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COVID-19 UPDATE FROM OUR PASTORGreetings dear friends! I trust you're all well, focused on Jesus and playing your part in encouraging and serving others in this unusual and challenging season of life. On Wednesday evening, the GBC Eldership Team met on Zoom to discuss the announcement by the State President, regarding the partial reopening of religious services under level three lockdown status. We are united in our thinking that this would be a premature move in our GBC context. However, in consultation with professionals, we will begin a process of risk assessment, as well as implementing all the necessary health and safety protocols, so that down the line, when the time is right, we'll be in a position to reopen effectively and safely. We understand that there may be some who feel differently. You may know of churches that do partially reopen and we totally respect that. Personally, I believe God is teaching His church vital and powerful lessons in this time and we don't want to impulsively and recklessly run ahead of His agenda. Let's not be distracted by, "the wind, the earthquake, or the fire" but rather patiently wait for the "still, small voice of God." (1 Kings 19:11-12). I encourage you to keep on being a positive influence and remember, the church is NOT the building, WE are the church!!
Yours in Jesus on behalf of the GBC leadership. Marc |
Sunday Sermon - 02 August
Click the following link to enjoy a playlist of worship songs before or after the sermon. Let us continue to worship corporately even though we cannot be together physically: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqxsvW0iPeibuoNtCCFAtW8jekr59Q1V8
For feedback or questions please email us at admin@gonubiebaptist.co.za
For feedback or questions please email us at admin@gonubiebaptist.co.za
Last Week's Sermon - 26 July
Letter from our Pastor
Dear GBC family
Warm greetings to you all
This is certainly an unprecedented time in the history of our country as we come to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our state president has declared a state of national disaster and amongst other restrictions, has ‘banned all gatherings greater than 100 people.’ Given the potential for the rapid spread of this disease, I believe the government has demonstrated good leadership and are making the best decisions that can be made, in the interests of saving lives.
The GBC leadership have unanimously decided in the light of the government’s directive, to suspend all formal church meetings until such time as it’s declared safe to meet again.
This includes:
All youth and children’s activities are suspended
We will no longer be meeting for Sunday worship services on our premises
The wording of that last sentence is important! We will not be meeting in our hundreds as we are accustomed to, but we WILL be gathering together on Sundays as families, friends and Home Fellowship Groups for a return to ‘simple church’ as it existed in the Book of Acts, where Christ-followers met together in homes, enjoying teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion) and prayer. (Acts 2:42-47) We can do all of the above and of course add coffee to the mix!
I recognize the real possibility that there could be those who feel lonely and isolated at this time. Please, if you have an existing group, think of one or two people you could invite to join you on a Sunday. If you are not part of an existing Home Fellowship Group and would like suggestions as to where you could join, please don’t hesitate to call the church office weekdays between 8.30am and 1pm on 0788608781 . We really want everyone to feel loved, supported and cared for during this difficult time.
Even within this new scenario I would encourage you to adhere to the basic recommended health and safety regulations which include:
It is so important that we err on the side of caution at this time, if not for our own well-being, then certainly for those who are more vulnerable in our society. Now is the time to demonstrate a spirit of unselfishness and love, always putting the interests of others ahead of our own.
To assist you in your weekly meeting times, we will be providing a video recording of the Sunday sermon, which will be available every Sunday morning via a link on our GBC Facebook Page and website, www.gonubiebaptist.com
Due to copyright restrictions we cannot record worship songs, but no doubt you can access excellent worship material online, should you wish to include them in your Sunday meetings.
I look forward to the day when this crisis is over and we can once again meet together collectively as the GBC family, praising God for His goodness and faithfulness and sharing stories of the great things God has done in our lives over this time.
In the meantime, let’s not allow our hearts to be swept up in a frenzy of fear. Rather, in an attitude of faith and worship, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the Rock of Ages, taking a moment every day to feed on the truth of His Word and making ourselves available to be channels of His love and peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Yours in Jesus
Marc on behalf of the GBC leadership team
Warm greetings to you all
This is certainly an unprecedented time in the history of our country as we come to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our state president has declared a state of national disaster and amongst other restrictions, has ‘banned all gatherings greater than 100 people.’ Given the potential for the rapid spread of this disease, I believe the government has demonstrated good leadership and are making the best decisions that can be made, in the interests of saving lives.
The GBC leadership have unanimously decided in the light of the government’s directive, to suspend all formal church meetings until such time as it’s declared safe to meet again.
This includes:
All youth and children’s activities are suspended
We will no longer be meeting for Sunday worship services on our premises
The wording of that last sentence is important! We will not be meeting in our hundreds as we are accustomed to, but we WILL be gathering together on Sundays as families, friends and Home Fellowship Groups for a return to ‘simple church’ as it existed in the Book of Acts, where Christ-followers met together in homes, enjoying teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion) and prayer. (Acts 2:42-47) We can do all of the above and of course add coffee to the mix!
I recognize the real possibility that there could be those who feel lonely and isolated at this time. Please, if you have an existing group, think of one or two people you could invite to join you on a Sunday. If you are not part of an existing Home Fellowship Group and would like suggestions as to where you could join, please don’t hesitate to call the church office weekdays between 8.30am and 1pm on 0788608781 . We really want everyone to feel loved, supported and cared for during this difficult time.
Even within this new scenario I would encourage you to adhere to the basic recommended health and safety regulations which include:
- Do not attend meetings if you are ill in any way
- Refrain from physical contact
- Frequently wash your hands
It is so important that we err on the side of caution at this time, if not for our own well-being, then certainly for those who are more vulnerable in our society. Now is the time to demonstrate a spirit of unselfishness and love, always putting the interests of others ahead of our own.
To assist you in your weekly meeting times, we will be providing a video recording of the Sunday sermon, which will be available every Sunday morning via a link on our GBC Facebook Page and website, www.gonubiebaptist.com
Due to copyright restrictions we cannot record worship songs, but no doubt you can access excellent worship material online, should you wish to include them in your Sunday meetings.
I look forward to the day when this crisis is over and we can once again meet together collectively as the GBC family, praising God for His goodness and faithfulness and sharing stories of the great things God has done in our lives over this time.
In the meantime, let’s not allow our hearts to be swept up in a frenzy of fear. Rather, in an attitude of faith and worship, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the Rock of Ages, taking a moment every day to feed on the truth of His Word and making ourselves available to be channels of His love and peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Yours in Jesus
Marc on behalf of the GBC leadership team
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SOCIAL BADMINTON Every Monday from 7-9pm. There is a cover charge of R3 per week per person which covers the cost of repairs and replacement of equipment. Bring own refreshments and come dressed in suitable sporting clothing. Contact: Ben van Zyl: 0724109109 Ian Radue: 0726962860 PRAISE AND WORSHIP EVENING Every Monday from 18:30-19:30 at GBC. All are welcome. For more info contact: Sunette Botha (0726870007) PRE-SERVICE PRAYER 07:30 in the big hall; 17:30 next to the library. Join us for dynamic, Spirit-led prayer. GBC CARE CUPBOARD Non-perishable food items can be dropped off either at Sunday services or Tuesdays to Fridays between 8:30 am and 1pm. |
