Grace Temple Church Of God In Christ

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A 2022 Christmas Message

Greetings Grace Temple Family:

Christmas is a busy time of year for all of us. However, we know that Jesus is the reason for the season! There is nothing wrong with Christians taking part in the pomp and circumstance that the entire world may be joining in during this season. The world is busy with shopping, planning, baking and even sharing. There is a certain kindness that reveals itself during this time of year. This human-kindness is exhibited by men, women, boys, and girls from all walks of life.

This human-kindness takes many forms and is referred to by many names. There are acts of kindness in giving of monetary items, such as presents, gift cards and even buying a person a meal. There is the gift of being present, like visiting one another, attending a social or just being available by phone. This human-kindness makes us feel better. However, you and I know “a feeling is not a fact”.

In order to truly be better, one must have something that last beyond the season of human-kindness. That something one must have is a true relationship with Jesus Christ, who was made both Lord and Savior with His victory over death, hell and the grave. His victory was made possible by fulfilling the scripture in the Book of Matthew, which states (in part):

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:21-23

The very best gift or display of human-kindness you can give this season is the message of Christ. The best way to give this message is to live before them each day, but especially during this time when the world’s attention is focused on our Lord and Savior.

Keep being who you already are and keep loving on those you meet. We are living epistles read of men, so make the Lord proud of you this season. God Bless you and your house, in Jesus’ Name!

Yours in His Service,

Pastor Harris

Pastor Harris

Elder Derek Keith Harris is a man who truly loves God. Born August 16, 1968, in Los Angeles, California to Lucious Harris and Mother Regina Brown, he knew at an early age that there was a call on his life. As a child he served in multiple capacities including junior usher, children’s choir member and faithful Sunday school attendee.

Like most young adults, Elder Harris tried running from the path of ministry in his late teens and early twenties; however, the power of the call of God was always echoing in the corridors of his heart, and at the age of twenty-five Elder Harris resigned to the conclusion that he must walk with the Lord and accept Him as his personal Lord and Savior. He began attending House of Liberty Sunrise Ministry, where he learned how to live holy. He was in charge of the sound equipment and served faithfully as a choir member for three years. Later he joined Word of Life church, where he was ordained as a minister and then elder. During his time with Word of Life he served as a Sunday school teacher, choir director and was a member of the men’s ministries, which included outreach events to encourage men to give their lives to the Lord. Serving as assistant pastor, Elder Harris coordinated weekly church activities and services, including Sunday services, bible study, Friday Night Praise Break and many other activities.

In 1999, Elder Harris responded to the call of God and founded Power in Praise Christian Ministries, Inc., where he served as Senior Pastor and Founder for fourteen years. Pastor Harris created the Dinner on the House program, which was an outreach effort to strengthen families by having them prepare and enjoy meals together at home. The church also served as a food distribution center for the community. During the Christmas season, the church partnered with the Angel Tree Network to ensure children of incarcerated parents would still receive Christmas gifts. Pastor Harris oversaw several outreach ministries, such as Holy Women on the Move, Teens Networking Truth and Stand and Deliver. Pastor Harris was a founding member of the Cops & Clergy organization, which was a collaborative outreach program between seven churches in the Moreno Valley area and the Moreno Valley Police Department. The organization served as a liaison between minorities citizens and law enforcement to educate, reduce the incarceration rates and to lead souls to Christ.

In 2015, Elder Harris began attending Grace Temple COGIC, under the leadership of the late Superintendent, Edwin L. Finley. Elder Harris worked closely with Superintendent Finley and served as the assistant pastor. Elder Harris worked with the youth department and organized youth outreach activities and outings. He taught bible study and served in the men’s ministry department. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Elder Harris worked to ensure the church would remain open by implementing a website where members could view messages from the church. He also traveled to the church and was physically there to collect tithes and offerings and ensure the church’s financial obligations were met. On February 1, 2022, Superintendent Edwin Finley transitioned from this life to the next, and Elder Harris began serving as Elder-in-Charge. On October 29, 2023, Elder Harris was appointed Senior Pastor of Grace Temple COGIC.

He is happily married to Alyana C. Arrington-Harris, M.Ed. This July they celebrated twenty-five years of marriage. They are blessed with five children: Alyese, Scott, Anjanique, Joshua, and Keith.

Elder Harris continues to serve faithfully and humbly submits himself to the work of God. He is an anointed no-nonsense preacher who believes in the Word of God, His precious Son Jesus Christ, and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

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