Weekly Update

Church Family,

He is (still) RISEN!

I am so thankful for the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Because the tomb is empty, we have hope. Because the tomb is empty, anything is possible. What a wonderful resurrection and baptism celebration this past Sunday! Thanks to all the volunteers during the Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to our greeters, our parking lot attendants, our tech crew, the worship team, and to all who worked behind the scenes, all in Jesus’ name!

Following that Sunday morning time together, here is the prayer that pervaded my heart: God, continue to pour out that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, upon GCN today. We are surrounded by people who are in need of the resurrecting power of Jesus. We are in need of that same power. Wake us up from our slumber. Help us not to just get excited about a day. Instead, make us hungry for more of you, and hungry to see people who are far from you come near to you. Amen. 
 
IMPORTANT THINGS COMING UP…

1. GCN CONNECT LUNCH. This Sunday, immediately following the worship service. If you have connected to GCN within the past year, or less, we hope you will join us this Sunday for the GCN Connect Lunch. It’s simply an opportunity to connect with your pastors, connect with others, find out more about God’s mission through GCN, ask any questions, and eat good food. Please RSVP here to let us know you’re joining us.
2. GCN Youth Spring Retreat. May 2-4. Just a week and a half away. If you have a teen, grandkid, neighbor, or friend who is in 6th-12th grade, we hope you can be a part of this. It’s one of those monumental youth group events that we just don’t want you to miss. All students are invited! Click here to register.
3. Summer @ GCN. It’s still springtime, but we’re already looking forward to summer. Here are a few key items coming up:
   • GCN Summer Intern! We have a legacy of investing in college students in our GCN Ministry Internship program. This summer is no exception. Be on the lookout in the coming days as we announce this summer’s intern.
   • Dedication of the Spitler Prayer Garden. June 8 (Pentecost Sunday). Pentecost Sunday is going to be a great one at GCN. We’ll be celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church, and also celebrating Pastors Ben and Kelly as we dedicate the GCN Prayer Garden, in their honor. Join us for a fun picnic and a time of celebration that morning!
   • Summer Fun Groups. Be on the lookout, in the coming weeks, for great opportunities to connect and grow this summer as we launch our Summer Fun Groups.

CONDOLENCES & MEMORIALS
We continue to lift up the families of Jerry Way and Pam Wong. Jerry passed away on Thursday, April 17th. Pam passed away on Friday, April 18th. Two wonderful people who lived their lives for Jesus right to the end.

A Memorial Service in honor of Jerry Way will be held on Monday, April 28th at GCN. The family will receive visitors beginning at 3:30 PM, followed by the Memorial Service at 4:30pm. Please continue to keep Cindy and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

A Memorial Service honoring Pam Wong will be Friday, May 2nd at GCN. A Visitation with the family will begin at 10am, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00am. The family invites everyone to join them for a meal, following the Service, in the Life Center. We continue to pray for Phil and the family.
 
Much Love,

Pastor Brian