GBC Community Update: Jesus' disciples stay close to him through prayer

​Good morning!  I will be away in Texas at two conferences and some meetings for the next week and am leaving today (actually, I’m already gone!).  As a result, I won’t be doing an update until I’m back. I’ll miss you all and will be praying for you (and Oasis@Midweek) all as I do regularly.  Have a great week!
 
 
New Property Committee Chair
Recently, Bob Chapman, our long-standing head of our Property Committee shared with us his desire to retire from the position after many years of service.  I’m pleased to share with you that Jonathan Preston and Darrell Spencer have stepped up to provide leadership going forward.  They are both members of the team and will be co-chairing.
I want to take the time to recognize and thank Bob for his MANY years of faithful service. He has led through our building renovation and addition and our roof replacement project among many other things. I’ve appreciated his steady hand on the wheel and faithfulness to this role.  Thanks Bob and thanks Jonathan and Darrell for ensuring continuity in this vital ministry.
 
 
Oasis@Midweek on Wednesday!
The final installment of the month for our popular mid-week kid’s ministry Oasis@Midweek happens tomorrow. GBC Kid’s is leading this installment so look for a fun and engaging craft, some great games and a topical message around the theme of “treasured”.  This ministry for children JK to Gr.6 is not only for those who attended Oasis Camp or are part of GBC Kids Ministry but any in that age group that would like an encouraging evening event.
 
 
Thought for the Day:  Jesus’ disciples stay close to Him by making prayer a top priority. 
As we wrap us this look at what it means to follow Jesus there was one other essential ingredient in his ministry with His followers — He prayed.  We have examples of this throughout the gospels but do we ever stop to think about it?
Jesus taught them how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount and also told them he expected them to pray as we read in Luke 22.  He Himself established prayer as a way for his followers to communicate directly with All-mighty God as the writer of Hebrews 4 reminds us.
Prayer proves that His disciples are dependent upon Him — and true disciples of Jesus will be characterized by a vibrant prayer life.
Why does this matter?
Jesus expects His disciples to follow Him, okay Chris, I get that.  This becomes important though in days like this — to learn from Him, talk to Him through prayer and to stay close to Him. That’s what He wanted from His followers during His earthly ministry and that is what He wants from His disciples today. 
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris