Grace Temple Church Of God In Christ

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Thanksgiving Message 2024

Dear Church Family,

As we gather in the spirit of Thanksgiving, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the abundant blessings God has poured out upon us. This season is a beautiful reminder of His goodness, His faithfulness, and His boundless love that sustains us daily.

First and foremost, we thank God for you—our cherished congregation. Your faithfulness, prayers, and acts of service reflect His grace in action. It is a joy to witness how He is working in and through each of you to build His Kingdom.

This Thanksgiving, let us pause to reflect on His provision in our lives and our church family. Whether in times of joy or trial, His presence has been steadfast. Together, we have shared laughter, lifted each other up in prayer, and reached out to those in need. These are the marks of a Christ-centered family.

As Psalm 107:1 says, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Let us carry this gratitude not just in our hearts, but in our actions, extending His love to those around us—neighbors, friends, and those who may need extra care this season.

We pray that your Thanksgiving is filled with peace, joy, and meaningful moments with loved ones. May the food shared and the fellowship enjoyed remind us of the heavenly banquet we are promised in Christ.

Thank you for being a blessing to Grace Temple and to one another. May we continue to walk together in faith, giving thanks for the mighty God we serve.

Yours in His Service,

Derek Harris & Alyana Arrington-Harris

Pastor & First-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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