GBC Community Update: overcoming fear

Good afternoon! I hope you’re making this a great week.  It’s interesting how so much of how you answer that statement comes down to our attitude. May ours be like Jesus!  I’m excited about this Sunday coming, read below to find out why!
 
Small Group Ministry
Believing that Christ calls our church to making disciples of all the world’s nations, GBC Small Groups foster community, encourage spiritual maturity and provide an avenue for reaching out corporately with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of service and evangelistic efforts.
 
After our 100 Days of Prayer, it became evident that many at GBC enjoyed the opportunity for community and fellowship through Small Groups. Following God’s direction through His people, GBC leadership chose to emphasize FOUR FOCUS AREAS for the good of GBC and our community, with Small Groups being one.
 
In preparation for our Fall 2020 Launch, a group of Small Group facilitators is preparing to lead. We’re also preparing training for our leaders and several different options for material to use in our Small Groups. Some of our groups will meet in-person, while others plan to meet via ZOOM. In this time of distancing, Small Groups are an excellent way to connect deeply with others at GBC
 
We want to do what we can to make it possible for as many people at GBC to become a part of a Small Group! Sign Up Online on the smalls groups page here!   I’m excited about the Fall 2020 launch of Small Groups at GBC!
 
 
Join us for Vision Sunday!
As has been mentioned recently, this Sunday we’re going to be looking at our vision and where we feel God is leading us.   There’ll be an opportunity to hear what this looks like and then to pray about it. Not surprising, my message will be on this theme. I’ll be looking at the Great Commission and how it applies today.
Shortly after we’ll be having our Annual General Meeting (yes, a BIT late). Even if you’re not a member, you’re welcome to join us and find out what’s been happening here at GBC .
 
I’m disappointed we can’t have “Lunch on the Lawn” due to the changes to gathering limits but that doesn’t mean we can’t still connect and grow as a church family. Instead, I propose a new event: “Lunch on LAWNS”. Why not find a few people and go to a park, a backyard or some other outdoor spot and enjoy lunch and then a fall day together?  I checked the weather, it looks good!
 
 
Thought for the day: Overcoming fear
Are you afraid? Do you fear what the future may bring into your life? Do you want to become more courageous and brave? Understanding some key Biblical ideas will help you overcome fear!  I know, some of you will be saying, ‘didn’t you just cover fear this summer in the Psalms?’  Well, yes, but with the recent surge in Covid cases and the rise of fear of a second wave I wanted to look at it again a bit.
The reality is everyone fears something. Since we were a child until we grow old, we all have fears.  Whether you like it or not, you have been filled with fear at least once in your life. Fear is a common human emotion that is deeply wired in our subconscious and conscious mind.
It is natural for us to fear, but it doesn’t mean that it should control our lives. Uncontrolled fear can lead to irrational thinking, behaviors, and worst, spiritual paralysis.
Jesus said this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  This becomes our key to understanding and overcoming fear- knowing and experiencing the peace of God through Jesus.    In the next few posts I’m going to look at one of the strongest emotions that we all experience. Let us examine the Bible and see what it says about fear and how to overcome it. I hope it will be fruitful for you.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris