The Global Impact Celebration (GIC) is an annual event during which we celebrate what God is doing in and through our missionary partnerships. We invite our cross-cultural partners from Jerusalem (our hometown), Judea (the U.S.), Samaria (the overlooked or forgotten), and the ends of the earth to join us for a five day event designed to foster relationships between our membership and our partners. Visitors are welcome to come taste and see what Asbury UMC is so excited about, and encouraged to stay for the duration of the GIC.
This year, the Opening Celebration on Wednesday night features a keynote address by Rev. Chette Williams, Chaplain of the Auburn University football team, with special music, in Swahili, by the combined Asbury Youth Choirs.
On Thursday, a Pre-Conference Session will be conducted specifically designed to encourage networking among our guests from other churches and our missionary partners.
On Saturday evening, following the conclusion of the Learning Conference, a World Bazaar will be conducted. This festive event offers a complete immersion into the cultural sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of our mission field. It features the opportunity for one-on-one dialog with our missionary partners and tastes of international food from our World Food Court.
Sunday morning worship services feature guest preachers and are structured to help members visualize themselves as cross-cultural witnesses, and to confirm their commitment to go out into the world. The GIC concludes early Sunday afternoon with a Farewell Luncheon.