GBC Community Update: Building character takes forgiveness

​Good morning!  I apologize for not sending out an update on Thursday. I thought it had gone out but didn’t for some reason. Sorry about that!
As you’re all likely aware, the mask mandate in Ontario ends on Monday. Some will greet this with excitement, others with concern. Regardless of your take on this, I would encourage you to be kind and loving to those who hold an alternate view to you.   May we, as followers of Jesus, be known for the love that we display. Remember, in all things grace, let your light shine!
 
 
GBC Annual General Meeting coming Sunday
The annual business meeting of our church is scheduled for this Sunday. 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.
For those who are still part of our virtual congregation, you can watch Sunday live online here:
https://youtu.be/K8LwiQ07Nq4 
 
 
Prayer Chain Update
Anne Coughey has recently stepped down as the coordinator of our prayer chain. Thanks Anne for your faithful service over the years, we appreciate it a lot!
Our prayer chain is an opportunity for members of the GBC family to share items of prayer to share with the rest that pertain to them or their immediate family.
Going forward, if you have something we can pray for you about, or would like to be added to the list to join with us in praying for our church family, please contact Jacob Ginter at:
[email protected] or (519) 803-4453
 
 
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