Weekly Update

Hi GCN Family,

Kabash! That’s that Hebrew word we talked about on Sunday. It means, “to bring something under control that was once out of control; to bring order out of chaos.” This is part of our original job description from way back in the Garden of Eden, in Genesis 1:28. God did not preprogram the whole system. Instead, in God’s great genius and love and beauty, God has invited us into His great mission of bringing order out of the chaos. If you are in Christ, then you are a peacemaker, a grace-giver, and a Truth-teller.

So, right now, how can you proclaim, “Peace, be still” in the middle of the storms of other people’s lives? How can you extend grace, practice empathy, speak peace, and lead people to hope in Jesus, all in tangible ways? Let’s not just make that a rhetorical question. I’d love to hear the ways you and your family are doing just that these days: pastorbrian@gburgnaz.org. I’m thankful to be a part of this peacemaking mission of God (called GCN) with you.

Sad News: Eastern Nazarene College Announces Closing. Many of you know that Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) is our denominational school, located in Quincy, MA. Some of you are alumni, and many of you have been a part of leadership events or youth events on that beautiful campus over the years. Financial struggles over the past several years have led their Board of Trustees to the difficult decision to close operations by the end of this year. Please be in prayer for ENC and for students, faculty, and staff most immediately impacted by this. I am personally grateful for the investment of ENC in generations of Christian leaders over the years. My wife and many family members have been graduates or faculty at that great school. We grieve with those who grieve. To read more about the decision from ENC’s website, CLICK HERE.

Invitation to Engage and Pray at GCN:

  1. Continue to pray for the kids and families who were a part of Mega Sports Camp, especially for those who made a decision to follow Jesus.
  2. Pray for our upcoming camps in our neighborhood as we partner with Stewartown Resource Center and The Equity Center. Stewartown Camp is the week of July 8, and Washington Grove Camp is the week of July 15.
  3. Plug into Summer Fun! Tonight is “Movies that Move Us” at 7pm. Then, so many opportunities this Saturday: Hike at Black Hill Regional Park at 9:30am, Picnic in the Park (also at Black Hill Park) from 10am-1pm, and then Ice Cream outing at Jimmie Cone from 6:30-8:00pm. CLICK HERE to see the full list and to Contact or RSVP to the leader.
  4. Be a part of the Daily Bible Reading Plan this Summer. You can find that on the GCN Mobile App.
  5. We continue in our Storyteller series this Sunday. We’ll be looking at the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree from Luke 13. Here’s what I know for sure: God wants us to be fruitful; to flourish. May it be so! Invite others to join you this Sunday. I believe those times of worship together as a church family are special, and I believe there are many who need a place to belong.
  6. Click Here for more items coming up, including Kids Camp and Teen Camp!

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

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