In 2019, GCI will host Regional Celebrations in the USA:
Click the image below to for more information and registration options.
The following article was originally published in Life Together, a GCI Australasia, newsletter written by John McLean, Superintendent of Australasia.
Earlier this year we had another wonderfully constructive and successful national—now Australasian—pastors conference. We are blessed with an outstanding group of pastors and ministry leaders in our region. It was a delight to share fellowship, friendship, learning and discussion together.
We welcomed Dennis and Sue Richards and Rex Morgan from New Zealand to the group. We also celebrated Mohan Jayasekera’s retirement, honouring and thanking Mohan and Nihara for their many years of faithful, dedicated service across several different countries, and often in trying and difficult times. Peter Edalere will take the reins as pastor of Perth, and Peter and his wife Shehana attended their first conference with us.
The theme of the conference was “Healthy Church,” and we spent considerable time in discussions around themes that both feed and implement this vision, seeking to further develop congregational environments of faith, hope and love.
We also discussed dealing with change, and followed up on child safety matters and pastoral supervision. These latter two were recommendations coming out of the recent Royal Commission in Australia. Daphne Sidney is already doing excellent work with the child safety policies and protocols, and has the role of ministry supervision as well.
Below is a report written by Hazel Tabin about a leaders retreat for her local congregation, Grace Communion Fellowship.
Last March 15-17, fifteen leaders from our church reserved time to enjoy the Spirit’s presence with one another. We went to Pine Mountain Club, a great place to retreat from the busyness of the city. Turning off our phones and intentionally being present allowed us to see the beauty of community.
On the first night, we focused on praising God through prayer, Scripture reading, and singing songs. It was a sacred and honest space to come just as we are and worship God with our whole beings.
The next day, we feasted during breakfast, which helped us become ready for the whole day. We started with worship and a devotional from 1 Peter 5:1-10, then we took the 5 voices assessment, which helped us understand one another’s strengths. We then discussed how we could implement scriptural reading in our church as well as strategies in which we could connect with our communities. Next, we washed each other’s feet and heard a message about humility and serving like Christ. Lastly, we had communion and each prayed in the process of taking the bread and the wine. At the end of the day, we laid hands for each other and lifted them up along with their families, their work, and any prayer requests they had.
This retreat was a refreshing time for the leaders of our church as we rested and were reminded why we are serving—because of the immense love we have tasted and seen from our Triune God, which we are compelled to share with others.
This article was originally published in GCI Philippines Newsletter, written by Pastor Romy Pusta, Senior Pastor, GC Tagbilaran.
In February, Mrs. Margie Bahinting was commissioned as District Pastor for Central Visayas. As part of her plan to visit the churches she oversees, she visited Grace Communion Tagbilaran on April 6-7.
She delivered an inspiring sermon “Standing on the Promises” to 47 attendees coming from different parts of Bohol. A potluck lunch provided a “love” venue for extended fellowship and bonding among those present. The District Superintendent was also able to meet the Grace Communion Tagbilaran pastoral team on her arrival, April 6.
Margie emphasized that we are all called to be leaders and God has equipped us to be so through our Experiences, Qualifications, Unique spiritual gifts, Interests and Personalities. The visit was a promise fulfilled and much appreciated by the Boholano brethren.
Last April 21, Easter Sunday, was a time of rejoicing as we celebrated the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. The promise of our risen Lord is particularly sobering now against the backdrop of the recent bombings in Sri Lanka which took place that morning.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to our GCI members, Christian brothers and sisters, and the whole nation as they mourn more than 300 people killed and 500 injured following the blasts in churches and hotels.
Let us pray for comfort in the depths of profound loss, peace in the midst of insecurity, and resilience in the midst of violence and fear. For those in our community who know people from Sri Lanka, I encourage you to reach out to them and be open to other ways we can help.
Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. In the midst of painful circumstances, may this truth be made manifest in tender and personal ways, especially to those most affected by these attacks.
Condolences,
Eugene Guzon
Superintendent for Asia
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first GCI Photo Contest. Stay connected for future contests and events!
In 2019, GCI will host Regional Celebrations in the USA:
Click the image below to for more information and registration options.
The Women of Edgehill Community Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio would like to invite you to their 16th Annual LiLY (Living Life for You) Conference “Joy Intact,” held April 26th-28th, 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, 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
This follow-up article was written by Anthony Mullins, GCI National Coordinator in charge of developing Pastoral Residents, Interns and Coaching. Anthony led an ACCM Intensive course on Christian Leadership directly following the Regional Celebration West on April 8 and 9.
We concluded the Portland intensive with ten credit students and one audit. It was a highly participatory atmosphere with rich interaction. I focused our time on the Christology of our Leader, Servant-Leadership, Team-Based Leadership, Coaching, Healthy Pastoral Leadership in the Community, and Formation.
I began the teaching by stating my motivation; they would all become a little better in their ministerial calling. What excites me is ten of the eleven participants requested to have a GCI-certified coach as a result of the class. It’s outstanding to know they will have the guidance, perspective, and accountability that comes with coaching, going forward. Several of them are currently working on a Ministry Action Plan.
The participants were highly complimentary of the depth of the workbook material. Well done ACCM team!
