Weekly Update

Hi GCN Family,

The kingdom of heaven is like yeast… (Matthew 13:33)

Now, I’m no bread maker, but I do know that yeast is a critical component. I also know that the amount needed is tiny. Eventually, it’ll permeate the entire lump of dough, but it takes time.

One of the parables of Jesus on today’s Bible Reading Plan is the Parable of the Yeast. It’s this beautiful reminder that when we pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as in heaven, we are praying for God’s rule and reign to break in and infiltrate every part of our lives and our world. Kinda like yeast does in a lump of dough. The mission that God has called GCN to right here in our neighborhood is a yeast-like mission. It’s a long obedience in the same direction. It will take Holy Spirit-inspired creativity and discernment to know how to best love our neighborhood and how to lead the people around us to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a get-rich quick scheme, and we should perhaps be cautious with overnight success stories (see the seed that fell on shallow soil in Matthew 13:5-6). Instead, the call of the gospel for the local church (that’s us) is to develop deep roots, to practice laser-focused devotion to the Way of Jesus, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to lead people and families and our neighborhood towards a life-changing relationship with Jesus. It’s very yeast-y. But it’s the Way of Jesus.

Have you been a part of the Summer Bible Reading Plan? It’s not too late! You can find it on the GCN Mobile App.

GCN’s ways to engage, give, and pray this week…

1. Mega Sports Camp! It begins this Monday evening (June 17). Invite any kids you know! 6-8pm, Monday-Thursday (6/17-6/20). Online registration is closed, but in-person registration is welcome on Monday evening.
2. Click on the ANNOUNCEMENTS page to see ways to give towards Camp Scholarships, or to the Baby Bottle Campaign (don't forget to bring back those baby bottles this Sunday!)
3. Summer Fun Groups! Here are some great ones still coming up this month: Fire-Pit and S’mores at the Gruber Farm (June 23rd), Back Porch Book Club at the Clugstons (June 25th), Movies that Move us with Sonja Hatten (June 26th), Picnic at Black Hill Park (June 29th).
4. Pray for our Honduras Vision Team. That trip is August 5-12. If you’d like to support the projects with Ministerio La Voz or if you’d like to financially support the team members, GO TO OUR GIVING PAGE. On the dropdown menu under “Fund,” select “NMI Projects” to give towards project for this trip, and select “NMI Mission Trips” to give to team members.

Much Love,

Pastor Brian