Weekly Update

Hi GCN Family,

This has been a summer to remember at GCN. A quick recap: (1) A great intern, Amen Etefa, (2) Grad Sunday, (3) Mega Sports Camp, (4) Summer Fun Groups filled with bon fires and book clubs and pickleball and ice cream, and more, (5) Camps at Washington Grove and Stewartown, (6) Teen Camp and Kids Camp, (7) Honduras Vision Trip, (8) A Parables Sermon Series, (9) Ongoing food distribution and nursing home ministries, (10) Bee A Blessing Backpack Drive, (11) and much more!

God is so good. As we inch closer to fall, we have so much to be thankful for. I’ll go ahead and add another list: Things to know for the coming weeks…

1. Welcome Home Sunday is September 8th. Who are you inviting to join you? We’ll have a wonderful time of worship, and then a great time picnicking and partying outside afterwards.
   
   
2. New Church Van Capital Campaign. We are over halfway to our goal of raising $20k so that we can purchase a newer church van. Thanks to a generous donation and good stewardship by your church board, we have allocated over $22,500 towards this purchase, but that additional $20k will help us make this purchase. Just a reminder: When you give towards a new church van, you are investing in the future of GCN. There have been hundreds of students transported to and from mission trips, retreats, and camps where students have made life-changing decisions for Christ. I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use this van in Kingdom of God ways in the future. CLICK HERE to give. (Select “Van Capital Campaign” from the dropdown menu under “FUND”). A reminder: Any amount received beyond the amount needed for this purchase will be designated towards future Next Generation Ministry efforts. More to come! Thank you for your investment!
   
   
3. This past Sunday, Pastor Kevin highlighted great ways to get involved with our partnership with Cocal Gracias in Honduras in the coming years. Check out this article for more about Brian Ruark and that ministry.
   
   
4. This Sunday, we wrap up our Parable Series. Pastor Lauren will be sharing from Matthew 20, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
   
   
5. Mailboxes Removed. The mailboxes, located in the hallway from the foyer to the Life Center, will be removed in the coming weeks. If you have any items stored in those boxes, we just ask that you gather those by this Sunday. Then, we’ll be gathering those items and storing them in the office for a few weeks. Some of you have used the mailbox storage area to share kitchen key access. We’ll be reaching out to those few leaders soon with an updated plan for shared key storage. Looking forward to the days ahead! Reach out if you have any questions.

One last thought: I am loving the Bible Reading and Prayer plan on the GCN Mobile App. Earlier this week, the reading was from Acts 10-11. Go back and check that out, if you haven’t already read it. What a beautiful reminder that God has poured out His Holy Spirit on all people. May we, like Peter, take time to be still, to seek God, and to be obedient when God calls us to do uncomfortable things. God goes with us!

Much love,

Pastor Brian