GBC Community Update: Live in community with others

​Good morning!  Lots to share today as we’re full into our fall ministry. This will likely be the case for the next few updates!  So, I’d encourage you to read carefully, thoughtfully and also PRAYERFULLY what follows.  How can you be a part of supporting what God is doing here at GBC?  Read below and find out!
 
 
Communion at Sunday’s Service
As I mentioned at the end of our service Sunday, we will be having communion this Sunday at our regular 11am service.  We’re excited to return to this vital part of our relationship with God. We’ve been able to secure pre-filled communion cups that include both the bread and juice so they will be safe.  They’ll be on a table in the foyer when you enter so please take one on entry and keep it with you until instructed to participate.
It’s been a while since we’ve done communion so I’d encourage you to spend some time examining yourself and preparing for this opportunity.  Are you looking for something to meditate on? I’d suggest 1 Corinthians 11:23-32.
If you join us on our livestream I’d encourage you to take part as well. You can use what you feel is appropriate for elements or else we can make the same ones available we’re using to you.  Let me know and one of the elders will arrange to drop off them off for you.
 
 
Youth Ministry Restarting!
Youth is starting up again on Wednesday as ALIVE resumes.  Details were emailed out including our Covid protocols, but if you’d like information please let me know.  I’d ask that you pray for the youth and leaders.  An additional prayer is that we can reconnect with our community kids. Before the lockdown the youth ministry had over half of the participants from the community so we’d like to be able to continue to journey with them. Please lift them up in prayer!
 
 
Mission’s Update
Update from Rural Life Mission
AGM
Earls
Because the RLM Spring Conference was cancelled due to Covid-19, our RLM Annual meeting was also cancelled.  At this meeting, the members, board and workers go over the financial statements, vote on a new set of directors and appoint auditors as well as other matters!  Since it is required by law to have an annual meeting, we have scheduled a virtual Zoom meeting for Saturday Sept. 19th at 10:00 a.m.
 
Thunder Bay Mission Home, Jack & Pennie Earls
Praise for God’s enabling power during this pandemic and the ability to carry on hosting guests.
Pray for the many unsaved and former foster teens we have contact with.
Praise for our Lord keeping our loved ones safe.
Praise for 2 young men at our assembly baptized this past week.  Pray that God would provide them with employment.
Pray for our unsaved grandchildren.
Pray for the safe delivery of our 4th great grandchild due later this year.
Pray for us as we seek God’s guidance for our future.
 
 
Thought for the day:  Live in community with others
While we’re open and holding services (and even having communion Sunday) things are still a lot different then they were. We wear masks, we don’t sing, we come in and go out. Whether you are physically distancing by not attending in person or lamenting the restrictions in place if you are, don’t give in to the inner pull to withdraw emotionally. Allow yourself, as best you can, to feel the loss of community, the sadness of either not meeting in person or the lament of the changes and restrictions that are in place for our physical gatherings  With these vulnerable feelings, communicate your longing and pain to those you miss or those who are on the journey with you. Whether by letter, phone, text, or video, let those close to you—or those you realize are closer than you thought—know that their connection is a significant part of your life. Perhaps you can send a card or note or simply send a text that expresses your heart for connection. That expression of relational need will itself be life-giving and will, hopefully, be received and returned. As Paul says, “For I long to see you…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom 1:11–12). Paul expresses his longing for mutual connection and there is mutual encouragement even in his expression of that desire.  Live in community with others no matter what that looks like!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris