara Garrity, USA
The ACCM teacher certification training was an outstanding laboratory of learning. The ACCM team has created a first-rate Christian curriculum and it was a joy to participate in the courses taught by GCI instructors from around the world. I highly recommend the ACCM educational platform for personal discipleship and for being equipped for ministry. —Anthony Mullins, USA
During recent meetings in Charlotte, NC, various GCI leaders who have recently retired, or are about to retire, were honored for their years of service as GCI employees. One of the honorees was Gary Moore, who retired at the end of August from serving as National Director of GCI-Canada.
Following graduation from Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA, Gary entered the employed ministry of Worldwide Church of God (later Grace Communion International). Over the next 24 years, Gary pastored WCG congregations in the Canadian provinces of Ontario (including a US church in New York State), New Brunswick, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Then in 1997, Gary left the pastorate to begin serving as GCI-Canada’s National Director.
At a celebration of his retirement, Gary mentioned that he feels “blessed and privileged to have experienced the life I have had.” He explained that his journey from a legalistic approach to Christianity to one firmly anchored in the grace of God in Christ has been “a wonderful experience.” In retirement, Gary hopes to continue serving God and his people as long as he has the energy and health to do so. Bill Hall has replaced Gary as National Director of GCI-Canada.
Thank you Gary and Wendy for the many years of service to GCI!
The two videos embedded below show segments of the Passing of the Baton worship service held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 14, 2018. For a third video that addresses the lead-up to this historic change in GCI’s presidency, click here.
In this video, several GCI leaders recount key contributions made by Joseph Tkach during his tenure as GCI President:
To watch on YouTube, click here. To download a copy at GCI.org click here.
This video includes addresses from Joseph Tkach and Greg Williams, the baton-passing ceremony (at position 24:00) and the Communion service:
To watch on YouTube, click here. To download a copy at GCI.org, click here.
In late September, 34 GCI members (pictured above) from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, gathered in Tickfaw, LA, for Resting in Jesus—a spiritual formation retreat facilitated by Dr. Larry Hinkle and Gracie Johnson of Odyssey in Christ (OIC). It was the third OIC retreat held in that part of the GCI-USA Southeast Region. Here are comments from participants:
What greater desire could any of us have but to deepen and strengthen our relationship with God? For two days I left everything behind and came with an open heart to hear from God. He spoke and I listened as his grace, love and presence became real. (Michael Horchak)
My wife and I left the Resting in Jesus spiritually rejuvenated. The way Larry and Gracie conducted it was awesome. The Spirit of God was clearly present from the outset! We know the Spirit is always in and around us, but setting up the atmosphere and tone to contact and commune with our Lord is vital and so often neglected in our personal relationship with God. I was deeply touched and plan to participate again. (Rannie Childress)
Resting in Jesus was a new idea for me, but I was soon able to see the impact it has on those who practice what the retreat taught. It does take practice to know Jesus more fully. Prayer was emphasized—its importance and impact on our lives and on those we pray for. I’m now able to pray with more depth. I’m learning to listen to Jesus in prayer, and through listening, learning the importance of obeying. Obeying then opens the door to closer relationship with our Lord, which helps us listen even more attentively as we realize how much we are loved, wanted, accepted and included. (Walt Baudoin)
Back at my home church after the retreat, I asked those who attended to share their experiences. As a group we’ve attended many retreats: Women of Faith, Promise Keepers, Walk to Emmaus and Kairos, among others. But as one of the members who attended Resting in Jesus said, this one was truly “transformational.” “Rest in Jesus” focused on rekindling our spiritual flame and it was awesome! Thank you Larry and Gracie for sharing your gift with us! (Anthony Rice)
Resting in Jesus allowed me to move away from day-to-day concerns and distractions and become energized, establishing new spiritual disciplines that are proven and effective. The retreat topics were relevant to all who attended. I drew especially on The Spirituality of Aging and The Sacrament of the Present Moment. I also appreciated one called Wasting Time with Jesus—I have found it to be a great help. (Dave Huffman)
Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, WI, was home to more than 350 people attending EngageGCI 2018. With the theme, “The Great Invitation,” the event pursued faith, family and fellowship through general and breakout sessions, plus activities for all ages that included meet-and-greet, senior’s luncheon, praise café, family fun night, midnight church (for teens and young adults) and bowling. The event ended with a worship service on Sunday.
One of the highlights of EngageGCI 2018 was the opportunity to reconnect with friends and make new ones within the GCI family. As one attendee noted, “I enjoyed the company, the reunion and comradery.” To enhance the opportunity to connect, breakout sessions began immediately after morning devotions and just before general sessions. Doing so provided lots of free time for family and friends to fellowship. Here are pictures from the event (click on each to enlarge):
This announcement is from GCI-USA Regional Pastor Randy Bloom.
I’m happy to announce that Timothy Brassell, Lead Pastor of GCI’s Baltimore, MD, congregation, will also be serving as Assistant Regional Pastor for the GCI-USA East Region. Tim has God-given gifts and experiences that will enable him to assist me in various ways as we, through support and supervision, help the pastoral leaders in our region pursue GCI’s healthy church vision. Congratulations Tim!
