What if you could live a life without being offended? That’s the heart of this week’s message.  Offence will come, but staying offended is a choice. When you hold on to hurt, it binds you. When you give it to Jesus, you're free!

Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring the pain or pretending it didn’t happen. It means trusting God with justice and choosing peace. Unforgiveness can cloud your mind, but real freedom comes when you let go.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus did not avoid death. He walked through it. Because of that, we now have access to His presence, His provision, and His power through the Holy Spirit.

We are not asked to avoid death. We are invited to go through it with faith. As we let go of what is broken, God makes space for what is new.

Today, as we gather at the table, we reflected on a few simple but powerful questions. What is God asking me to lay down? What needs to die so something better can live? What might be waiting for me on the other side of surrender?

This week, take time to walk with courage. Let God speak, choosing surrender instead of self-preservation. Choose life in the Spirit instead of life on your own strength.

Worship is more than music.
It’s a lifestyle of surrender, a posture of the heart, and a daily invitation to encounter God.

In this message, Pastor Matt explores how praise brings us into God’s presence—and how worship keeps us there.
You’ll discover:• Why worship requires sacrifice• How it changes us from the inside out• What it means to keep God at the center of everything• And how true worship overflows into the world around us

Whether you’ve followed Jesus for decades or are just beginning your journey, this message will challenge you to ask, “What do I need to surrender today?”

Listen now and let your heart be reshaped in God’s presence.
#WorshipLifestyle #PraiseFirst #SpiritAndTruth #GrandValleyChurch

This week’s message is all about the power of praise and why it’s often the first step when we feel stuck.Praise shifts our focus, breaks chains, and opens the way for God to move. From Jericho’s walls to blind Bartimaeus laying down his identity, we see that praise isn’t just a song, it’s a posture that invites God in.

If you missed it, take some time to listen. It’s a message that meets you right where you are. And join us next week as we continue with part two, diving into the purpose and power of worship.

This past Sunday Pastor Ralph shared real life stories of what God is doing in the world through Elim Fellowship Canada.  As we partner with Elim we can know that people in Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Quebec and many other unreached areas around the world are experiencing hope, healing and the gospel!  

We’re not just recipients of God’s glory, we’re carriers of it!  Isaiah gives a clear challenge for us to “Arise & Shine” because the glory of the Lord is upon us. The harvest is ready, and we’ve been empowered to go!

This past Sunday, we had the privilege of honouring Ralph and Deb Byma for their 28 years of faithful service at Grand Valley Church. Though Ralph is stepping down from his formal pastoral role at the end of June, both he and Deb remain deeply rooted in our church family and community.

Together, they have led with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith, leaving a legacy marked by outreach, discipleship, and authentic relationships. From baptisms to barbecues, board meetings to women's ministry, their leadership has touched every corner of our church and city.

We’re grateful they’re not going far—Ralph continues to serve as President of Elim Fellowship Canada, with its offices based at GVC. As they enter this new season, we celebrate their ongoing influence and continued presence.

Please join us in thanking them personally in the coming weeks. The story God is writing through Grand Valley is still unfolding—and their impact remains woven into every chapter.

This week at Our Stories we had the privilege of hearing from Katie Stelpstra, Pastor Andrew’s Oma. Her story was full of wisdom, faith, and a deep trust in God that’s been built over a lifetime. What a gift it was to hear from someone who’s walked with Jesus through so many seasons.

The morning was a powerful reminder that every story matters. Whether it’s a quiet moment of trust or a major breakthrough, God is always at work in our lives.

What sets God’s people apart is not success, programs, or even miracles. It is His presence.

In this final message of our Legacy series, we are reminded that without the presence of God we have nothing of lasting value to pass on. Moses knew this. He would not take a single step without God going with him.

Through worship, Scripture, and everyday life, we are invited into a deep and ongoing relationship with the living God. His presence is more than comfort. It shapes us, marks us, and flows through us. We are called to live with Him.

May we be a people who know His presence, reflect His heart, and carry His Spirit into every part of life.

Faith isn’t something we reinvent with each generation—it’s a living legacy we receive, embody, and pass on. 

In this message from Our Legacy, we reflect on the faith of those who came before us and the responsibility we carry to model that same faith for the generations to come. Through personal stories and Scripture, we’re reminded that faith shapes families, forms communities, and secures the future. This is more than belief. It’s a life that speaks. 

May we be a people who live by faith and leave a legacy that continues long after we’re gone.

The first message in our Legacy series is all about the Legacy of Community—a gift passed down through generations rooted in faith, unity, and belonging. 

Pastor Ralph shares stories that celebrate the beauty of intergenerational connection, the power of welcome, and the value of being part of something bigger than ourselves. No matter your age or background, you have a place in God’s family. 

We hope this message reminds you that we are called to live our faith together and pass it on to the next generation!