Good morning. I hope you’ve dug out from the storm yesterday. Don’t worry, spring really is on the way. We can count on that.  We can also count on God’s grace. As Pastor Dan shared on Sunday, his grace is extravagant and it restores. Rest on the free gift of eternal life through Jesus and be restored.
 
 
Oasis@Midweek is tomorrow ( this time it really is!)
We had to postpone due to the storm last Wednesday (yes, we had one then too!) so we’re back at it tomorrow night.  Oasis@Midweek is for kids JK to grade 6 who invited to join us from 6:30pm to 8pm for an Oasis Camp themed evening of music, games, life lesson and this time by our Kid’s Church.  O@M is not just for those who went to camp but for all who would like to remember how MONUMENTAL God is and celebrate his awesomeness.
 
 
Looking for Oasis Camp leaders!
We are looking forward to an amazing camp experience as we share God’s love with a new group of campers at Guelph Bible Conference Centre.  We are once again looking to assemble a team of passionate volunteers who want to live out the great commission and make a lasting impact on the lives of children.
 
Camp will run the week of July 31 to August 4.  Our theme for this week of camp will be “Stellar – Shine Jesus’ Light”.  If you want a sneak preview of the program materials, including the songs, you can find them at:
Stellar - Easy VBS 2023 - Vacation Bible School | Group
 
As in prior years, we will be asking all potential volunteers to complete a brief application form (please note: references are only required for first-time leaders).  The leadership team will select leaders with first priority being given to those who attend GBC, are involved with GBC’s ministries, or who have a family connection to GBC
If you have an interest in being involved in this year’s camp ministry, please complete an application form and return to Director Dan Chapman by Sunday March 12. 
We’re looking forward to another great week of camp this year!
 
 
Thought for the day: Building Character Takes Commitment
I’ve been looking at how to develop character and been using Jesus as a guide. While there are certain elements of character inherited there’s much we can do to develop it as well.  It’s not easy and does take work but is so worth it.
This thought brings us to our next character trait: commitment.
Jesus had no lack of commitment. Wherever He was, or whoever He was with, He was fully in the moment and fully committed to His goals. Despite praying fervently in the garden of Gethsemane to avoid having to bear the cross and all that physical torture, He knew it was the only way to pay for everyone’s sins, so He stayed completely committed to His goal. There were certainly many obstacles during His ministry, but He stayed on track and finished strong.
It also takes commitment to live out the next key character trait of Jesus: Forgiveness.
One of the most startling things said in the Bible is found in Luke 23:34, when Jesus is on the cross and says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even while bleeding and experiencing pain, Jesus had His heart set on forgiveness even forgiving those who put Him there in the first place! This is definitely contrary to the everyday mantra of looking out for number one and obtaining personal justice. Jesus was by no means concerned for His own life; all He wanted was to provide a way for forgiveness.  What an incredible challenge for all of us. 
So, who can you forgive today?  That’s how you show character!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week. I guess spring isn’t quite here yet.  In the ebbs and flows of weather (and life) it’s nice know God is always constant!
 
 
Preservice Time of Prayer
There will be prayer every Sunday morning at 10 am at GBC - come and learn 18 ways to pray for your church!  There will be coffee and donuts.  There will also allow for praying online through the following link
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/21216757733?pwd=Z1JkN3dEeE9nTkhXY0tldlhEcWZFQT09
 
 
We’re updating our directory
It’s that time of year again! We’re updating our church directory right now. This resource is used as a tool to connect and also a prayer guide.  You can look at your listing on the information table at the back of the auditorium or add yourself in if you’re new to the GBC family.  You can also send updates to our church secretary Elaine Finlay at:
[email protected]
We hope to have it done and ready to distribute the beginning of March.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as continue our winter series, “Firm Foundations”-a study of the book of Romans
The foundation of a building is critically important for the stability of the structure that sits on it. In many ways our faith and relationship with God needs the same thing.  How is your foundation.
This Sunday Pastor Dan will continue to look at the practical outworking of sanctification.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 6
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the Day: Be a loving servant
We’re continuing to look at the character traits of Jesus. Character is what distinguishes, us, its who we are. Pretty straight forward, right?  May we look to be like Jesus in this way. Okay, so what do I mean?
Well, he was a servant
Without a doubt, Jesus was the ultimate servant. Although He was praised as a great teacher and even had a decent following, He made sure to teach them to be servants by actually doing it himself. In Mark 10:45, Jesus tells us: “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Despite having the authority to get anything He wanted, have people praise and pamper him, He did the exact opposite by lowering himself and serving others. What a great example, and challenge for us as we go about our day.
As well, he was loving
Obviously, Jesus had a love for others. If He didn’t, He wouldn’t be compassionate nor a servant. Jesus claimed that there is no greater love than to die for one of your friends—and He did just that. If anyone doubts His love, all they have to do is look upon the cross and see the agony that He bore for our sakes. He experienced that horrible death so that all can be saved. That, very clearly, is true love at its finest.  The question I ask myself, then, is who can I love sacrificially?  I’d encourage you to do the same thing.
And that is what character looks like!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning.  I hope you had a pleasant Family Day.  With my family starting to scatter as they grow older, it was a joy and blessing to have them all together this weekend. For a long time I would sneak in some work on days like this to be more ‘efficient’ but now I’m trying (emphasis on ‘trying’) to seize moments like this for refreshment and family growth. Praise God for these opportunities.
 
 
Changes to Oasis@Midweek Schedule for March/April
Due to some unforeseen events and travel schedules, there’s been a need to change up the schedule a bit for Oasis@Midweek for March.  Here is the schedule for the next two months:
Wednesday March 15
…led by Youth@GBC
Wednesday March 29
…led by Kid’s Church
Wednesday April 12
…led by Youth@GBC
Wednesday April 26
…led by Kid’s Church
And it is still happening, as scheduled, tomorrow night though this one will now be led by the Kid’s Church team. Hope to see all kids JK to grade 6 out tomorrow night at 6:30pm as we celebrate how ‘Monumental’ God is!
 
 
Thought for the Day: The Character Traits of Jesus
I had the opportunity to speak recently to a group about character.  Afterwards, in speaking to some of the participants, the topic of the impact of high-profile ministry leaders who’ve fallen of late came up.  So, the idea of character, and what it means to be a person of character as a follower of Jesus, has been on my mind.  Where do we look when those who we admire fall?  Christians, and even many non-Christians, agree that Jesus is a great role model to have. From His faith, perseverance, generosity, and even His intelligence, people see the best qualities that mankind can possess.
The Bible teaches everyone to become more like Jesus each and every day, so it’s helpful to learn about some of the character traits he had. So, over the course of the next number of updates, I’m going to give a brief overview of some of the character traits of Jesus that we all should be looking to emulate.
Compassion
Jesus never looked away from people; He always looked at them, seeing them for who they were and had compassion on them.  We see this in the story of the man with leprosy in Matthew 8. Compassion is an awareness of the suffering of others along with the accompanying desire to do something about it.  Whenever people were around him, Jesus understood what their real needs were and sought to address them. For some, physical healing was necessary, for others the root issue was spiritual. In all cases though, Jesus took the time to actually notice that people were hurting—and His compassion drove Him to help them.  It takes a person of character to stop, look, listen and then take the time to show compassion in the distracted and stressful world we live.  With this in mind, I’ll leave you with this question:  how can you show compassion today and to whom?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week.  I’m not sure what your experience was on Valentine's Day, but I hope you took some time to remember and reflect on God’s love for you (hint: he loved you enough he sent his son to die for you).
 
 
We’re updating our directory
It’s that time of year again! We’re updating our church directory right now. This resource is used as a tool to connect and also a prayer guide.  You can look at your listing on the information table at the back of the auditorium or add yourself in if you’re new to the GBC family.  You can also send updates to our church secretary Elaine Finlay at:
[email protected]
We hope to have it done and ready to distribute the beginning of March.
 
 
Open Altar prayer time returns
As I mentioned last week, we are returning to Open Altar prayer time.  For those who are new to GBC, this is something we did regularly before Covid.  Once a month I, or one of the elders, would be available at the front of the auditorium after the Sunday service for prayer. This could be for a personal prayer need, something that moved you during the service or even for direction from God.  It was a special time that was very impactful for many.
Well, it’s back!
So, on Sunday, there will be two elders or pastors available to pray for you. We’re going to do this on a weekly basis for a bit and see how it goes. So, don’t be shy, come on up and pray with us!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as continue our winter series, “Firm Foundations”-a study of the book of Romans
The foundation of a building is critically important for the stability of the structure that sits on it. In many ways our faith and relationship with God needs the same thing.  How is your foundation? This winter we’ll be looking at this idea as we study the book of Romans, perhaps the best book of the New Testament for this kind of thing. 
This Sunday I will continue to look at the practical outworking of justification.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 5
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
 
Thought for the Day:  Jesus’ disciples stay close to Him by making prayer a top priority. 
As we wrap us this look at what it means to follow Jesus there was one other essential ingredient in his ministry with His followers — He prayed.  We have examples of this throughout the gospels but do we ever stop to think about it?
Jesus taught them how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount and also told them he expected them to pray as we read in Luke 22.  He Himself established prayer as a way for his followers to communicate directly with All-mighty God as the writer of Hebrews 4 reminds us.
Prayer proves that His disciples are dependent upon Him — and true disciples of Jesus will be characterized by a vibrant prayer life.
Why does this matter?
Jesus expects His disciples to follow Him.  Okay Chris, I get that.  This becomes important with all the things life throws us — to learn from Him, talk to Him through prayer and to stay close to Him. That’s what He wanted from His followers during His earthly ministry and that is what He wants from His disciples today. 
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning!  Wow, who ordered spring?  I don’t suspect this weather will last but it sure has been nice. Go out and have a walk, get some fresh air and enjoy this day the Lord has given, regardless of what’s going on in your personal circumstances.
 
 
Preservice Time of Prayer
There will be prayer every Sunday morning at 10 am at GBC - come and learn 18 ways to pray for your church!  There will be coffee and donuts.  There will also allow for praying online through the following link
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/21216757733?pwd=Z1JkN3dEeE9nTkhXY0tldlhEcWZFQT09
 
 
Thought for the day:  Jesus disciples learned from Him by willingly doing what He said. 
Okay, I have to confess, this is a tough one for me. It’s easy to KNOW what Jesus would have us do, we just read our bibles, but to actually DO what he says is tougher.
So, an important, critical really, aspect of Jesus teaching that He continually emphasized with His disciples was to do what he’d taught them. He expected His followers to put what He taught them into practice in their lives. He wanted His disciples to apply the truth of what He instructed — and He wants His followers to continue that today.
This principle is included in the Great Commission which we looked at last week: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” The word “observe” in this passage does not mean “to see” or “to look.” Rather, it means “to do” or “to implement.”
There are several earlier passages in the gospel that underscore this same idea. It’s obvious that Jesus expects His disciples to put what He taught them into practice. Is this an easy concept to understand? For sure!  It’s a lot harder to do, though. It takes effort, purposing and choosing to do it.  Jesus reminds us to ‘take up our cross’ every day. We do that through doing what he says. This takes discipline, which is at the root of what it means to be a disciple.  Give it a try. You will fail at times but keep at it and you’ll find one day, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you’re not just doing it, you’re growing in the process!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  Who are you cheering for in the Super Bowl Sunday? Don’t care? Don’t know what it is? Okay, how about this: what’s your pick for the Oscars?  Don’t care? Don’t know what it is?  There is a wonderful diversity God has created with the talents and interests he has given us. May this be something we celebrate!
 
 
Heritage College Choir - This Sunday!
We are excited to have the choir from Heritage College in Cambridge joining us this Sunday to lead in worship and special music.  They will be singing a number of familiar songs.  One of the songs which may be lesser known to the GBC family is Worthy Is the Lamb.  If you would like to learn it in advance of Sunday, you can find a video at the following link:  Worthy Is The Lamb - Hillsong Worship - YouTube
 
 
Open Altar prayer time returns
As I mentioned last week, we are returning to Open Altar prayer time.  For those who are new to GBC, this is something we did regularly before Covid.  Once a month I, or one of the elders, would be available at the front of the auditorium after the Sunday service for prayer. This could be for a personal prayer need, something that moved you during the service or even for direction from God.  It was a special time that was very impactful for many.
Well, it’s back!
So, on Sunday, there will be two elders or pastors available to pray for you. We’re going to do this on a weekly basis for a bit and see how it goes. So, don’t be shy, come on up and pray with us!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as continue our winter series, “Firm Foundations”-a study of the book of Romans
The foundation of a building is critically important for the stability of the structure that sits on it. In many ways our faith and relationship with God needs the same thing.  How is your foundation? This winter we’ll be looking at this idea as we study the book of Romans, perhaps the best book of the New Testament for this kind of thing. 
This Sunday Pastor Dan will look at what justification that leads to salvation looks like.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 4
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the Day: Jesus disciples learned from Him by listening carefully to His teaching. 
The teaching ministry of Jesus was one of the most important aspects of His earthly ministry. It’s interesting to note that immediately after calling His first disciples, they followed Him throughout Galilee listening to Him “teaching” and “preaching” as we read in Matthew 4.  In fact, Jesus most familiar sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, was presented soon after He instructed Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. Obviously, the Lord’s teaching ministry was one of the most important aspects of how He discipled His followers.
 
And what was part of his final mandate to His disciples?  There was an emphasis on teaching. In Matthew 28, Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
 
We see from these examples that receiving solid teaching is a priority for disciples. These followers of Jesus were students.  Followers of Jesus today must be students as well. Learning from Jesus means hearing, listening to, studying, and applying the written Word of God.  It’s not just listening to sermons on Sunday but perhaps joining a Bible study or reading a book from our library.  Regardless of what it is, find ways to continually be learning and growing in God through the Bible.  Be sure you’re a student of God’s word your whole life and you will grow as a disciple.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning.  I heard some great things about the service on Sunday. I’ve been enjoying watching it on our YouTube channel. I’m so glad we have this option and am thankful to our tech team for all they do to make it happen. We are blessed here in so many ways!
 
 
Further information on out Refugee Sponsorship Team (RST)
As was announced Sunday, we are looking to become involved with sponsoring a refugee to Canada.  So, we are looking to round out our Refugee Sponsorship Team (RST) alongside Aklilu and Natnael in bringing persecuted believers to Guelph. Thanks to those who have already reached out to indicate your interest (4 people!). GBC is primarily responsible to provide the following: making and completing the application to sponsor refugees (some learning/reading, communication and administration required – helpful web resources and contact with local sponsors available); communication with Aklilu and Natnael, informing the congregation of the process and promoting prayer for the process, assistance with refugee settlement in Guelph (Aklilu and Natnael desire to be involved too). While donations are accepted, this is not the primary ask. Our Eritrean friends have expressed a desire to provide finances through their network. For further information, or to indicate your interest in serving in any one of the areas noted, please contact Jacob Ginter – [email protected]
 
 
 
Oasis@Midweek is tomorrow
Oasis@Midweek is back to its regular schedule so happening tomorrow night.  This event is for kids JK to grade 6 who invited to join us from 6:30pm to 8pm for an Oasis Camp themed evening of music, games, life lesson and this time our Kid’s Church team will be leading.  O@M is not just for those who went to camp but for all who would like to remember how MONUMENTAL God is and celebrate his awesomeness.
 
 
New Pastor’s Office Hours
With the changes to my schedule and Pastor Dan now being on the ground many have been asking about availability and office hours.  I will now be in the office mainly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or as the need arises.  Pastor Dan will be more generally available by appointment or by chance other than on Fridays which will be his day off.
 
 
Thought for the day:  Practical Implications of Being a Disciple of Jesus
If you want to be a servant of Jesus you have to be a disciple.  Makes sense, right?  This essentially means we follow him.  So then, what does it mean to follow Jesus? There are lots of books written about it, blogs and podcasts too. There’s no lack of information out there. Still, what does it mean to FOLLOW Jesus?
When Jesus called His first disciples He simply said, “Follow Me.”
These humble fishermen responded by leaving their careers, their possessions, and even their families to follow Him.  This wasn’t just a part-time project for them where they could change their minds in a few days and go back to their profession as fishermen. They left everything — and by doing so they were making a promise to complete the course and finish this new assignment.
By agreeing to follow Jesus they consented to be His students or His learners in the Jewish method of a Rabbinical school of discipleship. They recognized Him as a teacher and a leader, and they made this commitment to be His disciples.  What does it mean then to ‘follow’ Jesus? It’s a commitment and a choice and yes, it does cost us but its so worth it.
 
So this is what I’m going to be looking at over the next couple of weeks. For today I’ll add this: being a disciple of Jesus means to learn from Him and to stay close to Him. These two imperatives are the very core of true discipleship. These two requirements were essential for Christ’s disciples then — and likewise are necessary for followers of Christ today.  We’ll go deeper into these in my next number of updates.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week. It is SO nice to see the sun again. I’ll even take the colder temperature.  I don’t know about you, but the sun also helps my disposition.  It’s the same when you experience the SON (okay, not so witty, but I hope you get the point!)
 
 
Open Altar prayer time returns
I’m excited that we are returning to Open Altar.  For those who are new to GBC, this is something we did regularly before Covid.  Once a month I, or one of the elders, would be available at the front of the auditorium after the Sunday service for prayer. This could be for a personal prayer need, something that moved you during the service or even for direction from God.  It was a special time that was very impactful for many.
Well, it’s back!
Starting this weekend, there will be two elders or pastors who will be available to pray for you. We’re going to do this on a weekly basis for a bit and see how it goes. So, don’t be shy, come on up and pray with us!
 
 
February Calendar
The February monthly calendar has been posted for your information but also to know how to pray for what’s going on at the church.  There are also copies available on the info table.

 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as continue our winter series, “Firm Foundations”-a study of the book of Romans
The foundation of a building is critically important for the stability of the structure that sits on it. In many ways our faith and relationship with God needs the same thing.  How is your foundation? This winter we’ll be looking at this idea as we study the book of Romans, perhaps the best book of the New Testament for this kind of thing. 
This Sunday Jacob will look at what justification that leads to salvation looks like.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 3:21-31
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the day: God’s power will protect us.
I’ve been looking at the issue of hope the past couple of weeks and I’ve appreciated the positive comments from many of you.  I can see from it we all are looking for the same thing- answers that will give us hope. 
People often ask me, especially in the times we’re in, what I think is going to happen in the days ahead. Prior to Covid hitting I had a lot more confidence that I had things figured out. Now though, I have a LOT less certainty.  That can lead to a lot of discouragement and distraction. It can also lead to a loss of hope.  Here’s my concluding thought on this subject: no matter what the year ahead has in store, you can always count on God to help. How do I know?  Peter writes in his first letter to the early church: “Through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see” Here’s the key: By HIS power and through OUR faith, we can always have hope since God is not only working out his purposes and plans but he’s also protecting us as we go through all of this.
Sometimes we all feel helpless and powerless.  It even happens to pastors. But when God is in your life, he has mighty power to help you. His power is bigger than anything you will face this year and that gives me a lot of hope. I ‘hope’ it does for you too!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris