GBC Community Update: Be a loving servant

​Good morning. It was nice to be back after my time away.  The war in Ukraine continues to grip the worlds attention.  It is a reminder of the problem of sin and how the devil works. May we continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and for those in our GBC family who have family and friends there.  This is also a reminder to put on the full armor of God of Ephesians 6 since our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spirit world.
 
 
Oasis@Midweek on Wednesday!
The first installment of the month for our popular mid-week kid’s ministry Oasis@Midweek happens tomorrow. Youth@GBC is leading this time so look for the next episode of our monthly drama, some great games and a topical message around the theme of “treasured”.  This ministry for children JK to Gr.6 is not only for those who attended Oasis Camp or are part of GBC Kids Ministry but any in that age group that would like an encouraging evening event.
In addition, our English Conversation Group will be starting as well and will be held at each Oasis@Midweek. If you, or someone you know, would like to practice their English language skills in a supportive and encouraging environment please plan to join Karen and Helen for this practical group opportunity.
 
 
GBC Annual General Meeting coming March 20
The annual business meeting of our church is scheduled for Sunday March 20. Beginning 10 minutes after the service concludes and lasting less than an hour, members and those who are not, but are part of the GBC family, are encouraged to attend. We’ll be approving the budget for the year, receiving an update from our pastoral search team and also having a conversation about the structure and format of our Sunday morning service as we start to come out of covid.
If you’d like to learn more about membership at GBC please ask me or any of the other elders.
 
 
Thought for the Day: Be a loving servant
We’re continuing to look at the character traits of Jesus. Character is what distinguishes, us, its who we are. May we look to be like Jesus in this way.
What do I mean?
Well, he was a servant
Without a doubt, Jesus was the ultimate servant. We’ve been studying this in our series on the Gospel of Mark.  Although He was praised as a great teacher and even had a decent following, He made sure to teach them to be servants by actually doing it himself. In Mark 10:45, our series key verse, Jesus even tells everyone: “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Despite having the authority to get anything He wanted, have people praise and pamper him, He did the exact opposite by lowering himself and serving others. What a great example, and challenge for us as we go about our day.
As well, he was loving
Obviously, Jesus had a love for others. If He didn’t, He wouldn’t be compassionate nor a servant. Jesus claimed that there is no greater love than to die for one of your friends—and He did just that. If anyone doubts His love, all they have to do is look upon the cross and see the agony that He bore for our sakes. He experienced that horrible death so that all can be saved. That, very clearly, is true love at its finest.  The question I ask myself, then, is who can I love sacrificially?  I’d encourage you to do the same thing.
And that is what character looks like!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris