Good morning!  I hope you’re making this a great week!  No, its not Thursday, yesterday was a busy day so I’m sending it out now. Happy Friday!
 
No updates next week due to Oasis Camp
There will be no updates next week as I will be involved with Oasis Camp doing the Bible teaching. Please pray for our camp that we would shine Jesus light and show the love of God to the campers.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on livestream as we look at the book of Joel
This Sunday pastor Dan will begin leading us through the book of Joel as we go through an introduction to the book and the genre, and look at Joel 1. 
In preparation, would you please take some time to watch this 5 minute video (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/the-prophets/), and consider reading through the book of Joel.
If you can’t make it, you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: When tempted to turn inward, turn your gaze to Jesus
Under threat, scarcity and stress we sometimes find ourselves understandably becoming self-protective. We turn inward, we think only of ourselves. And yet, the demands of these days call us outward, to the world around us. 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?
Paul gives us this advice: “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).

It’s important that we remember that we are disciples of the living, ascended, and enthroned God. When Jesus called his followers 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. It’s hard to look inwardly when we’re looking at Jesus.  And when we realize this, we then in turn should share it.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning! It was such a blessed day Sunday.  We wrapped up our Romans series, then a group of the Oasis leaders had a poolside study to prepare for the big week at the Chapmans, then we had an amazing potluck and hymn sing to welcome the Iles’ to the GBC family.  What a joy to spend time together in the family of God!
 
 
Help!  Here are some things we need for Oasis Camp
Jennifer needs to borrow 13 small flashlights and handheld mirrors for day 1 for the closing lesson. If you can help out they can be brought to the adult ministry room during the week or given to her on Sunday. Please be sure to label them as well so you can get them back after camp. Thanks for your help!
 
 
Summer Prayer Time
Pastor Dan invites any who might be free, willing, and able to join him for prayer on Thursday mornings, from 8-9am. We'll be praying for the church, for the world, and for our lives.  This week Jacob Ginter will be leading.
Please contact Pastor Dan for the link.
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Facing Fears
Today’s thought has some similarities to Thursdays.  I suppose fear is still on my mind since I see so much fear in people and the world around me.  In the macro there is fear for the economy, fear of nuclear war and fear for the environment. In the micro there is fear of personal and relational conflict and health issues to name a few.
To find peace in trying times we have to face our fears like King Hezekiah did. We read about his life and how he dealt with fear in 2 Kings 16-20 and 2 Chronicles 28-32. I was also able to animate his story at Oasis Camp recently too. So, he’s become a character of interest to me.  Fears can be healthy or exaggerated—and sometimes paralyzing. It takes wisdom to admit that there are dangers around us that need to be properly, and fearfully, respected, and it takes wisdom to see through the exaggerations and fear-mongering of those who use the pains of others for their benefit.
Let’s be honest, we will not have all the answers we could hope for, nor will we fully anticipate all that’s going to happen in the coming days. That can increase our fear. Yet despite that, all of us must accept the responsibilities we have in our given spheres of influence where we are called upon to serve and to lead. We must seek wisdom and make the very best decisions we can as we all seek to act generously and selflessly, in ways consistent with all that we believe as followers of Jesus. 
King Hezekiah, when faced by the seemingly unstoppable Assyrian army took his fear and went to God in prayer. That’s the first place we should go in times like that.
God tells us in Isaiah 41- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  So, face your fears and let your light shine!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  I want to send a special shout out to Linda and Marj for the amazing job they have done in the last month looking after hospitality for the funerals we have hosted. In talking to a funeral director about this he told me that fewer churches are offering this option and resorting to caterers.  I am SO thankful for these ladies and their willingness to undertake this tangible act of service and let their lights shine in this way.  Thank you and those who help you so much, we appreciate your ministry a lot.
 
 
Please Welcome GBC's New Administrative Coordinator
After a faithful career of service to GBC, Elaine Finlay will be retiring from her role at the end of this summer.  We are pleased to announce that, following a competitive application process, Andrea Thornton has been chosen as GBC's next Administrative Coordinator.  Andrea has been a part of the GBC family since 2016 and in that time has been active in many areas of ministry including the Outreach Team, the Junction Neighbourhood Group, and the music ministry.  Prior to her time in Guelph, Andrea worked for McMaster University in Hamilton as a Senior Research Coordinator for 20 years, where she coordinated medical research studies involving thousands of patients in hundreds of hospitals across dozens of countries.  Her administrative, financial and communications skills will be a great asset to the staff, volunteers, members and ministries at GBC.  Andrea's first day in the office will be July 31 which will provide for a period of transition and learning before Elaine's last day at the end of August.  Please join me in congratulating Andrea on her new position!
 
 
Welcome the Iles Family at a Dinner and Hymn Sing this Sunday!
We are grateful to welcome Jamie, Emily and their family as part of the GBC congregation as Jamie takes on the role of Music Director.  Please plan to join us this Sunday, July 23rd, for a pot-luck dinner and hymn sing.  Bring a salad, main course or dessert and join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner.  Then stay around for a hymn sing at 6:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity to introduce the Iles to the congregation, sing some favourite hymns and gospel songs, and more!  Please add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer - you can indicate what you will bring and also include a favourite song request as well.  We hope to see you on the 23rd!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we finish our 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? We continue to look 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 be wrapping our series up as I look at chapter 16 and tie it back to all that Paul has taught us.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 16.
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: May we be People of Hope
Hope has been on my mind a lot recently. Having done another funeral this week and with camp coming up soon and the theme of shining Jesus light I have been reminded how huge the need for hope is.
Early in Covid I did a series called ‘joy in the storm’ and in some ways that’s what Oasis Camp is for many- finding joy in the CONTINED storms of life.  Whatever your circumstance is or looks like, in the macro of the world or micro of ours we need to seek the joy that comes from hope.
 
It becomes easy to despair and lose hope.  We must face days of fear and testing since we really don’t have a choice. So, may we not passively accept them or capitulate to them. These can and should be days of renewed worship, rededicated service, care, friendship, work, and love. We must be alert to the stranger among us, and we must love one another and be kind to one another as God has been merciful to us.
To follow Jesus is to be a people of hope. And our hope is not in vain, because it’s invested in the creator God of the universe, who has given us life and hope through Jesus. He is worthy of our trust, and He can aid us in conquering our fears. Jesus said the night he was arrested: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the world”.  And you know what? He has!  The result is we should be overflowing with hope.  What a great thought to carry us through whatever it is we face!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning.  It was great to be able to dedicate Nathaniel on Sunday with Ken and Rebekah and I mourn with Linda on the death of her husband Jim.  What a joy it is to celebrate and mourn with our church family. This is a special privilege we have as part of the family of God.

Celebration of life service for Jim Fazekas
As has been shared, Jim Fazekas who was a long time member of GBC went to be with the Lord on Friday. Jim served faithfully in our children’s ministry for many, many years and touched many lives.  We will be celebrating his life Wednesday at 11am with a time of visitation at 10am and lunch to follow. Any who knew Jim, or his wife Linda, are invited to attend. Please continue to pray for Linda and her family as they deal with this new reality.

​
Oasis Craft Prep party Thanks and request for space-themed items
Krista & Lynn would like to thank all those who came out on Saturday to help make the tedious job of cutting, measuring, counting, folding, stapling and sorting daily craft supplies for nearly 90 campers into a fun party!!  We couldn’t have done it without you.  It was a blast! We are excited and ready to have an out of this world time in the craft room with our campers!

Speaking of Oasis, do you have any space-themed items that we could borrow to decorate the craft room at camp to spark our campers’ creativity?  Model rockets, spaceships, rovers, NASA posters, planet models, constellation diagrams, astronaut helmet, globes, etc.  Anything to transform the boring blank walls and empty shelves of the room we use into an inspiring room that will hopefully spark the kids’ imaginations to create and build and design the crafts that they will take home and hopefully help them remember their stellar week at Oasis, and shine Jesus’ light! Please talk to Krista or Lynn. 

Summer Prayer Time
Pastor Dan invites any who might be free, willing, and able to join him for prayer on Thursday mornings, from 8-9am. We'll be praying for the church, for the world, and for our lives.  This week Jacob Ginter will be leading.

Treasurer’s Update
Here is the latest update from our treasurer. Thanks to all who gave during the month of Jun. I appreciate your support a lot.
General Fund Offerings - Year to Date end of June 2023
Budget       $92,060
Actual          92,311
Surplus             251
(The Budget & Actuals above exclude contributions to the Pastor Fund)

Pastor Fund
Goal                             $65,000
Contributions to date     50,949  (including the $27,550 contributed in 2022)
Still to be raised             14,051


Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Stand strong in God!  Watch out for our enemy.
This is fairly short but very important to understand.  The devil will tempt us to rely on ourselves and our own strength to get us through. The Bible reminds us that the devil will disguise himself as an angel of light.  Our enemy will do anything to try to lure us away from truth and away from God. He knows our weaknesses and will try to tempt us in our greatest times of struggle. He wants us to fall for his traps and he’ll take any opportunity to kick us while we’re down. Don’t let him!

We read in Matthew 4: “The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 
How did Jesus fight back? With the Bible!  So, don’t do things in your own strength and don’t try to go it alone.  Get connected to God and the true power source.  Don’t allow the enemy to have a foothold especially in trying days like these.

In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  What are you reading right now?  We have some great books in our libraries (both for adults, teens and kids) that would make some excellent reading. Take advantage this summer of the opportunity to grow while on holidays by reading.
 
 
Welcome the Iles Family at a Dinner and Hymn Sing on July 23rd!
We are grateful to welcome Jamie, Emily and their family as part of the GBC congregation as Jamie takes on the role of Music Director.  Please plan to join us on the evening of Sunday, July 23rd for a pot-luck dinner and hymn sing.  Bring a salad, main course or dessert and join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner.  Then stay around for a hymn sing at 6:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity to introduce the Iles to the congregation, sing some favourite hymns and gospel songs, and more!  Please add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer - you can indicate what you will bring and also include a favourite song request as well.  We hope to see you on the 23rd!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we continue our 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? We continue to look 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 be continuing Romans 15 as we begin to wind this series down.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 15:8-33.
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Answering the ‘why?’ question
You’ve likely heard this all before, you may even be tired of it by now. So please take this as a gentle reminder for those who may still be asking the ‘why?” question these days.  This is not just about the war in Ukraine, inflation or our government’s choices.  There is much uncertainty these days and its natural to ask ‘why’?  That’s a healthy thing to do in changing times like these but when this leads to more questions there are a couple of things we can remember as we go through tough times: 
First off, remember WHOSE you are. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. So, God isn’t surprised by what’s going on, He’s still in charge and He’s working things out for His glory.  As much as it’s nice to know we have purpose, our main purpose is not what we do but who we are in Jesus.  Times of testing show this to ourselves and the world around us, it’s part of our witness.
As we deal with the inevitable and very real ‘why?’ questions it’s good to remember that a disappointment can be God’s appointment based on what you do with it. He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4), He’s working things out.  Those classic words of Proverbs 3:5-6 come to mind: trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in everything you do remember He is the King of Kings and He’ll make your path straight.  Not easy, but straight, and it’ll lead you to a finish line where once crossed there are no more ‘why’ questions. Hope that helps!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning! What are focusing on right now? Summer always brings a different set of distractions for many. For me, this is always a heavy season for coaching and while I have been experiencing some great success it can also be tiring. So, the reminder for me, and by extension all of you, is to stay focused on the Lord and the refreshment that comes from spending time in his presence.  Summer is a great time to do that with the warm weather and longer days. Stay focused on God and be refreshed.
 
 
Oasis Craft help needed
Oasis Camp is fast approaching and we need some help.  This Saturday, the 15th, from 12:00 p.m. to early afternoon we will be assisting our camp craft team with the assembly of the items needed for this year’s project at our craft preparation party.  You don’t need to be particularly ‘crafty’ to be part of this, there’s lots of general things to do. A pizza lunch will be provided.
 
 
Summer Prayer Time
Pastor Dan invites any who might be free, willing, and able to join him for prayer on Thursday mornings, from 8-9am. We'll be praying for the church, for the world, and for our lives.
For Zoom link email Pastor Dan.
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Feeling confused these days?  Focus on the Lord
I know, its summertime, we want to relax, take it easy, not think too deep. But let’s be honest, these are confusing times, aren’t they?  Things just don’t look like they used to and more and more it seems like that’s not going to change.  We have a war in Europe and fighting in Africa, we have rising food prices due to inflation and so many other things going on. It creates a lot of confusion.  Let’s remember though who wants to amplify confusion.  Our enemy, the devil, is the author of confusion. He is a deceiver who seeks to bring confusion and lead many astray. He’s a liar and works hard to make us doubt God’s truth. From the beginning of time, he has lied and twisted God’s word to bring doubt and disbelief.  The Bible tells us he seeks to lead the whole world astray.  Jesus told us “…there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
How do we overcome the confusion the devil would seek to sow in our lives?
James 4 tells us: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 
The key to dealing with confusion in these confusing days is not to get caught up in media hype or social media musings but be submitted to God and stay connected to the Bible which is ‘sharper than a double-edged sword’ and will not only never lead us astray but will also help us cut through the fog of confusion.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  As move into summer and the heat increases remember to exercise patience if you find yourself getting ‘hot’ about something. Think before you speak. Here’s another thought- make sure you’re drinking lots of water and not allowing dehydration which has a big negative impact on life. At this time of year, you should be drinking 2+ liters a day. There you go…you’ve had both your pastoral and coaching moment for the day…LOL!
 
 
Welcome the Iles Family at a Dinner and Hymn Sing on July 23rd!
We are grateful to welcome Jamie, Emily and their family as part of the GBC congregation as Jamie takes on the role of Music Director.  Please plan to join us on the evening of Sunday, July 23rd for a pot-luck dinner and hymn sing.  Bring a salad, main course or dessert and join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner.  Then stay around for a hymn sing at 6:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity to introduce the Iles to the congregation, sing some favourite hymns and gospel songs, and more!  Please add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer - you can indicate what you will bring and also include a favourite song request as well.  We hope to see you on the 23rd!
 
 
Child Dedication coming July 16
The opportunity for parents to dedicate their children to the Lord is a particular blessing to the family and to the church. So, on Sunday July 16 we’re going to have the first opportunity to do this since Covid shut us down.
If you have children (regardless of age) that you would like to dedicate to the Lord we would invite you to be part of our ceremony that will be held during our main service.  If you’d like to sign up, or if you have questions about dedication and why we do it this way, please let me know.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we continue our 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? We continue to look 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 be starting Romans 15 as we begin to wind this series down.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 15:1-7.
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Faith that Works
What does it mean to live a faith that works?  It means a faith that is effective for the times we’re in but also one we do something with.   Our salvation in Jesus Christ is a gift and so is the new life he gives us.  With this in mind, what can we remember to help  us let our lights shine?
I could do a whole series of thoughts on this (maybe I will in the fall!) but for now, here are a few things that help us to achieve practical holiness and spiritual maturity.  First key is to remember God seeks to touch our consciences and stir our souls to action through the Holy Spirit.
So…STAND with confidence…remember, he who is in your is greater than he who is in world
SERVE with compassion...be engaged with the world around you; pray and look for opportunities
SPEAK with care...watch what you say in terms of content and audience
SUBMIT with contrition…humble yourself before God and HE will lift you up
SHARE with concern…your time and treasure then forgive as God has forgiven us
And most of all pray. Then, when you face trials of all kinds you can consider it pure joy and experience the blessings and crown of life that come with a life living a faith that works.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning!  I hope you had a pleasant long weekend.  With many people travelling now that summer has officially kicked off I thought for the remainder of the summer I’d share some thoughts on how to stay ‘on the journey’ of faith with God. I hope they are an encouragement and challenge.
 
 
Oasis Craft help needed
Oasis Camp is fast approaching and we need some help.  On Saturday, July 15 from 12:00 p.m. to early afternoon we will be assisting our camp craft team with the assembly of the items needed for this year’s project at our craft preparation party.  You don’t need to be particularly ‘crafty’ to be part of this, there’s lots of general things to do. A pizza lunch will be provided.
 
 
Summer Prayer Time
Pastor Dan invites any who might be free, willing, and able to join him for prayer on Thursday mornings, from 8-9am. We'll be praying for the church, for the world, and for our lives.
For link please contact Pastor Dan.
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Trust God!
I’ve been speaking to a number of people who are struggling with trusting God lately. With everything going on in our country, rising inflation and interest rates, political tension, continued war and threats of war and rising temperatures too, things have been turned upside down.  So, this is not a surprise in many ways.
How, then, do we trust God?  Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever walk the earth, told us to do it like this: “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov.3:5-6)  Notice what he doesn’t say here? He doesn’t say it’ll be easy, we’ll get our own way, or even that we’ll have all our questions answered but rather IF we trust him and take the leap of faith, He’ll be with us every step of the way.  As the saying goes, He never promised us a smooth flight, just a safe landing.
 
God will catch us when we fall, and He’ll help us soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31) when we take the leap of faith.  It may not look in the end the way you envision, hope for, or even need, but he will.  So, the question then is: are you ready to leap into your Heavenly Father’s outstretched arms? He’s waiting and He WILL catch you.  Trust God.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris