GCN Family, because Jesus is risen, we have hope.

I’m still feeling the joy from this past Sunday. What a great day filled with kids laughing, new families joining, 6 people coming out of the waters of baptism, and a church lifting high the name of King Jesus!

Guess what! Jesus is STILL risen. Because He is risen, we have hope.

A big thanks to: our worship team and worship leaders (Ashley Malott and Josh Clugston), our tech team (Bob Francis, Rafael Flores, and Prentiss Searles), our Easter Egg Hunt Directors (Emily Tymes and Heather Hobbs), our hard-working and people-loving pastors (Pastor Kevin, Pastor Lauren, and Pastor Karen), our First Impressions Team (led by Anne VanBronkhorst), our kids workers during the worship service (led by Sara Gruber), our beautiful choir (led by Pastor Ben), and many, many more!

God is so good.

Many of you stepped out and invited friends and family members to Easter Sunday. I love that! Can I offer you a pastoral encouragement? Invite those neighbors, friends, and family members (who don’t already have a church) back for this Sunday! So many people are longing for something that can only be found in Christ.

He is Risen!

Pastor Brian


 

GCN’s Good Friday service is this Friday at 7pm. I hope you’ll join. We will open God’s Word together, pray together, and consider the gravity of the cross of Jesus. There is no resurrection without a crucifixion.

Resurrection Sunday is this Sunday. Who are you inviting to join you? Easter Egg Hunt at 9am, for all kids, through 5th grade. Worship Service at 10:30am. Can’t wait!

Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. It’s sometimes called “Spy Wednesday.” That’s because tradition speculates that it was on Wednesday when Judas went to the chief priests and plotted hand Jesus over to them.

Judas’ betrayal of Jesus is frustrating and confusing. Judas has walked with Jesus for three years. He knows how compassionate he is. He has seen him extend grace to people. He has seen him perform miracles, heal people, and heard him proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come. How can Judas, of all people, betray Jesus?

This is how sin works: Judas has been deceived. More than likely, he is disappointed that Jesus is not overthrowing Rome by force. Now, in his greed, he is looking to profit from that sin.

Still, God takes what the enemy intended for evil, and He turns it for good. God takes the sin of Judas and turns it into the events that lead to the cross and resurrection.

This week, enter into the story of Scripture with the GCN Bible Reading Plan or follow along here: 

• Wednesday: Matthew 26:1-16
• Thursday: Matthew 26:17-75
• Friday: Matthew 27:1-56
• Saturday: Matthew 27:57-66
• Sunday: Matthew 28:1-20
  
  

Much Love,

Pastor Brian
 

 

 GCN Family,
 
Jesus is in the resurrection business. If you are spiritually dead, He can bring you back to life by the power of His Holy Spirit. Just receive Him. Who needs that today?
 
That was the message this past Sunday from Pastor Kevin. If you missed it, take a moment and check it out.
 
A Few Things To Remember:

1. Who are you inviting to join you Easter Sunday? April 5th. Send that text. Make that phone call.
2. Interested in Serving at the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Morning? CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer!
3. Good Friday Service. 7pm. April 3rd. Join us for this night of worship, scripture, and reflecting on the cross of Good Friday.
4. Ladies Night. This Saturday, March 28th. 5:30-7:30pm. Not too late to sign up for this free event!
5. Honduras Mission Trip Info Meeting. This Sunday, March 29th. 12:00pm. If you are at all interested in learning more about the Mission Trip to Puerto Cortes, Honduras coming up in September, be a part of this info meeting!
6. For much more, check out the ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE on our website. Or, download the GCN Mobile App!

 
Much Love,
 
Pastor Brian
 

GCN Family,
 
We are in the middle of a season called Lent. It’s the journey to the cross of Good Friday and the Empty Tomb of Resurrection Sunday.
 
A great question to bring before God, especially during this season, is this: “God, what are you calling me to right now? In what ways are you stretching me in ways that lead to a deeper surrender to You and a deeper love for people?”
 
Speaking of Resurrection Sunday, here are some great ways to serve and plug in:
 

1. The GCN Easter Egg Hunt is a great way to love the people in our neighborhood! It’s Easter Sunday morning @ 9am. We need volunteers! All hands on deck. Please take a moment and CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer at our Egg Hunt, prior to our 10:30am Resurrection Worship Service!
2. Invite your neighbors (and friends, and cousins, and enemies) to be a part of the Egg Hunt. CLICK HERE for the registration link. Pass it on!
3. Invite everyone you know to be a part of Easter @ GCN. I’m really looking forward to celebrating the Resurrection of King Jesus as we baptize some brothers and sisters that morning.

 
A few other things coming up soon:

1. Men’s Lunch. This Saturday, March 21st, at 12:00-2:00pm. Smoked Meats, good fun, good times. If you’re a man (of any age), come on out!
2. Prime Timer Lunch. Next Friday, March 27th. 12:00-1:30pm. Invite others to join you. Reach out to Jill Gale (jillabeth1@gmail.com) and Jean Hampton (hamptonjean@msn.com)
3. Ladies Night. Next Saturday, March 28th. 5:30-7:30pm. CLICK HERE to register.

 
Much Love,
 
Pastor Brian

“…Oh for GRACE to TRUST Him more.”

This past Sunday, we looked at Exodus 17. God provides water from a dry rock! This is just one of many miracles over the course of 6 weeks for the people of God. He also provides manna from heaven, and He turns bitter water into good water.

This is not about the food and the water. This is about God trying to teach His people (us!) that we were created to TRUST HIM.

One more thing: I hope you’ll join us this Saturday at the All-Church Cleaning Day! 9am-12pm is Kitchen Cleaning. 1pm – 4pm is all-church cleaning. Plus, it’ll be a lot of fun!

Check out the GCN ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE for other ways to plug in this next month.

1. Men’s Lunch. Saturday, March 21st. Come on out, men!
2. We are looking for people to lend a hand and volunteer at our Easter Egg Hunt. You can see all the ways to serve and sign up by CLICKING HERE. 
3. Prime Timers Lunch. Friday, March 27th at 12:00-1:30pm.
4. Ladies Night. Saturday, March 28th. A night of worship, encouragement and community. Ladies, come on out and REGISTER HERE.
5. Good Friday Service. April 3rd at 7pm.
6. Baptism Sunday / Resurrection Sunday! Sunday, April 5th.
   
   

Pray for one another:

1. Pray for the Harold Bane family. Harold, the husband of the late Mary Lou Bane, passed away on March 1. A Visitation and Memorial Service will be at 11am this Saturday, March 14th at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Mausoleum Chapel in Lavale, MD. Click Here for the obituary.
2. Pray for Cindy Way. She had a triple bypass surgery scheduled on Tuesday of this week.
3. Pray for Carol Record. She continues to receive treatment in Baltimore.
4. Pray for our neighborhood, our church, and the many needs represented. Lord, hear our prayer!
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian
 

 

Jesus wants every part of you.

Does He have it?

That was the message this past Sunday. This season of Lent, among other things, calls us to a deeper surrender to Jesus.

Have you surrendered your future to Jesus? Your family? Your desire for control?

That Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) counted the cost and decided that Jesus was asking too much from him.

Contrast that with Peter, Andrew, James and John. They left their livelihood of fishing, dropped their nets, and followed Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22)

There is no freedom without a surrender to Jesus.

Everything – Jesus = Nothing.
Jesus + Nothing = Everything.

Check out the GCN ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE for ways to plug in this next month.

1. All Church Cleaning Day. Saturday, March 14th. It’ll be fun!
2. Men’s Lunch. Saturday, March 21st. Come on out, men!
3. Ladies Night. Saturday, March 28th. A night of worship, encouragement and community. You can register for that by CLICKING HERE.  Ladies, come out!
4. Good Friday Service. April 3rd at 7pm.
5. Baptism Sunday / Resurrection Sunday! Sunday, April 5th.
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

 

GCN Family,

Today marks one week since the beginning of Lent. Some of you have chosen to fast during this season. Some of you have chosen to take on a new practice (or attitude) this season. I was talking to one GCNer who shared that they had given up sadness, choosing instead to be filled with gratitude. I love that!

In Joel 2:12, the Lord speaks to the people of God and declares: Even now, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.

There is some connection between our fasting and the Holy Spirit revealing things inside of us that need to change. All of that is for the purpose of returning to the Lord.

I’m praying that this season is a time of us returning to the Lord, church. Amen.

A Few Things Coming Up:

1. All Church Cleaning Day. Saturday, March 14th. What a great way to serve together and to bless our neighborhood at the same time!
2. Men’s Lunch. Saturday, March 21st. More info coming soon!
3. Easter @ GCN. Sunday, April 5th. Who are you inviting to join you?
4. Baptism Sunday = Easter Sunday (April 5th). If you have a relationship with Jesus and have not yet been baptized, we hope you’ll choose to get baptized on Easter! Either let one of our pastors know if you’re interested, or CLICK HERE to fill out the Connect Card, selecting “I’m interested in baptism” on the form.
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian
 

GCN Family,
 
Today begins the season of Lent: The journey to the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Resurrection Sunday.
 
I hope you’ll join us tonight at 7pm for our Ash Wednesday Service. It’ll be a time of prayer, worship, scripture, and a reminder that life is fleeting, but Jesus is forever. I’m really looking forward to tonight.
 
A central Lenten passage is Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13) Jesus went 40 days with no food, and the first temptation by the enemy was to turn stones into bread. Imagine how hungry Jesus must have been. We know that Jesus will turn water to wine. He’ll take a little boys lunch and feed 5,000 people. He will heal a man born blind. We know that Jesus can turn stones to bread. But He doesn’t do it.
 
Why?
 
Because the way of Jesus is not the way of instant gratification and quick fixes. It is the way of complete dependence upon the Father.
 
As we begin this season, here is a good self-examining prayer: Lord, in what ways do I need to more deeply depend on You? Where in my life do I need to invite the Holy Spirit to come in and heal? Amen.
 
See you tonight. 7pm.
 
One more thing: It’s not too late to be a part of Relational Evangelism Training Day! This Saturday. 1-4pm. Click Here to register. It’s 100% free and 1,000% needed. If you’re on the fence, take this as your sign: Go ahead and sign up. This is all a part of what it means for us to be a church who is all-in on embodying the good news of Jesus to our neighborhood.
 
Much Love,
 
Pastor Brian

2 Questions:

1. Do you want to more boldly share the love of Jesus with people in your life who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus?
2. If the answer to that question is “yes,” then: Have you signed up for Relational Evangelism Training Day? Saturday, February 21st. 1-4pm.

 
It’s 100% free. I hope you’ll sign up today! This is all a part of our church embodying the good news of Jesus to our neighborhood.
 
A couple other things coming up:

1. Ash Wednesday Service. Wednesday, February 18th @ 7pm. We will worship together, pray together, open God’s Word together, and be reminded of our deep dependence upon Christ. This is the beginning of the journey to the cross of Good Friday and the Empty Tomb of Easter Sunday. Join us!

2. Interested in Baptism? Easter Sunday is Baptism Sunday here at GCN. That’s Sunday, April 5th. If you have a relationship with Jesus but you have not yet been baptized, then this is for you. CLICK HERE and select “I’m interested in baptism” on our Connect Card. Or, reach out to one of our pastors.
 
You are loved,
 
Pastor Brian

GCN Family,
 
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
 
That was the message from this past Sunday night’s Vision Night. God isn’t able to just do a LITTLE bit more than we can ask or imagine. He’s not just able to do TWICE as much as all we can ask or imagine. He’s able to do IMMEASURABLE MORE than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
 
Thanks for being a part of that night together. We were well-fed by Darrin, Karen, Chip and the whole meal team. We were encouraged by our Treasurer, Traci Weems, sharing her heart for giving. We were blessed by Adilia Sequeira sharing her testimony (“My spirit belongs at GCN”). We were ushered into the throne room of Grace by Ashley Malott and her team. God is so good.
 
Let’s be praying together over: (1) Our increased investment in ministry to and with kids and families, bridging the gap between outside-the-walls ministry and inside-the-walls ministry. (2) Prayer over direction and discernment for a new staff position: Kids Ministry Director. (3) Prayer over being more intentional about our ministry with those in our community whose first language is not English. (4) Prayer over our increased organization and intentionality in ministering to the most vulnerable in our neighborhood.
 
Thanks for being the church! The best is yet to come.
 
A few other things:

1. February Preaching Swap: Looking forward to Pastor Shane Valenstein, from City on a Hill Church, being with us this Sunday. Check out their website and get to know Pastor Shane a little bit.
2. Relational Evangelism Training Day. February 21st. 1-4pm. A day of learning, encouragement, and practical tools to help you share your faith with confidence and compassion. It’s free! Register today!
3. Ash Wednesday at GCN. Wednesday, February 18th. 7:00pm.
4. Office Administrative Update. Following her maternity leave, Paola Gnatiko will transition to GCN FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR, beginning February 2nd. Jenny Schafer has transitioned to GCN OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. This means, if you have any general office administrative questions or needs, you can direct those to Jenny at Jenny.Schafer@gburgnaz.org (or officeadmin@gburnaz.org) . If you have any Finance questions or Requisitions, you can direct those to Paola Gnatiko at PGnatiko@gburgnaz.org (or GCNFinance@gburgnaz.org). Thankful for our excellent office staff!
   
   

Much Love,
 
Pastor Brian

WWJD?

Anybody remember the big “What Would Jesus Do?” campaign of the 90s and early 2000s? Personally, I had around a dozen “WWJD?” Bracelets. The idea was simple: When you are facing a situation and you are wondering how you should behave, just ask the question, “What would Jesus do in this situation if He were me?”

That’s a really good question for us, as Christians in our culture in 2026. What would Jesus do with his money? What would Jesus do in the face of temptation? What would Jesus do when He is worried?

What is Jesus’ posture towards those who are looked down on, feared by others, or outcast? We know His posture because we can read all about it in John 4 (Samaritan woman at the well), Mark 1:40-42/Matthew 8:1-4 (the healing of the man with leprosy), Matthew 15:21-28 (The Canaanite Woman), Luke 8:43-48 (The woman with the bleeding disorder), John 8:2-11 (The woman caught in the act of adultery), and many more.

Lately, I have found myself returning to the story of Deitrich Bonhoeffer. If you’re not familiar, research his story or read one of his books. The Cost of Discipleship is an all-time classic.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor in the 1930s and 40s, during the peak of Nazi power. He founded the Confessing Church, a church and training school that sought to train disciples to practice faithfulness to Jesus rather than compromise to power and empire.

There’s a story about a friend of Bonhoeffer’s who visited him at the training school. He was concerned that maybe Bonhoeffer had taken this anti-Nazi fight too far. One afternoon, Bonhoeffer took his friend rowing on the river that bordered the Confessing Church Training School. They came to a place in the river where, in the distance, they could see an airfield where Hitler was training his troops. Fighter jets were flying all around. Bonhoeffer points to the airfield and says, “They are preparing for harshness and hatred.” Then, he points back to his little training school and says, “We are preparing for discipleship to Jesus that fights against their hatred, at all costs.” Then he said, “OUR discipleship to Jesus has to be stronger than THEIR discipleship to hatred.”

I pray that our discipleship to Jesus produces actions in line with the heart of Jesus, that are stronger than those who are discipled by the world. What would Jesus do?

A few things coming up:

1. VISION NIGHT. This Sunday, February 1st. 5:30-7:30. You won’t want to miss it! This is the only night all year that we’ll all meet together for a night like this. My hope is that all of you can be there.
   
   
2. Relational Evangelism Training Day. February 21st. 1-4pm. A day of learning, encouragement, and practical tools to help you share your faith with confidence and compassion. It’s free! Register today!
   
   
3. February Preaching Swap. Again this year, GCN is a part of a 4-way preaching swap. I love this opportunity to see how God is working in other churches, and to remember that the church is much bigger than 8921 Warfield Road. You’ll love Pastors Brian, Shane, and Eric. Here’s the schedule:

• Feb. 8th - Shane Valenstein, City on a Hill Community Church
• Feb. 15th - Brian Remsch, Restoration Church
• Feb. 22nd – Eric Valenstein, Impact Church
  
  

4. Ash Wednesday at GCN. Wednesday, February 18th. 7:00pm.
   
   
5. Office Administrative Update. Following her maternity leave, Paola Gnatiko will transition to GCN FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR, beginning February 2nd. Jenny Schafer has transitioned to GCN OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. This means, if you have any general office administrative questions or needs, you can direct those to Jenny at Jenny.Schafer@gburgnaz.org (or officeadmin@gburnaz.org) . If you have any Finance questions or Requistions, you can direct those to Paola Gnatiko at PGnatiko@gburgnaz.org (or GCNFinance@gburgnaz.org). Thankful for our excellent office staff!
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

Hi GCN Family,

What a joy it was to have the Ruark family with us this past Sunday. Brian shared from 1 Samuel 30. The end of 1 Samuel records a time in David’s life when it feels like his best day are behind him. He’s hiding in caves because King Saul is in a jealous rage, trying to kill David.

Years earlier, Samuel had anointed David as king. Then, David defeated Goliath and became a great warrior. But he still wasn’t king. What felt like the end was only the beginning of how God was going to guide David into kingship.

The bottom line: Right now might seem like a time when your best days are behind you, but in reality, God is working behind the scenes. Maybe now is the time when God is calling you to step out into something big. Maybe now is the time He is calling you to serve in a particular way. Trust in Him.

I want to share 5 more things:

1. If you’re at all interested in being a part of a Mission Trip to Puerto Cortes, Honduras this September, take a moment to fill out the GCN MISSION TRIP INTEREST FORM. 
2. If you would like to give towards support of the Ruark Family and Cocal Gracias, you can do so by CLICKING HERE. Select “RUARK FAMILY” if you would like to directly support the Ruarks. Select “Honduras-Cocal Gracias” if you would like to support the ministry, as a whole. If you are giving cash/check: Memo line or envelope should include “Ruark Family” for family support, or “Honduras-Cocal Gracias” for ministry support. Thank you!
3. GCN Vision Night. Sunday, February 1st. 5:30-7:30. Eat, worship, vision, celebrate, pray. Make this date a priority. You won’t want to miss it.
4. Relational Evangelism Training Day. Saturday, February 21st. 1:00-4:00pm. Registration is FREE. Register today.
5. February Preaching Swap. Again this year, GCN is a part of a 4-way preaching swap. I love this opportunity to see how God is working in other churches, and to remember that the church is much bigger than 8921 Warfield Road. You’ll love Pastors Brian, Shane, and Eric. Here’s the schedule:
   
   

• Feb. 8th - Shane Valenstein, City on a Hill Community Church
• Feb. 15th - Brian Remsch, Restoration Church
• Feb. 22nd – Eric Valenstein, Impact Church
  
  

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

Hi GCN Family,

We have partnered with Cocal Gracias Ministry for over 15 years. That’s why we’re so excited to have the Ruark family with us this Sunday. Brian and Rina have led this wonderful ministry in Puerto Cortes, Honduras for many years. It’s part trade school, part English classes, part entrepreneurial school, and part evangelistic and discipleship school.

Click here to find out more about the ministry.

We are a church who is committed to embodying the good news of Jesus to our own neighborhood, and far beyond!

Other Important Things:

1. GCN Vision Night. Sunday, February 1. 5:30pm. Join us for this night of vision-casting and worship. Plus, we’ll eat together! If you are a part of GCN, you will not want to miss this night!
2. Relational Evangelism Training Day. February 21st. 1:00-4:00pm. Join us for a day of learning, encouragement, and practical tools to help you share your faith with confidence and compassion with guest speaker, Tyree Sterling.
3. Interested in serving in GCN’s Long-Term Residential Care Ministry? This past Sunday, Pastor Karen shared about how you can get involved. You can sign up by CLICKING HERE, then select “Long-Term Residential Care Ministry “ (under Community Outreach).
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

This past Sunday, we extended the invitation to start the new year with a fast. Fasting is a posture of consecration. It’s saying, “God, I want to give you more space in my life to fill me and to work.” Fasting produces physical hunger pangs that are translated into spiritual hunger pangs for more of the God’s Presence. There are several types of fasts: The Daniel Fast (fasting meat, dairy, and sugar), or the John Wesley Fast (fasting one day/week; sundown to sundown), or fasting one meal/day for multiple days. I would invite you to observe some type of fasting through the month of January.

Our prayer at the start of 2026: Holy Spirit, where are you at work, and how can we join you? How do you want us to love people in our neighborhood this year?
 
OTHER BIG THINGS:

1. Ruark Family @ GCN. Sunday, January 18th. We have partnered with the Ruarks and Cocal Gracias Ministry for many years. You won’t want to miss this Sunday!
2. GCN VISION NIGHT. Sunday, February 1st @ 5:30pm. Mark your calendars. We’ll eat together, then we’ll gather and prayerfully consider what God might have for us into the future! You won’t want to miss this night.
3. Relational Evangelism Training Day. Saturday, February 21st. Sign up details coming soon!
4. Join a LIFE GROUP. Sign up details coming soon.

 
Much Love,

Pastor Brian

“And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” – John 1:14

Merry Christmas Eve, GCN!

It’s simple: Jesus was born for you. Jesus died for you. Jesus was raised to new life for you. Receive Him.

I hope to see you in a few hours at our Christmas Eve Service. 5pm today.

Arrive early. Worship Jesus. Receive His grace. Pass it on to others. Invite others to join you.

Be generous.

Speaking of which, you can give to the Christmas Eve Offering by CLICKING HERE. Then, select “Christmas Eve Offering.” 100% that we receive will go towards NourishNow Food Bank in Rockville and Immigration Help for Haitian pastors and Hatian congregations on our Nazarene district. Thank you for giving!

2 other things:

1. The GCN Office will be closed on 12/24, 12/25, 12/26, and 12/29-1/2. We will reopen on Monday, January 5th.
   
   
2. Kendra Neil is hosting a New Years Eve Party at GCN on December 31st @ 9pm, ending at 12:30am. Bring snacks to share! All are invited.
   
   

Much Love & Merry Christmas Eve,

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

Scroll down for today’s GCN Devotional, written by our very own Ashley Liddle.

A few other things:

1. Christmas Eve is a week from today! Next Wednesday, December 24th @ 5pm.. Candlelight Service. Show up early for some homemade cookies, hot cocoa, a photo booth, and more. Who are you inviting to join you?
   
   
2. Thank you for loving our neighborhood! Thanks for the gifts and gift cards that you provided for families in our own community. We’ll distribute those at the Christmas Party this Friday at the Stewartown Resource Center. What a joy to give!
   
   
3. Christmas Eve Offering. Intentional generosity is a Christmas Eve tradition at GCN. This year’s Christmas Eve Offering will benefit two great causes: (1) NourishNow Food Bank in Rockville. NourishNow helps provide food that we hand out at our food distribution on Tuesdays. They rely on generous donations from people in our community. (2) Immigration Support for Haitian pastors and congregations on the Mid-Atlantic Nazarene district, who are facing urgent immigration needs right now. Our district has a goal of raising $25,000 (among all churches) for legal help for those facing really difficult situations in those churches. 100% of what we receive in our Christmas Eve Offering will go towards these 2 causes.
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian


Read Psalm 16.

Psalm 16 is a beautiful Psalm written by David, someone who was known as a man after God’s own heart. David, like us, went through many different seasons in his life… some seasons were filled with some amazing feats while other seasons were pretty rough. One thing that I have always appreciated about David’s life was that in the good and the bad times, he relied on the Lord for His help, strength and joy. We see this reality played out in Psalm 16:8 when David declared, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord.”

In a season where it is easy to get distracted and overwhelmed by all that is going on and everything that has to get done, I find David’s words to help remind me of where my true joy comes from in this season.  It comes from the Lord!  We don’t need more presents, more gatherings or more things to do this season. We just need Jesus; His presence and to keep lifting our eyes to Him in each and every moment.

How are you feeling today? Are you feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by all that is going on and all that has to get done? Feeling a lack of joy in this season? If so, I’d encourage you to choose to just sit in the presence of the Lord for a few minutes today.

As you sit in the presence of Jesus, re-read Psalm 16:11 again and make it your prayer this morning… “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
 
Friends, you will not find joy in all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas, but only in the presence of the Lord! May we find rest and joy in His presence today!

Written by Ashley Liddle

Hi GCN Family,

I’m loving these GCN Advent Devotionals. Scroll down and check out today’s devotional, written by Jim Orban. Then, CLICK HERE to check out the other devotionals this week.
 
Remember…

1. Christmas Eve @ GCN. December 24th at 5pm. Here’s the vision: Invite people in your life who are in need of the love of Jesus. Friends? Co-Workers? Family Members? People are likely to respond to a personal invitation. Who are you inviting to join you?
   
   
2. Reminder: Gift Cards and Wrapped Toys for the Stewartown Christmas Party are due back this Sunday, December 14th. Thank you for giving and loving!
   
   
3. Cocal Gracias Coffee makes a great stocking stuffer! We have plenty of bags available in the coffee shop at GCN. It’s $12/bag. Honor system. Grab a bag, and then pay cash or check. Pay by putting cash in a giving envelope (on top of the giving boxes in the lobby and the sanctuary). Mark the giving envelope or memo the check: “Cocal Gracias Coffee”. If you have any questions, contact Darrin Cave (darrincave@yahoo.com).
   
   

Much love,

Pastor Brian

Read Isaiah 9:6-7.

We are now well on our way in our journey of Advent, looking expectantly toward the incarnation of our Lord. We pause today to reflect on Isaiah’s prophesy about the coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7). Isaiah calls Him, among other names, the “Prince of Peace”. “Prince”, of course, is a reference to royalty, but what does Isaiah mean by “peace”? We’re familiar with the phrases “peace and quiet”, or “war and peace”. So, is “peace” simply the lack of strife and conflict, or the absence of loud noise?

The Apostle Paul includes “peace” in his list of the “fruit of the Spirit” in his letter to the Galatians (Galatians 5:22-23). His list includes “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”. What an incredible list! Each of these fruits is worthy of its own study, and a challenge for us to embody. The inclusion of “peace” in this list is key to us as Christians, because peace is more than the absence of something negative; it’s a positive trait that we can attain only through the power of the Holy Spirit. How? By emptying ourselves of self-centeredness and asking God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. This is something we can (and should) do every day!

Peace is a calmness that comes from knowing the Prince of Peace and trusting Him for guidance in our everyday choices and decisions. Peace is the antidote to worry and anxiety. Peace is not only an anchor for us, but an enabler to us to have a positive impact on those around us. Peace is infectious. A peaceful person spreads peace and is the kind of person others want to be around.

And get this…Jesus, the Prince of Peace… came to give us this peace! Some of us are familiar with the words, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.” But I just recently re-read the rest of that prayer, and I think it’s a wonderful challenge for us to pray during this journey of Advent. Here’s the full text from the “Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi”, which I encourage you to read and pray from your heart:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring love;
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon;
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith;
Where there is despair, let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, let me bring light;
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Written by Jim Orban

GCN Family,

Scroll down to see today's Advent devotional below by Annie Brown. And then, check out the daily GCN Advent Devotionals, available on the GCN App, or at www.gaithersburgnazarene.org . 

A Few Other Things…

1. A Service Celebrating the life of David Sharp is this Friday, December 5th at 12:00pm at GCN. The family also invites everyone to a meal in the Life Center, following the service. The family asks that you RSVP if you are able to attend the service and meal after the service. Click Here for Dave's Tribute Website.
   
   
2. Stewartown Christmas Party Gift Card Drive and Toy Drive. Thanks to those who have purchased gift cards and/or toys. If you haven’t already done so, pick up your ornament in the GCN Lobby this Sunday and bring back a $25 Gift Card (to Walmart, Amazon, or Target) and/or a $10 Toy (wrapped).
   
   
3. GCN Christmas Choir this Sunday. Rehearsal Tonight at 7. Come out and be ready to sing together!
   
   
4. Stop by the GCN Lobby and write or draw your response to the Advent HOPE-PEACE-JOY-LOVE Banners. It’s a great way to share prayers and blessings for others to see.
   
   
5. Christmas Eve @ GCN. December 24th at 5pm. Who are you inviting to join you?
   
   

Much Love,
Pastor Brian

Today's Advent Devotional by Annie Brown:
Isaiah 54:1–10 overflows with God’s promises—His restorative power for the Israelites in their exile and captivity. These verses speak to us as well. When we treasure them in our hearts, they encourage us, fill us with hope, and assure us of God’s work of restoration in our own lives.

God is committed to restoring His people. In verse 6, He declares, “The Lord will call you back,” and in verse 7, “with deep compassion I will call you back.” His love is relentless, His mercy unending.

It is striking that this passage begins with a call to worship: “Sing, barren woman, burst into song, shout for joy.” Singing is not our natural response in barren seasons — when disappointment weighs heavy and we are desperately waiting for change. Often, life feels so dark that we cannot see hope, only the pain pressing in around us.

I remember a season of deep barrenness and disappointment when I felt I could not go on. Yet, by God’s grace, I chose to sing — just as this passage calls us to. Worship became my weapon. In the deluge of overwhelming pain and distress, it was my way through, not by my own strength, but by God’s restorative power.

Time and again, God has brought me back. He has called me, shown me compassion, and invited me to lay down my shame and struggles before Him. In return, He has given me hope, love, and peace. Just as He spoke to the barren woman, God reminds us: I have more for you than you expect—more than you can think or imagine. His plans for us are great, and we can trust Him, placing our hope in the outcome He has prepared.

I pray that you will hide Isaiah 54 in your heart, so that when life feels barren, you will know that God’s unfailing love cannot be shaken and His covenant of peace will not be removed from you.   Like Charles Spurgeon said about it, “Try and suck all the sweetness of this chapter, that you can, while you read it!”
 
In this Advent season, Isaiah 54 points to God’s ultimate gift: the sending of Jesus to reconcile us to Himself and to fulfill all that He has prepared for those who love Him.

Challenge:
Where in your life do you feel a sense of “barrenness” right now—an area marked by waiting, disappointment, or longing?

How might God be inviting you to trust in and respond to His restorative power in that very place?

GCN Family, I’m feeling quite thankful this day before Thanksgiving. Let me count the ways…

1. I’m thankful for the people who deep-fried turkeys and made mashed potatoes and mac and cheese and other goodies in prep for this past Sunday’s annual GCN Thanksgiving Feast. Thanks to those who stuck around to clean up. Thanks to those who brought other sides to share. Thanks to you all for inviting friends to join you. Thanks to Darrin and his team for leading well.
   
   
2. I’m thankful for a church who both loves one another well and is also committed to going and serving and loving people in our neighborhood. Which reminds me: Purchase a $10 toy/gift (and then wrap it) and/or a $25 gift card (Target, Walmart, or Amazon) for those who will be a part of the Stewartown Christmas Party. This Sunday, you can stop by the “Stewartown Christmas Blessing” Christmas tree to receive your ornament with the details of what to give. Gifts and Gift Cards are due back by December 14th.
   
   
3. I’m thankful for those who serve in leadership here at GCN. This past Sunday was our all-church election. Thanks to all nominees for your willingness to serve! Here are those results:
   
   

• New Board Members Elected to Serve in 2026: Marie Bercaw, Sonia Carrero, Ashley Malott, Prentiss Searles, Jordan Tymes
• Delegates to Mission Advance: Marie Bercaw, Adam Berg , Darrin Cave , Karen Cave, Greg Clugston, Joshua Clugston, Laurilee Clugston , Crystal Flores, Holly Ross
  
  

4. I am thankful that this Sunday begins the season of Advent! I won’t give away the details, but I’ll just say: You won’t want to miss this Sunday. In fact, this season that leads up to Christmas is a great time to invite someone to join you who does not already have a church home.
   
   
5. I am thankful that Jesus is full of mercy and grace and offers full forgiveness and fullness of life. I am thankful for the love of the Father. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit fills us and empowers us for His mission. God is so good!
   
   

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

“Woe to me!” [Isaiah] cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5)
On Sunday, we began a series called, Holy, and we looked at that Isaiah 6 passage. Isaiah got a vision of God’s holiness, and his first response was to become aware of his own sin. In the presence of God’s holiness, he became aware of his own unholiness.

Question: Have you let God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, reveal sin in your life?
We usually don’t like to dwell on our own sin. Often, we’d rather point out other people’s sin and downplay our own. But when we come face to face with God’s holiness, He doesn’t give us that option. We must confront it.

When it comes to your sin, the enemy wants you to ignore it, hide it from others, minimize it, and then feel deep shame because of it. But here’s what the Holy Spirit wants to do with your sin: He wants to reveal, convict you of it, so that you can despise it, and confess it, and repent of it, and turn to Jesus to receive His grace and forgiveness. On the other side of confessed sin is unlimited grace. Receive it today!

These are good days. Look at what’s coming up:

1. This Sunday is our GCN Leader Election.  See your weekly email for a sample ballot. All GCN Members will have an opportunity to select new church board members, delegates to Mission Advance, and Ministry Team Leaders. Voting will be open on Sunday from 10:00am-10:30am, and then again from 11:45am-12:15pm. Commit to praying over this process of leadership elections.
2. Annual GCN Thanksgiving Feast. This Sunday, just after the worship service. It’s a fan favorite meal around GCN. The main items (Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and Mac and Cheese) are provided, but would you bring a side dish to share? Also, Who are you inviting to join you?
3. A Workshop: Surviving the Holidays with Grief and Loss. THIS Saturday, November 22nd. 9:00am-12:00pm. This workshop is designed to help you navigate the challenges of the season with practical tools, encouraging insights, and a caring community that understands. To register, CLICK HERE. 
4. On Sunday, we mentioned the giving and expenses status of GCN these days. We are a family on mission. The best way to give to the God’s mission, called GCN, is to go to our giving website, and select “Tithes and Offerings” in the dropdown menu. Thank you for giving!
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

Who are your 3 people that you are praying for this week, by name?

Who are you caring for this week?

With whom are you sharing the gospel this week?

Those were the challenges from Pastor Kevin this past Sunday. We are called to live as “everyday missionaries” sent by Jesus into the places where we live, work, and play. Grateful to be missionaries with you!

By the way – I hope you’ll be a part of the Pasta Dinner this Sunday evening @ 5:30pm! Let’s help our GCN students get to Nazarene Youth Conference this summer. God has used Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) to be a significant tool in many young people’s lives over many years. Personally, NYC ’99 was when I first considered that maybe God was calling me into ministry. When you support our students going to NYC, we are believing for life-changing decisions for Christ! If you’re planning to be a part of the Pasta Dinner, Click here to register.

Coming up soon…

1. A Workshop: Surviving the Holidays with Grief and Loss. Saturday, November 22nd. 9:00am-12:00pm. This workshop is designed to help you navigate the challenges of the season with practical tools, encouraging insights, and a caring community that understands. To register, CLICK HERE.
   
   
2. GCN Thanksgiving Feast. Sunday, November 23rd. Right after our morning worship service. Who are you inviting to join you?
   
   
3. GCN Leadership Election. Also on Sunday, November 23rd. If you are a GCN Member, you can vote to elect new 2026 board members, ministry team leaders, and delegates to Mission Advance. All voting will be in-person.
   
   
4. Christmas Choir Sign-up. If you’re interested in being a part of the GCN Christmas Choir this coming Advent/Christmas Season, just take 5 seconds to fill out the interest form. Our choir director, Josh Clugston, will be in touch with you soon. Looking forward to that season!
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

2026 FAITH PROMISE PLEDGE CARD. CLICK HERE.

GCN Family,

It was so good to have Daniel Herrera with us on Sunday, sharing about what God is doing through Jesus Film Harvest Partners. That ministry is only one of the many missional efforts that your Faith Promise Giving helps support. This is all about giving to Kingdom of God causes that don’t even have our name attached to it. To God be the glory!

So far, we have received 24 Pledges towards Faith Promise. Thank you to those who have pledged. Our goal is total participation. So, that means that many more of you still have the opportunity to RESPOND and PLEDGE. Here’s what I would ask you to do:

1. Prayerfully consider your Faith Promise Pledge. (2) CLICK HERE to access the digital pledge card. (3) In faith, take that step and make that pledge. (4) Praise God for what He will accomplish!
   
   

Over the past five years, you have helped support compassionate ministry efforts such as Afghanistan Refugee Relief, Hurricane Relief in North Carolina and Kentucky, and Crisis Care Kits that go all over the world. You’ve helped support ministry students at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in The Philippines through scholarships. You’ve helped support neighborhood efforts such as the UpCounty Hub Food Distribution, Shady Grove Pregnancy Center, Stewartown Resource Center, The Lord’s Table Soup Kitchen, and much more. Thank you!

What a blessing it is to be a part of God’s Mission all over the world and in our own backyard!

A Few Other Things…

1. Pasta Dinner Fundraiser for students going to Nazarene Youth Conference. Sunday, November 16th at 5:30pm. REGISTER HERE. Come out and support our students!
2. Surviving the Holidays with Grief & Loss: A Grief Share Workshop. Saturday, November 22nd. 9am-12pm. The holiday season can be especially difficult when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. This workshop is designed to help you navigate those challenges with a Christlike community. Invite others to join you. Register at the link above.
3. GCN Leadership Election. Sunday, November 23rd. Prayerfully select GCN leaders for 2026.
4. GCN Thanksgiving Feast. Sunday, November 23rd. What a great Sunday to invite everyone you know! We’ll worship together at 10:30am, then we’ll eat together after the worship service.
   
   

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

As many of you know, Pastor Kevin and I ran the Marine Corp Marathon earlier this week. What an experience! I’d like to share just a few thoughts from that marathon:

1. Instill courage in others. The whole run was a picture of humanity at its best. The entire 26.2 miles, the streets and trails were lined with people cheering, holding signs, and encouraging us to “keep going.” I’m taking some liberties here, but I kept picturing that “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12. What if we devoted more of our time and energy to instilling courage in other people (which is the literal definition of “encouragement”), and less of our time and energy into complaining about things that ultimately matter much less? And let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

2. Keep going. The act of simply continuing to put one foot in front of the other is underrated. This applies to more than a marathon. This is about walking with Christ, growing in Christ, and being transformed by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. Paul says it best: “Suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance produces character. Character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
   
   I don’t know what you’re going through today, but keep going. Turn to Jesus. Fix your eyes on Jesus. One foot in front of the other.

3. We do not run alone. It sure is a lot easier to run with 40,000 people than it is to try to run 26.2 by yourself! Following Jesus is not a solo sport. We were meant to follow Jesus together. If you are in Christ, you are an adopted child of God, which means you have a bunch of brothers and sisters. This is called the church! On that run, there were a lot of different types of people. Some young, some old. Some from other parts of the world, and some from the DMV. Some were laughing and dancing as they ran, and others looked like they could barely keep going. But we all had one mission: FINISH THIS RACE!
   
   The church, at its best, is a family of people who are centered around one Person: Jesus. We have one mission: lead other people to Jesus. We are about as different as you could imagine, but there is incredible unity because of that shared mission.
   
   If you are feeling lonely, you are not alone. But let me challenge you: Join a Life Group, plug in on Sunday mornings, serve during the week. Grow in Christ as you do life with your family.

COMING UP…

1. Faith Promise Sunday is THIS SUNDAY! Daniel Herrera, one of the directors for Jesus Film Harvest Partners, International, will be joining us. Faith Promise Sunday is all about giving towards God’s Mission all around the world and in our own backyard. This is above and beyond regular tithes. Truly, it is giving in faith.
   
   Join us for an International Potluck Lunch. Main entrée provided, but please bring a favorite international dish to share!
   
   
2. Pasta Dinner Fundraise for students going to Nazarene Youth Conference. Sunday, November 16th at 5:30pm. Register to secure your tickets. CLICK HERE for that. Let’s join in and support our students going to NYC next summer in Salt Lake City!
   
   
3. GCN Leadership Elections. November 23rd. All GCN Members will have the opportunity to elect new board members, confirm ministry leaders, and elect delegates to Mission Advance for next year.
   
   
4. Check out the ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE for a lot more coming up, such as:
   • “Surviving the Holidays with Grief and Loss” workshop. Saturday, November 22nd.
   • GCN Thanksgiving Feast. Sunday, November 23rd. Just after the worship service.

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

On Sunday, we were challenged to share the good news of Jesus with at least one person this week. I would love to hear stories about this. Let me know!

Sometimes, we overcomplicate our call to simply share the gospel with others. We put so much pressure on ourselves. Sometimes, we have excuses for why we don’t do it. Trust me, I get it: We don’t want to be too pushy. What if I don’t have all the answers? What if I look foolish?

I just want to encourage us today: Your primary responsibility, when it comes to sharing Jesus with others, is to simply share about the difference that Jesus has made in your life. Point people to Jesus. That’s it.

It’s not our job to save people. It’s not our job to convict people of sin. That’s past our pay-grade! Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Our only job – as it relates to spreading the gospel – is to walk with people and to point them to Jesus.

Why? Because…


Who are you sharing the good news of Jesus with this week?

2 other things…

1. Faith Promise Sunday is next Sunday, November 2nd. This is one of the best Sundays of the year. This is all about your generosity to help fund the mission of God all around the world, and in our own backyard. Daniel Herrera, a director for Jesus Film Harvest Partners, International, will be joining us. You won’t want to miss it! Then, stick around for our all-church pot-luck lunch right after the worship service. Bring your own favorite international dish. To learn more about Faith Promise Sunday and Faith Promise Giving, CLICK HERE.
2. All-Church Election. November 23rd. We will be choosing new GCN Board Members, Delegates to District Assembly, and Ministry Leaders for GCN. If you are a GCN member age 15 or older, you are eligible to vote for on Sunday, November 23rd.

Much Love,

Pastor Brian

GCN Family,

On Sunday we looked at that moment on the cross when Jesus looked at the people who were crucifying and He prayed this prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

The Spirit of Jesus = The Spirit of Forgiveness.
 
This means 3 things:

1. We cannot become more like Jesus while also holding a grudge. We must forgive.
2. We cannot embody the good news of JESUS to our neighborhood if we do not look and live and love like Jesus. Translation: This church must be a family of people where forgiveness and mercy and removing-bitterness is embedded into our DNA. Why? Because that’s what Jesus looks like.
3. Full forgiveness is only possible with the Holy Spirit inside of us. You might be able to forgive people who are easy to forgive. But the harder stuff? We need the Holy Spirit for this.
   
   

Our tendency is to look at Jesus’ words on the cross in Luke 23:34 and think, “well, that’s Jesus! Surely we aren’t expected to forgive like that!”. Fast-forward to Acts 7:60 and we come to the story of the first Christian martyr. Stephen is being stoned to death for his faith. This is post-Pentecost, so Stephen has been filled with the Holy Spirit (aka The Spirit of Jesus). And filled with that Spirit, with stones hurled at him, his final words are: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

So, I’ll ask it again: Who do you need to forgive, and what are you waiting for?

Much Love,
Pastor Brian

A few other things (scroll down for more details about each):

1. GCN Membership Lunch this Sunday, October 19th.
2. Serving @ Stewartown After-School Program.
3. Faith Promise Sunday. November 2nd. 

GCN Membership Lunch is this Sunday! 12:00-3:00. This is for anyone who is interested in learning more about GCN, our mission, our beliefs, and our history. You can email Pastor Kevin (pastorkevin@gburgnaz.org) if you are interested in being a part of this. Please let us know by this Friday, October 17th.

 Serving @ Stewartown After-School Program. An opportunity to serve! Every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30pm at Stewartown Resource Center. Would you like to serve in this ministry? We’d love for you to! CLICK HERE and select “Stewartown After-School Club”. Or, let one of our pastors know you’re interested.

Faith Promise Sunday. November 2nd. This Sunday is all about God’s Mission to the world! Prayerfully consider how God is leading you to support God’s mission all around the world. Your faith promise giving supports local ministry and ministry all around the world. This is giving beyond our tithes and offerings. Special guest, Daniel Herrera, will be joining us that day. He is a director of Jesus Films Harvest Partners Ministry. You won’t want to miss it!