March 17, 2020
Greetings Church Family,
As I sat down to write this letter, I paused took a deep breath to gather my thoughts considering this season we are living in and working through. In doing this I picked up one of my note pads and began to go over some things I had written in recent weeks concerning my walk and leading as a pastor. My eyes went to this sentence: “I believe God is moving in the ministries at GFMC, what God is doing is bigger than any of us.” I still believe that. I have no doubt that God will continue to work.
This past weekend we were presented with the reality that we will be doing Church Gatherings Different for a period of time. This season will pass. In the mean time I know God will show us some important things along the way. We will find that the presence of God is not confined to a building, but is found in the midst of HIS people. We will learn how to care for one another more deeply and perhaps even return from this with a deeper appreciation for the gathering of God’s people.
Just three weeks ago I asked the church board to spend an hour a week reading in the gospel of John focusing on chapters 13-17. I made the request that as they read to prayerfully consider a couple of things:
1.) What is God showing me about the importance of abiding in Christ?
2.) How would God have me respond to what He is showing me?
In the 13th Chapter of the Gospel of John Jesus washed His disciple’s feet. His reason was not to receive anything, or because they had earned anything. Remember Jesus washed feet knowing one would betray Him another deny Him and the rest would all desert Him in His hour of need. Jesus washed feet because He loved them. In doing this He said to them: “A new command I give you: Love one another, as I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34 and 35
I have often prayed “Lord whatever it takes get our attention”. As we approach Easter Sunday I have been leading us in a series of messages seeking the “Living in the Presence of GOD” To live in the presence of God is to be led by God. Church we are for church in uncharted waters, but God will not fail to lead us.
In the days ahead it will be important for all of us to remember and to work at keeping connections by phone, email, text and various means. It will be important that we remember to give. The obligations and ministries still need to be funded. We have online giving options, you may mail checks in, or you may call or email us and we can help you with options.
Next it is very important we share needs and prayer concerns, God is not limited in what He is and will do. Remember GOD is GOOD, All the Time!
Pastor Phil
Greetings Church Family,
As I sat down to write this letter, I paused took a deep breath to gather my thoughts considering this season we are living in and working through. In doing this I picked up one of my note pads and began to go over some things I had written in recent weeks concerning my walk and leading as a pastor. My eyes went to this sentence: “I believe God is moving in the ministries at GFMC, what God is doing is bigger than any of us.” I still believe that. I have no doubt that God will continue to work.
This past weekend we were presented with the reality that we will be doing Church Gatherings Different for a period of time. This season will pass. In the mean time I know God will show us some important things along the way. We will find that the presence of God is not confined to a building, but is found in the midst of HIS people. We will learn how to care for one another more deeply and perhaps even return from this with a deeper appreciation for the gathering of God’s people.
Just three weeks ago I asked the church board to spend an hour a week reading in the gospel of John focusing on chapters 13-17. I made the request that as they read to prayerfully consider a couple of things:
1.) What is God showing me about the importance of abiding in Christ?
2.) How would God have me respond to what He is showing me?
In the 13th Chapter of the Gospel of John Jesus washed His disciple’s feet. His reason was not to receive anything, or because they had earned anything. Remember Jesus washed feet knowing one would betray Him another deny Him and the rest would all desert Him in His hour of need. Jesus washed feet because He loved them. In doing this He said to them: “A new command I give you: Love one another, as I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34 and 35
I have often prayed “Lord whatever it takes get our attention”. As we approach Easter Sunday I have been leading us in a series of messages seeking the “Living in the Presence of GOD” To live in the presence of God is to be led by God. Church we are for church in uncharted waters, but God will not fail to lead us.
In the days ahead it will be important for all of us to remember and to work at keeping connections by phone, email, text and various means. It will be important that we remember to give. The obligations and ministries still need to be funded. We have online giving options, you may mail checks in, or you may call or email us and we can help you with options.
Next it is very important we share needs and prayer concerns, God is not limited in what He is and will do. Remember GOD is GOOD, All the Time!
Pastor Phil
