Spiritual formation ideas for the Advent season. By Jillian Morrison, Associate Pastor, Glendora, CA Out of all the Christmas songs I loved to listen to growing up, there was one whose melody and lyrics haunted me: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” I wondered how this somber Christmas song had its place amongst the many “merry … Continue reading "Longing for Christ" Read the article
How can we, as GCI congregations and fellowship groups best share the joy of the Lord during this season? By Bob Regazzoli, Pastor, Australia Over the next two months we will be hearing one of the most popular Christmas carols, “Joy to the World,” being played time and time again and we will also enjoy … Continue reading "Joy to the World" Read the article
“Advent is the season that can remind us God is working while we’re waiting and we’re really waiting with God.” ~ Louie Giglio By Tim Sitterley, Regional Director, U.S. West Not long after the grace awakening experienced by our denomination, the men of my congregation were invited to join a Four Square men’s ministry group … Continue reading "Our Personal Advent" Read the article
By Rick Shallenberger, Equipper Editor, Regional Director, U.S. North Central Several have asked how to incorporate the RCL scripture passages, theme, and sermon into a weekly worship service. This sample will incorporate all four passages, Advent lighting ceremony, and responsive reading, sermon, communion, and reflection questions. This is just one example of how an RCL … Continue reading "An RCL Worship Service for Advent 1" Read the article
Love in Action – Inclusion & Belonging w/ Elizabeth Mullins Video unavailable (video not checked). Download/Subscribe Download Audio RSS Feed Apple Podcast Google Podcast Spotify Stitcher Program Transcript + Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/GCPod/GCPod46-ElizabethMullins-LoveInAction.mp3 In this episode, Cara Garrity, interviews Elizabeth Mullins, GCI Publications Coordinator and Update Editor. Together they discuss why the love of Christ … Continue reading "" Read the article
Listen as Tamar explains how place-sharing reflects Jesus’ ministry. She continues to share her stories and experiences on why place-sharing is significant in missional living. Click here to check out this GCI Church Hack about the Apprenticeship Square. Do you have any questions about place-sharing? Please send them to us at gci.org/psurvey. Read the article
One of the identifiers of a healthy church is its focus on the Christian calendar, which follows the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and return of Jesus. Worship services, church events, and missional outreach revolve around this calendar. The Christian calendar reminds us of God’s redemptive acts toward humanity. Jesus is at the center of … Continue reading "2022-2023 (Year A) RCL Pericopes" Read the article
Our welcome and acceptance of a new person into our local expression of the Body is bearing witness to the reality of their membership and inclusion in God’s family. We are not the gatekeepers of Jesus’ kingdom. Inclusion doesn’t equal assimilation, total agreement, nor uniformity. Communicating inclusion is giving affirmation to that person: you are … Continue reading "Church Hack: Welcoming a New Person" Read the article
By Michael Morrison, President Grace Communion Seminary Paul, God loves everyone, so is there any real difference between people who believe and people who don’t? Yes, and no, depending on what respects you are talking about. He loves them all, yes, so they are the same in that respect. People are equally loved by God, … Continue reading "A Conversation with Paul About Unbelievers" Read the article
Here are some practical steps shared by pastors and Love Avenue champions for building the Love Avenue in your congregation or fellowship group. Role of the Pastor: Linda Sitterley – Pastor, Junction City, OR Recognize that all members of your congregation/group have gifts for ministry. God is faithful and has given each member a gift; … Continue reading "Building the Love Avenue" Read the article
