Church News and Obituaries - February 2011
Tammy Tkach Visits Tucson, AZ
Tammy Tkach, wife of Pastor General Joseph Tkach, was guest speaker on January 30, 2011, at Grace of God Fellowship in Tucson, AZ. Her sermon subject was "Relating To Our Invisible God." Before the message, Pastors Tom and Ted laid hands on and blessed Cassidy Levis, daughter of Clint and Jennifer Levis. There was a special dinner after services with great fellowship and sharing. Attendance was about double our average. Pictured, left to right: Pastor Tom and Michelle Landess, Tammy Tkach, Pastor Ted and Lila Millhuff.
Bermuda Congregation Celebrates Superintendent’s Visit
Grace Communion International (Bermuda) celebrated the first visit of the Superintendent of U.S. Ministers, Dr. Dan Rogers, and Mrs. Barbara Rogers on Sunday, January 16, 2011. It was an inspiring day!
Worship Leader, Mrs. Senior Pulley, led the service with scripture, prayer and some of the congregation’s favorite worship songs: I Offer My Life, Your Steadfast Love, Above All and He Knows My Name.
Leading up to Dr. Rogers’ message were two special music selections by Bermuda-renowned vocal artist, Ms. Toni Marie Robinson. Ms. Robinson has been a beloved friend of Grace Communion International (Bermuda) for many years and is often called upon to share her gift of song at various functions Island-wide.
Dr. Rogers gave an interactive sermon on Jesus and his mission, and the importance of joining him in what he’s doing, as well as valuing our lives as witnesses on his behalf. It was enlightening when he reviewed Acts 1:4-8, showing how the disciples, as instructed by Jesus, remained in Jerusalem awaiting the gift of the Holy Spirit, after which they would be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria and out to the ends of the earth.
One important point, according to member Kirk Tacklyn, is that “we must not do our own thing, but see where the Holy Spirit is working and join him.” Edward Stovell remarked, “Dr. Rogers piqued my interest when he showed how the Holy Spirit moved from Jerusalem amongst the Jews and gradually moved out to the Gentiles. I had never thought of it that way.” Edna Jones commented, “I really appreciated the way Mr. Rogers traced the way the gospel began to be spread around the then-known world.”
According to Kevin Bean, “Dr. Rogers spoke of the mission that God is carrying out and how we have the privilege of participating with God in his mission. This is an awesome concept!” William Lightbourne commented, “Mr. Rogers has inspired me to re-read the book of Acts.” Erna Stovell enjoyed the Rogers’ visit and added “Iron sharpens iron, and I really appreciated ‘girl time’ with Mrs. Rogers. We loved having them here!” Dorothy Richards expressed her thanks, “It was nice of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers to pay us a visit; it is always great to get a visit from headquarters, letting us know what is going on there, and that we are on the same page about the Triune God; we are so blessed…”
Prior to Dr. Rogers’ sermon, he was called on to make a special presentation to Bermuda’s youngest member, Trey Lamont Vance, son of members Corey and Sandra Vance. Trey is 6 years old and has been assisting in church most of his life. He has been ushering and collecting offerings as well as administering lots of hugs (he is described by himself as “hug manager”). Trey received a framed certificate (and a special-made badge) acknowledging his service as youngest usher and “Hug Manager” of Grace Communion International.
After the sermon, the congregation presented to Dr. and Mrs. Rogers a Bermuda pictorial book. The service ended with all singing Don Moen’s Hallelujah to the Lamb! We went to the downstairs hall, which had been festively decorated and where a special-catered Bermuda supper-luncheon awaited us. Dessert was a delectable cake acknowledging the birthday of Mrs. Barbara Rogers (Jan. 15) and Pastor Cecil Pulley (Jan 17).
After the meal, Dr. Rogers gave a presentation and answered questions on what he will be sharing this year at the regional conferences in the United States. We thoroughly enjoyed the Rogers’ visit, fellowshipping with them and sharing our Island home.
Senior Pulley
Obituaries
Valeria Ellis, 87, died on January 14 in Denver, Colorado. She was formerly from Winnemucca, Nevada.
Connie Allie Mullins, 86, died on Feb. 14 at her home in London, KY. She was the mother of William Troy Mullins, Leonard Mullins, Jr., Edward Neal Mullins and James Timothy Mullins, all of London, and Ethel Mae Huffman of Freedom, PA, Mary Ann Bailey of Nicholasville, KY, Willa Dean Keith Diemer of Salon, OH, and Tina Teresa Kautzmann of Sun City Center, FL. She was the sister to Mary Laney of Hamilton, OH. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Mullins, Sr. Funeral services were conducted on Feb. 17 in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Shelton officiating. Burial was in the Brown-Mullins cemetery in London.
