The Pulse: Thank You…
A year ago at this time, we were cleaning up wrapping paper, taking down Christmas lights, and looking ahead to the new year. Many of us had great expectations – after all, “2020” sounded exciting! Others had more medium-sized expectations. But nobody expected what 2020 had in store… a public health crisis in the midst of social tension alongside a contentious election with a dose of economic instability to boot. We never saw it coming.

While it is easy to think back on the hard parts of 2020 (and trust me, I have), it is far more important to reflect back on the redemptive and positive aspects of what has happened. For me, one of those aspects is this church community…

I truly believe that as a community of faith, GFC is moving into the new year healthy, unified, and focused on our mission. Two qualities that have made this possibility have been…

  • FLEXIBILITY – You have chosen to pursue the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, even in spite of different perspectives and opinions. As a staff and elder team, we’ve done our best to lead through this year with wisdom and discernment, but we certainly haven’t had a manual. It has taken a tremendous amount of trust and flexibility on your part and you’ve demonstrated it.
  • GENEROSITY – You have continued to make your resources available to God and chosen, even in the midst of great uncertainty, to invest in helping broken and vulnerable people find life in Christ. And this goes beyond finances… with your LIVES, you have demonstrated generosity as you’ve leaned into new opportunities to make an impact in our community.

I want to invite you to reflect on what God’s done this past year by viewing this brief year-end report. He has done great things! And He’s allowed us to be a part of it. Thank you for being the church this year.

If you would like to make a year-end financial gift to the ministry of GFC, there are 3 ways to do so. You can drop a gift by the church office anytime from now until 2pm on Thursday, December 31, you can give online prior to midnight on December 31 at gfcnow.com/give, or you can mail your contribution to the church (it needs to postmarked no later than December 31).

From the bottom of my heart, thank you…

Matt

 

Matt Murphy
Lead Pastor

 

P.S. Thank you for your continued FLEXIBILITY as we keep seeking to make wise decisions during these difficult days. Titus mentioned yesterday that we are continuing to temporarily meet online during Governor Lee’s most recent Executive Order that limits the size of gatherings to 10 people or less. I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday online at 9:15 or 11am!