GBC Community Update: God always treats us with mercy

​Good morning!  Okay, I thought there were a lot of things to share last week! Well, today there are even more. There are some amazing opportunities to come together to serve, to grow and to build community. That really is the call of God’s church, to be the conduit for this. I’m so glad I’m part of what God is doing here at GBC and I’m glad you are too.
 
Outreach opportunity: Pumpkin carving party
As part of GBC's outreach to the Junction Neighbourhood, we invite you to join us for a Pumpkin Carving Party on Sunday Oct 29, 1-4 pm at Goldie Park (63 Memorial Cres).  Free pumpkins with carving and painting supplies provided!   There will be hot chocolate, cider and a free composting workshop.   For questions or if you’d like to be part of this, please ask Andrea Thornton at [email protected]
 
 
Fall GBC property work day coming November 4
It’s that time of year again!  Our annual fall cleanup led by the Property Team is going to be held on Saturday November 4. From 9-12, we will be preparing our property and building for winter and doing some general maintenance. No skill necessary, come for 1 hour or 3.
 
 
GBC Men: Join us for IMPACTUS, a conference to help your walk with God.
God calls men to live their faith in belief and action. Steadfastness is not being stuck or stubborn. It is not a legalistic approach to faith. It is both being committed to the faith and resolute in the face of challenges. It is unwavering stability, and consistency lived out in lives of humility, deep relationships, and fruitfulness.  This is our journey as men.
Plan to join other GBC men on Saturday, November 18 as we attend this year's Impactus Men's Conference at Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington (8:45am to 3:45pm) and explore this call to live the adventure together.  
To register as part of GBC's group, click on the following link.   If needed, the passcode for our group is 'GBCMEN'.  Register by October 30 to access the discounted rate!  
https://brushfire.com/impactus/impactusmensconference/559158/register?group=54e88592-a4c5-4089-9ba9-ad5125634b0d
The cost per ticket is $55 - but please note that a donor has offered to sponsor complimentary tickets for anyone for whom the cost is a barrier, so please speak to Pastor Dan if you would like to access a complimentary ticket.  



Baby shower for Leah Lewis
Please join us for a baby shower for Janet and Kevin Lewis’ new baby, Leah, on Saturday November 25.  It will be an open house in the side auditorium from 2 to 3 pm.  If you would like to contribute to a group gift, please give your contribution to Andrea Thornton or e-transfer to Andrea’s personal email [email protected]
 
 
Thought for the day:  God always treats us with mercy.
Last week I shared some thoughts on how God seeks a relationship with us and I hope that was an encouragement.  During it I shared a verse from Peter’s first letter to the early church. In that letter Peter goes on to write: “All honor to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is his boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family”. In his mercy….did you catch that?  The more I understand grace the more it amazes me. It’s completely undeserved and unmerited, yes, and it’s based on the spirit of mercy that is part of God’s character.
This truth should give us hope even when we blow it (and you will at some point if you haven’t already; I know I have!).  When we fail, God doesn’t get mad at us. He always acts with mercy toward us. Why? As a follower of Jesus, you’re covered in his blood and salvation. That’s the truth and hope we have in the cross, that his mercy extends to us even though we deserve his wrath.  No matter what’s in store for you, you can rest completely in that truth.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris