GBC Connections Magazine Term 1 2019

As we enter into 2019 there is an air of anticipation and excitement as to what our Father has in store and we are all in it together … “He waka eke noa” (Together in one canoe with no exception).  
So, where are we going together? God is transforming each person in GBC and building us into a loving, all-age connected community, so that He can flow through us to bring transformation into our community and city.  We are being transformed to be transformers. One of the best images of transformation we see in nature is the process that changes a caterpillar into a butterfly. Likewise God’s goal for each of us is that we no longer seek only what we want and what is good for us but we think more about doing and saying what is helpful for others. Then God’s life-giving Spirit is free to flow through us into the lives of those around us. This is similar to what John saw in heaven as recorded in Revelation 22:1-2 where the living water flowed out from God’s throne to bring healing to the nations.

Jesus is the source of life and love in us therefore faith, love, hope, joy and peace flows out from our church family, into our community and beyond, bringing God glory and pleasure.

It starts and finishes with God. And He loves us too much to leave us as we are. His plan is that, through the church, including through OUR church, His great wisdom will be displayed. (Ephesians 3 verse 10)
 
One of the exciting things is seeing how God has been transforming many within GBC, especially over the last few years. New opportunities to take this transformation out into our community have been popping up around us like daisies on an un-mown lawn…like God is confirming that we are ready now.  
 
The sunflower below illustrates how this picture all fits together. We can do nothing apart from Christ’s transforming life in us (the stem). First we are transformed (left leaf) so that we may be agents of transformation for others through loving service (right leaf). Motivated by God’s love and for His honour we may feel called to serve him through any one of the opportunities for service represented by the petals. 
 
I only have room for a brief description of each, but if any one of these opportunities tugs at your heart strings please see me for more information....