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Watchnight Service 2016: Much to Give Thanks For

2016 had been a long year -- longer by one day and one second, to be exact. It perhaps also felt long because of all the negative news that had trickled in: Slowing economy, terrorist attacks, unexpected election results, so on and so forth. But there is much to give thanks for.

On 31 December 2016, GBC faithfully gathered for its traditional watchnight service. This was the second year in a row that the watchnight service was held outside of our GBC building, and that in itself is worth our thanksgiving, for God has once again provided a venue for our church events. "All we have needed, Thy Hand hath provided." (Thomas Chisholm) Indeed, we have much to give thanks for.

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As a family, we came together and listened to the personal testimonies shared: From the young and from the seniors; about the fruits of ministry and about personal losses; on gradual transformation and on sudden changes. As a family, we witnessed God's faithfulness to us on a corporate level and on a personal basis. As a family, we rejoiced with those who rejoiced, and grieved with those who grieved. Through trials and triumphs, there were indeed much to give thanks for.

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It seemed rather apt that while Pastor Arnold started the service with his reflections on Matt 22:34-40, Pastor Ian ended the service with his prayers for GBC's year ahead. GBC is on the cusp of change, as we bade farewell to Pastor Arnold and welcome Pastor Ian's stewardship of GBC for the next few years ahead. That is much to give thanks for.

As we enter the new year, the truth is nothing much has changed: We are still sinners in need of Grace, and "our Lord is still sovereign, His promises still true, and His divine mercies are still new every morning." (Paul David Tripp) May we continue standing together as a family, loving God and loving others (Matt 22:34-40), and knowing that we have much to give thanks for.