Let My Life In Jesus Be Profound!
Having intellectual depth and insight of God's plan.
Phil. 1:27 "Live as citizens who reflect the good news about Christ."
AWSOME! visiting preachers!
(left to right) Missionary Daniel Rushing, Evangelist Mark Smith, Missionary Johnson,
Rev./Professor Joey Peyton and Evangelist Nixon Doughty
EXCITED to have Kankakee High School
"GREEN TEAM" helping at the Kankakee garden site
Honor to be serving on the 21st Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council at Kankakee County Sheriff's Office.
I was invited to the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee for the "Think For A Change" graduation program...A total of 19 inmates graduated... I was honored to do the closing prayer for the ceremony. Thank you Jasper Jones and your staff for an incredible event.
Pentecostal Community Church is so excited to be supporting Missionaries from Ireland, El Salvador and now (picture below) Rev. Johnson from Ethiopia/Rwanda Africa who was at the church. All are amazing people!!
Illinois State Youth Convention 2015
Thank you, Esther, Joady, Olivia and everyone that helped raise money, chaperone, and sold our coasters
to send our youth to Youth Convention. All of our efforts paid off...
Lexi and Owyn received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)! When asked how they felt,
their comments were "awesome", "free"!
Local Newspaper, The Daily Journal wrote an article on the church building plans ...
Pentecostal Community Church buys property to build on Thursday, January 29
A plot of land along West Jeffery Street in Kankakee will be the home from the area's newest church, but the first thing people will notice there will be green vegetables.
Before the Pentecostal Community Church sprouts from the earth, Pastor Larry Garcia said the site will be the third location for one of the congregation's community gardens.
Garcia's church purchased the 2.3-acre property immediately east of the Casey's General Store in November with the plans of constructing it there within the next year or two.
To date, no building plans have been submitted nor zoning changes requested of the city.
The church congregation has been a nomad of sorts, holding its services at several locations, Garcia said, but the time has come for it to put down roots. Garcia's only demand was the church had to be within Kankakee's city limits.
"I want to bring more positive energy into Kankakee," said Garcia, who added he doesn't want the church to be open just for weekend services.
"I want this to a seven-day-a-week church," he said envisioning after-school programs and other youth activities. "I want to help minister to people every day."
What the church may ultimately be in terms of size is not yet known. An architect is developing plans now. Garcia said the only requirements thus far is it have seating for 120 and it have a large kitchen.
How Garcia and his membership would fund it, that's another matter.
"I'm going to introduce this to the church [membership] on Sunday. We will be praying that God will provide a way. ... So far He's provided for the land and architect fees. If I could do it tomorrow, I would."
Concerning the garden, this would be the third location for a garden. They have four acres of gardens in Bourbonnais and Momence. Those gardens this past year produced 18,000 pounds of vegetables.
Pentecostal Community Church buys property to build on Thursday, January 29
A plot of land along West Jeffery Street in Kankakee will be the home from the area's newest church, but the first thing people will notice there will be green vegetables.
Before the Pentecostal Community Church sprouts from the earth, Pastor Larry Garcia said the site will be the third location for one of the congregation's community gardens.
Garcia's church purchased the 2.3-acre property immediately east of the Casey's General Store in November with the plans of constructing it there within the next year or two.
To date, no building plans have been submitted nor zoning changes requested of the city.
The church congregation has been a nomad of sorts, holding its services at several locations, Garcia said, but the time has come for it to put down roots. Garcia's only demand was the church had to be within Kankakee's city limits.
"I want to bring more positive energy into Kankakee," said Garcia, who added he doesn't want the church to be open just for weekend services.
"I want this to a seven-day-a-week church," he said envisioning after-school programs and other youth activities. "I want to help minister to people every day."
What the church may ultimately be in terms of size is not yet known. An architect is developing plans now. Garcia said the only requirements thus far is it have seating for 120 and it have a large kitchen.
How Garcia and his membership would fund it, that's another matter.
"I'm going to introduce this to the church [membership] on Sunday. We will be praying that God will provide a way. ... So far He's provided for the land and architect fees. If I could do it tomorrow, I would."
Concerning the garden, this would be the third location for a garden. They have four acres of gardens in Bourbonnais and Momence. Those gardens this past year produced 18,000 pounds of vegetables.
THANK YOU LORD! EXCITED for our church!
Sign goes up on the land the church recently purchased.
GARDEN SERVICE 2014...Celebrating 18,160 pounds of fresh produce grown and delivered to local food pantries and soup kitchens! Congratulations to all that donated, helped and volunteered
PENTECOSTAL COMMUNITY CHURCH has closed on our property! We are truly thankful that God
provided a beautiful piece of land, 2.3 acres for 1/2 the asking price, to build our future church. The church took a step
of faith at the beginning of the year and God just opened the door.
So thankful to help at another Habitat house!
First Year of Serving Your Community (SYC) Conference speakers did incredible presentations...(Left to right) Pastor Rogers (Substance Abuse Center), Pastor Scott (Police Clergy), Pastor Spencer McPheron (Downtown Youth Center), Pastor Larry Garcia (Community Garden & Medical Clinic) and Pastor Shine Doughty (Music & Drama)... Pastors that minister daily in there communties...Looking forward to 2015 SYC Conference.
2014 Kankakee Chamber of Commerce "after hours event" at the garden...
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event so special. Also, thank you to everyone who helped
to clean up the garden and set up for the event. A very special thank you to Miranda Traxler for preparing and
catering the food, it was a big hit!
Sunday April 27, 2014
5th Year Anniversary Service
Indiana Bible College in Chicago with us
Every time we go to Chicago it's always a new experience...a new outlook on serving instead of being served...a new love for those in need and thankful for those who take the time out to brighten someone's day! Thank you IBC for ministering with us!
Another surprise...yet great honor was given to Pastor Larry Garcia. The Kankakee Daily journal nominated Pastor Garcia as "Innovator in Social Service" and the award will be presented to Pastor April 9th. This honor is shared with all of the volunteers, and countless donors, who help with the garden. Congratulations for all of the hard work!
We are excited about being in the phone book...check out our new ad!
Getting church ready for "Junkyard Relic" dramatic sermon March 23. Powerful message...great move of God!
Olivia tried out for BBCH's talent show and won! Not really surprised...but certainly proud of her! Can't wait to go to the talent show and cheer her on!
Our February Chicago trip to help the homeless was super cold, snowy but turned out so great with lots more help! So thankful for Danielle, Steve and SueEllen, Joady, Jan Eilders, Kristi for baking Valentine cookies. Misty, Lynn, Jessie and Elizabeth for donating hard candy and cough drops to pass out. Everyone was so thankful, especially for the hot coffee, tea, and chocolate but most of all for the cough drops. Many of the people used the hot drinks to keep their frozen hands warm while they waited in line. Thank you to our new people helping us in Chicago ...Jessie, Elizabeth, (Elizabeth's mom), David and Danielle. But most importantly...thank you Jesus for your protection! We prayed for it, and you certainly answered our prayers!
Three Blind Mice...Friends and Family day in January proved to be entertaining, but spiritual as well. One of several of Pastor Garcia's illustrated sermons he will be giving this year. Eph. 4:18 Three Blind Mice showed us how 1. the just can be blinded..2. Jesus came to heal spiritual blindness...3. we create our own blindness. Bob and Olivia did a great job! Looking forward to February's Friends and Family!
Your CHANGE FOR CHANGE every Service
We are asking our friends and members to give the change (coins) they have throughout the year to help make a donation to our Mission's program. There will be a large water bottle ( 5 Gal.) container at the church to help collection the coins. We will be weighing the container at the end of each month. At the end of the year we will donate all of it to Missions.
We had such a great time representing our church and our garden in the Bradley parade. We handed out candy canes to the children and afterwards we had some fun Christmas caroling on stage and later in the Village Hall. It was the coldest night of the year...but so much fun!
Our official parade car making its debut in the Bradley Christmas parade!
He came to give hope to the hopeless! Remembering that "Jesus is the reason for the season!"
I Cor. 6:11 "and such were some of you"...
Our November trip to Chicago...people having a heart for missions right here in our own country! Doreen and her family and so many others do such an amazing job organizing this event! Instead of us blessing these homeless people, they bless us in so many ways. In spite of their circumstances, they are always smiling. Their stories are all the same..."I never thought I would be homeless." Feeling so thankful!
NOTE: Doreen is there once a month handing out clothing, food, bedding, (sleeping bags), haircuts, etc. Our church hands out fruit and vegetables. Many times while we are there we minister to those who are sick or just want prayer. Before we start we all join hands in prayer and we even sing songs (right on State street)! This time one of our homeless ladies led everyone in "Amazing Grace", we were all touched...knowing her circumstances, yet still finding praise in her heart. Sometimes we see the same faces...sometimes we see new faces, sometimes families, from the very young to the very old, so close to home!
Our November trip to Chicago...people having a heart for missions right here in our own country! Doreen and her family and so many others do such an amazing job organizing this event! Instead of us blessing these homeless people, they bless us in so many ways. In spite of their circumstances, they are always smiling. Their stories are all the same..."I never thought I would be homeless." Feeling so thankful!
NOTE: Doreen is there once a month handing out clothing, food, bedding, (sleeping bags), haircuts, etc. Our church hands out fruit and vegetables. Many times while we are there we minister to those who are sick or just want prayer. Before we start we all join hands in prayer and we even sing songs (right on State street)! This time one of our homeless ladies led everyone in "Amazing Grace", we were all touched...knowing her circumstances, yet still finding praise in her heart. Sometimes we see the same faces...sometimes we see new faces, sometimes families, from the very young to the very old, so close to home!
Pastor Larry has been invited many times to say the prayer for the NAACP annual dinner
This year we were able to harvest apple trees and take fruit and veggies to Chicago to help feed the homeless. For all of us that participated...it was life changing. So many wonderful people that truly have the heart of God making the trip to Chicago once a month, supplying hundreds of people with coats, blankets, clothing, bicycles, hot meals, food, haircuts, etc.
Ladies Conference in Effingham Illinois September 13, and 14
A group of ladies from Pentecostal Community Church traveled to Effingham for Ladies conference. The theme this year was "Wow"...Women of Wonder. There is nothing like worshipping with thousands of ladies and being blessed by the word of God. The speakers this year were awesome sharing their stories of victories and God's never ending love. Testifying about how God brought their children back to church, testifying of healings, ladies being delivered of their past letting go of the scars that have kept them in bondage for years, all we can say is wow!
Pastor Garcia Speaking at a National Convention...New Orleans
On September 12 Pastor Garcia went to New Orleans and presented to many about being a Pentecostal ministry providing healthy organic garden of fruit and vegetables to the hungry as a way of evangelism in the local community.
Prayer in Springfield
Rep. Cloonen asked Larry to say the prayer for the Governor's State of the State address because of our church's involvement in doing charitable work throughout our community. It was truly an honor to represent the people that live in our community.
"Prayer for the People" (Kankakee Daily Journal front page article, by Dennis Yohnka)
Bourbonnais pastor to give invocation today in
Springfield
Posted: 02/06/2013 10:10
With an upcoming legislative agenda that includes state pension reform and a
host of other budget hurdles, some might suggest that Illinois' upcoming 113th
Congress doesn't have a prayer.But Pastor Larry Garcia, a licensed
minister of the United Pentecostal Church International, would beg to differ. He
left Bourbonnais on Tuesday afternoon with that prayer in his pocket. He'll use
it today before Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his State of the State address in
Springfield."I was notified [of the honor] about a week ago," he said.
"Kate Cloonen [the new 79th District state representative] took the initiative
to suggest my name. And I was chosen. I couldn't believe it. "So, I
thought about what I was going to say for about six days. I finally wrote it
down [Monday] night. My wife [Kristi] majored in English at Olivet [Nazarene
University], so I had her read it over. She corrected my
grammar, so it's up to me now." Garcia, 52, asked his Facebook friends
for prayers this week, hoping that God would guide him. As far as the folks in
the capital were concerned, he was on his own."There were no
particular rules about how long it should be," he said. "I think my draft is
between two and four minutes, depending on pauses."He said there was
no exact starting time offered and there was no list of subjects that would be
taboo."So, I will just pray for what they need to do. I will pray for
our children on foreign soil, the service men and women in harm's way. And I
will pray that they not forget the truly needy, the people in this state who are
in dire straits." Praying in front of the state's elected officials and
media was not a foregone destination for the son of a preacher."I
didn't want to go into the ministry," Garcia said of his younger days. "I had to
walk away from a career in aerospace when I was 25."I remember the
first time I talked in front of a group, I was asked to address a youth group.
My wife was there, but we weren't even going together then. She heard it and
said: 'You are going to be a pastor someday.'"And she was right."
Garcia's biggest concern is the return of a sore throat he battled two
weeks ago. He said he was losing his voice, on and off, and didn't want to miss
this opportunity. "I'm excited to be representing the Kankakee area,"
he said. "My wife is going with me. She's excited too. And my [adult] son,
Zachary — he loves politics — he had tears in his eyes about this. He's going,
too." Garcia noted that he can deliver a nonpartisan prayer. He said he
holds no particular political beliefs. His friends, though, had some pointed
suggestions."I heard many different voices," he said with classic
diplomacy. "Some of those will not be reflected in my prayer. Others will be in
there. "But my wife is the only one who knows exactly what I will say.
I haven't even told my son. I want it to be special."
Springfield
Posted: 02/06/2013 10:10
With an upcoming legislative agenda that includes state pension reform and a
host of other budget hurdles, some might suggest that Illinois' upcoming 113th
Congress doesn't have a prayer.But Pastor Larry Garcia, a licensed
minister of the United Pentecostal Church International, would beg to differ. He
left Bourbonnais on Tuesday afternoon with that prayer in his pocket. He'll use
it today before Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his State of the State address in
Springfield."I was notified [of the honor] about a week ago," he said.
"Kate Cloonen [the new 79th District state representative] took the initiative
to suggest my name. And I was chosen. I couldn't believe it. "So, I
thought about what I was going to say for about six days. I finally wrote it
down [Monday] night. My wife [Kristi] majored in English at Olivet [Nazarene
University], so I had her read it over. She corrected my
grammar, so it's up to me now." Garcia, 52, asked his Facebook friends
for prayers this week, hoping that God would guide him. As far as the folks in
the capital were concerned, he was on his own."There were no
particular rules about how long it should be," he said. "I think my draft is
between two and four minutes, depending on pauses."He said there was
no exact starting time offered and there was no list of subjects that would be
taboo."So, I will just pray for what they need to do. I will pray for
our children on foreign soil, the service men and women in harm's way. And I
will pray that they not forget the truly needy, the people in this state who are
in dire straits." Praying in front of the state's elected officials and
media was not a foregone destination for the son of a preacher."I
didn't want to go into the ministry," Garcia said of his younger days. "I had to
walk away from a career in aerospace when I was 25."I remember the
first time I talked in front of a group, I was asked to address a youth group.
My wife was there, but we weren't even going together then. She heard it and
said: 'You are going to be a pastor someday.'"And she was right."
Garcia's biggest concern is the return of a sore throat he battled two
weeks ago. He said he was losing his voice, on and off, and didn't want to miss
this opportunity. "I'm excited to be representing the Kankakee area,"
he said. "My wife is going with me. She's excited too. And my [adult] son,
Zachary — he loves politics — he had tears in his eyes about this. He's going,
too." Garcia noted that he can deliver a nonpartisan prayer. He said he
holds no particular political beliefs. His friends, though, had some pointed
suggestions."I heard many different voices," he said with classic
diplomacy. "Some of those will not be reflected in my prayer. Others will be in
there. "But my wife is the only one who knows exactly what I will say.
I haven't even told my son. I want it to be special."
Pastor in the local paper...
Christmas Program
Special thanks to everyone who helped with and participated in our Christmas Program, "A Shepherd's Watch". The kids did such a great job. Thank you to all the visitors who came and joined us in singing Christmas Carols and enjoying the homemade cookies. It was a fun time!
Fellowship Service in Heyworth December 7th
Pastor Garcia was asked to preach a sectional fellowship service in Heyworth at Pastor Spencer McPheron's church. It was an awesome service filled with Holy Ghost worship and great singing, especially by one of the best...Veronica McPheron. Pastor Garcia preached a Christmas message, "The God of the Night":, reminding everyone how Jesus was born in the night, He is God of the light and also He is God over all of the darkness. It was fun being with great friends, like the Tuckers and of course the McPherons.
NOVEMBER 18 THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Thanksgiving...Harvest Celebration Service...
On Sunday we had our Thanksgiving service, with testimonies of a year filled with miracles, blessings, and thanksgiving for all that God has done. Pastor Garcia gave a presentation of the garden and what a successful harvest we had this year. In spite of a severe drought, the garden grew and we were able to supply fresh veggies to our local Salvation Army and food pantries. Afterwards, friends, families and church members enjoyed our annual turkey lunch with lots of turkey, salads, desserts and much more.
On Sunday we had our Thanksgiving service, with testimonies of a year filled with miracles, blessings, and thanksgiving for all that God has done. Pastor Garcia gave a presentation of the garden and what a successful harvest we had this year. In spite of a severe drought, the garden grew and we were able to supply fresh veggies to our local Salvation Army and food pantries. Afterwards, friends, families and church members enjoyed our annual turkey lunch with lots of turkey, salads, desserts and much more.
Another Habitat Home Nov. 2012...
Once again Pastor Garcia is asked by Habitat for Humanity to say the prayer over a new home in Kankakee County! It's such a privilege to be involved with an organization that truly cares for people! Habitat for Humanity not only says (in word only) but shows their sincerity by their deeds...when they provide housing to families that are truly in need. Pastor Garcia in his closing prayer told how the Bible reminds us in Timothy, "command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
October 2012...Pastor Garcia on the panel for the States Attorney
debate at the Kankakee library. Pastor Garcia was also interviewed after the
debate by the local radio station WKAN.
debate at the Kankakee library. Pastor Garcia was also interviewed after the
debate by the local radio station WKAN.
First service at the new church...
On Sunday, October 7th, we had an awesome move of God at our new church location. We are so thankful for what God is doing and is going to do for Pentecostal Community Church!
Getting Ready for Ladies' Conference!
Had a fun time putting 1200 gift bags together for 2012 Ladies' Conference. Thanks to all of our church people who brought food and helped with the bags and thank you to Alyssa Cox (wife of Pastor Jason Cox in Steger) who also helped put the bags together.
Our Ladies' had a great time at conference this year! It was the best yet, with great speakers and a call for everyone to get back to TRUTH, not to compromise what we have been taught. Great power of God, and such a move of the Holy Ghost like never before. It was incredible!
Our Ladies' had a great time at conference this year! It was the best yet, with great speakers and a call for everyone to get back to TRUTH, not to compromise what we have been taught. Great power of God, and such a move of the Holy Ghost like never before. It was incredible!
Habitat For Humanity House Completed!
Pastor Garcia currently is on the Board. On August 28, 2010 Jose (member of New Life Church) and Patrica's house was completed. Thank you New Life Church members for helping. Thank you Pastor Garcia for helping making this possible for Jose and his family. Thank you Jose for all the work you and your family did in helping build your house. GOD IS GREAT!!
Kankakee County Hispanic Partnership (KCHP)
Pastor Garcia was elected as President of the KCHP in Jan. 2010.
Pastor Prays at the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Pastor Garcia prayed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, January 2012. Many people as well as community leaders were there for this annual event in the Kankakee County.
Pastor prays at City Council monthly meeting
Pastor Garcia was asked to open up the monthly council meeting this month (Aug.) for the City of Kankakee. After the Council meeting several Alderman and the Mayor's staff indicated that they enjoyed the prayer and had never heard a prayer quite like it. The next day Pastor Garcia received a phone call from the Mayor's office of Hispanic affairs and was asked to do the opening prayer for an up coming Hispanic event. They wanted it done the way I did it at the council meeting.
Pastor Garcia was asked to be the Pastor for a Semi-pro Basketball Team in Kankakee
The owner (Mr. Berry Bradford) of the new Kankakee Semi-professional Basketball Team "Windy City Soildiers" has asked Pastor Garcia for the second year to be the official Team Pastor for the 2009 season. Pastor Garcia has a devotion and prayer before each home game. For more information about the team please visit their website: windycitysoldiers@yahoo.com
Pastor Garcia asked to speak at a political campaign in Kankakee
Pastor Garcia was asked to speak at Mr. Tim Schmidts "Kick off Rally" announcing his offical candidacy for Mayor of the City Kankakee.
NEW LIFE in the news
The Kankakee Daily Journal Newspaper highlighted New Life Church with a large positive article on the church. The article was listed in the Lifestyles section of the paper.
IBC Magazine Interviews Pastor Garcia
Pastor Garcia was recentley interviewed by the 'Perspectiveives" a Indiana Bible School College (IBC) Magazine. Pastor Garcia was interviewed by Debbie Simler-Goff. The subject was "Voting on the side of Righteousness". Visit the magazine Website www.ibcperspectives.com
Habitat for Humanity
Pastor Garcia has been invited to be a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity in the County of Kankakee. Currently they are completing one house in the city of Kankakee on Indiana Ave. near the church. They are planning on build two more homes in 2008 at the same location. For more information on Habitat for Humanity call 815-802-0225.
Guest Preacher...Pastor Garcia
With an invitation from Pastor Fielder, Pastor Garcia preached at the Portage United Pentecostal Church in Indiana on a Sunday night. The church was packed with many people in attendance. The power of the Lord was mighty as he presented his dramatic message "GRAVEYARD REVIVAL". The drama team was anointed in helping bring the message forth. The result was many believers and unbelivers came to the altar. WOW! what a mighty move of God, as praise and worship went forth after the sermon.
FRONT PAGE NEWS
The Kankakee Daily Journal Spanish monthly Newspaper "FRONTERAS" Hightlights New Life Church with a front page picture of Pastor Larry Garcia preaching at a Sunday service. The newspaper wrote a very positive article on the church. God is blessing us with free advertisement.