Category: Stay Connected

With deep appreciation, we celebrate Paul David Kurts for his many years of service and love for the denomination and its members. In December, PD was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. This is an incredible honor and elevation in position, which will require a larger commitment of his time and energy. Consequently, PD is stepping down from his position as Regional Director in the US Southeast region. Paul David will continue to co-pastor our GCI congregation in Hickory, NC, along with his brother-in-law Anthony Mullins. Your prayers and support for PD and his wife Emma Lee, are greatly appreciated as they embark on this new adventure.

Paul David started working for the denomination in 1988 at Ambassador College in Big Sandy, TX in the Mail Receiving Department. He then spent time in the Landscape Department, as well as assisting the Dean of Students. Paul David is passionate about developing young people and has served in camp ministry in one capacity or another for more than two and a half decades. In 1996, Paul David was ordained an elder in GCI. He has since served in five congregations in four states. He also served as a District Pastor and most recently as a Regional Director, serving pastors and congregations in nine states.

Thank you Paul David and Emma Lee, for your leadership and love.

 

As Treasurer, I have the blessing of observing what God does through generous hearts. What a privilege to be on this mission with all of you! I am excited to share some new options for giving that we are implementing this year. Instead of being limited to giving via envelope or by credit card online, you will now be able to give via text, either during the worship service or whenever you think about it.

You may be wondering why we are making these changes. It helps us serve you better! Electronic giving provides ease for our members and the Home Office staff. You can give easily at any time, and the system allows us to respond with a receipt more efficiently.

Another benefit of online or text giving is that it keeps your information safer and less vulnerable to theft or disruption than the envelope system. Online or text giving via credit card is probably the safest way to give, because your information is encrypted throughout the process making it difficult to disrupt or steal, and the information is permanently deleted after processing, – unless you set up a recurring donation. If you set up a recurring donation, which many people prefer, your credit card information is stored, but behind multiple layers of security. The security of the new options is the main reason we encourage credit card giving online or via text. However, we will continue to honor and appreciate the more traditional giving options.

The new giving options will be available on your congregation’s website, or you can find your congregation at gci.org by going to the home page, scrolling down to “Find a Church/Pastor,” entering the name of your church in the search box, and using the giving link provided. Text giving will be available after the Regional Celebration in your area. We will continue to communicate with local leaders and treasurers, as well as provide support as we roll out the new option.

Thank you again for your generous donations, which help us share the good news about Jesus! And thank you for considering something new. We think it will benefit you personally and help the Home Office and your local volunteers do their jobs more efficiently.

With appreciation,

Mat Morgan

The Providence congregation sponsored its annual women’s retreat, coordinated by Sue Cozzi. The theme this year was “Blessed Beyond Measure.” Peg Donovan spoke about “How can I count the ways” and Cara Garrity spoke about being “Blessed in the Valley.” Leslie Howard led a breakout session on “Finding peace in the midst of Chaos” while Peg led a Worship Theater that included skits and a talent show. After the talent show the ladies enjoyed an impromptu karaoke and dance session! The tentative theme for next year is “Streams of Living Waters.”

From Suzanne Cozzi (wife of pastor Luciano Cozzi), Providence, RI

Show us the world through your lens.

Do you attend a GCI church? Enter to win our 2018-2019 GCI Photo Contest and submit photos of your healthy church.
Prizes include, $100, $200, and $300 Amazon gift cards!
Submit Your Photos Before March 17.

For more information go to: https://resources.gci.org/photocontest

The Women of Edgehill Community Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio would like to invite you to their 16^th Annual LiLY (Living Life for You) Conference “Joy Intact,” held April 26^th-28^th, 2019 at the Embassy Suites in Beachwood, Ohio.

This is a weekend filled with wonderful worship, inspired speakers, lots of laughs and simply enjoying the presence of the Lord. The conference is attended by a diverse group of women and teens (Bonfire Sessions for ages 13-17) from every stage on their journey. We come from different churches and denominations. We are about meeting at the feet of Jesus and making him known.

We keep the registration prices low ($70 early bird special), meals are included and you can fill your suite with up to six women to cut the cost of the hotel. This is a great opportunity for you, your family or group of friends to come together and share a weekend in Christ with no judgment or expectations.

Follow the link for more information. http://www.edgehillcc.org/lily

Tamar Gray, Assistant Pastor
lgraybass@roadrunner.com
Edgehill Community Church
Cleveland, Heights Ohio

Click the image below to register online.

Sue Lawson, devoted wife of long-time pastor Don Lawson, passed away last Tuesday morning. She died peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Don is doing OK considering and is glad Sue was not in pain and was not suffering when she passed. The Lawsons have been a beacon of light to every marriage. They loved each other deeply and openly. What a great example of what marriage was intended to be.

There will be a small Celebration of Life Service for immediate family members.

Cards can be sent to Don Lawson at
82383 Stradivari Road
Indio, CA 92201

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of John Novick, former Lead Pastor of GCI’s congregation in Jackson, Mississippi.

Our dear friend and brother John Novick passed into glory February 20th. I ask you to join me in praying for his wife Cathy and daughter Briana and the Jackson church. John fought the good fight against bone cancer and finished well. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Cards for the Novick family can be sent to:

Cathy Novick
182 Commonwealth Ave
Brandon, MS 39047

February 7-10^th, the GCI Home Office hosted New Pastor Orientation for new pastors and leaders stepping into ministry positions. The weekend was spent unpacking the Team Based- Pastor Led Model. Participants were equipped, empowered, and encouraged to carry out the vision of Healthy Church in their congregations.

The group bonded throughout the weekend over worship, conversations about best practices, meals, and fellowship. God’s unifying presence was palpable during our joyous time together. GCI President Greg Williams, reflected on the occasion, “I am greatly encouraged by the men and women who have been called into pastoral leadership. It was a privilege to share four days of learning. I am inspired by this fresh group of pastors. Our time together fills me with hope for GCI.”

 

Many participants expressed a sense of community and shared vision. “It is so encouraging to know that we are not alone and a network of support is available in our denomination.” The weekend wrapped up with each leader’s Regional Director commissioning and praying over them. Join us in lifting up our leaders as they transition into this new season of ministry.

The Women of Edgehill Community Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio would like to invite you to their 16^th Annual LiLY (Living Life for You) Conference “Joy Intact,” held April 26^th-28^th, 2019 at the Embassy Suites in Beachwood, Ohio.

This is a weekend filled with wonderful worship, inspired speakers, lots of laughs and simply enjoying the presence of the Lord. The conference is attended by a diverse group of women and teens (Bonfire Sessions for ages 13-17) from every stage on their journey. We come from different churches and denominations. We are about meeting at the feet of Jesus and making him known.

We keep the registration prices low ($70 early bird special), meals are included and you can fill your suite with up to six women to cut the cost of the hotel. This is a great opportunity for you, your family or group of friends to come together and share a weekend in Christ with no judgment or expectations.

Follow the link for more information. http://www.edgehillcc.org/lily

Tamar Gray, Assistant Pastor
lgraybass@roadrunner.com
Edgehill Community Church
Cleveland, Heights Ohio