Grace Temple Church Of God In Christ

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Christmas Message 2025

Praise Him Church Family,

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus is truly the Reason for the Season. In a year that has tested hearts and nations alike—marked by political unrest, violence, wars, and rumors of wars—we pause to give thanks to God. Through it all, God has faithfully brought us through the storm and the rain with the steadiness of our faith and trust in Him, the power of His Holy Spirit, and the soundness of His Word.

He remains the answer to every question. Though the times have been difficult, the answer has never changed. This was always God’s plan—that light would break out of the darkness, hope would rise in troubled times, and peace would be born to the world. As the prophet declared in Isaiah 9:6–7, a Child would be given, a righteous King whose government and peace would have no end.

We also hold fast to this promise: one day our Lord Jesus Christ will return. Until then, He has not left us comfortless. He has given us the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—and through Him we have divine strength and sustaining power to endure, to stand, and to overcome.

So today we lift our praise:
Praise be to the Child born of a virgin.
Praise be to the Lamb of God.
Praise be to the Balm in Gilead, the Bright and Morning Star.
Praise be to the Great I AM—the Beginning and the End,
the One who holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave.

Unto us a Child is born.
And because He lives, we have hope—now and forever.

May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and homes. Merry Christmas!

Pastor & Elect-Lady 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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