GBC Community Update: Repent...it has an impact you might not expect!

​Good morning!  The distraction, hype and everything else that goes along with the Christmas season and the New Year is now behind us and we settle into the grind of January. So now what?   We need to look to the opportunities we have to grow as disciples of Jesus through our (hopefully!) daily spiritual practices, our chances to give in a variety of ways, and also to allow the light of Jesus to flow in us and flow through us. There’s a lot of discouragement out there these days, who can you be a bright and shining light to?  Pick up the phone, send a text or email and bring the light of Jesus on this dull and dreary day!
 
 
Care Ministry Update
As the lockdown continues and we await an update from the government it’s easy to forget that some are still struggling right now. We need to continue to be praying for “spiritual cover” at this critical time. Temptations come roaring at us of all kinds and we need to turn to God, prayer and the scriptures.
 
Still struggling?  There is help!
 
Please remember that if you are struggling or having trouble coping please do not hesitate to reach out to me, any of the Elders or Helen Martini who heads up our Care Ministry.
 
Here are some government-sponsored options of where to find help:

• Children and youth under 18 can locate mental health services through the Ontario.ca and Kids Help Phone websites, or contact Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 support, if they need someone to talk to.
• Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to postsecondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Learn more at www.good2talk.ca[RR(3] .
• To access BounceBack and their guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support, visit bouncebackontario.ca or ask your primary care provider for a referral.
• For Ontarians currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options.

 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: Repent…it has an impact you might not expect!
You may recall, last week I started looking at some ways to put more ‘resolution’ into our journey in 2021.  Resolution only means to resolve, or be purposeful about what you do.   Here is the second ‘tip’ or thought on how to do that.
2. Repent
I think the first one, ‘remember’, is probably a lot easier than this one because it really does call for a choice, and often some form of loss.  Our worship of God for his faithfulness, grace and majesty should lead us to repentance. His goodness breaks us in fresh ways as our sin is exposed by the light of his glory. But this isn’t a morbidly introspective, navel-gazing exercise. To repent is to rejoice. Have you ever thought of it that way?  We have the opportunity to CLAIM the promise of 1 John 1:9-if we confess our sins God is faithful and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Why?
Because we know our forgiveness has already been purchased at the cross.
Beginning the new year with repentance is to draw closer to Jesus, to appropriate the fresh grace that is ours in him. This is why confession always brings relief and joy. It’s the gateway to greater intimacy with God.
How can we begin new plans and journeys in 2021 without first allowing his light to penetrate the darkness of our hearts and to reveal areas in need of growth? How can we start working, grinding and dreaming without first renewing our joy in the One who directs our steps?  It’s a great way to start the day, the week, the month and yes, the year!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris