GBC Community Update: Building Character Takes Commitment

Good morning!  Lot’s to share with you this morning since there’s lots going on so please read carefully below.  That being said, may we not get so caught up in all the things we’re doing that we forget to pray and support our church family. My heart continues to go out to little Levi Tamminga and Ken and Rebekah. May we not allow ourselves to become so busy that we don’t have the time to pray for them and others who are in need of the blessing and hand of Almighty God.
 
 
Oasis Camp is Coming!
It’s time to think about Oasis Camp! For those who are newer to the GBC family, Oasis is a week-long day camp that we hold at the Guelph Bible Conference Center the first week of August. Its an amazing week of sharing God’s love with a group of campers, many who are members of our community and sponsored to come.
We’re looking for camp staff so the application form is available from the office or electronically.
If you’d like more information on how you can be part of the team and this incredible ministry, please let me know
 
 
Notice of Annual Meeting
Please plan to join us for our next Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, March 28 at 12:15 p.m. following our morning service.  The purpose of the 30 minute meeting is to approve the 2020 financial statements, approve the 2021 budget, appoint an auditor and elect Directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting.  If you are member and are unable to attend, please complete a proxy form (attached) to ensure that we achieve quorum for the AGM.
We hope to see you there!
 
 
Prayer
On Wednesday afternoons at 3pm a small group of people gather here at GBC for prayer. We’re focusing on the themes in the 40 Days of Prayer for March. Feel free to join us!
 
 
Thought for the day: Building Character Takes Commitment
I’ve been looking at how to develop character and been using Jesus as a guide. While there are certain elements of character inherited there’s much we can do to develop it as well.  It’s not easy and does take work but is so worth it.
This thought brings us to our next character trait: commitment
Jesus had no lack of commitment. Wherever He was, or whoever He was with, He was fully in the moment and fully committed to His goals. Despite praying fervently in the garden of Gethsemane to avoid having to bear the cross and all that physical torture, He knew it was the only way to pay for everyone’s sins, so He stayed completely committed to His goal. There were certainly many obstacles during His ministry, but He stayed on track and finished strong.
It also takes commitment to live out the next key character trait of Jesus: Forgiveness.
One of the most startling things said in the Bible is found in Luke 23:34, when Jesus is on the cross and says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even while bleeding and experiencing pain, Jesus had His heart set on forgiveness—even forgiving those who put Him there in the first place! This is definitely contrary to the everyday mantra of looking out for number one and obtaining personal justice. Jesus was by no means concerned for His own life; all He wanted was to provide a way for forgiveness.  What an incredible challenge for all of us.  Who can we forgive today?
That’s how you show character!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris