GBC Community Update: God's power will protect us

Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  We had Oasis@Midweek last night and it was the one where the youth lead. I was thinking about what a blessing it is to be part of something like this. I’m thankful to God to be part of it (and a lot else that is going on here at GBC!). When was the last time you stopped and counted your blessings?  It really is a ‘perspective changer’ and I’d encourage you to do it today.
 
 
Christmas Choir coming! 
As was mentioned on Sunday, Jamie is organizing a choir for the Christmas season. Here’s what he’d like shared about this and how to get involved:
It is SO exciting to be thinking and planning a choir at GBC! I have spoken with a number of you who are equally excited about the idea of gathering together for a more focused time of singing and praise. My thinking is that the choir would sing December 17th and essentially lead worship that Sunday morning with band members accompanying. There would be 5 songs: 3 would be sung with the congregation (essentially leading worship Dec. 17th) and 2 would be performance type pieces. The hope is that some would be 2-part harmony, some would be 4-part harmony.
Rehearsals would be Sunday afternoons from 12:15 - 1:45 in the main auditorium. Pack a lunch to eat in the side auditorium following the Sunday morning service. Rehearsal dates are Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 10, 15 (Fri night). Please fill out the form below as to whether you plan on being involved in choir this Christmas!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX8WazdxXAHntvhsUlnOWIh1lJEC9IIssK7GvwkctMWjQYMg/viewform
 
 
Operation Christmas Child is on
Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child are still available in the foyer to pick up.  Every time you pack a shoebox for a child, they receive the Gospel message at the shoebox distribution party.  They also receive an invitation to a 12 week discipleship course where they go deeper into God's Word.  You can also pack a box online at www.packabox.ca   Please bring your packed shoeboxes to GBC by Nov 5.  For questions, contact Andrea Thornton at [email protected]
 
 
Remembering the Reformation
As we approach October 31st we remember and celebrate the Reformation - a period of tremendous grace through which the Lord began bringing the Western Church back to Biblical faithfulness. Ever wonder what that was all about? Pastor Dan would encourage you to check out this little article (3-4 min read) or the fun 5 minute video in the second link (or both!).
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-things-every-christian-should-know-about-the-reformation/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tox2TflUH90&pp=ygUYTWFydGluIGx1dGhlciBwbGF5bW9iaWxl
 
 
Thought for the day: God’s power will protect us.
Speaking of hope, we all need it.  When you lose hope its pretty hard to carry on. I keep hoping events in the world will change and there would be more optimism.  Then Israel gets attacked.  Many are struggling and find things hopeless. If this is you, may I suggest a shift in focus.
People often ask me, especially when things are unsettled like they are right now, what I think is going to happen in the days ahead. There was a time, maybe back in early 2020 that I thought I had it figured out (I think you know what happened next!).  But then reality set in and I had to admit I had no clue.  I still don’t.  That can lead to a lot of discouragement and distraction. It can also lead to a loss of hope.  Yes, during that time, and with many things going on right now, it can cause a struggle. I’ve found since then with all that has and is going on I really need to press in to God.
Here’s now how I approach life events: no matter what lies ahead, I can always count on God to help. How do I know?  Peter writes in his first letter to the early church: “Through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see” Here’s the key: By HIS power and through OUR faith, we can always have hope since God is not only working out his purposes and plans but he’s also protecting us as we go through all of this.
Sometimes we all feel helpless and powerless, it even happens to pastors. But when God is in your life, he has mighty power to help you. His power is bigger than anything you will face and that gives me a lot of hope. I ‘hope’ it does for you too!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris