Weekly Update

Which bible stories or passages of scripture have been central to your life for many years?

Really, let me know.

During our GCN summer series, Word, we’re focusing on how the bible is more than a book. It’s a story about a God who is working to redeem and restore all creation. The goal is not to just get into God’s Word. The goal is to get God’s Word into me!

Moses at the Burning Bush is one of the most important bible stories for me in this current season of life. I have probably come back to Exodus 3 and 4 at least once a month. A few things I love about this story, that serve as reminders to us:

• God showed up to Moses in the middle of the wilderness. God is so good, and He meets us where we are.
• Moses doubts himself. He seems to battle debilitating insecurity. God’s response is not to affirm Moses’ abilities. Rather, God reassures Moses that He will be with him. (Exodus 3:12)
• God is patient with Moses. Despite Moses’ hesitancy and even disbelief, God works with Moses. He even gives him the signs of the staff turning into the snake and the hand turning leprous and the water turning to blood. (Exodus 4:1-9) God is patient with us.
• One of the last things God says to Moses in that Burning Bush scene is this: Now GO. I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. God is faithful. God helps you know what to say. Trust Him. Go!
  
  

Our Prayer: Holy Spirit, transform the Word of God from words on a page into the Truth for our lives. Thank you for meeting us where we are. Thank you for always being with us. Thank you for being patient with us. Forgive us for the times when we’ve doubted your goodness through our lack of trust in you. Help us to speak. Teach us what to say. Amen.

Other Things to PRAY about…

1. Pray for our GCN kids and volunteers at Mid-Atlantic District Kids Camp this week.
2. Pray for the kids and volunteers who will be a part of Stewartown Summer Camp next week.
3. Pray for those in our church who have lost loved ones in recent months. Lord, be near.
4. Pray for this church to stay on mission in our community. Lord, thank you for sending us as missionaries into our neighborhood. Pour out your Holy Spirit in this place. We pray for salvation and transformation of lives and families in this area. In our neighborhood as it is in Heaven. Amen.
5. Pray for the world. Lord, where there is injustice and mistreatment, we pray for your Justice and reconciliation. Help your church to be the church in those places. Where there is addiction or violence or loneliness or hopelessness, we pray for your healing. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
   
   

One more thing – this past Sunday, Pastor Lauren shared about that impactful message at Nazarene Youth Conference. CLICK HERE for that message by Eric Samuel Timm. While you’re at it, check out the whole service, and all the service at NYC 2026.

Much Love,
Pastor Brian