GBC Community Update: God wants to use our church!

​Good morning!  Wasn’t Easter weekend just BLESSED?  I know, many of our plans and things we like to do were disrupted, I know mine were. Yet despite all this, the message of the cross and the empty tomb BLASTS through all of this. I think in many ways it was more relevant and encouraging to me than it’s been in years. God is good, lets praise him!
Speaking of encouraging, it was great to see more and more people starting to connect with us through our livestream. We’re starting to see non-GBC people joining us and one even sent a donation!  Also, I’ve been VERY encouraged by those of you who’ve responded with financial gifts to help us continue.  We’ve been able to meet our budget needs so far thanks to all of you.  Did I say God is GOOD??  
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m pretty excited about what God is doing in and through Covid.  I’d encourage all of us to continue to pray the message of God’s love, hope and Good News goes out!


Care Ministry Update
While I may be excited by how God is moving through this I’m also aware a LOT of people are struggling right now with anxiety, fear and depression. This is a very real problem. Helen Martini has shared some thoughts and resource which I’ll be sharing with you over the next couple of updates. Please, don’t go through this alone!

Helen shares this:  “As we are weeks into our individual fight to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we continue to pray for each other.  In addition to our interest and prayers for our physical health, I would also like to ask all of you to pray for the mental health of each member of GBC, as well as their family members.  
 
Hearing and obeying the regular updates and directives from our Public Health directors and leaders in government puts a lot of stress on everyone, including: those of us who are self-isolating, sometimes in limited space; families with children out of school; frontline health care workers and essential service workers who go out in public each day, and those whose self-employment is at risk financially. All these, in addition to potentially very little communication with others, can put people at risk for feelings of loneliness, discouragement and depression, as well as increased fear and anxiety.”
• For Ontarians interested in public addictions services and mental health services for those over 18, they can contact ConnexOntario, Ontario's mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line at 1-866-531-2600.

Please remember that if you are struggling with any of the above, please do not hesitate to reach out and bring your concerns to Pastor Chris, any of the Elders or myself.


Wednesday Prayer
Jacob and Karen Ginter host a weekly prayer gathering on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm. Join them as they pray through scripture for this current situation and for all of us.  You can connect through Zoom or by phone.   Here are the details:
GBC Wednesday Night Prayer
Time: 7-8pm
 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/923156764
 Meeting ID: 923 156 764
 To join by phone…
Dial  +1 647 374 4685 Canada and then enter Meeting ID


Reminder of Missionary Letter writing Opportunity
Last week I sent out a request for those who are interested to write letters of encouragement to our missionaries.  There’s still a few more spaces available within this very practical ministry opportunity.
To become involved, or if you have more questions, please contact Helen Martini at:
519-822-2556
[email protected]


A thought for the day: God wants to use our church!
 I know we’re going through an incredible challenge right now as a church. But God doesn’t want to just take us through this crisis. He doesn’t just want us to survive during this period. He wants us to THRIVE, to LIVE, to let our light SHINE! This is the difference between how we deal with pain as believers and how the world does. We then need to see this challenge as an open door for ministry.
I’m praying for all of us that we’d see relevant ministry happen and the Good News spread during these difficult days. This is an opportunity for us to shine.
This virus didn’t sneak up on God. It won’t stop his church. Jesus himself reminds us that “all the powers of hell will not conquer” the church.

Make this a great day!

In His grip,
Pastor Chris