February 12. 2023

God's plans are often not our plans, that is something we see throughout the Bible. We know from Proverb 16:9 that man's heart plans his ways but God orders his steps. We all planned to have Pastor Gil leading GCC for many years to come. However, as with many things in this life the last few years have changed direction for many of us. We fully support and honor Pastor Gil and Keli's decision to step away from leading GCC in early 2024, knowing it is a change they neither anticipated or some ways wanted. Yet we all trust that their hearts towards God as leading them to where God wants them, even if for now it is a place of uncertainty.

As a board and now as a body we are grateful that Pastor Gil has brought us into this change of direction for them early and in way that honors his commitment to leading with transparency. We know how hard this is for GCC and the strain it will place on all of us to walk through a time of significant uncertainty; yet that is exactly what God has been preparing us for. As Elders we have been praying into this on behalf of GCC, Pastor Gil & Keli, and our staff. Even as we move forward with a deliberate process to see who God has as Gil's successor, we are working to ensure everyone is supported throughout that process. We are working through the details of that search process and will ensure you all have an understanding of how and when it will be happening so you can be part of it. We are also blessed to have an amazing church staff that will help us all through this.

This said, we also know the foundation God has laid, through Gil, for GCC is needed in this world now more than ever. Therefore, as you have heard through this transformed series we are not going to stop doing God's work inside this body and reaching out to the community around us.  

We are sure you have many questions, emotions and even concerns. This is a moment when the gift of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is key to how we respond. We will be having a special business meeting in the near future to tell you more about what the next year looks like and allow you to ask questions. However, in this moment we ask you to join us in grieving this anticipated loss as well as praying for Gil and Keli and GCC's future.