GBC Community Update: Watch out for doubt, fear and worry!

Good morning!  It’s going to be a very different Canada Day tomorrow, but still, we should take time to mark the day and pray for our nation. Before Covid there were a number of issues before us as a land and as a church within it.  The virus has only amplified many of the challenges we face.  As one of the fathers of Confederation were inspired by the words of Psalm 72, may we be too: May he rule, or as the KJV version reads: ’have dominion’, from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. May that be our prayer for the year ahead. Go and make this a great week!
 
Sunday Service Update
It was great to see a few more of you out Sunday!  Also, it was nice to see how many were taking advantage of our livestream option.  I know we’re all getting used to the protocols so I appreciate all your efforts to adapt to the way of ‘doing church’ right now. Here are a couple of reminders and observations for this Sunday:
-Remember to keep your masks on when you leave the auditorium until you walk out the doors.
-Remember also to maintain your physical distancing outside. This is especially important if you don’t have a mask on.
Thanks all for making this a blessed and rich experience for everyone!
 
 
Mission’s Update
Update from Dave and Linda Buchner (International Student Ministries)

• Health news
• Feedback from Internationals
• Prayer request for internationals

 Health Update:
Dave got the results for the 2nd follow up MRI.  The doctor does not have any significant reasons for concern.  We are thankful for good news.
 Feedback from internationals:
“Thank you for the song you chose.  “Because he lives, all fear is gone.”  I love the beautiful song as it gives me energy and support.”  (I felt led to share the words of this song with the participants.)
Please pray for the internationals that still experience fear due to the coronavirus.)
 
“These days are difficult.  This pandemic has changed a lot, including my retirement plan; I will only retire next year.  Here in Brazil we are getting close to 50 thousand deaths.  We are still in quarantine, but Brazil's economy is not very good due to corruption.  My family is fine; so far we have not been affected by the disease.  At the University we lost a staff and a student because of coronavirus...I'm taking classes (English via zoom) on Mondays and, when there's time, also on Tuesdays (Alpha via zoom.)”  (Former participant in one of the conversation groups.  
Pray for the sale of her house so this professor can take early retirement and return to her home state in Brazil.)
 
Wednesday Prayer
Jacob and Karen Ginter host a weekly prayer gathering on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm. Join them as they pray through scripture for this current situation and for all of us.  You can connect through Zoom or by phone.   Here are the details:
GBC Wednesday Night Prayer
Time: 7-8pm
 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/923156764
 Meeting ID: 923 156 764
 To join by phone…
Dial  +1 647 374 4685 Canada and then enter Meeting ID
 
 
A thought for the day: Watch out for doubt, fear and worry.
As we continue to work our way through the impact and effects of the Covid pandemic its easy to get caught up in doubt, fear or worry. Yet in some ways this is an OPEN DOOR of opportunity to share God's love. That's why, as a church family, we're responding to the COVID-19 crisis, not by panicking or hiding out of fear, but by seeking to let out lights shine in different and creative ways. Our Surge ministry was active at Norfolk Manor several times while others have been delivering groceries, calling or doing other things to stay connected. This Saturday a group are serving a meal at the Life Center.
It all comes down to attitude! (remember Philippians 2:5??)
No matter how frustrating, confusing, or scary this crisis gets, fear doesn't have the final say. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” Our hope is built on the perfect love of Jesus Christ, so we've been called to share that love with the world around us. And that's exactly what we're seeking to do this week and in the coming weeks and months and as long as this lasts. God hasn’t told us to stop yet and we won’t!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris