Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week!  There seems to be increased concern about growing Covid numbers and a second wave. Regardless of what happens, remember, God is in control so continue to put your hope and trust in him no matter what happens.
Despite all this, we’ve been having a great start to fall ministry with lots of encouraging things going on- God is GOOD!
 
 
Join us this Sunday!
This Sunday Patrick is speaking and will be looking at the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  As a reminder, we’ll be having communion as part of the service. Please remember to pick up your self-contained cup on the way in. Also, if you’re watching on the livestream, you’re welcome and encouraged to join in. Find elements that will be meaningful to your or if you’d like to use the same cups we are, let me know and I’ll have some delivered.
Oh, and the paving is done!
 
 
Update from the elders
Next Sunday, the 27th, will be our Vision Sunday, AGM and lunch on the lawn social gathering.  Yes, it’s going to be a full day!
For those who are members of GBC and will not be attending, we’d ask that you fill in a proxy form and send it back to us either as a scan or take a picture.   You can name either Dan Chapman or Patrick Thornton as proxies please.
You would then email it back to them at either:
Dan Chapman: drc@protonmail.com
Patrick Thornton: thornton.patrick@gmail.com
Thank you for helping us achieve quorum for this important business meeting
 
 
Thought for the day:  Staying connected as an act of discipleship
Despite everything going its important to stay connected to your church family that is appropriate to your level of physical distancing. Here are some ideas to consider: would it be safe and appropriate to call someone up you haven’t seen for a while and invite them for a walk 2 meters apart around the block? Could you meet at a local park or nature center for a conversation at either end of a picnic table? Of course there is always phone, text, and online connection. And for those of us with a social bubble, remember to take the time to encourage them in their walk with God.  So lets not neglect meeting together.  Our ongoing discipleship to Jesus depends on finding ways to hold onto one another emotionally, even if not physically, during this time.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  Lots to share today as we’re full into our fall ministry. This will likely be the case for the next few updates!  So, I’d encourage you to read carefully, thoughtfully and also PRAYERFULLY what follows.  How can you be a part of supporting what God is doing here at GBC?  Read below and find out!
 
 
Communion at Sunday’s Service
As I mentioned at the end of our service Sunday, we will be having communion this Sunday at our regular 11am service.  We’re excited to return to this vital part of our relationship with God. We’ve been able to secure pre-filled communion cups that include both the bread and juice so they will be safe.  They’ll be on a table in the foyer when you enter so please take one on entry and keep it with you until instructed to participate.
It’s been a while since we’ve done communion so I’d encourage you to spend some time examining yourself and preparing for this opportunity.  Are you looking for something to meditate on? I’d suggest 1 Corinthians 11:23-32.
If you join us on our livestream I’d encourage you to take part as well. You can use what you feel is appropriate for elements or else we can make the same ones available we’re using to you.  Let me know and one of the elders will arrange to drop off them off for you.
 
 
Youth Ministry Restarting!
Youth is starting up again on Wednesday as ALIVE resumes.  Details were emailed out including our Covid protocols, but if you’d like information please let me know.  I’d ask that you pray for the youth and leaders.  An additional prayer is that we can reconnect with our community kids. Before the lockdown the youth ministry had over half of the participants from the community so we’d like to be able to continue to journey with them. Please lift them up in prayer!
 
 
Mission’s Update
Update from Rural Life Mission
AGM
Earls
Because the RLM Spring Conference was cancelled due to Covid-19, our RLM Annual meeting was also cancelled.  At this meeting, the members, board and workers go over the financial statements, vote on a new set of directors and appoint auditors as well as other matters!  Since it is required by law to have an annual meeting, we have scheduled a virtual Zoom meeting for Saturday Sept. 19th at 10:00 a.m.
 
Thunder Bay Mission Home, Jack & Pennie Earls
Praise for God’s enabling power during this pandemic and the ability to carry on hosting guests.
Pray for the many unsaved and former foster teens we have contact with.
Praise for our Lord keeping our loved ones safe.
Praise for 2 young men at our assembly baptized this past week.  Pray that God would provide them with employment.
Pray for our unsaved grandchildren.
Pray for the safe delivery of our 4th great grandchild due later this year.
Pray for us as we seek God’s guidance for our future.
 
 
Thought for the day:  Live in community with others
While we’re open and holding services (and even having communion Sunday) things are still a lot different then they were. We wear masks, we don’t sing, we come in and go out. Whether you are physically distancing by not attending in person or lamenting the restrictions in place if you are, don’t give in to the inner pull to withdraw emotionally. Allow yourself, as best you can, to feel the loss of community, the sadness of either not meeting in person or the lament of the changes and restrictions that are in place for our physical gatherings  With these vulnerable feelings, communicate your longing and pain to those you miss or those who are on the journey with you. Whether by letter, phone, text, or video, let those close to you—or those you realize are closer than you thought—know that their connection is a significant part of your life. Perhaps you can send a card or note or simply send a text that expresses your heart for connection. That expression of relational need will itself be life-giving and will, hopefully, be received and returned. As Paul says, “For I long to see you…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom 1:11–12). Paul expresses his longing for mutual connection and there is mutual encouragement even in his expression of that desire.  Live in community with others no matter what that looks like!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week. I love the summer time (even under Covid!) but about this time of year I get really excited about all that’s to come in fall ministry.  We’ve got a lot of great things starting over the next few weeks. Stay tuned as more is shared.
 
 
Join us on Sunday
This Sunday I’ll be finishing up our summer series looking at fear as addressed in the book of Psalms. I’ll be looking at Psalm 91.
If you’re joining us here for our live service, the paving on Wellington Street and Silvercreek is still going on. So, be sure you leave a bit more time to get here and navigate the detours.
 
 
Update from the Elders
On Sunday, September 27 we’re going to launch our fall ministry season with a VISION SUNDAY.  Please plan to join us in person or via Facebook Live for our 11:00 service as we highlight the priorities that we are moving forward with this fall in line with GBC’s vision to see God transforming lives.  We will celebrate the ways in which God is working in our midst and highlight opportunities for you to be involved. 
 
Following the service, we will hold a short Annual General Meeting to approve the 2019 financial statements, approve the 2020 budget, appoint an auditor and elect Directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting.  Normally the AGM is held in March or April but was delayed this year because of COVID.  We will be asking members to complete a proxy form to ensure that we achieve quorum for the AGM.
 
Following the AGM, for those who can stay, we’re going to have our first “LUNCH ON THE LAWN” of the year. Bring a blanket, bring a lunch and enjoy a fall day.  We’ll have self-contained beverages available for you to drink to ensure safety and please be sure to observe physical distancing.  I’m looking forward to having the chance to hang out as a church family.
I hope to see you at Vision Sunday on September 27!
 
 
Thought for the day:  To grow we need each other
Another essential element of discipleship that needs to be remembered and especially in these times is that disciples of Jesus never minister alone. As Mark’s gospel records, “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two” (Mk 6:7). The one time the Gospels record a disciple doing something alone is when Judas goes to betray Jesus. The point is a much broader one and is summed up in this, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen 2:18). Particularly in times when we are tempted to turn inward, we must intentionally engage practices of Christian friendship and community.
 
Our church family is essential for our spiritual health and growth. Honestly, in times like this, we won’t make it without each other and we will certainly not serve others consistently or well alone either. In the best of times we appear to do alright in independence and autonomy, but we’re only fooling ourselves. The busyness and distraction of “normal times” keeps hidden our desperate need for spiritual family and the consequences of loneliness. The writer of Hebrews said this: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).  We all need to be in community to grow in God.  Who’s in yours?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

 Good morning! If we had any doubt fall was upon us today’s weather will get rid of that! It’s been nice to pray for our students returning to school these past two Sundays.  As we move into the fall semester, which is filled with a lot of unknows, may we continue to pray for all of them.
 
 
Mission’s Update
Buchner Praise and Prayer Update
-Health
-Work
-Messages
 
We continue our morning walks in the park and coffee when we can for exercise and fresh air.  Dave continues to build up his stamina and help for mobility with weekly physio appointments.  His first major dental appointment went well except for tiredness after the 2 hours at the dentist. Second major dental appointment for Dave is September 17th for placement of a crown and 3 minor fillings.  Dave was fitted today for a new adjustable hand splint.  The other one was getting soft after heat adjustments.
 
Recent new connections for 4 internationals (China, Brazil) with existing conversation partners.
Ongoing contacts for English with our teachers, conversation partners, conversation group members.
 
Encouraging feedback from our internationals (see 2 messages that are particularly encouraging below).
 
Karen is working on a website for Guelph international students with student testimonials from some who have enjoyed the English conversation opportunities through having an English conversation partner, and involvement in the English conversation groups.
Lucy, now back in China, sent me an email about her experience with the English program and other opportunities while here as a visiting scholar:
“As a visiting scholar I find the conversation group and one to one partners very helpful not only to improve my English but also to learn about the local culture．  Through group discussions and one to one conversations I have the courage to open my mouth to express myself．  This makes my life much easier in both academic and daily life．  I really appreciate what my devoted teachers， like Linda， Henk， Elmer， Lucas, and my conversation partner Cathy did for me．  They make me feel that I’m a member of a happy family and I’m loved by them and by God．  All my teachers are very considerate to organize all kinds of activities for us， such as a party， a play and a short travel together which has enriched my life and alleviated my loneliness a lot！  Thank you， all my dear friends I mentioned in this email.  You create a special and unforgettable memory of living in Canada．”
 
Henk (heads up the ISMC ministry in Guelph and teaches different Bible studies) received an email from someone who recently returned to China.  He tries to meet with each returnee and give them a copy of a flash drive that Dave prepared to give to the returnees.  This is an encouraging email to see how this still is bearing fruit in the lives of those who return:
“I watched some videos on the flash drive you gave me.  I think the people who made the videos are very thoughtful and they must know very well about the traditional culture of China.  From those videos I have got a lot of new thoughts about how to interpret the concept of "God" in different cultures.  The videos also consolidated my belief in the Word of God.  In the future I will try my best to follow Jesus not only in words but also in actions.  No matter how far I go in the Bible learning journey, the Word will be a power resource of my life.  I wish I can get a wiser head and a peaceful heart after this learning.”
 
These messages are rich in their entirety of how our Lord continues to work in the lives of the internationals that He brings into the lives of the many ISMC staff and volunteers who serve Him.
 
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for Dave and me as well as the many others here in Guelph and elsewhere.
 
Blessings as you also serve Him,
Linda (and Dave)
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter at our GBC Prayer Night on Wednesday’s at 7pm at GBC.
Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day:  Spiritual Practices to help us draw closer to God
On Sunday I talked about seeking God’s face.  This can be more than an attitude, it can become a spiritual discipline or practice. There’s lots of ways we can draw closer to God.  Another practice to consider is turning our hands up to God at various times and praying like the Canaanite woman, “Lord, help me” (Matt 15:25) or with blind Bartimaeus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). Or we might consider meditatively praying the Lord’s Prayer morning, noon, and evening. The verse “Give us this day our daily bread” will seem more relevant than ever. Perhaps as we take in news updates, we could imagine presenting the need or concern found in it to Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father. Additionally, short prayers of lament can aid us in bringing our loss, anger, and confusion to God: “How long, O Lord?” (Ps 13:2), “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?” (Ps 10:1), “Come quickly, Lord, to help me” (Ps 40:13), “Lord, have mercy on us,” (Matt 20:21), and “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matt 26:39). These are not practices that are meant to take us out of the moment. Instead, they are practices that allow us to remain in the moment in a faithful, redemptive, life-giving way and that helps us walk closer to God.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  It’s hard to believe today is September 1st. Where has the summer gone?!?  We see though more fall-like conditions so like it or not, a new season is upon us.  Speaking of seasons, I continue with some thoughts on how we can grow as a follower of Jesus no matter the season. Besides Covid there are so many things that seem to work against us but keep your eyes fixed on God, grow as a disciple and you’ll see things change even if your circumstances don’t.
 
 
Mission’s Update
Rebekah Tamminga (Power to Change)
-New Baby
-Work Plans
-Prayer requests
 
Ken and I are excited to announce we are expecting our first child!  Baby Tamminga is due Feb 1st, 2021.  We are thrilled!  We are so thankful for this good gift from the Lord and can't wait to meet our little one!
So far it has been a smooth pregnancy; our baby is healthy and very active! I had difficult morning sickness, but now it has gotten much better.  Please pray for energy, as fatigue is my most enduring symptom.
I will continue to work with P2C until January 8th, when I begin one year of maternity leave.  After, I'll return to part-time work on the Creative Communications team with P2C.  Both Ken and I had stay-at-home-moms, and we really value that, so I will be the primary caregiver of our children.  But I also (as an extrovert) really value people/ adult time, and would love to continue using my creative gifts for God's kingdom.
It also feels like the right time to end my formal role with Brock and focus on my full-time role as Video Team Lead.  Over the last 6 years it has been deeply rewarding to work with the Brock students and see them grow.  I'm excited about the potential of my new focus, as video is a powerful tool to reach students as our ministry moves online.
 
Please pray:
For our growing child, that God would draw this child to himself, and that he or she would know, love, and follow the Lord all their life.
For Ken and I, that God would prepare and shape us to be the parents he wants us to be.
For safe and healthy growth and delivery, for both baby and myself
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter at our GBC Prayer Night on Wednesday’s at 7pm at GBC.
Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day:  Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
The author of Hebrews writes, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who…has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1–2). The Apostle Paul urges the same orientation of mind, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1). We are encouraged to fix our mind’s eye on King Jesus, who is seated in a position of rest, power, and all authority. Jesus is not pacing back and forth, wringing his hands, and wondering what to do. Our Lord, savior and friend is paying attention to us, the human situation, our needs, and the needs of those around the world. We need to pay attention to him—fixing our eyes, setting our minds, waiting—while we attend to the news, our needs and the needs of those around us. Take this perspective and watch things change!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon!  I hope you’re making this a great week.
As we move into the fall and I’ve begun to work on some ministry planning in the reality of our Covid world its gotten me thinking about how to grow as a follower of Jesus during this all. So, for the next few updates I’ll be sharing some thoughts on how to grow even in a Covid world. I hope its both an encouragement and challenge.
 
 
Join us on Sunday:
If you’re joining us here for our live service, I want to remind you that there’s paving going on on Wellington Street and Silvercreek as well. So, be sure you leave a bit more time to get here and navigate the detours.
Jacob will be speaking on Psalm 23, a favorite of many please join us live or on our livestream.
If you’ve been thinking about coming out on Sunday, I’d encourage you to do so. We have many safety protocols in place to ensure your health. It would be nice to have you back!  Of course we’ll be continuing out livestream as well
 
 
Update from the Elders:
As I mentioned above, fall ministry planning is well underway. Yes, some things will be different, but there will still be opportunities to grow in God and community. Stay tuned for more details coming out soon.
 
 
Thought for the day: When Tempted to turn inward, turn your gaze to Jesus
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Phil 2:4–5).

Under threat, scarcity and stress we sometimes find ourselves understandably becoming self-protective. We turn inward. And yet, the demands of these days call us outward. The needs of those around us—whether children, aged parents, neighbors, a spouse, those who are sick—require our time and energy. This puts us in a bind. We want or need to move outward in love to others, especially those in greatest need, but our own internal resources feel strained and thin.
 
How should we act as followers of Jesus in times like this?
 
First, we must remember that we are disciples of the living, ascended, and enthroned God. When Jesus called his disciples to go and make disciples, they did not make followers of themselves. Rather, Jesus called them to announce the availability of an ongoing discipleship relationship with himself. Every Christian is currently in an intensive, interactive, discipleship relationship with the person of Jesus, and that school of discipleship is always in session. The Jesus who said, “And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” remains with us today by his Spirit. When we are tempted to isolate and turn inwards, we need to repeatedly turn our gaze to the availability of Jesus. Throughout our days we need to develop the habit—now more than ever—of finding encouragement and comfort in the real presence of Jesus’ love.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon!  Jennifer and I had a great time away last week, thanks to those of you who prayed for us. Thanks also to Jacob for filling in for me with this.  
You’ll see below I’m sharing an update from Royal City Mission.  It’s great to see GBC’s own Megan Ginter’s work there this summer acknowledged. She’s been letting her light shine. Speaking of letting your light shine, thanks to those of you who’ve been supporting us financially this summer. Your gifts help to support much needed ministries like this one.  If you’d like to give you can do it through e-transfer, mail in or drop off at the office or I’ll even come by and pick it up (it would be great to say hello in person!) but we need your support to continue to do what God is calling us to. Have a great week!
 
Mission’s Update
Royal City Mission (Ministry to Guelph’s Homeless and Vulnerable)
-Meals
-Cooling Centre
-Students
 
Forecast: Foggy With Patches of Sunshine
It's hard to plan when you don't know what to expect.  We look forward to September but with all the uncertainties related to Covid-19, planning is tentative.  Here's a short list of things we do know...
 
Sunday Meals Coming to an End
Starting in September, we will no longer serve meals on Sunday.  Another agency will provide take-away meal service.  We enjoyed serving 7 days a week, but as things open up, we have other obligations to fulfill on Sundays.  Before the Covid-19 restrictions, there were three separate congregations worshipping at RCM on Sundays.  As the restrictions are lifted, there will be four congregations using our space.
 
The Cooling Centre Will Need to Adapt
As the summer wears on, more people accessed our Cooling Centre.  We are thankful for our summer students who have been a huge help in running the Cooling Centre, but as they prepare to return to school or other jobs we will need additional support to keep the Centre running.  If you are available during daytime and are interested in helping, please contact Lisa Laws at lisa@royalcitymission.ca
 
Our Summer Students Have Been Amazing!
Olivia, Ian, Kyle and Megan have been an incredible support over the summer.  They have cleaned, painted, prepped and served meals and manned the Cooling Centre.  We're thankful for the government's support for this program and for the good work these students have done.  It has been a privilege to have them serve with us.
 
Kevin Coghill, ED / Lead Pastor, Royal City Mission
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
GBC Prayer Night is shifting to “in-person” gatherings! We plan to meet for prayer on Wednesday’s at GBC (in the side auditorium). Start time – 7pm. Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day:  If you take your fears to God, you won’t be left without answers.
A few weeks ago in my Sunday message I looked at Psalm 34.  In it David says he sought the Lord and He answered, delivering him of his fears. Some of you reading this might object and say that you’ve gone to God many times for answers to why you’re afraid and felt they never got answers. I know; I’ve been in those shoes as well and its not fun. However, in those instances, when I look back, it was usually because I still had one hand on the fear while handing it over to God; I still wanted to control how I fought (or embraced) the fear instead of trusting God and letting Him have full control. His answer to you might be to wait, to keep fighting, to let go, or even to get counseling, but if you release your hold on the fear, finger by finger, God’s answer will begin to break through in your mind. Yes, hard to do, but when you take this step of faith, you’ll see so much change!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning!  I hope your week is going well.  Hard to believe we’re almost to the mid-point of August. Enjoy the summer while it’s here, fall is just around the corner.
Since I’m talking about fear this month, I thought I’d look at this topic a bit more here. Check out the thought for the day.  I hope this is an encouragement to you!   
 
Mission’s Update
Jonathan and Rachel Ward (Missionary Care Ministry in Entrepierres, France

• Reopen
• Churches
• Team

Since May 11th (the end of France's lock-down) we have reopened and have been full since the start of the summer.
 
Churches and their leaders are struggling with many questions:
* When conditions allow, will people return?
* With the drop in people's attendance and giving, will pastors be able to keep their jobs?  (Some are already looking for secular employment.)
* In what ways might God be inviting us to rethink how we do church and its activities?
 
Many church leaders have told us they have never worked so hard or felt so stressed as they have during the current crisis.  We value your prayers as we provide space and safety for them to leave their cares and their future in God's hands.
 
New team members: Marc and Jeanine:
Marc and Jeanine have been with us for over 10 months and we are just as thankful to have them as the day they arrived.
Marc and Jeanine handle maintenance here at Entrepierres.  Marc loves practical work (he used to design and make cars in a Peugeot factory) and Jeanine loves hospitality, gardening and getting everything ready for each missionary family that comes to stay.  Their help and their presence are a real gift.
 
This brings our full-time team to three couples: ourselves, Marc & Jeanine, and Roger & Dominique, who joined us in 2018 to share the counselling load. 
Jonathan and Rachel
 
 Wednesday Prayer
GBC Prayer Night is shifting to “in-person” gatherings! We plan to meet for prayer on Wednesday’s at GBC (in the side auditorium). Start time – 7pm. Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 Thought for the day:  If you take your fears to God, He will take care of them for you.
Isaiah 35:4 says that those with fearful hearts can feel strong in the face of fear, knowing that God is there and will save you from the fears, delivering sweet vengeance as well. What is meant here is that while it may or may not mean that cancer, job loss, death of a child, or depression goes away immediately, God will take away the fear you might have that things won’t change, bringing you love, hope, and strength to keep going.  So, if you’re struggling with fear right now, no matter what it is, be sure to take it to God.  He can then help you, through the Holy Spirit, take care of it. There’s no fear too big, or too small, to bring to God!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning! So, we’ve gone from the heat and humidity of summer to now extreme rain.  While the weather may change God doesn’t and I’m glad for that.  I hope your week is off to a good start.  I have a question on this rainy Tuesday: are you a disciple?  Not sure? Read my thoughts on this below.
 
Mission’s Update
Mark and Gretchen Potma
-Quarantine
-Church
-Projects
Our 2 week quarantine went by quickly with plenty to work on.  We’ve prepared project proposals for couple of foundations: Church Planting in the Most Irreligious Country on Earth and Through a Gateway City: Reaching Mongolians in Europe for Christ.  Please pray for these two projects.  If you’d like to find out more, we’d be glad to send you details.
Petr, the outreach worker at Ladvi Church, sends us regular updates from Prague.  He and a team from Ladvi Church passed out Gideon Bibles and invitations, which resulted in newcomers at Ladvi Church’s Bible study.  Please pray for two people who sought out Petr and asked him to explain the Gospel to them.
At South City church, Sunday services and midweek meetings are continuing.  Last month, pastoral intern Vit and his wife Marketa announced the birth of their son, Jachym.  A few weeks later, the oldest member of our church, Libuse, went to be with her Saviour at 90.  Libuse was faithful to God through the Nazi occupation, Communist dictatorship persecution, the drive for freedom and democracy, and being part of helping new church plants to grow!
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
GBC Prayer Night is shifting to “in-person” gatherings! We plan to meet for prayer on Wednesday’s at GBC (in the side auditorium). Start time – 7pm. Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
A thought for the day: Are you a disciple?
Are you a disciple of Jesus or do you have a cultural and religious connection to Christianity? For many, sadly, we find our relationship with God is a cultural connection rather than a spiritual transformation.  Jesus hit the nail on the head when He said in Luke 9: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”  Denial…lose…the character traits of discipline which is what it takes to be a disciple.
 
Discipline is defined as an orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior. We who are followers of Jesus are to live in this way since to be a disciple is more than merely praying to receive Jesus as savior. That’s only the beginning!
           
So, to be a disciple is an all-out commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. That takes discipline. God makes stringent demands on his disciples in terms of attitude and lifestyle, action and heart.  Martin Luther once said “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”  God, through His gracious power allows us to experience something so much more than mere religion. He fills us with His Holy Spirit, empowers US to be his agents and vessels of grace, his hands and feet…that’s tough, it can only be done through Him.  That takes discipline and it does cost something. Are you settling in your walk with God when the great adventure of being a disciple is available?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon!  I hope you’re making this a great week.  How’s your prayer life these days?  I’m sure for many, we have a lot on our minds and things we’re worrying about. Remember to take the things that worry you to God in prayer. He’s eager to spend time with you and listen to what you have to share.  You can read more about this below.
 
 
Join us on Sunday
We’re switching our livestream experience fully to Facebook LIVE this Sunday from Zoom.  This is honestly the superior platform for our usage and the direction we’d wanted to go originally but with the influx of users initially it wasn’t stable enough for us so went the other route. So now we can go this way.
For the regular user, don’t worry (see above!), the experience will be the same. One thing you should notice right away is superior sound quality on this platform.
To access on Sunday, we have a new link on our homepage to replace the old one or you can go directly to our Facebook page, no account required. You can see it here:  
https://www.guelphbiblechapel.ca/sunday.html 
If you were someone who was using the phone-in option please contact me to arrange an alternative way to stay connected as that will cease with the end of Zoom.
 
 
Elder’s Update
As we consider how we move forward as a church, one of the key areas we need to seriously consider is outreach. This is basically sharing the Good News of the gospel with the community around us. When we elders were meeting with Gord Martin from Vision Ministries he used the illustration of an airplane with one wing missing for a church that is not actively reaching the people around it with the gospel. I have to say that is a good description of us. While many regularly share their faith with the world around them I don’t think we as a church, and the people who make it up, do this purposefully. So, we’d like to see that change in the days to come. Stay tuned for more developments in this key area of GBC moving forward.
 
 
Thanks GBC!
Thanks again to our Mission’s Team for their project to raise money for PPE for mission’s work overseas. Please see the note we received back from MSC:
Hello Helen (& the GBC team)
Many thanks for the contribution of $700 to the COVID fund.  We were able to secure a variety of masks from China and have a small stockpile for any immediate needs.  It appears that most workers are now able to secure the PPE locally, and so financial help is sometimes preferred to save on shipping costs.  However as we all know the situation around the world continues to evolve, and the local needs may change – we should be in a good position to resume the shipments of masks as the needs arise.
 Thank you again for thinking of our workers during these trying times.
 Blessings, Vlad Paserin
 
 
 Thought for the Day: Relax and give God your worries in prayer.
There are lots of things we can worry about these days not just in the Covid world but in politics and relationships too.  Things seem to be becoming more tense and polarized.
What do you do? It’s easy to start to worry.
How do I deal with this?
You need to be aware of what you’re worrying about.  Why would I want to do that, you ask? Often, we can have an overriding sense of anxiety, but we don’t know what’s causing it. Why you need to take your worries to God in prayer you need to have a clear idea of what they are first. Once you’re aware of them you can hand them over to God in prayer. One tip to consider is to write them down as part of a prayer list or prayer journal.  Often the things we worry about never happen so this is a good way to track them and see what really happens. That helps to strengthen us in our journey.
The Bible tells us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). You weren’t designed to carry your worries. It’s unnatural. God is big enough and strong enough to handle all your worries.  Pray and give them to him!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris