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GLB Church April Newsletter!
As we step into April, we welcome the fresh renewal that comes with this season. Spring reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the beauty of new beginnings, and the opportunities we have to grow in faith, serve one another, and strengthen our church community. Whether you’re gathering with us in person, tuning in online, or meeting in smaller house groups, we’re grateful for your presence and the love you bring.
This month’s newsletter is filled with important updates, upcoming events, and meaningful ways to stay connected. Let’s open our hearts, listen to the Spirit, and embrace where God is leading us in this season of renewal and transformation.
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Dear GLB Church Family!
At the beginning of 2025, I offered some thoughts from Acts 2:42 around the way of life of the early church as depicted by this verse. They were ‘devoted’ to a way of life that included prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread, and the apostles’ teaching, that created a community of discernment to where they could confidently say in Acts 15:28, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”. This is what my hope and prayer is for GLB Church. That we would cultivate a way of life surrounded around practices of fellowship, prayer, Jesus’ teachings, and a shared table that would lead to us having moments where ‘it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…’
It has been very encouraging to have monthly times of prayer as a newer part of our rhythm of gathering together; it has been great to see and hear about the many meals being shared around tables whether it be Shabbat dinners with the campus ministry or the pre-midweek meals at the Gee’s house with the YoPro Ministry or the celebratory time at Women’s Day recently— when we eat together, God’s Spirit opens us up to deeper conversations and mutual encouragement that brings God much glory and honor. Our Sunday worship gatherings have been full of listening to Jesus’ teachings from the book of Matthew and weekly psalms from the Lectionary that guide our faith and help us to reorient our lives around the truth of God’s Word. And it’s been great to see the many opportunities for rich fellowship whether it be after our Sunday gatherings or at special events for our different life stage ministries or the Women’s Midweek gatherings in March. As we are practicing our ‘devotion’ to these areas, God’s Spirit will transform us and show us what kind of church we want to be in our city.
As we enter into April, let’s prepare ourselves to honor and celebrate this season of Lent as we end with Easter on April 20th and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and King Jesus! We are prayerful and discerning the Spirit’s direction in providing language that will help us define a bit more, our vision and direction for this next chapter of GLB Church. During April and May, we will attempt to have some more opportunities for communal discernment and see what themes surface as we prayerfully answer the question: ‘what kind of church do we want to be?’. This month we celebrate Palm Sunday, the entrance of King Jesus into Jerusalem; Good Friday, the sacrifice of our King Jesus; and Easter Sunday, the resurrection of our king and the hope of new creation in his kingdom. Let’s have a great April!!
Contribution Corner
Weekly contributions for January and February.
Budgeted
Jan. Weekly Ave. Given
Feb. Weekly Ave. Given
We will be collecting Easter Baskets for at-risk boys & girls ages 3-5, 6-8, and 11-13 on April 6.
For more info, see justinrudd.com/easter
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
As we step into April, this scripture reminds us that God is always at work, even in seasons of struggle or uncertainty. When we feel stuck or lost in a wilderness, He is making a way and bringing new life where we see no possibility. Whether it’s fresh opportunities, growth in our faith, or a renewed perspective, God is faithful to transform the barren places in our lives. This verse calls us to open our eyes to the new things He’s doing, trusting that even when we can’t see it, God is working behind the scenes to bring restoration and renewal.
Text PRAY to (562) 561-2020
Need prayer or want to pray for others? Text PRAY to (562) 561-2020 to submit a request or receive prayer needs. Whether you’re seeking support or standing in the gap for someone else, we’re in this together! 🙏
